Nearly 200-years-ago a German family by the name of Glanze converted an old “dog trot” cabin in the Sandy Mush Township of Madison County, North Carolina into a stock barn for their animals. Oral tradition in the community has it that the deed was noted with the carving of the year into one of the great old chestnut logs of the structure. Over the years the family’s name was altered to Glance, and today the slowly decaying remnants of Glance Barn grace the floodplain valley of Little Sandymush Creek.
The wall of the structure on which the carving appears is underneath an overhanging shed roof, meaning it is in deep shade even in bright sun. A focal length of 70mm, short telephotoland, allowed me to isdolate a small portion of the log and the chinking between it and the log below. The shadow cast by an ancient iron spike tells that it is early mid-afternoon in Sandy Mush. An aperture of f/18, with my camera placed squarely in front of the carving, provided detail from edge-to-edge. and ISO 200 allowed for a 4.0 second shutter speed and a medium overall exposure.
When the Glanzes made their conversion, the Tsalagi still owned the lands immediately to the west, but Andrew Jackson of just been inaugurated as president following one of the most contentious campaigns in our history. The Trail of Tears appeared on our horizon that day.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the overall scene that we forget to pause and look at the details that make up the “big picture”. This is a great reminder. There are a lot of smaller details that can be very interesting as I found when I used my macro lens at the roadside stop during our UP adventure. I really like the line formed by the two holes and bolt(nail?). Also really liking the texture of the wood, especially along the bottom. Thanks for the reminder to take in the details, and in this case, history.
Don, that’s a wonderful image, and brought to life with your narrative context. I really like the tight framing (esp along bottom edge), the sharpness, and the contrast of the holes receding with the spike protruding. The shadow pointing to the date is terrific. A cousin’s barn in Southeastern PA has a similar date carved into a great chestnut beam; now I understand it. Thanks. Ray
Magnificent! The holes, spike, and chinking just call to me. How I wish I could be in two places at once, to join your November barn adventure. But that’s the same weekend as my Fall choral concert, musical performance being another of my artistic passions. I’ll be thinking of you.
This looks like a warm hello from the past; back before computers or plastic. It is amazing this structure is still standing. Modern construction is not built to last for hundreds of years. This image is special because I feel like I can touch it or just read it up close and personal and feel the vibes from the past. It is also a reminder that photography doesn’t have to be a pretty picture; it can be a connection or portal to another time.
Thanks for sharing this one. It reminded me of my Uncle Jessie who was a farmer in southern IL. There were old barns and new barns on his farm. So many memories.
Good morning Everyone. Thank you all very much for joining me for this conversation. Your observations and comments are wonderfully on point in so many respects. Yesterday I had lunch with someone who went to the same military academy I attended so many years ago, and whom I had not seen in 53 years, more than half of a century; almost long ago enough to be thought of as history. He and his wife also live now in Asheville. It was an excellent connection, a great trip through memoryland, and, hopefully, the beginning of an interesting and meaningful relationship. History is never dead and is a constant reminder of where we have been and who we are.
Hey Kev. Great to have you with me. I happily applaud your words on two levels. Thank you for reminding us that the whole is always made up of parts, something we should never overlook; and for reminding us that so very often those discreet details can become the stuff of wonderful imagery. Your work on the side of Highway H58 is a perfect example, and your thoughts on what might have spoken to me in this image are spot on. Let’s talk soon.
Hi Ray. It’s always good to have you with us. Your description of the elements that I found interesting were exactly on point. When I saw the shadow cast by the bolt/spike pointing directly to the date, I knew I want to photograph it as a very tight intimate landscape. The texture in the log, the chinking, and the spike were like words from a history book; and the carving simply brought everything together. I somehow think we all have stories like yours rooted in our memories. Thanks for sharing and for seeing.
Donald! How excellent to have you join us. It would be wonderful if you could join us for the barn adventure: maybe next time. Meanwhile, I well-understand and support your other passion and hope the Fall choral concert goes very well. Break a leg, my friend.
Hey Nancy T. Indeed, so many memories. And what a wonderful thought: “before computers and plastic.” Thank you for those magical words: I feel like I could touch it …or feel the vibes from the past. When we speak in that vein, we are giving an artist the greatest compliment possible, at least in my mind. Thank you. Indeed, photography does not always have to be a “pretty picture” in order to be evocative. It must simply evoke. Take good care, and let’s talk soon.
Thanks, again, Everyone. How simple it can be to create the simplicity of the world and the beauty that surrounds it. Walk in Beauty.