Timken, Henry H., Estate Barn

Built in 1918-1919 on the northwest edge of Canton, Ohio, this circular brick barn belonged to the estate of industrialist Henry H. Timken. The ring-shaped building is about 125 feet across and encloses an 80-foot courtyard. It is one story tall, with steep slate gable roofs, small regularly spaced windows, and four two-story round towers topped by conical slate roofs. Dark serrated brick forms the walls, and the interior holds four curved rooms with open metal-truss ceilings. The towers once housed feed sorting and storage. Timken, born in 1868, led the Timken Roller Bearing Axle Company with his brother William after it was organized in 1898, and the firm grew into Canton's largest industry. He lived on the estate until his death in 1940. The main house was on the site of what is now a hospital, and Interstate 77 later split the grounds. The barn is the last significant surviving building of the estate. Its plan is described as unique in Ohio and resembles the cage ring of a roller bearing. The barn is now vacant and vandalized.