In our line of work, we repair or restore stone foundations and above-grade walls, either independently or together on the same project. Many of the barns in our area in Bucks County, PA., date back more than 100 years, and some go back to the 18th century. While some continue to serve as barns, others have become workshops, homes, and even office buildings. They are called "bank barns," because on one side an earthen embankment leads to the second floor. Most of the barns have 18-inchthick stone foundation walls that rise as much as 8 to 10 feet above grade on the downhill side and are even with grade on the uphill side (see Figure 1 on next page).
