Barn Raising

Old barns are fading from our landscape. Since the advent of rolled hay, their design has become less useful. The effect of the economy on our hard-working farmers has hindered their ability to keep them in good repair. Some are finding new purpose, being dismantled for use in flooring and siding. Others are rotting where they stand.

On my way up to Canada last weekend I had hoped to photograph the many barns I usually pass in New York state and Ontario, but I found they had mostly been replaced with rectangular aluminum structures that don't need paint. That should have made me happy because it's a sign of prosperity for the farmers - but it didn't. I will miss the picturesque shapes of the old wood barns on the horizon. To me, they speak of a simpler time when rugged individualists provided for their families and communities, when barn raisings meant neighbors helping neighbors; when a good day's work was instantly rewarded at your dinner table.

                For sixty years the pine lumber barn

                had held cows, horses, hay, harness, tools, junk

                amid the prairie winds...

                and the corn crops came and went, plows and wagon

                and hands milked, hands husked and harnessed

                and held the leather reins of horse teams

                in dust and dog days, in late fall sleet 'til the work
                 was done that fall

                And the barn was a witness, stood and saw it all

                                             from "The People, Yes,"
                                                by Carl Sandburg

Our theme for the month of August is BARNS.  Preserve them for the future by honoring them with your beautiful photographs. Don't forget to label them "In Focus Theme -Barns." Your shot may be a featured photo in our weekly selection.