Saturday, February 18, 2006

rustic



This large operation outside of Oregon, Illinois has always been a fascination for me. It's a huge jumble of barns, sheds, grain storage, vehicles and animals.

The property started with humble beginnings, perhaps a small cabin or farmhouse, and buildings were added as the operations grew. What stands in the spot now is a huge collection of farming "stuff".

As you travel west on Route 64 the flat expanses of farmland give way to the gently rolling hills leading to the dramatic Rock River Valley. The scale and expanse of the scene is always surprising as you round the bend.

Note: Cows and cattle are notoriously hams. Being inquistive by nature they always turn and look in your direction, in a kind of bored disdain, making themselves the perfect models.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- I adore reading your blog and I LOVE your photos! Such a great tribute to the rural places that are becoming all too far apart... Keep up the great work!

Rachel said...

Great picture. I love all those farm buildings!

Tim Rice said...

A good number of farms have a way of randomly adding on as the farmer feels the need. It can create some rather interesting landscapes and buildings.

R.Powers said...

I like that conglomeration. It's a history of the farm.

srp said...

Reminds me of the farms in our family.
You gotta love those cows.

Anonymous said...

Your description of this reminds me of the pile of stuff on the intersection of 64 & 251...

Anonymous said...

I think I saw this same scene today as my brother and I drove across eastern Oregon. (State of) So many little farms with the old farmhouse, various outbuildings of different vintages and verticality, and quite often a newer house or double-wide trailer as well. Maybe for the kids?