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Dale Bumpers College
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In the News - August
2008
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| "The unusual shape and gray patina of an old white oak fence post provides a pleasant moment during a drive through rural Arkansas." |
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – I would wager that, in regards to fences or fence posts, your historical reference point is tied to Abe Lincoln. His oft-told story, after all, has since required that every successful politician make attempts to endear themselves to voters by developing similar grassroots connections.
The history of fencing is an interesting story of people learning to make do with natural materials. In Ol' Abe's case, trees and strong backs were plentiful so the rail fence was the norm. Stone was also a naturally occurring material in many areas and, like the trees; it had to be removed from many fields anyway. Aesthetically speaking, moss-covered stone and the gray patina of wood creates a favorable and lasting impression.
Picket fences, initially a patchwork of woven branches, were perhaps the first type of fence used centuries ago by shepherds. They were later improved as sawmills began to churn out lumber. Picket fences are still popular in urban areas, although vinyl materials are replacing wood.
Trees that proved their endurance to weather, rot, insects and livestock gained popularity with farmers since building fences has always been expensive in more ways than one. Fence posts of cedar, locust, white oak and Osage orange (or bois d'arc) have provided the standard of comparison for centuries. Some families can proudly point to a corner post with claims of it having been set by a great-grandfather. Obviously, the post was the more durable of the two.
The conquering of the Wild West by barbed wire has been recounted in numerous western movies. Since being introduced in the last half of the 20th century, many farmers would elevate the metal T-post to that same level of importance. Until recently the speed, durability and economics of building fence with T-post established an unsurpassed trend. However, the cost of metal in any form has caused the T-post market to escalate.
One side-effect is the sound of chain saws echoing across the Ozarks as they are once again used to cut wood posts. Unfortunately, a search for one of those durable individuals who could easily answer questions about the selection and use of native hardwoods for this purpose may take awhile. Til' next week!
August 22, 2008
By: Robert Seay
Benton County Extension Agent Staff Chair
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
Additional Stories:
In the News Archives
June 2008 | July 2008 | August 2008 | September 2008 | October 2008 | November 2008
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