Robbie Cochran carries a black locust tree split rail to be added to the "snake rail fence" that he is building in front the the Old Stone House. Photo by Wayne Hinshaw, for the Salisbury Post ...

Francois and friends emerged from battle inspired. They finished the black locust split-rail fence and added another small — but — impressive building to the property.

“Dad hand-split the locust logs, then draw-shaved them down and cut the proper ends and rail-holes with a chain saw. Black Locust is one of the hardest woods; working it is not easy. And those were ...