The Old Red Barn
A family gathering in front of the homestead
Little did I know when my friend Carol told me about her husband’s family homestead that it would be a photographer’s dream!
Carol’s husband’s ancestors were among the first founders of Bethania, a Moravian settlement on the outskirts of Winston-Salem. The Moravians tried unsuccessfully to settle in Georgia first, and then moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, along with settlements in New Jersey and Maryland. In 1753, the first North Carolina settlement was established in Bethabara, followed by Bethania and Salem. The skeleton of the city of Winston-Salem was laid out.
The family history is fascinating. After settling in as a miller, Carol’s husband’s ancestor built a gristmill near Muddy Creek, a part of Forsyth county. Later on, in the 1800s, a fever epidemic caused him to drain his pond to please his neighbors! One William Leinbach moved to the property from nearby Salem and built a new log home, which is part of what still remains of the property. There must have been a wedding involved here. The family farm was built on a raised hill, above what was a familiar landmark in town for years and years, a farm tools company.
I am currently enrolled in a photography portfolio class at Better Photo. My teacher, William Neill, is an inspiring instructor and famous photographer. He won’t allow his students to be complacent, and old pictures just don’t meet his approval. Originally I had considered building a portfolio either of shots of the Blue Ridge or of the coast of North Carolina. This is not the winter to be going back to add to the portfolio. Last time I checked, most of the Blue Ridge Parkway was closed due to snow and other weather. The coast is even getting snow this weekend! So…a local theme just evolved.
I have visited the farm three times in the past 3 weeks, originally as the first flakes were starting of the “big snow.” It was a cold Friday afternoon after school. The next morning I raced to my car at dawn, envisioning fantastic shots in the newly fallen snow. After realizing how dangerous the conditions were, I barely made it home, my tail between my legs. It was Monday before I got out again, thanks to a school SNOWDAY! Many of the first shots were my favorites. Just two days ago, Winston-Salem was surprised by a very light dusting of snow, and I went back again. It was magical, perhaps bolstered by a little history lesson from Carol.
I look forward to a warm summer’s night for another visit, this time at sunset.
The remains of the old homestead
The old red barn
Home on the hill
Detail
Homestead and barn in background
Icicles by the barn
Locked forever
From the most recent snow, another angle
Snow is the brush stroke which brings beauty to Winter.
mrmcgoo
mrmcgoo
February 15, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Pleased you were able to photograph a red barn AND make it back home safely! The photos are rich.
The dog post was sweet/bittersweet. In my mind, they are definitely a fixture at the Hamilton home. I do love their silver faces. Good capture.
Jana
February 16, 2010 at 8:55 am
Hey I visited your blog …it is fascinating to read about the Leinbach farm and see pics!
Bebe
February 16, 2010 at 9:16 am
Hi Cindy,
I like your blog. Thanks for sharing.
Tom
tom shaver
February 16, 2010 at 9:22 am
Cindy, Your pictures are fabulous. I love the winter scenes and old barns! I didn’t know Carol’s family had an old farm.
Christy
February 16, 2010 at 9:23 am
cindy, I am blown away by your beautiful photos. The light is fabulous. Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us.
Phyllis
February 16, 2010 at 9:27 am
Cindy, these photos are great and I can not wait to share this with the rest of the family!
Carol
cynham
February 16, 2010 at 9:31 am
Cindy, These photos of the farm remind me of my grandparents farm in Stokes County where I grew up. I enjoy your photos, especially the one I mentioned this morning of Carlos in your class. It was a close-up of his face wearing a Bills hat. Your interest in photography has a ripple effect touching many lives.
cynham
February 16, 2010 at 10:50 am
Loved the shots! The snow in the background, the color contrasts, and the aspect of captured history. The rustic look was fresh and provocative. Then those lovely children/dogs — capturing their expressions while frolicking in the snow. Thank you for sharing such warm, golden moments!
Joy Kontos
cynham
February 16, 2010 at 11:18 am
Well-worth the effort of getting up before dawn and driving through the snow to this spectacular location! I have been here before but never under these conditions. Loved the icicle shot and the use of the macro lens. Keep inspiring me!!
Wendy Hinman
cynham
February 16, 2010 at 11:24 am
Hi Cindy, loved the photos! Your work is amazing and makes me really want to get my camera out and give this art another try. Keep up the good work! Cheryl
Cheryl Dickson
February 16, 2010 at 11:27 am
I am torn between the icicle photo or the lock photo as my favorite. The colors and textures around the lock were amazing! Thanks for sharing. – Elizabeth
cynham
February 16, 2010 at 11:28 am
The importance of ‘place’ is underscored time and again. Thanks for these reminders of history, and of the people who wrote it. Beautful!
Trish
cynham
February 16, 2010 at 11:31 am
Wow Cindy! Those are amazing! I really enjoyed your story from above – I’ve driven through Bethlehem a few times on my trips to Athens for college. How interesting to know it’s linked to Winston. The pictures are absolutely beautiful. I look forward to taking a photography class from you one day!
cynham
February 16, 2010 at 11:36 am
Oops! That was me – Laura de Bravo
cynham
February 16, 2010 at 11:37 am
How wonderful to have this treasure so close by. Beautiful images!
Heather Moir
February 16, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for sharing your photographs and stories; both are fascinating. Teresa
Teresa
February 16, 2010 at 2:13 pm
What a fabulous place and your photos are beautiful! Missed you at CNPA this year!
Donna
February 17, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Cindy, so great to read the story after seeing your photographs in the class. Wonderful work.
~ Adrian
Adrian
February 18, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Thank you, Adrian, for your kind words. YOUR blog totally inspires ME!
cynham
February 18, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Hi – I just stumbled on your blog and your images are gorgeous! If you would like to know more about Bethania – please visit my web sites – I am the author of Bethania: The Village by the Black Walnut Bottom.
Bev Hamel
February 19, 2010 at 6:21 pm