Barber, O. C., Machine Barn
Why it's listed
Built in 1911 on Austin Drive in Barberton, Ohio, the Machine Barn served the Anna Dean Farm, the estate of industrialist Ohio Columbus Barber. The building measures about 70 by 120 feet and is made of concrete and red brick on a steel superstructure, with a hipped red tile roof and denticular cornices. Eight sets of large double doors on the first story gave access to farm machinery storage. A concrete ramp on the west side leads to a second-story service area where even the largest machines could be driven up and repaired. The second-story brick is laid in a diamond pattern, recalling Barber's ownership of the Diamond Match company. Barber promoted scientific farming and invested heavily in equipment, making this barn central to the farm's operation. It is the only surviving building with the diamond pattern, since the mansion, carriage house, apiary and Barn No. 2 are gone. Housing development nearby now threatens to crowd it.
Significance in brief: The barn was a vital structure on Barber's Anna Dean Farm, built to house and service the farm machinery he bought to promote scientific farming. It is the only remaining building with the diamond brick pattern, since the mansion, carriage house, apiary and Barn No. 2 have been destroyed. It is one of the last two buildings on the main section of the farm.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 74001627, listed October 9, 1974. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Austin Dr., Barberton |
|---|---|
| County | Summit County |
| Listed | October 9, 1974 |
| Reference number | 74001627 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 20th Century; specific date 1911 |
| Areas of significance | Agriculture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as altered in the form; threatened by the nearby Austin Estates housing development, which the form says is crowding the building. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.00621, -81.57823 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 74001627.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7072097
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.