Sunnyfield Barn: An Example of Efficiency
The following is an abbreviated history of the Sunnyfield Barn prepared by our friend Rhonda Lauritzen of Evalogue.Life as part of our successful nomination of the Sunnyfield Barn in Eden Utah to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This Improvement Era dairy barn is now one of only two buildings in Ogden Valley to be listed on the NRHP – the other one being the J.M. Wilbur Company Blacksmith building, for which we also prepared the nomination.
Early Beginnings
Sunnyfield Barn is not just a structure; it’s a testament to the rich tapestry of history woven into the fabric of Eden, Utah. Its story begins in 1872 when Richard Ballantyne, a visionary settler, acquired the land through a U.S. homestead patent. Situated in the picturesque Ogden Valley, originally known as “Little Valley” by Shoshone Chief Little Soldier, the area held promise and potential for those seeking new horizons.
As the valley attracted more settlers, its landscape transformed, reflecting the hopes and dreams of those who called it home. Among them was Richard Ballantyne, a Scotsman whose journey led him to Utah in Brigham Young’s 1848 company. Ballantyne’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community building shaped the early development of Eden, leaving an indelible mark on its history.
Richard Ballantyne's Legacy
Ballantyne was not just a landowner; he was a leader — a pillar of the community whose influence extended far beyond the boundaries of his homestead. From pioneering the first Sunday school in Eden to establishing a thriving mercantile business in Ogden, Ballantyne’s legacy was defined by his unwavering dedication to progress and prosperity.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including six consecutive crop failures, Ballantyne remained steadfast in his commitment to Eden. His decision to relocate his family to the valley in 1865 was driven by a desire to cultivate a better future, not just for himself but for generations to come.
The Stallings Era
In the late 19th century, the Stallings family emerged as stewards of the land, carrying forward Ballantyne’s legacy with a renewed sense of purpose. Joseph Stallings, drawn by the promise of fertile soil and boundless opportunity, arrived in Utah Territory in 1850, laying the groundwork for what would become Sunnyfield Farm.
Joseph’s sons, Virgil and George Stallings, inherited their father’s pioneering spirit, transforming the family farm into a beacon of agricultural innovation. Through their dedication to modern farming practices and commitment to excellence, the Stallings brothers propelled Sunnyfield Farm to prominence, earning acclaim for their dairy production and leadership within the farming community.
George acquired the southern portion of the land that his mother had owned, adjacent to Virgil’s piece. The two brothers operated together as a cooperative farm. They shared equipment, hired hands, and other resources.
George served as President of the Utah Farm Bureau (a prominent position at a time when there were 20,000 members) and received accolades for all that was accomplished during his tenure. George was the more public of the two. Virgil attended to the work at home while George was frequently away. These advocacy efforts placed the brothers in the epicenter of Improvement Era activities that focused on elevating all practices of the family farm, including record keeping, testing for the best outcomes, sanitation and efficiency. As part of their involvement, Virgil and George regularly collaborated with Utah State University Extension Service.
Milking stalls on the first floor where cows were fed and milked.
The Barn
Using plans from the Utah State University Extension program, they constructed a large dairy barn in 1927 for other dairy farms across Utah to emulate. It featured design elements that allowed dairy barns to become as efficient as a modern factory. In the top of the barn was a massive hay loft. After hay was harvested, a large Jackson fork on a pulley would be brought out the front loft doors and lowered to pull hay up and into the loft where it was dropped to be stored for later. Small openings allowed for cross-ventilation to keep the hay dry. A feed bin in one corner of the loft was connected to a chute on the main floor where it was collected in a wood cart. The cart was pushed down a narrow aisle extending the length of the barn to distribute into the troughs for cows to eat while being milked. An important requirement for new dairy barns at the time was to provide plenty of daylight for the cows so each milking bay had its own window. The floors were concrete with waste gutters along the back of the bays to make it easier and faster to clean up after the cows. After nearly a century, all of these features have been retained in the barn at Sunnyfield, making it a perfect addition to the National Register.
Lowell Stallings and Sunnyfield Farm
Lowell Stallings, the torchbearer of the Stallings legacy, continued the family’s tradition of excellence, steering Sunnyfield Farm into a new era of prosperity. Under his guidance, the farm flourished, becoming synonymous with quality and efficiency in dairy production.
Lowell’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability ensured that Sunnyfield Farm remained at the forefront of agricultural advancement. His legacy, rooted in hard work and dedication, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Stallings family and their profound impact on the landscape of Ogden Valley.
The Legacy Lives On
Today, as Sunnyfield Barn stands against the backdrop of Eden’s rolling hills, it serves as a tangible link to the past—a reminder of the pioneers who shaped the destiny of the valley. Its weathered facade bears witness to the trials and triumphs of generations past, a silent sentinel guarding the memories of those who toiled the land with unwavering determination.
As visitors gaze upon its weathered timbers and iconic gambrel roof, they are transported back in time, connecting with a bygone era defined by resilience and resolve. Sunnyfield Barn’s legacy is not just a story of bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the human endeavor—a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
In a world where progress often comes at the expense of history, Sunnyfield Barn stands as a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage and honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us. As the sun sets over Eden and the shadows lengthen across the valley, Sunnyfield Barn remains steadfast—a silent witness to the passage of time and a beacon of hope for the future.
A view of the Sunnyfield Farn from the road.