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.
Tag: people
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.
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.
Quaker Oats
Early view of the Quaker Oats Factory on Howard Street in Akron, Ohio. This postcard view also shows wonderful examples of period advertising. Billboards include Akron’s Famous Heaters, and S&G’s Portage Brand Coffee & Tea. On the Left side of the street is a sign for McClains.
Mill Street Looking East
Street scene along Mill Street in Akron, Ohio.
C.L.U. Hall, Walsh Block
C.L.U. Hall, Walsh Block, 65 S. Main St, Akron, Ohio.
Fire Station – Central
Busy day at Akron’s Central Fire Station. A crowd gathers to watch firemen practice their skills.
Mill Street – Looking West
Mill Street looking west was a busy place. The five-story Hotel Buchtel was opened in 1884 on the southeast corner of Main and Mill Streets. It featured a hydraulic-powered elevator, electric lights in every room and bathrooms on every floor. – S.A. Freedlander Optician, Hotel Buchtel European Rooms
Main Street – Birdseye View
Looking down on Akron’s Main Street gives a picture of how vibrant and busy this city was in its heyday.
Street Car Barns
Vintage Postcard view c.1909 of Street Car Barns in Akron, Ohio
Summit Beach Park – Cars
A crowded parking lot at Akron’s popular amusement park, Summit Beach Park on the shores of Summit Lake.
East Market Street
A wonderful view of East Market Street showing the transition period from horse and cart to automobile. On the left side of the image, one of Akron’s first hotels can be seen; The Empire House Hotel opened in 1847 and served Akron visitors until it was torn down in 1912. It was replaced by the Portage…
Hamilton Building
This rather plain looking structure once stood on the site of today’s First National Bank Tower. The Hamilton Building was home to the Central Savings and Trust which moved into the building in 1918 and renamed it the Central Savings and Trust Building. The bank remained there until the building was demolished and replaced by…
Silver Lake Park – Steamboat
In 1874, the lake and the land surrounding it was a popular amusement park in the Akron area. Beginning in 1876 by Ralph H. Lodge began acquiring the lake and its surrounding land. It was originally a picnicking and swimming area, but quickly grew into the Silver Lake Amusement Park. The Park featured animal exhibits,…
