Silos & Barns in McHenry County

New Photo Book Explores Farming’s Past & Present

Russell King, a retired civil engineer from Lakewood, is on a mission: To document McHenry County silos and barns, and hopefully begin dialogue about something bigger: The significance of silos and barns in the past, present and even future of McHenry County.

Why Barns?

You have probably driven past many barns and silos in varying stages of deterioration or restoration, but did you ever wonder their purpose? Maybe you’re curious what’s inside. King certainly is.

“I figure a huge percentage of current residents of McHenry County have a very limited knowledge about what silos and barns are all about,” King said. “And I think it is important to show them.”

Through his photo book, “200 Pictures of Silos & Barns in McHenry County,” he hopes to not only document these “agricultural cathedrals,” but begin a bigger discussion about barns and their significance to the county.

About the Book

King began his barn photography adventure this past summer. Many of the structures were built in the 1850s-60s, and many of them have a remarkable story. In his book, expect to find photos and brief descriptions, including addresses, in the event you want to take a self-guided barn tour.

“I want to share what silos and barns were used for, their size, the beauty of the wood timber skeleton, and how difficult and expensive it is to maintain them,” King added. “The pictures include other farming operations: Milkhouses; how silage is stored; and how cows are fed silage and hay. What the inside of a haymow and milking area look like … those kinds of things.”

Support the Project

MCL will be regularly featuring photography from the book. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Please support King’s hard work with a purchase of the book available in paperback. It makes a great gift for lovers of American history, architecture and agriculture. To order, email russkingassoc@aol.com.