Description of Historic Place

The Poultry Shed at the Bar U Ranch complex is a very small and simple structure, which is low to the ground and has a recessed opening at one end. Its exterior walls are sheathed with shiplap and its gabled roof is clad with cedar shingles. Continuing a tradition across the Prairies and matching other buildings on site the Poultry Shed's walls are barn red with white trim. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Poultry Shed is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
The Bar U Ranch complex is one of the best examples of the development of the ranching industry in Alberta and its importance in the development of Canada. The Poultry Shed as part of a cohesive complex of buildings reflects this development as a structure believed to have been associated with poultry raising. The Poultry Shed is also associated with Patrick Burns, who purchased the Bar U Ranch in 1927 to add to his vast cattle empire. Burns, who is recognized as the kingpin of the meat processing industry in western Canada during the mid 1920's, has been designated a person of national significance.

Architectural Value
The Poultry Shed is a very good example of a simple utilitarian design. It is characterized by its simplicity in construction and the use of utilitarian materials and fasteners.

Environmental Value
The Poultry Shed reinforces the cohesive complex of the Bar U Ranch. The structure which maintains a physical and functional relationship with the Poultry Building, sits within the management and residential area of the ranch.. The building's colour scheme continues a tradition across the Prairies and follows other buildings on the ranch.


Sources:
Edward Mills, Historic Bar U Ranch Headquarters, Longview, Alberta, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Building Report 92-017.

The Poultry Shed (Building 21a), Bar U Ranch, Longview, Alberta. Heritage Character Statement 92-017.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character defining elements of the Poultry Shed should be respected:

Its very good simple construction, utilitarian design and materials as manifested in:
Its small, simple structure. Its shiplap sheathing. Its gabled roof clad with cedar shingles. Its recessed opening at one end. Its colour scheme.

The manner in which the Poultry Shed as part of a cohesive complex of buildings, reinforces the visual character of the Bar U Ranch.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

The Poultry Shed at the Bar U Ranch was built prior to 1930, during the second phase of development at the site. It was probably moved to its current location between 1927 and 1930. Its original function is difficult to ascertain, but it is believed to have been associated with poultry raising. The building is part of the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. Parks Canada is the custodian. See FHBRO Building Report 92-17.

Reasons for Designation

The Poultry Shed, as a component of the Bar U Ranch, was designated "Classified" because of the historical associations of the ranch as a whole, because of the exceptional qualities of the site and setting, and because of its contribution to the overall aesthetic qualities of the ranch.

As part of the Bar U Ranch complex, the Poultry Shed is associated with the development of ranching in Alberta. The Poultry Shed is also associated with Patrick Burns, who purchased the Bar U Ranch in 1927 to add to his vast cattle empire. Burns, who is recognized as the kingpin of the meat processing industry in western Canada during the mid-1920s, has been designated a person of national significance.

The structure sits on the edge of a cottonwood grove, within the management and residential area of the ranch, hidden from easy view by high grass and trees. As part of a cohesive complex of buildings arranged to great functional effect in a simple and beautiful natural setting, the Poultry Shed contributes to the character of the Bar U Ranch.

The utilitarian design of the Poultry Shed complements the overall character of the ranch. Its exterior appearance links it to the other buildings on the site.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the Poultry Shed resides in its functional design, form, massing, construction materials and techniques, exterior finish, clues to previous forms, and its secluded setting.

The Poultry Shed is a very small and simple structure which is low to the ground and has a recessed opening at one end. Its exterior walls are sheathed with shiplap and its gabled roof is clad with cedar shingles.

The simplicity of this construction and the utilitarian materials and fasteners used should be respected in any repair work. The building's colour scheme (barn red walls and white trim) continues a tradition across the Prairies and matches other buildings on the site.

Any development should seek to retain the functional quality of the site and respect existing patterns of access and circulation. Any changes to circulation or access should consider historic patterns. The relationship between the Poultry Shed and the Poultry Building (Building 21), and the utilitarian nature of their immediate setting should be maintained.