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BARBER SCHOOL NO. 82
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| A section of wall on the southwest side has collapsed, exposing the inside. | |
| Anyone who has ventured to the Bromelsick Campsite (west of Lawrence) has seen the old, dilapidated building known as the Barber School. Standing 2 miles south of Kanwaka Corner, this school stands by a dirt road as it turns to the west. Its history is unknown, making it seem as mysterious as the ever-famous Stonehenge. Those who are curious about this building should read on. |  |
| The original roof has fallen and been replaced with an aluminum one. | |
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On Nov. 13, 1871, the District Board purchased 1½ acres from a Kate Gillispie for $55. This Barber School was immediately built for the price of $600. This school was then named after Thomas W. Barber, who was Kansas' first unique martyr in the fight between pro and anti-slavery. Barber, his brother and brother in law were all voluntary guards under a Sheriff named Jones. On the night of Dec. 6, 1855, while Barber and his brothers were walking home, they encountered a party of Pro-Slavery men. A fight broke out, and Barber was shot in the side, falling off of horse and landing in the street. Barber's brothers left to report his murder, and his family came to pick up his body. Finally, on Dec. 16, 1855, Barber was buried in the Bleak cemetery on Mount Oread. |
| Getting closer than ten feet from this building is not allowed, now that the chain link fence and no trespassing sign are up. | |
| This structure has 18-inch thick limestone walls, protecting it from the environment. Composed of only one room, this 24'x36' building started to collapse, as parts of both the ceiling and walls have fallen or vanished. Shown in these photos, one corner of the building has collapsed, leaving the inside open to the setting sun. Because of a restoration project, this structure has been surrounded with chain link fence. |  |
| Here is the southern side of the school, and to the left is the collapsed corner. | |
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Credits: - Kansas American Revolution Bicentennial Committee. Historic
Building Survey, ©1976 |
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