The BARR LEGACY

The rich history of the Barr Family starts in 1895, when William Banks (W.B.) Barr married Anna Elizabeth Seaton. The couple raised five children on their fruit and dairy farm in Wellsville, OH.

On July 2, 1913, W.B. Barr bought the 200-acre property at 1211 39th St. N.E. in Canton from the Joseph Klinker estate. The property included eight cows and an old wooden barn.

In 1923, the growth of the Barr dairy business was based on the idea that there would be a market for pure, raw milk in the city of Canton. Previously practically all the milk used by the city was supplied by a company which sold only pasteurized milk. The Barrs felt that a market for raw milk for invalids and babies could be created. Daily, the Barrs sold over 600 bottles of milk. One of their accounts being Aultman hospital.

W.B. Barr died in 1942, leaving the farm to his children. His son, Ransom, continued living on the farm and farming it. Ransom lived a life of service in Canton and in the Plain Local community. Serving as the Plain Local Board of Education President for 30 years. Ransom Barr Elementary School was built in his honor.

In 1962 Ransom learned he had emphysema and could not farm anymore. He and his son, Roy, decided they would turn the farm into a golf course. In June of 1962 they had an auction and sold the cows and machinery.

In July of 1963 Meadowlake Golf Club opened for business. In 1973 the upper barn was remodeled into a bar, kitchen, and banquet hall. Also adding the pool and tennis court.

In 1982, Roy’s son Phil began his journey of carrying on the Barr legacy. Roy joined his ancestors in passing the reins from father to son in 1995. Phil and Roy extended their partnership through 2015 when Roy finally (kind of) retired. (If you’re lucky you can catch a glimpse of Roy hanging out around the property)

And so, in 2025 a new piece of the Barr legacy was created when Phil’s three sons, Jason, Justin and Josh decided to join their father in the family business.

From generations ago, to the future generations, one thing will always stay the same ​with the Barr Family; Devotion to family and this community, that is the Barr Legacy.
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​Thank you for being part of our legacy!
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