WVU alumnus and host of Barnwood Builders Mark Bowe led a team of Ohio County 4-H’ers in building a structure at WVU Jackson’s Mill. The episode will air on the DIY Network March 22 at 9 p.m. (EST). Photo courtesy of Silent Crow Productions
This Sunday, fans of Barnwood Builders will have a chance to see West Virginia 4-H’ers coming together in a unique project with the crew of the popular DIY show.
Taped last fall, a group of WVU Extension Service 4-H’ers from Ohio County in West Virginia’s northern panhandle traveled to WVU Jackson’s Mill to film an episode of Barnwood Builders. That episode will air Sunday (March 22) at 9 p.m. (EST) on the DIY Network.
WVU alumnus and host of Barnwood Builders Mark Bowe coordinated the project to help the group of young people participate in a team-building exercise to build a new education center at WVU Jackson’s Mill
During filming of the episode, the Ohio County 4-H’ers focused on working as a team, honed their critical thinking skills and used their know-how to solve problems to help assemble the structure.
Made of 350-year-old wood, the timber frame was constructed offsite at the company’s “Boneyard” and transported in pieces to the site. A team from Jackson’s Mill coordinated the site prep work, and Bowe and his crew instructed the 4-H’ers – using tools and techniques from pioneer days – on completing the necessary construction, raising the structure and putting on the finishing touches.
The 16-by-20-foot structure will be used as a heritage arts education center where 4-H’ers and other visitors will learn about Appalachian heritage, including candle making, quilting, cooking and more. The building also will serve as a home for Appalachian artisans who want to showcase their work and teach others about their craft. A team from Jackson’s Mill worked with contractors to complete the building.
It also was a return visit to the Mill for the show. In 2018, Barnwood Builders worked with a team of WVU leaders to construct a new arts and cultural building at the Mill. That episode aired in August 2018.
Bowe worked as a coal miner while completing his bachelor’s degree at B&E, and later received a master’s degree in safety management from the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. He founded his company, Antique Cabins and Barns, in 1995. He and his longtime crew have reclaimed more than 400 pioneer-era structures.
Bill Freyler, a long-time 4-H’er and volunteer in Ohio County, was instrumental in making this experience a reality for the students by providing funds for the materials used in construction.
For more information about WVU Extension Service visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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tec/03/17/20
CONTACT: Tara Curtis
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304-293-7996, tara.curtis@mail.wvu.edu
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