In a delightful fusion of Ohio’s rich history and the burgeoning cannabis culture, Hundred Percent Labs has embarked on an extraordinary mission to visit every county’s Bicentennial Barn. Over the past three years, our team has traversed the diverse landscapes of Ohio, endeavoring to visit every Bicentennial Barn in the state. Today, we’re excited to share our journey as we hit the halfway mark, visiting 44 of the 88 iconic barns.
THE BIRTH OF AN ADVENTURE
The idea for our Bicentennial Barn Tour sprouted quite organically. Being Ohioans our entire lives traveling around the state, and while traveling across Ohio to visit our dispensary partners, our team repeatedly encountered these magnificent barns. Each sighting sparked curiosity and excitement, akin to a treasure hunt or a quest to “Catch ’em all.” What began as casual sightings turned into a deliberate quest, each barn discovery fueling our eagerness to explore the next. This barn tour has become more than just a mission; it’s an adventure, inviting our team to delve into the state’s history while embracing the spirited fun of the chase, all while inviting the rest of Ohio to come along with us.
THE BICENTENNIAL BARNS: A SYMBOL OF OHIO’S HISTORY
The story of the Bicentennial Barns began in 1997 when the Ohio General Assembly launched a unique initiative to celebrate the state’s upcoming bicentennial in 2003. The project aimed to select and beautifully adorn a barn in each of Ohio’s 88 counties with the Bicentennial logo, symbolizing Ohio’s agricultural heritage and its two centuries of statehood. Scott Hagan, an artist native to Ohio, was chosen to paint these barns, embarking on a transformative journey that would etch his work and these structures into the very fabric of Ohio’s history.
UNCOVERING OHIO’S RUSTIC GEMS
Ohio’s Bicentennial Barns represent more than just rural architecture; they are living monuments of the state’s history and culture. As we embarked on our Bicentennial Barn Tour, our goal was twofold: to explore these symbols of Ohio’s heritage and to bridge the past with the present by intertwining the story of cannabis—a plant with deep historical roots yet facing contemporary stigma.
THE STORIES BEHIND THE BARNS
Each barn we’ve visited tells a unique story, steeped in the records of time. We’ve seen barns that stood as proud witnesses to Ohio’s agricultural evolution and others that narrated tales of families who have lived under their roofs for generations. The journey has been an eye-opener, revealing the changing landscapes and communities that make up our great state.
However, time has not been kind to some of these historic structures. While many barns have been lovingly maintained, others bear the scars of two decades since the Bicentennial Commission first selected it to represent their county, standing as poignant reminders of the relentless march of time and change. Our photography documents these contrasts, celebrating both the enduring spirit and the fragile nature of our shared heritage.
CANNABIS AND CULTURE: A HARMONIOUS BLEND
Our adventure is more than a historical exploration; it’s a mission to normalize cannabis by associating it with Ohio’s proud and visible history. By showcasing these barns, symbols of our collective past, alongside the story of cannabis, we aim to illustrate the plant’s role in our society’s evolving narrative.
Cannabis, much like these barns, has a complex and layered history. It has been a subject of controversy and misunderstanding. Yet, just as these barns have adapted and found new relevance in the modern world, cannabis too is experiencing a renaissance, emerging as a plant with significant medicinal, economic, and cultural value.
THE ROAD AHEAD
As we continue our Bicentennial Barn Tour, venturing into the second half of our quest, we invite you to join us. Follow our journey as we explore the remaining 44 barns, each with its story waiting to be unearthed and shared. Through our blog, social media, interactive events, and your own visits to these bicentennial barns, you’ll have a front-row seat to this melding of history, art, and the evolving perceptions of cannabis.
We believe that by bringing the past into conversation with the present, we can create a future where cannabis is recognized not just for its benefits but also as an integral part of our societal tapestry. Join Hundred Percent Labs in this unique exploration of heritage, culture, and nature. Together, let’s redefine the narrative and pave the way for a more inclusive and understanding world.
Stay tuned for more updates from our Bicentennial Barn Tour. Visit our website and social media for regular photo updates, stories, and insights from our journey. Please share with us your own Bicentennial Barn Photos!
