The Historic Barns of the USA

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Barn Stories

No matter, where the road may lead, passing an old barn is not just passing by rotted out boards, or weather-beaten walls, the barns still standing in the distance represent the history of this country. With a few thousand still standing, the American stories embedded in the interior and exterior walls, recount the tales of our country. When listening to stories told about old barns - some are sad, and others are happy. There are funny stories, and scary stories. Regardless, of what kind of stories, you prefer, there is a barn story that will entertain and delight you.

Barn Colors

There is much folklore surrounding red barns. The stories are full of local flavor. In reading about the color of barns, the myths will entertain the whole family. Some stories say the color of the barns is red because rumor has it that farmers added blood from the animals, into the paint mixture. The blood mixed with the paint caused the color to turn brighter and deeper red, not only giving a long lasting decorative finish but also preserving the timber underneath and making it last longer.

Some barn stories say that the farmers painted their barns white because those are the only colors discerned by the cows. They say that from a distance, cows can see the barns, and know what direction to walk in, in order to get home for the evening. Other barn stories, say that barns are painted red because the red paint was simpy the cheapest one available! In reality, barns represent the color that was available in the local stores and was accessible to the farmers.

Barn Dances

Barns were the place for work and play, before the industrial age changed all that. In many communities, they were the largest place for people to gather, so it was normal for local dances, parties, or weddings, to take place in someone’s barn. They were also the ideal venues for auctions, revivals, and local political debates.

Every family had at least one milking cow, and the cows, chickens, and other animals stayed in the barns. It often became a community effort to raise a barn in a few days and after building it there was usually a celebration. We know that families came to America in the early 1600s, so we can guess that barn dances have been around, since that time. Many neighbors helped to construct the barn except those who had to work, but everyone attended the barn dances anyhow because it was a way for people to get to know each other, and to interact in a social setting.

Barn Music

When doing a search for barns, finding music barns will identify many sites. Several of them are now stores that sell musical instruments, sheet music, and offer music lessons. There are also musical red barns, yellow barns and a black barn! The Red Barn Music School is located throughout Massachusetts offering musical lessons or musical instruments, the Yellow Barn is a music school that offers chamber music and festivals annually. There is even the "Black Barn", which is the home to an alternative music group that entertains crowds with music typical of Black culture.

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