May - 24 - 2008

"What Your Mind can Conceive and Believe it can ACHIEVE" - The proof of these words was proven true yesterday at Pleasant View Farm as the last of the roof rafters was raised into position.  A dream conceived last spring was through the efforts of many people turned into reality as team of people assemble to witness the last wooden peg is driven into the 12th set of roof rafters (See Left).  From left to right - John Hughes, Timothy Rau, Ray Smith, Mike Zegarelli, and Kirk Greenfield, witness the placement of the last wooden rafter peg being pounded into place.  Shortly thereafter the rafter was raised into position and nailed into position.  You all have seen a steel structure topped with an American Flag when it reaches its highest floor.  For wooden structures like timber-frame barns tradition dictates that it be topped with a pine tree to symbolize the completion of the highest point.  Shown below, Tim places the tree to the last rafter lust prior to it being placed in the final location.  Shortly after the ground team pulled the rafter into its permanent resting place.

The last of the heavy, high lifting on this barn is complete, thanks to the efforts of many people, who I wish to thank.  The names of all who helped will be displayed on a plaque in the barn  to commemorate in perpetuity that their assistance in turning this dream into reality for Pleasant View Farm.   As the primary author of this blog, I feel compelled to mention that the dream was conceived by Everett Rau (Dad). Timothy Rau worked side by side with his grandfather for countless hours learning, discussing and at times disagreeing :-) on the approach.  There was a time last fall when a gentleman by the name of Kirk Greenfield visited PVF for a little R & R and bit of hunting.  Upon seeing the work in progress Kirk, put down his shotgun and got right to work.  Kirk has been omnipresent during each phase of this project and I am comfortable in saying that without his help we'd not have completed the barn to this point by this date.  THANKS KIRK.  There are so many others who don't pound pegs, cut logs or muscle timers into position, like the wives, girlfriends of all of us who spent time on this barn raising.  I wish to thank all of them for their support. 

More pictures can be seen in the album for yesterday and I have put some videos out on You Tube for your viewing pleasure.  Thanks to all.... In closing, most of you have seen Brandt Bolding moving about the building site taking photos and videos of this process.  Most of you have not seen his work in the documentation of this effort.  Brandt has since last fall driven ~1.5 hours many many times to visit the farm to provide a video and photographic account of the raising as a favor to my father.  Thanks Brandt....

Ken

A Great Day at PVF 1799

The day started early....I am thinking that several of us had some anticipation about today's efforts.....Tested before, no doubt but not by the present generations at PVF.  It should be noted that you can search "You Tube" for barn raising's where you'll find cranes in use. We took a more holistic approach...Old fashioned muscle power with mechanical advantage.  When I have more time I will publish the videos,

Today we raised 8 of 12 rafters.....Rain threatened but held off till we were all too tired to lug around rafters anymore for today. During a 1 PM break, Pat Rau cooked a nice lunch on the grill that was enjoyed by all......Oh there might have been some beverages there also.......

In the end it was a great day all around.....I need to think many people for the success of today.....

Dad for creating this project/dream, Tim for helping to making a reality, Kirk for his unwavering assistance on this project since last year, Mom for making more lunches for more people than she has in a number of years, Pat for her support in all areas including the great"raise the roof meal" at the barn today, Stacie for supplying auxiliary beverage support and being there, Art, Keith, Ray, Jason, John and Mike for their help in making this dream a reality for Pleasant View Farm.

Now I've thanked the muscle food powers to be now I can't forget to than the artistic presence....Brandt has driven hours to get to PVF to provide video-graphic  evidence of this historic restoration of PVF.  While Brandt is there documenting on video, Ping has used her creative talents in still photography to produce still photos of the the people and events. 

I extend my thanks to all who helped.

  Thanks to ALL Who Helped Today....We Finish Next Saturday.......More to Follow, Ken

It was quite a busy week at the barn this week.  Last Sunday it appeared that we'd not be ready, but the weather and time work for the barn.  The album for the 15-16, May show the preparation.  I have included a couple of pix from the last couple of days here.  Make sure you check out the album.....

From left to right. The barn today- Dad secures the Jin Pole - Dad cuts the mortise into a gable end rafter.

Above Left to Right - Dad and Kirk steady a rafter for raising to the loft. - Tim takes the high-road and secures the hoisting pulley. - The east end wall plate is prepared to receive the gable end rafter #1.

Rafter Shaping

Over the last couple of weeks Tim, Dad and Kirk have been shaping the rafter pairs that will be raised next weekend.  There only 3 sets of rafter pairs to be completed.  Each set has to be made to match together perfectly.  Hope you enjoy the first set of photos for the year.

Tim uses a Mallet and Chisel to shape the Bird's Mouth on one of the Rafters.

Tim uses the monster saw to make the first cut on one of the rafters.