Barns are made to be used

Crafted by men’s hands and limited tools of the 200 year ago era, the barn where I grew up and that erected my passion for horses notched deeply into me the merit of a craft. It’s rafters that in my childhood mind soared taller than any inner city sky scraper were perfectly imperfect, yet with feats of craftsmanship - only found by building so many such barns that make the perfectly imperfect strong enough to stand the test of time.

There is something irreverent and special about something so large made by so many in a way that we no longer do, it’s hand hewn beams showing the handy work of someone who will never be known from a time long ago.

Yet, barns are made to be used. They erode and rot from the wear and tare of animals, of Christmas trees (this barns original purpose), of tons of hay (first loose and then baled), of peoples triumphs and defeats, of dancing shoes and the tears when animals pass within their solid fortitude.

This barn still remains. As much a testament to the way in which it was constructed as it is to the way in which it has been used. Carrying life within its walls for more than 200 years, built upon a stone foundation - structure that was passed down from its creators to its users - from animals to architecture - it stands as an archaic symbol of Midwestern life.