I asked my correspondent who told me about the so-called brick "tobacco
barn" go back and take a closer look. Earlier the brick building had been
pointed out to him from a distance when he was on the farm to look at the
Dutch barn which will be one of three open to the public on Saturday morning
July 16 during Berne Heritage Days.

From his viewpoint at the time he could see no windows. Here is his report
upon closer inspection of the far side he could not see on his first visit:
"There are 2 small windows with several panes of glass--one on each side.
There is no chimney, or sign of a fireplace or oven. Large slate steps to
the only door. Just inside the door there is a square opening in the ceiling
to the second floor. No steps or latter. Nothing but storage space there.
The walls and ceiling are covered with plaster. There is a work bench
inside. Looks like it has been used as a tool shed in more recent times. The
foundation is of large square cut stone. The brick looks newer than at the
Wood farm. [A nearby farm that has a brick building used a kitchen and slave
quarters.] It looks run down and in need of attention. There is a 3' brick
circular covered well with a small roof cover near it."
I don't know whether this helps or not, but the farmer at times had one
slave and at others two according to census records. So the question is what
was the building used for. Was it a tobacco barn as the current owner was
told by the previous owner or was it more likely some other use? If so,
what?

Thanks to everyone who has given information on tobacco growing in New York.
Very interesting.

Harold Miller
Berne Historical Project www.Bernehistory.org
Berne Heritage Days 2005 July 15, 16, and 17