Sept 26 2010 - The Round Barn

On the far west side of Columbus is one of our metro parks, Batelle Darby Creek.  Many acres of the park were once part of Darby Dan Farms, a sprawling country estate encompassing 4000 acres and owned by millionaire builder John W Galbreath.  On part of the land now owned by the park system, stands an incredible barn that was the home of Mr Galbreath's famous race horses, 2 of which took Kentucky Derby titles, and many other horses that won many races over the years.  The barn is round, in a doughnut shape, with an open inner courtyard.  The horse stalls face the courtyard, and behind them and inside the barn, there is a 1/8 mile track where the horses could be exercised in foul weather.  Each stall had a place for a bronze plaque, that showed the horse's name, stats and winnings.  A very large structure, the barn contains 32 stalls.  Here are my photos and poetic tribute to Mr Galbreath's wonderful barn.

The Round Barn

this barn is here
to tell the story,
of days gone by;
of faded glory.
a round white barn,
a silent track;
sunlight shining
through the cracks.
inside, it's musty 
in this stall,
where a winner
once stood tall.
where a plaque 
proclaimed his name, 
his money won;
his world-wide fame.
where dust motes dance,
his hooves once pranced;
among the hay,
rose petals lay.
now a spider 
spins his web
where this fine horse
once laid his head.
the barn remains 
to tell the story,
of his great heart;
of his great glory.


S G Newland

A view from outside the barn, through the courtyard doors

The indoor exercise track

The inner courtyard

Inner courtyard, the doors to the stalls, to the left, the small square that bore the plaque