Tuesday, February 24, 2015

A Barn Raising!


More than just building walls . . .


Happy Tidbit Tuesday, Michele Morris here to talk about old fashion barn raisings.


I love old movies, don’t you? One of my favorites is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and one of my favorite scenes in the movie is—you guessed it—the barn raising. It’s a fun, colorful, action packed scene consisting of the barn building, dancing, food, and even a little flirting. Well, maybe a lot of flirting, after all, the movie is about seven brothers, each looking for a wife.   


In the 18th and 19th centuries, barn raisings were a popular, necessary and social event. If a farmer needed a barn built he’d often organize a barn raising or a raising bee. Now, I doubt that real barn raisings were the choreographed performance of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, but nonetheless, a community came together not only to build, but to feast, sing, dance, and maybe even fit a young couples nuptials into the activities.

It would all start with a farmer setting a date for the raising bee. The news would quickly spread by word of mouth or perhaps an announcement posted in the general store. Then on the day of the barn raising a hundred or more men, women, and children would show up on site with food and tools in hand.
Many times, the barn would be finished in a day. Once in awhile, two days would be needed and folks would camp overnight to be ready for the next morning. I can just imagine music and socializing lasting into the night, can’t you?

Today, through telephone and internet we have instant access to one another. We watch developing world news on TV, as it happens. We discuses or share our opinions on social media. Imagine if all of those modern conveniences were gone. Then imagine the excitement of gathering with others to, first off, help someone in need, but also to meet new people, share news, and just have fun. This was the barn raising of years ago.

So what do you think? Would you enjoy living with less social access? Or do you need your daily dose of FaceBook and Instagram?

Let us know your opinion in the comments below, and don’t forget if you leave a comment you'll be entered into our prize drawing! This week's prize is When Dawn Breaks, By Jennifer Slattery. 

Oh, and you must check back on March 9th to see if you've won. 
(Check out the Prizes Galore tab above for any rules you might need to know) 

Have a wonderful week!

Michele       



13 comments:

  1. I love that movie. The barn raising scene is lots of fun.

    I don't use FB etc. I do like to email & I like to visit book related blogs. We did without it once before....

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    1. Hi Mary, I often forget my phone at home, and my first reaction is panic. Then I remember not long ago, I survived without it at all. I'm glad to be in constant contact with my family, but sometimes I miss the peace of a few hours of separation. :)

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  2. Love 7 Brides - great movie! What an interesting post! Like Kate I use FB to keep up with family, but I use email a lot - probably more than I should. When I go on vacation I get a little bit of withdrawal, but usually by the third day I don't miss it. Maybe instead of fasting from food, we should fast from technology!

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    1. Hello Linda, I agree about fasting technology. I think that would be tougher than fasting food. I don't do a lot of Facebook or others, but I have to be consciousness of the time I spend with email.

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  3. Kate, it's such a cute, fun movie! I like to think i could live without as much technology, but. . . that would have to seen! Lol! I really doubt my family believes I could. Thank you for the comment.

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  4. Being an author nowadays, it would be hard for me to do without the internet and social media. We do a good bit of traveling and occasionally we spend nights in areas where there's not much or any service. Is that panic I feel? Lol Still it's interesting and fun to read about the past and dream of what was.

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    1. I'm giggling, Caroline, because I feel your panic. I'd like to think I could live without the internet or cell service but reality tells me it would be missed!

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  5. I really should do without the internet more. I'd certainly get more done...I enjoyed reading today's post. I would enjoy reading Jennifer's book :)

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    1. Deanna, when my six children were all young we used have "no electricity days". The only electric appliance we would use was the refrigerator and stove. Those days were fun! We played board games and read to one another. Those are wonderful memories. Though I also remember some relief when the day was over. Hee-hee!

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    2. I used to love it when the lights went out as a kid. We got to heat water on the gas stove for our baths and light oil lamps and everything. I still enjoy it. I can live without FB and email, but I have to admit the internet does make researching history for my stories a lot easier than it could be. Thanks for the wonderful post, Michele. I enjoy that scene in 7 Brides too. :)

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    3. Hi Crystal! There is something fun about living like our ancestors, even if it's only for a day. And thank you for the compliment, it was a fun post to write.

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  6. Our modern conveniences are wonderful.....it would be very hard to do without them. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of the best in my book!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  7. Thank you for commenting, Melanie. Even my husband likes 7 Brides. He's not an old movie fan, so that says a lot about the show! :)

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