Caleb Barton was born in 1812 and later became a very prominent local businessman, in 1855, he built this handsome residence and in the same year a group of citizens held the first fair in Barton's field.
The faithful restoration by the Fair's Board of Directors has preserved a fine example of mid-nineteenth century Pennsylvania architecture and an extremely important element of Fair and local history. Caleb Barton House as you now see it is the result of much detective work, expert advice and many hours of painstaking restoration.
Wherever possible, the interior and exterior paint colors have been selected to match the original. Wallpaper and carpeting are documented styles in use during the period. While quite different from current styles, they accurately reflect the tastes of our Victorian forebears. Shutters, shutter hardware, stenciling and grained woodwork are further examples of careful research and reproduction by skilled local craftspersons.
Fireplaces in the living and dining rooms are original, while the large kitchen fireplace has been reconstructed in its original style and location. As you leave through the kitchen, note the water pump on the back porch and the stylish "necessary house" on your right.
We hope you enjoy seeing the work in progress and will look forward to another visit next year to view the furnishings which will complete the project.
Jay H. Fritz, Jr.
Barton House Project Consultant
We are extremely proud of our 153 year-old house, and eager to share its architectural treasures with you.
Notice that you are afforded the informal entrance of coming in through the kitchen. That means we think of you as a close friend.
As you walk through the building, pay attention to the lye and water-treated floors, the whitewashed ceilings, period wallpaper, and pine woodwork. Some of the original colors used to decorate the house, which was built in 1855, were found on an ancient shutter that had been hidden from daylight in a corner of the attic. Also rediscovered were the fireplaces, key plates, and, in one room, an old pane of glass on which someone, possibly using the diamond on the bride's engagement ring, had scratched the Bartons' wedding date.
Restorer Larry Sweeney of Orangeville has uncovered many aspects of The Barton House during the years he has been working to return it to its original condition. During this time. Jay Fritz Jr., a Bloomsburg antiques dealer and broker, has succeeded in furnishing the home with pictures, wall coverings and even a rug with a horse chestnut pattern. The work that Mr. Sweeney and Mr. Fritz have done has created the impression that Mr. and Mrs. Barton are just gone for the day. perhaps to visit neighbors, and will return by twilight.
Should Caleb and his family come home later today, they would find a luxury unheard of in most American houses constructed before the Civil War: numerous closets, each with ample space. History doesn't tell us who decided to install the closets, which must have been great novelties in their day. Whoever was responsible clearly was a homey and practical person with plenty of foresight.
Visitors often ask, "Can we go upstairs?" Unfortunately, not this year. The second floor with its many bedrooms is still being restored. Mr. Sweeney has already finished much of the structural work but much finishing remains to be done. The bedrooms are delightfully airy and large. The doors are equipped with transoms, as are the doors on the first floor. When these rooms are eventually ready for visitors, they will have antique furniture and wall hangings appropriate for the mid-1800s.
More than 950 visitors stop by The Barton House every day during Fair Week. Approximately 9,000 visitors toured the Barton House in 2008. Please sign our visitors book, and share your thoughts and memories with us so we may pass them along to future guests.
There are many stories about our marvelous old house. One relates that in weddings held at Barton House, possibly conducted on the front porch, the bride carried a bouquet of wildflowers gathered from nearby fields. It is hoped that at some future time, the grounds will be restored to the period, possibly with an herb garden for the kitchen.
Historic Barton House has an extensive garden planted and tended by members of the Fishing Creek Herb Guild, with hundreds of heirloom perennials, vegetables and herbs. The garden, started in 2000, displays flowers, herbs and vegetables commonly used in the 1850s.
Each year brings something different. This year we’ve tried unusual vegetables – okra, artichoke and kohlrabi. We also have vegetable and scent quizzes to test your knowledge.
Herb Guild members meet regularly through the spring and summer for planting, weeding and watering. Each spring compost is added making the garden soil extremely Fertile. In 2008 we added a chicken coop with real laying hens.
When you visit, please ask for some free seeds from our morning glories and cleomes (spider plant.)
The garden which was started in 2000 and is now in full bloom every year.
BARTON HOUSE SCHEDULE
Saturday
House open 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday
House open 10:00am to 6:00pm
11:00 am old fashion sauerkraut making on the back porch
Monday
House open 10:00am to 6:00pm
Tuesday
House open 10:00am to 6:00pm
10:00am to 2:00pm Children from the Southern Columbia School District Enrichment Program will be portraying the Barton Family children. They will have games from the 1800s to teach to any children visiting the Barton House.
11:00am butterr making in a glass butter churn, all are welcome to help.
Wednesday
House open 10:00am to 6:00pm
10:00am to 2:00pm Children from the Southern Columbia School District Enrichment Program will be portraying the Barton Family children. They will have games from the 1800s to teach to any children visiting the Barton House.
Thursday
House open 10:00am to 6:00pm
10:00am to evening the Civil War reenactment group, the 149th Pa Volunteer Infantry, will be set up.
11:00am butterr making in a glass butter churn, all are welcome to help.
12:00pm Thomas Barton will speak about his life as a Sargent in the Union Army.
2:00pm A Civil War Surgeon will speak on being a Doctor in the war.
Friday
House open 10:00am to 6:00pm
10:00am to evening the Civil War reenactment group, the 149th Pa Volunteer Infantry, will be set up.
12:00pm Thomas Barton will speak about his life as a Sargent in the Union Army.
2:00pm an Army surveyor will speak about his job.
Saturday
House open 10:00am to 6:00pm
10:00am to evening the Civil War reenactment group, the 149th Pa Volunteer Infantry, will be set up.
12:00pm Thomas Barton will speak about his life as a Sargent in the Union Army.
Barton House
