Issues → January/February 2009 → Home & Garden →
Vermont: The Matter of an Old Barn
(page 3 of 3)
Neglect also has the advantage of suspending an awkward question that lurks behind the matter of the barn's disposition: not only What is to become of this barn? but also What ought to become of it? The issue goes beyond cost and convenience. It promptly moves into deeper waters. Murky, turbulent waters. Philosophical waters. A well-considered conservatism would seem to uphold two principles that aren't always compatible: preservation and practice.
Preserving the barn would be, for me, primarily a gesture of respect for the past. Now, respect for the past is part of the mindset of every thoughtful person, and it implies a measure of susceptibility to the claims of whatever is old, tried, well-used. That susceptibility I admit to--indeed, I wouldn't be without it. But you can take it too far. At the end of the day, I'm not a farmer. I haven't much use for a barn. Having to rank preservation and practice in a real case, in a matter of your own, shows you what's important to you. Nobody says you have to like what you see.
What is to become of this barn? What ought to become of it? To the latter question I don't have an answer, but to the first the answer is clear. In the end, time runs the show, because in a manner of speaking, it is the show. For all its long endurance, my barn won't stand forever. In fact, as I look at it today, I'm with my late advisor: I don't see how the thing can make it through the coming winter. I wouldn't bet against it, though.
Reader Comments
Comment from Robb Riemer on January 8, 2009
Castle needs to let go! Sell the charming old wood which is in high demand to someone who will enjoy its beauty and put it to wonderful use. To let it rot and decay is not only selfish but shortsighted in saving the harvest of more trees. To sit and let it become dinner for insects and bacteria is irrational!!!
Think beyond yourself Castle!!!!
Comment from Steve Caporiccio on January 9, 2009
I can't believe Mr. Freeman would rather burn up all of that beautiful wood before he would sell it. If he sold the wood others can share in the beauty and history of his barn. It doesn't all go to wealthy clients of designers. I'm a retired teacher living in Delaware and recently bought some recycled barn wood from an Amish craftsman who finishes furniture made from the recycled wood. He got the wood from an old barn being dismantled in New Jersey. The furniture is beautiful and affordable and doesn't go to the Hamptons! I plan on making a kitchen table with my wood. Burning it up or letting it rot away would be such a shame. Sentiment should forbid him wasting that wood!!
Comment from on January 15, 2009
Mr. Freeman, if you decide to salvage your barn (I agree with Robb Riemer's comment that it is a waste on many fronts to let it rot), consider contacting Tom at the Old Wood Workshop located in Pomfret, CT (oldwoodworkshop.com) or any number of other salvage companies (many of which are small, family owned & run like ours). You would support a "green" business and make a potential buyer of your wood happy. You can't believe how many people would treasure what you have. If you can't save it, consider sharing it.
Comment from ROSE OLTMANN on January 23, 2009
I went through your exact feelings when I went into my old barn last fall and found the results of a leaking roof. My son found two carpenters who fixed the leaks and reinforced a wing, added raw siding in spots, and rebuilt that center beam that holds the high roof. The barn again has a proud look about it. My barn is a "catch all". It, too, hasn't seen any farm activity since way when. Years ago it was suggested to sell it for salvage but I had no idea who or where then. I now think perhaps I should have and would now not have this large blank space in my check balance. Oh, well. The building is again tight and secure.
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