| Notes |
- Barker House, 56 King Street, Picton, Ont c1812
Picton, Ontario
Barker-house-Main Barker House c. 1812 at 56 King Street, Street, Picton
Abraham Barker purchased his 200 acre farm from Conrad Vandusen in 1806.
Barker constructed the two storey frame house in 1812, within an area which gradually transformed into a business/commercial district, eventually overtaking the residential area. The relocation of Barker House in 1900, which accommodated the Picton Post Office until 1872, to make way for the new post office when the Main Street frontage was sold to Federal Government provides a tangible link to the development of Picton. Further, the donation of the relocated house and remnant grounds to the Town of Picton in 1945 by canning magnate W. H. Benson for public use reinforces the connection to town history. The site, building and the Barker family are intertwined with the history of Picton, Although adapted to the needs and prevailing tastes of periods throughout it’s history, the building nevertheless provides the form and character of the early Loyalist, or Wilderness Georgian style, and remains as a notable and distinguished piece of architecture in the Town. The history of the building and the adaptation granted for it’s survival make this wood frame and clad building unique and central to the complete history of Picton. The building and grounds are an integral part of the town center, and Benson Hall and park are considered local landmarks. Benson Park was the first formal park of the town and provides an important central greenspace linking the residential and business communities. The distinct location of Benson Hall as setback from the common building line of King Street and the enclosure of the park by buildings and trees, together create a unique and attractive urban space and the total site contributes considerably to the neighbourhood and town character
By Rob Mellor
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1781 - 1830 (49 years)
