Barns were among the largest buildings in the islands, and offered ample space for social get-togethers such as dances, parties, and other celebrations.  Here are some examples:

The San Juan Islander reported on 7/20/1907 that “Mrs. E. P. Bailer was pleasantly surprised by friends and neighbors on Friday of last week, her birthday.  The young people enjoyed a pleasant little dance in the hop house.”

“Miss Lulu Pike gave a Valentine party in her father’s prune drier to a jolly lot of youngsters Feb. 14” (San Juan Islander, 1/23/1907).

“Miss ‘Peggy’ Gibson gave an impromptu dance in their apple house, which was delightful” (San Juan Islander, 3/8/1912 “East Sound”).