The farms of Franklin County present a wide range
of farm buildings. These include:
Grain storage structures are a separate and interesting class of buildings. They range from nineteenth century log corn cribs still in use to the most recent design in metal silo bins. It is these silos, perhaps, that truly set American farming apart. On the simplest of farms in Franklin County, the metal silo or bin means that the farmer can immediately off-load fresh grain and protect it from the weather. In the meantime, the silo allows the farmer to store grain against future on-farm need or against developing grain market conditions. Any drive around the county will disclose dozens of these metal structures and their importance to contemporary farming cannot be underestimated.
A special note must be made about one group of silos. Throughout this region--including Kentucky and Alabama and Mississippi--silos can be observed that are made of rows of concrete blocks held together with cables. The top two rows of blocks in these silos are composed of alternating yellow and white blocks--the signature image of silos built by the Monteagle Silo Company. Monteagle Silo Company is located on the road to Monteagle. The history of farming in this region must acknowledge the role of the hundreds of silos made and shipped from this site near Sewanee.
Farm buildings are a delight in themselves. From the design of a class "bird" barn with "beak [hoist loft] and wings [attached side sheds]" to the rich smell of the stalls and lofts to the texture of weathered boards, these buildings invite observation, entry, reflection. Alongside the new and well-maintained structures can be found many old and collapsing structures. These old structures are an important part of the architectural history of local farming. Fortunately, the farmers have mostly left these structures in place and have build their new structures elsewhere.
Old barns and new metal buildings both have their place in understanding the nature of farming in Franklin County. The old barns are powerful emotional bonds to old ways, to memories of an earlier sociology of farming. The new metal buildings are essential to modern agriculture. Today, the farmer's greatest debt and highest potential is represented in the $100,000+ machines used in his fields. These machines require both storage and service facilities on the farm that the old buildings generally cannot provide. The new "barns" are as essential as the grain silos to successful farming.