Deeply rooted in history, the Charles Sawyer Barn stands as a testament to a bygone era. The Charles Sawyer Barn echoes stories of individuals who have shaped communities.
Let’s uncover the tale of Charles H. Sawyer. Born in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1906, he initially pursued law at Harvard University. Fate intervened leading him to the arts. Sawyer became acquainted with Paul J. Sachs. He enrolled in Sachs’ Museum Studies course. Before World War II, Sawyer directed the Worcester Art Museum.
In June 1943, Sawyer joined the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the Office of Strategic Services. From July to December 1945, he served with the American Commission for the Roberts Commission. Sawyer also served with the Art Looting Investigation Unit. From 1944 to 1946, the ALIU gathered information on Nazi art looting.
Upon returning home, Sawyer became Director of the Division of Arts at Yale University. He also became Dean of the School of Architecture and Design. In 1957, he directed the University of Michigan Museum of Art. One of his lasting contributions was the Museum Practice Program. In 2003, the Charles Sawyer Center for Museum Studies was founded in his honor.
Charles Sawyer’s influence extended beyond museums. He was a member of the Smithsonian Art Commission from 1953 to 1980. He chaired the committee during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s dedication of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 1968. Charles Sawyer died on February 25, 2005.
Now, let’s consider another Charles Sawyer, Charles J. “Charlie” Sawyer, Jr. He was a retired farmer from Danvers, Massachusetts. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, in 1913, he grew up on a farm. After his mother’s death, he worked at the Russell Farm. In 1934, he married Doris I. Howard. The couple moved to their Centre Street farm in 1940.
For 17 years, he worked at Hoods Cherry Hill Farm. Simultaneously, he raised livestock on his own farm. In 1951, he became Head Gardener at Danvers State Hospital. After retiring, he continued his egg route. Charles J. Sawyer, Jr., passed away on February 28, 2005.
Finally, there is Governor Charles H. Sawyer. Around 1900, he and his family retired to Middlebrook Farm. His wife inherited the farm. Charles Sawyer had been president of the Sawyer Woolen Mills. The farm extended from Watson Lane to the present location of Hoppy’s Store. Middlebrook Farm became a large milk supplier. After Charles’s death in 1908, his daughter Elizabeth managed the farm. In the mid-1940s, bovine disease struck the herd. By 1948, the estate became Green Pastures Rest Home.
Charles Sawyer Barn stands as a tribute to these men. It reminds us of their contributions to art, agriculture, and governance. The Charles Sawyer Barn is more than just a structure. It is a symbol of their enduring legacies.