National Register Listing

McMonies Barn

a.k.a. Mentzel Barn

604 33rd St. SE, Huron, SD
The McMonies Barn is a fine example of a variation of a Feeder Barn. The McMonies Barn is located in the Huron vicinity, of Beadle County, South Dakota. The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad established Huron in 1879 and promoted the surrounding area by advertising the abundance of cheap, fertile farmland. Agriculture remains the main economic activity in the primarily rural county.

D.E. McMonies built the 64' x 96' barn in 1915. The barn was built with enough mow room for 250 tons of alfalfa, 10 single stalls for mares, box stalls for three pregnant animals, and a box stall for a stallion.' Directly to the south of the barn was an exercise yard. The McMonies farm raised alfalfa, oats, barley, wheat, corn, and various vegetables.? The Mentzels purchased the farm in 1944 and have resided there ever since. The barn is still used to house livestock.

The McMonies Barn is likely a variation of a Feeder barn, which is a plank frame version of a Midwest Three-Portal Barn. Feeder barns were used primarily to house livestock. Characteristics of a Feeder barn found in the McMonies barn include a central aisle, hayhood, and large gable end loft doors. It is uncommon, though, for a feeder barn of this size to have a gambrel roof. Although some early Midwest Three-Portal barns have gambrel roofs that replaced the original gables, some 20" century barns were built with gambrel roofs to spread out and cover the side aisles."

The railroad brought not only settlers to South Dakota but also the materials that would aid them as they homesteaded the vast treeless prairie. The availability of dimensional lumber, machined nails, and other materials is reflected in the type of structures the settlers built. The abundance of materials available to settlers and the development of new light-framing techniques greatly influenced the types of barns built after the late 19th century. Although the McMonies Barn is larger than the popular general-purpose barn that the United States Department of Agriculture designed for widespread use throughout the Midwest, its construction style and use are comparable.
The McMonies Barn a fine example of a variatiori of Feeder Barns. It retains excellent integrity in condition and setting.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture
The Lewis and Clark expedition, which explored much of the western United States in the early 19th century, passed through what is now South Dakota.
South Dakota random facts
Beadle County, South Dakota, was established on January 8, 1879, and named in honor of William H. Beadle, a Dakota Territory legislator. The region that would become Beadle County was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sioux. The area saw significant change with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century, as they established homesteads and agriculture became the mainstay of the economy.

The county's first town, Huron, was founded in 1880 and quickly became the county seat. Railroads played a crucial role in the growth of Beadle County, connecting it to other major cities and allowing for increased transportation of goods and people. The completion of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway in 1880 helped further establish Huron as an agricultural hub.

During its early years, Beadle County experienced rapid population growth and economic prosperity, driven primarily by agriculture and the railroad industry. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it well-suited for farming, and crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans became the backbone of the local economy. The influx of settlers and investment in infrastructure led to the establishment of numerous small towns and schools throughout the county.

Over the years, Beadle County has faced challenges, including droughts, economic recessions, and the decline of small family farms. However, the county has also adapted and diversified its economy. Today, Beadle County is home to a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With its rich history and ongoing development, Beadle County continues to be an important part of South Dakota's growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Beadle County, South Dakota.

  • 1879 - Beadle County is established, named after William Henry Harrison Beadle.
  • 1880 - Huron, the county seat of Beadle County, is founded.
  • 1882 - The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway reaches Huron, leading to increased settlement and economic growth.
  • 1883 - The first courthouse is built in Huron.
  • 1887 - The Agricultural College of South Dakota (now South Dakota State University) is established in Brookings, just north of Beadle County.
  • 1893 - The Huron University is established, providing higher education opportunities to the region.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to significant economic challenges for Beadle County, as agriculture and industry are severely impacted.
  • 1953 - The South Dakota State Fair relocates to Huron, boosting the local economy and attracting visitors from across the state.
  • 1974 - The Huron Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving the city's unique architectural heritage.
  • 1997 - The Huron Event Center opens, providing a modern venue for conventions, conferences, and cultural events in Beadle County.
  • 2010 - Beadle County celebrates its 131st anniversary since its establishment.