One of the most photographed landmarks in New Hampshire returned to the Hollis countryside Saturday as town officials and residents gathered at the newly reconstructed Gambrel Barn, along Route 122, for its official opening.

“It was such an iconic scene here,” said Dave Sullivan, chairman of the Hollis Heritage Commission. “It was our goal to preserve the historical significance of the site.”

In 2008, the town bought the apple orchard on the property. The original barn was torn down by the town for liability reasons in 2010.

“It became a big safety concern,” Sullivan said. The barn “was too far gone.”

But the town just couldn’t let go of its idyllic landmark.

Sullivan said the new Gambrel Barn was built on the same foundation as the old barn and cost $23,000 to construct.

“We had a substantial donation from Selectman Mark LeDoux,” Sullivan said.

LeDoux signed a $20,000 check for the barn’s construction.

“We raised the rest of the money through other donations,” Sullivan said.

Construction was completed last year, followed by a “barn painting” last November. Sullivan said the new barn was painted entirely by volunteers from the community.

According to Sullivan, the Gambrel Barn was built “exactly as it was originally.” Sullivan also said the new barn uses front doors salvaged from the old one. He said the town is planning to use the barn for public use and artifact storage.

“This is an example of people coming together and doing something for their community,” Sullivan said.

One of the roughly dozen residents attending the dedication was Elizabeth Brown, 73, a 38-year resident of Hollis. Brown said she attended the dedication because of her long-standing interest in local history.

“It’s a beautiful building, and they did a really good job,” Brown said. “I hope it gets lots of visitors and use.”

Peggy Gilmour, a state senator and a longtime resident of Hollis, also attended the dedication.

“This is why I love small-town living,” Gilmour said. “Is there anything more American than going to a barn raising in New England?”

Gilmour said she found inspiration from the efforts of her neighbors in rebuilding the Gambrel Barn.

“That’s one of the things that makes New Hampshire great,” Gilmour said. “People come together to preserve their history.”

Bradford Randall can be reached
at 594-6557 or brandall@nashua
telegraph.com. Also, follow Randall on Twitter (@telegraph_BradR).