Ranch house utility buildings to be restored: You can help

Daley Ranch began as an actual cattle operation, established in the late 1800s. During its ranching days, many workers were needed to tend the livestock, maintain the equipment, and meet the ranch’s many needs. In addition to the large barn, the Daley family built several small utility buildings along the road just north of the ranch house for these purposes. We do not know exactly what each of the structures was used for, but they could have served as a foreman’s quarters, feed storage, tool shed, or a bunk room.

Over time these buildings were abandoned, and now they are quickly deteriorating. The Friends of Daley Ranch is committed to preserving the history of the ranch. We have decided to embark on a restoration project to first, arrest the decay of the buildings, and second, to strengthen their structural integrity. This could involve new foundations and support beams, but we want to re-use the original materials wherever possible.

After the buildings have been restored it is our hope that they can serve as a sort of ranch museum. Each could house actual artifacts from old farms and ranches. The City of Escondido already has a number of items in storage that could be brought there, including antique farm equipment. In this way the public will be able to experience what life on the ranch may have been like one hundred years ago, in an authentic setting. This is an important part of Escondido’s agricultural history.

Before moving forward on the restoration project, we need to address another issue. The creek bed right behind the buildings is badly eroding. Its bank needs reinforcement to prohibit further collapse. Working with the city and the state and federal wildlife agencies, FODR hopes to build a solid new creek embankment.

How can you help?

All of our efforts are done on a voluntary basis. We will need help in at least the three following ways:

1. Sweat labor, as in perspiration and hard work, when the construction begins.

2. Materials donated.

3. Money, always a necessary “evil” for any project this ambitious.

If you can help, please contact our key volunteers.

Project coordinator: Mike Whalen 760-740-1370

Project foreman: Dick Althouse 760-741-7629

FODR president: Fred Woods 760-745-4533