Big Fresno Barn

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Re: Big Fresno Barn

by pattysplacesalon » Sat Dec 11, 2021 12:03 pm

My Mother leased the Barn for a few years trying to bring it back. We all us kids worked every Saturday night in the concession stand and selling tickets to get in. We have some great memories of the Barn. Anyone Remember my Mom Vera Lacey by chance? She also worked for the owner when I was about 8. i met Little Jimmy Dickens, Merle Haggard, just that I remember many more.

Re: Big Fresno Barn

by mswezey » Tue Mar 30, 2021 8:29 pm

The Location is Shields and Grantland, west of Grantland actually. Do not go on property, it is private property and is not safe to go in.

Re: Big Fresno Barn

by Will » Mon Aug 31, 2020 12:19 pm

Does anyone know what year that Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens took the stage at the Big Fresno Barn? I have found a banner that states Dec. 30, Merle and Bonnie were playing for $3.00 "New Years Eve" party entrance fee. I'm thinking Dec. 30 must of been Friday or sat night. This would put it either 67-68 or 72-73? Does anyone happend to know what year Merle and Bonnie played a Dec. 30 show at the Big Fresno Barn?

Re: Big Fresno Barn

by Lost Fresno » Wed Oct 16, 2019 11:08 am

A couple of pictures for the Big Fresno Barn including a nice shot of the exterior and a great vintage sign.
Attachments
Fresno Big Barn Sign.jpg
Click to Enlarge
Freno Barn exterior.jpg
Click to Enlarge

Re: Big Fresno Barn

by Scott Whitney » Thu Sep 19, 2019 11:22 am

Been watching the Ken Burns "Country Music" documentary. I've done some research and learned Bob Wills, ringleader of the Texas Playboys used to play the Big Fresno Barn all the time when he resided in Fresno. (late 40's)

His home with 80 acres called the "BBB Ranch" was located at 6410 E. Clinton. (about a mile east of the Fresno Air Terminal - AKA Yosemite Airport) Bob's ranch was literally walking distance from the home I raised my children in.

I found some articles from 2013 indicating Granville Homes bought the property with plans to demolish the home and build new houses. A group of Fresno citizens was attempting to save the home by having it moved to another location. Does anyone know if this small piece of Fresno history was saved, or has it been lost to another cookie cutter housing tract? So much of Fresno history has been demolished. Sad.
Attachments
The_Fresno_Bee_The_Republican_Mon__Dec_1__1952_.jpg
Click to Enlarge / Fresno Bee - Dec. 1, 1952

Re: Big Fresno Barn

by Clmarshjr » Mon Sep 16, 2019 8:33 pm

I grew up in Fresno in the 50s and 60s and spent many Saturday nights at the Big Fresno Barn. Dave Stogner was the standard band most of the time. The list of big names that played there is huge. It is very sad to see the old barn ready to fall down just standing in a dirt field.

Re: Big Fresno Barn

by josh moore » Sun Sep 08, 2019 6:04 pm

My great grand parents owned the barn and my mother is the last grand child we know of phillis phillips.

Re: Big Fresno Barn

by John Kennedy sr » Tue Jul 02, 2019 7:02 pm

I grew up going to the big Fresno barn great memory. Also meet my wife Peggy there we 13 years old. Peggy and her mother lived with Mr. Phillips who owner of the barn that 1970 - 1972. My father and 4 of my bothers go weekly to dance. The house band was the Ragsdale family. The best I can remember that was 49 1/2 years ago. Also seen Earnest Tubbs, Buck Owens Little Jimmy Dickens. So many great memories great stories family fun. John Kennedy
Attachments
Fresno Bee Bill Ragsdale Band.jpg
Click to Enlarge / Fresno Bee - Dec. 30th, 1969

Re: Big Fresno Barn

by roland.jones559 » Sun Feb 26, 2017 2:16 pm

Great memories. Thanks for sharing. I always like to hear stories of the old Barn.

Re: Big Fresno Barn

by Sue LaFleur » Sat Feb 11, 2017 7:30 am

My parents took me a few times to the Old Fresno Barn. First time I saw Merle Haggard there. Remember standing right in front of him and think wow what a voice. Probably not more than 50 people there. Met Buck Owen's there also. My aunt Voni Morrison and Johnny Russell wrote Act Naturally. Back then Imena Phillips owned the Barn. My Mom would sell tickets, and my Dad was bartender in the bar. I would stay with my mom and check in coats. Those were very fond memories.

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