AgShed to Replace Garage/Farmhouse Destroyed in the 1985 New Life Fire

THE ORIGINAL GARAGE/FARMHOUSE was one of the outbuildings on the property when it was purchased in 1946 by the New Life Foundation, as instructed by Avatar Meher Baba. The garage was used until it burned in the October 16, 1985 "New Life Fire." (Archive photo.)

On October 16, 1985, a fire swept through the Upper Ojai Valley destroying all the buildings, equipment, and vehicles at Meher Mount.  The date of this fire - October 16 - coincided with the start date of Avatar Meher Baba's New Life in India in 1949.  Hence, it has come to be known as the "New Life Fire."

After the fire, the then-owner Agnes Baron asked a volunteer to build a garage/ agricultural shed to replace the garage/farmhouse that had burned to the ground.  Agnes requested that the volunteer use scrap lumber and other materials available on the property.  With the understanding that financial resources were nearly non-existent for Agnes, the carpenter agreed to her conditions and completed the project, expecting the building to last two to five years.

"TEMPORARY" SHED STILL IN USE

Almost 25 years later, that shed is still standing and serves as the only workshop/storage area for the 173-acre property.  This building houses Meher Mount's tools, supplies, tractor, and ride-on mower.  

In 2007, in response to the physically demanding and continuous need to maintain the property and to help with fire abatement, a generous supporter donated $20,000 for a tractor with implements and $20,000 for the building of a fire-proof garage.

THE 1985 "NEW LIFE FIRE" destroyed everything on Meher Mount leaving only debris and foundations. This is a picture of the garage/farmhouse after the fire. (Archive photo.)The need for the fire-proof garage sparked a series of discussions which led directly to discussions of a long-range master plan for Meher Mount.  The foundations of that Master Plan have been laid for land and building use, and building locations and materials.

A NEW AG/SHED IS PART OF THE MASTER PLAN

During the AgShed discussions, it became very clear that $20,000 would not be sufficient to build a substantial, long-lasting, and fire-proof structure.  Donors have added to the AgShed fund over the years and with the addition of interest earned, there is a little more than $100,000 for the project.

THE CURRENT GARAGE/SHED was built with scrap lumber and other materials as a "temporary" measure soon after the 1985 New Life Fire. It is still in use today and is to be replaced. (Margaret Magnus photo.)At the beginning of 2010, plans were submitted to Ventura County for approval so that construction could begin on the AgShed.  The plans are currently working their way through the various government departments gathering the necessary approvals.

And the carpenter who built the current structure is immensely relieved to know that the old "temporary" structure will finally be removed by workers, and not by accident!

DONATIONS WELCOME FOR THE AG/SHED

Those wishing to donate to the Ag/Shed fund can make a contribution to:

Meher Mount/Master Plan, 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai, CA 93023.  For more information call: 805-640-0000 or email at info@mehermount.org