This is one of Winnipeg’s earliest buildings, constructed in 1862 by Edmund Lorenzo Barber using the Red River frame technique, and continuously occupied for over one hundred years. In 1870, John Schultz fled to this house after escaping Louis Riel’s forces at Upper Fort Garry. Barber, Schultz’s real estate partner, smuggled him out of the colony. The house was vacant for many years and was damaged by arsonists in June 2010. After restoration and renovation, it reopened as a community facility in August 2011.
In 1974, a commemorative plaque was installed near the house by the Historic Sites Advisory Board of Manitoba. Barber House has been recognized with provincial (1987) and municipal (1990) heritage designation, and its restoration received a Heritage Winnipeg Preservation Award (2012).
Barber House (October 1962) by John H. Warkentin
Source: John Warkentin Fonds, 2009-029/003, ASC16475, York University
Barber House after arson fire (June 2010)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
Barber House after restoration (Spring 2011)
Source: SISTARS
Barber House (October 2021)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90699, W97.12787
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Edmund Lorenzo Barber (1834-1909)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Red River Frame Buildings
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Provincially Designated Historic Sites
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites
Barber House, Manitoba Historic Resources Branch.
We thank George Penner for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 3 October 2024
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