Nichols Round Barn
One of the most unique building structures in Butler County is a sixteen cornered "round barn" located 3 miles west and 1 1/2 miles south of David City. John Nichols had this barn built in 1912 by his nephew, W.M. Nichols of Blockton, IA, patterned after a round barn near Lincoln. Mr. Nichols, who was a hay farmer, determined that a greater amount of hay could be stored in this type of barn than in a conventional four sided one. When completed, this frame structure could store 200 tons of hay at one time. Below the hay mow, a wide passageway separated horse stalls from an area for pigs and sheep.
When the mow was finally empty of its hay burden in late spring, Mr. Nichols would throw a community barn dance, bringing in orchestras from Omaha and Lincoln who were positioned on a sturdy platform over the center loading hole. The barn is still in use today. Hay is stored in the loft as well as equipment in the lower level.
