Barns of Wisconsin

In this new edition of his classic book, award-winning author Jerry Apps shares a unique perspective on the great barns of rural Wisconsin. Digging deep as both an enthusiast and a farmer, Apps reaps a story of change: from the earliest pioneer structures to the low steel buildings of modern dairy farms, barns have adapted to meet the needs of each generation. They ve housed wheat, tobacco, potatoes, and dairy cows, and they display the optimism, ingenuity, hard work, and practicality of the people who tend land and livestock.Featuring more than 100 stunning full-color photographs by Steve Apps, plus dozens of historic images, "Barns of Wisconsin" illuminates a vanishing way of life. The book explores myriad barn designs from rectangular to round, from gable roof to gambrel, from fieldstone to wood always with an eye to the history and craftsmanship of the Norwegians, Germans, Swiss, Finns, and others who built and used them. "Barns of Wisconsin" captures both the iconic and the unique, including historic and noteworthy barns, and discusses the disappearance of barns from our landscape and preservation efforts to save these important symbols of American agriculture."

  “Amid wonderful illustrations and photographs, Jerry Apps has added beautiful prose about barns and the people who built and used them. This updated "Barns of Wisconsin" is a real treasure and presents a wonderful historical perspective on a state icon.”—Larry Meiller, Wisconsin Public Radio

  “More than a book about barns, Apps offers us a unique lens through which to view the rich textures and constant changes in Wisconsin rural life. "Barns of Wisconsin" is as lovingly crafted as the iconic structures that are its subject. This new edition helped me discover more about my own barns and more fully imagine the lives of those who built them.”—Dena Wortzel, Executive Director, Wisconsin Humanities Council

  “Jerry Apps’ new edition of "Barns of Wisconsin" is outstanding! In this new book Jerry systematically examines many aspects of barns—from their origins to their adaptations for continuing use. His approach will be interesting and informative to the barn owner, the history buff and the preservationist. The inclusion of abundant color photographs to back up the text makes the book doubly interesting. "Barns of Wisconsin" will also be a useful reference for preservation groups all over North America and a model for future publications. I’m glad I have a copy.”—Bill Kimball, professor emeritus, Michigan State University, and active member of the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and the National Barn Alliance

  "“Jerry Apps brings these old barns back to life and keeps them breathing by telling their stories. They are all unique representations of the many different heritages that were brought to Wisconsin, such as the German designed stone barn in the Town of Chase. Jerry gives these old barns a voice and takes you back in time to experience the hardships and joys of life on the farm as if you were there.”"—"Christopher Jaworski and Kristin Kolkowski, Chase Stone Barn Committee"

  “In "Barns of Wisconsin", Jerry Apps has given a voice to rural Wisconsin's architectural elders and the stories they have to tell—stories well worth remembering."—Doug Miller, Executive Director, Folklore Village

  “Nothing tells more about a farm than its barn. It reflects a heritage, values, and its dreams. Jerry Apps has captured their stories and need to preserve them.”—Dr. Clarence C. Olson, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin Dairy Science

2011 Silver in the Great Lakes Best Regional Nonfiction Category from the Independent Publisher Book Awards

"The "Places along the Way" book series, of which this book is a part, represents a renaissance in writing about Wisconsin; written to encourage tourism, these books celebrate Wisconsin's history and culture. In addition to the plethora (140) of vivid color photos, Apps has provided a map of Wisconsin barns for readers making the scenic driving tour." (Korina Cornish, "ForeWord Reviews")

Amid wonderful illustrations and photographs, Jerry Apps has added beautiful prose about barns and the people who built and used them. This updated "Barns of Wisconsin" is a real treasure and presents a wonderful historical perspective on a state icon. (Larry Meiller, Wisconsin Public Radio)

More than a book about barns, Apps offers us a unique lens through which to view the rich textures and constant changes in Wisconsin rural life. "Barns of Wisconsin" is as lovingly crafted as the iconic structures that are its subject. This new edition helped me discover more about my own barns and more fully imagine the lives of those who built them. (Dena Wortzel, Executive Director, Wisconsin Humanities Council)

Jerry Apps new edition of "Barns of Wisconsin" is outstanding! In this new book Jerry systematically examines many aspects of barns from their origins to their adaptations for continuing use. His approach will be interesting and informative to the barn owner, the history buff and the preservationist. The inclusion of abundant color photographs to back up the text makes the book doubly interesting. "Barns of Wisconsin" will also be a useful reference for preservation groups all over North America and a model for future publications. I m glad I have a copy. (Bill Kimball, professor emeritus, Michigan State University, and active member of the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and the National Barn Alliance) In "Barns of Wisconsin," Jerry Apps has given a voice to rural Wisconsin's architectural elders and the stories they have to tell stories well worth remembering." (Doug Miller, Executive Director, Folklore Village)

Jerry Apps brings these old barns back to life and keeps them breathingby telling their stories. They are all unique representations of the many different heritages that were brought to Wisconsin, such as the Germandesigned stone barn in the Town of Chase. Jerry gives these old barns a voice and takes you back in timeto experience the hardships and joysof life on the farm as if you were there. (Christopher Jaworski andKristin Kolkowski, Chase Stone Barn Committee)

"Barns are the 'heartbeat' of a farm family's heritage, values, and dreams. Jerry Apps has captured their stories and the need for preservation." (Dr. Clarence C. Olson, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin Dairy Science)"

2010 Finalist in the Regional Category from "ForeWord" Magazine s Book of the Year
2011 Silver in theGreat Lakes Best Regional Non-fiction Category from the Independent Publisher Book Awards
2011 Finalist in the Regional Non-fiction Category from National Indie Excellence Awards
2011 Finalist in the Regional Non-fiction Category from Next Generation Indie Book Awards"