Barlow had many organizations. The Barlow Cemetery Association was organized in January 1901. Mr. Barlow was president, William Lichty, secretary, and John G. Schmid, treasurer.
The Barlow Lodge No. 106 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organized January 2, 1907. The first presiding officer was C.F. Hansch.
Barlow Lodge No. 26 Degree of Honor and Barlow Camp No. 11112 Modern Woodmen were all active groups in those days.
The 4‑H Busy Bee Club was organized in October 1933.
Mrs. George Schmid was the first leader.
The Barlow Dramatic Club was organized November 21, 1933 with James Linderman as president. The club had a membership of 29.
Barlow Friday Club came into existence on May 20, 1920. The club began as a Homemaker's club then later evolved into a study club with a literary emphasis. It joined the Women's Federation on April 8, 1924.
One of the main purposes of the organization was to keep the city of Barlow neat and clean. Various projects were initiated to accomplish this goal. It was decided that there was a definite need for a facility where the community could gather for meetings and other social activities. The club members took on the responsibility in 1973 to work on the project, as did other members of the community. The club at that time had 13 active members.
Young people of the community were involved with this project too. It was their responsibility to keep the plantings and the grounds well groomed. They gathered rocks for a flower garden and helped collect native plants and shrubs. The facility is used for many community activities.
At one time the church had a thirty-voice choir. There was a fifty-piece band, an active civic club and a music club.
One of the largest Fourth of July celebrations of that time was held in Barlow in 1908 with people coming from all surrounding areas. On October 2, 1976 Barlow held a Bicentennial Celebration with a crowd estimated at 600 folks. A very interesting parade which included several old cars, tractors, buggies, etc., and the 7th Cavalry. The 1916 "king" touring car, originally owned by pioneer, John G. Schmid was a big attraction with many youngsters and even some oldsters enjoying riding in it. It is a "seven passenger" car, with two fold down seats. Many former residents were on hand to enjoy the celebration.
Barlow was a well-kept town. There were boardwalks all over town. Some can still be found but are quite over‑grown with grass. There were also streetlights. Every homeowner had a pole with a bracket and each night a gas lantern would be lit and hung out.
The Northern Pacific Railway coming through Barlow helped it grow to a busy, thriving town, but another railroad, the Great Northern was a reason for it losing people and business. In 1912 the Great Northern came through New Rockford with towns going up all along the line.
Some of the businesses stayed in Barlow but others moved up to New Rockford and Brantford. It was thought that these would be the big booming Lena Delange places, then. 1844‑1922
The coming of better highways and cars facilitated more convenience in traveling and was one of the reasons for Barlow becoming smaller. In 1973 Barlow had about fifty residents. The post office closed November 19, 1965, when the last postmaster Bayard Amundson retired. He had been Postmaster since November 15, 1934.
The church was moved to a different location and converted into a Community Hall.
There is a very busy locker and meat processing plant owned and operated by George and Diane Ziegler. This plant was first started by Ken Garland and Leslie Hollingsworth. They would buy cattle from the farmers, butcher the animals, and wrap the meat for sale to the public. Later Bayard Amundson ran a grocery store in one part of the building. Now the meat is processed for the customer's own use only because of the government regulations.
An interesting place called the "Coach" may also be found in the town. Its arrival goes back to about 1933 when Art Anderson traveled to St. Paul and purchased a used car that the railroad was no longer using. He brought it back on a flat car and placed it where it is still standing today. It was partially remodeled for use as a tavern. The plush seats were still intact until later owners remodeled it. Mac McMillian painted the outside pink and put a sign up along highway 281 to entice people to come to the "Flamingo Club". Present owners are Mr. and Mrs. Pete Wobbema. It is again known as just plain "The Coach
There is one elevator in Barlow today, the Barlow Grain and Stock Exchange. The former facility burned in 1970 and this new modern structure was built in its place. Barlow is still one of the busiest grain handling places in the area.
(Information from: Mr. and Mrs. John Holth, L.E. Greitl, Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin Garland, John W. Schmid, Historical Society, Bismarck Y.C.L Barlow school, and Patrice Lura; Ross Bloomquist, Foster County Independent.)
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 160