Originally researched, authored and posted by Patricia Nell Warren on April 4 2014
MOVEABLE FEAST. This granary is one of the more unusual Grant-Kohrs ranch buildings. Built in 1890, it lacks a conventional foundation. Instead, its floor rests on half a dozen massive stringers that serve as skids. A team of oxen or horses could handily haul it over the grass, from spot to spot.
It was also built inside out, with the stud framing on the outside. This made the interior board-smooth, without a lot of crevices where grain could hide from shovels.
Moveable structures is a concept that agriculture has embraced for a long time. In my lifetime, however, I have never seen this granary moved from where it sits right now –- beside the grassy paddock just north of the barnyard.
I picked this photo because it gives such a good look at the construction.
(National Park Service photo)
Originally researched, authored and posted by Patricia Nell Warren on March 5 2014
One of the older structures on the Grant-Kohrs Ranch, the log draft-horse barn was a snug shelter for the harness horses, especially during winter storms. The big hayloft contained ample feed, which could be pitchforked down into each stall's hay-rack. (National Park Service photo)
Originally researched, authored and posted by Patricia Nell Warren on February 15, 2014
More on John Bielenberg. The distinctive long red barn at the center of the Grant-Kohrs historic complex is named after him. Built in the late 1800s, this stately barn housed Bielenberg's Thoroughbred breeding stock. One big private stall was reserved for mares to foal. During the early Warren era, this barn housed the ranch's show string of Hereford cattle. Today the Bielenberg barn houses much of the GRKO's collection of historic vehicles.
(Photo from Waymarking. http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMB3HF_Grant_Kohrs_Ranch_National_Historic_Site_Deer_Lodge_MT )