Ryan's Round Barn

Saturday we went to Kewanee, Illinois to join in the celebration of this 100 year old barn. The celebration was to be from 10 am untill dusk. Unfortunately, a rain storm came through and spoiled the festivities. There was to be antique tractors, tours of the barn, artists and musicians and even quilts.

The barn is considered a marvel as it is completely round. Most round barns are actually built as octagons. This one really is round. When the structure was being built, the pine was soaked in water overnight before being applied to the studs.

This is looking up to the ceiling. I could not believe the whole structure. It was so fascinating. Just look at all the wood that was used.

The barn was built by a Doctor Ryan to house his herd of 50 black angus show cattle. The cattle were imported from Scotland, because he liked black animals. No expense was spared and was completed in 1910. It is 85 feet across and 90 feet tall, including the 10 foot tall cupola. The barn is on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974 and was the first round barn in Illinois to be listed.

We had a great time checking out the barn, even though there were not festivities. We had lunch at a cute Bistro in the "Good's" furnishing store in town. Here is another modern marvel. This is a furniture store that just kept growing and growing. People come from afar to purchase furniture. We can hear ads on the local radio stations for it. This is at least 2 hours away from where we live and even farther from Chicago.

I had Hungarian Goulash Soup for lunch. It was a recipe made with pork and sauerkraut. It was delicious. It reminded me of stuffed cabbage shredded. I had to see if I could find a recipe to recreate it. I did and it was delicious.

Wednesday, we are traveling to northeast Iowa. We are going to stay in Waterloo one night and Decorah the second. On our way back we will be stopping in Monroe, Wisconsin for a 6:00 pm hot air balloon launch. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather stays nice. We are planning on arriving home late Friday night.

On Saturday, I am taking a quilting class with Penny Haren, Pieced Applique. I am so looking forward to this class. She is going to speak at Pride of the Prairie Guild on Thursday evening, but I will still be in Iowa.

I am up to 157 klosjes. I will be taking handwork along. Traveling on highways I can do handwork. Backroad, I want to look around and take in the scenery. I hope to see a few Barn Quilts along the way!!