Tourism in Barberton.
Tourism in Barberton circa 1912
From 1909 until O. C. Barber's death in 1920, Barberton had tourism. Each Sunday the Farm was open from April through October for visitors and people flocked to see it from all over Ohio and neighboring states. The above photo shows a typical Sunday afternoon on the Anna Dean Farm. Notice the Model T's lined up Anna Dean Lane. Tourists were given free reign to walk around the Anna Dean Farm and were even allowed to peak in the windows of the Mansion, but the tourists were not allowed to enter any of the buildings or interfere with the livestock.
It has always been the contention of the Barberton Historical Society that Barberton could again be a tourist attraction, just as it was from 1909 to 1920. Some of the Anna Dean Farm barns and outbuildings remain, and we are working very hard to restore what is left. You weren't allowed to go into the Anna Dean Farm buildings when the Farm was open for tourists. We can go one better than they used to. On Saturday's you will find the Society members working on the Barns, during the warm weather months. You can stop by, pick up a brochure from us and take a self guided tour of the Farm. If we are at one of the barns we will be happy to let you walk through.
We still have Lake Anna and we have a great historic district downtown by the Lake. There are great places to shop, three restored theaters, concerts to see, and more than a few great places to eat. Our public library has a great history room, and is a great place to relax and catch up on your reading. Our library is right on the shores of Lake Anna, which is the perfect place for a picnic lunch.
SO who says we can't have tourism again in Barberton? In 1974 we were told that we were crazy for trying to save Barn No 1. Today Barn No. 1 houses the corporate offices of Aris Horticulture, Inc., and the nay sayers that said we were doomed to fail are all gone. Below are our preliminary links for tourism. If you have any ideas we would love to hear them. Just email us at Barbertonhistsoc@aol.com.
Before visiting Barberton please consider visiting this page of our website to see what is new and old and excitedly different about Barberton.
Tourism in Barberton
Historic Sites
Located at New Portage Park in north Barberton at the intersections of Norton Ave and Wooster Road north. In 1911 Mayor Mitchell and a group of Barberton Citizens raised the necessary funds to erect a statue of Chief Hopocan to commemorate the early citizens of New Portage, now the North end of Barberton. Over its 90 year life the statue had become very weathered. However on Sunday, September 30, 2001, Mayor Hart and the City of Barberton were able to rededicate the statue which had been restored due to the efforts of the Barberton Noon Kiwanis Club. The rededication was held exactly 90 years and one day after the statue was originally dedicated in 1911. The Kiwanis raised nearly $9,000 to complete this important restoration project. The Society had been involved with Akron University student Pete Neugebauer in the duplication of an exact replica of the original pedestal, as well as the text for the statue's plaques. We also have retired librarian Phyllis Taylor to thank for her help in this worth while effort. New Portage Park is Barberton's oldest park. Why not stop by and see the newly restored statue.
Chief Hopocan Statue
This is a view of the statue as it looked when it was originally dedicated on September 29, 1911.
Mayor Randy Hart pulls the cord on Sunday, September 30, 2001, and unveils the newly restored statue of Chief Hopocan.
One of Barberton's most precious assets is our public library. Originally outfitted by Ohio C. Barber as the Barber Public Library in 1903, today the Barberton Public Library stands gracefully on the shores of Lake Anna. Unlike most libraries in Summit County, the Barberton Public Library is independent of the Akron-Summit County Public Library system. The Barberton Public Library contains a great collection of circulating books, periodicals, and movies.
Of special interest to anyone interested in Barberton history is the Local History Room on the lower level. The Local History Room's extensive collection includes resources and materials on a myriad of local history topics, including O.C. Barber and the Anna Dean Farm. Many of the resources such as the Barberton Herald Index, Barberton City Directories, and Barberton High School yearbooks are of particular interest to local genealogists and family historians. Some of the books and materials are reference books and must be used in the Local History Room, but many of the books do circulate and patrons are encouraged to check them out.
The Barberton Public Library is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Feel free to contact the Local History Librarian at 330-745-1194 or e-mail: bplhist1@yahoo.com. When in Barberton, please stop by the library at 602 West Park Avenue, to take advantage of all that it has to offer
Barberton Public Library
History Room of the Barberton Public Library, showing some of the display cases and the O. C. Barber Mansion stained glass windows.
Anna Dean Farm
O. C. Barber Dam near Robinson Ave.
Water over the O. C. Barber Dam. This beautifully restored Dam and spill stone sheds a continuous waterfall in all seasons of the year. Also within walking distance of the Dam you will find two very nice rock water fountains.
Members of the City, the Hospital, Testa Builders and the Society meet last October to rededicate the restored Dam and waterfall.
O. C. Barber Colt Barn Located at 740 Austin Drive on the edge of the 15 acre Anna Dean Park.
The Colt Barn was the first building purchased by the Society. The exterior restoration of this building was completed in 1998 thanks to a grant from the Barberton Community Foundation. Although not open for regular tours you are always welcome to stop and visit the Colt Barn whenever a Society member is around.
The Colt Barn as it appeared in 1912
O. C. Barber Colt Barn showing its patriotic red, white and blue color scheme. The Colt Barn was the smallest barn built by Ohio C. Barber
A natural geological lake left behind from the last ice age to sweep across north America, Barberton's pride and joy is Lake Anna. Lake Anna was named by Ohio Columbus Barber after his only daughter Anna Laura Barber. Today this 10 acre natural lake serves as the recreational center of Barberton. Many people come to walk or jog around the 21 acre park. The upper walk around Lake Anna is .7 of a mile while the lower circular walk is .5 of a mile. Lake Anna in Barberton is bordered by Park Ave, Lake Ave, Sixth Street, and Third Street. Things to see at Lake Anna include our gazebo where many summer band concerts are held, Barberton's War Memorial, and our W.W.I Cannon. There is plenty of parking around the lake and Lake Anna Park is proudly maintained by the Barberton Parks and Recreation Commission. Lake Anna is open from dawn until dusk.
Lake Anna
Aerial view from the 1940s looking down on Barberton and Lake Anna.
Reclining on a park bench looking across Lake Anna at Barberton's War Memorial.
Events & Concerts
ANNUAL BARBERTON MUM FEST .
Annual Barberton Mum Fest featuring MUMS, MUSIC and MORE!
See 17,000 mums in full bloom - more than one million blooms. The dazzling floral display provides a brilliant backdrop for a weekend filled with FREE family entertainment, arts and crafts, gardening tips and fabulous foods. Mums in pot containers will be offered for sale.
MUM FEST 2018 is a cooperative effort involving the City of Barberton Beautification Program, Aris Horticulture, Inc., the company that donates the mums, and the Barberton Community Foundation. Admission is FREE.
ANNUAL ANNA DEAN FARM WALKING TOUR.
Dates will be added soon as the Society will host its Annual Anna Dean Farm walking tour. We will meet at the Piggery at 248 East Robinson Ave. in Barberton, where there is ample parking. Stops on the tour include the Heating House, the Barber Dam, Barn, the Oak Grove, the Poultry Department, the Brooder Barn, and Barn No. 1 where you will tour the interior, and then return back to the Piggery. You can walk or drive.
The tour is FREE and you are encouraged to come and bring your family and friends. Take any photos you want and ask as many questions as you like. Please wear comfortable shoes.
Crowds gather outside the Heating House
Anna Dean Farm Walking tour outside of the Piggery