Contact Us

Press Release: National Register of Historic Places Nomination Sought for Seabiscuit Stud Barn

Non-Profit seeks to Preserve and Protect Historic Treasure

October 17, 2012 Willits, CA

Admirers of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit will be pleased to learn a National Register of Historic Places nomination is sought for his stud barn at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits, CA. The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation board is seeking the nomination with the support of members and friends such as honorary board member Laura Hillenbrand, author of the best-sellers Seabiscuit and Unbroken. (laurahillenbrandbooks.com)

SHF spokesperson Jacqueline Cooper states, "I know people recognize the importance of the mission of the foundation, and I am glad to have the opportunity to still be involved and bring folks up-to-date regarding the organization's activities and positive achievements."

The not-for-profit public benefit corporation specializing in historic preservation and land conservation seeks to preserve and protect the cultural legacy of Ridgewood, a 5,000-acre ranch nestled in the oak and old growth redwood-studded woodlands of northern California.

One of the projects generating renewed excitement is the current restoration of the historic Carriage House at Ridgewood, in addition to the nomination to the National Register of Historic Places of the stud barn where Seabiscuit enjoyed his life and retirement. Newly restored in 2004, thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Willits, the site continues to draw hundreds of visitors each tour season.

The California State Office for Historic Preservation is working with the nominating party (SHF) in completing the nomination process, estimated to take 6 months to 1 year. If approved, inclusion in the California State Point of Interest Program is automatic and the National Register of Historic Places listing could be celebrated with an official ceremony and a bronze plaque. This generally produces positive public feedback and qualification to pursue Federal grants for historic preservation, when funds are available.

This effort by the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is pursued with the expressed permission of the property owner, the Golden Rule Church Association. The foundation hopes to establish that criteria for a nomination have been met, including a pattern of American history and the association to Individuals such as the Howard family, as well as architecture and craftsmanship regarding alterations made, including similarity of materials used to ensure restoration efforts retained historic integrity.

To aid the effort, supporters are encouraged to visit biddingforgood.com/seabiscuit. Public letters of support addressed to Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation (www.seabiscuitheritage.org) could be included with a nomination application and forwarded on to Washington DC.

If you have questions regarding the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, items in the auction, bidding, email communications, events or other general information, please contact admin@shf-auction.org.

Mailing Address

Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation
16200 N. Highway 101
Willits, CA 95490
Phone: 707.459.5992

Website - http://www.seabiscuitheritage.org