The Barns of Maine: Our History, Our Stories

by Arcadia Publishing

Overview

Although humble in their function, these carefully crafted barns have shaped the landscape of Maine for centuries.

Built long before the days of plastic and plywood, the barns have survived for generations, each with a story to tell. In Bridgton, one barn offered comfort to a 16 year-old boy when his father was injured; another New Gloucester barn was so important to one family that its likeness was engraved on their headstones. Some owners said they would rather see their homes burn than their barns, and others have dedicated their lives and countless funds to restoring and preserving these buildings. From modest English to grand Victorian, Don Perkins examines the structures, origins, and evolution of Maine's barns, demonstrating the vital and precious role they play in people's lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781609495268
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	09/04/2012
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,056,121
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Don Perkins is a former carpenter who found a second career in freelance writing. He now lives on Sebago Lake and writes on everything from classic cars to ice harvesting to barns. He writes a column for the Portland Press Herald, and gives presentations and leads barn tours for historical societies.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 9

Introduction 11

1 Early Barns: Traditional Structures Before the Civil War 15

2 The Old Majesties: Big Haylofts and Fancy Cupolas 51

3 Our Barns: Assorted Barns, Assorted People 75

4 Up North and Down East: The Border Barns of Aroostook and Washington Counties 105

5 Surviving in the South: The Barns of York and Cumberland County Farmers 145

6 The Restorers: Resurrecting Our Barns 163

Conclusion 177

Glossary of Barn-Related Terms: What You Need to Know from A to Z 181

Diagrams and Drawings: A Visual Perspective 185

About the Author 189