The four-story brick octagonal barn was built in 1892 at a cost of $10,000 by David Rankin, local agricultural tycoon, to house his teams of 250 mules and their feed and to provide living quarters for several of his hired men. The roof, upper walls and some interior parts were destroyed by fire in 1908 but were soon rebuilt, though without the 4th story and cupola. With advances in farming, the barn fell into disrepair and in 1965, the barn and surrounding acres were bought by Tarkio College. After a $180,000 renovation, the barn was converted into a theatre, with the first summer production of the musical, “Carnival” in 1968. The Mule Barn Theatre gained in professionalism and popularity over the years, drawing patrons from many miles around. The barn was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. On a cold February night in 1989, a fire broke out shortly after the close of a theatrical production. Efforts to put out the fire failed and the structure was totally destroyed, but memories of the music and artistry produced there remain. This picture was painted by Edna O’Dell and is featured in a book, “Tarkio Memories – Through the Art of Edna McCoy O’Dell,” being sold by Tarkio College. To request a copy of the book, contact Donald Jagger Photography, 12016 County Road 4001, Holts Summit, MO 65043, 660-623-0859, or email flasher@me.com.