Sunny email me!
- Friday, January 08, 1999 05:20:15 PM
I grew up within walking distance of the Star Barn in Lower
Swatara township, Middletown, Penna. In fact, I used to ride my
bicycle down the steep hill that once split the house fromthe
barn. Obviously, that was long before the highway 283 was built.
However, a lttle futher down the road, on Rosedale Avenue, there
was a barn that had burned to the ground on the Jednota
Children's Home property many years before, (late 60's). Since
then, the home itself has been torn down, I was hoping you could
point me in a direction to research the history of that home. I
onced lived there, and wish to write about it. By the way, I saw
the Star barn again this past Christmas (1998), It needs a new
coat of paint from some loving hands, I rode horses in those
fields and used the barn as a landmark, won't you please help
restore it? I didn't know I was walking on such historic ground!
Rich Blackmore email
me! - Friday, January 15, 1999 01:04:02 AM
Hi BARN FANS! My friend and I are building barns- scale model
replicas! It's one way of preserving the old barn on the family
farm! We work in popular scales for TOY FARMERS too with
breathtaking detail and realism. Will do replicas for non profit
fundraising events- whatever you'd like. See you at the farm-barn
shows and events- or email us at smudge@freeway.net We'll do
complete dioramas for display too!
Michelle email me!
- Sunday, January 17, 1999 12:12:36 AM
thank you!I just love ol'barns they seem to tell a storie.. and
often remind me of Gramps. I was very excited to see this site,
my home is not in the country, but is decorated w/ ref to old
barns.
Joe Jarret email me!
- Sunday, January 17, 1999 12:47:46 PM
What a grand and novel site! I am New York City born and raised
but I earned my masters degree at Central Michigan University and
was stationed in Michigan while in he military. It was there I
fell in love with barns. Since that time, I have taken to
photographing them in my travels. Any time I can steal away from
my law practice, my wife and I head to North Carolina where we
admire barns tha boast such slogans as "See Rock City"
and "Chew Mail Pouch." Thank you for your interest in
preserving such a wonderful piece of Americana!
Marcella email me!
- Tuesday, January 19, 1999 12:53:11 AM
Farmers wife from Australia. Interested in looking at barns,
wheat weaving instructions, herb crafts, and grain and beef
cattle. Hope to travel to America.
Sunny Stufflebeam email me! - Friday,
January 22, 1999 05:42:50 PM
I have an old barn... when I bought it in 1989, there was a huge
gaping hole in the roof... very shortly after, I put a steel roof
on it to save the walls... inside is 8 x 8 posts with pegs... i
believe it is more than 100 years old - the house with the
property was built in 1840s. Anyway, in '93 remarried and husband
is now trying to salvage foundation - using jacks, tractors -
anything that works. I did hear of possibility of Illinois state
grants for barn restorations if barn was on a state highway (mine
is)... if anyone has any info, would appreciate it... i love my
barn... lots of people in this ag community have let their barns
go, or torn them down, replacing with pole buildings... when I
bought mine, it was strongly recommended that I tear my barn down
and do same - but I can't - it is too gorgeous, it has history
that no pole building could ever have... it still has the
apparatus for lifting hay into upper story... it houses my
critters... wonderful barn... this is a wonderful site full of
people who know the real value of older things... we will all be
old someday... Feel free to email me at
sunbeamstuff@prairienet.com
Kim Hoerrmann email
me! - Saturday, January 23, 1999 07:26:16 PM
I have a big problem! We have moved into our barn (home) and it
is 90% done, mostly just finish work and floor coverings. We
cannot find an insurance company who will touch it! It has brand
new everything, 200 amp electrical box & wire, electric water
heater, propane heat. They all say the risk is too much. I'm sure
it's just because it is non traditional that it scares them off,
but every dime I have and every thing I own is in here. Help!
Jim Derby email me!
- Sunday, January 24, 1999 02:43:03 PM
It warms my heart to see so many people sharing barn feaver! I am
a carpenter type and I love barns so I have been specializing in
restoring and moving antique buildings for about six years now.
It's a dirty dangerous job but I am fascinated to see how old
barns were put together. We mostly have English style barns here
in New Hampshire, so it's even fun to travel and see other styles
of construction. I could go on for pages,but I will just say
thank you to The Barn Journal for this resource!!!
Gary Pollitz email
me! - Monday, February 15, 1999 12:02:33 PM
I have restored an old barn in Mason Micigan and have began using
it for family and youth activities. It is 40x80 and of a gambrel
truss design dating approximately 1901. I am a social worker who
enjoys good social gatherings for a good purpose. The barn has a
sound system, a hardwood floor for dancing and sports, plus I
give hayrides, bonfires, and outdoor sports. Kitchen facilities
are also available. I do not charge for this service however
donations for upkeep are always appreciated. Please e-mail me
with interest of either using this facility or informing me of
similar types of activities you are using your barn for. Thank
you, Gary.
Bion L. Hoeg email
me! - Wednesday, February 17, 1999 01:11:17 AM
I am in the process of converting a 26'x84' barn to a residence,
if someone doesn't take it off my hands. I would give the barn
free (but charge for the 2/3 Acre lot it stands on) as long as
the barn stays where it is. It is located near Fenton, MI.
Contact me if you are interested.
S & L Hurst email
me! - Sunday, February 21, 1999 01:29:51 AM
Painters & barn lovers: our 3-story 60yr.+ barn was
originally red, but is now paintless and deteriorating. We'd like
to preserve and protect the wood while maintaining the
"weathered" look. Red barn paint would look too
"new", and commercial house stain is too expensive. Can
standard red barn paint be diluted with linseed oil & still
protect the wood? Any other ideas on paint or application? What
has worked for you? Also looking for help(E. Central Ks.) to
assess, paint and restore.
Kim Hoerrmann email
me! - Monday, February 22, 1999 01:45:27 AM
Hi it's me again!! We finally got a company to insure our barn
home!!! Hurrah!!!! It's becoming more & more like a home
every day. We love living in it, wouldn't trade it for anything,
even though it's not done yet. please go to
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hollow/1964 for pictures.
Thanks.
Jo Ann Ridley email me!
- Friday, February 26, 1999 10:27:56 PM
I appreciate this opportunity to post a query: I am writing a
commemorative book about the restoration of a century-old barn at
The Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast. It's on the National Register,
but even the professional architectural historians who prepared
the application were unable to ascertain its exact architectural
heritage except that it's "Northern European." It's
possible - was built by German immigrants in 1880. Is there
anyone out there who knows specific information about
"northern European" barn tradition? It's 60 x 160 feet,
mildly gabled roof with two monitors, originally open with three
aisles,doors on both ends but not sides, small ventilating
windows along sides. This beautiful barn has been restored by
volunteer retirees over the past ten years - a great story. Thank
you for any help you can provide regarding the "northern
European" mystery.
Ron Carr email me! -
Saturday, February 27, 1999 05:31:06 PM
Thanks for the links and useful information a very worthwhile
site on the net. I have started restoration of a milk house and
barn on a small farm in Baraboo Wisconsin. It is a great
adventure, but can be overwhelming at times. Would welcome ideas
from those who have done this before. I plan to share the
progress by posting info to the Baraboo River Farm web site at
http://ic.net/~rcarr/index.htm
Bill Warren email
me! - Wednesday, March 03, 1999 01:05:59 PM
I own the first barn built with studs instead of post & beam
in Portsmouth, NH. Barn was contructed in 1872. Rough cut 4 x 4
studs were used. Barn is approximately 39 x 39 sq. ft. It was
built on a slope so there is a partial basement where the manure
was pushed into and taken out of by a door on a laneway. It
stands on a brick foundation. It was used to house 3 horses, 3
wagons, and, some plumbing supplies. The loft (full) hangs on
metal rods (from the rafters and from 4 major 10" x 10"
posts. Loft was used for hay and storage. A older build (shed)
constructed around 1850 was attached to one side of the barn
(1872) as an additional garage with a room for a barn hand to
live in. The barn has a cupola (3' x 3' x 6') and used to have a
1872 horse (standing with one front leg raised) weathervane. The
weathervane was stolen about 5 years ago by mid-night raiders who
damaged the cupola in their haste to rustle my horse. The barn
was built by an ancestor; be it ever so humble, there is nothing
like owning a barn.
Pam Mascio email me!
- Friday, March 05, 1999 12:42:25 AM
What a wonderful site! I love the lore of barns. The history and
fun that was bound to have happened in them. I enjoyed reading
all the letters here also! I had NO IDEA so many people were
taken by barns! How wonderful!!! Thanks for the great visit!
David Samuels email
me! - Friday, March 05, 1999 05:03:48 PM
I am 53 years old now, but I shall never forget the good times we
as kids had on the farm in Glen Allen, VA with our barns and
angus cattle. It is hard to realize these good old days are gone.
I am currently looking for a farm so my children can have the
same experiences I had. My father is deceased but I shall never
forget the love he had for me.
David Lewis email me!
- Saturday, March 06, 1999 08:59:28 PM
Thank you for providing a forum for our talk. I have two old
barns in Northern Kentucky that need new roofs and could use new
siding too. Is there any good reason not to lay a new tin roof of
the same profile right on top of the old roof? And is there any
good reason not to put new hemlock or cedar siding right on top
of old siding that is still strong but VERY shrunk and warped?
Being able to do this would save a huge amount of time and
hassle. What can you suggest?? Thanks, David.
Nathan Rand email
me! - Tuesday, March 09, 1999 10:15:45 PM
From Central Iowa--I have an curved rafter design barn from early
1900s. I am going to have it reroofed this summer and I plan to
paint it. However, I notice that sunshine is visible between some
of the vertical slats of wood making up the walls. This is
especially visible in the haymow. What is the best way to patch
these spots so that rain doesn't get in and rot the wood? Grandpa
always used to patch it with some time of compound but I don't
know what it was. He would also sometimes "glue" small
pieces of wood into the hole and paint over them. Any input would
be appreciated. Thanks.
Alan email me!
- Friday, March 12, 1999 04:58:43 AM
Very interesting site and I am pleased to read about all the
different styles of barn. They are obviously very different to
barns built in Australia and one of the main reasons for this I
would consider would be different weather conditions. Interested
in different farming methods and I recommend a new site for
farming discussion,
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/worldfarmerspowwow
Al Hybsha email
me! - Friday, March 12, 1999 11:54:39 PM
mulebarn So.Central Kansas capacity 100 built late 1800's all
lumber was hauled by wagon 90x40 double hayloft for loose hay
decked by three cupola's with a driveway in the middle the entire
length to accomodate teams and hayracks. a tornado in 1927
removed the cupolas Wish to completely restore. used to have
auctions of kentucky mules.
Bill Warren email
me! - Saturday, March 13, 1999 04:19:10 PM
Under my barn (described earlier) I have a well which was capped
to make room for the barn. I hope to excavate the well ... one of
these days. It is lined with hand formed bricks. As someone
explained to me several years ago, when they capped well, they
would dump a lot of brush into the well, and then put on 2 - 4
feet of dirt/clay and then throw on some bricks, stones, etc. to
keep the dirt in place. Over time, I was told, the brush rots
away and the dirt cap becomes a free-stand cap. I was told to
take off the cap and then dig at least 4 feet into the bottom of
the well to get all the artifacts, if any. Has anyone tried this?
The well was capped in 1872. I'd like comments please.
carl marchi email
me! - Friday, March 19, 1999 08:09:09 AM
I have always wanted to make a studio home out of a small barn or
large garage. When I explain it to people they think I'm a bit
nuts. Thank you for proving them wrong!!!
SW email me!
- Saturday, March 20, 1999 02:45:02 PM
I have a barn that is of historic interest to OUR FAMILY, in that
it was built around 1920s (I think) and my grandfather fell off
the roof and hurt his back so badly that for years his family was
affected by his pain. Even without knowing all the SPECIFIC
history, this barn is interesting TO ME because of its barn
beauty, its horse-related history (now a thing of the past for
most working farms), and the memories I have of talking with my
dad as he milked when I was a very young girl. I need a
historical preservation consultant and then some
contractor/workers who are not so expensive that I can't afford
to do this. The barn is still used--it stores a heavy load of
clover in round bales in the haymow that was designed for loose
hay (this turns out to have caused unforeseen structural problems
so we are now feeding it out) and some miscellany elsewhere--and
provides a maze for loading cattle out one of the doors and an
area for treating one or two when they need it. The person who
works the farm for me is a fine guy but doesn't share my interest
in history or organic farming. And though maintenance is part of
his share of the agreement, he is busy with many things and that
is low on the list. I need help! The barn/my farm is in north MO.
I would like to restore it. Two uses that I envision MIGHT be
complementary: 1)more usefulness for the animals we raise and
2)stalls for organic producers in this area to sell their organic
wares (one day a week in the summer, maybe) and maybe a small
lunch counter (same schedule) since I know of someone who would
like to do that part. Right now, if you could help me with the
restoring part with info about resources in MO, I'd be grateful.
Thanks so much for this site!
Sarah email me!
- Sunday, March 21, 1999 02:02:24 PM
Hi, I'm Italian and I've just moved to the US. I fell in love
with the barns I saw in the Hamptons, LI. Unfortunately, I didn't
find any for sale. I would like to build a new one, or, even
better, buy an old one and move it there. I have no idea of how
much it would cost to either build a new one or to buy an old one
in reasonable condition and to relocate it to LI. Is there anyone
who could help me with prices and specialty realters for the
purchase of a barn? Thank you Ciao Sarah
Tammy email me!
- Tuesday, March 23, 1999 08:13:06 PM
Hi! My son is doing a report on colonial times. His topic is
barns. However, I find very little out there that talks about how
barns were constructed and how they were really used in colonial
times (pre rev. war as per his teacher). Most of the literature
is more about daily chores, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions
for more detailed information about colonial era barns? Thanks.
richard casselman email me! - Wednesday,
March 31, 1999 10:38:37 PM
The traditional timberframing that went into the structures of
the old barns has always fascinated me. I spent 30 years in the
restoration field examining, documenting, hewing the timbers, and
then framing up and raising the buildings when completed. If
anyone is interested in the techniques on how to use the
traditional tools please give me an Email for more discussion
Richard the northern hewer