Sunday, April 28, 2013

Sentimental Sunday:   A Once-Strong and Sturdy Barn

Three generations -- father, son, and grandson -- milked cows, stabled horses, and stored hay in this barn.  Deprived of its purpose, it now stands empty.  It was once a noble barn, both strong and sturdy, giving protection and comfort to those it served.

From the cooling house, milk was driven by wagon in winter or truck in summer to the Meadow Gold Milk Plant.  There are no milk buckets or cooling equipment now. 

Its joists and rafters speak of strength while its siding is fragile and decaying.

Once repaired yet now crumbling and in disrepair.  It is abandoned.

The heart of this dairy farm was the milking parlour where friendly, gentle cows lowed and chewed as they gave their warm milk.  Now, only debris litters the parlour.

This barn once stood on Strawberry Hill on Fredonia Road outside of Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.  It's been torn down since these photos were taken.  Sometimes I think that buildings have souls and that they offer support to those who care for and use them with wise stewardship.  I spent only an hour or so in and around this barn, yet I felt a connection to it.  Melancholy fills my soul today as I remember that this once proud, useful barn is gone.

William, Gust, and Lee Doyle were the father, son, and grandson -- the stewards -- who worked on and cared for this barn and farm.  They, too, are gone.

--Nancy.
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8 comments:

  1. Wonderful old barn. It's great you managed to get some good photos.

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    1. Thank you, Emily. The photos were taken before digital cameras and they're not as clear as I'd like -- but they're better than nothing!

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  2. I'm a little choked up. Isn't it sad to think about all the hard work that went on in that barn, and now it's no longer needed? On the other hand, it served it's purpose. And how many good old barns get memorialized in a blog post?

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    1. Yes, you're right, Jennifer, that it served its purpose. I can't imagine how crowded our world would be if every building stood forever. Still, it's sad to know it's gone. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.

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  3. Everyone on my father's side was named William or Elizabeth. William and Elizabeth had children named William and Elizabeth to married An Elizabeth and William and each couple named their children William and Elizabeth. More than likely each of the siblings also named their first born children William and Elizabeth. Yes, dates are a must!

    I also had an Alonzo grandparent in 1823. Alonzo made an appearance regularly in that branch. I've found that name everywhere as I've been searching.

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    1. Hi, T. Well, you have your work cut out for you with all those ancestors with the same name. What a confusion it could be. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.

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  4. Oh... so sad Nancy. A beautifully written tribute. Thanks for taking those photos before it was too late... and expecially for sharing.
    Catherine.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Catherine. Yes, I'm very grateful to have the photos -- but now I wish I'd taken more and that the ones I have were better.

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I appreciate your comments and look forward to reading what you have to say. Thanks for stopping by.

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