“ Every year , the Barnyard Beer Benefit enables us to build our capital funds for the long‐term preservation of the Gilfillan Farm .”
“ I am not originally from Upper St . Clair and had never heard of the farm . There are also a number of people in the club who live in Upper St . Clair and had never heard of it ,” explains Mihalek . “ So I decided to organize a tour of the farm for the club .”
On the tour with her family , she was struck by the beauty of the farm grounds — in particular the White Barn . Unique because it ’ s a rare traditional Pennsylvania barn that was built into a hill for easy access , it was constructed through a barn raising .
Mihalek also took note when the tour guide mentioned the farm could be rented out for events . “ It was perfect for the party because it was gorgeous and in our own backyard . We took the ball and ran with it .”
The party was so successful that it
evolved into a community event . Last year , 400 were in attendance and more than $ 19,000 was raised for the farm .
Because of the enormous costs of preserving the farm , the funds are appreciated by the historical society .
“ Every year the Barnyard Beer Benefit enables us to build our capital funds for the long-term preservation of the Gilfillan Farm ,” says Rachel Carlson , president of the Historical Society of Upper St . Clair and an eighth generation Gilfillan descendant . “ And every year the event gives us hope that the community cares about this historic place and partnering with the Historical Society of Upper St . Clair to see Gilfillan Farm preserved for future generations .”
This year proceeds will go toward the farm ’ s smokehouse .
“ Every year , the Barnyard Beer Benefit enables us to build our capital funds for the long‐term preservation of the Gilfillan Farm .”
“ Our smokehouse is in desperate need of repair ,” says Carlson . Arris Construction , a consulting and specialty construction company from Butler , is assisting in the plan to preserve and restore the building . Due to the historic nature of the property , and its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places , the work needs to be done in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior ’ s standards . “ The goal is to preserve as much as possible , down to the smoke stains on the brick ,” notes Carlson . The historic preservation work is estimated to cost $ 80,000 .
“ The benefit brings new people to the Gilfillan Farm and I also love the atmosphere that it creates ,” Carlson says . “ Despite hundreds of people in attendance , it ’ s a relaxing night that feels like a gathering of family and friends .”
Mihalek is happy that people enjoy it . “ I hope the benefit is about the community celebrating itself ,” she says , “ bringing in local craftsmanship at its best , feeling like you ’ re someplace else ( even though you ’ re right down the street from your house ), in another world or in another century , enjoying your neighbors and some good beer , good food and good music . Hopefully , we can raise more money for the farm . We just want to keep doing it so that future generations can enjoy the farm like we do .”
Volunteers are needed to help set up the benefit the day before , or assist with various tasks the day of . Visit the Facebook page at facebook . com / beerbenefit for more information on how to help and for ticket information . ■
Upper St . Clair | Spring 2017 | icmags . com 29