Village Of Constantine Farmers Market

The Governor John S. Barry Historical Society was established in 1944 for the purpose of collecting and preserving antiques, providing historical information, and maintaining the Governor John S. Barry museum, former home of Michigan’s third elected governor (1842-1850). John S. Barry came to Constantine in 1834, when Michigan was a territory. He built the first frame building in Constantine, opened a general store (where the Harvey Hotel now stands), was elected to the first State Senate, served as president pro-tem of the State Senate, and was a member of the first Constitutional Convention, helping to write Michigan’s first constitution. He later loaned the State money to build the first railroad between Marshall and Kalamazoo. In 1972, the Constantine home of Governor John S. Barry became the first building in St. Joseph County to be added to the National Register of Historical Places. The building currently houses the Barry Society’s museum, which holds donated articles of historical interest, many dealing with pioneer and local early settlers. The museum has been used by several service organizations for events such as the Meek’s Mill Garden Club juried flower show and the 4 th of July. The Society opens the museum to the public for special occasions or by appointment.