Salvage Efforts

Jul 01, 2019


If you’re a fan of cable television design shows, the fanfare around simple repurposed barn boards comes as no surprise.

Tune in most anytime or log on to your favorite social media platform, and you can find someone crafting something ruggedly beautiful from the remnants of Grandpa’s cattle barn or tobacco barn. The boards are often repurposed as rich-colored flooring, a dramatic accent wall, or a rustic piece of furniture like a bookcase or enter­tainment center. I get it. I’ve found it’s hard to beat the weathered gray planks as a simple but stunning background for a quick portrait.

The popularity of the humble building material with creative do-it-yourselfers seems to have, in some cases, accelerated the demise of landmarks that were already disappearing. A recent article in the Louisville Courier-Journal related a number of rural capers where thieves were stripping boards from community barns in the dead of night. Local law enforcement was on the case but related that such incidents were common in many rural states, including neigh­boring Tennessee.

In many cases, time and weather have taken their toll long before woodworkers rec­ognized the value of the repurposed materials. I can remember so many of the beautiful barns and other buildings I’ve often driven past as I’ve crisscrossed the state for The Cooperator that are no longer standing: massive historical barns near Mooresburg and another near Maryville High School in Blount County. Numerous Rock City barns directed travelers to the famous roadside attraction in Chattanooga. And, of course, there are many extraordinary cantilever barns found mostly in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina — predominantly in Blount and Sevier counties.

At my home place in Union County, our tobacco and cattle barn both succumbed to storms long ago. I spent many hours playing in them as a child and never gave a thought to them not being there one day.
I have a friend who recently decided to sell boards from one of the old barns and a corncrib on his farm. Both buildings had fallen into disrepair and their condition dete­riorated over the years. They were no longer being used for their intended purpose. He is not a farmer, and honestly, he can certainly use the money. But it’s sad to see these connections to his family’s farming history disappear.

I suppose it’s better to see these beloved buildings recycled and repurposed rather than simply discarded. At least someone will get to enjoy them further.

Read More News

May 19, 2025
We want to extend a big welcome to our newest team member, Dr. Josh Zeltwanger, ProTrition’s ruminant nutritionist, who will be assuming Todd Steen’s responsibilities, who retired in April 2025. A native of Francesville, Indiana, Josh grew up on a farm with a small cow-calf operation, where he gained firsthand experience working with livestock. From a young age, he was heavily involved in 4-H livestock projects, further developing his skills and knowledge in animal care and nutrition.
May 12, 2025
The April Round N’ Raise campaign was a tremendous success, raising a total of $37,830.35 to support local 4-H clubs and FFA chapters through the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation. This program allows Co-op customers and members to round their purchases up to the nearest dollar during the month of April, directly benefiting local 4-H clubs and FFA chapters. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the participating Co-ops and customers whose generosity and enthusiasm made this possible. Together, our Co-op community is building a brighter future.
 
May 08, 2025
UT Extension, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, is spearheading an effort to host farm recovery centers in East Tennessee. There will be three different centers during the month of May where experts and agencies will be gathered in one place on a single day to provide a one-stop-shop opportunity for farmers who are still in need of assistance following Hurricane Helene.