Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Why are barns red?




Why are barns red?  I had to do the research!

Years ago, farmers and ranchers used linseed oil 
to preserve the wood on their new barns.
The linseed oil (made from flax)  was
an orangey colored oil.  Sometimes lime or milk was 
added to change this "color" but sometimes rust scraped from
farm equipment was added.

I just love red barns!
Here are some that I have seen 
close to home and while 
traveling across America!







Some barns have stood for years 
and the color red has faded 
or is no more.
These barns are still beautiful!





Next time you are driving along the highways,
look for the barns.
Are they Red?
I wonder what stories they have to tell!

1 comment:

  1. What a lovely choice of red barns you show here, Mary. I love them too! The first one has a face and the one I like the best is the second one against the blue sky with the soft, discreet colour tones around it.

    I missed this posting when it came up and had to scroll back on my reader, and there it was!

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