Walk across the tennis court to the edge of the lawn. The path to the left will take you to the farmyard. » Map
The buildings around you – the granary, blacksmith shop, equipment shed, and barn – were important for reasons other than their functions on the farm.
The status of a rural family was measured not only by the elegance of their home, but by the success and upkeep of their farm as well. A family was viewed as hardworking and successful if their barn was large as well cared for, their farm machinery was of high quality, and their fields were well tended. Even the color of paint on the buildings in the Patterson’s farmyard showed their status; they chose a green color that was pricier than the standard red.
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