Brenda Hank email me! - Sunday, July 01, 2001 01:28:07 PM
My husband would like to paint the side of our chicken coop like the old mailpouch barns, but we can't find any pictures. Can you help us?
Scott Apfeld email me! - Thursday, July 05, 2001 04:29:27 PM
I just painted my barn and want to paint some of those old "hex" signs on the front. I've seen them on barns in Pennsylvania Dutch country. Anyone know where I could find some pictures of these signs to copy for my barn?
Mike Austin email me! - Saturday, July 07, 2001 02:27:33 PM
My thoughts as to why many barns are red, especially in the Northeast, is due to the puritanical thought system wherein animals with hooves are considered of the devil. Thus, barns are painted red and houses white to differentiate the purity of the house and the impurity of the barn.
Cindy Rotondo email me! - Saturday, July 07, 2001 02:52:52 PM
I would like some information on the grants available to barns older than 50 yrs, in NY. The or iginal deed on our property is 1846. You can tell the house and barn are very old. The barn needs work but we have limited funds for repair. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
E Turner email me! - Sunday, July 08, 2001 10:18:38 AM
Our family recently lost our 40'X 40' 1840 barn to a lightning strike fire and would appreciate ideas or plans to aid in the construction of a new barn. Thank you for your efforts.
Don M email me! - Monday, July 09, 2001 08:08:32 AM
Be careful about which hex signs you select. I heard once some folks bought a beautiful sign for their barn and put it up. Shortly after their dog had puppies, their cat had kittems, their mare had a foal and the wife became pregnant. He discovered that the sign on his barn was a fertility symbol!
tom holder email me! - Tuesday, July 10, 2001 12:19:55 PM
Hi,
I'm a retired Art teacher looking for a barn to rent in the Gettysburg/Fairfield
area of PA. I want to do some large paintings, and I need lots of room.
Please contact me if you have a barn or know of a barn to rent.
Thanks,
Tom Holder
lonnie schnauffer email me! - Wednesday, July 11, 2001 06:28:13 PM
Hi all! If you are interested in MAIL POUCH barns check out this link. http://mail_pouch_fan.tripod.com/mailpouch/ See ya at the picnic!!!
P Ali email me! - Wednesday, July 11, 2001 10:52:30 PM
Hi! We are looking for a barn in southern Ontario as a site to have our wedding at or in. Please contact me if you have a barn or know of one that will allow weddings/receptions. Thank you very much!
Elaine email me! - Friday, July 13, 2001 04:36:36 PM
We recently bought an old farm house in Owosso, MI. It is approximately 120 years old. Of course, there is an old barn just as old. It's leaning slightly and needs a bit of work, including a roof. However, I know this would be an expensive project, which we do not have the funds for. I was wondering if there are any funds that you're aware of through the state or local area?
JOE GREATHOUSE email me! - Sunday, July 15, 2001 01:23:04 PM
I did not know that there was a barn journal! I will frequently observe it.i was raised on a farm and the most loved thing about the farm beside the animals was our barn. Many good experiences
PReynolds email me! - Wednesday, July 18, 2001 11:22:48 AM
I would like to know if there is any hidden meaning or symbolism behind having a red front door for your house in New England.
Scott Ten Kley email me! - Thursday, July 19, 2001 07:25:08 PM
My family is having a reunion this weekend and i'm looking for information on "Jamesway" (I believe it is) barns. I am unsure if that name is a brand name, the company that build it or the actual barn style. The barn is on a century farm and is in terrific shape. Please let me know if you have further information on "Jamesway" barns!
Nate Kane email me! - Thursday, July 19, 2001 10:55:26 PM
I have told my friends the reason barns are painted red is because during the homestead days one building per property didn't have to be taxed, but it had to be painted red. That's why barns are red, because they were usually the largest building and would be the biggest tax burden. THEY ALL BELIEVED ME. However, I would like to know the real reason. Please email possible answers
KenAFP email me! - Wednesday, July 25, 2001 10:53:29 PM
I'm with a group of professional painting contractors who want to know about re-establishing the renovation of Mail Pouch barns. Several have expressed interest in doing the work, and learning alittle more about the tools, materials and techniques used. Please email me if you have any first or secong hand knowledge of this trade or craft.
CHUCK email me! - Saturday, July 28, 2001 02:42:25 PM
This is just a theory. Barns may be painted red to look better longer. The red color would hide rust stains from oxidation of the iron nails. White barns would probably need to be painted more frequently to keep them looking their best.
Sandy Vike email me! - Thursday, August 02, 2001 09:26:05 PM
My husband was
Harley's boss.
Do you know that Harley died
this spring? We could give you
a list of all the mail pouch barnes.
Sandy email me! - Tuesday, August 07, 2001 11:41:59 AM
My husband and I have recently bought an old farm. We are thinking about turning the barn into a house. I'm not sure I want to do this. If you have any information on turning a barn into a house please e-mail me. I have not been able to locate ideas on this and I would like to be sure before we start. Thank you
Elmer Napier email me! - Sunday, August 12, 2001 07:03:39 AM
We are planning a trip to Michigan after Labor Day. We are trying to locate Mail Pouch barns to photograph. If anyone knows any locations of Mail Pouch barn in Michigan I would appreciate the location. Any help will be appreciated.
Susan email me! - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 02:13:49 AM
My partner and I are buying a ranch in CALIFORNIA with several agricultural buildings, including a 48x48 barn with a haymow and a water tower both built in the 1930's. The foundations, framing and siding of these structures need repair, which we would like to do ourselves. We love these structures and plan to get our hands good and dirty!! Any info, references or contacts on this process and the history of these buildings would be greatly appreciated!!!!!
Kathy Seibert email me! - Friday, August 17, 2001 04:36:47 PM
I too am interested in renovating a barn into a house and am also having trouble finding any info on the subject. I have the opportunity to buy a very nice 90 year old farmhouse with a beautiful barn just next to it.
Dr. Lee email me! - Saturday, August 18, 2001 11:46:59 AM
As I was driving from Tennessee to Minneapolis this past week , I drove past many many red barns. Stopping to eat I noticed the different accents and customs. One thing stayed consistant tho , and that was the RED BARNS. Could there be an Economic reason such as keeps flys away, preserves the wood, in-expensive materials, ect... After arriving home and still pondering the question "why are barns painted red" I surfed the WEB with no concrete answer. Thus taking in all the resources I've postulated my own version and finally feel satisfied.
Its really pretty simple. Animals are color blind. Everyone Knows the cows aren't the smartest animal god made. When the first farmer built his barn and let the cows out to pasture. They headed out for green pastures but by the end of the day, the cows looked around and couldn't remember which way was home. Looked around and everything looked the same. They looked to the BULL who was watching over his herd, but he had no answers either. Finally the farmer arrived and had to herd them all the way back to the barn. Im sure by now you know where this is going but hold on.
The Farmer at the end of his day was tired of herding the cows in every night. Thus, the barn was painted red, not only because the material was plentyful and inexpensive, but because it was a color the BULL could clearly see and bring the Herd back everynight.
Now you say..but dr.lee what about those white painted barns in virginia. I say those barns were Primarly used for horses, not dumb cows. Horses are very smart animals and dont need a neon sign to find their way home. And what about the Black Barns in Kentucky? I could go on about the folks in kentucky just werent smart enough to figure that out, but I dont believe that either...What I do believe is that in Kentucky they werent using the barns for cows either but more for storing Tobacca. Which attracts bugs , which the diesel fuel helped keep away. ....Alright then works for me...!
Kim Ottobre email me! - Sunday, August 19, 2001 08:01:57 PM
I have been taking pictures of the Bicentennial Barns of Ohio. These are barns that are painted with the Ohio 1803-2003 Bicentennial Logo. Scott Hagan is painting one barn in each Ohio COunty-88 in all. So far I have traveled to about 25 counties and snapped pics. If you would like to view them, they are at: http://www.geocities.com/kimba90/barn1.htm
Deena Vyse email me! - Saturday, August 25, 2001 08:23:56 AM
Hi, I live on an old dairy farm, the barn is in need of repairs, but is so large, we would need financial assistance. I had heard that there were historical grants that we could apply for. The barn was built in 1936, the milk parlor and silo are still in fair condition. The roof has fallen in on the silo. A professor from Purdue University stopped and asked if he could take a few picture of the barn. It is now shown in a book "Barns of Indiana" published by Purdue University. It has also been sketched for a calender by a student from Indanapolis. We are very proud of our farm and would hate to see it waste away due to lack of funds. Our address is Dave and Deena Vyse 14132 n 100 w, Perrysville, IN 47974. Thank you very much for you help. Deena
Bruce Pruchnic email me! - Monday, August 27, 2001 02:20:50 AM
I painted a Mail Pouch sign on my father's barn in Windber PA on August 15 for his Birthday. He has wanted the sign on his barn for years and I thought I would give it a try. It was a great experience and I have learned a great deal about the history of Harley Warwick in the proccess. It was amazing as to how many people have stopped by to see the barn since it's completion. If interested in seeing this new Mail Pouch barn, check out my website at: www.geocities.com/spitfire89032/mrmailpouch.html Responses are welcomed, Bruce
Kelli Powell email me! - Monday, August 27, 2001 11:43:26 AM
Hello. I am looking for a barn in upstate NY in which I can hold my wedding reception. Any information regarding my search would help make my childhood dreams come true.
Carmen Reed email me! - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 12:46:32 PM
From Central OHIO (Marysville near Columbus) We have a barn from the 1860's and are having trouble locating the right folks to help us preserve the historic quality of the structure. If you are reading this and know of a company or individuals who have the knowledge/skills needed for preservations, please email me. Our barn has some sagging, a beam that is spliting, etc. The structure is still balanced on bolders as it was originally built. Any names or ideas are welcome.
Li email me! - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 04:59:11 PM
I like the design elements you used throughout the site.
Li
Michelle Daberkow email me! - Thursday, August 30, 2001 07:44:12 PM
I teach K-5 Art. In the past I had a single sheet article on the different types of roof/styles and histories of barns. I cannot locate the article. It contained small sketches of German style, gambrel roof, etc. Any help with finding a similar article to use for teaching is welcome.
maynard smithling email me! - Friday, August 31, 2001 08:35:53 PM
i enjoyed your sight very much. i am 46 and miss the days of my uncles running farms. i spent three years taking pictures around my area of all the lonely barns in various stages of decay. but lost them in a flooded basement. i still cant figure out why we have shoved some of the finest farm land in america. and destroyed it with poluting factorys and houseing. covered it with ashphalt and put up stores. may god and mother nature for gives us for our greed, destruction, and rape of the fine land they gave us.
a friend in michigan.
Chris email me! - Monday, September 03, 2001 08:59:19 PM
My husband and I have just purchased an old farm house and barn outside of Lebanon, IN. The barn is very old with hand hewn beams and wooden pegs. I very much want to save this piece of Indiana history. Please send any thoughts, ideas or information on restoration or grants available. If there are any hoosiers out there who can recommend "barn renovators" in our area, please let me know! A million thanks!
Bill Stephens email me! - Tuesday, September 04, 2001 10:17:31 AM
All,
In June, 2001 I bought an 1850 farmhouse in Fairfield County, Ohio. With it came 3 barns and 2 silos. Two of the barns are timber-frame, one English barn with 2 Gable end sheds and one transverse frame barn. From the hand-hewn timbers it appears that the English barn is about the same age as the house. The Transverse frame barn suffers from years of neglect and settling but is not a s old.
I'm interested in having some restoration work performed in the English barn. This includes updating the electrical service, repairs to the slate roof, replacing bad/ missing timbers, creating a workshop in one shed and re-creating the original stall pattern for use with small livestock. I also want to get a professional to determine whether the Transverse frame barn can be saved.
Any recommendation of reputable / reliable repair specialists?
Glenn Rensink email me! - Tuesday, September 04, 2001 02:12:25 PM
I have a large red barn 42by70-35ft high that needs restoration. Could any
one tell me if there is grant's or fund's available. Barn was built in 1914
and was a dairy farm with a built tn wooden silo. Barn is located in NW IOWA.
Allan Goode email me! - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 10:42:19 AM
We are planning on moving a large barn and converting it to a retail space near Ann Arbor, Michigan. Anybody who has done something similar, please send suggestions, comments, helpful tips, encouragements, etc.
Lisa Bruflat email me! - Sunday, September 09, 2001 08:48:26 PM
We live on a farm in western Minnesota near the town of Clarkfield. We have a barn that is 80 years old and needs roof repair and also some straightening. Is is structurally sound but does need work. We use it for raising horses at the present time but want to use it for cattle and chickens also. Are there any grants available to help in the costs of preserving old barns in Minnesota? It is a very large barn and we're afaid that the costs to repair would be more than we can afford. Any information would be really appreciated! Thank you. Lisa Bruflat
Sheryl Koller email me! - Sunday, September 09, 2001 11:27:29 PM
My husband is restoring an old barn probably built in the early 1900's. We are to the point of choosing the paint. Of course it will be red, but the problem is I want to use more of a traditional barn or brick red and he wants to paint it RED. I need some fast advice on this as the painting is about to begin. Thanks. Sheryl Koller
Darrell email me! - Monday, September 10, 2001 06:02:07 PM
I would like to know what the correct name for the small roof and the metal railing just above the barn loft door is called. They were used to lift hay up to the barnloft door so it could be stored in the barnloft. I need to know the correct terminology for the two barn parts.
Thank you,
Darrell
d. jones email me! - Monday, September 10, 2001 10:39:25 PM
EMail Me--I would like to know what the correct name is for the rail and short piece of roof that covers the rail above the hayloft door. The rail is used to lift bales and hay into the loft. Please let me know by email. I wish to thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely
D. Jones
Mary email me! - Monday, September 17, 2001 10:37:02 AM
I heard that barns are red because it was the only color that didn't occur naturally, and the farmers
and their families wanted to brighten their landscape. Kentucky barns are black because it draws heat
into the barns to dry the tobacco. Finally, I am part of a new group in McLean County, central Illinois,
that is just beginning to try to assess and preserve our barn heritage. We are presently taking photos,
township by township. Next we want to raise community awareness and support by two projects:
a barn tour next June, and perhaps a self-guided barn tour book. We also want to create/support
legislation to reduce or remove taxes on old barns so owners can afford to keep and maintain them.
We are not sure how to get started on these projects. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
Is anyone else in Illinois doing anything like this? If so, we'd especially like to hear from you. Thank you.
Fred Humphrey email me! - Thursday, September 20, 2001 10:25:54 AM
Does anyone have information on the wooden stave silos that were made by the Mosely & Stoddard
Manufacturing Company in Rutland,Vermont ?
Fred Humphrey, Guilford Historical Society, Guilford, Vermont
cathy email me! - Saturday, September 22, 2001 09:57:45 PM
i've always liked the old mailpouch barns and am finally ready to paint our barn if anyone has any sugestions or can help me with any info please e-mail. thanks,cathy.
Darryll Taylor email me! - Sunday, September 23, 2001 10:58:30 AM
We are thinking of building a marionette theatre at our home in truro Nova Scotia. We own a 1800,s farm House and our stidio is the old carrage house. We think that the marionette theatre should be in the style of a barn of that preiod. I believe round would be nice. I am looking for any type suport for this project. And am open to sugestions. Visit us at www.maritime-marionerres.com