William and Mary (Messersmith) Seerley Barn and Milkhouse-Smokehouse

The William and Mary (Messersmith) Seerley Barn and Milkhouse-Smokehouse, located southwest of Earlham, Iowa, are significant historic structures dating back to the mid-19th century. Established by the Seerley family in 1856, the site features a log cabin, a milkhouse-smokehouse built around 1861, and a barn constructed in 1876. These buildings exemplify early agricultural architecture, with the milkhouse-smokehouse showcasing unique features such as a stone-lined well and water troughs for dairy storage. The barn, made of native limestone, is built into a hillside and includes a distinctive forebay. Both structures were recognized for their historical importance and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, making them a fascinating visit for tourists and researchers interested in agricultural history and architecture.