The Powder Mill Barn was built in 1845, and was the horse barn of the Hazard Powder Co. which supplied 40% of all the gunpowder used during the Civil War. It was abandoned and falling apart, when the late Ralph Sweet bought it and converted it for Square Dancing in 1959. I’m Ralph Sweet’s daughter Polly, I took over as owner in 2017, and am working to keep it going as a favorite rental hall for weddings, birthday parties, showers, auctions, dog obedience classes, Contra and Square Dancing. 2019 marked the 60th year the barn has been used as a gathering place and rental hall. Many people have been following the renovation work done over the last few years, and it has all been the large, necessary things that were overdue to be replaced. (Half of the roof was over 30 years old, one of the original lightning rods built by Ralph Sweet Sr. rotted and fell and updated lightning protection installed, the 50+ year old broken ceiling fans were replaced, the kitchen floor was rotted and was replaced, updated electrical work and brighter flood lights were added for the parking lot.) We thought we were done, but... Turns out the furnace will not be making it another season, and needs to be replaced now. It is a 200,000 BTU furnace. After extensive research and estimates, the cost of the new one will be $10,500. It is the best brand out there with a lifetime transferable warranty. It will take 2 people, and 2 days to remove the old furnace, build the new furnace, and fit it into the boiler room. It will need to be installed ASAP with cold weather approaching and events every weekend in fall. I’m asking for your support with this unexpected urgent expense. Whether you have enjoyed the barn sometime over the last 60 years, or just appreciate this historic landmark, anything you can contribute will help. Thank you!