Glad’s Barn serves as a community gathering spot

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Glad's Barn, located on Gladys McCarthy's farm just outside of Kindersley, continues to be a popular community gathering spot. One of the last remaining bank barn structures serves as the perfect venue for various functions.

Recently, two talented musicians held a concert at Glad's Barn. Dara Schindelka, a singer songwriter from northern Saskatchewan and Terri Hokness, performed for an enthusiastic audience on Sunday afternoon, July 25th. Thirty enthusiastic listeners well-received Dara's powerful lyrics and soulful melodies at the outdoor concert.

"I have had dances, yoga workshops, family reunions and a wedding reception at the barn," Gladys said. "It's become the local community gathering spot. It's very accessible. I've had people from Saskatoon, Manitoba, Loverna, Kerrobert, Brock, Eatonia and Alberta come for activities at the Barn. People always bring friends and relatives." The Barn is located approximately four miles east of Smiley and half-mile south.

Originally constructed in 1920, the bank barn was built on a bank or hill, enabling cattle to walk in from the pasture, while the loft was used to store bales and hay.

"I grew up here. I didn't live here for many years but moved back in 1997. My mom had moved into Kindersley, and my dad had passed away, and nobody was living on the farm. I brought my chocolate business back to the farm, and I became a wholesaler of chocolate," Gladys explained. "We had to redo the barn's foundation, but the loft part is original."

The lower part of the Barn is used for gatherings and receptions, and dances are held in the loft. Gladys has hosted fourteen barn dances since the renovations were completed in 2005. Although the Barn is perfectly suited for summer use, it is not suitable for winter.

Gladys looks forward to having many more community gatherings in her Barn.

Photos submitted.