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On May 30 Harold and Julia Swain, Ashland County Farm Bureau members, got a big scare when their barn caught fire after being struck by lightning.

A large section of their L-shaped barn that housed their milking parlor was destroyed. Although it was tragic, Harold Swain said it could have been much worse. The other portion of the barn where the cattle were housed was not damaged.

When word spread throughout the community about the barn burning, the wheels started turning. A member of the Swains’ advisory council suggested getting people together for an old fashioned barn raising. Wayne County Farm Bureau member John Corbett offered to house and milk the Swains’ cattle during the construction.

The Swains bought the materials for the addition and 28 people – about 90 percent of them Ashland County Farm Bureau members – showed up on June 4 at 7 a.m. to begin construction.

Just four days after the fire, the Swains’ had a new 32-by-40 barn section under roof. The milking parlor should be up and running by the first part of July. Organization Director John Fitzpatrick said the sight of all those people was awesome. "It was a beehive of activity. Everyone did something. Many of the wives provided lunch for the workers," Fitzpatrick said. "It was almost a party atmosphere."

Harold Swain said he was humbled by the experience. "It really made me stop and realize how fortunate I am. The community and our friends stopped everything and came to our aid," Swain said. "We still have people coming everyday to put the finishing touches on the building."

CAPTION: More than 25 Farm Bureau members, church members and friends came together to rebuild a large portion of Harold and Julia Swain’s barn that burned after being struck by lightning. Photo courtesy of Ashland County Farm Bureau