Old grain bins and sheds like these stand as reminders of the farmsteads that once surrounded them. After World War II farmers began leaving for urban jobs. Young people did not stay on their parents' land. One by one, those who remained bought out their neighbors, or rented the land from heirs.

These round bins are characteristic of central Illinois. The concrete blocks alternate with open space, to make a strong, well-ventilated corncrib.

C
lick for close-up

Sources on farm architecture

A libertarian argument against government subsidies for farming

Spintech is a Libertarian magazine published in St. Louis
© D. Gorton 2001
Industrial Agricultural Landscape, 1350N and 050E, Douglas County
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