This old barn was born in 1912. It stands across the way from us, waiting for some attention. Our neighbor is in his 80's and can no longer do the upkeep himself. We have been thinking of asking him if he wants it's boards replaced and it's skin resurfaced with a facelift....paint.
Thankfully, only one piece of tin has flown off the lean-to. That's an easy fix, as well as the door that leans. But the paint....well, back when it was last done, some 50 yrs. ago, it was done with a metal paint. Most of it has worn away. As much as we all love the look of worn barn boards, a new coat of paint will only lengthen the life of this beauty.
This gorgeous old barn with a huge hayloft, hasn't had any animals in it for the past 28 yrs. when our neighbor's dad was still alive and still raised his donkey and a couple of Shetland ponies. Our daughter would spend hours visiting over the fence with Old Ted since she was only 8 yrs. old until the day she left for college.
They would even visit from the dining room window while Old Ted would eat his lunch. His tiny wife, Eva, would want to shoo her away so he could finish eating but he insisted on leaving the window open so they could continue their visits. I think my daughter was a bit of a pest...and no wonder she never showed up for her own lunch~~~
We still pass this same old barn as we pass through the edge of the farm on the trail back to our cabin. The 1912 barn has been photographed so many times by so many folks as they passed by on the highway between us. Especially in the fall, when the leaves were colored all around the farm. That has changed since Young Ted, ( our 80 yr. old neighbor who still lives there) was a logger in his day. Before he retired his chainsaw, however, he cut every marketable tree on his property behind the barn, so the colorful photo opportunities no longer exist. Only our forest is untouched of it's beautiful trees. He offered to cut them but we told him that HE is welcome to walk our property and pick berries, anytime,. but his CHAINSAW is not welcome....it remains our joke everytime he offers to help Bill cut some downed trees.
Thank You for stopping by.
I appreciate your visits each and every time.
BlessYa
11 comments:
Interesting barns and interesting story.
a sweet little barn!
You know we all put barns up because we love them and every time I do - I always wondered the history. Who lived there - what did they do. And this was perfect. Would you repaint it for him - how sweet of you. sandie
Many folk, mostly city folk, wonder about many barns. Why don't the tear it down, or fix it up. Some of those barns are huge, and would cost a mint to tear down and more to fix up.
But barns have a beauty all their own, while standing or dying.
Love from here...
Sherry & jack
I LOVE old barns. It still looks good for 100 years. They don't build stuff like that any more. I hope it can be preserved. Blessings from Ringle, WI.
I LOVE old barns. It still looks good for 100 years. They don't build stuff like that any more. I hope it can be preserved. Blessings from Ringle, WI.
I like to see these old barns of days gone by. Without upkeep so many have fell to the ground. It is a shame to loose these old structures. They don't build barns like this now a days. How kind of you & yours to offer your help. Not many neighbors these days would offer there help. Sounds like he enjoyed the company of your daughter. Blessings! Lara
Oh those chainsaw guys... they get going and don't know when to quit. I'm glad you cherish his friendship without his chainsaw!!! Lovely old barn. That's a big undertaking painting it. Let us know how the conversation with Ted goes!
This truly s a beautiful old barn. Can you just imagine all the different kinds of days that it has seen? Lots of wear, but that is what makes it more catching to the eyes.
Hugs
Great tribute to your Neighbor and his barn. Your photos are amazing.
It sounds like your daughter had a fun childhood. Sweet. :)
Your so fortunate to have such fond memories attached to this lovable barn....
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