I know these buildings are strong still. But I'd hate to collapse anything!!! Who knows what kind of liability issues the owners' would face if someone got hurt.
Anyway, we will likely do a tour. And the folks who have been active in this thread will be invited first. But 20 is still too many. Like I said before, if the interest is there, we can do 2 visits of 10 or less.
Please understand, it's unique what I've been able to do in the community where these barns are, and I want to keep the owners' good faith... I just finished a six month newspaper series on old barns in this area. 20 were surveyed. The president of the local historical society told me it's no small feat that I've been able to gain the trust of these folks and have them open up their homes/barns for public view on the printed page.
Toward that end, I need to respect their privacy and not descend on them w/ a group (much less a bus) of strangers. No offense, but you guys are strangers. One of these 2 barn owners is particularly private. Word spreads fast in a small New England town and I need to protect the unique relationship I've built with these folks. Otherwise, I'll burn bridges w/ future barn folks... (I'm trying to put a book together).
I'll proceed gingerly in my request for a group visit...
I know how you guys must feel...chomping at the bit to see these unique barns. And I think it will happen. Let's just take it slow..
Who knows, with time, maybe we can visit all 5 of these CG barns. Perhaps if I broach the issue w/ the owners that their barn is part of a regional tour of "CG" barns they may feel less under the microscope... and they might not want to get left out of the survey... a bit of reverse psychology maybe???
