Bowling Green, Indiana: Barn House (Gone)

Report on the Barn House, architectural wonder. Closed, then burned down.

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.

Jim Pendleton's Barn House, Bowling Green, Indiana, is reported to have burned down on Nov. 11 or early on the 12th....

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.

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.