I’ve noticed a pattern when I stop to photograph an old barn. I stay on the road because owners get angry, or at least really nervous, when people walk around their property with a camera. Still, I frequently have the owner come out asking what I’m doing. I tell them what I”m doing, but also tell them how beautiful I think their barn is. They melt and we stand a while talking about the barn. They give me a history of the barn and tell me to take as many photos as I want. This is what happened when I was photographing the barn above.
I am noticing a lot of old barns are getting new roofs and having siding boards replaced, or new metal siding put on. What is really sad is when owners tell me that the grand old beautiful barns they own can’t be maintained because of structural or foundation problems. The cost is prohibitive.
My cousin’s husband owns the next barn and he was telling me that it was built in the late 1800’s and he recently had the foundation fixed. Being a small barn it worked well and he continues to use it to store some of the antique tractors he owns.
This post was inspired by Nancy Merrill Photography, who calls for photographs of things over 100 years old this week.
Always nice to learn a little of the history behind the photos you’re taking…so often don’t get that opportunity.
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Love old barns, and I never fully understood the responsibility or the bank account needed to maintain one.
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I, too, love old barns. They speak of the early days of agriculture, before agribusiness took over the family farms. Living in New England, there are many old barns, but sadly, many are falling into ruin, few being restored. Every winter, more fall under the weight of snow and I can’t help feel we have lost an old friend when I pass by.
I try to ask permission if there is a farmhouse nearby or someone working in the area before taking a photo, as I understand some might worry I’m up to no good! As you wrote, most are pleased with your interest.
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I am watching barns deteriorate and also feel like I am loosing good friends. Thanks for your interesting comment – enjoyed it.
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Now I understand why so many barns go ito dis-repair. Wonderful photos Pat!
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My future brother-in-law has a barn with a large beautiful home. People always remark how they love the barn with little to say about the house. Owning the barn seems so much more important.
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Interesting. I wonder why.
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I can only assume there are fewer old barns than old houses.
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And they are not being kept up so are falling down. There are several in our neighborhood that are in bad shape.
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Unfortunately, that might be the case in many areas.
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