WALTER HOMER BARNHART
Address to the Wenatchee WA Rotary Club
October 10, 1974
I was born 86 years ago [at Walkerton] near South Bend, Indiana. This was a rural community – my father was a livestock broker. My early schooling in those "horse and buggy" days was in a typical country school of about 25. Here, each morning, we gathered about the man teacher and sang the old songs from a song book. My prep school was at Valparaiso College where I received a B.S. degree. Then, at age 18, I taught a country school near my home, of 16 pupils and 5 grades, my sister in the 8th grade. My salary: $45 a month for 8 months.
In 1910, I received my B.A. degree from Indiana University, majoring in economics. After teaching high school in South Bend for two years, this time for $80 and $85 a month, I was possessed by the "Go west, young man" feeling and in 1912, came to Wenatchee, where I had relatives. I tried to get a teaching job and hoped to get into some kind of business. I spent the first summer working in orchards, warehouses, and as a bookkeeper in a bank. After leaving the bank, I sold pianos for Lem Ward. I about starved to death, for that was 1912 when we had our first apple price disaster.
I next took a job at a very nominal salary at Eilers Music House, located in the brand new Central Building, now occupied by the Peoples Store. This was in the phonograph and record department. And records, as a medium of music, have never stopped growing in demand. There was a sheet music and small instrument department in the store. After a few months I bought out the stock on a shoestring. This experience behind the showcase was my apprenticeship with stringed instruments, strings, reeds, harmonicas, ukuleles, sheet music, etc. Here I met all the musicians and music teachers of the area. I played in the town bane under Fred Crollard, sang in choirs and operettas, etc.
In 1915 Eilers folded all their stores and vacated the Central Building. Lem Ward and I took a location across the street at 24 N. Wenatchee Avenue, where Glen Crawford now has his flower shop. Ward and his pianos were on one side and my merchandise on the other side. I remained there 43 years.
In 1916, Ward moved out and I took a lease on the room and took the Sherman Clay pianos, calling it Barnhart's Music House. That same year my dad, mother and sister from Indiana joined me [George Washington Barnhart, Anna Walter Barnhart and Isadore Barnhart]. This was most fortunate, for they handled the store when my draft number came up in 1915. I might mention that right after WWI the big flu epidemic occurred and during one week I sang at seven funerals in six days.
You will note in the roster that I joined Rotary in 1921, the same year as the charter—but I didn't get in on the charter. My interest was aroused by one of my records by Harry Mauder about Rotary, and I applied for membership. I learned that membership was by invitation only. A little later I was invited by Harry Whitman and became song leader for several years.
Two years later, since I was going East to be married, I was appointed to be official delegate to the Rotary International Convention at St. Louis. Thay year I married Henrietta Roelle of Dubuque, Iowa. She was a graduate of Dubuque Academy of Music and proved to be a good store partner, saleslady, bookkeeper, and trouble shooter, and a good accompanist for me when I sang. We were proud of our Barnhart Family String Trio, composed of our three daughters [Janet, Phyllis and Mary Elaine]. They often played for Rotary gatherings and other community affairs. In 1960, we retired and sold out to John and Ileen Taylor.
Here are some of the kids and young people, all future Rotarians, that might have been seen around our record booths: Ron Bird, Bill Bumps, Ed Cadman, Fred Crollard, Bill DeGrasse, Jack Cowl, Arden France, Earl Foster, Dave Gellatly, Jim Goodfellow, Walt Hampton, Ross Heminger, Gary Mertes, Jim Mills, Red Miller, Skip Mussen, Don Pybus, Floyd Reems, Bob Scea, Stan Stalling, George Stapler, Frank Taylor, John Tichborn, Bud Thomas, Clair Van de Vort, Peter Van Well, Louis Van Doren, Jim Wade, Jim Welch, Jay Widby, Joe Welty, and Don West.
This is but a short sketch of a long, eventful and enjoyable life—62 years of it, here in Wenatchee. Wenatchee has been good to me. Rotary has been good to me. Again, to you all, my deep appreciation.
TRANSCRIPT OF AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL DOCUMENT
By W. Homer Barnhart, circa 1960
Some of the Events in the Life of Walter Homer Barnhart
1888: Born, August 15, at Walkerton, Ind. Parents: George Washington Barnhart and Anna Elizabeth Walter Barnhart. About the same year, moved to grandparent's farm (John and Mary Barnhart) three miles north. (Maternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth Walter, lived on a farm about two miles east of Lakeville, both born in Württemberg, Germany.) Attended first grade at Jordan School, teacher Byron Rupel.
1895: Moved near Wyatt, about 15 miles east, where father began business of buying, butchering and shipping livestock. Attended Wyatt School 2nd through 5th grades. Teachers: John Easterday and Norman Snider.
1899: Moved 1-1/2 miles east of Woodland on leased 20 acres. Drove horse and buggy with sisters Isadore and Roxie to school, 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Teacher: Charles Weber.
1903-04: Took Correspondence High School studies.
1904-05: Attended Valparaiso University—took scientific course (college prep). Given B.S. degree.
1906-07: Taught Yellow River School (five grades, 16 pupils), two miles south of Wyatt. Drove horse and buggy with sister Isadore. Family had purchased farm two miles east of Wyatt. Large house and barn totally destroyed by hurricane about 1965 [tornado?].
1907-10: Attended Indiana University at Bloomington. Majored in economics. Joined Wranglers and lived in Wrangler House. Wranglers later became Delta Upsilon fraternity. Was initiated at University of Washington (sic. Family thinks he meant University of Indiana) about 1914 with former schoolmates Myron Smith and Tully Hayes. Attended IU Biology station summer of 1909. Graduated with B.A. degree in 1910.
1910-11: Taught Central 8th grade at South Bend, English and history.
1911: Summer spent with Mother's family, the Fred Zugelders, in Gunnison, Colorado, and Aunt Lina Walter, Denver.
1911-12: Taught in South Bend High School, 9th grade English and history.
1912: July 4, came to Wenatchee [WA]. Stayed first with Father's cousins, Abraham and Joseph Barnhart and Amos Peters. Worked on Peters' new orchard and in fall in fruit warehouse and in new Commercial Bank. Later that year as piano salesman for Sheman Clay located in Webb's Millinery.
1913: March, salesman of phonographs and records for Eilers Music House (later Belmont Music location).
1914 Purchased sheet music and small goods department from Minerva Schuman and Mae Bisell.
1915: Eilers closed out the piano department. Lem Ward, local manager, and Mr. McDonald moved across the street to 24 N. Wenatchee Avenue, with Baldwin pianos consigned. W.H. Barnhart occupied right side of room. Changed name to Barnhart's Music House. During July and August, took trip to Indiana, via San Feancisco World's Fair and the Grand Canyon.
1916: Took lease on the entire store and arranged with Sherman Clay & Co. for pianos on commission. Parents and Isadore moved to Wenatchee during summer. Isadore worked in sheet music and records. All lived at home purchased at 236 Pennsylvania Avenue [Wenatchee, WA].
1917: I registered for selective draft. Father joined us in the piano department.
1918: Asked for special induction into Coast Guard Artillery and in June was assigned to Fort Worden, Olympic Peninsula. In September, sent with group to Fort Monroe, Virginia, to officers training school. A few days after Armistice, was discharged and returned home, en route visiting cousin Allen Obenchain in the Navy at New York City, and his fiancé's family, and [my sister] Roxie and Walter Shearer and daughter, Mary Lou, at Mishawaka.
1921: Took first direct dealer agency for pianos.
1923: May 1, married Henrietta Louise Roelle in Dubuque, Iowa. Lived first in rented house on Peachy Street belonging to Milot Mills [florists]. In fall, rented house on North Mission across from Whitman School. Janet [daughter] born while here, July 16, 1924.
1924: Moved back to house next to parents at 238 Pennsylvania Avenue.
1925: Purchased house at 312 Pennsylvania Avenue. Elaine [December 16, 1925] and Phyllis [June 5, 1927] born while here.
1930: Sold house and rented house on N. Miller Street. Moved to a larger house on Furney Street.
1931: Moved to parents' house at 236 Pennsylvania two months while parents were on trip to Indiana. Moved to 310 Pennsylvania Avenue (nest door to former home).
1932: Moved to 710 N. Emerson with acre lot and garden.
1934: Bought home at 1024 Columbine ($3,500).
1925: Introduced first radio sets to Wenatchee
1949: Introduced first television set to Wenatchee
1958: Moved store to 27 South Wenatchee Avenue (former Electric Supply Co., location).
1960: Sold business to John Taylor. July 1: Retired.
(Typed on the back of a Barnhart's Music House letterhead)
Regarding Homer's Birth Certificate:
Record of Birth issued on September, 1964, lists his birth date as September 15, 1888. It is accompanied by an affidavit swearing its accuracy. Note from daughter: "My father, Walter Homer Barnhart, who died July 15, 1977, did not have a birth certificate. He asked his cousin, Louis Jackson, of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Attorney, to seek one out, or prepare an affidavit, which he did, September 23, 1964. He made a mistake, stating that W.H. Barnhart was born September 15, 1888, when W.H.B. states that he was born August 15, 1888." Signed, Phyllis Ann Barnhart-Gill, 3rd daughter of W.H.B.
Address to the Wenatchee WA Rotary Club
October 10, 1974
I was born 86 years ago [at Walkerton] near South Bend, Indiana. This was a rural community – my father was a livestock broker. My early schooling in those "horse and buggy" days was in a typical country school of about 25. Here, each morning, we gathered about the man teacher and sang the old songs from a song book. My prep school was at Valparaiso College where I received a B.S. degree. Then, at age 18, I taught a country school near my home, of 16 pupils and 5 grades, my sister in the 8th grade. My salary: $45 a month for 8 months.
In 1910, I received my B.A. degree from Indiana University, majoring in economics. After teaching high school in South Bend for two years, this time for $80 and $85 a month, I was possessed by the "Go west, young man" feeling and in 1912, came to Wenatchee, where I had relatives. I tried to get a teaching job and hoped to get into some kind of business. I spent the first summer working in orchards, warehouses, and as a bookkeeper in a bank. After leaving the bank, I sold pianos for Lem Ward. I about starved to death, for that was 1912 when we had our first apple price disaster.
I next took a job at a very nominal salary at Eilers Music House, located in the brand new Central Building, now occupied by the Peoples Store. This was in the phonograph and record department. And records, as a medium of music, have never stopped growing in demand. There was a sheet music and small instrument department in the store. After a few months I bought out the stock on a shoestring. This experience behind the showcase was my apprenticeship with stringed instruments, strings, reeds, harmonicas, ukuleles, sheet music, etc. Here I met all the musicians and music teachers of the area. I played in the town bane under Fred Crollard, sang in choirs and operettas, etc.
In 1915 Eilers folded all their stores and vacated the Central Building. Lem Ward and I took a location across the street at 24 N. Wenatchee Avenue, where Glen Crawford now has his flower shop. Ward and his pianos were on one side and my merchandise on the other side. I remained there 43 years.
In 1916, Ward moved out and I took a lease on the room and took the Sherman Clay pianos, calling it Barnhart's Music House. That same year my dad, mother and sister from Indiana joined me [George Washington Barnhart, Anna Walter Barnhart and Isadore Barnhart]. This was most fortunate, for they handled the store when my draft number came up in 1915. I might mention that right after WWI the big flu epidemic occurred and during one week I sang at seven funerals in six days.
You will note in the roster that I joined Rotary in 1921, the same year as the charter—but I didn't get in on the charter. My interest was aroused by one of my records by Harry Mauder about Rotary, and I applied for membership. I learned that membership was by invitation only. A little later I was invited by Harry Whitman and became song leader for several years.
Two years later, since I was going East to be married, I was appointed to be official delegate to the Rotary International Convention at St. Louis. Thay year I married Henrietta Roelle of Dubuque, Iowa. She was a graduate of Dubuque Academy of Music and proved to be a good store partner, saleslady, bookkeeper, and trouble shooter, and a good accompanist for me when I sang. We were proud of our Barnhart Family String Trio, composed of our three daughters [Janet, Phyllis and Mary Elaine]. They often played for Rotary gatherings and other community affairs. In 1960, we retired and sold out to John and Ileen Taylor.
Here are some of the kids and young people, all future Rotarians, that might have been seen around our record booths: Ron Bird, Bill Bumps, Ed Cadman, Fred Crollard, Bill DeGrasse, Jack Cowl, Arden France, Earl Foster, Dave Gellatly, Jim Goodfellow, Walt Hampton, Ross Heminger, Gary Mertes, Jim Mills, Red Miller, Skip Mussen, Don Pybus, Floyd Reems, Bob Scea, Stan Stalling, George Stapler, Frank Taylor, John Tichborn, Bud Thomas, Clair Van de Vort, Peter Van Well, Louis Van Doren, Jim Wade, Jim Welch, Jay Widby, Joe Welty, and Don West.
This is but a short sketch of a long, eventful and enjoyable life—62 years of it, here in Wenatchee. Wenatchee has been good to me. Rotary has been good to me. Again, to you all, my deep appreciation.
TRANSCRIPT OF AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL DOCUMENT
By W. Homer Barnhart, circa 1960
Some of the Events in the Life of Walter Homer Barnhart
1888: Born, August 15, at Walkerton, Ind. Parents: George Washington Barnhart and Anna Elizabeth Walter Barnhart. About the same year, moved to grandparent's farm (John and Mary Barnhart) three miles north. (Maternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth Walter, lived on a farm about two miles east of Lakeville, both born in Württemberg, Germany.) Attended first grade at Jordan School, teacher Byron Rupel.
1895: Moved near Wyatt, about 15 miles east, where father began business of buying, butchering and shipping livestock. Attended Wyatt School 2nd through 5th grades. Teachers: John Easterday and Norman Snider.
1899: Moved 1-1/2 miles east of Woodland on leased 20 acres. Drove horse and buggy with sisters Isadore and Roxie to school, 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Teacher: Charles Weber.
1903-04: Took Correspondence High School studies.
1904-05: Attended Valparaiso University—took scientific course (college prep). Given B.S. degree.
1906-07: Taught Yellow River School (five grades, 16 pupils), two miles south of Wyatt. Drove horse and buggy with sister Isadore. Family had purchased farm two miles east of Wyatt. Large house and barn totally destroyed by hurricane about 1965 [tornado?].
1907-10: Attended Indiana University at Bloomington. Majored in economics. Joined Wranglers and lived in Wrangler House. Wranglers later became Delta Upsilon fraternity. Was initiated at University of Washington (sic. Family thinks he meant University of Indiana) about 1914 with former schoolmates Myron Smith and Tully Hayes. Attended IU Biology station summer of 1909. Graduated with B.A. degree in 1910.
1910-11: Taught Central 8th grade at South Bend, English and history.
1911: Summer spent with Mother's family, the Fred Zugelders, in Gunnison, Colorado, and Aunt Lina Walter, Denver.
1911-12: Taught in South Bend High School, 9th grade English and history.
1912: July 4, came to Wenatchee [WA]. Stayed first with Father's cousins, Abraham and Joseph Barnhart and Amos Peters. Worked on Peters' new orchard and in fall in fruit warehouse and in new Commercial Bank. Later that year as piano salesman for Sheman Clay located in Webb's Millinery.
1913: March, salesman of phonographs and records for Eilers Music House (later Belmont Music location).
1914 Purchased sheet music and small goods department from Minerva Schuman and Mae Bisell.
1915: Eilers closed out the piano department. Lem Ward, local manager, and Mr. McDonald moved across the street to 24 N. Wenatchee Avenue, with Baldwin pianos consigned. W.H. Barnhart occupied right side of room. Changed name to Barnhart's Music House. During July and August, took trip to Indiana, via San Feancisco World's Fair and the Grand Canyon.
1916: Took lease on the entire store and arranged with Sherman Clay & Co. for pianos on commission. Parents and Isadore moved to Wenatchee during summer. Isadore worked in sheet music and records. All lived at home purchased at 236 Pennsylvania Avenue [Wenatchee, WA].
1917: I registered for selective draft. Father joined us in the piano department.
1918: Asked for special induction into Coast Guard Artillery and in June was assigned to Fort Worden, Olympic Peninsula. In September, sent with group to Fort Monroe, Virginia, to officers training school. A few days after Armistice, was discharged and returned home, en route visiting cousin Allen Obenchain in the Navy at New York City, and his fiancé's family, and [my sister] Roxie and Walter Shearer and daughter, Mary Lou, at Mishawaka.
1921: Took first direct dealer agency for pianos.
1923: May 1, married Henrietta Louise Roelle in Dubuque, Iowa. Lived first in rented house on Peachy Street belonging to Milot Mills [florists]. In fall, rented house on North Mission across from Whitman School. Janet [daughter] born while here, July 16, 1924.
1924: Moved back to house next to parents at 238 Pennsylvania Avenue.
1925: Purchased house at 312 Pennsylvania Avenue. Elaine [December 16, 1925] and Phyllis [June 5, 1927] born while here.
1930: Sold house and rented house on N. Miller Street. Moved to a larger house on Furney Street.
1931: Moved to parents' house at 236 Pennsylvania two months while parents were on trip to Indiana. Moved to 310 Pennsylvania Avenue (nest door to former home).
1932: Moved to 710 N. Emerson with acre lot and garden.
1934: Bought home at 1024 Columbine ($3,500).
1925: Introduced first radio sets to Wenatchee
1949: Introduced first television set to Wenatchee
1958: Moved store to 27 South Wenatchee Avenue (former Electric Supply Co., location).
1960: Sold business to John Taylor. July 1: Retired.
(Typed on the back of a Barnhart's Music House letterhead)
Regarding Homer's Birth Certificate:
Record of Birth issued on September, 1964, lists his birth date as September 15, 1888. It is accompanied by an affidavit swearing its accuracy. Note from daughter: "My father, Walter Homer Barnhart, who died July 15, 1977, did not have a birth certificate. He asked his cousin, Louis Jackson, of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Attorney, to seek one out, or prepare an affidavit, which he did, September 23, 1964. He made a mistake, stating that W.H. Barnhart was born September 15, 1888, when W.H.B. states that he was born August 15, 1888." Signed, Phyllis Ann Barnhart-Gill, 3rd daughter of W.H.B.
WALTER HOMER BARNHART
Address to the Wenatchee WA Rotary Club
October 10, 1974
I was born 86 years ago [at Walkerton] near South Bend, Indiana. This was a rural community – my father was a livestock broker. My early schooling in those "horse and buggy" days was in a typical country school of about 25. Here, each morning, we gathered about the man teacher and sang the old songs from a song book. My prep school was at Valparaiso College where I received a B.S. degree. Then, at age 18, I taught a country school near my home, of 16 pupils and 5 grades, my sister in the 8th grade. My salary: $45 a month for 8 months.
In 1910, I received my B.A. degree from Indiana University, majoring in economics. After teaching high school in South Bend for two years, this time for $80 and $85 a month, I was possessed by the "Go west, young man" feeling and in 1912, came to Wenatchee, where I had relatives. I tried to get a teaching job and hoped to get into some kind of business. I spent the first summer working in orchards, warehouses, and as a bookkeeper in a bank. After leaving the bank, I sold pianos for Lem Ward. I about starved to death, for that was 1912 when we had our first apple price disaster.
I next took a job at a very nominal salary at Eilers Music House, located in the brand new Central Building, now occupied by the Peoples Store. This was in the phonograph and record department. And records, as a medium of music, have never stopped growing in demand. There was a sheet music and small instrument department in the store. After a few months I bought out the stock on a shoestring. This experience behind the showcase was my apprenticeship with stringed instruments, strings, reeds, harmonicas, ukuleles, sheet music, etc. Here I met all the musicians and music teachers of the area. I played in the town bane under Fred Crollard, sang in choirs and operettas, etc.
In 1915 Eilers folded all their stores and vacated the Central Building. Lem Ward and I took a location across the street at 24 N. Wenatchee Avenue, where Glen Crawford now has his flower shop. Ward and his pianos were on one side and my merchandise on the other side. I remained there 43 years.
In 1916, Ward moved out and I took a lease on the room and took the Sherman Clay pianos, calling it Barnhart's Music House. That same year my dad, mother and sister from Indiana joined me [George Washington Barnhart, Anna Walter Barnhart and Isadore Barnhart]. This was most fortunate, for they handled the store when my draft number came up in 1915. I might mention that right after WWI the big flu epidemic occurred and during one week I sang at seven funerals in six days.
You will note in the roster that I joined Rotary in 1921, the same year as the charter—but I didn't get in on the charter. My interest was aroused by one of my records by Harry Mauder about Rotary, and I applied for membership. I learned that membership was by invitation only. A little later I was invited by Harry Whitman and became song leader for several years.
Two years later, since I was going East to be married, I was appointed to be official delegate to the Rotary International Convention at St. Louis. Thay year I married Henrietta Roelle of Dubuque, Iowa. She was a graduate of Dubuque Academy of Music and proved to be a good store partner, saleslady, bookkeeper, and trouble shooter, and a good accompanist for me when I sang. We were proud of our Barnhart Family String Trio, composed of our three daughters [Janet, Phyllis and Mary Elaine]. They often played for Rotary gatherings and other community affairs. In 1960, we retired and sold out to John and Ileen Taylor.
Here are some of the kids and young people, all future Rotarians, that might have been seen around our record booths: Ron Bird, Bill Bumps, Ed Cadman, Fred Crollard, Bill DeGrasse, Jack Cowl, Arden France, Earl Foster, Dave Gellatly, Jim Goodfellow, Walt Hampton, Ross Heminger, Gary Mertes, Jim Mills, Red Miller, Skip Mussen, Don Pybus, Floyd Reems, Bob Scea, Stan Stalling, George Stapler, Frank Taylor, John Tichborn, Bud Thomas, Clair Van de Vort, Peter Van Well, Louis Van Doren, Jim Wade, Jim Welch, Jay Widby, Joe Welty, and Don West.
This is but a short sketch of a long, eventful and enjoyable life—62 years of it, here in Wenatchee. Wenatchee has been good to me. Rotary has been good to me. Again, to you all, my deep appreciation.
TRANSCRIPT OF AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL DOCUMENT
By W. Homer Barnhart, circa 1960
Some of the Events in the Life of Walter Homer Barnhart
1888: Born, August 15, at Walkerton, Ind. Parents: George Washington Barnhart and Anna Elizabeth Walter Barnhart. About the same year, moved to grandparent's farm (John and Mary Barnhart) three miles north. (Maternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth Walter, lived on a farm about two miles east of Lakeville, both born in Württemberg, Germany.) Attended first grade at Jordan School, teacher Byron Rupel.
1895: Moved near Wyatt, about 15 miles east, where father began business of buying, butchering and shipping livestock. Attended Wyatt School 2nd through 5th grades. Teachers: John Easterday and Norman Snider.
1899: Moved 1-1/2 miles east of Woodland on leased 20 acres. Drove horse and buggy with sisters Isadore and Roxie to school, 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Teacher: Charles Weber.
1903-04: Took Correspondence High School studies.
1904-05: Attended Valparaiso University—took scientific course (college prep). Given B.S. degree.
1906-07: Taught Yellow River School (five grades, 16 pupils), two miles south of Wyatt. Drove horse and buggy with sister Isadore. Family had purchased farm two miles east of Wyatt. Large house and barn totally destroyed by hurricane about 1965 [tornado?].
1907-10: Attended Indiana University at Bloomington. Majored in economics. Joined Wranglers and lived in Wrangler House. Wranglers later became Delta Upsilon fraternity. Was initiated at University of Washington (sic. Family thinks he meant University of Indiana) about 1914 with former schoolmates Myron Smith and Tully Hayes. Attended IU Biology station summer of 1909. Graduated with B.A. degree in 1910.
1910-11: Taught Central 8th grade at South Bend, English and history.
1911: Summer spent with Mother's family, the Fred Zugelders, in Gunnison, Colorado, and Aunt Lina Walter, Denver.
1911-12: Taught in South Bend High School, 9th grade English and history.
1912: July 4, came to Wenatchee [WA]. Stayed first with Father's cousins, Abraham and Joseph Barnhart and Amos Peters. Worked on Peters' new orchard and in fall in fruit warehouse and in new Commercial Bank. Later that year as piano salesman for Sheman Clay located in Webb's Millinery.
1913: March, salesman of phonographs and records for Eilers Music House (later Belmont Music location).
1914 Purchased sheet music and small goods department from Minerva Schuman and Mae Bisell.
1915: Eilers closed out the piano department. Lem Ward, local manager, and Mr. McDonald moved across the street to 24 N. Wenatchee Avenue, with Baldwin pianos consigned. W.H. Barnhart occupied right side of room. Changed name to Barnhart's Music House. During July and August, took trip to Indiana, via San Feancisco World's Fair and the Grand Canyon.
1916: Took lease on the entire store and arranged with Sherman Clay & Co. for pianos on commission. Parents and Isadore moved to Wenatchee during summer. Isadore worked in sheet music and records. All lived at home purchased at 236 Pennsylvania Avenue [Wenatchee, WA].
1917: I registered for selective draft. Father joined us in the piano department.
1918: Asked for special induction into Coast Guard Artillery and in June was assigned to Fort Worden, Olympic Peninsula. In September, sent with group to Fort Monroe, Virginia, to officers training school. A few days after Armistice, was discharged and returned home, en route visiting cousin Allen Obenchain in the Navy at New York City, and his fiancé's family, and [my sister] Roxie and Walter Shearer and daughter, Mary Lou, at Mishawaka.
1921: Took first direct dealer agency for pianos.
1923: May 1, married Henrietta Louise Roelle in Dubuque, Iowa. Lived first in rented house on Peachy Street belonging to Milot Mills [florists]. In fall, rented house on North Mission across from Whitman School. Janet [daughter] born while here, July 16, 1924.
1924: Moved back to house next to parents at 238 Pennsylvania Avenue.
1925: Purchased house at 312 Pennsylvania Avenue. Elaine [December 16, 1925] and Phyllis [June 5, 1927] born while here.
1930: Sold house and rented house on N. Miller Street. Moved to a larger house on Furney Street.
1931: Moved to parents' house at 236 Pennsylvania two months while parents were on trip to Indiana. Moved to 310 Pennsylvania Avenue (nest door to former home).
1932: Moved to 710 N. Emerson with acre lot and garden.
1934: Bought home at 1024 Columbine ($3,500).
1925: Introduced first radio sets to Wenatchee
1949: Introduced first television set to Wenatchee
1958: Moved store to 27 South Wenatchee Avenue (former Electric Supply Co., location).
1960: Sold business to John Taylor. July 1: Retired.
(Typed on the back of a Barnhart's Music House letterhead)
Regarding Homer's Birth Certificate:
Record of Birth issued on September, 1964, lists his birth date as September 15, 1888. It is accompanied by an affidavit swearing its accuracy. Note from daughter: "My father, Walter Homer Barnhart, who died July 15, 1977, did not have a birth certificate. He asked his cousin, Louis Jackson, of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Attorney, to seek one out, or prepare an affidavit, which he did, September 23, 1964. He made a mistake, stating that W.H. Barnhart was born September 15, 1888, when W.H.B. states that he was born August 15, 1888." Signed, Phyllis Ann Barnhart-Gill, 3rd daughter of W.H.B.
Address to the Wenatchee WA Rotary Club
October 10, 1974
I was born 86 years ago [at Walkerton] near South Bend, Indiana. This was a rural community – my father was a livestock broker. My early schooling in those "horse and buggy" days was in a typical country school of about 25. Here, each morning, we gathered about the man teacher and sang the old songs from a song book. My prep school was at Valparaiso College where I received a B.S. degree. Then, at age 18, I taught a country school near my home, of 16 pupils and 5 grades, my sister in the 8th grade. My salary: $45 a month for 8 months.
In 1910, I received my B.A. degree from Indiana University, majoring in economics. After teaching high school in South Bend for two years, this time for $80 and $85 a month, I was possessed by the "Go west, young man" feeling and in 1912, came to Wenatchee, where I had relatives. I tried to get a teaching job and hoped to get into some kind of business. I spent the first summer working in orchards, warehouses, and as a bookkeeper in a bank. After leaving the bank, I sold pianos for Lem Ward. I about starved to death, for that was 1912 when we had our first apple price disaster.
I next took a job at a very nominal salary at Eilers Music House, located in the brand new Central Building, now occupied by the Peoples Store. This was in the phonograph and record department. And records, as a medium of music, have never stopped growing in demand. There was a sheet music and small instrument department in the store. After a few months I bought out the stock on a shoestring. This experience behind the showcase was my apprenticeship with stringed instruments, strings, reeds, harmonicas, ukuleles, sheet music, etc. Here I met all the musicians and music teachers of the area. I played in the town bane under Fred Crollard, sang in choirs and operettas, etc.
In 1915 Eilers folded all their stores and vacated the Central Building. Lem Ward and I took a location across the street at 24 N. Wenatchee Avenue, where Glen Crawford now has his flower shop. Ward and his pianos were on one side and my merchandise on the other side. I remained there 43 years.
In 1916, Ward moved out and I took a lease on the room and took the Sherman Clay pianos, calling it Barnhart's Music House. That same year my dad, mother and sister from Indiana joined me [George Washington Barnhart, Anna Walter Barnhart and Isadore Barnhart]. This was most fortunate, for they handled the store when my draft number came up in 1915. I might mention that right after WWI the big flu epidemic occurred and during one week I sang at seven funerals in six days.
You will note in the roster that I joined Rotary in 1921, the same year as the charter—but I didn't get in on the charter. My interest was aroused by one of my records by Harry Mauder about Rotary, and I applied for membership. I learned that membership was by invitation only. A little later I was invited by Harry Whitman and became song leader for several years.
Two years later, since I was going East to be married, I was appointed to be official delegate to the Rotary International Convention at St. Louis. Thay year I married Henrietta Roelle of Dubuque, Iowa. She was a graduate of Dubuque Academy of Music and proved to be a good store partner, saleslady, bookkeeper, and trouble shooter, and a good accompanist for me when I sang. We were proud of our Barnhart Family String Trio, composed of our three daughters [Janet, Phyllis and Mary Elaine]. They often played for Rotary gatherings and other community affairs. In 1960, we retired and sold out to John and Ileen Taylor.
Here are some of the kids and young people, all future Rotarians, that might have been seen around our record booths: Ron Bird, Bill Bumps, Ed Cadman, Fred Crollard, Bill DeGrasse, Jack Cowl, Arden France, Earl Foster, Dave Gellatly, Jim Goodfellow, Walt Hampton, Ross Heminger, Gary Mertes, Jim Mills, Red Miller, Skip Mussen, Don Pybus, Floyd Reems, Bob Scea, Stan Stalling, George Stapler, Frank Taylor, John Tichborn, Bud Thomas, Clair Van de Vort, Peter Van Well, Louis Van Doren, Jim Wade, Jim Welch, Jay Widby, Joe Welty, and Don West.
This is but a short sketch of a long, eventful and enjoyable life—62 years of it, here in Wenatchee. Wenatchee has been good to me. Rotary has been good to me. Again, to you all, my deep appreciation.
TRANSCRIPT OF AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL DOCUMENT
By W. Homer Barnhart, circa 1960
Some of the Events in the Life of Walter Homer Barnhart
1888: Born, August 15, at Walkerton, Ind. Parents: George Washington Barnhart and Anna Elizabeth Walter Barnhart. About the same year, moved to grandparent's farm (John and Mary Barnhart) three miles north. (Maternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth Walter, lived on a farm about two miles east of Lakeville, both born in Württemberg, Germany.) Attended first grade at Jordan School, teacher Byron Rupel.
1895: Moved near Wyatt, about 15 miles east, where father began business of buying, butchering and shipping livestock. Attended Wyatt School 2nd through 5th grades. Teachers: John Easterday and Norman Snider.
1899: Moved 1-1/2 miles east of Woodland on leased 20 acres. Drove horse and buggy with sisters Isadore and Roxie to school, 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Teacher: Charles Weber.
1903-04: Took Correspondence High School studies.
1904-05: Attended Valparaiso University—took scientific course (college prep). Given B.S. degree.
1906-07: Taught Yellow River School (five grades, 16 pupils), two miles south of Wyatt. Drove horse and buggy with sister Isadore. Family had purchased farm two miles east of Wyatt. Large house and barn totally destroyed by hurricane about 1965 [tornado?].
1907-10: Attended Indiana University at Bloomington. Majored in economics. Joined Wranglers and lived in Wrangler House. Wranglers later became Delta Upsilon fraternity. Was initiated at University of Washington (sic. Family thinks he meant University of Indiana) about 1914 with former schoolmates Myron Smith and Tully Hayes. Attended IU Biology station summer of 1909. Graduated with B.A. degree in 1910.
1910-11: Taught Central 8th grade at South Bend, English and history.
1911: Summer spent with Mother's family, the Fred Zugelders, in Gunnison, Colorado, and Aunt Lina Walter, Denver.
1911-12: Taught in South Bend High School, 9th grade English and history.
1912: July 4, came to Wenatchee [WA]. Stayed first with Father's cousins, Abraham and Joseph Barnhart and Amos Peters. Worked on Peters' new orchard and in fall in fruit warehouse and in new Commercial Bank. Later that year as piano salesman for Sheman Clay located in Webb's Millinery.
1913: March, salesman of phonographs and records for Eilers Music House (later Belmont Music location).
1914 Purchased sheet music and small goods department from Minerva Schuman and Mae Bisell.
1915: Eilers closed out the piano department. Lem Ward, local manager, and Mr. McDonald moved across the street to 24 N. Wenatchee Avenue, with Baldwin pianos consigned. W.H. Barnhart occupied right side of room. Changed name to Barnhart's Music House. During July and August, took trip to Indiana, via San Feancisco World's Fair and the Grand Canyon.
1916: Took lease on the entire store and arranged with Sherman Clay & Co. for pianos on commission. Parents and Isadore moved to Wenatchee during summer. Isadore worked in sheet music and records. All lived at home purchased at 236 Pennsylvania Avenue [Wenatchee, WA].
1917: I registered for selective draft. Father joined us in the piano department.
1918: Asked for special induction into Coast Guard Artillery and in June was assigned to Fort Worden, Olympic Peninsula. In September, sent with group to Fort Monroe, Virginia, to officers training school. A few days after Armistice, was discharged and returned home, en route visiting cousin Allen Obenchain in the Navy at New York City, and his fiancé's family, and [my sister] Roxie and Walter Shearer and daughter, Mary Lou, at Mishawaka.
1921: Took first direct dealer agency for pianos.
1923: May 1, married Henrietta Louise Roelle in Dubuque, Iowa. Lived first in rented house on Peachy Street belonging to Milot Mills [florists]. In fall, rented house on North Mission across from Whitman School. Janet [daughter] born while here, July 16, 1924.
1924: Moved back to house next to parents at 238 Pennsylvania Avenue.
1925: Purchased house at 312 Pennsylvania Avenue. Elaine [December 16, 1925] and Phyllis [June 5, 1927] born while here.
1930: Sold house and rented house on N. Miller Street. Moved to a larger house on Furney Street.
1931: Moved to parents' house at 236 Pennsylvania two months while parents were on trip to Indiana. Moved to 310 Pennsylvania Avenue (nest door to former home).
1932: Moved to 710 N. Emerson with acre lot and garden.
1934: Bought home at 1024 Columbine ($3,500).
1925: Introduced first radio sets to Wenatchee
1949: Introduced first television set to Wenatchee
1958: Moved store to 27 South Wenatchee Avenue (former Electric Supply Co., location).
1960: Sold business to John Taylor. July 1: Retired.
(Typed on the back of a Barnhart's Music House letterhead)
Regarding Homer's Birth Certificate:
Record of Birth issued on September, 1964, lists his birth date as September 15, 1888. It is accompanied by an affidavit swearing its accuracy. Note from daughter: "My father, Walter Homer Barnhart, who died July 15, 1977, did not have a birth certificate. He asked his cousin, Louis Jackson, of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Attorney, to seek one out, or prepare an affidavit, which he did, September 23, 1964. He made a mistake, stating that W.H. Barnhart was born September 15, 1888, when W.H.B. states that he was born August 15, 1888." Signed, Phyllis Ann Barnhart-Gill, 3rd daughter of W.H.B.
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