Offutt-Winkler Cattle Barn
Centuries of farming in this fertile land and the importance of The Little Blue River meandering nearby, speak to the agricultural importance throughout the area.
In 1832, the Offutt family put down roots when they acquired farmland near the Little Blue. Family member Frank Offutt built this barn in 1908. It is a very large gambrel-roofed barn with a wagon door on each gable end. A weathervane of a hefty metal steer watches over this part of Rush County.
The barn was built to stable horses. Their stalls still remain in the barn today; however, cattle claim this barn. Beautifully sculpted rafter tails and trim around the roof's edge speak to the barn's design and balance. Quality construction highlights its efficiency and durability.
After several visits to this barn sketching and gathering my notes, I completed a studio oil painting in February 2013. I chose a canvas size 11 x 16 inches and placed the cattle near their barn, just as they were during the times I visited.
Since the painting of this structure, the barn has been destroyed.
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.
