Allensville Hay Press Barn
The hay press barn and its regional history are unique to the areas in Indiana accessible by rivers and their tributaries. The hay press is a large mechanism weighing nearly 9500 pounds. It extends from the dirt floor of the lower level into the peak area. In short, it pressed loose hay into bales by means of a heavy weight using a pulley and screw system. The weight was raised up inside the mechanism, and then dropped onto the hay. This pounding action was repeated until a bale ranging from 300 to 400 pounds was produced.
Recently, this barn and hay press were carefully disassembled and moved to a new location. Thankfully, it will be restored and preserved for its historic significance, uniqueness and its beauty.
Early morning is an exciting time to paint. The light is stunning and the long shadows cast upon the old barn siding are challenging to a painter's skill. The shadows undulate and shimmer adding character only captured on location.
It was October 2008 when I completed this oil painting on location, choosing an 18 x 30 inch format. This barn painting made possible, in part, by the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Since the painting of this structure, the barn has been relocated and restored.
All the barn paintings are for sale. Please contact Gwen to find out if the painting(s) you are interested in are sold or available.
