The History of the Barn Star- Adorning many homes around Lancaster County is the rustic Barn Star. The Barn Star originated within the German farming community. These farmers would often mount large star-shaped decorations onto their barns. Its significance varried. Some farmers considered the stars good luck, like a horseshoe hung above a doorway, while others viewed it as simply asthetic and pleasing to the eye. Many barn stars, unique in their appearence, represented the trademark of the builder who constructed the barn.

The tradition of the barn star in America can be traced back to the 1700,s, and at least to the 1870’sin Pennsylvania. Barn stars were most popular after the Civil War.

The barn star composition has changed over the years. At first they were built directly into the barn. Later the stars were crafted of wood as a seperate piece. In the last 30 years, barn stars were constructed of roofing tiles, giving them a rough finish. Recently, since the 90’s, local craftmen have been making them from this dteel, unfinished, so they rust.

Today, Barn Stars adorn houses, sheds, and, yes, even barns all over Cape Cod. In affect, they have become a Cape Cod tradition.

The Brewster Store’s barn Stars are made of metal and come in two sizes-larde and medium. The large size is 24 inches wide and the medium Barn Star is 18 inches wide. Both are painted in rustic red and blue colors.