What an experience this project has been so far.  Every morning I arrive at the building site my thoughts are drawn back to a time when the luxury of power tools did not exist.  Hand tools and sweat built barns back then, and the latter is still a big part of buildinig barns today.  This fact has become more apparent as the work we do transitions more and more from power tools to hand tools.  As the transition takes place history seems to be coming alive.  The interactions that take place each day between Grandpa Everett, Kirk and I are nothing short of comical.  At random times throughout the day when a little comic relief is needed someone will mention a sloppy pocket that was made or a mistake in a measurement that resulted in a beam being too short (wont mention any names :-) , or suggesting the use of the old fashioned "beam stretcher" for the beam that was cut too short.   Jokes that to those who don't have experience in this type of work may not find humoroous, but really help make the day and project more fun.  I imagine the same jokes have been told by the old timers to one another while doing the same projects. 

 

Work is moving steady and we will be busy for sure right up until raising day.  More to come tomorrow.

 

Timothy Rau  

Being at the site where this remendous construction is taking place is awesome for me. Watching the massive timbers being shaped so that the barn will fit together

is a new experience for me. Yes, today, the laborous work continues with Tim, Kirk and Ev enjoying every minute. Hard to believe but they put their heart and souls into this project. Many thanks to all who have helped in the construction so far and to those who may in the future as the New-Old Barn takes shape. Viewing and seeing history in the making would not have been possible for all to enjoy without the effort put forth by Ken in creating the PVF web site.

 

Mom [Peg Rau]

Wow, our second coment on the site.  I am glad it is catching on.  All of you should be able to post comments to the Blog and each of the photos.  The more comments and text on a site the higher it ranks in google.  The regualr farm site is now number two when you search on Pleasant View Farm. It used to be in the 80's to 90's.

 

Thanks for making the oak pins for the barn, we'll sure need them.  See you all soon.

 

Ken