Building a solar greenhouse

Thanks to Gary, especially, we were aware of alternative energy sources. We couldn't afford gas or oil, but sunlight was free. The plan here was to build a solar powered greenhouse. We began with the back wall (in the picture) facing south. When the whole building was finished, large oil cans filled with water were placed up against the wall. The sun heated the water and the metal cans kept the heat radiating slowly. I see Gary (left), Tony (blond hair in the middle), John/Otis and Al Op (I think, on top.

As I look at the picture I also see two themes of Farm Yonder at play. First is working with wood. Just about everyone but me was good at it, had done a lot of it growing up. Not me, I just read books and played football with my friends. Still, everyone was very happy to teach me and I reached my peak of woodworking skill and fantasy in our loom shop one winter in Eureka Springs.

The other theme was ambitious projects. We felt and often talked about the power of lots of people working together. A feeling that we could do anything and wouldn't it be fun. I think the greenhouse came out of that feeling more than the need to grow food more efficiently.