The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-08-13
RAISING A BARN.
How They Do it Up In
Aroostock County,
Maine.

The following account of a barn rails
ing at North Franklin. Me, is from the
Phillips CNIe.) Photograph:
Never has it been our privilege to
witness such an event as took place on
the farm Of Elbridge Dill in this
town on Thursday of last week.
Mr.. Dill's barn was burned by light
ming in the fearful thunder tempest
that occurred on July r. Notwithstand-
ing his heavy loss. Mr.. DIPS order was
sent to Mr.. Holman's mill the next
morning for another barn frame of
the very best material. which was
nlled in very short time, and as
quickly conveyed to the spot by the
Dill Bros. and others where a number
of men were in waiting to do the franz
ing, ]. Walter Kennedy as master
workman, who is ranked by competent
judges as among the very best.
AT a. IN. the frame was in position
and pinned together for raising and
every man ready and not a word spok-
en- Presently came the low word from
the boss, Pick it up" AS many men
as could find standing room obeyed the
order, assisted by a set of blocks
rear. The first band was easily and
quickly put in position with the rafters
framed onto the posts. The raising of
the others was but d rapid repetition of
this band. AS soon as the second band
was up and the cross timbers in place,
the boarding commenced. The rest of
the bands We're put in place in an I'M
accountably short space of time
Nothing more was to be done but to
III. nil. ~
pied but few minutes, and the work
was done.
In just one hour and thirty minutes
from the time the boys got the word to
pick 1t up" the last pin was driven
home in the roof and the frame was
complete, and the glad shout rang out
over Fair View farm. J
In a moment every man was on the
ground and called to order by S.
D. McKennedy, who called on Allison
Parker for remarks, who responded by
reading short poem, part of which
we give below:
understand you'll want name
For this large, square and handsome
hope no one will ever fall
From off this frame so high and tall.
A short time ago this timber stood
Firmly, and growing in yonder wood
Yet since the old barp burned to the
All this fine timber the workmen have
found.
They've worked it out so nice and square.
Ihat we've raised this great frame high
in air; ..
The joints are all firm and the frame is
For every stick is the best of wood.
j. B. Noble followed and said that it
was an old-time custom on such occa-
sions to name the frame, and this one
certainly should be named To which
). D. McKenney replied that it was in
deed fine frame and turned and said:
MAJ. Dill, what shall we name it p"
The major, who had been very much
interested all the morning, quietly
stepped forward and feelingly said
This is fine frame and sets on a fine
May God bless its owner and all he has
got.
May he ever prosper from day to day,
And fill it well with stock and hay,
May he finish it up to his hearts desire =,
ana never again be destroyed by fire.
COG bless his kind friends who have
And the name of this barn be Prosperity"
The dear old man was heartily
chAered for his effort, and at this point
dinner was announced. Thirty men
were treated to a fine dinner and to all
appearances there were more than 70
BASKETS left. Too much praise cannot
be bestowed on the cooks at Fairview
farm.
At o'clock the frame was nearly all
boarded in, and so men were on the
frame swinging hammers as though
each mans life depended on the great
est number of nails driven, while as
many men were on the ground with
saws ana other tools fitting boards for
every part of the barn, presenting such
q scene as cannot possibly be described.
At 2,SO load of hay was hauled, into
the barn amid deafening cheers. AS
soon as the load came to a halt two
ladies, Mrs. John Durham and Mrs.
Joel Carleton mounted the load and
commenced to pitch off the hay in gall
liant style, and right manfully did they
make the hay fly. Two gentlemen had
mounted the load as a matter of cour-
tesy to pitch off the hay. They had no
sooner gained footing on the load, when
the presentation of fork tines said
palmer than words could possibly say,
You git, we ale going TO have our way
as usual. The men were loathe to-
leave such good company, when they
were suddenly seized by men without
gloves on from below and very quickly
brought to the floor amid cheers
The major all this time was very
much elated, and stepping up to one Of
the pitchers, said: "a woman had her
way in the garden of Eden, and they
have kept it UP ever since"
AT $3.50 the barn was entirely boarded
in.
After the raising Thursday it was de-
cided to have a Singing and the date
was made Saturday last, which proved
to be very fine day, in fact, SO good
that nearly everybody stayed at home
and did their haying, and there was
very small crew present. About two
thirds of one size Of the roof wasl
shingled, though, before the sun set.
One feature abe ut this raising is,
nearly all of the men present belonged
to either the Grangers. Odd Fellows or
Knights of Pythias CT all of which or
ders Mr.. Dill is an honored member
We could but exclaim IS we looked on
the demonstration of last Thursday of
friendship and brotherly love, fBlest
be the tie that binos."
Speaking of the frame, Messrs. Noble
and McKenney, who certainly are ex-
pert judges, said "This is the best
frame in the county" Maj. Dill said:
This days work beats the record of
the state"
This frame is 44x75 feet. Mr.. Dill will
make an addition of rs feet another sea-
son.