ASHLAND — The Ashland County Fair has begun utilizing the historic Buckeye Barn to be a historical center with a focus on the agricultural history of the county.
The currently red painted barn is located on the west side of the fairgrounds which has historically been close to the racetrack. Over the years, the unique building has been used to stall the racehorses, as storage, for various displays, and craft shows, while maintaining the historically significance.
The horse stall once used by Ashland’s famous harness racehorse, Peter-At-Law, of which is said to be buried on the fairgrounds near the barn, has been preserved. The barn was originally built utilizing Public Works Administration funds and said to be built in 1938 and used in 1939 for the fair.
Together the total cost of the four buildings, the grandstand, the draft horse barn, the speed barn, and the junior fair building was $22,034.50 with the administration funds of $9,900 and the local contributions that made up the difference, according to an old newspaper article.
The former speed barn, now the Buckeye Barn was 50 feet by 100 feet with cupulas and windows on each side and at the ends. It was built by the late Don D. Hootman of rural Polk.
It was recorded by his son, the late Myron L Hootman of rural Polk, “The footers were dug by hand with the windows constructed and painted in the basement of his brother”. The historic article was presented by Penny Nolan who assisted the fair committee this year with research.
Spokesperson of the Buckeye Barn Committee for the Ashland Fair Board, Edna Cox, whose family that has been a vital part in the racehorse industry over many years, shared that the fair utilized this barn in recent times as an overflow even after the Byers Barn was built where the racehorses are now stalled during the fair for a few years after.
It has since been the site for other activities during the fair while discussion for best use of it was in process by the committee. It has been determined to use it as an historical center for the agricultural community and for the fair.
In cooperation with the Ashland County Yesteryear Machinery Club, the fair board, and the Ashland County Historical Society, it has been agreed to use one side for the ACYMC and the other side for the fair and historical society.
Two original stalls have been preserved, one to honor Ashland’s harness racing history and its claim to fame, with plans for the front stall to honor three families of distinction that have contributed to the success of the Ashland County Fair for over 170 years. These may include the families of Dan Stone, Jeff Jones, and the late Jim Dinsmore.
Additionally, there will be documents on the fair’s entertainment history, a display case for smaller historic items. Plans continue to have rotating displays of which this year may include a farmhouse kitchen. All items will be tagged with the donors from the historical society as indicated by Executive Director, Jennifer Marquette.
The ACYMC moved their large Buckeye Engine into the Buckeye Building. The club has a significant collection of farming items that will be displayed inside for the fair.
Work has begun to have the building declared as an Historical Site. The building remains structurally sound. Siding has been added on the west side for preservation, windows and cupulas have been restored and an overhead door added.
Buckeye Barn committee members, Edna Cox, William Nolan, Dave Snyder, Suzie Stake, Pat Deane, Tom Adams, Barry Litten, Cathy Rice, Dan Stone, and others are grateful for the support they have received from the other associations and community. They realize this is an on-going work-in-progress with the hope to have the historical center eventually open while other events are held on the grounds. It is an exciting addition to the grounds.
All are encouraged to visit the displays. Signage will be placed on the grounds during the fair so attendees can locate and enjoy this additional feature located near entrance gate 5 during the week.
For safety concerns, on Monday of the 171st Ashland County Fair the entrance Gate 6 will be closed to all but the racehorse entries with directive to use the nearby Gate 5 for fair attendees.
The former white speed barn was repainted in red and trimmed in gray by the fair and was, in due course, renamed as The Buckeye Barn.
