Friday, November 10, 2017

Barn Raising

      Daddy and Mom managed to save up enough money to build a small woodworking shop, where he hoped to build furniture to sell and be able to work at home with his growing family.
      They bought all the lumber and supplies needed and then let all the Amish in the area know that they will be having a frolic on Saturday.
      We got up while it was still dark and hurried with our breakfast. By the time the sun was coming up, buggies were driving in the lane. The women and children came into the house and the men, after they had unhitched their horse and tied it to a tree, went to see what they could do to help.
      Before long the sounds of hammers and saws filled the air as the men tackled the job at hand, the women were visiting as they started preparing the huge noon meal, and we children couldn't decide where it was the most fun to be. In the house watching as vast amounts of food was being prepared or outside watching the shop grow under the steady pounding of hammers.
       Someone had brought the church benches to set up tables and provide enough seats for everyone. Daddy came and set up a few of them for us to slide on. That gave us something fun and out of the way of those who were working.
      At noon Mom sent some of the older children to tell Daddy that lunch was ready. She had us set out a row of bowls on a bench and then fill them with cold water from the garden hose. We laid a big clean towel beside each bowl and then watched as the men lined up and sloshed the water over their faces and arms, water dripped off their long beards as they reached for the towel to dry off.
      After everyone was washed up a few of the women quickly hung the towels on the clothes line until everyone was seated at the tables. Big platters of fried chicken and bowls heaped with steaming mashed potatoes and gravy, there was sweet corn and applesauce, stacks of fresh homemade bread, and plates filled with sliced tomatoes from the garden. And several kinds of pie for dessert.
       After the silent prayer was over everyone started filling their plates and visiting, the food soon disappeared and the men went back to work while the women cleared away the mess.
       By evening the shop was done. It looked beautiful with its white sides and green hip roof. There were stairs at the back on the outside that led up to an attic/loft that could be used for storage or an extra sleeping area when we got overnight guests.
      We were tired and happy as we got ready for bed. It had been a day filled to the brim with wonder and excitement and fun with friends.

20 comments:

  1. I so enjoy reading your stories. Especially memories like these of how the community comes together to help each other. We could surely use more of that in our world today instead of the separation that is unfolding before our eyes. How God must be saddened by all that is happening.
    Thank you for these uplifting posts. They brighten my days so much dear Mary Ann.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. You're welcome! So glad you are enjoying theses little memories.

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  2. What a wonderful story of helpfulness. To me it is a wonder to read about such a close community- so often I find that folks today are isolated and quite often lonely, surrounded by electronic companions but not human ones. Thank you, as always, for your engaging descriptions of your childhood.

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    1. I find it sad when electronic devices are more important than real life.

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  3. Just found your blog, and I LOVE it! Thank you for sharing.

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  4. This is the way childhood should be ... full of wonder! It's a joy to read your stories. Thanks so much for sharing. God bless you!

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  5. when a community cooperates in such a positive way..beautiful

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  6. Thank you for reminding us what communities can accomplish. "Many hands make the work light."
    It makes so much sense to share the tasks, share farm equipment, share in getting quilts quilted, taking turns hosting Sunday sings, etc.etc.
    I bet the well built workshop can be used for many more years to come, as can the beuatiful furniture your dad patiently created in it.

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    1. As far as I know that building is still being used.

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  7. I also bet no one has seen beautiful spelled quite that way...sorry.

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    1. LOL ... glad I'm not the only one who has fingers that hit the wrong keys at times. :)

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  8. You must have gone back and fixed that word because I could find nothing wrong with it. Mind you, my eyesight isn't great these days... I continue to read and enjoy your stories.

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  9. I so enjoy your stories of life growing up. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.

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  10. I enjoyed reading your post. Sound like a big family helping out with the building, cooking and sharing of food. This is a wonderful community living. I am your new follower!

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  11. Thank you for sharing - I so enjoy your blog.

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  12. The mere remembrance of a slice of my grandmother's fragrant black walnut cake transports me joyfully right back into her tiny antique kitchen! -Gwen Witmer

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I love hearing your thoughts.