The Amish Barn at Edge

In the small country town of Edge, Texas one could hardly imagine or would ever expect to see the simple beauty of an authentic Amish barn nestled atop a serene pasture overlooking a tranquil pond. This unexpected treasure was the inspiration of Don and Paula House. It all began in the Winter of 1999 when an Amish barn was raised on the House farm in Edge. The Amish traditionally build barns using wood-peg mortise and tenon construction. Each piece of the 3,800 sq ft barn was hand hewn and custom cut by the Pennsylvania Dutch Amish craftsmen in Leola, Pennsylvania. After the initial stage of material preparation was completed in Pennsylvania, the barn materials were transported to Edge, Texas. Shortly after the arrival of the materials, a closely knit group of Amish and Mennonite craftsmen arrived to raise the barn. A barn raising event is know as “frolic” to the Amish. Frolic is a term for an event that combines socializing with a practical goal. In the Amish culture, barn raising fulfills a practical need, but also serves the higher need to encourage a sense of community and fellowship. A spirit and principle in which both Don and Paula live their lives.