Barber House
99 Euclid Avenue

The residence remains as a rare urban example of Red River Frame style construction, using squared logs cut and hewn by its builders from local tree growth. Built around 1862, this historic structure has been designated a Grade 2 Heritage Building by the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba.

There is a great deal of myth surrounding the E.L. Barber House. The tradition generally states that after a brief stint as governor of the Dakota Territory, Edmond Lorenzo Barber joined his cousin in a profitable business venture that expanded to the Red River in 1860. Barber became prominent in business and social affairs. He owned a great deal of property in Point Douglas, but never made the fortune he anticipated on the property. He and his wife and five children remained at their home as the neighbourhood grew up around them. At the time of his death in 1909, the house was assessed for a value of only $750.00 and Barber's total wealth at $2,319.00.

Little is known about the actual construction of the Barber House. The house was probably set into a stone foundation with perhaps a root cellar for storage. The frame and horizontal logs were probably squared oak logs. As oak was the foremost material for construction and the supply of oak on the plains was somewhat limited, the logs were probably floated down from another location. The frame followed the normal method of construction, which had been used cross the country by fur traders and settlers alike. The Barber House was constructed with considerable skill for the horizontal logs were set in very straight and there was good attention to detail in the finishing.

There have been many changes in the house over the years, but these are all impossible to document because all the additions to the rear and all the interior alterations were done without the benefit of a single building permit.

Previous attempts ending 1988 were made to restore the Barber House. It has since stood empty and unused, partially rebuilt but however unprotected from the elements. In 1993, the structure was damaged by fire and due to arson and vandalism. Although the house is surrounded by a chain link fence, there still is a concern for its security.