Tag: people
Ohio Building
This is the Ohio Building in Akron, Ohio. In this postcard view, old cars can be seen parked along the front and side of the building. Additionally, a horse and cart are seen on the street making deliveries.
St. Bernard – School and Church
Construction on the current church building began in 1902, and opened in 1905. It features a German Baroque Romanesque style of architecture and was designed by noted Akron-born architect William P. Ginther, whose portfolio also includes Annunciation, St. Bernard, and St. Mary Church. St. Bernard Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Although the current church building opened in 1916, the history of St. Mary’s parish goes back much further. In 1887, Bishop Richard Gilmour commissioned Rev. Dr. Thomas F. Mahar, pastor of St. Vincent Church, the oldest Catholic church in Akron, to establish a mission in South Akron. That mission became St. Mary Parish in 1896.
Chautauqua Park – Train to Silver Lake Park
The Miniature Railway at Silver Lake Park was a 15 in gauge miniature railway opened in 1902. The main station was on the lakeshore at the boat landing dock. The inaugural route, which changed in later years, allowed passengers lengthy views of the lake and the zoo area.
Akron Savings & Loan
Built in 1923, the Akron Savings & Loan building is 158-foot-tall 12-story high-rise. 1888 the Akron Savings & Loan began as the Akron Building and Loan Association (196 South High Street). The first officers were Hugo Schumacher, W.B. Gamble, A.H. Noah, William Buchtel, and P.M. Atterholt. 1891 The company moved to larger offices inside the…
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.
South Main Street
“South Main Street is the main thoroughfare in Akron. Most of the leading stores, theaters, and hotels are located on this street. It is the dividing line for cross streets, all numbered running east and west start from here. State Routes Nos. 8, 18 and 36 pass through South Main Street.” – Federman’s, Shulans, Bear’s,…
Akron High School
The high school was located on Forge Street, between College and Union Streets, facing Union Park. The school was established in 1857, but the pictured building was erected in 1885 at a cost of $135,000.
Springfield Lake – Bathing Beach
During the rapid growth of the rubber industry in Akron, Springfield Lake became a resort area. Summer cottages were built around the lake. Springfield Lake Park was built in the early 1900s and included a merry-go-round, dodge-em cars, and various other amusement facilities. One of the main attractions was a roller coaster that extended out…
Mayflower Hotel – Theo. DeWitt
The Mayflower hotel was located at the corner of State and Main. In this view, it was a DeWitt operated hotel.
South Main Street
Interurban cars are lined up outside the Hamilton Building on South Main Street. It’s another busy day in Akron.
Springfield Lake – Sawyerwood Cottages
Weekend Getaway During the rapid growth of Akron’s rubber industry, Springfield Lake became a popular getaway resort. Summer cottages popped up at Sawyerwood and Lakemore. In the early 1900’s, the Springfield Lake Park was constructed. It was briefly the largest amusement park in all of Ohio. Attractions included a merry-go-round, dodge-em cars, a roller coaster, a…
Summit Beach Park – Midway
More than a century ago, on July 4th, 1917, Summit Beach Park opened its door for the first time. Akronites were drawn by rides like the park’s roller coaster, carousel and ferris wheel. But the park offered more than thrill rides, it also had a dance hall, penny arcade, boat launch and steamboat rides.
Summit Beach Park – Dance Hall and Roller Rink
July 4, 1917 began an exciting era in Akron History, that of Summit Beach Park. The amusement park opened its gates with great fanfare and provided entertainment to Akronites for 40 years before abruptly closing its doors forever.
Springfield Lake – Pavilion
At one time Springfield Lake Park was the largest amusement park in the State of Ohio. The amusement park hosted two coasters, a merry-go-round, swimming, boating, fishing and much more. A double-decked steamboat even cruised the lake complete with an orchestra and dancing. like many of the other lake parks in the region, Springfield Lake drew…
Mayflower Hotel
The Mayflower Hotel took her place among downtown Akron’s landmark buildings in 1931. The luxury hotel was an enormous symbol of the city’s prosperity. Interestingly, 1931 also saw the rise of Akron’s First Central Trust Tower and the new YMCA building.
Akron Savings & Loan
In 1888, the Akron Building and Loan Association was opened. The first officers included familiar Akron family names: Hugo Schumacher, W.B. Gamble, A.H. Noah, William Buchtel, and P.M. Atterholt. In 1909, after several moves, the name of the company was changed to the Akron Savings and Loan Company, with its headquarters at the Savings and Loan…
Lakeside Park – Canoes
Flags are waving as visitors to Akron’s Lakeside Park enjoy a day of rest on the waters of Summit Lake. Lakeside was built by the Akron Street Railway & Herdic Co. in 1887. It was an attraction and picnic ground destination accessible by the railway. Lakeside would later be absorbed into Summit Beach Park.
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.
Market Street
Very old view of the Empire House on Akron’s Market Street. The area is busy with activity as a trolley moves through the scene. By 1912, the Empire would be destroyed to make way for the new 250-room Portage Hotel.
Summit Beach Park
It’s a busy day at Akron’s Summit Beach Park. Visitors take in the many amusements and attractions at the famed park on the shores of Summit Lake. – Summit Beach Park averaged 25,000 visitors a day at its peak.
South Main Street
A quiet afternoon on Akron’s South Main Street. As trolley #208 works it’s way through the streets.