Michigan City’s historic Barker Mansion is reopening its doors this weekend.
Built in 1857, The Barker Mansion is a monument to Gilded Age architecture. It commemorates the Barker family’s influence in shaping the railway landscape of the American Midwest.
The mansion underwent a recent renovation to update the 120-year-old electrical wiring. The bridal suite and Mr. Barker’s room, with the original bathroom, was refreshed. The historic garden was restored with new plantings and pergolas. The restoration of the bronze front door and decorative transom was recently completed.
The Barker Mansion offers guided and self-guided tours. It also features special events such as an upcoming Easter egg hunt in the mansion’s garden, classes and a speaker series.
The Barker family established the Haskell & Barker Car Co. in Michigan City. The company initially manufactured passenger and wood-structure freight rail cars. The manufacturing facility eventually spread over 100 acres and had 3,500 employees. At one time, it produced 15,000 cars a year.
