Project Information
At Mehl Creek Farm in Elkton, Oregon, Mary Cooley designed a collection of timber frame agricultural buildings that the Cooley family—Ed, Mary, and Trevor—constructed using time-honored methods. Built from Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar, these structures were raised entirely by hand, relying on framing wall jacks and block-and-tackle systems rather than modern equipment. Using four jacks—two borrowed from a builder friend and two rented—the family successfully lifted and positioned both complete wall sections and individual beams. Mary and Ed Cooley documented the construction process through photography, capturing their hands-on approach to traditional timber frame building.
Beautiful work! wish I was there to give you a hand. collecting logs know to build our own home soon to get out of this trailor. Hope you show more photos as you go along to the finish.
Looks like your in God’s country as well. Must have one beautiful view.
Stay safe
Tim
Thanks, Tim. We have been working on this project for several years now. Since this is a Raising Series, I didn’t post any photos of what came later. The building is roofed and enclosed now. I am not sure how to post any more photos.
We are in Western Oregon and milled the timbers from trees on our place. The raising was done using the wall jacks which required fewer people than if it had been done with only muscle power.