Friends of Potato Creek State Park fight to save historic Naragon Barn
NORTH LIBERTY, Ind. -- Potato Creek State Park began construction of the new Inn at Potato Creek in 2023. This $100 million project aims to create yearlong recreation while highlighting the historical significance according to the Potato Creek website.
Recently a group of volunteers called “The Friends of Potato Creek State Park” received news that the Naragon Barn, a historic barn built in 1908, would be torn down sometime this fall.
This news came as a shock as this volunteer group has restored historical buildings on the property in the past. Eugene Matzat, a member of the volunteer group explains, "We were surprised that we hadn't heard word of it before last Saturday, where we could have gathered some support, raised some funds and done some work to restore the barn, either in place what would be part of that new complex, or get it moved.”
The red barn was built by Charles Naragon and was used for farming, but as time went on it became the center for many events and tours.
According to the volunteer group, this is one of the only historic buildings left on the grounds.
The group has been moving fast to try and find a solution that will prevent this barn from being torn down. They have started reaching out to other non-profit organizations that specialize in preserving historic buildings along with reaching out to the community for support.
ABC57’s Sidney Moore spoke with Maggie Hesters whose family originated on the property. Her great grandfather Charles built the barn alongside his father, so hearing the news of this historic barn being demolished hits close to home for Hesters.
Hesters says, "it feels as though they were led astray that the barn would originally be part of the project, and it's come to light that it may not be so it's a little bit for the family, maybe reliving in the past, the family had gone through this previously, when they had lost their farmland and was given to the park.”
For updates on when The Friends of Potato Creek State Park will have meetings regarding this situation visit their Facebook or you can visit their website.