The Charm of a Barn.

If a barn could speak, what secrets and stories would it reveal?  Surely it would tell of the birthing of a calf or foal; the death of a long milked cow or well ridden mare.  Amongst the hay bales the trails of rodents hunted by cats; or lovers having a roll around.  Musings of a daydreamer, perhaps, but there is something about a barn that has rustic charm and brings about wonder.

The basic definition (FreeDictionary.com) of a barn is, “A large building for sheltering livestock, storing hay or other agricultural products, or housing equipment used for operating a farm. 2. A large shed for the housing of vehicles, such as railroad cars.”  Actually there are various sites giving either less or more of a definition, but to store or shelter is the main focus of a barn’s existence.  While some think, “this is nothing more than a utility building”, for others, like the Amish and Old Order Mennonite, the barn is not just an important feature of farming, but of overall life on the farm.  A “barn raising” is a huge deal in the community; families come by horse and buggy; the men to build the structure while the women prepare the feast to be enjoyed later on, and a bit of gossiping too.  It is the “community center” for parties, dances, wedding receptions, basically all social gatherings.

 

Back in 1997, the Smithsonian Institute developed a nationwide tour, “Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon”; visiting four rural sites in designated states, one of which was Utah; Wellsville, Heber City, Monticello (July/August 1998) and Ephraim.  The focus: who, what, where, why, where and how of an American icon…The Barn.  Featured in the Monticello site was the early 1900s built barn which became the Frontier Museum.  Originally a storage facility for the L.H. Redd Hardware/Mercantile, it was moved to its present location on Main Street (purchased by the City of Monticello) due to the tireless effort of the Monticello Foundation, headed by San Juan Record’s Bill Boyle.

 

 
 

Main Street between 200 and 300 South - given to Ginger Tracy by Joyce Martin; San Juan County Historical Commission.

 

Barn seen to the left of the Post Office.

Missy Votel of Durango’s Cross Currants wrote, “First order of business was to move the barn….back corner of lot, away from street, to front and center…put on rollers and moved approximately 60 yards.” The barn was of simple design, one entry way, one window, nothing to truly write home and brag about; but it was historic and needed to be preserved.  Temporary shingles were put on to keep out the elements; built on were an entry way and small storage room; eye pleasing features of faux barn doors and hayloft pulley were added.  Inside electricity and plumbing needed to be installed; the second floor (hayloft) could only be accessed via ladder (donations and grants needed to install an elevator, and not achieved as yet). 

 

 

 

 

Herringbone Pattern in Wood Planking

In 1998, plans by the City included a Visitors Center which was built in 2008 and is attached to the museum; 2013 saw the creation of the Big 4 Tractor Building which houses, of course, the Big 4 Tractor.  The field next to this building was, more than likely, for the Community Center proposed in 1998; however, that is now located at the Hideout Golf Course.  The field is used during Pioneer Day weekend activities for the Mud Tractor Pull; a huge attraction for locals and visitors alike.

 

 The first curator, and largest donor, to the Frontier Museum was Nell Dalton; after her death, her daughter, Ginger Tracy, became curator.  With her help, I was able to amass photographs, newspaper articles and information about the barn.  The museum is an eclectic collection representing Monticello and San Juan County’s Native Americans, the Pioneers and their descendants.  Framed black and white photographs, historical documents, memoirs; kitchen gadgets that make many a visitor state, “I remember my grandmother using that!”  The Hyland Hotel (National Register of Historic Places – July 28, 1994) is a featured exhibit, as well as Marie Ogden’s “new age cult”, The Home of Truth which has been written about by BYU Professor, Joel Campbell, and Emma Kemp, an instructor at California Institute of the Arts and Otis College BFA Fine Art of Arts. 

 
At one time, the City’s “museum” was located in the San Juan County building; artifacts stored in the cellar.  This was all transferred to the Frontier Museum once it had been established.  The second floor is closed off and contains all those artifacts not designated for display…yet.  Plans are in the works for a “rotation” system, and new donations, whether monetary or artifacts, are always welcomed!

Monticello Diorama depicting 1888 to 1911

  


Main Street Quilt created for 100th Anniversary of Monticello's Founding.

 Whether a local who walks by, or a visitor driving in for a rest stop, come on into the Frontier Museum and have a look about.  You never know what you’ll find.

Monticello Welcome Center/Frontier Museum/Big 4 Tractor Building
216 South Main Street
PO Box 182
Monticello, Utah, 84535

(435) 587-3401

Mary Cokenour

The Blue Goose Saloon Still Exists in Monticello, Utah.

Since moving to Monticello, I have heard three versions concerning The Blue Goose Saloon; the first that it burned down, the second that it had been moved, the third that it had been rebuilt and then torn down once again.  Well the mystery seems to have been solved when Jim Brandt purchased the old Bar TN property and renamed it Old West RV.  Also for sale was a small home at the northern corner of their property which was rumored to be the Blue Goose.  After purchase, deconstruction was begun and was found treasure beneath the modern layers of plaster and shingles...The Blue Goose Saloon.  With the help of Jim McCarthy, owner of Abajo Trading Post, this cabin of hand hewed logs and planks will be restored and moved to a new location near the Trading Post.

This finding of a historical site and its preservation is exciting news to many in the community.  I went over to the site and took several photos, before when it was for sale, and after the uncovering.  First a little history lesson...

William E. (Latigo) Gordon was the foreman of the Carlisle Ranch located north of Monticello.  The cowboys who worked the ranch often got themselves into mischief, so Latigo built the first Blue Goose Saloon in 1896, grand opening September 10th.  It's location was where the current Main Street is, between Wagon Wheel Pizza and the second hand shop known as Mimi's Thrift Store.  Latigo's intent was to give the cowboys a place to hang out, instead of causing havoc in Monticello due to boredom. After a few drinks, those cowboys either took a long nap, or caused havoc anyway. He closed it less than a year later when the city raised the price of the license to $1,000.00.

Now the cabin which was found, currently located on 300 South, half a block west of Main Street, was built by Ramon Gonsalez after moving here from Colorado with his wife, Guadeloupe, "Lupe". He died in 1902 and she married Bartolo Jaramillo in 1904. He made whiskey, or White Mule, as he called it, and they sold it from the cabin, calling it the Blue Goose. He was arrested for bootlegging in 1920 during prohibition, as part of a federal sting between Monticello and Thompson (Springs).

I have to give another thank you to Jim McCarthy for providing me with the above historical date on the Blue Goose Saloon.

Before Photos After it was Covered Over with Modern Day Materials.

August 02, 2015

There were obvious signs of water and fire damages in the attic.

Chimney



Wonder whose license plate that had belonged to?

Wood Burning Stove

Modern Interior with Wood Beans Showing.

After Deconstruction and Cabin Revealed.

September 28, 2015

Front



Interior (1).

Hand Hewed Logs and Planks.



Interior (2)

Rear and Left Side

Rear and Right Side
 

Right Side - Front

Right Side - Rear

So there you have it, a historical site in Monticello still exists, will be restored and moved to a prominent location on Main Street for all to visit.  History - 1, Naysayers - 0.

Mary Cokenour