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Wednesday, December 27, 2017

The Barn Remodel - Step 1

One of the best features of our farm is our little old dairy barn.  When we purchased this place in 1994, the previous owners had already removed the water drinking cups and stanchions, it was just an open space.  As the years progressed and our list of farm pets increased we added on 3 stalls.  We knew one day that we would have to put some money into this old barn to make it last another 50 years.   



We were able to save this part of the barn wall that had the initials of the original barn builder - the Netzinger family were dairy farmers here for many, many years.  

2017 was the year as the barn walls were getting very crumbly.  We were lucky to find a very reputable contracting company that understands the value of these old barns and have the knowledge to preserve them.  S.D. Ellenbecker 
http://www.sdellenbecker.com/ from Athens, Wisconsin.  















When the men came to work they started by cutting off the barn wall...it was pretty scary!  The plan was to remove the old foundation and floor so that we could have a new floor and poured wall.  Oh, it was scary to see the temporary jacks and supports.  I couldn't believe it, how is that old barn still standing!?!  










As soon as this west side wall was done, they were able to move their way around the south side - we did have our hay put away already for the year, so the top was full.  I was a bit concerned to see the barn without any walls.  















I really wanted to keep the traditional barn sash style windows, Mr. Ellenbecker knew that I was sad to hear we had to put in glass block.  So, he found me some old ones.   These came from an old barn in Marshfield that couldn't be saved.  I love that he found me old glass blocks and it's my favorite part!




We were lucky to be the "last" barn this guy worked on.  Knowing his work ethic - I doubt it will be the last....however, he was retiring, November 1.  Mr. Hoffman - thank you for your expertise in fixing and bringing life back to this old barn!





Now our old barn is straight, study and structurally sound.  The next step will hopefully come in 2018 - new roof and fresh paint.  20 years ago, Al and I would have done this, but not anymore....LOL...you need to pick your projects like you pick your battles.  Some aren't worth the risk or effort.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  http://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2017/12/simple-homestead-blog-hop-136.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OakHillHomestead+%28Oak+Hill+Homestead%29

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