Corn was a staple on the early American farm, providing not only fodder for animals but cobs which were prized for smoking meats, quick kindling and dozens of other purposes. Corn was seasoned, dried and protected from mold by allowing air to pass around it.

 Early corncribs, such as this one, were wider at the top than at the bottom, to provide for better circulation of air and drainage of water away from the corn. Notice the slatted side and drain holes in the floor of the crib. Sometimes called corn barns, they were raised on posts to protect the corn from rodents.

 This corncrib was moved to the Miller-Cory grounds from the Crane homestead at the intersection of Morris Avenue and Cherry Street in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Crane House, built in 1737 was similar in size and style to the Miller-Cory House.