Board OK's $5,250 for Byers barn roof project

The barn at the Byers Homestead Park in Commerce Township will be getting a new roof.

At its meeting on Tuesday, June 14, the Commerce Township Board of Trustees approved a Parks and Recreation Committee recommendation to accept QHR Roofing and Remodeling’s bid on the job.

QHR will be replacing the barn roof for $5,250.

“This is just a small, little project,” said Township Supervisor Tom Zoner. “It’s a joint project between the township and the Friends of Byers to preserve the integrity of the barn.”

The Byers Farm is 2.5 acres and was first settled in 1825 by Abram Walrod, a German immigrant and the first European settler in the township. The property houses a barn, a pantry, an outhouse, a primary residence and a duck barn.

Colloquially, the Byers Homestead is known as the “Duck Farm.” The farmhouse and the outside buildings have remained relatively unchanged although some repairs are needed.

The township purchased the property in 1998, and the Friends of Byers have been responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the grounds.