An Old Stone House and Its Springhouse
There is an old stone house that sits along one of the gravel roads that led to where my grandparents used to live. I don’t know the story behind the house; but, it’s pretty fascinating to look at.
The exterior is made of large cut stone – much like what is used in barn foundations. Almost as impressive is the front door, which has massive wood jambs that fit the oversized exterior walls.
Over the years, the house and accompanying farm have become a country favorite for my wife and me to drive by. Nestled among rolling hills, trees and pastures, and sitting along an old rural road, it’s picturesque and invokes memories of a time when life seems to have been simpler and slower – at least by today’s standards.
An old bank barn, equipment shed and corn cribs are all nicely painted and well maintained.
Perhaps, of all of the outbuildings on that property, it’s the old spring house that stands out in my mind as I write this. Once a necessity to most farms, these little buildings have largely become obsolete – if they even still exist on farmsteads today. This little structure stands in the shade of nearby trees, providing a ready source of cool water for the household.
One can almost hear children’s laughter coming from the springhouse as they splashed little toes in the water – or, perhaps tried their hand at catching little crayfish that might occasionally come out from hiding beneath the slippery rocks lining the spring basin.
You can see a man coming from the barn – stopping at the spring to splash some water on his hot, tired and dirty face in an attempt to look halfway presentable for supper. Or, he may get a cool drink from an old granite dipper hanging on a nail in the building.
Then again, perhaps you can imagine the vegetables and melons that were placed in the fresh spring water to cool down for an evening meal.
As I think about that old farm, several thoughts come to mind.
I can’t help but think about the stability of the home. With those massive stones and the heavy front door, I imagine that it has the ability to withstand many storms. It reminds us that in life, we all face various types of storms. That house seems to ask me to consider Who I am placing my trust in and what am I allowing into my life.
My mind also wanders to the cool, refreshing water that may be found in that spring house. As I think about the refreshment found there, it causes me to reflect on the ways that I find peace, joy and rest in my life.
Gravel roads often have a way of making us slow down. Along the way, scenes like this old stone house and its accompanying buildings help us to reflect on what is really important in life.
Have a great day!
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
