Historic Barn Restoration
Tarklesons tackle barn renovation at historical site.
(from Tri County Times feature article)
 Barns
are slowly disappearing from the landscape, that's why Scott and
Joanie Tarkleson of Mundy Township wanted to preserve theirs.
The balloon-framed, square hip-roofed barn at 4306 W. Baldwin Road is said to have been built about 1863, just prior to the
Civil War.
The couple joined the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and
used its Web site and publication for information. They attended
workshops and seminars before attempting the restoration.
"This is part of the original Mundy (the family for whom the
township is named) farm," said Tarkleson. "They came from
Genesee County, N.Y. and settled this area. This type of square,
two-story barn, is typical of the barns settlers from there
built, including the Mundy, Selden and Badgely families. It is
the last standing example.
"According to a historian who wrote several books on Genesee
County history, our barn is the oldest in the county and one of
the oldest in the state," he said.
"Since we have old pictures and provenance on the barn, the
original cupola could be duplicated using old wood salvaged from
other barns," said Tarkleson.
The Tarklesons have lived on the now 2-acre property (it was
originally several hundred acres) for nearly 15 years. They
completely renovated the old farmhouse, circa 1850.
"The barn is built from white pine," said Tarkleson. "It is a
grain barn and according to an expert, was probably used as a
'liquor retail outlet.' The customers could drive a buggy into
the barn, load up and be on their way very discreetly."
The 1879 book, Ellis History of Genesee County, has an
illustration of the Tarkleson property, which at that time was
owned by the Badgley family. It shows the farmhouse, barn and
other outbuildings.
"Twelve years ago there were five barns within a quarter mile on
the north side of Baldwin. Only two are left, both of which we
restored," said Joanie.
"We also restored the barn of Frank Carswell, down the road from
us, near the corner of Baldwin and Linden roads. It is the
future site of Indian
Creek Estates. We painted it the traditional red, but have
left our barn natural for a weathered look. However, we believe
it was originally red," she said.
Restoration just comes naturally to Tarkleson. He has done much
of it through his company, Fenton Lakes Building & Design. His
wife serves as marketing and office manager for the business.
The barn is used for storing building supplies for his business
and tractors and equipment.
The Tarklesons have two sons, Eric, 22, who is a senior at
Michigan State University pursuing engineering and Tom, 18, is a freshman at Northern
Michigan University.
What's the next project for the Tarklesons? Chairing the annual
Saturday chicken dinner at St. John Applefest, a job they've
undertaken for their parish for the last six years.
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