As Theo rumbled down the country road to catch his cousin Victor at his business, he prayed incessantly. OhpleaseOhplease, Dear Lord…
Victor waited, clearly watching for Theo, his spirit battered by now. Cell phones are marvelous things he thought as Theo braked in front. There was urgency in Theo’s step, and some in Victor’s stance.
Theo pulled a business card from his wallet and held it out as they shook hands. “Does this offer still stand?” Theo gulped. “My barn was blown to pieces, and I need this….”
Victor’s eyes widened, assessing if this was a true offer. He credited Theo for the strength it took to come there. “You mean this? Really? You want to sell?”
Theo nodded with determination. “I gotta do this. I ain’t got a choice…Does the original offer still hold?” Oh, please say it does!
“Here, sit down,” Victor replied, pulling over a leather chair. “I’ll make the call, ask him if it the offer stands.” Victor made the call, spoke briefly, and his eyes widened as he made a thumbs-up.
Theo relaxed for the first time since the windy storm had crossed over his farm. He released a deep breath.
Victor jumped up, placing his hands of the desk.
“He’ll give you fifty more! Think what this means! $160,000!”
Dropping his head between his knees, spots and stars floated in darkness.
Dropping his head between his knees, spots and stars floated in darkness.
“He already has a buyer, some fancy dancy designer up in Chicago. Been waiting for one of those barns in your county to tumble down! He's been putting together a collection of old reclaimed timbers for a year now. ***
Who knew some rich person wanted the 'country touch' in their mansion. ### Gol’durn. You’re going to be okay, Theo. That designer is already putting together a crew and eighteen wheeler to take that wood away in the next day or so."
Victor heard the sobbing and relief in Ellen’s voice when Theo called with the news.
In the sunny week that followed, from the old growth American chestnut, white oak, black walnut, pine timbers, planks and, hand-carved pegs that had held the structure together since 1840... the hand-hewed timbers were chosen.
The collection embraced the history, decades, and lives which the barn had sheltered.
Then the old barn was driven away, charred wood remaining.
The collection embraced the history, decades, and lives which the barn had sheltered.
Then the old barn was driven away, charred wood remaining.
The designer handed Theo a cashier’s check, wished him well, and followed the truck back to Chicago. Victor stood on the concrete porch with Theo and Ellen. “You’re gonna be okay, Theo. Okay…”
Theo nodded, finally seeing a brighter future. Ellen whispered, “Okay…we’re gonna be okay.” She saw, with a sudden clarity, her husband's courage.
***Elmwood
Our old barn was taken down in the 1970s, before the trend to purchase the reclaimed wood began. At that time, the barn was wafting in the wind. It was sadly burned to the ground when it lay in pieces. When it was built? Possibly it was built in mid 1800s. We found items that were part of that era.
italicized and underlined words are from a 2015 post, and posted from Wednesday post. Many thanks to Delores the creator of Wednesday Words. Talented lady. She started a writing challenged for bloggers.
I'm confused. Did the buyer take the whole farm or just the barn? Either way Theo and Ellen seemed happy. There are so many old out buildings around here. The collector would have a field day.
ReplyDeleteNo, just the barn. Collectors were happy during that time.
Deleteno, the money was for the farm. I lost my train of thought.
DeleteThat's good that they can use the old wood. Who knew? Sorry your barn didn't last long enough for that.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. When it was being torn down, all sorts of vintage items were found.
DeleteRepurposing is always good.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. Right now, other barns are falling down, and it is sad. No way to save them, at least the pieces will find a home.
DeleteIt's great the wood got repurposed. It's funny how in one era it was trash, but nowadays it's treasure.
ReplyDeleteSo true.
DeleteYou ever watch Restoration Road on Discovery+? The other side of the story- Barns and such reclaimed, moved, and rebuilt and repurposed. Made me think of it reading this.
ReplyDeleteI have seen it advertised, but never headed over there. Have seen some other shows, and it is amazing to see what they can do.
DeleteReclaimed wood and barn board can be worth a FORTUNE and quite rightly so!
ReplyDeleteThe higher quality woods were hard woods and do fetch some $$$.
DeleteIt's always sad when an old barn finally dies, but to have the timbers reclaimed is a whole other story. Woo-hoo! New life for them and a bonus for Theo and his family.
ReplyDeleteIn the farming areas where we lived, old barns falling was sadly inevitable.
Deletewhat a lovely story !
ReplyDeleteyou have gift dear Susan .
my father in law was a mason ,he gifted us some old woods gained by after the demolishing an old very old house owned by hindu family ,we still have chairs made by that wood :) nothing goes waste in this perfect system of Nature indeed
You have chairs made from reclaimed wood? What a gift to have for your life.
DeleteIf I had a bigger space, I'd buy the reclaimed teak dining table I've been dreaming over for the past few years.
DeleteYou had us on this one. LOVE that barn. I looked over at Sherry's computer and she was already reading this one.
ReplyDeleteLoved it, the pictures and the wood.
Sherry & jack Good stuff....
Glad you enjoyed it. I thought that farm preacher's son boy over your way might like the barn wood.
DeleteFarms have many stories.
ReplyDelete