I know of, but have not read Hubka's book. Growing up in New England, I always thought the idea was to stay out of the elements while tending to chores. It helped too, that one exterior wall of the house was insulated by the "little house".
Also, lots and properties tended to be be smaller, and like here in VA farming was diversified, unlike the larger ranches of the west.
In these post 1900 frames, I see no indication of recycled members (empty mortises and such). Another characteristic is little differentiation in dimensions of individual sticks. I just finished looking at a frame that is pre-Civil war and the main posts are 6x12's, tie beams are 6x8's, girts are either 6x8 or 6x10 (with central girts having blind diminished haunches and gable girts virtually unhoused), the bank side plate is a vertical 6x12 while the forebay plate is a 6x6.
In short, there seems to be an awareness of purpose and need in the earlier barn that is lacking in the later ones. I should mention too, that the earlier barn has an 8 ft forebay while the later ones have 3 to 4 ft forebays.
Also, in this particular early barn, most joists are hewn flat on two sides and are continuous (38 ft) with no signs of previous use. Many of the later barns have hewn joists showing evidence of V-notches, joist cuts, and window/door openings.
Right now, I have more questions than answers and will entertain all suggestions.
Thanks.
