[Bicentennial-themed update, after the jump.]
A couple of weeks ago I was riding shotgun in a delivery truck driving from Wuxi to Changzhou when I saw this “barn” at the edge of a field.
My camera wasn’t ready then, but later – heading back to Wuxi – I had it in my lap. Problem was, I couldn’t remember exactly where I saw the flag-draped structure, and the driver who was kind enough to let me ride with him was neither keen to help or – once I finally saw it again – stop to allow for a proper photo. So, alas, this image was taken at a relatively high (truck) speed. The road between Changzhou and Wuxi is highly traveled and, for now at least (Wuxi is sprawling fast), there are many small plastic-covered farm structures along the way. So far as I could tell, this was the only one with Old Glory displayed on its side.
I’d completely forgotten about this image until this morning, while reviewing the photos from that work-related trip.
I’d also completely forgotten about the “Bicentennial Barns” that were painted in honor of the US bicentennial in 1976.
[Photos by Danny Burk]
Then there’s this example from barnartist.com, where you’ll find a portfolio of painted barns of all varieties:
To my surprise, I haven’t been able to find any websites devoted to US bicentennial barns – but there are sites devoted to the more recent (2003) Ohio Bicentennial barns.
[And no, I’m not suggesting that farmers in Changzhou are suddenly erecting (or, in this case, draping) Bicentennial barns.]