Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Work has been completed on an historic structure at the Eddy County Fairgrounds, through the work of the Eddy County 4-H program and a local contractor.
The deteriorating hog barn on the grounds was torn down last fall, leaving the auction barn as the only facility available for housing animals shown by 4-H’ers. It is also there that 4-H’ers show their static exhibits and livestock during the 4-H Achievement Day premium sale each July.
The Eddy County 4-H Council has discussed making improvements to the auction barn for at least six years. Most of the talk centered on pouring concrete on the north half of the building, but no “concrete” plans had been put in motion. Therefore, as NDSU Extension Agent Donna Anderson sat down to prepare the grounds for the program’s annual Achievement Days this year, she decided that now was the time to proceed.
By making calls to local contractors, Anderson identified one that could be onsite within weeks to pour concrete on both sides of the barn, which would constitute a major improvement from the dirt floor the building was originally built upon. At a 4-H Council meeting on Tuesday, July 9, the council accepted a bid from Weisenburger Construction, with the expectation that work would begin the following week.
After the Premium Sale on Achievement Day (July 11), parents helped tear out the stalls on the south side and removed the built-in rabbit cages in preparation for the pour.
Dallas Anderson volunteered his time on Tuesday, July 16. He removed the steel in a few places and cut and framed in some access points in which the concrete was pumped in through.
Weisenburger Construction began its work on Tuesday as well, by marking in the levels.
By Thursday, workers were installing rebar and finishing the last of the prep work. Friday, the concrete was poured on half of each side. Contractors returned on Monday to finish the job.
The total cost of the project was $18,500, paid for by the Eddy County 4-H Council.
The structure pre-dates 4-H, according to Anderson. Local lore goes that the building was originally built as a sale barn, and local producers would bring their surplus animals, produce, eggs and other items to sell. As per a 1910 atlas, the Eddy County Fair Association was listed as the owner of the land upon which the building sits. However, the New Rockford history book “Century of Sowers” indicates that the first actual fair was not held until 1924. Readers who can fill in more details about the history of this particular building are encouraged to contact the Transcript office. Call (701) 947-2417 or email [email protected].
