History: The farm was purchased in 1950 by Ernie Riese, and in 1973 by Art and Carole Riese. The barn was built 1840. It was used to store wheat on the top level, and cows and horses on the bottom. J.J. Dawson built the barn. He lost the farm in the early 1900's. It went to a land company and was then purchased by Jacob Hahlen Sr., who divided the land - giving one half to each of his two sons: Jake Hahlen Jr., and Fred Hahlen. Jake and his wife Edith raised their children Robert and Eunice on what is now the Riese Farm.

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A note from Wendy (Hahlen) Fjelstad, daughter of Robert: this is my favorite barn in Green County because it’s on the farm where my dad, Robert Hahlen, grew up. He said the Dawson barn was one of the oldest barns in Green County.