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
