For over a century, Park City’s iconic White Barn has stood as the landmark that lets people know they have officially arrived in our town. Today, it’s revered as a monument to our commitment to honor our history and preserve open space. However, few people know The Barn’s history and why we cherish it.
We Honor Those Who Came Before Us
In 1886, the Harrison McLane family homesteaded the 160 acres surrounding the White Barn. They and a handful of other families made their living in agriculture while the rest of Park City was neck-deep in the mining industry. Not much is known about the McLanes, other than they raised cattle for a couple of decades before selling the farm to Dan and Isabelle McPolin. It was the McPolins who built the barn you see today. They built it from wood salvaged from the mines and fitted the timbers together without the use of nails – an art that is all but lost to history. After Dan & Isabelle passed away, Patrick and Grace McPolin inherited the operation in 1923. They converted it into a dairy and provided milk to the whole area for nearly four decades. When Patrick and Grace were ready to retire in the 1950’s, the Osguthorpe family purchased the farm and increased the dairy operation significantly. But, by the 1980’s large corporate dairy businesses had made it impossible for the Osguthorpes to compete in the marketplace. Further, land developers had begun to offer dazzling sums for their prime swath of land.
Who Could Love A Barn?
Heartbroken at the prospect of losing the White Barn, in 1990 Parkites publically declared their love of the landmark and the pastoral meadow surrounding it. The citizens voted for Park City Municipal to purchase the whole farm to protect the bucolic open space and historic structures that welcome everyone traveling through P.C.’s entry corridor. It was named McPolin Farm in honor of the original builders of the barn, but most locals refer to the area as simply The White Barn.
Friends of the Barn
Since its purchase by the City, a small group of dedicated citizens have worked hard to preserve McPolin Farm and improve it. Early on, a hiking/skiing/biking trail was added along the upper edge of the property and connects to the entire 300+ mile trail system. A small home and animal shelter on the property has been refurbished. However, the most important improvement was completed just last June – the barn itself was fitted with a steel support system that maintained not only its Historical Register genuineness, but also made it structurally safe for public entry. The nonprofit group Friends of the Barn accomplished this feat by raising $1.4 million to pay for the needed improvements. Thanks to them, tours of our most loved landmark are now available.
We at Chin-Macquoid-Fleming-Harris wish to congratulate Park City and Friends of the Barn for having the wisdom to preserve our past so everyone can enjoy it. We need reminders of how hard-won this area was, surviving only by the relentless work and courage of people who loved this place before we did. We hope to see you at a tour of our most loved landmark soon!
