We have finally come to realize the beauty and excellence of the homes built by the early Americans, but too often their barns are regarded as mere curiosities. They are, rather, the shrines of a good life and ought to be remembered. -Eric Sloane
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3 comments:
There is just something about old barns. I could spend all day exploring them. Sure beat todays steel and pole "barns". I think instead of making shrines out of them we should use them!
Thanks for reminding me of Eric Sloane. I've read his books in the past and think they are precious resources. I've always wanted to purchase some of them but have never gotten around to it.
And I was thinking the same thing Scott, about using the barns instead of merely reverencing them!
Eric Sloane's books were highly influential to me in terms of developing a love for 'Americana'. His views need to be tempered with reality, as he is quite sentimental and nastalgic. This is one of his painting of a barn in Vermont.
I think though, when Sloane uses the word shrines he doesn't mean simply remember and gawk. Reverence and use aren't mutally exclusive. The only way to preserve a barn is to use it; as the men in the painting are seen doing.
Also, if you like Sloane, you'll love Edwin Tunis.
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