Incoming District Commander Col. Jayson H. Putnam, left, accepts the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flag from Col. Kimberly Peeples, commander of the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division, during the Huntington Districtâs Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in Huntington City Hall.
Sholten Singer | The Herald-Dispatch
Today
Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 86F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..
Tonight
Mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Updated: July 11, 2021 @ 7:14 am
Jan 16, 2021
Last month’s announcement that authorization had finally been received to transfer the federally owned historic Joseph Barker Jr. house into the hands of a local nonprofit was welcome, indeed.
But perhaps more important was the reminder of the kind of teamwork it took to make such a move possible.
Back in 2013, the Newport Township house was being considered for removal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, but being on the register does not necessarily protect properties in the future.
A 2017 public meeting to further discuss possible demolition caught the attention of enough people that an effort began to preserve the building.
jpatterson@mariettatimes.com
Graphic illustration compiled by Janelle Patterson
1: Elevation drawing of the south facade, facing the Ohio River, of the Joseph Barker Jr. Home. Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington District âA Comparative Architectural and Historical Study of the 19th Century Brick and Frame Dwelling in Washington County, Ohio by Ronald C. Carlisle and Ronald L. Michaelâ published Nov. 18, 1981.
2: Senator Rob Portman, right, listens to Wes Clarke, left, describe the history of the Barker house during Portmanâs visit in September 2018. (Photo by Janelle Patterson)
3: The 2018 watercolor painting of the Joseph Barker Jr. home, created by local artist Alan Norris, now sits in the office of Colonel Jason Evers, commander of the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, according to Jack Haessly.