Corncribs began popping up on farms around 1701, as a structure in which to store Indian maize. Corn cribs were commonly built on wooden or stone posts high above the ground and the overhanging eaves helped prevent rain from splashing inside.
By 1860, the distinctive shape of slanted walls with wooden slats was typical. The spaces between the slats allow for air to circulate and help keep the corn dry. Building the corncrib on the high posts also helps keep out rodents.
Corn cribs primarily serve as storage buildings for corn. Large farms had several smaller cribs rather than one large crib. Corn cribs stored shelled corn, corn on the cobs and the cobs. Cobs were used for kindling and for smoking meat. Corn cribs built large enough to accommodate a wagon to be driven inside and through were the earliest American barns.
Corn cribs can also be used for a variety of items besides corn. A farmer can use his crib to store firewood or barnyard equipment. Corn cribs can also be used to house ducks and geese at night to protect them from predators like foxes and raccoons. Red Barn Farm uses the corn crib to house the turkeys. Some farmers have even turned their corn cribs into dog kennels.
Corn is a valuable crop and all parts of the plant are used. The leaves and stalks, called fodder, and kernels are used as animal feed. Humans also consume the kernels. Have you ever eaten creamed corn, corn on the cob or popcorn? Corn flakes, grits, cornbread and corn chips all contain corn. Corn syrup is found in a variety of candy bars.
Bundles of stalks make excellent insulation for animal quarters. The more densely packed the bundles, the warmer the animals will be. The stalks can also be ground up and used as compost to help fertilize the soil.
The shucks can be used as stuffing for mattresses. They also can be used to make brooms and chair seats. In addition to a fuel source, the cobs can be carved into pipes. Can you imagine Frosty the Snowman without a corn-cob pipe? Corn cobs are very absorbent and can be found in items like fertilizers, vitamins, hand soaps, cosmetics and kitty litter.
Did you know? There are over 2,500 products that use corn in some form during the production or processing?
