History

The Diamond Match Company first arrived on the scene in California in 1901, with its timber acquisition in the Sierra. Following the selection of their first sawmill site, Barber was chosen as the manufacturing plant site in 1902, consisting of 241 acres. Construction began in 1903, including the Engineering Department (pictured on the homepage) which was to be completed in 1904.

"From the inception of the Diamond development at Chico, it was called Barber in honor of the Company's president"

- W.H. Hutchinson, The California Investment of the Diamond Match Company.

Ohio Columbus Barber, then president, had already established a global presence prior to his move west. For more insight into this entrepreneur's history, visit O.C. Barber . His philanthropic side is perhaps best illustrated by research project, the last of his career, Anna Dean Farm.

Throughout most of the past century, the Barber Yard played a prominent role in California's lumber industry as well as the local economy. The adjoining neighborhood, once the company town, was home to many of those working for the Diamond Match Company at the Barber Yard. The Yard was the core of this community, employing thousands, either directly or thru services rendered. It was the hub of the community for decades!

The Diamond Match Company operated the plant until 1984 at which time the Louisiana Pacific Corporation purchased it, along with other mill sites and property in the region. In a weakening industry, followed by consolidation, the plant ultimately ceased operations in 1989. The following decade involved demolition of all but  five (5) structures, remediation of environmental issues and the beginning of a new life. Development plans were drafted, including an effort to annex the property to the City of Chico. On August 5, 1997 the Barber Yard annexation was passed by the City Council, to be recorded a week later.

Due to a further deterioration in the timber industry and particularly that of LP Corp., the decision was made to abandon all but their core business and sell all non core properties, including the Barber Yard. The property was ultimately sold in 1999.

Barber Land, LLC is the current property owner. The company is a private, closely held entity made up of ownership with in excess of five (5) decades in the area, individually. An ownership that did business with Diamond, directly, as early as 1964.

The development company, Barber Land Company, Inc., was formed in 2004 for the expressed purpose of coordinating and executing the development at Barber.