Grace Park wasn’t always a “shady” place. Back in the day, the park was one of Akron’s most popular retreats.It played host to picnics, leisurely strolls, community gatherings and fiery political speeches. Famous names like Hayes, McKinley, and Rosevelt stood in Grace Park to deliver their words to the people of Akron.
The mass exodus of manufacturing did more than destroy Akron’s reputation as a city of opportunity. Increased unemployment brought with it crime and decay. Grace Park became a symbol of the deterioration of Akron. A statue of Simon Perkins had to be moved to a safer location on High Street. The park became a magnet…
“Colonel” Simon Perkins (1805–1887) was a businessman, farmer, state senator, and entrepreneur. He spent most of his life in Akron. The title “Colonel” was honorary; no records exist that show he served in the military. Col. Perkins’ father, General Simon Perkins (1771-1844) was an early settler, businessman, and surveyor of the Connecticut Western Reserve, which would later…
A gift from Colonel Simon Perkins to the people of Akron, Grace Park (named for his wife) was one of two parks provided by Perkins. The other was Union Park.
With a history dating back to 1890, Grace School served the community for nearly 90 years. The school was named for Grace Perkins. The elementary school was located at West Exchange Street and South Maple Street in Akron. The school closed in 1977 and was demolished in 2002.
Location across from Akron’s Union Station, Grace Park became a hotspot for political campaigns and “whistle stop” speeches. Rutherford B. Hayes, William H. Taft, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt all gave speeches to large crowds at Grace Park.
