The name pretty much says it all. Lots of readers are interested in building roundhouses, and so when a reader sent me this website I just had to post it here for all to see. (Thanks, Richard.) There are around 100 round barns on the list, and they’re a good source of inspiration. Look closely for details.
Source: Wisconsin Round Barns List
From Jay:
I should have also mentioned that there is a lot of information online about Washington’s treading barn.
http://www.mountvernon.org/visit-his-estate/preserving-his-estate/restoration-projects/16-sided-barn
Plenty of photos available of the completed reconstructed Mount Vernon Treading barn.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=mount+vernon+16+sided+barn&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41524429,d.b2U&biw=740&bih=406&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=02MDUa2yMZDm8wSPo4CIDg#um=1&hl=en&safe=off&tbo=d&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=mount+vernon+barn&oq=mount+vernon+barn&gs_l=img.3..0i24l3.61457.62277.0.63210.4.4.0.0.0.0.106.321.3j1.4.0…0.0…1c.1.mY4Z9c81C9c&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41524429,d.eWU&fp=40a2f4bda456687e&biw=740&bih=406
[Use Google Images and search for George Washington barn if the long link doesn’t work.]
From Jay:
The first thing I thought of when I saw your blog post was President George Washington’s 16 sided barn. It’s actually a very fascinating barn. Here is a YouTube video about it, which might make for an interesting follow up blog post to your Wisconsin barns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZBhe6vxZ7U
I don’t think Washington’s design is something we need to go back to. I think modern threshing technology makes more sense, especially if someone can find a way to power it from natural renewable power sources. However, looking back at old ideas and old technology is often enlightening in solving some of our modern problems.
If nothing else, George Washington’s barn design is just plain cool and fun to look at.