Hi Bob;

Plans were not needed for heavy timber framing because everyone already knew how to do that. The plank framing was relatively new and people were willing to spend money on a book to get some guidance.

You have said several interesting things. I did not know forebay barns were being built or that people were still hewing that late.

How are you dating these barns?

Thanks;
Jim

The closer you look the more you see.
"Heavy timber framing is not a lost art" Fred Hodgson, 1909