but the fire spread rapidly, fuelled by dry wood and hay. Thanks to Tom’s quick actions and the fast response of firefighters, all the animals inside—four rabbits, three donkeys, three sheep, two goats, two chickens, and a rooster—were safely rescued. The cause of the fire was never determined, but it was not considered suspicious. Though the barn is gone, its memory lives on in the hearts of those who visited, worked there and grew up with its gentle charm as part of their Storybook Gardens experience.
Old McDonald’s Barn in Storybook The loss of the beloved Old MacDonald’s Barn at Storybook Gardens in 2015 remains a heartbreaking memory for many. Built in 1958, the barn was a cherished landmark that brought a touch of rural life to the city and was a favourite stop for generations of visitors. In February of that year, tragedy struck when a fire broke out in the barn. Storybook Gardens groundskeeper Tom Hudecki discovered the smoke early in the morning as he arrived to care for the animals. Acting quickly, he cut the power to the building,
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Page 21 Byron Villager September 2025
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