What ’ s in store for the Miller Red Barn ?
The historic Miller Red Barn , located on the Ranch Side of Christmas Hill Park , is in jeopardy ! Plans to have the original barn demolished were recently put on hold . The City of Gilroy had plans to demolish the red barn and replace it with a new building in the style of the original barn . This new building would have classrooms and meeting rooms for the use of the community .
In a recent City Council meeting , it was decided that the plans for demolition would be postponed for one year . During this one year period , a new use for the Miller Red Barn must be presented in order to prove that renovations would be cost effective .
The Miller Red Barn Committee will be charged with this grueling task . The committee is a committed group of Gilroy
agricultural heritage . The committee is taking the necessary to steps to ensure that the Miller Red Barn lives on . They have looked into the history of the barn and have tried to obtain the certified copy of the deed sold to the Filice brothers . Unfortunately , barns don ’ t typically make it onto deeds . This deed would have been instrumental getting a historical grant or state historic preservation designation .
The renovations needed to restore the 5,358-square foot barn would be hefty and the barn is currently located on a flood plain , putting it in further danger . If the committee is able to obtain a grant of some sort , or is able to raise substantial funds , they have many ideas for possible uses of the barn . The committee would like to see a variety of agricultural programs . Some
By Megan Griffin citizens working to save the barn because of its historical value . “ The barn is the last standing agricultural structure in Gilroy ,” stated committee member , Carol DeSantis . The barn was at one point owned by Henry Miller , the “ Cattle King ” and owner of approximately 3,000,000 acres of land in California , Nevada , and Oregon . Henry Miller owned most of present day Gilroy including the area that is Christmas Hill Park . Henry Miller used the red barn as a resting point for his cattle during the dry season .
In 1941 , the land that is now Christmas Hill Park was sold to the Filice brothers . The Filice family has also left a huge historic impact on Gilroy . Val Filice was one of the originators of the Gilroy Garlic Festival , which is held every July in Christmas Hill Park . This barn has served as a historic landmark in Gilroy for many years . Kathleen Chavez , of the committee , says that it is representative of Gilroy ’ s rich of these programs would include a lecture series about the history of agriculture in Gilroy , classes on how to operate the historical machinery , and seminars on how to grow your own food . The committee would also like to see summer camps , science programming , and an affiliation with the 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America . It could also be of great use to the community as a venue for large parties and dances . The Miller Red Barn Committee will continue to fundraise .
If you would like to support their cause , they are hosting a barbecue fundraiser on June 29 , 2014 at the Demonstration Garden from 4-8 pm . The committee is also doing a promotion they call “ A Buck For The Barn ,” where you can purchase a $ 1 button picturing the barn . Carol DeSantis , of the committee jokingly said “ you wouldn ’ t shoot your grandma just because she is old .” Maybe she has a point .
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