Description of Historic Place

The Foreman’s House at the Bar U Ranch, otherwise known as Building 4, is a rectangular, one-and-a-half storey building with a gabled roof covered with cedar shingles. The squared log construction has dovetailed corner notching. The colour scheme of the Foreman’s House, (barn red walls and white trim), keeps with the tradition across the Prairies and visually links it to the other buildings on site. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Foreman’s House is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical value:
The Foreman’s House is one of the best examples of the national theme of the development of ranching in Alberta, and of its importance in the development of Canada. The Foreman’s House was constructed to accommodate George Lane, who was hired at Bar U in 1884 to serve as the ranch foreman and who ran the ranch between 1902 and 1925. The building is a component of the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada. It is also associated with Patrick Burns, who purchased the Bar U Ranch in 1927 to add to his vast cattle empire. Burns, who is recognized as the kingpin of the meat processing industry in western Canada during the mid-1920s, has been designated a person of national significance.

Architectural value:
The Foreman’s House is an excellent example of an agricultural type building built during the early stages of settlement in Western Canada. It serves as an example of traditional log design constructed by skilled builders. It stands out because of its squared log construction, its domestic character and its superior log-work and finishing. The introduction of structures like this one heralded a larger degree of permanence and stability at the ranch. The building incorporates good quality materials and craftsmanship.

Environmental value:
As part of a cohesive complex of buildings arranged to great functional effect in a simple and beautiful setting, the Foreman’s House contributes significantly to the character of the Bar U Ranch. This landmark value is reinforced by the designation of the complex as a national historic site of Canada.

Sources: Edward Mills, Historic Bar U Ranch Headquarters, Longview, Alberta. 92-017; Foreman’s House (Building 4), Bar U Ranch, Longview, Alberta, Heritage Character Statement 92-017.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Foreman’s House should be respected.

Its log construction style and good quality materials and craftsmanship as manifested in: its simple and plain massing characterised by its one-and-a-half storey rectangular form and gable roof, which gives its domestic appearance; the squared log wall construction and superior log work; the domestic appearance; the gable walls of rough cut milled lumber, sheathed with shingles; the roof pole rafters mortised into the sidewalls; the red and white colour scheme.

The manner in which the building reinforces the character and setting of the Bar U Ranch.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

The Foreman's House at the Bar U Ranch is believed to have been built between 1884 and 1887, as part of the first phase of building at the ranch. The building was likely moved to its present location from the edge of the residential area and the community centre area, due west of the Workhorse Barn and Implement Shed. The designer is unknown. The Foreman's House is a component of the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. Parks Canada is the custodian. See FHBRO Building Report 92-17.

Reasons for Designation

The Foreman's House, as a component of the Bar U Ranch complex, was designated "Classified" because of the historical associations of this building and the ranch as a whole, because of the exceptional qualities of the site and setting, and because of its contribution to the overall aesthetic and functional qualities of the complex.

The Bar U Ranch is strongly associated with the development of ranching in Alberta. The Foreman's House was constructed to accommodate George Lane, who was hired at Bar U in 1884 to serve as the ranch foreman and who ran the ranch between 1902 and 1925. Lane was a prominent member of the second generation of Alberta cattlemen. The Foreman's House is also associated with Patrick Burns, who purchased the Bar U Ranch in 1927 to add to his vast cattle empire. Burns, who is recognized as the kingpin of the meat processing industry in western Canada during the mid-1920s, has been designated a person of national significance.

The proportions and construction of the Foreman's House are typical of many pioneer dwellings built during the early stages of settlement in western Canada. It stands out because of its squared log construction, its domestic character and its superior log work and finishing. The introduction of structures like this one heralded a larger degree of permanence and stability at the ranch.

As part of a cohesive complex of buildings arranged to great functional effect in a simple and beautiful natural setting, the Foreman's House contributes significantly to the character of the Bar U Ranch. Located within the community centre, the building is situated directly opposite the contemporary Post Office. The building is also a component of the collection of pre-1927 buildings which contribute to the landmark value of the complex as one of the region's most important early ranch sites. This landmark value is reinforced by the designation of the complex as a National Historic Site.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the Foreman's House resides in its proportions, construction techniques and materials, exterior finish, interior features and floor plan, and site relationships.

The Foreman's House is a rectangular, one-and-a-half-storey log structure. The construction materials chosen for the house and the craftsmanship employed are of high quality. The wall construction consists of squared logs with dovetail corner notching. It is believed that skilled log builders were hired and that high grade spruce logs from the foothills were used for the structure. Any repairs should match the level of craftsmanship found in the original work. The house has four-over-four double-hung windows. Its gable roof and gable ends are of milled frame construction and are covered with cedar shingles. A chimney composed of segments of concrete, brick and concrete block is located on the roof's ridge, near the centre of the building and was probably used for both heating and cooking. A small concrete cellar exists in the southwest corner, which was used principally for storage. The condition of the building's log walls, foundation, roof, doors and windows is poor. Any repairs should respect character defining features and maximize the retention of original fabric.

The Foreman's House retains its interior beaverboard finish and floor plan. The main floor is separated into three rooms, used as the principal living quarters: a kitchen, a living room and a bedroom. The stairs lead to an unfinished attic space.

Any development should seek to retain the functional quality of the site, and respect existing patterns of access and circulation. Any changes to circulation or access should consider historic patterns. The setting of the Foreman's House, back from the lane in a flat, grassed area, is important to its heritage character.