Popular Akron auto dealership in the 50’s. Sold Dodge, Plymouth, Simca, Lloyds, Sunbeams, AMC. DeWitt’s claim to fame was being the only Dodge and Plymouth dealer in the nation with its own proving and testing ground. Location: 479 N. Main Street
Category: Stores
Bill Copley Buick
Buick dealership opened in 1948.
Metropolitan Building
The Metropolitan Building still stands today although its name has been changed by current owners to Chemstress Courtyard. Location: 39 South Main Street
South Main Street
At a time before automobiles ruled the streets, most of Akron’s leading stores, theaters, and hotels were located along South Main Street. Trolley’s and horse carts added to the bustle of downtown.
O’Neil’s Department Store
The O’Neil’s department store featured large display windows along the front and sides of the massive 800,000 square foot building where seasonal displays were set up for viewing by the public. During the holiday season, large elaborate animated Christmas displays pulled in visitors from all over the area. Visiting these displays became a well-loved holiday tradition for…
Portage Hotel – Akron Pharmacy Co.
The Portage Hotel was located downtown at Main Street and Market Street. The hotel replaced the former Empire House Hotel in 1912 and served as Akron’s leading hotel until being eclipsed by the modern art deco style Mayflower Hotel in 1931.
Main Street looking South – O’Neils
Michael O’Neil and his partner Isaac Dyas began serving Akron shoppers in 1877. Their first store was a dry goods store located at 114 East Market Street. Before being sold in 1912, O’neils had several locations in the Akron Canton Area.
O’Neil and Company
With a single dry goods store at 114 East Market Street, Michael O’Neil and his partner Isaac Dyas began a retail empire that is still remembered by Akronites. In 1912, O’Neil sold his popular stores to the May Department Stores Company for $1 million. His well-respected name continued to serve as the brand until the downtown location (built in…
O’Neil’s
Michael O’Neil and his partner Isaac Dyas began serving Akron shoppers in 1877. Their first store was a dry goods store located at 114 East Market Street. In 1912, O’Neil sold his stores to the May Department Stores for $1million. The massive 800,000 square foot building in downtown Akron was constructed in 1927-28. The store operated in…
Quaker Oats – Howard Street
Quaker Oats mills looking down Akron’s busy Howard Street. The Flatiron building is seen here towering above the Interurban streetcars.
Main Street at Night
The streetlights outside the J. Koch Company, the Grotto, Lewis Jewlery and the Buchtel are all aglow on this chilly night in Akron. Main Street is busy with Interurban cars and trolleys shuttling Akronites in and out of town.
C.L.U. Hall, Walsh Block
C.L.U. Hall, Walsh Block, 65 S. Main St, Akron, Ohio.
Scotts Store 5 & 10
Located on Main Street, Akron’s Scotts Store was a popular five and dime with a lunch and snack counter.
