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The historic Octagon Barn has been an important feature of our local landscape for over 100 years. A true rarity, our local Barn is one of only 3 similar octagonal structures left standing in California. The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County has finished restoring the Barn structure and is now working to create a community gathering place at the Octagon Barn Complex. With private donations, business contributions and in-kind labor, we will succeed in saving a local landmark and providing a critical connection to our agricultural and historical legacy. Barn History Not much is known about the history of this barn. The barn was evidently built for use as a livery stable and converted for use as a dairy barn. It was used as a milking parlor until the new milking parlor was built in 1938. We are currently researching the facts of this barn, so some of the information may change as we learn more. If you know anything about this structure, we would like to hear from you. Here is what we know now: While we don't know the exact year that the barn was built, we have anecdotal evidence that it was built prior to 1900. In August, 1997 a local resident informed us that her mother was born in the barn in 1900. Evidently, the barn was outfitted with bedrooms and a kitchen for several years. In the 1930's the barn was used as a milking parlor. In 1938 a new milking parlor was built. Milk from this operation was supplied to the Home Dairy, located in downtown San Luis Obispo where Mother's Tavern sits today. We have researched the existence of other barns throughout the California and found few similar structures. One is a 16-sided barn and the other is a true round barn. Both of these are in Sonoma County. There is also a 16-sided concrete barn in Napa County. The State Office for Historic Preservation believes that only 22 round or similar barns were built in the state. This means that our local Octagon Barn may be the only one left of its kind in California. Barn History Project Links The links below describe the structure and our efforts to reconstruct this historic icon of our agricultural heritage. Logo Contest - Congratulations to Geoffrey Rowe of Los Osos! Click to see the winning design. Construction - This page describes how the Barn was built and how we are approaching its restoration. Volunteers Make It Happen - This page contains information about how you can volunteer to assist in our effort. The Barn as Art - See some of the images we have been provided with by local artists from the El Camino Art Association. Donate to our effort - You can support the Octagon Barn restoration by becoming a member of the Land Conservancy. This link is our membership page. Membership dues may be earmarked for the Barn Project. Octagon Barn Fact Sheet and Information (4 MB - pdf File) Slide Show on Barn Restoration in Progress Octagon Barn of the Future Information Sheet A Vision for the Octagon Barn Interested in contributing toward this project or similar future projects? Volunteer or Make a Donation Today! All donations are tax-deductible and should be made payable and sent to: The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County To make an online donation:
Please feel free to call the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County | |||||||||
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