BARNS OF MID-AMERICA

About the Book

For hundreds of years, barns have been a vital image of the American landscape. Barns evoke a sense of tradition, a feeling of security. They have provided shelter; a safe haven for animals of the family farm. Barns have become community landmarks. Is it any wonder there is a growing fascination for these structures? As the small family farm has given way to larger, more commercial farms, so, also, many of the traditional, old style barns have been replaced with utility buildings and pole barns.

About the Author

My husband and I are parents of three, grandparents to ten, and great-grandparents to be three. I was a nurse for thirty-two years, retiring five years ago. My husband Bill and I live on a small acreage in Central Illinois. For many years I have had a passion for gardening. My husband became interested in gardening, also, since his retirement from Cat., Inc. I grew up hearing stories from my mother about her childhood on a small farm in South-Western Kentucky. I was enthralled with her stories of going to the Spring- House to store the freshly-made buttermilk, and stories of market days with my Grandfather, to barter blacksmithing services for household staples. I always thought I should have been a farm girl. I have been fascinated with old barns for many years. I have taken pictures, through the years, when we have traveled. I became aware, some time ago, that my older brother, also, had an interest in old barns, and had been taking pictures while traveling with his work. You will see some of these pictures throughout the book.