BARN HISTORY

The Old Barn Resort has an interesting history as it was established on farmland purchased by Edward Allis of Allis-Chalmers. The farm was situated on a hill above the milling town of Clear Grit, which had thrived for a few years in the late 1860s and 1870s. However, due to a grain disease called "wheat smut" damaging much of the crop, many farmers began to move farther west, and the city's economy suffered. In January 1882, Edward Allis, who had a mechanic's lien against the mill, became the sole proprietor of the mill after founder and miller of Preston, John Kaercher, found himself overextended financially.

Edward's son, Jere Allis, came to manage the mill and stayed to farm. He raised Poland China hogs and purebred Holstein cattle and built a barn that was 50 by 100 feet, four stories high, and had stall room for 75 cattle, with all the modern improvements when he decided to milk Holsteins. Later, Jere became interested in racehorses and is said to have had 20 trotters in his stable that he entered in competition at county and state fairs. The farm had two private race tracks. The barn had a tack room and living quarters for stable hands. Emma Allis, Jere's wife, cultivated a variety of flowers, and the farm became a center for social activities, drawing people from miles around for dances, basket socials, ball games, and ice skating and skiing in the winter.

In 1988, Vernon Michel purchased the farm and intended to restore the Barn to its former glory and develop a campground. After extensive remodeling, repairs, and new construction, the barn and farm were transformed into the Old Barn Resort. Doug Brenna and Shirley Endres purchased the property from Vernon in late 1996 and successfully took the business to a complete resort feel. They added the 18-hole golf course, remodeled the restaurant and bar, and added numerous campsites.

In May 2016, Eric Brenna and Travis Dundore, son and son-in-law, purchased the Resort to continue the wonderful family-owned resort. They have continued to enhance the property to ensure that all guests continue to make lifelong memories.