![]() ![]() Most barn raisings were accomplished in June and July when the mostly agrarian society members had time between planting season and harvest season. Workers are differentiated by age and gender: men construct the barn, women provide water and food, the youngest children watch, and older boys are assigned to fetch parts and tools. (Post and beam construction is the traditional method of construction in barn raisings.) There is competition for these jobs, and they are sought after. Only certain specialists are permitted to work on the more critical jobs, such as the joinery and dowling of the beams. Young people participating physically for the firsttime have watched many barn raisings and know what is expected of them. At most barn raisings, the community members have raised barns before and approach the task with experience both in the individual tasks and On the whole, the affair is well organized. Older people who have participated in many barn raisings are crew chiefs. One or more people with prior experience or with specific skills are chosen to lead the project. Some specialists brought in from other communities for direction or joinery may be paid, however. Failure to attend a barn raising without the best of reasons leads to censure within the community. All able-bodied members of the community are expected to attend. Generally, participation is mandatory for community members. Materials are purchased or traded for by the family who will own the barn once it is complete. Lumber and hardware are laid in, plans are made, ground is cleared, and tradesmen are hired. A large amount of preparation is done before the one to two days a barn raising requires. ![]()
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