Exciting discoveries at the Barker House
Several weeks ago, after extensive clean-up and careful consideration of structural issues, officers of the FJBJ made our first top-to-bottom, front-to-back inspection of the multi-structure Barker complex. This resulted in many significant observations, two of which we’d like to highlight here.
Two professional architectural evaluations of the complex were funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1981 and 2014, and another professional update is being completed now. These studies include extensive archival research on the structure’s history, answering some questions and leaving some unanswered. Among the latter, no documentary confirmation of Joseph Barker Senior’s role in designing and building the brick house was located, even as “local lore” asserted that this was the case.
During our recent inspection of the house, we ventured all the way to the attic of the brick section, carefully making our way across weathered floors and staircases. Vice President for Restoration Tony Durm was the first to spy a faint inscription on an original rafter board, applied it appears in black ink with a brush. Even in the dim light of that space, we immediately recognized what was written in script. Photographs were taken and subsequent image enhancement by Tony’s son Todd, a professional photographer, confirmed that we were seeing the signature “Joseph B” (and possibly part of the “arker”)!
Such an out-of-the-way placement seems more likely to reflect the subtle memorialization of a builder, rather than the declaration of an owner and occupant. But which Barker was it – Joseph Senior or Junior?
With the help of Linda Showalter of Marietta College Special Collections, we were able to assemble multiple examples of both father and son’s signatures, which evidence rather different handwriting styles. Although we are not handwriting analysis experts, it seems obvious that the script signature on the house rafter is that of Joseph Barker Senior. While this may not give absolute proof that he built the house, we feel it lends strong credence to that part of the local historical narrative.
In another area of the structures, we encountered an incredible stone sink – large, expertly fashioned and in excellent condition. In fact, FJBJ Vice President for Preservation Bill Reynolds – well-versed in all things pioneer – declared that this is one of the best preserved stone sinks he’s ever encountered in Washington County!
As we become more familiar with the Barker Jr. structural complex, we are more convinced than ever that it is a gem-in-the-rough worth restoring, even as we recognize the huge task ahead to accomplish this objective. We appreciate your continuing interest and support in this effort!
