Tag Archive for: Barns

Stories and Foundations

Old houses and outbuildings dot the rural landscape of eastern Ohio where I live.  Some of the structures have been rebuilt or at least maintained for present-day use.  Others have been left in various states of disrepair.

Driving by these buildings, I sometimes wonder about their past.  Thoughts of the pride of the family that built one of these places may come to mind.  

I can see a couple who are proud to own their own home.  Maybe in that moment of imagination, I can envision a family gathered around a meal table, or parents tucking their small children in after bedtime prayers had been said.  Perhaps one can picture adult children coming back home to visit with their own families.

An old barn brings thoughts of a farmer doing his evening chores.  One can almost hear the conversations that are happening between a father and his son or daughter.  Topics could range from an afternoon spent fishing in a local stream to what’s inside the latest Sears catalog.  Or the man may be talking to his wife or a neighbor about last Sunday’s sermon or the most recent livestock market prices at the local sale barn.

I can understand some of the reasons why these old buildings are left to slowly crumble into oblivion.  They can be a financial burden to maintain, and perhaps have outlived their usefulness.  

Yet, there’s a portion of me that is also saddened.  They were part of a family’s life.  Not just that, but houses, barns and other buildings also tell a story about a community.

That these old structures are still standing, even in rough condition, is a testament to their sturdiness.  Often constructed from locally-sourced lumber, and built with the help of family and neighbors, they speak to a time when people truly cared about one another – and had a sense of deep community pride and service.

These old buildings are from a different time.  In a world that is filled with faux replicas and cheap imitations – take it from someone who delivers building materials, structures from another era help remind us of the value of people and community.  Built to hold up against the storms of life, they help us recognize our own need for a solid foundation – one that can withstand any weather we may face.  

In life, I’ve found that the perfect foundation can only be found in the Heavenly Father.  Every other belief, person and item is temporary.  If we place our hope in them, our footing will eventually erode and wash away.  Yet, God has promised to never leave or abandon us – and He has continually proved to be true to His Word.  

Next time you see an old building, consider the stories that it could tell if only it were able to talk.  Then look at its foundation and see what’s holding it up – and don’t forget that buildings and people both need to be built on solid rock.

Have a great day! 😊

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Milk Cans and Memory Lane

A trip down memory lane could describe this picture. This farm once was a stop on one of my grandfather’s can milk routes more than fifty years ago. When I showed my father this picture, it brought back many memories from his childhood. The farmer that used to live here would bring his cans of milk to the end of the lane to be picked up.

Over the past half century, the elements, time and changes have all joined together as this farm slowly fades away. The muddy lane and overcast atmosphere of a midwinter day matches the condition of the old barn that’s slowly falling down and succumbing to nature – fading into another story of a past era.

It’s important to remember the past. Memories and pictures help link us to our heritage and our loved ones who have gone before us.

Have a great day! 😀

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Signs of Spring

It’s that time of the year when tree buds and early spring flowers are starting to appear like what is seen in this picture. One can imagine the young livestock – calves, foals and lambs, that are enjoying their first days of new life in many of the nearby pastures.

As the cold nights give way to warm days, there’s a faint earthy smell as farmers begin to work the soil. Of course, the last loads of manure are being hauled out of barns as livestock are beginning to find their way to green, spring pastures. So perhaps, there’s a chance that what I’m smelling is some “fresh country air”.

Spring is a time when the world awakens all around us.  It’s as if everything comes alive after a long winter’s nap.

We look at all of the signs of new life that surrounds us and see an orchestrated beauty there. Even when the world seems out of control, the newness of life shows a certain order. But perhaps there’s more, as that gentle rhythm allows us to see the delicate designs and intricate patterns of a loving Creator. In these moments, we have the ability to be awed by such beauty and grace.

As this new life returns, gone are the cold, dark, damp nights of winter.  In their place, are the warm, fresh, invigorating days of spring.  With the weather changing, take time to enjoy the new life that is appearing all around us.

Have a great day! 😊

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

 

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Old Barns and Backroads

Old barns and backroads have a way of going together.  They both seem to mark the passage of time – having stories to tell of the years that have gone by.

At one point, they were symbols that marked progress as our nation and its communities expanded.  Yet, at some point, they became bygone relics that now serve out their roles humbly, linking often forgotten places.

I’ve always loved both.  Backroads have taken me to some of my favorite places – to visit family and friends.  Out buildings may hold interesting items – often old farm machinery and other items from another time.

They also represent another lesson.  In a world that is in a hurry to go places, sometimes the best things in life are found when we slow down and simply enjoy where God has placed us with the people who surround us.

Those old barns and backroads may not take you and me to places that are found on a map.  Yet, they will allow us to travel to places that are special and have a significance that is rarely found in today’s world.

Have a great day! 😊

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Constant In Every Season

As I write this, we’re in the middle of winter. It was just a few days ago that a storm went through and dumped about eight or nine inches of wet powder. Now, that half of the snow has melted away, it’s lost some of its fresh appeal. 

Alright… using the word “appeal” may be a stretch, because as a truck driver, snow is a “four letter word”. Yet, when I and all my loved ones and friends are safe, fresh powder is nice to see.

Even as I think about that storm, it doesn’t seem like it was too long ago that I was still enjoying the fall foliage. That was a little bit easier this autumn as it was pretty mild, allowing the colorful leaves to hang onto the trees longer.

The barn in this picture is along a backroad that’s a few miles from where I grew up. I had wanted to get a picture of this setting for several weeks. Finally, driving by one day afforded me the opportunity that I had been looking for.

In this early November scene, the leaves are finally starting to fall. Within a few weeks, those trees would be bare for another year. Yet, for the moment they’re holding their own against the autumn wind gusts.

Throughout our lives, we will face many seasons and storms. Yet, there’s one constant. God has promised to never leave us. Further, our Creator has repeatedly proven to always be steadfast and dependable.

Whatever season you may be going through, know that you’re not alone. Call out to God, and allow Him to walk along beside you.

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Winter Barn

I drove by this old barn a few hours after some snow had dusted the scene. Although the snow would be history within a couple of days, for now it coated the ground in white.

As a truck driver, I don’t enjoy driving on snowy and icy roads. Over the years, I’ve accumulated a collection of stories from different experiences – winter driving being among them.

Yet, each season has its own unique beauty. There’s something peaceful and beautiful about nature being blanketed with white powder – at least when I can enjoy it from the comfort of my home!

Looking at this barnyard, I have to wonder how often we take things for granted. Just imagine the amount of work to make sure that livestock are well-fed and watered during the winter. Frozen water lines, cracked hands and long hours come to mind as farmers work to care for their animals. Of course, it seems that equipment will break down in extreme weather conditions – whether it’s cold or hot.

Regardless of the season, there’s always something to be thankful for. An old barn and some grazing cattle are a great reminder of the hard work of farmers and blessings of God. On a cold day, that gratitude can warm any scene or experience.

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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All Is Calm

You never know how the weather will be in November. One year, it will be cold and snowy. The next, it will be warm, mild and feel like an extension of October.

This snow was the result of a squall that passed through a few days after Thanksgiving. After making a delivery, I was offered this beautiful view as I was leaving.

The small barn stands silently in the pasture below. I’m sure that it once offered a place of rest and protection for livestock that grazed in the nearby pastures.

Looking at this picture, I’m reminded of another lonely barn. It provided a safe place for animals to be fed and cared for. Yet, that solitary structure provided much more. Within its walls, a young couple welcomed a newborn baby into the world.

Unlike the barn seen here, that old stable was not so quiet. Amongst the sounds of animals and excited shepherds, the walls couldn’t contain the joy of Heaven with the thunderous worship of a multitude of angels. Even in all of that excitement, I’m sure that there was a unique peace and calm.

Today, we know the story of the Christ child. Yet, our world has replaced the peaceful scene of His birth with the hustle and bustle of another holiday season.

This Christmas, let’s take time to imagine that silent night so long ago – when Heaven’s love came to dwell among men. Even in that evening of great joy, a calmness pervaded the scene when Jesus was born.

Have a great day! 😀

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:11-12)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Journey Down a Dirt Road

I came across this picture that I had taken some time ago. Many thoughts about dirt roads and old barns came to mind as I looked at the photo. 

As I continued to look at this scene, thoughts of work came to mind. After all, dirt roads and old barns seem to bring up memories of hard, manual labor – you know, an honest day’s work. 

Today, we live in a world that seems to grow more hectic by the minute. The technology that was supposed to make our lives easier has often just made us busier. We’re in a hurry to get places, but we don’t take the time to enjoy the ride. This is many of our lives. But, is that what life is really about? A constant rat race from birth to death? 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that there’s joy in the journey – not just at the destination. Along the way, we’ll experience bumps and bruises – and, you and I will hit some pretty big potholes. Yet, like a great meal that’s been left to simmer, the best things in life are often found on the roads that are least traveled. 

Old barns, houses and fences tell their own stories of love, laughter, trials and hard work – the kind of life that leaves a person exhausted and yet contented. These feelings are robbed from us when we’re too busy to slow down. 

Pictures like this remind me that the best things in life often occur when we take our time. Not only do we make fewer mistakes, but we may experience and enjoy what really matters – time with God and loved ones. 

So, let me urge you to find a dirt road. Slow down and see where it may lead. You may be surprised to find the destination to be a place that draws you closer to your Creator and loved ones. 

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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The Hidden Ridge Farm

I’ve driven by the farm where this barn is located for years. In fact, it was only about a mile from where I was raised.

Yet, it’s only been in the past two or three years, that I’ve gotten to see the historic building. This barn sits about a quarter mile from the road. To get to it, one must follow a lane uphill, through woods to get to the ridge where the farm is located.

How often do we go by places without really seeing them? In fact, it’s probably safe to say that we do the same thing with people. We pass by others without getting to know them.

While I’d never encourage anyone to trespass, I believe that we must take time to get to know the people around us. It’s through these opportunities that we learn and grow as we invest in one another.

Have a great day!😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Treat Others to the Best

Growing up just a few miles from this barn, it’s been a common sight for much of the last four decades for me.  While I’ve never used the product advertised, I have loved old barns.  So, it’s easy to understand why I have enjoyed seeing this barn and others like it throughout the years.  They are a part of America’s rural heritage and help us to remember times that were often simpler and happier – at least in our memories.

Barns painted with advertisements were a once-common sight across rural America.  As a means to reach passing motorists, companies would rely on these barns to promote their products.  In addition to a small stipend paid, these advertisers would offer the farmer a means of getting their barn painted – helping to preserve the integrity of the barn’s wood.  A win-win situation, if you will.

An early common advertiser was the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company, who’s “Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco – Treat Yourself to the Best” ads were painted on barns in more than twenty states.  These signs were painted by hand.  According to Wikipedia, the Mail Pouch program ran from 1891 to 1992.

While the Mail Pouch ads were the most common, other companies also painted their slogans and advertisements on barns.  In addition to barns, many other buildings were also used for canvasses for these promotional campaigns.  Feed and grain stores, tobacco companies – even tourist destinations such as Rock City, near Chattanooga, Tennessee, painted roadside structures in similar fashion.

In addition to barns, perhaps you may remember other rural roadside advertisements.

Perhaps, one of the most famous was the “Burma Shave” signs.  These ads would have several small signs in sequential order carrying humorous rhyming poems – with the last sign saying “Burma Shave”.  While these advertisements were before my time, I’ve enjoyed seeing pictures of them in different publications over the years.

These vintage barn and roadside signs are reminders that each of us displays messages every day.  Our actions often carry more weight than our words, and people often watch what we do to see if we can be trusted.  Regardless of whether we realize it or not, someone is always watching us – so let’s “Treat Others to the Best”!

Have a great day! 🙂

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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