(first blog written by Maggie)
Did you know that barns are red for a reason? It wasn't just for looks - it was an affordable and practical way to protect wood.
Historically, farmers needed to shield the wooden barns from harsh weather, moisture and decay. At one time, they used linseed oil from flax seeds to seal the wood. Farmers often added iron oxide. This common pigment protected the wood from fungi, mildew, and other damage. It also gave barns that signature red color.
So the next time you visit Lancaster County, remember that those red barns not just pretty to look at - they are part of generations of farming tradition.