Old Sturbridge Village Ornament: Allen Piggery

History of the Allen Piggery: In the 1830s, John Partridge Allen added a two-bay timber-framed piggery to his farm in the town of Sturbridge. At the time, this structure was the “state of the art” in porcine accommodation, incorporating features recommended in agricultural periodicals. A stone-lined well for fresh water was located just outside a door while a brick hearth was located inside to support a large cast-iron set kettle for cooking slop. The upper level held a granary with wooden bins for storing dry feed while an enclosed shelter for pigs was located below. Few buildings like Allen’s piggery survive today. In 2014, the Allen Piggery was donated to the Village. Village staff have worked on restoring and re-erecting the Piggery over the course of several years. The Allen Piggery officially opened to the public in June 2023.