Stockbridge FFA Students Raise Scale Barn for Local Pioneer Days

by Robert Richards

The Waterloo Farm Museum Pioneer Day is a celebration where families can travel the grounds and explore the farmhouse and many buildings depicting farm life in the mid-late 1800s. This is the 61st year of the annual Pioneer day at Waterloo Farm Museum. This event offers food, fun old-styled farm activities, and more.

Prior to the event, the Farm Museum director reached out to Stockbridges FFA advisor, Robert Richards with a need, to raise a to scale post and beam barn. The team knew they had to step in. After coordinating, and getting the numbers to build, the plan fell into place.

October 8th, the day had arrived. After some guidance from pioneer volunteers, the building process began. Using 1800s methods, the team meticulously  assembled the base of the barn. The team was greeted with an audience of families and peers, wanting to learn more about the old building process. After a short break, for bypassers to view the floor plan, the team resumed construction. Using beams and short posts, the team produced the walls to the barn. The team maintained a rhythm and quickly assembled the roof using dowels for structure. Soon after, the barn was complete. The team rejoiced and watched the audience slowly gather to view the mock barn.

After an hour of viewing, the team disassembled the mid 1800s structure. The process was quicker because of the knowledge we learned from the assembly. After sorting the materials into the proper sections, the team reflected on their experience. The team was grateful for the opportunity, and the knowledge that they took from the experience. All in all, the team is willing and eager to help out again in the future.

(Pictured above from Left to Right: Owen Cipta, Kaden Carpenter, Brock Rochow, Ethan Salyer, and Jason Gruber)

FFA Member Owen Cipta shown inserting one of the wooden pins used to hold the post and beams in place.

FFA Member Kaden Carpenter inserting a wooden pin used to hold the post and beam joints together.

For more information about the Stockbridge FFA contact Bob Richards the Stockbridge FFA Advisor and Agriculture teacher at richardsr@panthernet.net or (517) 851-7770 ext. 6204.