ABSTRACT

The Amish barn raising is a contrast to other forms of barn construction because of the speed of the process and the labor involved (often between one hundred and three hundred workers). Although the foundation may be laid by contractors beforehand, the construction is usually completed in one day. To gain time, the Amish allow the use of electricity at barn raisings to power drills to make holes into which hickory pegs will be hammered. Power tools may also be used to cut planks. These pegs will hold the flush and mortised beams in place. A foreman is usually in charge of the whole operation, but different crews work together to prepare planks, beams, and rafters for the walls and roof. Young boys are usually given the task of carrying nails to prepare them for the adult job of nailing panels. Rest periods for some crews occur while others take over. Although the operation appears demanding, there is time built in for socializing over meals and rest periods. “There’s a lot of visiting going on here,” many Amish informants report.