Today, the City of Barberton proudly recognized Arbor Day with an official proclamation delivered by Mayor Judge, declaring Friday, April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Barberton. This proclamation reinforces our community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the continued care of our urban canopy, especially as we celebrate America 250 and Barberton’s 135th anniversary.
As part of these milestone celebrations, Barberton Tree Service Inc. generously donated and planted a new aspen tree near the O.C. Barber statue, accompanied by a bolder with a commemorative plaque. The aspen was chosen specifically to honor both America’s 250th Anniversary and Barberton’s 135 years as a city. Aspen — a type of poplar (Populus species) — represents one of the primary woods historically used in the production of matchsticks by the Diamond Match Company. Woods such as aspen, pine, and cottonwood were selected because they were light, burned easily, and were straight‑grained. The Diamond Match Company, originally founded by O.C. Barber in Akron, later relocated to Barberton in 1894 and played a major role in the city’s rapid growth, earning Barberton the nickname “The Magic City.”
We extend our sincere appreciation to Barberton Tree Service Inc. — Lisa Devenport, President; Rory Walter, Foreman; and Adrianne Tanner, ISA Certified Arborist — for planting the tree and for their ongoing dedication to keeping Barberton green and thriving!
