The Barn Saved by Outpouring of Memories

At a meeting filled with reminiscences of San Marcos’ past, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to save a landmark known simply as “The Barn.”

The vote came despite city staff estimates that moving the 42-year-old redwood structure 2 miles to Walnut Grove park would cost the city $550,000.

Mayor Lee Thibadeau said the practical side of him said it was crazy to spend half a million dollars to save “a dried-out old barn,” but he added: “I think once in a while we have a right to deviate from what’s practical.”

The council voted after hearing a series of speakers--including children--who said the barn has been a community landmark since being built for square dances in 1950 and is still a vital gathering spot for all types of recreational and social activities.

Harry Browser, a square dancer from Encinitas, told the council that the building is known throughout Southern California and the West. “I think this is an extraordinary thing to save for your history,” he said.

Among the recollections were those of Thibadeau, who said he attended his first political forum at The Barn. Councilman F. H. (Corky) Smith said the first date he had with his wife was at a square dance at The Barn.

Sentiment for saving the barn did not change, even though the city staff said that The Barn as now constructed will be somewhat different once it is moved to the park site. The staff said numerous improvements will be needed to bring the structure up to code.

The city staff recommended either moving The Barn, or demolishing it and salvaging its famous pecan-wood dance floor and other special features.

The structure, at San Marcos Boulevard and Twins Oaks Valley Road, is on the site of a future $60-million civic and commercial hub that officials hope will give the rural city the downtown center it lacks. One feature of the project is the extension of San Marcos Boulevard to Mission Road, which will run right through where the The Barn now stands.

The Barn had been scheduled for removal the first week of September. With that deadline bearing down on them, about 50 people met last week at a Save The Barn meeting and launched several petition drives. The petitions, carrying hundreds of signatures, were presented to City Council members Tuesday night.

The city bought The Barn in 1973 from Frances and Fred Williams, a pair of avid square dancers who built it in 1950 as a center for folk-dance classes and hoedowns. The city paid $110,000 for the building and the six surrounding acres.

In its heyday, when the barn’s walls were decorated with saddles, a flag from the War of 1812, bleached cow skulls, old tools and pioneer clothes, 300 people would show up in string ties and petticoats for all-night dances that ended with pancake breakfasts.

Under city ownership, The Barn has been used as a community center, housing city offices, Jazzercise classes and about 72 hours a week of recreation programs.