LINCOLN, Del. - The well-known "Biden Barn" in the Argo Corner area off Route 1 has been demolished.
Delaware Secretary of Agriculture and property owner Don Clifton said the primary concern was that the structure had become unsafe, especially with his grandsons living next door.
According to Clifton, the iconic structure was built in the 1920s as a dairy barn, long before it became popular.
"As small dairies became financially unviable, barns like this became less and less useful, and so eventually came time to take it down. But I delayed it for quite a number of years," Clifton said.
Another reason Clifton cited for the demolition was the need for more space to fit large equipment.
In October 2020, Clifton said he came up with the idea to paint the Biden name on the north-facing wall of the barn.
"I did it because I appreciate Joe Biden, and for the service that he had already provided the country and the state of Delaware," Clifton said.
Clifton said all demolition work should be completed by the end of the week.
Drivers like Barbara Woods expressed sadness at seeing the structure go.
"The Biden Barn? Oh my God, I'm going to miss it," Woods said. "I used to look forward to coming into Delaware when I first moved here and seeing it."
Others, like Charlotte McCafferty, said it was just Tuesday when she last drove by.
"I'm surprised it's coming down, but he's got to do what he's got to do," she said.
The barn also represents a piece of Clifton's personal history.
"It's progress, but at the same time, you have a lot of memories about working in the barn when I was a kid raising calves. There are a lot of memories that come flooding back, which can be pleasant as well," he said.
Construction of a new storage building is expected to begin in about eight months, during their off-season, according to Clifton.
Farther south on Route 1, a house from around 1862 is set for demolition this year.
