Amish Crew Dismantle Then Rebuild Barn (10 Photos)
In an impressive display of craftsmanship, an Amish crew from Ohio recently disassembled then rebuilt a barn in Indiana. An article in the Greenfield Daily Reporter tells us how it happened, and shares some excellent photos of the crew at work by photographer Tom Russo. For those wondering, you can be confident the crew was aware of these photos being taken and were okay with it, just based upon the types of shots we see here.
Tom Russo/Greenfield Daily Reporter
This was done for an English owner who purchased the old barn from a farm outside Fort Wayne. The seller had wanted the barn, which had been in the family for generations, to continue its function somewhere else. The barn made a 95-mile journey to its new home outside Indianapolis.
How did it work?
When dismantling Fout’s barn last month, Schwartz’s crew carefully labeled each piece — attaching a small white numbered tag to each one. They sketched out a map to show how each piece would fit back together.
Last week they arrived to lay out the pieces on the ground of Fout’s property. On Tuesday they reassembled the framing, tying a rope around each section before lowering them into place with a crane.
On Wednesday they once again made the two-hour drive to set the roof trusses into place.
Tom Russo/Greenfield Daily Reporter
On the craftsmanship and the Amish crew:
“It’s amazing to watch them work,” said Fout, who works full-time as the security manager at Covance in Greenfield.
“They carve each wood stake by hand, whittling them down from a block of wood,” he said.
Crew leader Johnny Schwartz said the wood stakes driven into the old wood beams are stronger than contemporary metal hardware.
This was the fourth barn reconstruction project for Schwartz, who owns JB Roofing & Construction in Ohio. He and his crew typically do roofing work, but he loves the chance to rebuild historic old barns, he said.
“I think they’re a lot better, a lot stronger than newer barns,” he said. “These old barns are built with pride; they’re meant to last. They’ll last forever if they don’t leak.”
Tom Russo/Greenfield Daily Reporter
Not only does the heirloom barn continue its existence, the new owner, who is expanding his calving operation, got quite a deal:
Including paying the original owner $4,000 for the barn, the cost to dismantle, transport and rebuild it will cost about $100,000, said Fout, compared to building a comparable new barn for close to $180,000.
Tom Russo/Greenfield Daily Reporter
Read the article and see the rest of the 10 photos here.
much to like
There’s a lot to admire about this story. The new owner got a great deal on a barn he needs. A heritage structure was saved. A resourceful Amish crew that pulled it off. A win for everyone involved.
Agreed! Would be something to see this process unfold. I get the sense from the photos the men enjoy the work. I’d like to figure out what community they are from but haven’t had a chance to do any sleuthing yet. The main clue is that they are from a community in Ohio about two hours away. Also might be some indicators in the dress.
Well said Geo!
I totally agree, Geo! Many Amish I’m aware of are extremely cost effective which is a wonderful trait. However, some; as with some English, are extremely cheap. IMO that’s not at all a good trait; especially when others are negatively impacted as a result.
I’m interested in there contact info for some work in Pennsylvania. Or a contact number for a more local Amish construction company for a large barn project.
I’m interested in knowing if anyone would be interested in a 45×25 ft barn removal there would be a small charge and experience and insurance would be required. Structure is located in the Rochester N.Y. area.
Thank you
Susan
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