Author: tconte
Firestone Research Center
Constructed at a cost of $2 million, Firestone’s research laboratory sat on a hill overlooking the vast factory complex of the Firestone empire. At the time, this three-story brick structure was one of the world’s largest and most complete laboratories for rubber and plastics research.
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company – Main Plant
In 1916, Goodyear became the world’s largest tire company. This is also when the company began using the slogan “More people ride on Goodyear tires than on any other kind.”
Walter Thornwell Inn
The Walter Thornwell Inn on Manchester Road. tel Man-3523.
Union Station
Akron’s rapid population growth of the early 1900s put a strain on the city’s Union Station – built in 1891. Additions were made to enlarge the station, but they weren’t enough. In 1950 the building was replaced by a much larger and considerably more modern Union Depot.
Summit Beach Park
A crowded day of fun at Akron’s Summit Beach Park on the shores of Summit Lake. The park provided Akronites with 40 years of summer fun before closing the gates for good in 1958.
Union Station “depot”
Built before the rubber boom, Akron’s Union Station quickly showed its inadequacies as the city’s population exploded. Although additions were made, the station was never large enough to handle the popularity of Akron. In 1950 a new Union Depot was built to replace the aging structure and by 1951 it had been demolished.
Hotel Marne
Owned by T.E. McShaffrey, Hotel Marne was located at 281 South Main Street. The 175-room hotel was opened on September 7, 1919 and managed by J.H. Bromley. The Marne was one of many new hotels to open in Akron in the early 1900s.
Someone in Akron
Akron became a manufacturing center primarily due to its location. The city was well connected to the canal system, and later to numerous major railroad lines.
Union Station
This was Akron’s second Union station. Although an attractive structure, Akronites didn’t have much love for this railroad station. Many complained about it being too small, too dirty, too hot in the summer, and too cold in the winter. Built in 1891, it was replaced and demolished in 1950.
Robinson Clay Product Company
Founded in 1856 by Thomas Robinson, Richard Whitmore, and Thomas Johnson. Robinson Clay Products company manufactured sewer pipes, tile, brick, and many other clay products. Offices in the Second National Building
Summit County Court House
The Summit County Courthouse is located at 209 South High Street. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed by architect J. Milton Dyer. The seated figures of Justice and Law were created by Cleveland sculptor Herman Matzen.
Flat Iron Building
Akron’s Flatiron Building was located at Howard and Main Streets in downtown Akron. It was built in 1907 and demolished in 1967.
Goodyear – Rubber Company
IN 1889, with just 13 employees, Goodyear production began. The product line included bicycle and carriage tires, horseshoe pads, and poker chips. By 1916, Goodyear had grown into the world’s largest tire company, and by 1926 it was the world’s largest rubber company.
Akron Baptist Temple
Million Dollar Akron Baptist Temple. 2314 Manchester Road in South Akron. This building is 200 feet long, 92 feet wide. Seating capacity in the auditorium of over 5000. Home of the largest Sunday School in the world, 5000 average attendance. Average Sunday offering of $5,600 for 52 Sundays. 250 voice choir. Church owns a fleet of…
Silver Lake – Old Cabin
Silver Lake Park had several log cabins, like the one shown here, as well as Swiss-style cottages. The park began in 1876 when Ralph H. Lodge built a small bathhouse and pavilion and provided boats for rental to fishermen. Soon the railroad was bringing excursions from places as far away as Columbus and Pittsburgh. At…
America’s Rust Belt
Following World War II, Akronites faced difficult financial times. The industries that allowed Akron to prosper during the 1800s and early 1900s began to decline. The economic downturn resulted in a declining population. In 1950, nearly 275,000 resided in the city. Fifty years later, the population had dropped to 217,000, and today it sits at 197,633.
Pavilion – Springfield Lake
The Springfield Lake Pavilion was used for many social functions, including dancing on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Patrons danced to the music of big name bands such as Guy Lombardo and Vaughn Monroe.
Main Street, looking North
An early view of Akron’s Main Street complete with streetcar, horse cart and vintage automobiles.