Barber Knolls was the vision of Hudson Force, a pioneer in the Summit County real estate industry. Mr. Force, a past president of the Akron Board of Realtors, located a tract of land in Barberton, Ohio. It was the site of Barn # 3, one of many magnificent buildings of the Anna Dean Farm constructed by O.C.Barber, founder of Barberton, Ohio.

In, 1964, Jack Force, builder and son of Hudson Force formed a partnership with Forrest D. Myers, real estate appraiser and investor. Under Jack's supervision, the first all-electric custom apartments were constructed. The fifty brick twinplex apartments set a new standard for community living in east Barberton as each apartment for rent has the feel of a small house. With the high cost of heating gas, this all electric construction is economical.

A few years later, forty townhouse rental apartments were built. Thus, the Barberton apartment community had a new source of middle-income rental housing with an affordable price range range.  Each apartment has its own offstreet parking area, private patio and private entrance.

In 1995, Vivian Harig, daughter of Forrest Myers, became the owner. Barber Knolls Community has continued as a family endeavor. Under the able management of Summit Twin Oaks Realty, "The Knolls", has gained the reputation as the best-managed, cleanest, and safest of rental communities in the region. Most of the ninety apartments have been updated. The flowers that enhance the quality of life each summer have been award winners from the City of Barberton Beautification Committee and residents are encouraged to garden, lining the residences with flowers and vegetables all season long.