Workshops 2009

This summer, the Guild, along with Trillium Dell Timberworks, will host a raising of a 48' x 70' timber frame barn to house the Antique Engine and Tractor Association's collection. Because of deforestation in northwest Illinois in the 1850s and the mechanization of building in the 1890s, this will be the first barn to be built from local materials and with traditional joinery in more than 150 years in Illinois' Henry County.

Our host, the Antique Engine and Tractor Association, will use the barn to display antique equipment and host community events. The association is relocating to Geneseo from nearby Atkinson, and the new barn will be the centerpiece of the new site.

Barn's Design

The design of the barn is reminiscent of the transition from threshing barns to multipurpose structures such as the classic three-portal barn. In design and proportion, this building recalls the shape of midwestern barns built around 1820-1920. It faithfully represents the transition in frame typology and agriculture from the wheat boom of the 1840s and 1850s to the livestock and hay production of the late 19th century. After about 1920, buildings changed in Illinois, largely because of dwindling resources. The joinery is typical of the area during this time frame and has a proven track record in our climate (which endures the extremes of tornadoes and snow).

About the Workshop

During the workshop, participants will assemble and raise the five-bay square rule white oak structure, which is being cut by Trillium Dell Timberworks at their facility in Knoxville, Illinois, under the direction of Rick Collins. The 48 x 70 ft barn will have 14-ft bays, with 16-ft sidewalls and a 9:12 roof. We also hope to deliver a two-day panel installation workshop August 20-22, led by Dan Nelson and Rick Becker.

For the workshop, the Guild will integrate aspects of the TFG curriculum including structural panel installation, raising and rigging, forklift safety, scaffold erection, project safety and project management.

The goals of this project include demonstrating that local long-lasting products can be built sustainably with skilled labor and local materials, and that community action can accomplish great things.

Grigg Mullen and Al Anderson, who have taught courses in rigging and raising for the Guild in the past, will do most of the formal classroom instruction. Rick Collins serves as project manager. The leadership team is completed with the presence of Matt Jenkins, Joel McCarty (ED), Isaac McCoy-Sulentic, and Richard Stephenson.

For more information, click here to read a local newspaper article about the project.

Visit the Antique Engine and Tractor Association's website.