Tag: people

Second National Bank, United States Express Company, Akron, Ohio

Second National Bank Building

A Glimpse into Akron’s Past: The Second National Bank and The United States Express Company This vintage postcard showcases the main building that once housed the Second National Bank of Akron, a cornerstone of the city’s financial landscape. But just a few doors down the road, a fascinating piece of Akron’s history unfolds with the…

Y.W.C.A. Akron, Ohio

YWCA – Akron

In 2005, after 104 years of service to the community, Akron’s YWCA officially disbanding. The former Y.W.C.A. building at 22 S. High St. was originally called the Grace House, (later known as the Sawan Building). The YWCA moved into the building in 1907 after remodeling and adding a cafeteria, swimming pool, gym, and track. The…

Entrance to Union Park, Akron, Ohio

Union Park

In 1848, Col. Simon Perkins, son of Akron’s founder, gave the People of Akron a gift. Originally called Flatiron Park (a reference to its triangular shape), Union Park, along with Grace Park were given to the people of Akron with a stipulation that these lands be used “for the purpose of public squares, or grounds,…

Akron School - Samuel Findley, Akron, Ohio

Samuel Findley School

Akron’s Samuel Findley School was built in 1906. The building was designed by architects Harpster & Bliss. Elements of the Beaux Arts style with additional Classical Revival details were evident throughout the exterior and interior of the school. The school was once located in the triangular lot created by W. Tallmadge Ave, W. Cuyahoga Falls Ave.,…

Ohio Building, Akron, Ohio

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's School and Church, Akron, Ohio

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, Akron, Ohio

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.

Akron Savings & Loan, Akron, Ohio

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…

South Main Street, Akron, Ohio

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,…

High School, Akron, Ohio.

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, Cottages at Sawyerwood, Springfield/Akron, Ohio

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, Akron, Ohio

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.