Any barn geeks out there?

[USAFpj]

Thought I would share a 40'x30' barn that's been on the property since 1939 (see on the left face of the barn where it was written?). After doing some research, it appears to be either a 'New World Dutch', or perhaps the 'Crib' type that was prevalent in the Southeast in the late 20th century? Anyway, it's in great condition and for over 25 years, Dad keeps it filled with what we call our 'treasures'. Extremely dry, dirt floor, and (8) separate stalls with doors and iron sliding handle/hardware. First room on the right houses the stairs that lead to an immense loft. I need to inspect the sill logs, and to be done right, she needs to be jacked up and a true concrete slab installed.

For you who have helped me get started on land clearing, foundation work, and estate planning in my construction of a new home- I'm contemplating tackling the idea of incorporating the barn into the actual house:confused2:. Dad's driveway is to the left, and the barn sits on a flat space that has a nice hillside on the right for an attached house and basement? Or, build the house slightly away from the barn, but convert the barn into a nice shop. My family in this area have been sawmillin' since the mid 1800's, so the barn, as you can see, is quality that I'm now fascinated with. Anyhow, here she is, and I'd love to hear you guy's thoughts on her...

 

[NoTrespassing]

Very cool, it's interesting that it was built in 1939. They got it up just in time before materials were in short supply. My Grandfather built their house in 39 and it was very well built. Their neighbors had an awful time getting materials after that because of the war effort.

Do you think maybe that would be considered a corn crib rather than a barn?

Kevin

 

[USAFpj]

Kevin, I'm still learning, so I'm not sure. What's the difference? At one time, it did house some cows that were on the land, but I'm unsure if that was it's intended purpose. Funny how I've looked at this barn since I was 8 (40 now), but never cared about it until I see the workmanship. As far as 39, I'll have to ask Grandma, but I'm just going by what is written on the front of it. Maybe it was in the 70's when that new metal roof was put on?

 

[MikePA]

I'd guess stalls and a hayloft means horses or cows. IMO, horses. Perhaps some 'cow people' can weigh in, but I've never seen barns with individual stalls with doors for cows. Horses, yes, cows, no. But, again, maybe it was done.

 

[NoTrespassing]

Yea, I suppose you're right unless the stalls were added later. Here in the Midwest (Illinois) when you see a structure built like that it's an old corn crib. The ones I've seen with a drive through the middle and open slats on the sides were for storing corn on the cob and the center was used for soybeans above the center. The local farmers were still using them when I was a kid.

 

[MikePA]

The corn cribs I remember seeing had angled sides. I was thinking the solid, lower part of the stalls (where the boards look like they are touching) would be better if the horses kicked the walls, while the upper part had gaps to allow air to circulate and some light in. It's interesting to speculate.

USAFpj - what, if anything, is in the stalls? Feeding racks, place to hold grain or a salt lick? Could hay have been dropped in from the hayloft or do the stalls have ceilings?

 

[USAFpj]

Mike, it's on the other side of the world from where I am right now:laughing:. I have a hard time remembering exactly what the rooms look like, but I do know that the stalls are completely enclosed, and that room to the right is used for the stairs. When you go upstairs, the middle portion that runs the length of the barn is open, and a 'step up'. I envision a bunch of grain sacks or hay that could be dropped from above, but stepped so that you wouldn't fall off easily.

I should be back home soon, and I'll take some more pics. Dad's a bit feisty with his stuff- I see the barn as possible living/work space, and the old man likes it to collect his stuff that he hasn't seen in decades

 

[MacLawn]

USAF, I love ye barn! And, I agree with the idea of incorporating it into ye house - :confused2:

I'd just fix it up structurally real good. I hate to see old farm building go down just because somebody won't at least put 5V tin or something on the roof. Y'all did that, so great!

 

[MikePA]

Mike, it's on the other side of the world from where I am right now:laughing:.

Thanks for your service! A nice looking barn, to be certain.

I agree with MacLawn - kudos for keeping a roof on it. All too often, people let the roof go, it leaks water and the rotting of the interior support structure begins.

 

[sseelhoff]

Great old barn. Really enjoy seeing them. Converting to a home, or portion of a home, is a very popular idea, so it's not as farfetched as you might imagine.