Barber & Haskill Limited has been a part of Midland and South Georgian Bay area since 1937 when the late George Haskill and his wife Mary Haskill (nee Spicer) moved to Midland from Owen Sound to continue his trade as an electrician.

Much of this work was related to the ships and elevators in the local harbours. George’s brother-in-law Les Barber and his wife Alice joined them not long after.

The business thrived with the demand created by new construction, the conversion from coal to oil heating and the spread of hydro to the rural areas. In the early 1950s, the retail business began to grow with increased sales of wringer washers, electric stoves and refrigerators, which had been in short supply due to wartime restrictions.

The firm was one of the first in Midland to sell televisions and, as the retail side of the business became more important, a new store was opened on the main street in 1956.

In 1972, George retired and Les bought his share of the business. In the 1980s, Les’s son Tom took over the day-to-day management of the company. In 2003, Tom Barber Jr. became the owner of the firm and moved the business to its new and enlarged location at 900 King St.

Countless dollars in local wages, taxes and services have been added to the economy thanks to Barber & Haskill, and hundreds of employees, past and present, have raised families in the area.

This was all made possible due to the loyal support of its customers.

To say thank you, the business has made a lasting contribution to the community by creating the Barber & Haskill Fund through the Huronia Communities Foundation.