Trees with autumn leaves. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "We hope this presentation has helped you to appreciate the hard work and perseverance of the early settlers in developing our land. Thank you for listening."
Handwritten note follows on script: "Note: O. O. [Old Order] Mennonites assist with barn building for a neighbour of any religious persuasion."
Additional handwritten note that the writer wished to be inserted into the script after "developing our land": "and laying a solid foundation for a community upon which succeeding generations are building."
Barn near completion with cows in foreground. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "Now we see the almost completed barn. The work which began at 8:00 a.m. is finished by 4:30 in the afternoon. A total of more than 150 man days of labour provided in one day at no cost to the farmer. After the main structure is completed, much still remains to be done. Some neighbours will bring hay, straw and feed grain, others will provide money to help the farmer get back on his feet. The Old Order Mennonites living north of here do not have insurance but they look after each other and their neighbours in the spirit of Christian Community. Through this form of mutual aid a great loss is turned into an opportunity to give, share and build community."
Barn raising crew working on roof. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "Toward the end of the day there is hardly enough space for all the men to work."
Barn raising crew working on roof. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "The almost completed structure provides an interesting latticework appearance."
Barn raising crew installing sheeting on completed rafters. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "Now the rafters are completed and already the men have started putting on the sheeting, others continue working on the siding."
Barn raising crew installing sheeting on completed rafters. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "Now the rafters are completed and already the men have started putting on the sheeting, others continue working on the siding."
Barn raising crew installing centre rafters. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "Putting up the centre two rafters at the peak is a daring feat and requires good nerves, steady hands and feet."
Barn raising crew securing rafters with spikes. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "The rafters are held in place with spikes. Here we see the first spike going in."
Barn raising crew installing rafters. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "Back at the barn we see more sections being installed and pinned."
Women washing dishes after barn raising lunch. Corresponding section from the Brubacher House script reads: "After the meal is the inevitable task of cleaning up and washing the dishes for more than 150 men - no automatic dishwashers here."
Barn raising crew having lunch. A large hooked rug hangs on the wall in the right side of the photograph. Corresponding section from the Brubacher House script reads: "The noon meal is an enjoyable time for all."
Women preparing lunchtime meal for the barn raising crew. Corresponding section from the Brubacher House script reads: "The women work hard preparing the food they brought."
Barn raising crew installing siding. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "The boards are fitted tightly into the rafters to prevent birds, snow and rain from getting into the barn. There are supervisors for each phase of the building so all have a place to work."
Barn raising crew installing siding. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "These men are cutting siding which is placed vertically, starting at the centre so more men can work at one job."
Barn raising crew cutting lumber for siding. Corresponding section of the Brubacher House script reads: "These men are cutting siding which is placed vertically, starting at the centre so more men can work at one job."
