The Barto family moves into Moran Mansion at Rosario

Christopher Peacock, Jerry Barto and son Craig Barto in front of the Moran mansion fireplace at Rosario

The 100th anniversary celebration of the Moran Mansion at Rosario was a family affair, as members of the Moran family, whose ancestors moved into the now-historic landmark on June 21, 1909, gathered with the two-generation partnership of the Barto family, who purchased the estate at auction last September.

With his 28-year history at the mansion, Marketing Director Christopher Peacock is the face of the public “family” that has carefully watched the transitions of Rosario over the years. He welcomed the new owners, the Moran family, and members of the public to the reception at the Mansion on Sunday afternoon.

In attendance were Becky Burns, great-granddaughter of Robert Moran, designer and builder of the mansion and other homes around the island which were featured on a “Moran Homes” tour, also on June 21. Becky’s husband, Stewart and daughter Malia were there, as was Patty Moran-Hodge, her husband Terry Moran-Hodge and their children Melissa and Winslow.

Becky Burns said that, in building the mansion,Robert Moran continued to do things “in a big way,” including installation of a hydro-power system and water system at the Moran Mansion, importing foreign timbers for the mansion and installing 7/8 inch glass in the windows.

The new owners are Jerry Barto of Anacortes, his wife Jan, and their son Craig Barto and his wife Gigi. The Barto family lives in Anacortes. Peacock thanked the Barto family for their vision for the mansion’s future, with a look to appreciating its past.

Jerry Barto praised the efforts to Peacock and his crew in maintaining and restoring the mansion since its sale last fall. He called attention to the Guest Book in the front hall of the mansion, which was first signed by Robert Moran, former Mayor of Seattle and steamship builder, who moved to Orcas Island to restore his health. Under Moran’s signature, he wrote boldly, “A house built on a rock.”

Peacock also thanked Margot Shaw for organizing the event, including the tour of other Moran homes, for the benefit of the Orcas Island Historical Society. The mansion’s Fireplace Room was overflowing with guests at the celebration, who bid on a rare print depiction of Rosario. Caroline Morgan Crawford, who owns the Moran Bungalow which overlooks the mansion, was the winner of the auction, with the final bid $1,600.