The Marion Woman’s Club is celebrating the restoration of the porch of the historic house

The Marion Woman’s Club and community members gathered May 23 to celebrate the restoration of the club’s iconic porch that graces the historic home.

The house was built in 1903 and bequeathed to the Women’s Club in 1945.

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“Just as it did for the Barlow family, who built this wonderful home, the front porch continues to serve as a place to make memories — and make history,” said Valerie Wigton, president of the Woman’s Club. “Friends, families and club members continue to gather here for family reunions, wedding ceremonies, meetings and celebrations, all while embracing the concept of community, interacting with others while enjoying this symbol of our connection to nature .”

MidState Contractors, a Marion company that specializes in restoring historic buildings, served as the general contractor for the project, which was completed late last year.

Updates include new curved balustrades, curved cedar balustrades, a repaired cornice and replacement of square columns at the corners of the house.

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“Just as this porch and historic house are treasures to our community, so too is MidState Contractors a treasure to us,” Wigton pointed out. “We were blessed to be able to work with an amazing local company for the first full restoration of the building. front porch since it was built 120 years ago.”

Funds raised at the Club’s 2022 and 2023 celebrity dance galas, as well as the Front Porch & Foundation fundraising campaign, were used to complete the $133,000 restoration.

“We remain true to our mission of not only empowering women and enriching the community,” Wigton said, “but also preserving the historic home. We honor and applaud everyone who worked with us to make this great achievement possible.”

The Woman’s Clubhouse, located at 1126 E. Center St., is on the National Register of Historic Places. Club members work with the community to provide programs that empower women while also maintaining and preserving the local historical landmark.