The Restoration That fall the ramp was set on blocks to stop it from sliding further down the hill. Then come-alongs were attached to the upright posts. Over the winter, the posts were gradually pulled back to plumb and the ramp was slowly jacked up to level. Then in the spring of 1996 the really dramatic work began. The crumbling cement floor was removed and the vegetable operation moved out into the field. Twenty-seven log cabin-like cribs were built, jacks were placed on top of them, and the barn was slowly lifted off the ground. The old sills and foundation were removed and for the next three months drivers along the Main Road were greeted by the looming apparition of a massive barn levitating three feet off the ground. During this time the entire perimeter of the barn was excavated so that we could put in a new foundation. The ramp needed a firm footing. This required huge amounts of cement and rebar. The resulting ramp foundation resembles a bridge abutment and is going nowhere fast. A new floor, foundation, and supporting wall were poured and a beautiful stone knee wall was built. New sills were laid on top and the barn was finally lowered down in the spring of 1997. We celebrated in July with a giant "is it done yet?" party with bluegrass music, beer, and hot dogs. The barn was well initiated for habitation again. Of course, the work wasn't done yet, but we moved in the sinks that we had been using out in the field. We actually got to wash and pack produce in the cool comfort of the barn. In the winter of 1998 Liberty Head Post & Beam built and installed new swinging double doors to the south and then in the spring we had the whole thing painted with a fresh coat of snowy white. After much deliberation we painted the trim a lovely mustard yellow. In 1999 we restored the cupola and replaced all of the missing and broken roof slates. Today the barn stands as a testament to the work, intelligence, and creativity of the farmers of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is and honor and a pleasure to be able to work in this noble building.