Barnard, Kansas History

Barnard, Kansas - Page 2

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A man named David Metzgar ran first store in Barnard, which sold flour and feed in a building that would later become a barber shop. Another man named Isaac “Doc” Ballard opened a small grocery store, where the first post office was established on May 22, 1888. A man named Jim Hoffman built and operated the first lodging establishment called the Barnard Hotel.

In the meantime, the railroad workers were working fast to complete the tracks to Barnard which was accomplished on December 4, 1887. The first regular train service went into effect on January 15, 1888. By the late 1880’s, Barnard was described as a “busy, bustling reality.”

What looks to have been a thriving business on Main Street

has been abandoned today and its roof fallen in,

Kathy Weiser, March, 2009.

The city was incorporated in 1904 as it continued to grow. By 1910, it supported a population of 425 people, had two banks, a weekly newspaper called the Barnard Bee, several churches, a number of retail stores and a telegraph and express office. It was also described as an important shipping point for agricultural products.

For years, the small farming community thrived in the fertile Salt Creek Valley, but like many other Kansas towns, declined dramatically over the years. Numerous businesses shut down leaving vacant buildings throughout the town and the old school taught its last lessons in 1966.

Though there are a few remaining businesses today, and the post office is still in operation, the population of this once prosperous community has dropped to just about 120 people. The most thriving "businesses" in town are two churches - the United Methodist and Baptist, obviously bringing in congregations from area farms.

A drive through town provides a number of opportunities of once thriving business buildings in various states of deterioration. The 1937 octagonal concrete water tower, built by the Works Progress Administraton (WPA), continues to stand as well as several buildings constructed of native stone.

The interesting octogon shaped concrete water tower built by the WPA in

1937 continues to stand. Kathy Weiser, March, 2009

Though it the price of gas was right, and this station might have been closed because it was a Sunday, it still feels a little as if it was permanently closed. Kathy Weiser, March, 2009.

Though typical in its unkempt appearance, this house stood out as a "diamond in the rough" with its intricate wood work on its surrounding porch, Kathy Weiser, March, 2009.

Old ghost farms dot the Salt Creek Valley today. Though the area still thrives from farming and ranching, there's a lot fewer individuals operating on the land. This relic is located between Barnard and Ada. Kathy Weiser, March, 2009

The Barnard School District (#84) operated from 1893-1966. Today, the old school house appears to be or was used by some type of heavy equipment operator as the surrounding ground was filled with machinery. Kathy Weiser, March, 2009.

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