Wish come true: O.C. Barber Wishing Well repaired thanks to donors and history lovers

PHOTO BY CONRAD STORAD |For the BGNN

This photo was taken in November of the repaired O.C. Barber Wishing Well made possible thanks to donations from neighbors, residents and local history buffs.

By SHEILA SCHNERING
BGNN contributor

“Make a wish into the well, That’s all you have to do, And if you hear it echoing, Your wish will soon come true,” Snow White sang as she made her wish in Disney’s 1937 classic, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

Repairs to a unique more than century-old structure that was once part of O.C. Barber’s Anna Dean Farm are complete and the historical society is considering a rededication plaque early next year.

One of city founder Ohio Columbus Barber’s favorite places to go while out for an evening stroll with his dogs after dinner was the meticulously designed structure constructed in 1910 of common field stone found on his more than 3,000-acre farm.

Famous landscape architect O.C. Simonds, of Chicago, designed the unique large circular structure with arches that crossed over the top. Often called “The Old Oaken Bucket,” according to www.annadeanfarm.com, the O.C. Barber Wishing Well included a semi-circular wall around it, as well as a walkway with benches for visitors to sit.

One can only speculate – given the size and surrounding beauty – that maybe, just maybe, one or two young couples may have found their hearts skip a few beats while visiting the unique structure. One can imagine the hope of someone making a wish as a token was tossed into the well. More than 100 years later, residents of all ages and visitors from all over still enjoy the city’s wishing well. Oh – the whimsy, hope and joy that a wishing well can bring to our young souls. The O.C. Barber Wishing Well has been a source of mystery, speculation of lost treasure, and joy for children. Over the decades, families have had gatherings and posed for photos by the well for graduations and weddings. The well can be visited along Mansion Circle on property owned by the Barberton Historical Society.

A young sapling planted by Barber more than 120 years ago, can be seen behind the well in one old black and white photo. That sapling grew into a beautiful pin oak tree weighing several tons. Unfortunately, the tree came crashing down onto the wishing well’s field stone arches a couple of winters ago during a freak windstorm, according to Bob Snyder, president of the Barberton Historical Society. The Wishing Well remained damaged until this year. But work was going on behind the scenes. The Barberton Historical Society raised funds and obtained several bids for reconstruction. Donations came from neighbors, whose children played in the Wishing Well, and a memorial fund was established honoring local historian and former Barberton Historical Society member Bernie Gnap who passed away last year and had the goal of restoring the well.

Gary Smith and Mike Moore were hired to reconstruct the well, since they shared Barberton’s passion for the Anna Dean Farm and Barberton history, according to information provided Snyder. The restoration cost $9,100 and was completed on Oct. 10. The Barberton Historical Society is considering a rededication plaque of the Wishing Well in spring or early summer 2026.

HISTORICALLY NOTEWORTHY
The Anna Dean Farm was a flurry of activity 1910-1911, according to Snyder. Simonds and his role in designing and laying out Barber Park and landscaping the Barber Mansion grounds is historically noteworthy making him a big part of the Wishing Well story, Snyder said. Ossian Cole Simonds, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who is considered one of the fathers of American landscape architecture and studied under William Jenney, known for building the world’s first skyscraper, plotted out where every tree was to be placed in the landscape plan. Barber built many of the farm buildings in the well-known and beloved Barberesque architectural style. Some of the
buildings have been restored and have become historical landmarks in the city, including the Piggery and the Colt Barn.

The area was hilly and infertile. Barber improved the soil with the use of lime and fertilizers before planting 40 acres in vegetation. Barber had 1,100 trees moved to the area, including monstrous oak trees that were dug up in winter and planted while they were still dormant. He had birch and pine trees shipped from New England and then brought in a trainload of rhododendrons and mountain Laurel from Virginia, and some other trees from all other the world. Simonds studied local woods, hydrology, and topography and was later credited with the creation of the Prairie Style along with Jens Jensen and Walter Burley Griffin, according to Snyder. In his studies, Simonds learned how to use native plants in landscape design, an unusual practice at the time.
He was a founding member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and, in 1913, its president. Some of his works include Graceland Cemetery and Chicago’s Lincoln Park.

CONTRIBUTIONS
If you wish to contribute to the cost of restoration of the Wishing Well project or to assist the Barberton Historical Society with acquiring, refurbishing or maintaining any historic O.C. Barber property, you can make a donation to the Barberton Historical Society, P.O. Box 666 Barberton, OH 44203. Donations are accepted to the Barberton Historical Society Pass-Through Fund through the Barberton Community Foundation either online or mail-in. Visit www.barbertoncf.org. Please note whether you wish your donation to be dedicated in honor of the O.C. Barber Wishing Well.

Snyder said the Barberton Historical Society’s next project is a republication of the “Anna Dean Farm-The Story of an
American Farm,” by O.C. Barber. Snyder said the Barberton Historical Society wants to extend many thanks to the
Friends of the Barberton Historical Society for their support and encouragement.