AN AGE OF BARNS ERIC SLOANE

I grew up in North Brookfield, Mass and enjoyed playing in Wendemuth's barn! The cows were secure in their stanchions as Fred & Bert Wendemuth did their chores. Loose hay was taken in from the bucolic fields surrounding the farm. Then it happened:

THE WEATHERED BARN BOARDS WERE STRIPPED AND SOLD BEING REPLACED BY JUNK!

The illustrated yellow barn may be seen on Rufus Putnam Road, NB.

Sloane's An Age of Barns is profusely illustrated by the many adaptations and style of barns built. Barn Builders were exacting craftsmen. Barn raising was a social event. Cupolas and weathervanes were a decorative interpretation of the big picture.

Today, It seems barns are a thing of the past? Dad and Uncle Al converted a barn into a house.. the one where Dr. Praham lived on South Main Street! There continues to be a romance in barns. Some fell prey to spontaneous combustion or fire. The exquisite foundation  of the barn exists today on Coy Hill WB.