America's
Dairyland Heritage Site
We are collecting memories and barn stories from anyone who would like
to share them with others. Not only will it help add color to the history of
the barn, it will give others a chance to see your story, and maybe renew an
old acquaintance. Follow this link to tell your story.
Here are some personal comments.
Home of the Historic Dougan Round Barn
Dougan Dairyland Development Associates, Inc. purchased the farmstead in
January of 1999. DoDaDAI plans
to provide on-site preservation and restoration of the Dougan Round Barn and
family homestead, and to develop the site as an educational center for
exhibits, information, and demonstrations pertaining to family farming and
dairy operations, early agri-business advances, and other activities
relevant to Wisconsin's rich, rural heritage.
History and Background
This site was first settled in 1839 by Samuel G. Colley, one of the original
members of the New England Emigrating Co., founders of The Turtle (which
later became Beloit). Colley built the homestead (big house) during the
1860's and added a barn in the 1870's.
Wesson J. Dougan purchased the farm in 1906, and started retail home
delivery of milk. In 1911, Dougan had the 60 foot round barn built
adjoining the Colley barn, drawing on ideas of renowned U.W. agricultural
engineer, Franklin King. The Dougans used national media such as Hoards
Magazines, WLS Prairie Farmer, and Wisconsin Public Radio to promote the
ideas of progressive family farming.
In demonstrating modern agriculturel methods, Dougan brought electricity to
the farm, and in 1919 replaced hand milking with milking machines. He
pioneered the use of alfalfa as fodder for dairy cows, and promoted its use
through "alfalfa parties." In 1932 the predecessor of the Korn Kurl was
invented on the site.
W. J. Dougan was joined in this work by his son, Ronald A. Dougan, who
started systemtic work on "proven sires" and was a founder of the Wisconsin
Scientific Breeding Institute which grew into American Breeders Service. To
promote the advance of agriculture, the Dougans kept the farm open to the
public at all times, hosted thousands of school children on field trips,
interns from Scandinavia, visitors from around the world, and Wisconsin Farm
Progress Days. R. A.'s wife Vera was an energetic, enthusiastic farm wife
and community leader, instrumental in establishing a symphony orchestra in
this area. Her work with the National Federation of Music Clubs and the
arts earned her national attention.
In 1973 the site was sold to Springbrook Development Agency as a site of
potential commercial development and expansion. The Round Barn was placed
on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
At this time, DoDaDAI
plans to preserve this strategic 3.37-acre site as a Tribute to Family Farming and
Wisconsin Agri-business. Plans are underway to restore the site to reflect
an important part of Beloit's rural heritage, to preserve a community memory
and to tell the story of community accomplishments. Please join our efforts by
contributing your talents to the project. Everyone is welcome, and your
contribution of time and energy is guaranteed to be paid back in pride when
the job is done.
For information on how you can get involved in the project, and contribute
to Wisconsin's historic past, contact Mary Frey:
DoDaDAI
2605 Colley Road
Beloit, WI 53511
608-363-2324 (608-Do-Da-DAI)
Home: 608-362-0876
Visit Mary Frey's home page.
Visit the City of Beloit.
Visit some other sites of interest to barn
preservationists.
Take in a festival, or enjoy great events in Wisconsin.
Beloit College