In a world managed by software and cheap materials shipped from overseas, the Amish are preserving an artistic form of construction from centuries past
The writer Gene Logsden included in his books a fair amount of his experience with Amish. Lots of things come to mind but one of their attributes that stands out is their outstanding business sense. They are exceptionally profitable. Logsden died a few years ago. I need to revisit his work. For anyone interested, his Contrary Farmer is a solid start.
I love hearing a bit of your life story and the details of how you've come back to your roots and how your ancestry and family has made you who you are and a keen observer of creative people. Really love your writing on this !
I am amazed by the qulaity for the work the Amish are able to perform. Thanks to you, I have initiated a conversation with BlueRail about a complete scope of work for me including a cabin on a 5 acre property that I am purchasing in Horicon near Schroon Lake. I am so excited to persue this next chapter of my life. I will keep you all posted!
Will do. I'd love to catch up some day for a cup of coffee after I make the move. I am there is a lot I could learn from your experience with the farm.
This is excellent - I haven't read it all yet, but I will - I just felt compelled to post a comment.
My mother went to the School of Music at the University of Rochester and she was a homemaker and piano teacher and violin player. I'm pretty sure when I was in her womb I heard music all the time and I can say for sure - that in our house growing up there was always music and artistry. My father got lucky when he met my mother but it was only after he flunked out of Cornell and ended up at the University of Rochester as well! Ha, ha!
Tis a small world I reckon and your article resonates and the insulation looks of high quality - but I suspect your electric bills will be higher than $70 a month in the winter cold - but that ought not be a deterrent, and I admit I could be wrong.
I think it is tremendous. And in an act of total self-marketing I just can't resist posting this link at my place regarding my '24 season pepper harvest - it is all super documented and anybody could do it - and I think your free-spirited courage is very laudable, but I think your endeavors will have a higher chance of succeeding if you have some companionship at your place and that is important. Not to overstep my bounds, but it could be somebody trusted just renting a room, or somebody there reliable to assist in your efforts, or you know - somebody else there at your place - or several folks really.
The reason I say this is from a safety standpoint - just like when you go hiking or maybe snorkeling - tis always critical to not go alone....cause what if something happens - even if you are a great swimmer if you are alone and something happens the risk is much higher - so please consider that friendly advice and maybe you already know - but I think it is important because I think this deep down in my heart:
Together we are better!
Plus - I hope others catch on to some of what you are sharing cause it seems like it speaks to better ideas going forward - small-scale - local - sort of like Schumacher in "Small is Beautiful" as well as Kropotkin in his seminal work: "Mutual Aid".
Warm Regards,
BK
~~~
oh yeah the link - tis the "pepper harvest" - makes me happy to share it:
I've been thinking about this a bit more - this and other things.
One thing that has occurred to me is perhaps a barter arrangement with peppa seeds doesn't make good sense for where your farm resides. Not sure the season where you are at is long enough for peppers to thrive, cause I think it is a truism - most plants just assume be in the ground. I have a few peppa plants I left in the ground at our "Getaway" place in Fries, VA - recently suffered from some serious flooding - but I'm confident these plants are still alive, along with the one I've already placed in a pot - and I'm going to overwinter them.
For the ghost peppa "mama" - if she lives when I pull her out of the ground again, she will be three years old at the start of next season.
~
So, I rescind my offer of a barter trade at this time, unless you think it might have value - then I will entertain the idea of it.
~
Another thing though I've been thinking is "overwintering" crops and plants of value in your barn could be a real money-maker......I also still think your monthly power bills in the winter will be well over $70.....but that is the price of doing business in Upstate NY I reckon. I should know being I was born in Buffalo, NY.
I've read it all - the insulation is impressive....your bills in the winter months are going to be more than $70, but maybe over the course of the year that will be the monthly average.
It doesn't matter - what matters is building a place well at first - and seems that has been accomplished. So now that is done what matters next is how the space is utilized.
If you are able to "overwinter" some crops in the barn in the future that might have fiscal value. It just depends on the crops grown, but given you have several acres it is going to be important (I think) to pick a few crops to focus upon and to specialize for the sake of finding a niche. Meanwhile, all the other efforts can work symbiotically towards the overall goal of having a place making product worthwhile that the community nearby appreciates.
I look forward to reading the steps you take towards achieving these goals but I'm impressed by the quality of the workmanship presented and your ability to share the goals you are working upon.
So - good wishes I send to you and please do share further regarding energy costs and considerations as you get further along in this worthwhile effort. The most important thing truly - probably don't even need to type this - but the most important thing is to have local connections within the community with whom you work with together in a win-win sort of manner. Good relations with the local community is paramount for future success probability.
Moreover, I think having a propane tank on the property is probably something worth considering (if you don't have one already) and generators can be purchased that are dual-fire (either gasoline or propane) and propane burns clean and easy. So, as a contingency if power goes out - that is something worth acquiring especially if you have product that needs to be kept at a certain temperature to remain fresh and viable.
Any local farmer needs to be self-sustainable and that means having ability to make/have your own power (electricity) as well as having water supply reliable.
One thing you have not discussed is the quality of the soil - and I think it makes sense to let the land be "fallow" but typically that is only done with a portion of the property and soil management is critical for the sake of high yields.
I'm learning some of this on the fly myself and can't deny this is why I find what you are sharing here very pertinent - I think there are others who are doing this sort of thing and sharing experiences and lessons learned is how we all get better at the craft of it - year after year.
Can you say anything about static calculations? I mean its different if you build a small barn like your wedding location or a big barn thats three times as big, you need a different construction. It looks like when your barn falls apart the stairs will still stand.😉
The spray foam insulation is indeed cheaper and doesn't really fit into the whole concept, but okay. Aren't there any cheap and more natural options for the insulation?
Anyway, its nice to follow your jouney into a farm girl, can't wait to see how you fill that huge space with ... wedding decorations.😃
OK! I'll admit it, When that Dad edged over and quietly helped his son "get it right" I teared up*. Life's so f*cking easy. It's us who don't get it. Indigenous people and faith-based communities around the world are SO far ahead when it comes to mastering the day's challenges. That comes from having your priorities in order and from taking care of your inner workings. The art bubbles forth then...
As for the barn–beautiful. I noticed the lack of OSB boards early. Details like that make suc a difference when it comes to atmosphere/frequencies/etc.
Your fairy-in-the-birdcage story reminds me of Prometheus, with one significant difference being the latter got what he deserved. This world has grown tall being very good at hindering people from doing as they ought, from creating sustainably, from creating beauty and inspirational, breathtaking things. Most of all, it has confused us when it comes to living out our time. This post helps clear things up, and I thank you for it.
*–I remember working on a garage with a buddy and his father in Germany. The son was an engineer at Mercedes. The father was an old-school construction worker who had worked about 6 million and 8 construction jobs. The former was a perfectionist. The latter, so used to deadlines and job pressures, was for getting 'er done. This project was the polar opposite of your father and son there, but at least I got to laugh my ass off. Every three minutes they argued about something else. 8^)
The Amish were right all along. They also have job skills that are recession/depression proof
The writer Gene Logsden included in his books a fair amount of his experience with Amish. Lots of things come to mind but one of their attributes that stands out is their outstanding business sense. They are exceptionally profitable. Logsden died a few years ago. I need to revisit his work. For anyone interested, his Contrary Farmer is a solid start.
I love hearing a bit of your life story and the details of how you've come back to your roots and how your ancestry and family has made you who you are and a keen observer of creative people. Really love your writing on this !
Thank you so much!
I am amazed by the qulaity for the work the Amish are able to perform. Thanks to you, I have initiated a conversation with BlueRail about a complete scope of work for me including a cabin on a 5 acre property that I am purchasing in Horicon near Schroon Lake. I am so excited to persue this next chapter of my life. I will keep you all posted!
Omg no way!!! Keep me posted on that!! Tell John and Sam they’re the best 🙏
Will do. I'd love to catch up some day for a cup of coffee after I make the move. I am there is a lot I could learn from your experience with the farm.
I am sure....
Alexandra, have you considered marrying an Amish man? Might be awesome.
Hahaha no thank you - they get married around 19 and I’m 31, and not very domestic 😂
Lol
Come on - having a barn built is one thing - getting married another!
That was funny!
BK
It is a beautiful barn. Fit for man or beast.
Thank you 🙏
Beautiful work… congrats on all your decisions, well done.
Thank you!
A barn? That's no barn. And that staircase! Nice!
This is excellent - I haven't read it all yet, but I will - I just felt compelled to post a comment.
My mother went to the School of Music at the University of Rochester and she was a homemaker and piano teacher and violin player. I'm pretty sure when I was in her womb I heard music all the time and I can say for sure - that in our house growing up there was always music and artistry. My father got lucky when he met my mother but it was only after he flunked out of Cornell and ended up at the University of Rochester as well! Ha, ha!
Tis a small world I reckon and your article resonates and the insulation looks of high quality - but I suspect your electric bills will be higher than $70 a month in the winter cold - but that ought not be a deterrent, and I admit I could be wrong.
I think it is tremendous. And in an act of total self-marketing I just can't resist posting this link at my place regarding my '24 season pepper harvest - it is all super documented and anybody could do it - and I think your free-spirited courage is very laudable, but I think your endeavors will have a higher chance of succeeding if you have some companionship at your place and that is important. Not to overstep my bounds, but it could be somebody trusted just renting a room, or somebody there reliable to assist in your efforts, or you know - somebody else there at your place - or several folks really.
The reason I say this is from a safety standpoint - just like when you go hiking or maybe snorkeling - tis always critical to not go alone....cause what if something happens - even if you are a great swimmer if you are alone and something happens the risk is much higher - so please consider that friendly advice and maybe you already know - but I think it is important because I think this deep down in my heart:
Together we are better!
Plus - I hope others catch on to some of what you are sharing cause it seems like it speaks to better ideas going forward - small-scale - local - sort of like Schumacher in "Small is Beautiful" as well as Kropotkin in his seminal work: "Mutual Aid".
Warm Regards,
BK
~~~
oh yeah the link - tis the "pepper harvest" - makes me happy to share it:
https://buffaloken.substack.com/p/update-27-harvest-time-92524
I've been thinking about this a bit more - this and other things.
One thing that has occurred to me is perhaps a barter arrangement with peppa seeds doesn't make good sense for where your farm resides. Not sure the season where you are at is long enough for peppers to thrive, cause I think it is a truism - most plants just assume be in the ground. I have a few peppa plants I left in the ground at our "Getaway" place in Fries, VA - recently suffered from some serious flooding - but I'm confident these plants are still alive, along with the one I've already placed in a pot - and I'm going to overwinter them.
For the ghost peppa "mama" - if she lives when I pull her out of the ground again, she will be three years old at the start of next season.
~
So, I rescind my offer of a barter trade at this time, unless you think it might have value - then I will entertain the idea of it.
~
Another thing though I've been thinking is "overwintering" crops and plants of value in your barn could be a real money-maker......I also still think your monthly power bills in the winter will be well over $70.....but that is the price of doing business in Upstate NY I reckon. I should know being I was born in Buffalo, NY.
~
Warm Regards,
BK
I've read it all - the insulation is impressive....your bills in the winter months are going to be more than $70, but maybe over the course of the year that will be the monthly average.
It doesn't matter - what matters is building a place well at first - and seems that has been accomplished. So now that is done what matters next is how the space is utilized.
If you are able to "overwinter" some crops in the barn in the future that might have fiscal value. It just depends on the crops grown, but given you have several acres it is going to be important (I think) to pick a few crops to focus upon and to specialize for the sake of finding a niche. Meanwhile, all the other efforts can work symbiotically towards the overall goal of having a place making product worthwhile that the community nearby appreciates.
I look forward to reading the steps you take towards achieving these goals but I'm impressed by the quality of the workmanship presented and your ability to share the goals you are working upon.
So - good wishes I send to you and please do share further regarding energy costs and considerations as you get further along in this worthwhile effort. The most important thing truly - probably don't even need to type this - but the most important thing is to have local connections within the community with whom you work with together in a win-win sort of manner. Good relations with the local community is paramount for future success probability.
Moreover, I think having a propane tank on the property is probably something worth considering (if you don't have one already) and generators can be purchased that are dual-fire (either gasoline or propane) and propane burns clean and easy. So, as a contingency if power goes out - that is something worth acquiring especially if you have product that needs to be kept at a certain temperature to remain fresh and viable.
Any local farmer needs to be self-sustainable and that means having ability to make/have your own power (electricity) as well as having water supply reliable.
One thing you have not discussed is the quality of the soil - and I think it makes sense to let the land be "fallow" but typically that is only done with a portion of the property and soil management is critical for the sake of high yields.
I'm learning some of this on the fly myself and can't deny this is why I find what you are sharing here very pertinent - I think there are others who are doing this sort of thing and sharing experiences and lessons learned is how we all get better at the craft of it - year after year.
I think I meant to say, quality of work, LOL....It's still early morning here in Charleston.
Can you say anything about static calculations? I mean its different if you build a small barn like your wedding location or a big barn thats three times as big, you need a different construction. It looks like when your barn falls apart the stairs will still stand.😉
The spray foam insulation is indeed cheaper and doesn't really fit into the whole concept, but okay. Aren't there any cheap and more natural options for the insulation?
Anyway, its nice to follow your jouney into a farm girl, can't wait to see how you fill that huge space with ... wedding decorations.😃
Great read!! Thank you very much!! ♥️☀️☮️🌈🏁
Simply lovely! Would you be willing to share a bit of your vision for this space?
Sure! I will do a post about it!! I am dreaming up a space where nature + small scale tech converge.
Amazing work.
Thank you!
OK! I'll admit it, When that Dad edged over and quietly helped his son "get it right" I teared up*. Life's so f*cking easy. It's us who don't get it. Indigenous people and faith-based communities around the world are SO far ahead when it comes to mastering the day's challenges. That comes from having your priorities in order and from taking care of your inner workings. The art bubbles forth then...
As for the barn–beautiful. I noticed the lack of OSB boards early. Details like that make suc a difference when it comes to atmosphere/frequencies/etc.
Your fairy-in-the-birdcage story reminds me of Prometheus, with one significant difference being the latter got what he deserved. This world has grown tall being very good at hindering people from doing as they ought, from creating sustainably, from creating beauty and inspirational, breathtaking things. Most of all, it has confused us when it comes to living out our time. This post helps clear things up, and I thank you for it.
*–I remember working on a garage with a buddy and his father in Germany. The son was an engineer at Mercedes. The father was an old-school construction worker who had worked about 6 million and 8 construction jobs. The former was a perfectionist. The latter, so used to deadlines and job pressures, was for getting 'er done. This project was the polar opposite of your father and son there, but at least I got to laugh my ass off. Every three minutes they argued about something else. 8^)
I knew they were good. I didn’t know they were THAT good! Woah!