Details about the "New" 1919 Barn

The following post comes from USU Landscape Architecture graduate student and Barn research team member Emily Wheeler:

"I've been digging through old newspapers and have found out a little more about the destruction of the original horse barn and the building of our Barn. The old barn did not burn down, but some USU students in editorials suggested burning it down if the administration did not remove it. The article I read initially was one of those editorials, written like an actual article. Apparently the barn and its removal was a bit controversial. Even then it was historic, one of the oldest buildings on campus, and it was considered a "model" barn. However, as the campus grew around the barn, it became a nuisance due to the smells, sounds, and sights associated with it. It was finally removed in May 1919.

"On October 10th 1919 the new barn--our Barn--was completed. It was built by Alston & Hoggan of Salt Lake City for about $6,000. It was designed, Alston & Hoggan said, by members of the animal husbandry department with help from a local architect (that would have been W.L. Skidmore, as posted previously). The Barn was designed to fit 11 horses, with 6 individual stalls and 4 box stalls. It had (and still has!) a cement floor, running water, grain bins, a hay and straw chute, harness room, office, and hay loft with hardwood floors. It was considered very modern and attractive. An article I consulted from the period suggested that the hay loft would be a great place to hold a barn dance, but I don't know yet if that ever happened."

So, we wonder, does anyone out there remember the Horse Barn loft having been used for dances or other informal events?