Journey to bring barn back to life
In the hills of Stark County, a story that spans nearly two centuries is unfolding. It’s the tale of a 189-year-old barn, a relic of a bygone era, embarking on a new chapter beyond its familiar landscape. It’s a testament to the endurance of history, the power of community and the human desire to celebrate life’s milestones.
The Navarre barn, a monument to the craftsmanship of 19th-century builders, stood at a property in the southwest part of town. For the last 24 years, Brandon and Maria Renniker had been the owners, having even held their wedding reception within its walls.
In June 2024 Dave and Cindy Rosiello arrived in Navarre, drawn by the barn’s charm and its potential to transform into a wedding and event center. Their vision was to capture its beauty and offer a unique setting for life’s special occasions, envisioning a space where families could gather, couples could celebrate and the past could intertwine with the present.
To further understand the barn’s history, the Rosiellos sought the knowledge of Shirley Conkle, secretary and researcher at the Navarre Bethlehem Township Historical Society. Conkle, a local historian, dedicated herself to uncovering the barn’s past. With a little research, she traced the property’s origins back to 1826, revealing the barn was likely constructed around 1838 using white oak timber.
The very trees used in this barn were saplings when the United States was still a fledgling nation.
Barns in Ohio are more than mere structures. They are embedded in the heart of the state’s history and culture. The early settlers, seeking new horizons in the fertile valleys, quickly recognized the need for barns to house their livestock and store their harvests. They became symbols of resilience, ingenuity and community spirit. The towering structures were built to withstand the harsh winters and stand as symbols of hard work and perseverance.
Ohio’s barns, often crafted from the white oak tree, tell the story of a land transformed. The white oak, a symbol of strength and longevity, has been a part of the state’s landscape for centuries.
The Rennikers, recognizing the significance of this historical piece, decided to sell the barn, assuring themselves it would be given a new life, that its legacy would continue and its story would not fall silent. In the Rosiellos they found individuals who shared their passion for the barn’s story.
The journey to bring this barn back to life began in July 2024. Every timber, every nail, every detail was carefully documented, numbered and dismantled. The Rosiellos are committed to preserving its historic essence.
“We’re excited to give people a great place to begin their life together,” Dave Rosiello said.
The barn now resides in its new home in Morgantown, West Virginia, where it is currently under construction once again. Its weathered timbers tell tales of decades past while its future unfolds with new chapters. The Rosiellos envision a space that blends rustic charm with modern comfort. White Oak 1838, as they call it, will be capable of accommodating up to 250 guests.
