Following are Barn House - Gone reports and tips that were sent in by RoadsideAmerica.com visitors. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip or update.
Bowling Green, Indiana - The Barn House - Vague Recollections I visited the Barn House in the 1970s. Jim was on hand and led us up and down ladders throughout the place. His kids were selling hot dogs and lemonade out front. He had their pictures, school work, and a sign saying that all money "goes to the kids." He charged a dollar for the tour, which lasted over an hour.
We were nuts to do it, but we clambered up and up and up various ladders in this weird monstrosity built of scrap lumber. He lived in the lower levels, and the top parts were open to the weather. He conducted semi-regular open houses.
How the authorities responsible for sanitary living conditions, building codes, and child protection in Owen County let this go on, I cannot explain. After he got out of prison many years later, he holed up on the Eel River in a similarly uninhabitable dwelling. The building continued to loom up over the fields for years. To find what's left of it, drive east on US 46 out of the berg of Bowling Green to the Owen County line. Take the next right and look to your right. [Gretchen, 09/26/2008]
Bowling Green, Indiana - Barn House reported destroyed by fire Jim Pendleton's Barn House, Bowling Green, Indiana, is reported to have burned down on Nov. 11 or early on the 12th.... [11/12/2002]Complete News Story
Bowling Green, Indiana - The Barn House I've been searching for Jimmy Pendleton (builder of the Barn House) since he got out of jail. He's a friend of mine.I know he's out. His neighbors have seen him. He's not been at
his place, at least not when I was around. I did notice the Noah's Ark has
burned. Probably by kids when he was in jail. I'll let you know more when I
finally find him.
[Jim Kirk, 09/29/2001]
Bowling Green, Indiana - The Barn House - Keep Out! I recently drove past the Barn House to see if tours are open
again. A new sign was added to the front of the house, saying "Do not enter. You
will be arrested." I called the county jail where Mr. Pendleton may be held to
get a pass but he is now in the Bloomington Jail. The Barn House is still closed
to the public. [April Rollins, 05/25/2001]
