A Survivor

A Survivor. . , This barn is thought to be the oldest structure standing on the Mahaffie farm. While the siding was replaced at least twice, the frame underneath probably dates to about 1860, when the Mahaffies established the farm and their first home. In 2009, the barn underwent complete restoration thanks to a grant from the Johnson County Heritage Trust Fund., Look carefully at the construction of the barn's frame and you will notice the use of wooden pegs or trunnels to connect the timbers. Known as timber framing, this method of construction dates back to medieval times., By the 1800s, this technique was not used due to any lack of nails. Cut nails, produced by steam or water-powered machinery, were quite common and easily available. Nails are used throughout a building like this, to attach siding, floor boards, and shingles. Timber framing is simply the best method for joining the large wooden beams together., Most early barns were open down the middle, so that a wagon could pull through with a load of loose hay, sheaves of wheat, or ears of corn. The cargo could be pitched to either side for storage - or easily loaded up again as needed.