Well now, Albert Barnwright here. After you have put in all that good, hard work building your DIY pole barn, standing back and seeing it rise proud against the sky is a mighty fine feeling, is it not? But there is one more touch, a classic detail, that can truly make it your own – a weathervane, perched right up there on your cupola, spinning with the breeze. It is more than just a pretty ornament; that weathervane will tell you which way the wind is blowing, sure, but it also adds a bit of story, a bit of personality to the barn you built with your own hands.
Here at DIY Pole Barns, we think these weathervanes are a fine nod to tradition and a special way to mark your place, showing off that same spirit of good craftsmanship that went into your pole barn.
A Long Look Back: Where These Weathervanes Got Their Start
You know, these weathervanes have been around for a long, long time – thousands of years, if you can believe it. They didn’t always look like the fancy eagles and roosters we see today, mind you. They started out as real practical tools to help folks understand the wind, which was mighty important for farming, sailing, and just everyday living.
Way back in ancient Babylon, around 1800 or 1600 years before Bethlehem saw its star, folks were already talking about using weathervanes to see where the wind was coming from. And down in ancient Egypt, they had a clever idea: they put tall poles on their temples with long cloth streamers tied to them. These were simple weathervanes, but they helped the archers figure their aim and the sailors navigate the Nile River.
It was the ancient Greeks, though, who really took it up a notch with their artistry and cleverness. Around 48 B.C., a smart fella named Andronicus – an astronomer, he was – designed what many say was the first real fancy, mechanical weathervane. It was not just any little thing; it was a huge bronze statue of Triton, their sea god, holding a rod that pointed right into the wind. This grand weathervane sat on top of the famous Tower of the Winds in Athens. Now, this tower was something else – eight-sided, it was, and each side had carvings of their eight wind gods, like Boreas for the north wind and Zephyrus for the west. So that tower was like an early weather station and a beautiful monument all in one.
As time marched on, the weathervane idea traveled across Europe. By the Middle Ages, you would see them commonly on church steeples, cutting a familiar shape against the sky. The word “vane” itself comes from an old English word “fane,” which meant “flag” or “banner.” And that is what many early ones were – cloth flags. But as folks got better at working metal, those cloth flags turned into sturdy metal banners, often decorated with family crests, symbols of their trade, or religious pictures.
Then, in the 9th century, something important happened. The Pope, thinking on the story of Peter and the rooster crowing, made a decree. And that led to the rooster, or “weather cock” as they called it, becoming the popular choice for the top of church steeples. That rooster became a strong symbol for being watchful, for repentance, and for faith – and you still see a lot of them today.
Weathervanes in American Skies: A New Kind of Story
When folks from Europe sailed over to America, they brought their weathervane traditions with them. In the early American colonies, these wind-pointers started to change a bit, showing off that independent, resourceful spirit that every DIY builder can understand. They were often made from whatever materials were handy, like wood or iron folks forged themselves, and their shapes started to tell the story of who owned them and what they did for a living.
One of the most famous early American ones is that grasshopper weathervane that has been sitting on Faneuil Hall in Boston since 1742. A coppersmith named Deacon Shem Drowne made it. It was not just a random choice; that grasshopper became a lasting symbol of all the busy trade happening in the city. As our young country grew, weathervanes here took on a special character. Unlike in Europe where they often showed noble family symbols, here in America, anyone – a farmer, a shopkeeper, a craftsman – could put up a weathervane to show their pride and their place in the community. Farmers watched them to guess the weather for planting and harvesting, sailors for setting their course, and merchants to know when ships might be arriving. They became a real part of the scenery, just like the barns and houses themselves.
Good Craftsmanship Today: The Weathervanes We Offer at DIY Pole Barns
That tradition of the weathervane is still going strong, and it is a wonderful, character-filled way to finish off your pole barn, home, or garage. Here at DIY Pole Barns, we’re mighty proud to offer a good selection of classic black cast aluminum weathervanes. These are made to honor that long history while being tough enough for modern times, with a style that does not fade. Each one is designed to look real striking up against the sky, adding that touch of tradition and your own personality to the building you put up with your own two hands.
Meet the Weathervanes You Can Get From Us
We invite you to take a look at the classic designs we have, all made from that durable black cast aluminum, and each with its own story:
- Eagle: A powerful, majestic bird, a real symbol of America’s freedom and strength. A commanding choice for anyone who is proud of their country.
- Antique Auto: A charming nod to the early days of cars. Perfect if you love old cars or just appreciate that vintage style. Makes for a good story, too.
- Pig: Playful and friendly, this one brings a smile and a bit of country humor to your barn. Real nice for hobby farms or anyone who loves animals and rural life.
- Buck: Shows off that wild spirit of the outdoors and the beauty of nature. A good fit for hunters, folks who love the outdoors, or anyone who feels close to the wilderness.
- Country Doctor (Horse and Buggy): This one pulls at the heartstrings, reminding us of the old-time country doctor making house calls. A fine tribute to community, history, and dedicated service.
- Rooster: The original “weather cock,” a true classic. It stands for being watchful, for good fortune, a new day, and it is the perfect farmhouse symbol that always looks good.
- Cow: Gentle and grounding, it speaks of farm life and the steady presence of livestock. A calm reminder of the hard work that goes into the land.
- Duck: Cheerful and charming, makes you think of quiet waters. A delightful pick for folks who admire wildlife and the peace of ponds and lakes.
- Tractor: Celebrates those hardworking machines that power our farms. Always a favorite for farmers or anyone who appreciates farm ingenuity.
- Horse: Honors the grace and power of horses, a wonderful fit for stables, ranches, or anyone who loves the equestrian life.
- Sailboat: Makes you think of adventure and the open water. A unique choice for dreamers, even if your barn is miles from any coast.
- Pheasant: Graceful and distinctive, brings a touch of countryside beauty. Symbolizes the splendor of nature and the thrill of the field.
Settin’ it Up Right: Mounting Your Weathervane
A weathervane is more than just an add-on; it is the crown jewel that completes your pole barn’s character. Making sure it is perched just right on your cupola so it can spin freely and show you the wind is important. When you choose one of these fine weathervanes from DIY Pole Barns, you can be sure they are made to fit perfectly on our own cupolas. That makes for a good, secure fit so your weathervane can do its job from day one.
Now, while our weathervanes are made for our cupolas, if you have any specific questions when you get yours, our team here is always ready to help. However, if you are thinking of buying a weathervane from somewhere else online or another supplier, it is real important you give us a call here at DIY Pole Barns before you buy it. How they mount, the hardware, the base design – those things can be very different from one to another. Talking with our experienced team beforehand will let us give you the important information on whether a third-party weathervane can be safely mounted to our cupolas, and what you might need to do it. This step will save you from headaches and make sure any weathervane you pick can be displayed proud and secure on your DIY Pole Barns building.
Good Folks Makin’ Good Vanes: About Whitehall Products
These exceptional black cast aluminum weathervanes we are proud to offer are made by a company called Whitehall Products. That name has stood for top quality and tradition in American weathervane making for over 70 years. They put a lot of care and artistry into each one. That cast aluminum they use is not only real durable against the weather but also has a classic, rich finish that lasts, making each one a beautiful piece and something you can pass down.
Let Your Pole Barn Tell Its Own Story
A weathervane connects you to the past, shows off your personal style, and is a daily reminder of the traditions that make country and independent living special. It’s the kind of detail that turns your hard work into something even more memorable.
Here at DIY Pole Barns, we’re pleased to offer this selection, each one ready to bring tradition, personality, and a touch of timeless style or even a bit of playfulness to your place. Choose the one that speaks to you from our collection, knowing it will fit right on your DIY Pole Barns cupola. And like I said, if you are looking at weathervanes from other places, talk to us first to make sure it will work. Our goal is to help you get that stunning final touch on there without a fuss, adding another layer of pride to your completed DIY project.
Let your barn tell its story – one gust of wind, one spin of the vane, one beautifully shaped figure against the sky at a time.
Feel free to contact DIY Pole Barns today!
You take care,
Albert Barnwright
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