Kepler’s Landing was built in 1896 at the south end of Turkeyfoot Lake. It hosted events such as ski shows, hydroplane boat races, and rubber company picnics.
Tag: people
Lakeside – Portage Path Canoe Club
First built by the Akron Street Railway & Herdic Co. in 1887, Lakeside was a picnic grounds destination on the east shore of Summit Lake. The park included a steamboat landing and a canoe house. The Akron Street Railway & Herdic Co. introduced horse car service (Herdic) on Main St. in 1883. The company would…
Mill Street Looking down Howard
A busy day on Mill Street in Akron. The Hotel Buchtel, on the left, featured the latest amenities, including incandescent lights, a hydraulic elevator, bathrooms on each floor and call bells in each room.
Silver Lake Park – A Big Day
Railroads brought excursions from places as far away as Columbus and Pittsburgh. As many as 10,000 people a day traveled by train to enjoy the many and varied interests to be found in the park. People spent the Summer camping in tents, others living in rented cottages, and some stayed at the hotel.
Market Street – Looking East
A vintage view of Akron’s busy Market Street looking East from the bridge.
Silver Lake Park – Miniature Railway
The Silver Lake Park miniature railway carried visitors along the lake’s shore. The Park also featured a roller coaster, merry-go-round, and a midway. There was a pavilion with seating for 500 people and a 15,000 square foot polished hard maple dance floor.
West Side of Main Street, Akron
Akron’s Main Street has seen many changes over the years. The city would hardly be recognized by founders Simon Perkins and Paul Williams.
Masonic Temple, Akron
The temple was built by the Freemasons in 1917 as their downtown business and social gatherings location. Following a sale in 1999, the building went through a two million dollar restoration project. Today the structure is used as a special events center.
Main Street Looking North from Mill Street
Motor cars were still new on the scene when this image of Akron’s Main Street was captured by the photographer.
Kepler’s Landing, Turkey Foot Lake
Kepler’s Landing was located at the south end of Turkey Foot Lake. The hotel was built in 1892 by William Kepler.
First-Second National Bank
Constructed in 1911, the First-Second National Building is located on the southeast corner of South Main Street and East Bowery Street. In 1919, four additional floors were added to the building. Although it was designed for the Second National Bank, during construction the bank merged with the First National Bank to form the First-Second National Bank.
Howard Street, looking South
At one time, Howard Street was one of the most popular areas of Akron’s downtown. Busy people, cars, and horses with carts fill the scene outside Federman’s “Lowest Price Store in Akron.” Also in the scene – the Empress theater, and Kirk’s.
Portage Hotel
The Portage Hotel, located downtown at Main Street and Market Street, replaced the former Empire House Hotel in 1912 and served as Akron’s leading hotel until the opening of the modern Mayflower Hotel in 1931.
Bathers at Summit Beach
Summit Lake was a popular summer retreat for Akron area residents. First as a picturesque picnic area and latter as a amusement park. From rollercoasters to live entertainment, the park had it all. The Beach Park operated for 40 years before closing its gates in 1958.
Summit Beach Bathers
Akron’s Summit Beach Park located on the shores of Summit Lake, provided Akronites with 40 years of recreation and entertainment before closing its gates for good in 1958.
B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company
The B.F. Goodrich Company was founded in 1870 by Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich. The company began as a manufacturer of rubberized hoses and later began manufacturing pneumatic bicycle tires. In 1896, B.F. Goodrich became the first company in the United States to manufacture pneumatic automobile tires.
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
Howard Street
It may be unrecognizable today, but the one-time importance of Howard Street can easily be seen in this postcard view as it appeared looking South from Market Street. Busy people, cars, horses with carts, and trolleys fill the scene outside Federman’s “Lowest Price Store” in Akron.
Silver Lake Park – Entrance
For 40 years, visitors to Silver Lake Park were never at a loss for things to do. Steamboat cruise on the lake, miniature train rides, a roller coaster, a merry-go-round, and a midway all added to the excitement of a day at the park. There was even a pavilion with space for 500 dinners as well as a 15,000…
