Hello all,

I have always been under the impression (mistaken?) that a structural ridge beam is a relatively new addition to TF design, riding the coat-tails of the craft's revival in the 70's.
I happened to be thumbing through the "Red Book" the other day, and on pg. 141, Sobon mentions the presence of a "full length ridge beam" in a 1770's English barn in Western Mass. And it got me to thinking.....

My question: Just how common (or not) were ridge beams in the historic frameworks (houses/barns) of Colonial New England?

I live in an area of N.E. Ohio, the Connecticut Western Reserve, that was settled in the very early 1800's by those leaving New England, and although my viewing opportunities have been limited, I've never seen a ridge beam employed in any of the old frames around here.

So, is there much historic relevance to the ridge beam in house and barn frames of the past, or is it more a part of modern design?

Thanks to all of you who would like to contribute.