Hansen, the master carpenter of the haus/barn project, first heard about this almost 300-year old haus/barn in his local newspaper nearly seven years ago. He volunteered because he is interested in old things, and it sparked his interest.

The sparks flew—sending Hansen all the way from the small village of Bargum, (which is nearly half the size of Manning) to the United States. Hansen was not. alone though. He packed up his boots, work clothes, and a couple of helpers, including his grandson, Malte Christiansen, and Jan Matzen. Although Christiansen and Matzen were surprised at his offer, they immediately agreed to join him.

Hansen said he did not want to come alone, and knew Christiansen and Matzen were skillful workers. The young men's skill is just the icing on the cake. Hansen is an expertise in haus/barn construction, and has been building them for 50 years; self-teaching himself at the age of 14.

He has been to the United States five times before, and said "it's great" here. Hansen said everything in America is different from his homeland, and the size of the country is much bigger than Germany. He enjoys the "good weather" and "lovely countryside," and said the people are friendly and helpful.

Christiansen and Matzen agree everything is "very interesting," and many people entertain them. However, root beer floats would not rate as one of their American favorites. They think the root beer and ice cream taste strange, and find the combo unusual.

Although the three are thou-sands of miles from home, they talk to their family twice a week on the telephone. They will stay in Manning until August 2nd, when the reconstruction is complete.