Barn Keepers is a McLean County, Illinois-based not-for-profit organization devoted to the documentation, preservation, restoration, and celebration of area barns.
Become a member today!

Find us on Facebook! And while you’re there, be sure to like our page, where board member Jack Miller post news about Barn Keepers events, and other items of interest.

Dr. J.R. Holbert of Funk Bros. Seed Co. (right), and an unidentified farmer talk corn in this undated photo, from the collections of the McLean County Museum of History.

Hayloft Happenings

Annual Membership meeting: On November 14, Barn Keepers wrapped up a successful year with our annual membership meeting. Guest speaker Denny Steele delved into the life and times of E.D. Funk, A.E. Staley, Dr. J.R. Holbert (Denny’s maternal grandfather!) and others. Steele’s “The Importance of Central Illinois in World Agriculture” was a truly fascinating program.
Besides Steele’s presentation, the Barn Keepers board held the business portion of the meeting, where board member Ron Ropp presented a slate of officer candidates.

The board voted to renew all current officers for 2020: Bill Kemp, chairperson; Pat Huth, vice chairperson; Jim Hanlin, treasurer; and Jack Miller, secretary.

Stay tuned: Barn Keepers of McLean County is busy planning several great activities for the upcoming year—including our February, May, September, and November public programs, as well as our popular annual barn tour.

Barn paintings donated: Former Barn Keepers board member Wally Yoder, and his wife Betty Yoder, recently donated five hand-painted barn scenes. The works were created by the Illinois artist Jean Harned. These beautiful works of art will be raffled as a fundraiser, at a future Barn Keepers event. We thank Wally and Betty for their generosity!