About Us

Welcome to White Oak 1838, a venue where history, romance, and enduring love converge.

More than just a location, White Oak 1838 is a testament to the power of vision, the beauty of preservation, and the enduring strength of community. We invite you to explore the story behind our remarkable venue and discover the passion that drives us to create unforgettable experiences.

A stunning reclaimed barn wedding venue white barn with a black roof.

OUR TEAM

Meet Dave & Cindy:

The Heart Behind the Barn

Dave and Cindy are the husband-and-wife duo who turned a shared love for old barns into a dream come true in the rolling hills of Morgantown, West Virginia.

Originally from New Jersey, Dave is a skilled carpenter with an eye for craftmanship and a deep appreciation for timeless construction. His passion was sparked the moment he stumbled upon an old barn listed on Facebook. One visit was all it took- he was instantly captured by the rustic charm of the hand-hewn white oak beams (some up to 16 inches in diameter), held together with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, and long wooden pegs. Dave felt an instant connection to the history and soul of the structure.

With Cindy’s encouragement and support, they purchased the barn and began a journey that would become so much more than a building project. Each piece was carefully tagged, disassembled, cleaned and kiln-dried, then transported to our picturesque 5-acre farm in Morgantown. Beam by beam the barn was lovingly reassembled, its history preserved, its purpose reimagined.

Beam by beam the barn was lovingly reassembled, its history preserved, its purpose reimagined.

Dave has been hands-on throughout the entire process, pouring his skills and heart into every beam, board and detail. One of his favorite touches is the handcrafted bar, designed with authentic items you might have found in a working barn in the 1800’s-a true tribute to the era and the barn’s roots.

Dave and Cindy are grateful to have found a venue manager who shares their passion and vision to create unforgettable, heartfelt experiences for couples and families looking to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Together, they are committed to creating not just events, but lasting memories filled with love, laughter, and meaning.

When we asked an Amish craftsman (“Johnny”) what he thought of our endeavor, he smiled and responded, “You saved a barn!”

That moment meant everything.

Together, Dave and Cindy are not just building a venue, they’re preserving history, celebrating love and creating a place where memories will last for generations to come.

Modern white barn-style building with a dark roof and a parking lot. Dusk lighting.
Rustic wooden bar inside a barn with string lights, glassware, and two large windows.

Our History: 


A Story of Time and Transformation

The story of White Oak 1838 is a story of time, transformation, and enduring legacy. It is a story that spans centuries, continents, and generations.

The Barn's Legacy

Our journey began in 1838, with the raising of a magnificent hand-hewn White Oak barn in Navarre, Ohio. This architectural gem, crafted with meticulous care and steeped in Americana, stood as a testament to the skill and dedication of its builders.

The Barn's Legacy

Our journey began in 1838, with the raising of a magnificent hand-hewn White Oak barn in Navarre, Ohio. This architectural gem, crafted with meticulous care and steeped in Americana, stood as a testament to the skill and dedication of its builders.

The Land's Heritage

The land on which White Oak 1838 now stands has its own rich history. Once home to an 1896 farmhouse and the legacy of a beloved local preacher, this site has witnessed generations of love, laughter, and community.

The Land's Heritage

The land on which White Oak 1838 now stands has its own rich history. Once home to an 1896 farmhouse and the legacy of a beloved local preacher, this site has witnessed generations of love, laughter, and community.

The Land’s Love Story

William Fichtner and his beloved bride Etta Mae purchased the Morgantown farmland in 1951. Cherished members of their community, the Fichtners were known for their warmth, generosity and hospitality— qualities that Dave and Cindy strive to honoring every event held on the property.

The Land’s Love Story

William Fichtner and his beloved bride Etta Mae purchased the Morgantown farmland in 1951. Cherished members of their community, the Fichtners were known for their warmth, generosity and hospitality— qualities that Dave and Cindy strive to honoring every event held on the property.

Restoration and Renovation

The transformation of the White Oak barn into a modern event venue was a labor of love, a meticulous process of preservation and innovation. We honored the barn's original craftsmanship while incorporating modern amenities and design elements to create a space that is both timeless and contemporary.

Restoration and Renovation

The transformation of the White Oak barn into a modern event venue was a labor of love, a meticulous process of preservation and innovation. We honored the barn's original craftsmanship while incorporating modern amenities and design elements to create a space that is both timeless and contemporary.

Our Community

Beyond our core team, we are deeply grateful to the many individuals and organizations who contributed to the creation of White Oak 1838.

From the skilled timber framers who meticulously reassembled the barn to the talented construction team who brought our vision to life, every contributor played a vital role in making this dream a reality. We honor their dedication and craftsmanship.

Construction site: white foam walls forming a foundation, dirt inside, blue sky, trees in the background.

Geoffrey Kemp Mountain Structures Construction built the concrete and steel foundation for the barn and fabricated knife plates for white oak beams.

Man stands by a John Deere excavator at a construction site with a wooden structure in the background.

Dave Pretzel and team from Pretzel Excavating, a “dirt magician” regraded the land for optimal use of property.

People examining long wooden troughs on a stone structure under a cloudy sky.

Heavy Timber Installers Bill Warne and his team of 5, deconstructed the antique Ohio barn in June of 2024 and reconstructed it on our Tyrone Road land in August of 2024.

Two men stand inside a large wooden barn, one in a hoodie holding a phone, the other in a black shirt, both smiling.

Matt Peskar MJP Construction oversaw the project, managing the additional framing, insulation, roofing and siding.

People eating at a long bar inside a wooden barn. They are eating and drinking, lit by hanging lights.

Summit Electric’s Jim Doty is the brains behind the extensive and intricate wiring and electrics of the entire venue.

White chairs set up for an outdoor wedding ceremony, with guests blurred in the background.

City Plumbing and Heating’s owner Jay Wade was our plumbing expert and HVAC genius, ensuring that this 150 year old refurbished barn is comfortable through all seasons.

Two people stand inside a barn frame. Orange flooring and structural beams are visible against a blue sky.

Gus Hardesty and Denali Contracting installed all plumbing including the radiant heat throughout the concrete floor.

Landscaped yard with white barn, mulch, rocks, and small tree.

Chris Halterman's unparalleled landscape vision has been integral to our landscape design.

Man with a white shirt and glasses sits on a rock, hands clasped. Surrounded by plants in a garden.

Dan Trimble from Old Barns to New Homes and  Bay & Bent was the catalyst to our journey listing the 1838 White Oak barn on his website where Dave Rosiello discovered it.

Man with a long beard climbing logs, smiling, wearing a baseball cap, dark shirt, and tan pants. Sky in the background.

Cody Wolfe from Antique Building Solutions used his expertise to clean and kiln dried the barn structure before reconstruction ensuring a second lifetime of use and beauty.

Man with short blond hair smiling, wearing a blue and white plaid shirt.

Tyler Etris from Paradigm Architects has been integral in helping with fire code and submission to Fire Marshall for a safe wedding venue.

Construction of a wooden building: workers on ladders and lift, OSB wall with window frames.

Rising Sun by Chris Bailey was our installer for the SIPS (Structured Insulated Panel System).

Two men pose in a barn. One in overalls gives a peace sign, the other smiles. Brown beams and dark wall.

Ohio Valley Barn Salvage’s Randy Smith worked with a team of 8 to install reclaimed Hemlock on walls and ceiling with rafters.

Three people in orange hard hats pose amidst construction beams in snowy conditions.

Oakbridge Timber Framing is owned and operated by Johnny Miller, a local Amish family who designed and erected the timber frame on the back porch, front veranda and front entry way.

Rustic wall with framed photos, white door, and lamps. Wooden panels and decor create a farmhouse aesthetic.

Shirley Conkle from the Navarre Bethlehem Township Historical Society helped us to research the history of the White Oak 1838 barn.

Dried botanical, beige and brown, delicate stems and seed heads.

At White Oak 1838, we believe that every event is an opportunity to create lasting memories.

We are committed to providing an exceptional experience for our guests, one that is rooted in history, inspired by vision, and driven by passion.

Group of people sitting on grass under a tree, possibly for a picnic.