Letter: Historical society not contacted about Barton Ranch
To the community,
The future of the Barton Ranch brings sadness thinking that one of the last ranches will be torn down.
I must dispute a comment that Gary Midkiff says that he called the Lake Tahoe Historical Society and offered the buildings if we would remove them.
He said this was three or four years ago. I was president of the society from 2009-2011 and I knew nothing of this. Dick Young was president from 2006-2008 and was sites chairman before. If anyone called with such an offer, we would have been thrilled.
Possibly Mr. Midkiff called the El Dorado County Historical Society. They are in Placerville and have little interest in us.
Lynne Bajuk, Lake Tahoe Historical Society past president
plus Lyn should have pointed out that although moving the buildings is better than tearing them down, it greatly reduces their historic significance to no longer be located where they are.
Hate to be cynical, but SLT has actually done very little to protect any of its historic buildings – I wouldn’t put much hope in the idea that it might so so now.
Sadly, I have to agree, ljames. SLT has lost its charm along with its small town status. It’s become a place to endure on the way to the pretty stuff.
ljames, From what I’ve heard the city council is staying mostly silent on the demolition project of the Barton Ranch, except for one member of the council who is helping move the demolition ahead by working with the TRPA and other agencies to hasten its demise.
Is this verifiable? No, it’s just hearsay.
You know how this town is, there is always a back story. Collusion amongst appointed agencies, nepotism, bribes, corruption, gossip and just outright lies to the residents of our little town.
I’m still clinging on to the hope that Barton Ranch can be saved, if not, well I guess it ends up under a pile of trash at the landfill in Sparks.
Goodbye “Old Tahoe”! Now when do they start developing Meyers and North Shore?… Oh, that soon you say? Boy, that didn’t take long! Good luck everyone, OLS
Oh, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!! I LOVE seeing that old ranch!! It’s a part of Tahoe that can never, EVER be replaced! Coming back into town after a stint in the Flatlands, I see that property and am glad to see a part of history from a simpler time…If anything, it should be preserved RIGHT WHERE IT IS and tours should be given to tourists and locals that want to know more about the old days.The businesses nearby, Bert’s, Ernie’s, Enchanted Florist, Passaretti’s, would all enjoy more activity at this part of town!!! Heck, have some pony rides for the kids, and educate them about the Old West, and the way it once was. There is a GREAT opportunity here. I would add a seasonal organic garden as well, with natural perennial flowers around the property. The little cabins could be renovated, and rented out for tourists, or could house quaint little gift shops with LOCAL products for sale. I am thinking of The Tahoe Soap Co., Tahoe Brewery Beverages, Swiss Chalet salad dressing, that Tahoe Hot Sauce.. you know, all of the things you see at the Farmer’s Market. Alpaca Pete could sell his rugs there? What about Boren’s Horse drawn carriages taking folks from there over to Sawmill Pond? More ways to get kids back to Nature, and learn how to fish. Sure beats the downtown Casino area in my opinion, and I think folks would appreciate it…If I were HAL COLE, I would invest in expanding and PRESERVING this property as he and his lovely wife are equestrians, and this should be right up their alley!! It would have many positive repercussions for our community. What do you say, Hal?? PRESERVE NOT DESTROY!!!!!!
Please please please join the LT Historical Society!!! It is not that expensive at all!!! 60 or older 20 bucks! If you are younger I think it is 25 bucks!!! They need all the help they can get! Pass it on! Make it viral!!
Wow. I like your vision of what could be, Catlapper.
Thanks, Jenny! Please help make this a “Save the Last Ranch” movement! I would be heartbroken if TPTB wiped this historical treasure out…