Our History
History of the darby house
Darby Dan Farm, located in Galloway, Ohio is owned and operated by the Galbreath Family. Though it’s just 10 miles west of Columbus, Ohio, it gives our guests the feel of being on an old peaceful country estate and has been in the family for over 85 years.
Founded by John Galbreath, the farm was named after John’s son, Dan, and the Big Darby Creek that runs through the property. Darby Dan Farm was purchased in 1935 and was originally only 110 acres. Today, the farm is over 1,200 acres and is still an active farm. We currently grow sod, soy beans, corn and have spotted fallows and bison on the property.
Darby House has been a landmark on Darby Dan Farm for years. Built in 1954 by John Galbreath, the building was used as a personal entertainment facility. Mr. Galbreath would host guests for a variety of activities, such as movie showings, watching baseball, hosting dinners, and more. He named Darby House after the Darby Creek, which sits directly behind the venue.
Horse Racing Legacy
Darby Dan Farm used to be home to a horse training facility. Mr. Galbreath bought the Amish Farm at just 110 acres and expanded the property to 4,500 acres to begin breeding horses. Since then, a portion of the land has been donated and another sold. Rustic barns and racing trophies can still be seen on the property today.
Racing Accolades
Won Kentucky Derby (twice); 1963 with Chateaugay and 1967 with Proud Clarion.
Won Preakness Stakes once, Belmont Stakes (twice).
Won the Breeder’s Cup Classic.
Won the English Derby.
Won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Breeder, 1974.
Baseball Legacy
John W. Galbreath was also the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Team from 1946-1985. He is the only man in the world to win both a World Series Championship and a Kentucky Derby.
John Galbreath baseball accolades:
Won the World Series three times, 1960, 1971 and 1979.
The only man in history to win both the Kentucky Derby two times and World Series three times.
The Galbreath family is now in their third generation of baseball ownership and currently share part ownership of the Washington Nationals.
Baseball Accolades
Have won the World Series four times – (Pittsburgh Pirates 1960, 1971 and 1979) (Washington Nationals 2019)
Only family to have won the Word Series with two different baseball teams.
Only family to have three generations in baseball ownership.
The New Darby House
Darby House recently completed a $600,000 renovation of our venue spaces to bring a fresh new look to for today’s clients. Explore our renovations and see just how far we’ve come.