Historic 'Hou Long No. 1 Granary' restoration begins; official recalls years of storing fertilizer

The restoration of the historic 'Hou Long No. 1 Granary,' a provincial-level historical building in Miaoli County, has commenced with an official opening ceremony. The project aims to repurpose the former granary, which some local residents were unaware existed.

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Every brick, every bag of fertilizer carried historical memories.

Huang Wen-kung, Secretary-General of the Hou Long Township Farmers' Association, shared personal memories of working in the granary over 30 years ago. He recalled spending more than four years as a novice staff member in the mid-1990s, moving fertilizer. Huang noted that the building's unique ventilation and moisture-proof structures, including its upper ventilation design and special floor construction, were particularly noteworthy.

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The building's ventilation and moisture-proof structure are quite special, including the upper ventilation design and the special floor structure, which can effectively prevent dampness, making the structure highly distinctive.

Initially used for storing rice, the granary's function shifted to storing fertilizer due to changes in agricultural policies by the time Huang began his service. He reminisced about the lively atmosphere, with farmers using carts to transport fertilizer and engaging in friendly exchanges. Despite the building later falling into disuse, Huang expressed that it holds deep emotional significance for him and many farmers.

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Although some mentioned it later became idle and they were unaware it was a granary, for me and many farmers, the granary holds very deep feelings.

The Farmers' Association has expressed its intention to rent the renovated granary. Huang stated that the association lacks suitable space for young farmers and plans to utilize the renovated facility to expand its existing 'Farmers' Association Shop' and provide a platform for young farmers in Hou Long Township to exhibit and sell their products.

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We are very happy to see the old warehouse have the opportunity to be renovated. The Farmers' Association has expressed its intention to rent it to the county magistrate and the deputy director of the National Property Administration.