BUILDING A NEW BARN

The dairy barn had been there for many years and had deteriorated with time, so we decided that if we were going to continue the farming operation, Joe needed better facilities so that the production would be a success. After some consideration, Peter Sheehan, a local carpenter was hired to do the construction.

It was the spring of 1965, when the project began. It was quite a worry at the time, for we had no place to store the hay and straw for the winter if the new barn was not ready.

First, all the cattle had to be moved to the pasture, and had to remain there for the duration of the building process. Soon a bulldozer arrived and demolished the barn, and other items nearby that were in the way for the new expansion. Even our famous apple tree had to go.

Peter was an excellent carpenter, but lacked the tools, that would make the job progress at a faster pace. Peter did not have a transit, so used the garden hose instead. The cement did not arrive at the sight already to be poured. Instead, it was mixed by hand, placed in wheelbarrow, and used to form the foundation. Peter knew exactly how much sand, gravel, cement and water to use. One had to be an exceptional carpenter to be able to do that. The foundation is still in good condition today. Peter did not even use a skill saw. Instead, preferred to cut the boards with a hand saw. Peter worked diligently, but had little help and the summer was passing quickly. Joe was becoming anxious to have the roof installed because the hay season would soon be over.

One Monday morning, Peter arrived to start his day’s work, but could not find his hammer that he had stored safely on the roof. Kevin, who was only six years old at the time, was questioned about its whereabouts. Sure enough, Kevin had it in his wagon. Apparently he wanted to use it, so, unnoticed he climbed the twenty—eight feet to the top of the barn and retrieved the hammer. Peter chuckled and said, “He will be a great mountain climber someday”. (Fortunately, this is one thing that Kevin has not done as yet.)

When the end of August approached, Peter was true to his word, and had the roof tight. The walls were not ready, but the hay went in anyway. Joe had no modern hay equipment, so had to buy a rake, baler, escalator and wagons to make the hay storage more efficient.

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