Operated and Maintained by the Friends of Historic Meridian
Built in 1849 by cabinetmaker Melzor Turner, it was located on Okemos Road just south of the "old" Grand River Road (now known as Hamilton Road). The house was originally used as a residence, however, a subsequent owner converted it to an inn and tavern because of its close proximity of the Lansing to Howell plank road.
In 1864, Mr. Ezekiel Barnes bought the property and continued to use it as an inn, and added a wing on the south side of the building (which would have been on the right side of the house in the picture) to serve as a public dining room.
Alfred Barnes was appointed the post master and used the room in the northwest corner of the first floor as post office. The house continued to serve as an Inn and Tavern through the turn of the century.
In 2007, descendents of Ezekiel Barnes provided copies of photos of their ancestors.
Later uses of the building included a post office, millinery shop, antique shop and, finally, office space for attorneys.
In 1997, the Barnes House was slated for demolition in order to allow for the construction of a right-turn lane at the corner of Okemos and Hamilton Roads.
An effort to save the house was championed by former Village Director, Paula Gangopahdya. Her tireless efforts at gathering local support and fundraising was instrumental in moving the building to the Village for restoration.
Several artifacts were discovered during the excavation, including broken pottery and glass pieces, leather pieces, buttons, and broken metal pipes. One of the most important artifacts in our collection was a wooden box built by Melzor Turner! This box was in the possession of Jesse Turner, the great granddaughter of Melzor, which then found its way to Mrs. Gene McNitt, who then donated the box to the Friends of Historic Meridian.
Twice a year this building is converted to a "tea house" for a Victorian Tea in May (the day before Mother's Day) and in December (the first Sunday of the month). The house can also be used for a private dinner party (rental fees apply).
The Barnes House is the only building in the Village with a working kitchen which was remodeled in 2003 to a style more in keeping with the 19th century.
The upstairs rooms contain antique clothing exhibits and two rooms set up as "hotel" rooms ready to accept visitors.
Also located on the second floor is the archival collection of local historical materials. This collecton includes photos, letters, diaries, and other historical documents from Meridian Township, including Okemos, Haslett, East Lansing and Michigan State University.