This photo is worth spending a few moments of your time in order to “take it all in”. You likely won’t see anything like it, ever again.
Maybe, it’s just me. Maybe, I get too carried away on my appreciation for these old barns. My wife will tell you that there isn’t any “maybe” about it. lol
But you all put up with me… and I thank you for that…
Let me tell you what I see.
I see ancient, nearly-extinct wood (chestnut) in a remarkably wonderful state of preservation. This barn has never been exposed to any weathering, there are no worn, grey, splintery surfaces, it’s all just a fresh, naturally patinaed, work of art.
There is no impressive notching to see here. No excessive joinery of any kind to distract the eye. Simple, straightforward workmanship, at it’s finest. Square notches make up the corners, and a basic overlap joint connects the two hewn pieces that make up the top plate.
And that, is clearly all that was needed. This barn stood proud for many decades and will continue to do so for many more. It turns out that dovetail joints are not required.
Who would have thought that beauty could be found in nature, and in hand workmanship, not in machined perfection?
The logs and the pole rafters that make up this barn were likely gathered on site. Two men, who likely farmed for for a living (just one of many skills they possessed), went into the woods with two tools, an axe and a shaving knife and built this barn.
No county inspector, no architect, no engineer, no general contractor, no building supply outlet, nothing imported from China. Amazing.
Originally posted 2015-03-17 13:40:54.