Retired Man Builds Barn with Trees He Planted in High School!

Here is his story in his own words...

I have always enjoyed working in the woods, and at the saw mill.
Lucky for me a close neighbor has a saw mill, so its convenient.
Three years ago when I started to see Ash trees dyeing in my woods I decide to cut them, and make timbers. Always fascinated by old timber frame Barns that was the start I needed.
I cut, sawed, stacked, lathed, and started my building plans.
The timber framing is Ash from my farm which has been in our family since 1951 when my parents purchased it.
When I was in high school I planted the white pine trees as part of my FFA project in 1966. My Dad helped me plant the trees, so a great memory of my Dad. My Dad took a old two bottom plow, and made it a one bottom, hooked on our 8n ford tractor, and plowed a furrow to plant the trees. I would like to think I was a good planner, and knew I would use the trees for lumber some day, but not sure I would have thought it was possible.
Once I had all my lumber l got my permits, and found a Barn builder interested in helping me build my barn. The builder was Amish who had his three sons, and a nephew on his crew. I had a neighbor Help me do the staining, and sorting the lumber. That took 16 days to build the barn with the Amish. I did some detail work after that, install windows, stairs, door hardware etc.
All of the above was the easy part.
Making decisions on design, stain, framing, and the right materials was the hard part. With the help from Aaron, and all the information from the Barn Geek i had all the information I needed. When I asked Aaron a question I received the answer the same day.
I appreciated all the help, and Will pass on any information from my experience.
– Gary Moseman
I turned 70 last year, and retired at age 66. A timber frame Barn does take time, and more planning but a great accomplishment.
I hope guys like us inspire more guys to keep doing what they enjoy.
Aaron you have been a big part in keeping our Grandfathers history, and heritages from being forgotten.
You should be proud of your accomplishments, and the help you have passed on to others.
Gary,