The red barn has become a symbol of Americana, but they are disappearing.
Iconic red barns evoke the spirit of rural life that many cherish in our country. But unfortunately, many of these beloved structures are slowly deteriorating and fading away. While the causes of their decay can vary, it is an increasingly prevalent problem facing farmers and landowners across the United States. “It’s a big concern because barns are getting older and older,” said a professor of agricultural education and communication at major University. “They’re still out there, but they’re being lost to erosion and/or rot.”
Red barns have long been a symbol of the American countryside. While they were once commonplace, there are fewer and fewer of these timeless buildings standing today.
The majority of red barns that were built throughout the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries were constructed with wood, which is particularly prone to aging over time. This has left many of these iconic structures in a state of advanced decay, either completely falling down or in need of significant repair work. Unfortunately, this means many red barns are being torn down due to their deteriorating condition rather than preserved as part of our nation’s history and rural landscape.
Red Barn Relic in Queenstown
Many red barns were built in an era when they were designed solely as storage spaces with little thought given to other uses, such as a dwelling. As a result, there are many structural issues that make them difficult to renovate and bring up to code.
In an effort to save some examples from destruction, some organizations have launched initiatives aimed at restoring old barns around America so future generations can appreciate them for years to come.
Yes, of course, prints of the above images are available for sale. Either click one of the photographs in the narrative or one of the links below…
One of the most iconic aspects of the classic American barn is its red paint job.
The classic red barn is a fixture of the American landscape, an iconic reminder of rural life and traditional values. But why were so many barns painted red in the first place? While there is no single answer to this question, the most common explanations point to practicality and/or symbolism.
Red Barn near Greenwood, Delaware
There are a few different explanations for painting barns red…
1) The practice of painting barns red dates back to the early 19th century. At that time, most barns were made from wood, unlike today’s steel and concrete structures. Bare wood was weathered by the sun, rain, and snow and was attacked by fungi and mold. As a result, barns of that era looked quite shabby. The wood of the barns was coated with an oil such as linseed oil (from flax) and may have also had milk or lime mixed in (white barns). But they also used rust (iron oxide) because it was plentiful on a farm and it also killed the fungi and mold/mildew that would, otherwise, grow on the wood surfaces. Since the red “paint” was inexpensive and easy to obtain, it was used to coat the barns in order to prevent a dilapidated condition.
2) Red paint also softened the hard lines of the barns and made them more pleasing to the eye.
3) One belief is that barns are red so a farmer’s cows can find their way home, but if so, that’s a failed strategy cattle are colorblind to the colors red and green .
4) Red is the color of barns because it symbolizes fertility, and paints containing red pigment have been used to paint barns for centuries.
5) The tradition of painting barns red is thought to be an ancient European one, and it likely started when the Celts began decorating their houses and temples with red clay.
6) Red is the most popular color in the world, with more shades than any other. It’s present in a number of different cultures, religions, and traditions. Some see it as a symbol of prosperity, while others associate it with love or death.
7) Red can be seen as a sign of danger. In many countries, it is the color of fire trucks and ambulances, as well as stop signs. It’s also associated with warning labels on dangerous products.
8) In many cultures, red represents happiness. It is the color of fire, and the color of blood. In India, it symbolizes prosperity and power.
Red, red barn on the Delmarva Peninsula
Here’s a “story” that seems rather far-fetched – and why do we not believe this?
In addition to protecting the barns from the weather, another reason for painting barns red was that it protected them from fires. When dry barns were burned, the flames would not catch on the wood. This was because paint did not readily ignite, and the smoke from a burning barn was usually black because it absorbed heat from the flames rather than reflecting it back. In the summer of 1892, a dry barn was destroyed in Vermont by fire. The owner, Mr. Thomas B. Robinson, of Middlebury, stated that the paint saved his barn from destruction and that he was never sorry for having used it. In the winter of 1892, a barn in the town of Middlebury was struck by lightning, which started a fire at one corner. The dry paint helped to smother the flames and prevent their spreading. The fire was discovered and extinguished before it reached the hay loft. In a short time, the barn was ready to be painted again. Since no one could remember exactly what color it had been originally, a decision was made to paint it yellow. The theory was that it would be easier to determine when the paint was no longer yellow than to try to recollect what color it had been before.
Red Barn outside of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Which one do you believe? We happen to agree with the first one about a means of preserving the barn wood with materials at hand. Makes sense, right?
Yes, of course, these images are available as prints, wall art, framed, on canvas and on a variety of home decor items.
It is luck or is it preparation or a little of both – to capture that perfect photograph?
You never know when or where the perfect photo opportunity will present itself.
Capturing a moment with the perfect photo can be an elusive task. Being in the right place at the right time is essential for taking that perfect shot, but the equipment you have can also make or break your photo opportunity. Remember that the “best camera to have” is the one you have with you. That may not always be your professional rig. Fortunately, today, most of us always have a camera at hand because our phone cameras are highly capable devices. A 12 Megapixel image that you have is better than the 24MP (or larger) image sitting at home (or back in the car).
Leaf Peeping in Newton Falls
As an example, the image above was from our trip last fall – right in front out our Holiday Inn Express near Newton Falls, Ohio. We were leaving to go to dinner – the light was perfect, the autumn foliage was spectacular and the sky was a beautiful blue. My Olympus gear was packed away back upstairs and it would have taken 15 minutes or so to come back with the “right” gear. After 440 miles of driving, we were tired and hungry, so I grabbed a few shots with my iPhone 12. I also thought (planning ahead, right?) that the morning sun would provide wonderful light for that same tree, albeit from a different angle. However, the next morning it was very windy and raining and nearly all the leaves were gone. Right place at “exactly” the right time, right?
Rainbow Panorama over Olivees Mountain on St. Kitts Island. This rainbow appeared after a quick morning shower that happened while enjoying a late morning coffee on the deck of a cruise ship. The rainbow would not wait for a “better” camera than the old iPhone 6 I had at the time. Yes, this image has sold multiple times.
When you’re out and about looking for a great photo opportunity, it helps to have the right tools. Having the best camera on hand can make all the difference in capturing a stunning shot. However, if you’re caught without your professional setup, don’t worry – you likely have a fully-capable camera in your pocket or purse.
Here’s another example that arose just last night (seriously, the night before I wrote this article) while walking along the dunes line at Myrtle Beach, SC. We come here to escape the cold for a few weeks (snowbirds?) and I was out planning where I might get some nice sunset views/shots while we are here. The sky and setting sun were nothing special so I just went for a “planning” walk to set up for future sunsets. As I was heading back to the condo I looed away from the setting sun and saw a cloud with amazing light and color.
Colorful Cloud over the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach, SC
I’m sure you can guess what “camera” I used for that image. Remember, 12MP in your hand trumps 24MP back in the condo.
Yes, photographs by Bill Swartwout are for sale as wall art and on a variety of home decor items.
