The Barn

When we first arrived in Pennsylvania the culturally differences from the West were obvious. The rolling hills and evergreen trees were bountiful. The Amish were scattered in various areas and their plain life was refreshingly reminiscent of yesteryear.
It is not uncommon to be greeted by Pennsylvanians and asked, if you want to see their barn, rather than their house. A barn in Pennsylvania is still highly valued. It's a safe haven where your animals are raised. A shelter to protect ones provision of hay and grain from the long bitter winter. Crops can be fed to sustain your animals or sold for those who are unable to plant. The majority of ones life is spent in the field and in the barn. The barn is still the central and most important part of every Pennsylvania farm.
So, when your welcomed by a Pennsylvania farmer's, "Come on in", don't expect to be taken into their parlor, but rejoice if your invited to view their true splendor that is showcased by an abundance of golden straw.