Barn Plans from 1919
When I saw it for sale on Ebay I thought this old barn catalog looked interesting because the building described looked so very much link those on my grandparents farm in south central Minnesota.
My grandfather had to quit farming at age 40 when a case of adult measles left him crippled and unable to work like he always had. By the time I arrived, the buildings had not had livestock for a long time. However, the corn crib, chicken house, and granary were still used.
I can remember having great times with my brother and cousins playing in rooms full of soy beans.
I still remember all the rats and mice that came running out of one of the corn cribs. as the corn was being shelled. Our very timid dog suddenly turned into her rat terrier self and was absolutely fearless about running done and killing the rats. She seemed to know instinctively how to grab them by the neck and give a twist/snap with her head that threw them into the air and broke their spines.
I was really surprised to find all the references to solar heating, the need for fresh air and water, and the design of passive ventilation systems in this old catalog.
I think folks who are considering raising livestock on a small scale can learn a lot from these plans. Farming on this scale no longer makes economic sense, but a novice hobby farmer can learn a lot be looking at these designs.
I hope you enjoy these plans and comments as much as I did.