Update on 1914 horse barn.

Geo-TH,In · Aug 24, 2018

We've been working on this barn and 10 acres for almost a year. Had what seems like 100's of trees to clear, grape vines, brush.

The entire east side of barn had been damaged by powerpost beatles. 14 ft of the North east side of barn had no support at all.

It's been a long process, jacking up the east side, making a support beam out of 2x6 oak lumber from barn. Temperalilly support beam and using 4x4's in concrete to support wall.

Now we are cutting off about 2 ft of the 2x6 rafters, scabbing on new 2x6's, replacing some purlins with used 2x6 5/4 treated decking, using 5/4 for facia. Reusing 36 inch rusty sheet metal for roofing.

We got 18 feet done and today got stopped by rain.

Slow process for a guy pushing 70 and another 75 year old cancer survivor who is the owner and loves horses.

The horse stables are going to be on the side we are working on. Need to get the roof fixed and east side closed in by winter.

Pictures don't show the extent of what we've done all on a shoestring budget.

Janicholson · Aug 24, 2018

Mighty high effort. Dedication is important for continued health. Jim

Russ from MN · Aug 24, 2018

Looks good, congratulations for fixing up an old building! Last summer I did some warranty work on a building that I built 48 years ago.

Geo-TH,In · Aug 24, 2018

Both of us are old school country boys that grew up on farms.
More than dedication is not making the 5 o'clock news. There were some scary moments jacking up the barn, using ratchet straps to temporarily support the inner post beams. Then replacing straps, with large turnbuckles and cables.

Still a lot more jacking and supporting to do with main structure.

Horses have been living there for about a month.

Old John in Ohio · Aug 24, 2018

You're doing great George. Just be careful.
It's certainly worth saving.
John

tomturkey · Aug 24, 2018

Russ, I guess that must be a Lifetime Guarantee, your lifetime that is. gobble

Geo-TH,In · Aug 24, 2018

I agree, I hate seeing an old barn fall down. At one time that barn was another man's dream. Back in 1914 the man that built this barn had to have a lot of money. He also built a two story house with basement in 1906. Hardwood floors and all. House is structurally sound and has a lot of potential. owner isn't living in the house yet. Has heat and window AC. Nice place to eat our lunch and cool off on hot days.

K Effective · Aug 24, 2018

I get sad when I think about such fantastic structures left to rot- congratulations on saving this one, even on a shoestring. Most would have burned it down to build a pole barn that will never last 104 years.

Geo-TH,In · Aug 24, 2018

Perhaps I should have added my friend would take any rusty metal siding if you want to donate to the cause.
I know a man who gets plywood covered wood pallets from work. We are going to make outside walls and doors with pallets. We'll cover pallets with metal, plywood side goes on inside.

Cmore · Aug 24, 2018

That?s what I did.

Duane WI · Aug 24, 2018

I saved my barn. I did it over time but very happy I did. When I bought the place in 1999 it was too the point that another 5 or 10 years and it would have been to far gone. Not as bad of shape as that one but heading there quick. I gave up chasing leaks with a caulk gun on the old metal roof with what seemed like a million nails. Had a new metal roof put on 2 years ago and not a drop of water inside since.

larry@stinescorner · Aug 24, 2018

nice job!! great pictures!!!

Riverslim · Aug 24, 2018

Working on mine too. Fortunately I have more to work with.

flying belgian · Aug 24, 2018

Sorry to say, I've torn down much better buildings then that.

Philip d · Aug 24, 2018

It?s looking great! You guys should be very proud of yourselves never mind the nay saying

MarkB_MI · Aug 25, 2018

That's impressive, George. Not many folks would take on a project like that.

Dick L · Aug 25, 2018

Good Deal! I love watching these kind of projects progress. Keep the pictures coming.

grayrider · Aug 25, 2018

I am glad to see that you are saving it, have you thought about asking a local school FFA chapter to pitch in on labor or even a Scout Troup, young men need a project to hone their skills and stay busy...

GEO-TH, In · Aug 25, 2018

Our high school have vocational classes in building trades. Sounds like a good idea on paper. Then a student gets hurt. Then school sells house, and there are electrical issues, plumbing issues, HVAC issues.

So in the end students become spectators watching subcontractors do all the work.

Not to mention you can't by federal law keep special needs students out of building trades. So instructor becomes baby sister for emotionally disturbed students.

It would be a great idea if you could hand pick students that could really benefit.

I know a union steward in charge of local labor hall. He teaches union apprentices how to build things, but Never rebuild houses, barns. Lot of classroom activities on a small scale.

GordoSD · Aug 25, 2018

Pallets are full of emerald ash borers. Be careful

Update on 1914 horse barn.

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