National Register of Historic Places Nomination Sought for Seabiscuit Stud Barn
October 17, 2012 | Willits, CA
Non-Profit seeks to Preserve and Protect Historic Treasure
All those associated with and are admirers of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, will be pleased to learn a National Register of Historic Places nomination is sought for his stud barn. Many would agree, Seabiscuit’s home, Ridgewood Ranch, is very special and memorable, including the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation board seeking the nomination with the support of members and friends such as honorary board member Laura Hillenbrand, author of the best-sellers Seabiscuit and Unbroken. (laurahillenbrandbooks.com)
SHF spokesperson Jacqueline Cooper states, “I know people recognize the importance of the mission of the foundation, and I am glad to have the opportunity to still be involved and bring folks up-to-date regarding the organization’s activities and positive achievements.”
The not-for-profit public benefit corporation, specializing in historic preservation and land conservation, seeks to preserve and protect the cultural legacy of Ridgewood, a 5,000 acre ranch nestled in the oak and old growth Redwood studded woodlands of northern California.
One of the projects generating renewed excitement is the current restoration of the historic Carriage House at Ridgewood, in addition to the nomination to the National Register of Historic Places of Seabiscuit’s stud barn where Seabiscuit enjoyed his life and retirement. Newly restored in 2004, thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Willits, the site continues to draw hundreds of visitors each tour season.
The California State Office for Historic Preservation is working with the nominating party (SHF) in completing the nomination process estimated at 6 mo. – 1 year. If approved, inclusion in the California Register of Historical Resources is automatic and the National Register of Historic Places listing may be celebrated with a public ceremony sponsored by Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation with a commemorative bronze plaque. This generally produces positive public feedback and qualification to pursue Federal grants for historic preservation, when funds are available.
This effort by Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is pursued with the expressed permission of the property owner, the Golden Rule Church Association. The foundation hopes to establish that criteria for a nomination have been met, including a pattern of American history and the association to Individuals such as the Howard family, as well as architecture and craftsmanship regarding alterations made, including similarity of materials used to determine restoration efforts retained historic integrity.