NIAGARA, Wis. — Of all the things we have to think about in life, I would be willing to bet that today’s topic is not one of them. In fact, the topic has probably never entered your mind at all. I think one major reason for this is that we are so accustomed to seeing this red building on a farmer’s property that we do not even contemplate the subject.

I grew up in Wisconsin, in the heart of farm country. I lived in a small town surrounded by expansive farms with some of the richest crop land around. We hit open farm fields the minute we drove outside the city limits and grew up judging the summer based upon how well the corn looked. My siblings and I bet each other if the corn we saw newly planted would be “knee high by the Fourth of July,” which was the standard measure of the success of the crop — along with it being shoulder high before it “tasseled out.” Once tasseled out, it stopped growing ears so naturally one hoped for nice tall stalks to produce a good yield.

My grandparents had a small farm, and we were out there visiting just about every weekend when we were young and before activities with friends took precedence. My grandfather planted beautiful fields of corn; no matter which direction we looked, the rows were perfectly straight and equally spaced — perfect for running through and playing in.We never got lost, but if we got turned around, we just kept walking; we would emerge from the field either on the road back to the house or on the shore of Rush Lake. That farm was the perfect place for us: lots of fresh air and wide-open space, plenty of trees to climb and mulberries to eat. Nothing was structured play. We had full use of our imagination as trees became spaceships, and the barn with its hay bales became a hideout from all manner of imagined villains.

My grandfather’s barn was red, as were all of the other barns on Radke Road and all the other farms wherever we drove. I never wondered about it for that fact; farms simply had red barns. I recently read an article which explained the true origin of red barns.

The tradition originated in 16th-century Sweden. At that time, it was common to construct cottages and even castles out of wood, which was a readily available resource.But many northern European nobles, including Sweden’s King John III, admired the Gothic-era brick structures that were so common in the Netherlands. In an effort to emulate that desirable reddish brick appearance, the king issued a 1570s mandate to apply a coat of red paint to wooden castles in Stockholm. This was possible thanks to paint dyed with iron oxide (rust), which was used to create a reddish pigment. The production of red paint continued throughout the 18th century, and use of the color permeated society. 

Given its earlier association with nobility, many Swedes considered the color red to be a proud part of the country’s overall identity, and they used the paint to coat their pastoral cottages in the countryside. The red paint also provided practical benefits, as its chemical makeup helped preserve those cottages against the harsh Nordic climate. Begun as a status symbol, the practice of painting rural structures red also preserved them.

European settlers migrated to America and brought many traditions with them — including painting barns and other pastoral structures red. As barns were raised across American farms, weather damage proved to be a major concern. Barns were subjected to harsh winds and torrential rain, and the risk of mold growth further complicated things. In an effort to ensure their barns’ durability, many farmers turned to red paint as a protective varnish.

This became a particularly common practice throughout 18th-century New England. Farmers relied on a mixture of linseed oil — a brownish-orange sealant that hydrated the wood and offered protection from the elements. Lime and milk were also added to help the oil stick to the barn. The striking red color came from the addition of reddish iron oxide, also known as rust, which acted as a natural poison for any fungi, mold, moss, or other similar growths that could cause wooden barns to decay. Knowing this, farmers scavenged rust from their old tools and weatherworn equipment found on so many farms. Once mixed with linseed oil, milk, and lime, it created the ideal varnish to protect against weather and decay, thus helping to keep barns standing for years into the future. 

While the Swedes had prized the color red for its connection to nobility, Americans found the preservative nature of red paint was of the utmost importance; the picturesque red color just so happened to be an aesthetically pleasing perk that accompanied it.

Weatherproofing technology developed, and farmers relied less on homemade mixtures to preserve their barns. The color red, however, continued to be a popular choice for painting barns because of its low cost compared to other paint colors. By 1867, “ready-mixed” paints were available, and the commercial production of paint expanded rapidly throughout the remainder of the 19th century. It also proved to be cheapest for manufacturers to produce red paint, as the pigment was easier to acquire at a lower cost. As an example, in 1925 the cost of a gallon of red paint was just $1.43, making it far cheaper than other colors at the time, which cost $2.25 or more per gallon.

Though preventing decay and keeping costs low were of top concern, farmers discovered painting their barns red came with other benefits.  One such added benefit was that barns painted red actually stayed warmer in the winter because the darker red tones better absorbed sunlight than lighter shades of paint. Red barns also provided better visibility, as they stood out against the tones of the surrounding natural landscape. This was especially useful in the winter or during storms, when visibility was lower than normal.

Long gone are the days of relying on iron oxide to kill fungi or of red paint being notably cheaper than alternative colors. So why are so many barns still painted red today? For some, the answer lies solely in tradition. Many farmers view red-colored barns as a proud symbol of their heritage and the many hardworking individuals who preceded them. Not only that, but red barns also stand out and look good. So, while you may happen upon a barn of another color here and there as you travel the countryside, red remains a popular choice steeped in tradition.

And one more point of interest. I am sure you are all familiar with the big Harvestore silos that populate farm property. These store sileage that feeds beef and dairy cattle so many farms have more than one. Each is extremely expensive. The next time you come across one, notice whether or not it has an American flag painted on it. If it does, it means it is fully paid for! And send a silent congratulations to that hard-working farmer… and a mental thank you for working so hard to feed you too.

Source: Written by Bennett Kleinman for the publication History.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Strong Tower Church, 2 p.m.; Super Bowl, 5 p.m.

Monday: Movie, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; drawing, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Communion in dining room, 10 a.m.; nail day, 10 a.m.; yarn club, 11 a.m.; early bird bingo, 1:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Church with Pastor Dan, 10 a.m.; coffee chat, 10 a.m.; lucky seven, 11 a.m.; mask making for Mardi Gras, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible verse, 11 a.m.; Valentine party, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Chair workout, 10 a.m.; karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; Bible verse, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Valentine’s Day! Board games in the dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; high rollers, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; Super Bowl tailgate, 2 p.m.

Monday: Valentine attire selection, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; web browsing, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; getting pretty, 9:30 a.m.; men’s club, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; fill in the blank, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Hair and party prep, dress delivery 9 to 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Valentine’s Ball, music and crowning, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/trivia teasers, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; senior crafting solutions, 1:30 p.m.; Super Bowl Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Black History Month, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; bird watching, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Hope Church, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; coloring club, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Valentine’s Day treats, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Valentine’s Day bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Valentine’s Day fun, 1:30 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and corny jokes, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Super Bowl tailgate, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; you be the judge, 10:15 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; baking Puppy Chow, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine music students, 2 p.m.

Friday: The Breakfast Club, 7 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; happy hour, Valentine’s Party with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.; catch up on a show

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday funday, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “You be the Judge,” 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; who-what-where/bingo, 2 p.m.; Skibo, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; food talk and resident council with Lacy and Coria, 10:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; decorating cookies, 10:30 a.m.; joke of the day; bingo, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles; drama club.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; love birds, 11:15 a.m.; Valentine’s movie and snacks, 1:30 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, candied carrots, cole slaw.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, green beans, garlic bread.

Thursday: Cheeseburger, oven-roasted vegetables, salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked fish, oven-roasted potatoes, vegetables, pudding parfait.

Tuesday: French bread pizza, green beans, beets.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Night meal, 4 p.m. with salad bar at 3:30 p.m., ham dinner, sweet potato casserole, candied carrots, brownie ala mode.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes with tater tots.

Wednesday: Pork chops and potatoes.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Mushroom and Swiss burger, macaroni and cheese, corn.

Tuesday: Fish Florentine, au gratin potatoes, broccoli, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Chicken noodle soup, side salad, peaches, pudding parfait.

Thursday: Celebrating all February birthdays — Lasagna, cauliflower, croissant, pastry.

Friday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, peas, dinner roll.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Beef stroganoff over noodles, mixed vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll, pudding.

Tuesday: Pasty pie, vegetable, applesauce.

Wednesday: Chicken vegetable soup with noodles, crackers, bread and butter, Jell-O with fruit.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sub sandwich (with lettuce, tomato, onion), broccoli cheese soup, fruit.

Tuesday: Hamburger mushroom stroganoff over noodles, carrots, fruit.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, whipped potatoes, California vegetables, bananas, Rice Krispy bar.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, baked potato, squash, fruit, pudding.

Friday: Brat on a bun, tater tots, baked beans, cole slaw, Valentine brownies.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon on Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals on Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Hobo dinner (potatoes, sliced carrots, peas), warm applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Bourbon chicken, brown rice, corn, second vegetable, diced peaches.

Wednesday: Valentine’s Day party — Diced ham, scalloped potatoes, Key West vegetables, fruit cup, whole wheat bread, strawberry poke cake.

Thursday: Chicken fettuccine Alfredo, chef’s choice vegetables, diced carrots, bread stick, diced peaches.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. On Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m., with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken bacon ranch wrap, beef barley soup.

Tuesday: Open-faced turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Wednesday: Baked ziti, garlic bread.

Thursday: Beef tips over white rice.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, mixed vegetables, warm spiced applesauce, pineapple fluff.

Wednesday: Valentine’s Party — Beef tips with gravy, mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, wheat dinner roll, cherry pie.

Thursday: Chicken booyah with crackers, romaine side salad with tomatoes, Mandarin oranges.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lasagna, garlic bread, cauliflower.

Tuesday: Breakfast bake, hash browns, sausage.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Liver or burger, onions, mashed potatoes with gravy.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: White cheddar scalloped potatoes and ham casserole.

Wednesday: Lasagna, garlic bread, creamy Brussel sprouts.

Thursday: Maple glazed pork tenderloin, sweet potato apple bake.