If you want to absolutely thrill your youngsters, consider trying for the creative playhouse Iolan Mike Barnes has built. BARNES, a custodian at Jefferson Elementary, said he built the house as a gesture of gratitude to Thrive for recognizing him last fall at its annual banquet. Tickets can be purchased at either the historical society or at the Thrive Allen County office, 12 W. Jackson.
Right out of an amusement park, the house is anything but square — at least in nature.
“I figure it’s about 7 feet in every direction,” Barnes said, “But I must have lost my level.”
Perhaps the Mad Hatter was involved.
Still, the solid wood house is sturdy and comes with a functioning window plus a bench built inside.
Barnes built the house as a gift to Thrive Allen County during its Charley Melvin days this weekend. Damaris Kunkler, program director of Thrive, painted the house its kaleidoscope of colors.
The house will be given away to the lucky ticket winner Friday night. Tickets are $1 apiece or six for $5 and can be purchased at the Thrive office at 12 W. Jackson or at the Allen County Historical Society and Museum, 20 S. Washington, during this week. Tickets will also be available at Thursday’s Farmers Market and at the registration table Friday night.
Barnes was noted for building a play structure for Jefferson Elementary School. He regards the students there as “my 280 kids.”
From there, Barnes built a play structure for Lincoln and McKinley elementaries, this time with the help of the Iola Police Department.
“Be sure you give those guys recognition,” he said.
His latest creation could also work as a tool or garden shed, he said. The interior is spacious and painted a single, boring, color.
Madcap house captures mood
