story telling, from the barn's perspective.
- Saydee Longhurst
- Jul 27, 2020
- 3 min read
With the craze of 'farm' styled homes, shiplaped walls and pristine white cabinets that make up the farmhouse style trend that is overloading social media feeds, I felt it appropriate to address the history and significance of agricultural buildings and barns that dot the rural landscape of our country and the world. I have always been fascinated with old buildings and houses because I want to know the story and work that went into making it. One of my favorite memories is visiting the homestead of my grandparents who lived in Canada. It was humbling to stand on the ground where so much work went into creating a home for themselves and their family. I actually took a piece of the wood used to make their home so I would always be able to remember the sacrifice they gave to make a good, respectable life and had character for me to look up to and learn from.
Old barn in Canada.
I was able to travel to South Africa about a year and a half ago and it was humbling to be able to observe and experience a completely different culture from the one I was raised to know. One of my favorite photos I took was of an old wind mill that was on a maize and grain farm we visited and had a tour of. I loved the familiarity it gave me to back home. Various structures hold memories for a wide range of people from around the globe.
Windmill in South Africa.
In my humble opinion *wink*, one of the best views on the farm is of an old silo that sits to the side of one of our hay fields. I love the old fashioned feeling of it. It provides a view of the traditional farm. The farmhouse style trend in no way reflects the true grit a building has to have to hold its own on a farm. A building has to be tough and able to take on wear and tear of everyday farm life. From muddy cow shit covered boots to sweat stained ball caps, an all white 'farmhouse' isn't exactly kosher with a farmer and his home. I love shiplap and white cabinets as much as the next gal but I believe it is important to give a nod to the real farmhouses on the land around us. Just like the old silo that sits on the edge of the hay field it can take the storms of life with grace and strength.
Silo on the side of hay field.
Now after sharing my personal investment and interest in old barns and buildings I turned to google to see what sort of feel good stories as well as factual information was floating around the web. I was pleasantly surprised to find four articles that fit the bill! I will share each link down below.
Number One: Pennsylvania Farm Buildings Tell the Story of the State’s Agricultural History
Number Two: The Many Uses of Farm Buildings
Number Three: The Importance of Historic Farm Buildings
Number Four: Farmstead Buildings
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Thanks for reading and I hope the next time you see a run down, old building on the side of the road, you will take the time to ponder the work ethic that went into making it.
*tips ball cap from the tractor seat*
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