On behalf of the Bar-H Boy's Ranch Inc., Board of Directors, we are very happy to have you visit the ranch. The following is a brief outline of the ranch history.
Founded in the latter part of 1958 by Major Doral Dennison, Youth Bureau, Kansas City,Missouri Police Dept. He later secured the help of the Heart of America Law Enforcement Organization and The Fraternal Order of Eagles in Kansas City, and Independence, MO. in raising funds to help get the project started. The Eagles and Auxiliaries raised the sum of $3500.00. Since that time both the Missouri and Kansas Fraternal Order of Eagles and Auxiliaries have continued to support and develop this project.
Other organizations have given their support in the development of the ranch program. Among them, the Johnson County Kansas Council of Beta Sigma Phi, the Jackson County Council 4th-5th district of the Veterans Of Foreign Wars,The Kansas City Timing Association, Clark Business Service of Merriam, Kansas, The Kansas Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, several Optimist and Lions Clubs. Many private Individuals and companies have given their support. Plaques in honor of the contributors who have projects are on display in the library of Eagles Hall. Names of other contributors are on display in the new auditorium.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles and Auxiliaries have the following projects named in their honor. Eagle Hall, the first building started is the center of activity. This building houses the kitchen, dining room, lounge, library, and counselor's room. In addition to Eagle Hall the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Auxiliaries have contributed to the following projects - Swimming pool , Chapel, Certified water program - Livestock program and to the burning of the ranch mortgage, and purchase of the ranch truck.
The Clark Building, one of the first dormitories, is now used as a craft shop. This building was named in honor of Mr. C.L. Clark of Merriam, Kansas. Beatty Hall is an all year Dormitory and was sponsored by the Johnson County Kansas Council of Beta Sigma Phi. The V.F.W. Boys dormitory sponsored by Jackson County Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Laundry room by this same group with the aid of other posts at Nevada-Joplin-Monet, and Neosho. The shower room was sponsored by the Kansas City Timing Association. The Storm cellar was sponsored by Bates County Sheriff's Office with the co-operation of former Sheriff Clovis Sivils. The Implement Building by Fort Scott, Kansas Police Department with the co-operation of Former Chief of Police, Lewis Robinson. The Livestock barn was built and financed by members of the Bar-H Boys Ranch Bowling Leagues of Kansas City, Mo. The Hay Barn was sponsored by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Dept. with the co-operation of Ted Peacock, former Chief of Police.
In 1983, The MO-KAN Building, was erected on the Ranch for indoor activities. It has shower and restroom facilities, and is air-conditioned for year round activities. In 1987 a new home was purchased by the Ranch for the caretaker. The old house was removed.
The Ranch property consists of 132 acres, bordered on the North side by the Marmaton River. It has two ponds for recreation programs. Farm crops consist of corn, alfalfa, hay and pasture. Sidewalks adjoins all the buildings with gravel roads leading about the property.
The Ranch has a capacity of 24 beds not including counselors. Sleeping bags are available for overflow. Three full meals are served each day with the exception of Sunday when boys go to the lake for a picnic. Boys Ranch is for giving as many children as possible between the ages of 9 and 13 the opportunity to spend at least a week "down on the farm". The kids attend free of all costs.
Besides paid help and material, many hours of personal time and expense have been donated by individuals and organizations to the construction and maintenance of the Ranch property. Since the summer of 1968, two camp-outs a year have been held at the Ranch for anyone wanting to enjoy the Ranch. Electrical hookups and a dump station have been added for your convenience. The parking lot has been expanded for increased capacity (1999). A small grant (1996) from The Burlington Northern Santa Fe,is being used toward making the Ranch handicapped accessible. Dates of these camp-outs can be obtained from any Eagles Aerie in Kansas or Missouri. We encourage your participation in these events.
As of September 24, 2005, the name of the property was changed to--MO-KAN EAGLE PARK & YOUTH CAMP, DBA. It is still owned and operated by BAR-H BOYS RANCH, INC.and it's board of directors.