Timber Framing History Part II

Part One of this series on the history of timber framing saw us review thousands of years of history across multiple continents. Today’s article introduces you to the history behind timber framing’s rich traditions. Still carried out today, these traditions range from ceremonies to saw marks. One thing these traditions have in common? Each appears to have originated as a regional distinction, later spreading across countries and continents.

Need to read Part I? Click here.

The Tradition of the Topping Out Ceremony

In addition to areas developing their own timber frame building styles, some regions’ craftsmen started unique traditions. Perhaps you have heard of (or witnessed) a topping out ceremony. Topping out ceremonies are not signaling the beginning or end of construction. Rather, the tradition involves placing a tree or bough at the highest point of a structure.

The underlying reason for (and origin of) this ceremony is still debated today. One author posits that the topping out tradition has its origins in 8^th century Scandinavia (Vanhoenacker, 2013) while a different theory is that topping out dates back to ancient Egypt (with a plant being used as opposed to a tree). And, while one article claims the tradition began as a way in which to placate the tree spirits (Columbia University School of Social Work from The Ironworker, published by the International Association of Bridge, Structural, and Ornamental Ironworkers, Washington, DC., 2003) who had been inconvenienced during building, other articles state that topping out is a rite brought to construction by Native American builders who believed that no man-made structure should be taller than a tree.

Thus, while this particular timber frame tradition leaves many questions, there is no doubt the ceremony spans much of the construction around the globe. Riverbend Timber Framing has had more than one topping out ceremony during its 40 year history right here in North America.

The Tradition of Carpenter’s Marks

Another regional distinction was what is referred to as carpenter’s marks (Timber Framing, n.d.), aptly named as carpenters would (and still do) leave marks on individual timbers. Sometimes carpenter’s marks were chiseled. Other times they were saw-cut. And, while some of these marks were practical in nature, numbering individual timbers for assembly, for example, many carpenter’s marks were unique and did not necessarily serve any (known) practical purpose. The Bavarian carpenter’s mark above perfectly represents the latter.

Here at Riverbend, our timber artisans don’t use cut-in, permanent, carpenter’s marks. On more than one occasion, however, a customer has asked a craftsman to sign a truss or even hand carve a date or quote into a timber.

The Timber Frame Raising Tradition

The tradition of “raising” is the one with which you are probably most familiar. Dating back to the days of manual labor, a timber frame raising was an event where the entire community came together to erect a neighbor’s timber frame barn. This is because before the days of cranes and forklifts, the only manner in which to raise a timber frame was literally with man and horse power. Known for hard work and plentiful food, these occasions saw entire families participate in one manner or another.

In some parts of the world, this hands-on method is still practiced today. For example, some Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities continue raisings, while eschewing modern equipment. The non-profit organization, Tillers International, offers a five day class in the U.S. called, “Timber Framing & Raising” as part of its curriculum. This class, along with its many others, is part of Tiller’s global mission to improving the lives of people in rural areas by exchanging skills that empower communities. This is because some rural communities lack power. Thus, it only makes sense that timber framing and its raising is considered a valuable skill.

Riverbend’s Timber Frame Raising

While we don’t offer classes at Riverbend, we do invite those of you interested in a timber frame home to join our timber raising events.

Depending on a home’s location, including remoteness and road access, our timber frame raisings can have a festive atmosphere just as ones from the past. Experience this delightful timber frame tradition. Check here to locate a raising near you.[i] Because your safety is our top priority, we do require RSVPs for each raising event. You can also see videos and photographs of raising events on our Facebook page.

Please visit our Timber Framing Blog in two weeks to read part three of the series. We’ll be writing about the “re-discovery” of timber framing in North America.

Notes and photo credits

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[i] Raising events do not occur during the winter months in many parts of North America.

Vanhoenacker, M. (2013, 12 19). What Is a Tree Doing on Top of That Construction Site? Retrieved from Slate: http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/2013/12/19/why_do_construction_workers_top_building_sites_with_undecorated_christmas.html

Columbia University School of Social Work from The Ironworker, published by the International Association of Bridge, Structural, and Ornamental Ironworkers, Washington, DC. (2003, April). History of the “Topping Out” Ceremony. Retrieved from Columbia University News Archive: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ssw/news/apr03/history.html

Timber Framing. (n.d.). Retrieved from Infogalactic: https://infogalactic.com/info/Timber_framing#Carpenters.27_marks

Metzner. (2007, June 18). Abbundzeichen_Feu_II. Retrieved from Commons Wikimedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abbundzeichen_Feu_II.JPG