New sign explains old milk barn ‘ruins’ in Luther Burbank Park

October 1, 2024 3:30 pm
Members of the boards of the Mercer Island Historical Society and the Friends of Luther Burbank gather on Sept. 30 at the installation of a new sign explaining the “ruins” of the old milk barn that was part of the Luther Burbank School. They are, left to right, Marcia Zervis, Judith Roan, Einer Handeland, Terry Moreman, Jane Meyer Brahm and Sue Stewart. The two organizations paid for the sign and the work of the designer, James Englehardt, who couldn’t be present for the unveiling of the sign. Also missing were Susan Blake and Sandy Maloof. Courtesy photo
Members of the boards of the Mercer Island Historical Society and the Friends of Luther Burbank gather on Sept. 30 at the installation of a new sign explaining the “ruins” of the old milk barn that was part of the Luther Burbank School. They are, left to right, Marcia Zervis, Judith Roan, Einer Handeland, Terry Moreman, Jane Meyer Brahm and Sue Stewart. The two organizations paid for the sign and the work of the designer, James Englehardt, who couldn’t be present for the unveiling of the sign. Also missing were Susan Blake and Sandy Maloof. Courtesy photo

Special to the Reporter

For years, people have walked on the paved path in Luther Burbank Park, heading toward the new Calkins Point beach park and wondered about the concrete “ruins” on the west side of the path.

They will wonder no more.

On Sept. 30, a new sign was installed explaining that the “ruins” were the foundation of a milk barn and dairy operation that was part of the Luther Burbank School, which operated from 1905 until 1965.

The sign was a joint project planned and paid for by the Mercer Island Historical Society and the Friends of Luther Burbank Park. Visitors can scan the story QR code on the sign to learn more about the farming operation and the history of Luther Burbank School.

Formerly named the Boys Parental School, Luther Burbank School was a residential facility run by the Seattle School District to handle boys ages 9 to 17, committed there by the Juvenile Court of King County. The name had been changed to avoid the stigma of a “parental school” and to honor the memory of the noted horticulturalist, Luther Burbank.

Under the longtime director, Willis Rand, the school acquired more land and expanded the campus to include not only dormitories and academic buildings, but barns and outbuildings for a working farm.

The boys attended classes in the morning and worked on the farm in the afternoons. Enrollment peaked at 137 in 1944.

The only remnants of the school are the steam plant along the lakefront, which with the help of a state historical grant and organizations like the historical society, is currently being renovated; the brick building (a dormitory known as “Lake Cottage”); and the “ruins” of the milk barn.