Sheep Barn

Sheep Barn. . , 1879 , History, The Sheep Barn, constructed in 1879, remains as a lasting memorial to Fairmount Park's introduction of sheep in the late 19th century. Discussion of establishing sheep in the Park began as early as 1876 when Park Superintendent, Russell Tayer, wrote a letter to the President of the Park Commission recommending the purchase of two flocks, each having 250 South Down sheep, to be used for the purpose of improving the grounds., Thayer outlined the advantages of utilizing sheep in the Park including keeping the grass cut short, fertilizing barren areas, as well as serving as an ornament to the Park and an attraction to the landscape. The sheep grazed between Belmont Plateau and nearby Chamounix Mansion. Archival research indicates that the use of sheep was discontinued in the 1920s., An original drawing dating to 1879 shows the floor plan and elevation of the Sheep Barn much as it looks today. The date of this building was confirmed by an 1879 news clipping, which mentioned that the construction of a sheep barn for the South Down sheep between Belmont Plateau and Chamounix Mansion was underway. In 1885 plans were drawn to increase the size of the Sheep Barn with an addition that would have doubled the size of the current building at a cost of $2,600. This addition was never constructed. The Sheep Barn was used as a storage facility until 1953 when it began to serve as dressing rooms for the actors at the nearby Playhouse in the Park and later as a puppet making studio. In 1996 the Playhouse closed, and the Sheep Barn was abandoned until 2001., Restoration, Abandoned since the mid-1990s, the Sheep Barn was severely deteriorated when the Trust restored the property in 2001., The rehabilitation included constructing a new roof, repairing all existing windows, fabricating new doors, applying new exterior wood siding, and completely overhauling the interior. A paint analysis study was performed and historic paint colors were selected for the exterior of the building. A replica of the original weathervane was created and mounted on the cupola, and the decorative ridge cap was restored. The William B. Dietrich Foundation generously funded the rehabilitation of the Sheep Barn and its surrounding landscape., Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust , The mission of the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization, is to provide leadership, technical assistance, and advocacy to preserve, develop, and manage historic properties and other cultural resources in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. The Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust, Inc. currently leases Ridgeland to The Wellness Community of Philadelphia. The Trust has developed a Long-Term Leasing Program in which long-term rent-free leases are offered to public and private organizations willing to make capital investments in the restoration and maintenance of historic Park properties. In addition to its leasing program, the Trust also provides architectural conservation services to various Park properties. For more information on the Trust, please visit their website at www.fairmountparktrust.org.