A weather vane, wind vane, or weathercock is an instrument for showing the direction of the wind. It is typically used as an architectural ornament to the highest point of a building. The word vane comes from the Old English word fana meaning "flag".
Although partly functional, weather vanes are generally decorative, often featuring the traditional cockerel design with letters indicating the points of the compass. Other common motifs include ships, arrows, horses, and in our case our daily mantra around here "BELIEVE!" To say this architectural piece was a serendipitous discovery would be an understatement.
This weather vane was much less about determining the direction of the wind, and more about a promise, a premise, a mantra!
Just one week after the barn fire, with embers still on the ground, before we even knew how or when we would break ground on a new barn, Ed happened to stumble upon this gem at Farrin's Country Auctions in Randolph, Maine. It was just one of those pieces that spoke to us. We knew somehow, someway that a new beautiful barn would rise like a phoenix from the ashes, and that "believe" was going to be a daily affirmation we would tell the community, our couples, ourselves.
David Little of Winnipesaukee Forge took this piece of art from 1897 originally from from Dresden, Maine and restored it to its former historic glory, much as we are trying to do with The Preserve. It was even signed by the original artist, and David himself signed the piece after the restoration because he knew what a significant piece of artwork and history this was and will continue to be.
We all gathered around at the base of the barn on the day the weathervane was placed. Robert Tibbitts of Tibbits Building was the brave soul that so cautiously and carefully placed her atop the cupola. We captured a few moments on video and will cherish this significant moment forever. Thank you to all who were a part of such a meaningful "topping off" of this beautiful barn.
David Little & Bryan Comestance showing off their work.
