Barn Guestbook Archive: January - March 2001

Squire email me! - Monday, January 01, 2001 12:02:32 AM
This educator has taken and saved thousands of photos of our barns, but I lack one scene...a barn raising! When someone learns of a barn raising in the East, please share....many thanks.

Serge email me! - Monday, January 01, 2001 08:18:35 AM
Hi, my wife and I are interested in salvaging an old barn and transform it into a residence on our property in the Gaspe peninsula of Quebec. We plan to do most of the work ourselves, but have very little experience, and would like to hear from people who have done this type of project. We are looking for a barn and for all the info we can get. Thank you

Rick email me! - Tuesday, January 02, 2001 09:35:11 AM
My wife and I purchased a small farm that features a shed and bank barn that need restoration. I am currently looking for local contractors to provide me with estimates on residing and reroofing with steel; preferable traditional red with white trim. Not being made of money, I realize that my plans may not meet with the approval of barn 'purists'. Still I figure anything I do to help preserve these structures will be better than just watching them rot and fall down. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Jason Scott email me! - Wednesday, January 03, 2001 10:15:26 PM
I read Eddie Robberts article on Chasing Mail Pouch Barns and it was great. I am a photographer (hobby) and I love to take pictures of old barns as well as covered bridges. I would like any info on locations of old barns in Ohio to photograph If you can help I would truley like to hear from you. I live in Lancaster, Ohio. Thanks Jason

Lynne Perrella email me! - Sunday, January 07, 2001 09:53:04 AM
While driving in my car, I recently heard an interview on NPR, with a young man who worked with Harley Warrick. Well, you know how it is......You're in a moving car, and you can't exactly TAKE NOTES, and soon some of the factual aspects of the story about the Mail Pouch barns became lost in the shuffle. But - as a longtime admirer of the Barns (I grew up in Western Pennsylvania) - I wrote a journal entry about the whole thing, and shared it with some kindred souls. Now, I am being asked to re-structure the story for a magazine article, and I need to firm up some factual details. Even though the article will focus on the aspect of unique creativity and what I call "lost arts", I would still like to have all my facts correct. Could Eddie Roberts contact me? I thoroughly enjoyed her story, and am most envious of her opportunity of meeting Mr. Warrick and watching him work. Many thanks! Lynne

Lynne Perrella email me! - Sunday, January 07, 2001 10:17:48 AM
I have been asked to write an article for an arts-related magazine, about unique creativity and lost arts (such as barn painting). I grew up in Western Pennsylvania and have always loved the Mail Pouch barns. I would appreciate it if Eddie Roberts could review the text of my story, to make sure than any factual information about Harley Warrick is correct. Many thanks, in advance! Lynne

Alexander O'Neill email me! - Sunday, January 07, 2001 12:18:49 PM
Hi, I am trying to locate sources to fund the restoration of a 60'X 150' dairy barn and a 30'X 80' granary, both located in northwest Indiana. These structures were built in the 1920's and have fallen into disrepair. Both of these buildings will need to be demolished unless I can find some help to restore them. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Pete email me! - Thursday, January 11, 2001 09:06:39 PM
I am trying to find information about a famous "barn painter" from Indiana...It's a trivia question my daughter had from school. I can't find this information anywhere else. Can anyone help me? Thanks in advance.

Lonnie email me! - Saturday, January 13, 2001 02:19:21 PM
Hi all! I love taking pictures of Mail Pouch barns. I know I am not alone. I have many pictures from OH, PA, WV, MD, NY, IN, & MI. there is an oval Mail Pouch sign on an old general store in the town of Berlin, PA. It has seen better days and is very difficult to read. I have talked to Harley about these oval signs and he said they are very rare. He said he painted maybe three of them. Does anyone have a picture of this sign when it was in better condition? Drop me a line!

Tom Palmer email me! - Sunday, January 14, 2001 07:39:53 AM
Does anyone know of any grants for historic barn preservation? I want to save a barn slated for destruction as it is a sister barn to ours that burnt and was built by the same barn builder in 1880. Any information would be appreciated.

email me! - Monday, January 15, 2001 11:27:48 PM
Your explaination sounds good. I read awhile back about why they were red, but I can't remember what the article said. If I find it, I'll enter it here. I just wanted to add that there is a barn in Darlington, Maryland that is an ocean blue, and it is the prettiest barn I've ever seen. The only blue one I've ever seen. Thank you

Bridgette email me! - Wednesday, January 17, 2001 04:42:17 PM
We are looking for information about restoring our Southeastern Pennsylvania barn; the main structure dates back to the 1780's. We plan to do this in phases, starting with the floor first (roof redone a few years ago). Any suggestions on contractors, restoration grants, etc.? Much appreciated!

George P. Schanz email me! - Wednesday, January 17, 2001 05:59:20 PM
I have an old farm in east central OH and have just spent a substantial amount of money to restore/save the old barn and horse stable on the farm. Does anyone know if there are tax credits or grants for this type of historical preservation? Thanks

M.L.Haas email me! - Thursday, January 18, 2001 03:38:36 PM
My husband and I are restoring a barn that was near collapse on Prince Edward Island in Canada, right on the shoreline. Fishing boats were built in the barn and then large doors at the end were opened and the boats were launched right down to the sea. We are turning it into a home and need advice on cleaning oil and such from the old barn boards. We would also appreciate and suggestions on adding plumbing to the second floor without losing the beautiful look of the rustic ceiling for the first floor below. I suggested a step up to the bathrooms built on a platform but my husband is not too keen on that...any other suggestions? Thanks for your help.

w caler email me! - Friday, January 19, 2001 08:23:44 AM
I AM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THE OLD WOODEN SILO AS FAR AS DESINGN AND BUILDING ONE PICTURES ETC EMAIL ME WITH ANY INFO AS I CAN'T FIND ANY

Westerström email me! - Saturday, January 20, 2001 02:38:36 PM
We are looking for a dealer in the US ! Glor-Isol Powderpaint Original produkt Since 1930 The Swedish countryside is dotted with barns and farm buildings, painted a traditional warm red color. This is not any red color, but a specific hue of red called "Falu-Red". It gets its name from a very expensive pigment, only found in the Copper Mine in Falun, Sweden. This special Red-Paint - in production since the 17th century - has stood the test of time and has remained virtually the only color the Swedish farmers use. The GLOR-ISOL PAINT COMPANY was founded in 1930. The focus of GLOR-ISOL was to create a pigment similar in color and durability to that found in the Copper Mine, but at a cheaper price. By the end of 1930 we had succeeded and we were able to offer a product that finally reduced the price of "Red-Paint". Recently, GLOR-ISOL paint was tested against the two leading Falu Red-Paint products by an independent laboratory, Swedish Test Laboratory, funded by the Swedish government, getting very favorable test results. Unlike other products, GLOR-ISOL is provided as a powder. This makes the product easy to transport, and you only use as much as is needed, eliminating costly waste. 1 kg powder mixed with 3.5 liters of water and 8 % linseed oil, covers a 12-15 m² area and contains no latex. Genuine GLOR-ISOL Red Paint is a water-based, matt finish distemper and the formula is based on red paint pigment, copper sulphate and linseed oil. The paint is conveniently suitable for sprayer application, but can easily be brush applied. Interested ? Please contact us. glorisolrodfarg@hotmail.com nordborg@telia.com http://w1.413.telia.com/~u41302314/

Jan email me! - Tuesday, January 23, 2001 05:48:41 PM
Am looking for info, resources and/or knowledgeable people with regard to 18th century Maryland (Annapolis area)barns. My house is dated circa 1765 and I'm sure it had one or more barns since the inventory lists cattle and horses. I would like to reproduce a representative barn for a couple of horses, 4-5 sheep and storage. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Patti email me! - Thursday, January 25, 2001 07:33:53 AM
What a wonderful site! We are traveling acrosse Ohio out to DC in the very near future and I would really appreciate directions to any Mail Pouch Barns that may be near our route. I believe we are taking highway 76 and we do hope to go to Lancaster, PA while out there. Would anyone have mapped the locations out? Of course they do not have to be right on the way as we would be willing to search some out on the backroads.I would like to paint a sign on one of our out buildings in the tradition of the old advertising signs. There were other companies that did this also were there not? Any assistance would be appreciated! Thanks!

Melissa Coultas email me! - Thursday, January 25, 2001 09:28:46 AM
we are making a barn into a home. Need all the information that we can get. we live in Illinois and would love to talk to people who have done the same.. Thanks Melissa email me at info@designergranite.com

Ken Lawson email me! - Saturday, January 27, 2001 10:40:13 PM
I want to BUILD a GAMBREL-ROOFED barn the size and shape of the PRESTON barn recently featured here. Can anyone help me with STRUCTURAL PLANS for it, or help me to CONTACT the PRESTON FAMILY? I'm willing to consider WOOD or STEEL FRAMING. I really cannot find any plans, and architects think it's worth a fortune. How can it be that we are losing this amazing piece of history? Thanks, and GREAT SITE! karcheck@pacbell.net

Maggie Smith email me! - Sunday, January 28, 2001 11:02:14 AM
This is a great resource! I love barns and their history. Live in Kansas so there are plenty of them around here. Anyone need help in restoring a barn???????? Home address 1200 SW Webster Topeka Ks. 66604-1549

Jack email me! - Monday, January 29, 2001 07:30:26 PM
Why are barns red? I can't remember where I heard it, but for some time I have carried the notion that in very early days the blood of slaughtered animals was slopped onto the sides of buildings. It was thought that doing so had a preservative effect on the wood. Because of this was born the notion to paint your barn red.

wayne email me! - Tuesday, January 30, 2001 04:20:35 PM
i remember seeing pictures in several publications of a restored barn that had been turn into a workshop/museum for an american author or painter. the architect who redisigned the barn was a woman. the barn now sits upon a platform of large timbers and hangs out about ten feet around the edges. any idea where this barn/museum is? thanks..

Elmer Napier email me! - Saturday, February 03, 2001 07:09:29 AM
I photograph Mail Pouch Barns. Over the years I have found a number of barns with a diamond, half diamond and a bell shape. These are located in the center just under the eves. I have not been able to find out the meaning of the symbol, this is one of the many questions I falied to ask Harley the last i visited his shop. I anyone has any information on these symbols I would appreciate any help.

Ginny Palmer email me! - Tuesday, February 06, 2001 01:01:38 AM
Hello, this is a wonderful sight, but I was hoping you could answer a question for me or perhaps tell me where I may find it. I am wondering why barns started out being red and have continued this tradition. When you get a chance I see a lot of people are looking for answers also. Thank you, Ginny

Victoria Feck email me! - Wednesday, February 07, 2001 07:19:51 PM
I'm looking for a barn in the Adirondacks or Hudson Valley of NY, the Berkshires in MA, or anywhere in VT to have my wedding reception, but am having a really hard time finding any information. I'd appreciate any help. Thanks!

John Chambers email me! - Wednesday, February 07, 2001 09:56:17 PM
My wife and I recently purchased a barn which has been in her family for several generations. Since the farm it was part of has passed into history, we are preparing to tag, disassemble and transport the barn to our land and reassemble it. I am searching for any and all information, experiances and support concerning barn disassembly and raisings. I live in Central PA and would be interested in participating in a barn raising or restoration project in preparation for my own project.

Jana Swengel email me! - Friday, February 09, 2001 01:06:45 PM
It's really great to see that so many others appreciate Barns as much as I do! My father's barn burned last year, it was located in Turner, Maine. It was so sad, it was at least 100 years old. I would like to find out repaired the trusses for him, years ago. He was said to be of German descent. Also, if anyone knows of the Baldwin boys, who used to come around annually to paint the tin roofs of buildings, years ago?

Gary Albright email me! - Friday, February 09, 2001 06:03:39 PM
A postscript to my previous unfinished e-mail: I am particularly interested in the issue of barn color because I live in an area of SW PA that has both red and white barns, but with white greatly predominant. With white barns, as with red barns, the chemical composition of the white paint is an issue that must be addressed, as it may be a factor in their distribution. And as with red, there are a number of compounds that have historically been used to make white paint. This issue is a fascinating subject that needs a whole lot more research. I think we have just started writing the story of barns.

Gary Albright email me! - Friday, February 09, 2001 06:19:46 PM
(This is the first part of my e-mail, which apparently got lost somehow.)Some thoughts on the issue of "Why are Barns Red?": 1. Before we can answer this question, we need a lot more information, such as when these barns were built and were they all painted when they were built or were some painted later? Also, what were they used for - dairy farming, livestock, agriculture, or mixed use? 2. You mention iron oxide as an "inexpensive" red paint for barns, but do we know that this is what is used for red barns? There have been several compounds, including lead and cinnabar, that historically have been used for red paint. 3. In regards to the theory that perhaps ethnic traditions have more to do with barn color that the cost of paint, check the countries of origin. What are the predominant barn colors in Britain, the German/Swiss region, and other parts of Europe? I agree with Charles Leik when he says "I'm sure the Germanic farmers of the mid-Atlantic were no less fruagal than their New England counterparts." 4. It has been theorized that white barns were painted that color to symbolize cleanliness and purity, important factors to dairy farmers and their customers. This theory makes sense, but does it fit the facts? Were white barns indeed used primarily as dairy barns? Again, when were these structures built, and was white their original color?

Jeffrey Oonk email me! - Sunday, February 11, 2001 02:40:17 AM
I found myself interested in the question: "why are barns red?" In an effort to find an answer, I looked toward your website. Howevever, I wasd extremely disappointed with the dearth of information that was to be found. Please include links to more informative sites. Thanks for your time and consdieration. Sincerely, Jeffrey Oonk

Bob Dewey email me! - Sunday, February 11, 2001 03:36:36 PM
I'm amazed at this websight. I've had some interest in barns for years. I finished my basement with barn siding & beams. I built a little barn and painted a Mail Pouch sign on it. I have some photos of parn paintings, and pictures of barns in my house. Thanks for this sight.

email me! - Wednesday, February 14, 2001 09:30:30 AM
Barry County, Michigan. This website is very informative and inspirational. We have a Gambrel roof barn that is approx. 58' x 33'. For years we have wanted to convert it into a home. We would love to be in contact with anyone who has information that could assist us. Please feel free to e-mail us with ANY leads or general information about converting a barn into a home. We have been in the planning and dreaming stage for a long time, and we are ready to move on this project. HELP!!!

John Zajechowski email me! - Wednesday, February 14, 2001 10:37:30 PM
We recently purchased a place with a 30 x 40 post frame barn. So what? you say. There is a completely underground attached silo of stone and morter construction. This is afirst for me, anyone else?

Debi Agos email me! - Wednesday, February 14, 2001 10:43:36 PM
Is there anyone who knows why most barns are painted "red"?

ELITE PAINTING email me! - Thursday, February 15, 2001 08:18:06 PM
NEED A BARN PAINTED? WRITE ME, WE TRAVEL TO MANY STATES AND SPECIALIZE IN PAINTING MAIL POUCH BARNS AND SIGNS.IM LOCATED IN CARROLLTON, OHIO.

Roger Sullivan email me! - Monday, February 19, 2001 04:24:48 PM
Seeking barn contractor for SW Mich, VanBuren Co. Mainly foundation work.

Cookie Carrel email me! - Monday, February 19, 2001 07:20:37 PM
On Friday, November 24, 2000, Harley Warrick, the last Mail Pouch Tobacco sign painted died. He was 76 years old and, until just days before his death, he was painting on birdhouses and mailboxes.

Anita Buono email me! - Sunday, February 25, 2001 10:24:26 AM
My husband & I own a home in Pennsylvania with 2 barns on the property. We have heard of grant program to assits us to do some repairs on them. We plan on continuing to use them as barns, have been told they are over 150 years old. Need new slate roof some & wood replacements. Are there any such programs out there???

Tom email me! - Monday, February 26, 2001 09:29:53 PM
Great site it will be very helpful as we continue to restore the Star Barn here in PA. All the resources are very helpful.

Terri Green email me! - Tuesday, February 27, 2001 08:29:57 PM
This is odd, I just got the question "why are barns red?" from my 5 year old daughter. I see this question has been asked several times, but I'm not seeing a definite answer. Has anyone found it yet? Thanks.

Lance Blythe email me! - Wednesday, March 07, 2001 10:49:48 AM
I am supposed to enter a contest to draw a barn for the Nebraska Soybean Association. I am wondering if anyone has any information on a stone barn that was located around south-central Nebraska. I think maybe by Rock Falls or Alma. FI you have any information about this barn or any historic others in Nebraska would you please email me with information. Thank you . Lance

Rob Beam email me! - Friday, March 09, 2001 11:43:47 AM
We have a gambrel roof barn that will be 100 years old in 2005. It needs some tucking between the boulder foundation but is otherwise in good shape. We are interested in having (ideally) a Mailpouch ad painted on the side. Do they still advertise that way?

Rich Berardinelli email me! - Wednesday, March 14, 2001 08:47:42 PM
Does anybody know where I canget a Mail Pouch hat

JD email me! - Thursday, March 15, 2001 09:18:29 PM
For barn enthusiast,from upstate NY in LeRoy (birthplace of JELL-O)my wife and I have just completed restoration of our 1930 3 bay threshing barn.It includes a fresh MAIL POUCH painting that I learned to do myself. The late great Harley Warrick was instrumental in my project. I visited with him in Summer 2000, and Harley opened his wealth of sign painting knowledge, and tricks of the trade to me. Although he was unable to visit our new masterpiece, I felt that he was here in spirit because of the time I spent with him. I am truly grateful to have known this American Icon. The Mail Pouch Logo is available for photo-opportunists. Please feel free to stop by and chat with the Artist--on Asbury Road, LeRoy, New York.

JD email me! - Friday, March 16, 2001 07:47:52 AM
Correction, the age of the LeRoy,MAIL POUCH barn is 1830.

Jim Youden email me! - Saturday, March 17, 2001 05:10:40 PM
I am looking for subjects for a photo essay on barns and barn art in the Western US. (California/ Oregon/ washington/ Nevada/ Arizona/ New Mexico) Any help, leads, or locations would be greatly appreciated !!

Richard L. Hudson email me! - Monday, March 19, 2001 02:50:09 PM
We are trying to "raise" a barn at Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Porter County, Indiana. We are looking for contributors. Money, barns or any suggestions. Thanks Park Department telephone is 219-465-3586

Bucky email me! - Tuesday, March 20, 2001 10:22:28 AM
I live with my fammily in a 17th Century (1624 to be exact) Barn, just outside of London (UK) It was converted to residential use some 5 years ago, apart from the new green oak beams splitting from the heating, does the heating have any detrimental effect on the original beams?- I presume these original beams are some 600 or 700 years old, having come (allegedly) from decommissioned war ships after 600 years of being cold and damp, they are suddenly warm and dry. Any forseeable problems? B p.s barns in UK are never red!

O. Lowe email me! - Wednesday, March 21, 2001 02:48:43 PM
There are literally thousands of MAIL POUCH ads photographed and posted at sites on the net, but does anyone know of a site with photographs of the old BULL DURHAM ads? Please e-mail me if you do.

O. Lowe email me! - Wednesday, March 21, 2001 02:48:45 PM
There are literally thousands of MAIL POUCH ads photographed and posted at sites on the net, but does anyone know of a site with photographs of the old BULL DURHAM ads? Please e-mail me if you do.

Jeff email me! - Wednesday, March 21, 2001 09:53:51 PM
I am looking for government funds to aid in restoring barns on our farm. I am also looking for contractors who work on barns. The barns are located in the fingerlakes region of central New York.

Jack Hursh email me! - Friday, March 23, 2001 01:28:38 PM
NEVADA BARNS—Interested in the preservation of Nevada barns. Don't sell out or tear down. Protect our Western Heritage by investing in arrested decay or restoration. I am interested in purchasing copies of old ranching photos depicting the barn yard and doing hay work, especially scenes with teams of horses, wagons, hay derricks, hay stacks, and barns in Nevada. (jhursh@unr.edu) (775-746-3252)

Elmer Napier email me! - Thursday, March 29, 2001 06:39:59 AM
I am looking for locations of "See Rock City Barns". Anyone having a location of the barns and are willing to share I would very much appreciate. Thank you.

Kae Lea Main email me! - Thursday, March 29, 2001 08:19:53 PM
Why barns are RED. I too have always been interested why barns were originally red when I heard on NPR BBC, Ann Arbor, MI back in January of 2001 that iron oxide (naturally red and an inexpensive and readily available element at the time) was applied to barns for protection against inclement weather and voila--it stuck.

 

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