The mystique of old buildings … barns

One of the purposes – other than to be in air conditioning – of our recent day trip was to look for old buildings. I am fascinated by them. If only we knew the stories they could tell.

We traveled through the countryside west and north of St. Cloud, Minnesota. This area is quite rural with numerous farmsteads. Many of the ‘out-buildings’ (often called accessory buildings, such as barns and sheds) are in a state of decay. Still, there is a sense of beauty in their sagging roofs, open spaces and missing boards.

I must note that I really  have no idea – other than very generally – where these buildings are located.

This building appears to be mostly empty. Note the small window in the center – perhaps looking out from a loft area. Imagine children playing in that loft – hiding from the outside world, telling stories and having fun. Imagine a tractor or other farm equipment parked in the end bays. 

The barn below appears to still function. While weathered and worn, with only hints of its previous red glory, the barn stands tall, straight and majestic. 

The barn and silo below have seen there last useful days. Now lying in a pile of rubble, they unfortunately reflect the status of many rural barns. 

The barn below, though tattered and torn, is standing tall – as are the other out-buildings and still functions for farming purposes. 

My next blog will feature an abandoned farmstead.

Related blogs: 

https://carolynlbraun.com/2016/08/22/a-peek-through-time-continued/

https://carolynlbraun.com/2016/05/19/a-peek-through-time-the-mystique-of-abandoned-homes/

Thanks for reading. I hope you will return.