A Brief History of Antique ChestnutIt started with the Barn Raising. A barn built in only two days, without pay. A chance for members of a community to work together, break bread together, and then celebrate a job well done, often with a barn dance. Barn-raisings were a fundamental part of 18th- and 19th-century American farm life. Since farms were the source of livelihood for many homesteaders, the barn was usually built first, before any other dwelling or building. Sturdily handcrafted of chestnut, oak, and other hardwoods, many of these barns still stand, a picturesque part of Americana that reminds us to work hard, help our neighbors, and love our families.