Chief Hopocan Statue
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.
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This is a view of the statue as
it looked when it was originally dedicated on September 29, 1911.
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Mayor Randy Hart pulls the cord
on Sunday, September 30, 2001, and unveils the newly restored statue
of Chief Hopocan.
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Barberton Public Library
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
