A Mission Revival funeral home designed by Minneapolis architect Walter R. Dennis and completed in 1930 for Edward T. Barnard, a furniture merchant and undertaker who transformed Fergus Falls over five decades.
At a glance
The Barnard Mortuary exemplifies Mission Revival architecture in rural Minnesota through its round-arch facade, barrel-tile roof, and stucco walls. Walter R. Dennis brought this southwestern aesthetic to the Upper Midwest, making this one of the region’s few examples of the style.
History
Edward T. Barnard arrived in Fergus Falls from Minneapolis in 1880 and initially worked for the Fergus Falls Journal newspaper. Around 1900, he shifted to retail and funeral services, establishing a furniture store alongside a funeral home.
By 1930, Barnard decided to focus entirely on funeral operations. He commissioned architect Walter R. Dennis to design a dedicated mortuary building, which contractor J.P. Johnson completed that year. Barnard remained the proprietor until 1946, when he sold the business to brothers Otto and Ben Benson. Ownership has changed several times since.
What you see
The building’s Mission Revival vocabulary is unmistakable. Round arches punctuate the facade, while a balcony projects above the street. Barrel tiles crown the roof in traditional southwestern fashion, and the gables display curvilinear lines typical of the style. Smooth stucco surfaces unify the composition, creating the soft, earthen aesthetic that defines Mission Revival design.
Cultural significance
The Barnard Mortuary stands as an unusual occurrence of Mission Revival architecture in Minnesota and a testament to the ambitions of a single businessman who shaped civic life in Fergus Falls across nearly seven decades. The building’s 1986 listing on the National Register of Historic Places reflects its architectural distinction and local historical importance.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
- Architect: Walter R. Dennis (Minneapolis)
- Completed: 1930
- Contractor: J.P. Johnson
- Original owner: Edward T. Barnard
- Style: Mission Revival
- National Register of Historic Places: 1986
- Coordinates: 46.284126, −96.078154
Practical information & getting there
The Barnard Mortuary is located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. To learn current access and visiting details, contact the Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce or consult the building’s National Register listing.
Sources & resources
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