(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 650 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY and worked his way through high school, being graduated from the high school evening classes conducted by the "Y" in 1902. He then entered Kalamazoo College where he studied three years. He took his fourth year at the Y. M. C. A. College in Chicago, being graduated in the secretaryship course. He then became general secretary at Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he remained three years. He went to Detroit in 1907 as state boys' work secretary, being stationed there for eight years. From Detroit he went to New Haven, Conn., as boys' work secretary and at the same time entered Yale University for a postgraduate course in the divinity school and in special subjects related to his profession. He was there two years. When the United States entered the great war he became a Government "dollar-a-year man." He says his greatest ambition is to see Akron get real Y. M. C. A. progress, with a new building and adequate equipment for a growing city. He and Mrs. Van Dis have one son and two daughters. The Akron Young Women's Christian Association.—This institution was organized in 1901. Its first quarters were in the Garfield Hotel Building on South High Street. It started with 299 charter members and now has a membership of 2,204. Its first president was Mrs. D. P. Wheeler. Two of its original board of eighteen directors are members and directors of its present board, namely, Mrs. J. B. Wright, second vice president, and Mrs. B. F. Andrews, treasurer. In 1904 the Union Charity Association gave Grace House to the Young Women's Christian Association, where it has had its home ever since. In his will, Col. George T. Perkins left $50,000 as a perpetual endowment with which to carry on the work of the Y. W. C. A. In addition to quarters on South High Street, the association also maintains a girls' dormitory, known as "Blue Triangle," at 149 South Union Street. A site at the corner of High and Bowery streets, for a new building, large enough to accommodate all the association's varied activities, has been acquired. The association's present quarters are no credit to a city of the size and wealth of Akron and are wholly inadequate to the association's needs. Our public-spirited citizens must, ere long, raise an amount sufficient to erect for the association a modern and up-to-date building. Miss Edith Nash is general secretary. The Florence Crittenton Home.—As is generally known, the first Crittenton Home was opened by Charles Crittenton many years ago in New York City and was named after his daughter, Florence. The Akron home is located at 51 Cotter Avenue and was opened about twenty years ago. In addition to this home, to which incorrigible girls who show promise of responding to humane treatment and leading better lives are admitted, a maternity home, at which unmarried women, about to become mothers, are admitted, is maintained on Brittain road. The home on Cotter Avenue has accommodations for fifteen girls and is generally filled to capacity. The president is J. J. Fuedner and the matron is Miss Carrie Chapman. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 651 The Jewish Social Service Federation.—This association was organized in 1914 as the Federation of Jewish Charities, with the late Morris Krohngold as president. In 1918 its membership had increased from 100 to 600 and its budget from $3,000 to $15,000. In 1919 it adopted its present name and affiliated itself with the Better Akron Federation. On its present board of sixteen trustees are many of the city's leading Jewish professional and business men. The Catholic Service League.—This league was organized in 1919 to do social service work among the Catholics in Akron and Summit County. Its first president was M. O'Neil and its secretary Rev. Father R. C. Kotheimer. It was later organized as a corporation not for profit. While organized principally as a Family Case Working Agency, it also maintains a community house and office at 245 to 249 South High Street and a recreational hall on Furnace Street. Boy Scouts.—In 1910 Rev. H. W. Lowrey of the First Presbyterian Church organized the first Boys' Scout troop in Akron. It was not until 1916 that the movement became firmly established. At this time sufficient funds were raised among those directly interested in the movement to employ the late Joe Taylor as scout executive. Taylor was a natural leader of boys and extremely popular. Under his regime scouting grew and flourished like the proverbial green bay tree. In 1920 he was succeeded by the present executive, D. M. Ramsay. There are now forty troops in Akron, with an enrollment of 1,150 scouts. The first president was R. E. Lee, and the present president is Walter T. Akers. Lack of space forbids our mentioning all the men who were instrumental in placing scouting on a firm footing in Akron. We must, however, record the name of C. W. Seiberling, known as the "Big Brother of the Boy Scouts" of Akron. Mention should also be made of the generosity of H. Karl Butler, who, in 1922, gave the scouts the use of his farm near Peninsula for a permanent camp. Through the generosity of the Civitan Club, Portage Path Home and School League, contributions from the Community Fund and from many individuals, this camp, known as Manatoc, has been finely equipped. Girl Scouts.—The first Girl Scout organization in Akron was instituted through the efforts of I. S. Myers during the period of the World war. Four years ago the Akron and Summit County Girl Scout Council was organized. There are some twenty-six troops with a membership of 650 in the county. The organization is governed by a general council of thirty-three members from which an executive board of twelve members is chosen. Many of Akron's most prominent social service workers are members of these committees. The work done by this organization among the girls of Summit County compares favorably in every way with that done among the boys by the Boy Scout leaders. The Better Akron Federation.—The Better Akron Federation was the outgrowth of the War Chest and Liberty Loan drives, made during the World war, at which time Akron citizens met every demand made upon them, whether for the raising of funds for work among the soldiers, or 652 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY in the purchasing of the various issues of Liberty bonds. On October 9, 1919, a preliminary meeting called by Theodore E. Smith, was held, at which, in order to prevent promiscuous solicitation for unworthy, as well as worthy causes, to avoid indiscriminate and duplicate giving and to combine all efforts into one campaign each year, plans were made for organizing a permanent body to take over the work of soliciting and distributing funds with which to finance, each year, Akron's various charitable and social welfare activities. At a meeting, held on October 20, 1919, the Better Akron Federation was organized and a board of twenty directors elected. This board afterwards chose J. Edward Good as its first president. Since its organization it has, each year, in the month of November, conducted a campaign for the raising of a community fund. Preceding the campaign, the budget committee chosen by the board of trustees meets with a committee from each of the activities supported by the fund and a budget is worked out, in which there is allotted to each activity its fair share, as determined by the budget committee, of the entire amount to be raised. Fifteen thousand people subscribed to the fund in the first campaign. In the campaign conducted in November, 1927, there were over fifty thousand subscribers who contributed a total of more than $400,000. Eighteen organizations, including practically all those mentioned in this article, are beneficiaries of this fund, and the Better Akron Federation has become one of our fixed and best supported institutions. The executive secretary is E. J. Larrick, who has served in that capacity since 1921. Spring field Lake Sanatorium.—While the Sanatorium is not an Akron institution exclusively, its history and work are so closely interwoven with the city's progress along the lines of health and welfare that failure to speak at least briefly of its organization, its aims and its accomplishments, would be an unpardonable oversight. Under an act of the General Assembly, passed 1908, authorizing the same, the four counties of Summit, Portage, Stark and Columbiana (Mahoning coming in later), joined, in 1910, in the erection of a tuberculosis sanatorium at Springfield Lake, Summit County. Ninety-eight acres of land, costing $10,000, were purchased and a building, costing $112,000, was erected. The governing body consisted of one trustee from each county, appointed by its county commissioners. Summit County's first trustee was W. A. Johnston. Dissension arising among the members of the board as to the management of the institution and the number of patients each county was entitled to have admitted thereto, Summit County, in 1920, purchased the interest of the other four counties, the voters of the county having authorized an issue of bonds in the sum of $300,000, the proceeds of which were used for making the purchase. In 1922 another issue of bonds, in the sum of $300,000, was authorized by the electors for the purpose of erecting a children's building. This building, the famous Sunshine Cottage, and a nurses' home have been completed at a cost of about $340,000. Sunshine Cottage has a capacity of 100 patients, and the entire sanatorium of 230. 654 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY To E. C. Shaw is largely due this magnificent institution, the existence of which has added so materially to the health and general welfare of our community. Its superintendent is Dr. C. L. Hyde, one of the most eminent specialists in the treatment and cure of tuberculosis in the country. The Salvation Army.—The Salvation Army first opened its quarters in Akron in 1855, with Staff Captain Inman in charge. Forty soldiers answered to the roll call in the first year. So greatly were the purposes of the Army misunderstood that its meetings on several occasions were broken up by mobs and the police were called in to protect the soldiers from violence. In 1916 the citadel on North Main Street was erected. At the present time more than 400 soldiers are enrolled. During the past year relief in some form or other was given to 1,791 families and to 28,120 persons ; 10,319 meals were furnished and 2,849 nights' lodgings supplied. Field Major Joseph Hughes and wife, known and beloved by all Akron people, were in charge of the citadel for the past ten years. They left Akron in 1927. A Social Service center is maintained at 319 Washington Street, with Ensign and Mrs. Hugh Mcllvar in charge, and a Swedish corps at 1104 Johnston Street. Children's Recreational and Playgrounds.—Supervised and equipped playgrounds for Akron children were established in 1910, the first being located at Perkins Square. Within two years three additional playgrounds were opened at Pleasant Park, Perkins Park and Buchtel Field. The starting of this work was due in a great measure to the late Margaret C. Barnhart, to whom a bronze tablet has been erected in Perkins Woods, bearing the following inscription : "Erected by the children of Akron as a tribute to Margaret C. Barnhart, in grateful recognition of her services in establishing public playgrounds." The movement was financed originally by private subscription. In 1919 it was included in the budget of the Better Akron Federation and, in 1921, the Board of Education of the City of Akron took over the work and has since conducted it, financing the same out of the public school funds. A tract of about thirty acres, known as Elizabeth Park, was donated to the city for children's playgrounds and recreation purposes by F. H. Mason in 1912. Americanization Work.—The first efforts toward Americanization work so-called, among Akron's foreign population, were made in about 1910 by the Y. M. C. A., through J. Q. Ames, its general secretary, and Prof. 0. E. Olin of Buchtel College. The Community House on North Broadway, near Furnace Street, was also quite active in this branch of social service. In 1912, at the time H. T. Waller became general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., a committee, headed by J. C. Lawrence, effected a cooperative movement of all agencies then engaged in this work, and for three years it was conducted at the Community House, Bowen School, Kent School, Leggett School, Miller School and the Y. M. C. A. Supervision was under the direction of H. T. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 655 Waller, former general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., and the work was done by a corps of some fifty volunteer teachers. In 1915 the Chamber of Commerce financed the work through the Board of Education. This continued until 1917, when the Board of Education took over the responsibility for Americanization work, since which time it assumed entire charge thereof, performing, in the judgment of those at all familiar with the matter, one of the most constructive and effective pieces of Americanization work in the country. In 1916 and 1917, the industries of Akron conducted schools, largely attended for the teaching of English to our foreigners. After the war, however, the work for the most part was discontinued ; the entire problem being left to the Board of Education. Two very marked features of this work have been the home work, reaching the foreign women, and the training of candidates for citizenship, the beneficial results of which have been invaluable to our community. Red Cross.—A charter was granted to the Akron Chapter of the American Red Cross on June 28, 1916, and C. B. Raymond was the first chairman. The Women's Auxiliary was organized at about the same time, with Miss Mary E. Gladwin as chairman. A campaign for membership was conducted in 1917, resulting in securing 40,000 members in Akron, breaking all records in the United States, for cities of over 1,000 inhabitants During the war the Red Cross performed notable service in looking after the families and dependents of enlisted men from Summit County. The chairman of the Women's Work Committee, during the war was the late Mrs. H. K. Raymond. The present chairman is George W. Billow. The headquarters, at 144 East Market Street, are in charge of Miss Heloise Hendershot. The Akron Chapter is affiliated with and supported financially by the Better Akron Federation. It has at present a membership of approximately 1,000. Its chief work is looking after disabled ex-service men and their families. It has a record of 15,000 Summit County ex-service men. Akron Humane Society.—The Akron Humane Society was organized about 1901, with the late Albert T. Paige as its president, C. C. McCue as secretary, and Judge Charles C. Benner as counsel. Its present headquarters are located at room 709 Akron Savings & Loan Building, with Judge W. E. Pardee as president, E. V. Switzer as humane agent, and Jonathan Taylor as counsel. The principal work of the Humane Society is looking after cases of neglect or inhuman treatment of children, aged people, abandoned wives, and animals. A report made in 1910 by the late John C. Weber, who was then humane agent, compared with one made in January of this year, by E. V. Switzer, the present humane agent, discloses a marked difference in some respects, as to the character of the work performed then and now. CHAPTER XXII ART, MUSIC, LITERATURE, AND AMUSEMENTS In the realm of music the local community owes much of the credit for the interest aroused in the art to the effort of members of the Tuesday Musical Club, the Liedertafel and Nathan L. Glover, whose work as director of music in the public schools for so many years promoted the interest of Akron's younger generation. THE TUESDAY MUSICAL CLUB It was organized in November, 1887, as the Tuesday Afternoon Club, by Mrs. George Baker, Miss Ione Edgerton, Mrs. Lucius C. Miles, Mrs. Edward P. Otis, Miss Francis Robinson (Mrs. Frank Adams), Mrs. A. T. Saunders, Mrs. F. A. Seiberling, and five other young women. The membership increased rapidly and soon a chorus of thirty was formed, with Mrs. Baker as director. In 1893 Miss Helen Storer (Mrs. Winfred B. Collins) became director. Under her inspiring and efficient leadership the organization grew rapidly in influence and popularity. Splendid concerts were given by the club, and the best artists and orchestras in the country were brought to Akron. Miss Storer was director seven years. During her incumbency the name was changed to the Tuesday Musical Club, men were admitted to membership, and the policy of having both an afternoon study section and an evening mixed chorus was adopted. Prominent among the conductors who succeeded Miss Storer were Prof. George W. Andrews of Oberlin, Prof. Adolph Liesegang and Albert Rees Davis of Cleveland, H. Evan Williams, Earl Killeen. In recent years the evening chorus has been discontinued, largely because the purpose of the club, to arouse interest in chorus work throughout the city, had been realized, as is evidenced by the large number of excellent church choirs and other chorus groups in Akron today. A leading event in the history of the chorus was its victory at the Canton Eisteddfod, July 4, 1906. H. Evan Williams trained the chorus, with the result that the Akron organization won first place over nine competitors and was awarded the prize of $600 amid the greatest enthusiasm of an audience of more than 5,000 people. The splendid work done by the Tuesday Musical Club in finding and fostering musical talent in Akron, and in bringing the best music from outside for the delight and instruction of Akron music-lovers, can not be overestimated. The concerts and lecture recitals of the afternoon study section have given an unusual opportunity to local musicians for both - 656 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 657 expression and training. For years the concerts of the evening chorus offered some of the finest works of the great masters, with the best orchestras and soloists in the country to assist. In addition, year after year the club has offered series of concerts by outside talent, in which have appeared the greatest artists in every field of music and the best orchestras and other musical organizations that could be secured. In 1896 the club gave $500 for the beginning of a music library at the Akron Public Library. A significant event in connection with the recent celebration of Music Week was the opening of the new music room on the second floor of the library, in which the music purchased from this gift, and considerably augmented since from other sources, has been assembled. The club has had the following presidents : Mrs. George Baker, Miss Helen Storer (Mrs. Winfred B. Collins), Mrs. Harry Houghton, Miss Harriet Parsons, Mrs. J. H. Andrews, Mrs. F. A. Seiberling, Mrs. E. P. Otis, Mrs. Katherine Bruot, Mrs. A. E. Heintselman, Miss Ella Bigelow, Mrs. T. S. Eichelberger, Mrs. W. H. Collins, Mrs. D. S. Bowman. The following have been elected honorary members : Mrs. F. A. Seiberling, Miss Katherine Parsons, Mrs. Winfred B. Collins, Prof, N. L. Glover, H. Evan Williams, Mrs. E. P. Otis, Prof. Francesco B. DeLeone. The Liedertafel Seventy years ago a group of thirteen Germans interested in music organized the Akron Liedertafel. The first place of meeting was in the old Arlington Hotel, and they later moved to the hall above Byrider's store. The first members were : Karl Fischer, William Carl, John T. Guth, William Woehler, B. Kolbe, G. Weibezahn, William Fischer, Prof. Carl Kolbe, D. Umstatter, C. Schmitt, A. Rippin, Henry Fischer, and Henry Sporleter. A new $50,000 home was dedicated in 1914. It is located on the north side of West Exchange Street, near Grant. The number 13 did not bode ill for the organization, as a long life of prosperity was allotted to the society. Memory is the only record of the society during its first ten years, the minutes having been lost in moving. D. Umstatter was chosen president; Carl F. Kolbe, secretary ; Henry Fischer, treasurer ; and William Carl, director. During its first twenty-five years the club held meetings in various places. In 1880 it built, at a cost of $10,000, its first "home." Prominent in the success of the Liedertafel has been Prof. G. Sigel, who for more than half a century was an active member and director of the male chorus. Mr. Nathan L. Glover was born in Coshocton County, O., December 1, 1842. He was one of fifteen children, eleven of them boys. His early training was in country schools and in farm work. His father and mother both sang and his father led the music in the village church in the days when the tuning fork was the only instrument used. During the Civil 24-VOL. 1 658 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY war nine of the eleven boys participated, Nathan being only nineteen when the war broke out. As he had always had great interest in music, was the possessor of an unusual voice, both in range and in quality, he decided to make music his profession. This was much against the wishes of his father, as at that time musicians were not held in very great repute in this country. However, his mind was made up. During the war an army bunk mate taught Mr. Glover what he himself knew of music, which was limited to singing in the keys of C and G, using the syllables. In 1865 and 1866 Mr. Glover held singing schools, in which his pupils learned to sing well, especially in the aforementioned keys. The first singing school was held in Scoffold Prairie, near Worthington, Ind. It was advertised by announcing it in the schools and churches. A meeting was called at the church and prospective pupils arranged for a term of thirteen lessons at $1.50 a term. More than half of the school was made up of married people. Two sessions a day were held, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. During the recess between the meetings athletics (jumping, wrestling, etc.) held the attention. Some brought their lunch. Sometimes mothers attended in the afternoon, their husbands attending the evening session while they stayed home and cared for the babies. The work was started by use of syllables. They had a blackboard with a cornstalk pointer. The members of the class were practically all beginners. During a visit to the neighborhood about twenty years later Mr. Glover was informed that there had been an organization of the people interested in music ever since that first singing school. Instruction began with imitation work and teaching to read music. The tuning fork was the only instrument available except occasionally a violin. A free concert was given at the close of the term, the class singing the songs they learned. Parts were taught separately by syllables. At this affair Mr. Glover played violin, his brother playing a bass part on the cello. "The Campbells Are Coming" was one of the pieces played, with other things of that type. N. Coe Stewart's normal was to be held in Painesville for a term of six weeks during the summer of 1868. The following subjects were taught : Harmony, voice culture, public school music, piano, organ and violin. Books and blackboard formed the equipment. Model lessons were given by the leaders and pupils were expected to give the lessons a day or so later, when the rest of the class would criticize presentation, attitude, language, and every point of the lesson. These normal schools were advertised through newspapers and circular letters. The average attendance was about 100. Miscellaneous programs were given during the term, closing with concerts of chorus, solos, etc. In 1870 another normal school was held in Painesville. In 1871 and AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 659 1872 normal schools were held in Akron, Mr. Glover acting as assistant to Mr. Stewart. Henry Ward Ingersoll first taught music in the Akron school, teaching songs only by rote. He scorned the idea of teaching music reading in school and said it couldn't be done. At the request of influential admirers, N. Coe Stewart began teaching in Cleveland, to demonstrate that music should be taught in public schools. He agreed to take a class for a number of lessons to show the Board of Education what could be done. As a result of his work he was appointed teacher of music there. He visited each class, held teachers' meetings every Saturday and trained the teachers, then held them responsible for their own class teaching. In the early '70s he published a song book called "Merry Voices" which was used there. Exercises and songs were written by hand and copied in the same way. Later a hektograph was used. The eighth grade and high schools were the only classes which had books. Blackboards were used entirely below that. Mr. Stewart then was engaged to spend one day in the Akron schools as a successor to Mr. Ingersoll, but in a year or two the schools of Cleveland had increased sufficiently to require all of his time and he then recommended his pupil and associate, Nathan L. Glover, as his successor. Mr. Glover was engaged by the Akron Board of Education to do the teaching of music in the schools. At that time there were thirty-two teachers ; the superintendent was Dr. Samuel Findley, well known as an educator in Ohio. The exercises and songs for different grades were written by Mr. Glover, then sent to the different buildings for the teachers to copy. This was done every two weeks. There were two pianos, one in the high school and one in the eighth grade, and one or two organs. Teachers got the pitch usually by guess. Those who understood the use of the tuning fork used it. As only a part of the week was necessary for taking care of the music in the Akron public schools, several of the neighboring towns employed the services of Mr. Glover. One school changed their holiday from Saturday to Monday so that they could have the benefit of his work there as a teacher. As the City of Akron grew, more and more time was needed, until finally, in the year 1914, Nellie L. Glover, his daughter, was appointed as his assistant. As time went on the force of supervisors was increased. During the last two years of Mr. Glover's teaching, the executive work of the music department was carried on by Miss Glover, and at his resignation in 1921 she was appointed as his successor. During Mr. Glover's life in Akron he was very active in all the musical organizations of the city. From 1873 to 1876 the Apollo Musical Club, composed of representative musicians, was in existence. In the minutes and programs of this club Mr. Glover's name appears many times, as an officer, singer and director of programs. In 1879 the Akron Choral Society was formed, with Mr. Glover as its director. This organization presented musical programs not only in Akron but in neighboring cities. 660 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Newspaper clippings of a successful performance of "The Chimes of Normandy" given by this group in Cleveland are full of interest. This organization continued until 1896 and was a great factor in the musical life of Akron. Among the members at that time were Dr. and Mrs. George Baker. Mrs. Baker was the organizer of the first Tuesday Musical Club in existence in the United States. Mr. Glover was always active as a choir director in churches. For many years he was the director of the First Methodist Choir, then was for seventeen years singer and director of the Congregational Quartet. This quartet and the Grand Army Quartet had state-wide reputations. The Grand Army Quartet was especially active during the McKinley campaign, all the members of the quartet being personal friends of President McKinley. Mr. Glover was a charter member of the M. T. N. A., working with N. Coe Stewart and Theodore Presser in this organization. He was also president of the music section of the N. E. A. at one time, and in the year 1878 he organized the Ohio Music Teachers Association. Mr. Glover was succeeded after his death by his daughter, Miss Nellie Glover, who now serves as supervisor of music in the Akron schools. Apollo Musical Club January 22, 1873, date of first meeting of which we have a record. Mr. W. B. Colson presided. At that time Mr. Colson lived in Akron and was organist at the Methodist Church. Later he moved to Cleveland to accept the position of organist at the Old Stone Church, and at the present time he is organist emeritus of that church with an annual salary. In the list of members were names of people still remembered for their activity in the musical life of Akron. The first two names are H. W. Ingersoll and N. L. Glover, both of whom were connected with the music in our public schools. Misses Celia and Sarah Ashman were aunts of Mrs. Allen H. Hibbard, who is the organist of Trinity Lutheran Church. Celia Ashman married Dr. George E. Baker, also a member of the club and to her is due the organization of the Tuesday Musical Club, which is still in existence. Another name is Esther Barber, who was better known in later days as Mrs. Shepherd Haines. From her "Bill" Haines has inherited the talent which enables him to play all the new tunes from memory for the pleasure of his favored friends. Mrs. Henry Perkins, who was so generous with her beautiful voice, and Gustave Sigel, that noble man who has been so closely identified with Akron's musical activities, are also on the list as are many others who deserve mention did space permit. One must not omit the names of A. C. Lohman and S. D. Richards, who with Messrs. Glover and Ingersoll formed the Grand Army Quartet which was famous over the state about the time William McKinley ran for president. A mixed quartet composed of Mrs. Henry Perkins, Mrs. Shepherd Haines, N. L. Glover and W. C. Findley was organized and for many AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 661 years sang at the First Congregational Church and on many important programs all over this part of the state. The honorary or associate membership list is an interesting one and contains the names of the men and women who have been most prominent in the growth of Akron. At a meeting in September, 1876, the Apollo Club met and voted to disband. Akron Choral Society September 16, 1879. Held first meeting. N. L. Glover was conductor and Charles Burnham the accompanist. This organization continued until the winter of 1886. The Akron Choral Society was reorganized in 1894 and records exist showing that it continued through 1895 and 1896. Foremost among Akron singers stands H. Evan Williams. Of humble origin and with little education in boyhood, by sheer musical ability he made for himself a place among the world's leading tenors. Had Akron made no other contribution to the world of music, her gift of Evan Williams would in itself be sufficient to crown her with glory. Evan Williams was an artist of the highest order. With his wonderful voice he had a no less wonderful power of interpretation. Alike in oratorio, in grand opera, and in the simple melodies that everybody loves, he was supreme. The memory of a Williams concert is to its fortunate possessor a perpetual delight. The sudden and tragic death of this gifted singer was an irreparable loss, not to Akron alone, but to lovers of song the world over. As Evan Williams was first among Akron singers, so Francesco DeLeone stands foremost among her composers. The premiere performance of his opera "Alglala" in the Armory, May 23, 1924, was an event of national significance. From far and wide came musicians, musical critics, and leaders of musical organizations to see something unique—a grand opera in English, with an American subject, by an American composer. In recognition of his excellent work, Mr. DeLeone was awarded a gold medal by the National Federation of Music Clubs. He was also made a Chevalier of the Crown of Italy, was elected to membership in the Sons of Italy, and was honored in various other ways. Fortune Gallo, manager of the San Carlo Opera Company, organized the American Opera Company for the one purpose of presenting "Alglala" during 1925-26. This was the first time an American opera was presented by an all-American company. Still greater honor is in store for Mr. DeLeone, and for Akron through his achievements, as he is at work on two other operas, one in English and one in Italian. In years of continuous organization, extended activities and fame the Eighth Regiment Band of Akron has a noteworthy record. In personnel it largely succeeded Babcock's Band, the City Band and, in later years, The Great Western. The latter, under leadership of George L. Humphrey and, in after years, Adam Ranck long had a conspicuous place. The Eighth Regiment Band was organized in 1880 as unit of the Eighth Regiment of the Ohio National Guard. Since 1887 it was under direction of the late W. R. Palmer, and has appeared upon many great occasions in near 662 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY and distant parts of the United States and Canada. The band went with "The President's Own" Eighth Regiment to Cuba in the Spanish-American war. As the American forces marched into Santiago, upon the surrender of the Spanish, it was to the music of this notable band, one selection particularly remembered by some of the Akron soldiers being "There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight." Other local bands of the present time are the Akron Ladies' Band and the Overseas Band, besides various lodge and school bands. Any account of music in Akron would be inadequate without grateful recognition of the generous patronage of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Seiberling. Keenly interested in every musical activity, they have been unfailing in their encouragement and practical aid to all movements for better music. No Akronian of musical promise, with a real ambition to succeed, has turned to them in vain. As far back as the early '70s Akron had a resident artist—Rufus Wright, painter of portraits and genre. One of his best and best-known genre pictures was "The Heathen Chinee," an interpretation of Bret Harte's well-known poem of that name. When the Academy of Music burned down in 1878, it was Rufus Wright who painted the drop curtain and the entire scenery for the new building. One of the earliest teachers of painting in Akron was a Mrs. Bronson. She lived here in the late '70s, and was especially interested in landscape painting. An early effort for the promotion of the study and appreciation of art was made about 1880-1881, with Mrs. J. A. Kohler (Fannie Kohler, nee Coburn) as the leading spirit. She was the center of a little group that met in the studio of A. T. Saunders. While there was no formal organization, there were real cooperation and mutual encouragement. In 1888, upon his return from a period of study with W. M. Chase in New York, A. T. Saunders organized an art club which was active for several years, meeting weekly in his studio, the advanced members drawing from life, and others from casts and still life. At this time the Werner Lithographic Company had on its staff several skilled photographers, some of them direct from German lithographic companies, and these formed the larger part of the group. Somewhat later, under the leadership of Joseph S. Benner, the Akron Art Club was formed. This was a changing group, usually numbering from nine to twelve. It lasted several years, at least to 1903-4, meeting in various places—in A. T. Saunders' studio, over Coggswell's picture store on South Howard Street, and elsewhere. The last meeting place of the club was the art studio at Buchtel College. Among those who formed the group at this time were Joseph Benner, A. T. Saunders, T. D. Brown, Mrs. Isham Allen, and Miss May Sanford (Mrs. Hunt), teacher of art in Buchtel College. In 1907-8 several meetings of art enthusiasts were held at the home of Miss Margaret Miller on East Market Street. The attendance sometimes reached fifty or sixty. While many who came cared only for the theory, AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 663 others were interested in sketching or painting, and went frequently on outings when the weather was pleasant. In 1915 a group of twenty Akron artists under the leadership of Herbert Atkins and Kenneth Nunamaker, formed the latest "Akron Art Club." Meetings were held each week, and one afternoon a month was given to sketching. During the Great War the club did not function, but became active again when the war was over and changed its name from the Akron Art Club to the Akron Fine Arts Club. The idea of an art institute for our city originated with this club, and it is especially to this organization and to Mr. E. C. Shaw that credit should be given for the present Akron Art Institute. A significant figure in the '80s and '90s was Louis Ransom. T. D. Brown, for many years a leading Akron artist, says, "Ransom was undoubtedly the outstanding artist here in those days. His portrait of General Grant was one of the finest portraits of Grant ever painted. Another unusually fine portrait was his John Brown, which he presented to Oberlin in appreciation of the work of Oberlin in anti-slavery days. His Fire Alarm was a picture of wonderful action and power. Ransom chose large themes, and treated them in a great way. His work was never appreciated as it deserved." Mr. Ransom is still living, at the age of ninety-four, with his son, Eugene, in Cuyahoga Falls. Among Akron artists who have achieved distinction are Lucius Hitchcock, for a time head of the Buffalo Art School, of national reputation as an illustrator ; Frank Werner, portrait painter, now of Chicago ; Donald Gardner, now of New York, who has been very successful in commercial art ; and Kenneth Nunamaker, the most promising of the younger group. Mr. Nunamaker has sacrificed everything for his art and his reward has come. One or more of his pictures are sure to be found in any important exhibit of American art. This year a Nunamaker picture is one of the small group representative of American art at the International Exhibition in Venice. Among teachers of art should be mentioned Alexander T. Van Laer, Miss Minnie Fuller, and Miss May Sanford (Mrs. Hunt), directors of the art studio at Buchtel College prior to the discontinuing of the art department in 1911; Mrs. Jane Barnhardt and Miss Sylla, who were largely responsible for organizing the art work in the high schools and grade schools respectively ; and John Csosz, the present efficient head of the Art School of the Akron Art Institute. In photographic art the work of Hervey W. Minns is outstanding, being of not only national, but international, reputation. For years a strong influence in arousing interest in photographic art was the Akron Camera Club. Formed in the early '90s by Professor C. M. Knight for the college students only, the club soon extended its membership to include others. It joined a national association of camera clubs, interchanged work with the other members of the association, and each year sent its best work to compete with similar work from the other clubs in an exhibition held in one of the largest centers. Of utmost importance to art in Akron has been the founding of the 664 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Art Institute. October 19, 1920, at the suggestion of the Akron Fine Arts Club, twenty-four citizens met to discuss the desirability and the possibility of an art museum for Akron. A second meeting was held November 17, attended by thirty-four interested persons ; an organization was perfected, a constitution adopted, and trustees elected, E. C. Shaw being unanimously chosen chairman of the board. The purposes of the institution, as outlined in the constitution, are : to promote an interest in the fine arts, to provide a place for art exhibitions, to secure lectures on art, to exhibit art in the schools, and to obtain and hold works of art. As the basement of the Public Library was available for exhibition purposes, it was decided to charge the membership fee of ten dollars, and to start a drive for members the following June in order to get funds for remodeling the Library basement. In December, 1921, an art institute for Akron was assured when a number of business men underwrote a plan, prepared by Mr. Shaw, for a sum of money, which, with that already secured from memberships, would be adequate to remodel the Library rooms and to pay for bringing good exhibitions to the city. In 1922, the first year of the Institute, Rev. Franklyn Cole Sherman was president ; there were six exhibitions and fifty lectures, with an attendance for the year of over ten thousand. The president of the Institute in 1923 was E. C. Shaw. There were eleven exhibitions, eighty lectures, and an attendance of nearly 22,000, including 2,077 school children and 300 students of the university. In 1924, when M. M. Mell was president, the number of exhibitions was twelve, there were twenty-five lectures, and an attendance of 18,000. During these years the Institute has brought to Akron some of the finest exhibits of art in America. Some of them have been valued at not less than $250,000 or $300,000. Of special significance the past two years have been the exhibitions of the work of Akron artists. Nothing could better testify to the real art interest among us and the high quality of much of our local art. We regret that lack of space forbids mentioning even the names of contributing artists. Suffice it to say that no less than 144 works of art were accepted by the jury of awards for the 1924 exhibition—seventy-five in oil, ten in water colors, six in pastel, nine in charcoal, four in pen and ink, one in pencil, four in architectural renderings, thirty in photography, and five in arts and crafts. Naturally the number was smalled in 1925 since no work of art, once submitted, may be submitted again ; but even with this restriction, 103 were accepted by the judges of this year's exhibition. An important forward step was taken August 1, 1924, when Wilbur D. Peat of Cleveland was appointed director of the Institute. Mr. Peat brings to his position excellent training, enthusiasm, and high ideals, and under his directorship the Institute is destined to become an increasingly potent factor in Akron's cultural life. Side by side with her interest in music and art has been Akron's interest in literature ; not only in the study of literature, as is evidenced by the large number of existing literary clubs, but also in the making of litera- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 665 ture, for Akron citizens have been authors of books as well as readers, writing for sheer joy in the work. Before world tours were heard of, an Akron girl was so fortunate as to journey to Japan. Later she set down her impressions and they came out in a slender volume privately printed. That Akron girl was the daughter of George W. Crouse, Sr., now Mrs. Horace M. Houser. In like manner, Mrs. Emily Bronson Conger, who went to the Far East to join her son, recorded her experiences in An Ohio Woman in the Philippines. One of our present-day citizens, William A. Johnston, first noted down for the members of his own family his reminiscences of boyhood days ; they are now enjoyed by the public in his My Own Main Street. For our knowledge of local history we are greatly indebted to the men who have recorded and preserved in books the story of Akron's beginnings and growth. Lucius V. Bierce, S. A. Lane, William B. Doyle, P. P. Cherry, Russell L. Fouse, 0. E. Olin and Herman Fetzer have made the history of Akron and Summit County available in convenient and interesting form. Announcement is just made that a life of Francis Rabelais written by Jake Falstaff of the Beacon Journal staff would be published this autumn by Doubleday, Doran & Company, of Garden City, N. Y. The manuscript of the biography was finished by Falstaff this spring. The publication date has been announced as October 12. The work will be entitled The Book of Rabelais, and will be published at $5. AN ELABORATE EDITION The book is to be published, according to the publisher's announcement, in an elaborate edition, with illustrations by Guy Arnoux, a noted French artist and authority on the works of Rabelais, himself a member of the Societe des Etudes Rabelaisiennes. Jake Falstaff—the other half of whose dual personality is Herman Fetzer—has been a member of the Beacon Journal staff since March, 1925. Since his graduation from West high school in June, 1916, he has been engaged in newspaper work, most of the time in Akron. He was assistant editor of the Akron Times before its consolidation with the Akron Press. KNOWN AS COLUMNIST He is known in Akron chiefly as a columnist. His "Pippins & Cheese" column, which he conducted for more than seven years, won him a large local following and gave him a national reputation as one of the first register in the column conducting profession. His "Afternoons Around Akron" and "A Voice from the Gallery" columns, running now in the Beacon Journal, are widely read. Two years ago, his first book venture was printed. It was a privately-printed volume of verse entitled The Songs and Ballads of Reini Kugel and was brought out in a limited edition. The edition was exhausted immediately and the volume has become a collector's item. It was this volume of verse which brought him to the attention of his 666 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY present publishers. Christopher Morley, famous essayist and novelist, and Daniel Longwell of the staff of Doubleday, Doran & Company urged him to expand into a novel the Reini Kugel character which he had created in the book of verse as a gusty apotheosis of youth and springtime. SUGGEST BIOGRAPHY In the course of his writing, this newel (which probably will be published next year) and his correspondence with the publishers concerning it, it was suggested that he write a biography of the great French satirist, Francis Rabelais, the leading figure of the French Renaissance and one of Falstaff's pet enthusiasms. This suggestion came from Henry B. Humphrey, Jr., editor of The American Sketch, and member of the Doubleday staff. The publishers were so enthusiastic over his fitness to do this work that they contracted for the biography's acceptance and publication before the writing was begun. Jake Falstaff was born in ground that is now inside the corporate limits of Akron, but was then suburban territory, on June 24, 1899. He spent his boyhood in the vicinity of Maple Valley (Copley Road and Hawkins Avenue) and attended Maple Valley School. In biography C. Landon Knight's The Real Jefferson Davis and the late R. M. Wanamaker's The Voice of Lincoln are noteworthy. Writers of juveniles include James A. Braden, Rev. George P. Atwater, Ada Louise Saalfield, and Caroll Cassidy Cole. Frank S. Pixley, a former Akron man, achieved signal success with his "Prince of Pilsen" and other musical comedies. Fanny Coburn Kohler, wife of Judge J. A. Kohler, was a constant contributor of verse to local papers, and some of her work was collected and privately printed. Mrs. Ada Louise Saalfield (Ada Louise Sutton) is the author of two volumes of poems, Sweeter Still Than This and Seeds of April's Sowing. Lulu Weeks Knight (Mrs. M. A. Knight) has written poetry of real worth, some of which has appeared in leading magazines. In the field of fiction, Mrs. Ruth Louise Sheldon was long a writer. Walter H. Haushalter, Akron-born and educated, now pastor of a large church at Columbia, Mo., has several novels to his credit, the latest entitled The Lotus-Throno of Nirvana. Marjorie Barkley McClure, for several years past a resident of Akron, has won wide recognition through her first novel, High Fires. Dr. Herbert S. Mallory, now on the faculty of the University of Michigan, is the author of the novel Tempered Steel; he has also published an excellent work in literary criticism entitled Backgrounds of Book Reviewing. Akron men have contributed to the literature of special branches of learning and business. An early writer in the field of history was William T. Coggshall, later state librarian and minister to Ecuador under President Johnson. Samuel P. Orth, a former professor in Buchtel College, and later at Cornell University, has long been recognized as a writer AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 667 of authority in political science and sociology. Former President P. R. Kolbe, of the University of Akron, is the author of The Colleges in War-Time and After, and Dean A. I. Spanton has given us Fifty Years of Buchtel. Under the name of "J. S. Hopkins," John J. Stickle has published books on the art of dancing. Among the clergy Dr. Lloyd C. Douglas has written The Minister's Every-Day Life, and Dr. George P. Atwater is the author of several books on religious subjects. P. W. Litchfield's The Industrial Republic, Dr. William C. Geer's The Reign of Rubber and David L. Brown's Export Advertising are significant contributions to the literature of modern industry. Akron contributors to periodicals of national circulation are numerous. Forty years ago Dr. Samuel Findley published the Ohio Educational Monthly; today the names of H. M. Horst, W. J. Bankes, and Parke R. Kolbe are known to all who read educational journals. William B. Haynes has a large audience among readers of sporting magazines, Herman Fetzer contributes to the humorous press, and George P. Atwater and Lloyd Douglas, former Akron pastors, are frequent contributors to religious and literary periodicals. Akron Public Library The idea of the Akron Public Library was conceived as early as 1834, when the Ohio Legislature granted a charter to the Akron Lyceum and Library Association Company, an organization for the "promotion of literary pursuits." Books were purchased by selling stock at $25 a share. In November, 1844, this organization disbanded because of loss of members by death and otherwise. But similar organizations followed. The Mechanics' Library Association, formed in 1846, was superseded in 1853 by the Akron School Library, which gave place ten years later to the Akron Lecture Association. In March, 1866, this organization became the Akron Library Association, the direct ancestor of our present Public Library. The eight incorporators of the Akron Library Association were David L. King, Stephen H. Pitkin, William H. Upson, Charles B. Bernard, James H. Peterson, Julius Lane, Samuel Lane, and George W. Crouse. Funds were derived from a fee of $2 from each incorporator, a $3 fee from other members, and over one hundred life memberships of $50 each. Soon a circulating library was established, in addition to the reading room of the association on the west side of Howard Street. By 1870 the society had outgrown the Howard Street quarters, and in that year, through the generosity of friends, it purchased for $3,500 the second floor of the new Masonic Temple at the northeast corner of Mill and Howard streets. In 1869 Ohio cities were empowered by the State Legislature to establish and maintain free libraries and reading rooms. January 26, 1874, the Akron City Council by ordinance established under this law the Akron Public Library, the first free library, supported by taxation, in the city. There are still many people in Akron who remember the early days of 668 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY the library ; the narrow, dingy stairway leading to the second floor of the Masonic Building ; the large coal stove ; the closed book shelves with their heavy glass doors ; the books barred from the public by a railing ; and the crowded reading tables. Children under twelve were not permitted to draw books ; in fact, they had no place in the public library of that day. In October, 1898, larger quarters being needed, the entire second floor of the Everett Building was rented. The library remained here until moved to its present location six years later. The present building was made possible by a gift of $82,000 from Andrew Carnegie, on condition that the city furnish a site, and a sum equal to ten per cent of the gift annually for maintenance. The site is historic ground. Formerly the site of the Bierce home, it had been donated by Gen. L. V. Bierce for a city park. Too small for this purpose, it was the logical selection to meet Mr. Carnegie's offer. The library now grew rapidly. New departments were added, the force was greatly increased, and the entire range of the work was broadened. Of the newer features, special mention should be made of the children's library and the extension department. The former was made possible by the gift of $2,000 for books by F. H. Mason, and contributions from other persons to provide suitable furniture for a children's room. Maude Herndon was appointed children's librarian, remaining in that position until 1920, when she became librarian. In 1927 Miss Herndon was succeeded as librarian by Herbert Hirshberg. Still further work was now done for the children by the library staff ; story telling in the schools, work in the homes of the "slum" districts, and the organizing of children's library clubs. Prior to 1920 but little extension work was attempted. At various times small collections of books had been placed in fire engine houses, Sunday schools, a community house, and home libraries, but no real branches had been established. A school collection was purchased in 1919, and operated in four schools by the children's librarian, and in the fall of 1920 two fair-sized collections were placed in the Firestone clubhouse and in a room furnished by the Board of Education in Mason School. The library operated these two stations, supplying books and assistants. When it was decided to open East Branch in a spacious room in Goodyear Clubhouse, September, 1922, the books were removed from Mason School and put in the general school collection. The next year the City Water Works Company granted the use of one of its buildings on the old water works property for a nominal rental, and the Wooster Branch was established. Definite plans had already been made to establish branch libraries in every part of the city. Unfortunately, inadequate funds have made it impossible to carry out these plans fully ; both the north and west sections of Akron are still without library service. The librarians have been : E. P. Green, librarian of Akron Library Association before 1874; Theron A. Noble, 1874-1875; Horton Wright, 1875-1882 ; J. A. Beebe, 1882-1889 ; Mary Pauline Edgerton, 1889-1920; 670 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Maude Herndon, 1920-1927. Herbert S. Hirshberg has been librarian since 1927. Akron will not soon forget the faithful and enduring work of Miss Edgerton, who labored so many years, with small remuneration, for the upbuilding of the library. Her spirit and loyalty, her unselfishness and courage, will remain an example and lasting memory to those who worked with her. She set a standard in the spirit of service which Akron should ever strive to maintain in its library. The Akron Public Library is a monument to her memory. Another name which will always be closely associated with the Akron Public Library is that of Mrs. J. M. Proehl, who was appointed an assistant when Miss Edgerton became librarian. She became reference librarian in the new library building, and did much for the upbuilding of the reference work. She made many friends, and her association with the library is a pleasant recollection to the people of Akron. She served in this capacity until November, 1922. The year 1924 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Akron Public Library. Considerable progress has been made during these fifty years. In 1877 the expenditure was $2,023.36; in 1924 it was $50,000; 379,711 books were circulated to 32,849 persons, and there was a staff of thirty-six members. However, the library still falls far short of giving adequate service to all Akron's citizens, and it is hoped that ere long funds will be available sufficient to give Akron a library which in size, equipment, and range of service will be entirely worthy of a great city. Amusements and Public Places Akron, in its early days, was a quaint village with dirt roads lined by trees. These trees were so thick that the Old Stone Church (Universalist, and considered one of the handsomest in Ohio), which stood a few doors north of Market on High Street, could not be seen from the intersection of Market. High Street was the street of churches and dwellings ; Howard Street was the street of stores and a few residences ; Market Street was lined with fascinating frame buildings and hitching posts. But Main Street was a disreputable dump with the new canal sluicing muddily down its length. At night, for many years, it was a decidedly unhealthy spot. Tramps and the riff-raff of the town were apt to spring from behind shanties upon hurrying pedestrians. It was studiously avoided. At Market Street was a wooden bridge. It was hardly wide enough for two teams to pass. On the southwest corner of this intersection was the Ohio Exchange, a fairly pretentious hotel, which later burned. Several smaller hotels were finally succeeded by the amazing Empire Hotel. This was built in the present site of the Portage Hotel. It was a fine square building with shutters and on its roof was a cupola where one could watch for approaching canal boats and inform the hotel cook when to get ready for dinner. There were two elegant parlors on the second floor of this building and in its basement was a popular bar. For some time the Sumner House gave the new hotel considerable competition. The AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 671 Sumner House stood on the corner of North Howard and Federal streets, and therefore had a much more select location. Howard Street was a respectable thoroughfare and Main Street, with nothing, north, but livery stables and nothing, south, but mud and shanties, was not. Furthermore, the Sumner House had a dining room which especially catered to business men. But gradually the Empire Hotel gained in popularity. Its broad sidewalks were lined with tempting cane-seated chairs, and from its second floor balcony on Market Street, noted visitors were wont to give addresses. During the Blaine-Logan campaign, Senator Logan, himself, talked from this vantage point to assembled Akronites. In the early days; churches unanimously frowned upon dancing. Several spirited young people, though it meant serious upheavals in their lives, refused to join church for this reason. But later on certain of the churches abated this severity, and when Elvy Ballou set up as a dancing master in the building just west of the Empire, on Market Street, there was not so much disapproval as might have been expected. Here a goodly proportion of Akron learned the monie musk, mazurka, the quadrille, the polka, Virginia reel and the vesuviana, and did them well. Calico Ball A time came when Akron was so thoroughly won over to dancing that when the great Calico Ball was given, February 2, 1875, the town was unanimous in its support. At this time Akron had 13,000 inhabitants and with such great size there naturally would exist a certain proportion of poor and needy. It was a cold winter and the poor, as usual, needed coal and food. Just who originated the great idea of giving a ball to raise the money is not known, but apparently the whole town sponsored it once it was suggested. The Daily Argus on the day of the great event appeared printed on calico and practically all of its twenty columns were devoted to news of the Ball. There were two columns of poetry. One presented quotations from the Bible and Shakespeare exhorting the people to dance and the other contained choice bits, both original and quoted, on the subject of charity. On the front page in two-column width appeared the program for the evening. The ball was to be held in Sumner House and a fine musical entertainment was to be presented during the "supper" which would be served between 8 and 11. The program of dances followed with quadrille and monie musk and schottische interspersed with a twenty-minute intermission. The Daily Argus boasted a clever reporter, we wish we knew his name, who wrote with charming raillery thumb-nail sketches of each of the ten floor managers, M. H. Hart, R. P. Marvin, W. A. Palmer, Ed. A. Kent, Jacob Koch, A. L. Bowman, B. Diesenberg, C. H. Mathews, Tod Ford and Henry Abbey. All apparently were gay young bachelors save, as the re- 672 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY porter lugubriously pointed out, Mr. Ed. Kent, who had recently become a benedict and would "bear watching." Phoenix Hall was Akron's first theatre. It stood on Howard Street, about where the Dodge furniture store now stands. One of the first amateur efforts at drama was Hamlet, which was put on there by a group of high school boys. The Mistletoe Bough was produced by another group in Mr. Ballou's dancing hall. Phoenix Hall was used also for political meetings. Tappan Hall, used often for lodge meetings and sociables, stood on the south side of East Market, between Main and High. Academy of Music Akron's gala days for the drama came in with the Academy of Music. This was Akron's second theatre and was located in a large new building across the canal from the Empire Hotel, on the site of the present Everett Building. The academy was built in 1869 and professional drama was for many years in charge of Mr. W. G. Robinson, who owned Robinson's Book Store. For thirty years he was manager of the theatre. He booked all the plays and it is with considerable chagrin that one is forced to the realization that Akron, at one time, was a good show town. All of Akron's elite turned out for these performances which were actually paying productions. On the bills appear such famous names as Edwin Booth, Ada Rehan, Modjeska, Lotta Crabtree, Sara Bernhardt, John McCullough, etc. The theatre was on the top floor of the building and here society wended its wellbred way. Upon the occasion of the appearance of a particularly famous star, perfume was gallantly sprayed over the orchestra seats so that the smell of tobacco might not prove offensive to the nostrils of the divinity. From two to five dollars was paid per ticket for these performances! But there were other attractions at more "popular" prices. Every August came Al. G. Field's or Hi Henry's minstrels to open the season. Perennially "Uncle Tom's Cabin" held the boards. And think of "The Chimes of Normandy," "Carmen" and other light operas for a week's stand at 10, 20 and 30 cents. And that Wilbur Opera Company included respectable talent, too. Akron also had its share of amateur minstrel shows, in which at one period Tod Ford, Art Harbaugh and John Botzum were among the leading lights. P. J. Cummins directed a number of these and took his shows to adjacent towns with no little addition to their fame. At one time a ladies' minstrel show was put on but silence seems to have shrouded this episode. Cushman Dramatic Club About 1876 two influential organizations came into being, one the Cushman Dramatic Club and the other the Akron Choral Society. The leading spirit in the Dramatic Society was A. T. Saunders, artist, direc- 674 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY for and playwright. Charter members of this organization were : Newton Chisnell and Cameron Clemmons (these two later graduated to the professional stage), Chas. E. Perkins, Wm. H. Sperling, I. D. Sperling, Hugo Schumacher, George W. Sieber, Percy W. Leavitt, W. W. Saunders, A. T. Saunders, Alf. A. Tame, Allen Walker, Geo. Kromer, W. S. Chase, W. G. Robinson and Tod Ford. The women: Lillie Rice, Mrs. Hugo Schumacher, Mrs. W. W. Saunders, Ada Kershaw, Estelle Simmons, and later, Carita McEbright. The directors were Mr. Chisnell and A. T. Saunders. One of the most interesting of its productions was a play called "The Lights of Akron." This was a satire on the quarrel then in progress between the oil and gas interests. It was written by A. T. and W. W. Saunders and was under the musical direction of Professor Arthur Kimball. This was patterned after Julius Caesar and was produced with great success. Mrs. Henry Perkins added to the occasion by giving a fine solo as an extra attraction. Other productions given by the Cushman Dramatic Club were : "The Streets of New York," "Coleen Bawn," "Dream at Sea," "Temptation," "Ten Nights in a Bar Room," "Bombastes Furioso." These were all given at, the Academy of Music and were frequently given for the benefit of various charitable organizations such as the Ladies' Cemetery Association, City Hospital, etc. LATER HOTELS With the coming of the '80s and early '90s, Akron had broadened out considerably. The ravines and gorges of East Market were long since filled in and residences built there. Ash Street was a very fine residential section. The Conger home, the Miller, the Harvey Musser, the D. L. King residences were all located there. Once, in digging up some ground in the rear of the Musser home, the old race track was encountered, packed hard as metal. Akron began to show evidences of civic consciousness and the P. & O. Canal, once its pride and the source of no little of its power, had fallen into disuse, with the advent of steam. It was now an eyesore, debasing the center of the town, its waters sluggish and its vicinity, as always, a retreat for petty thieves and idlers. In these straits Mr. Ferdinand Schumacher, a far-sighted and patriotic citizen, and others set about remedying matters. Mr. Schumacher bought up the land along Main Street for a mere song and was one of the largest contributors to the improvement when the city walled in the canal in a conduit. Thus Akron gained a respectable street, much of the west side of which was quickly built up. Under all the traffic of Main Street, from the Terminal Building to a few rods north of Mill Street, the old canal still holds its course. The conduit is an oval, its greatest diameter six feet. A short time after this the Buchtel Hotel was built on the corner of AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 675 Mill and Main. It was erected in 1884 on the marshy site of a lumber yard and was considered entirely too far from the center of town to be practical. But its splendor overcame these drawbacks and for a few years it was Akron's pride. Early in the twentieth century, Akron, booming lustily and increasing its population in awesome leaps, found itself indecently ahead of its proper accoutrements. Canton, its smaller neighbor, whose pace had been more sedate and far-seeing, was far more cosmopolitan. Its hotels for instance, were long a thorn in Akron's side. The Empire and Buchtel, grand places in their day, were getting shabby and were quite inadequate in size. Public-spirited citizens discussed the matter and there was considerable hue and cry. And out of this hue and cry came the Portage Hotel on the site of the old Empire and afterward Hotel Howe. These two hotels meant the demolition of practically the last of Akron's livery stables, Jackson's barns on North Main and John Pringle's on South Main. Livery stables had played a necessary and highly considered part in the life of the town. Buggy riding in a smart trap or surrey on Sunday afternoon and any evening was a diversion par excellence. A nice rig could be procured for $1.50 the evening. These, alas, were now quite superseded by the explosive and highly dangerous horse-less carriage. The Portage was opened June 10, 1912, and cost approximately $650,000. The Howe was built soon after and was followed by The Akron, Marne, Bond and other smaller hotels. Albert and Rose Halls A thing of beauty and consequence as a place of polite assemblage in the '90s was Albert Hall, on the top floor of the Paige Block, now a part of the M. O'Neil department store. Here the Young Married People's Club, the Knox Club, Entre Nous, Epicurean and other dancing clubs held their meetings. And here flourished Akron's elite dancing school under the tutelage of Professor and Mrs. W. F. Stickle, whose annual children's dancing review was a notable .event, indeed. At one time the business men of Akron gave a dinner at Albert Hall, in honor of George W. Crouse, in recognition of his general helpfulness in all local enterprises. The cost of the dinner was $7 a plate !—and was purported to be worth every cent of it. With the absorption of Albert Hall by the O'Neil Company, came Rose Hall on the top floor of Akron's new sky scraper, the Hamilton Building (now the Central Savings & Trust Building). This was named after Mrs. Will (Rose Day) Christy, and was for many years a popular hall. Akron's first Charity Ball, now an annual event, for the benefit of the Children's Hospital, was held at Rose Hall in 1911. Mrs. C. B. Raymond was the originator in Akron of this pleasureable form of philanthropy. 676 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Skating Rinks In 1884-5 roller skating came in for one of its recurring waves of popularity—Akron must at once have a skating rink. So Doctor Peterson, father of Mrs. Charles Dick, built one on West Market Street, across the present canal. Here Akron roller-skated jocularly for a year when it tired of this sport for a while. The rink then became known as Assembly Hall and was used for meetings of all kinds. Here, at one time, Henry Ward Beecher gave an address to an enthusiastic audience. He took as his subject, "Society, Its Wastes and Burdens." It was a gala night for Akron. William McKinley, General Gordon and other famous men spoke in Assembly Hall. Then, roller skating having revived in interest, two young blades, Clarence and Charles Howland, started a new rink on South Main Street called Columbia Hall. This was a very popular hall until it, together with the buildings just south and the old City Hall on the north, burned in the Akron riot. Much later the skating craze returned and a rink was built on East Market Street, on the lawn of the once palatial home of Ferdinand Schumacher. In time this was changed to a dance hall and is now the East Market "Garden." Picnics Of course not all of Akron was engaged in dancing, skating or ama teur dramatics and for the young folks there were always class socials and picnics. At one time one of the more enterprising Sunday School classes of the Baptist Church decided to go out to what is now the corner of Beck Avenue and West Market Street for their picnic. This was considered radical for such young children and it was criticized unkindly. But it was a successful party. Later on, longer jaunts were the rule. One rather adventurous picnic enterprise was to go to Lock One on the canal and embark on the twenty-foot steamer City of Akron, to spend the day at Long Lake. Frequently the steamer got caught in the weeds, a peculiarity handed down to later launches, and the time of passage was a matter of speculation. Mothers becalmed for an hour or two in mid-channel, under a broiling sun and with several mischievous or querulous offspring, usually crabbed the party and commented freely and in plain terms on what they thought of the plan in the first place. It was much better to hire a surrey and drive up to Silver Lake ! At least you were sure of getting there and ice for the lemonade could be procured at Lodge's. Heaven knew whether they would get even decent drinking water in the wilderness about Long Lake. And indeed, Silver Lake in its earlier sylvan solitude was an ideal spot. Most of ua can remember it in its Coney Island aspect. But before that when it was a lovely grassy woods with nothing but a small bath house, genteel row boats and a good well, it was perfect. Later with its varied amusements it was a favorite spot for half of Ohio. As many as 678 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY fourteen picnics a day would come at times from Cleveland or other points up to 100 miles away—of course by railroad. Another festivity much in vogue at one time was trolley parties. It was a common sight on summer nights to see gayly decked street cars, bunting hung and especially lighted, sometimes fitted with a band, carrying a happy party of young people about the city or perhaps as far as Cuyahoga Falls and back. Very successful they were, too. Lakeside Park (now Summit Beach) was also a picnic ground. But there was little there but pop stands and the band concert on Sundays. Later the Casino was built and Akron went out there for many years to vaudeville and minstrel shows, Monday night at the Casino being quite a society event. Harry Hawn was for many years manager of the Casino. One of the favorite Sunday afternoon diversions for youngsters was to get on the front seat of the old-fashioned open street car, right by the motorman, and ride out around the loop at Lakeside and back again. Later Amateur Dramatics Succeeding the Cushman Dramatic Club came the Akron Musical and Dramatic Association (1891). It produced "Tweedleton's Tail Coat" and "The Sleeping Queen." In this latter operetta, Mrs. F. A. Seiberling and Miss Anna Berry took the leading roles. One of the principal productions of this association was an original play in four acts written by A. T. Saunders, "Hard Lines." This was put on with tremendous eclat and received highly complimentary newspaper notices. The cast comprised : Mrs. F. A. Seiberling, Miss Carita. McEbright, Miss Anna Berry, Miss Annie Doyle, Percy Leavitt, W. S. Chase, George Hitchcock, Charles Burnham, George Saunders, James Quinn, and the author himself. Incidents at Academy of Music At one time the Academy of Music was partially burned. It was restored as soon as possible and Rufus Wright, the artist, was commissioned to paint the scenery. Owing to the natural desire of some of the members of the community to add a note of dignity to the theatre, the subject agreed upon for the drop curtain was an old Biblical picture, "No Night in Heaven." This was duly painted and thereafter the theatre patrons were edified by the sight of helpful angels flying back and forth between Heaven and what was presumably earth, on errands of mercy. On one occasion Akron so far transcended its customary dignity that, carried away in a surge of local pride it was guilty of what might have been deemed an error in taste. It was the night when Hamlet (professionally, this time) came to strut his tragic hour. And Hamlet was portrayed by no less an artist than the great Edwin Booth himself. Well, the promising young amateur, Newton Chisnell, decided that he would very much enjoy the sensation of appearing professionally. Particu- 680 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY larly in the same cast with Booth. So he persuaded the actor who impersonated the second Grave Digger, to allow him to play that role in Akron. And play it he did, very creditably. But Akron was so bloated with pride at seeing one of its own in so distinguished a company that—entirely neglecting the great Booth—it applauded the Grave Digger wildly, with hands and bouquets, almost disrupting the show. But we, naturally, can forgive that, whether Booth, himself, ever did or not. Likely not. Later Theatres After the Academy of Music burned, one Sunday morning in 1896, and after A. T. Saunders retired from active participation in amateur performances, drama rather languished in Akron. The Grand Opera House on North Main Street was then erected by the making over of a former factory building. Some very good plays were shown there with Daniels, Skinner, Hackett, Francis Wilson and other celebrities. T. K. Albaugh managed the theatre. In later years the Grand became a house of melodrama and burlesque and what few good things came to town were to be seen at the new Colonial ; but Akron seemed to grow more interested in coupons and less in art and got the name of being a bad show town. From present indications it is industriously living up to its name. The first picture show in Akron came in 1907 and was the National, which still exists under that name. It was owned by Mr. Shippecasse who had slot machines in the front half of the theatre so that the place might pay expenses. Motion pictures were looked at askance for some time. The second show was called the Pastime and, sandwiched in between the Central Savings Bank and the Frank jewelry store, it made a better bid for respectable patronage. It was owned by the late M. C. Winter who later owned most of the picture theatres in Akron, and amassed a fair fortune. The present legitimate theatre is in East Akron, the Goodyear Theatre. For the past two years Akron has had a bill of exceptionally good offerings. These were very poorly patronized. The new Keith-Albee Palace Theatre on South Main and South High streets, opened in 1926, presents vaudeville and pictures. Vaudeville and stock plays are offered at the Colonial Theatre on East Mill Street. The Civic Drama Association In 1922 a Little Theatre movement was started by the College Club under the impetus of two newcomers, Mrs. J. B. Dickson and Mrs. J. S. Spear. The Civic Drama Association came into being one night in April, 1922, in the basement of the Public Library. Mrs. A. T. Carnahan was the first president, Mrs. Dickson was production head, Mrs. Spear had the manuscript section, and Mrs. Harry Karnaghan was head of the AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 681 study group. After Mrs. Spear's departure from Akron, Mrs. Ernest Schwan was in charge of the manuscript section. The first summer three outdoor productions were given. "Punchinello," an elaborate masque, was given at "Stan Hywet," the home of F. A. Seiberling ; "As You Like It" was given at the McLaughlin home, and "The Carnival" was given on Fir Hill. The following winter, quarters were taken in what is now the Woman's City Club on Union Street. Mrs. Philip Chapin Jones was director for this season. The organization is now located at 301. East Market Street. It is producing plays regularly under the direction of Miss Joyce Benner, Mr. Burton Garlinghouse, Mr. Ridley and Miss Carita McEbright. The present board consists of Miss McEbright, president; Mrs. Ernest Schwan, Mrs. W. S. Woods, Dale Robertson, Williard Seiberling, Mrs. W. C. Preston, Mr. Fred Lahrmer, Mr. Ralph Ridley, Mr. R. K. Crawford. CHAPTER XXIII TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES By Harry E. Bennett, Executive Secretary, Automobile Dealers Association Transportation, in forms ranging from the very primitive to the most modern, is irrevocably interwoven with the commercial, civic and industrial history of Summit County. Early settlers were attracted to the present site of the county by the fertile ground already under cultivation by the Indians. The Indians were there because it was the bottleneck of traffic between the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Lawrence River and as such presented an ever-changing picture with constant new faces and the latest news from both directions. Portage Trail, now the site of one of Akron's most beautiful residential streets, was a short carry considering the length of the watery roads it connected. Here the paddle-weary savage from north or south could barter goods from the outside world for green food and often undoubtedly would seek a day or two of rest and gossip while getting his canoe and its burden from the Little Cuyahoga to the Tuscarawas rivers. The local tribes were peaceably inclined and their settlements, with backgrounds of waving grain and air of permanency, could not but invite the travel-worn to a palaver and a feast. Advancing civilization began to change this early in the nineteenth century but the natural waterways were to exert a tremendous influence on the new settlers before they gave way to more modern means of transportation. First white men in the region under discussion are believed to have been prisoners in some of the dozens of redskin villages which dotted the landscape from Silver Lake to south of Nesmith Lake. First settlers, around 1800, had horses or used the Indian canoes and it was not until the Ohio Canal from Cleveland to Akron was opened in 1827 that a real form of commercial transportation came into being. The first boat to navigate the new waterway which promised so much to the community was the Ohio which was constructed on the banks of the canal just south of Exchange Street. The boat was launched on June 27 and made its maiden trip to Cleveland July 3, 1827. The dream of General Simon Perkins, founder of the City of Akron, - 682 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 683 for a great industrial future was further realized fourteen years later when the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal was opened with Beaver, Pa., as an eastern terminus. The governor of Pennsylvania with many other officials of that commonwealth were passengers on the first boat to travel the new waterway that fall and its arrival was the signal for a monster celebration by all Akron. Real transportation and the beginning of the end for the old canal days came in 1852 when the first railroad was built into Akron. It was the Akron Branch of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad and ran from Hudson to Akron. It continued through Akron to Orrville and Columbus. It is now known as the C. A. & C. and is a branch of the Pennsylvania System. The Pennsylvania today has an investment in Summit County of approximately $6,000,000, has more than 500 employees and serves 300,000 persons annually in this community. Guy Scott is local superintendent, T. F. Gorman is district freight agent, and F. H. Palmer is Akron freight agent. General W. W. Atterbury of Philadelphia is president of the Pennsylvania System. Opening of the railroad, with others soon to follow, spelled the end of the canals with their slower and more cumbersome methods and equipment and before 1860 much of the once busy freight and passenger trail had been abandoned. No mention of the Akron and Cleveland Railroad is complete without the statement that it built in 1891 the present Union Station on East Market Street, which many citizens hope soon will be repaired and repainted. During the seventies work was started on the Valley Railroad, in which J. F. Seiberling and David L. King were interested, and it was completed to Canton in February, 1880. This road is now a part of the Baltimore & Ohio which completed its first principal line to the east, Pittsburgh, in 1891. Today this railroad has three freight and three passenger stations in Akron and gives employment to nearly 500 local residents. It has nearly $5,000,000 invested in right-of-way, tracks, rolling stock and terminal facilities, including public team tracks and sidings. H. G. Kruse is superintendent of the Akron Division. He is assisted locally by A. H. Freygang, division engineer ; R. H. Troescher, terminal agent ; B. L. Bender, ticket agent Union Station ; J. B. Tichenor, ticket agent Howard Street, and J. B. Drake, ticket agent East Akron Station. Daniel Willard is president and chairman of the board of directors with offices in Baltimore, Md. D. F. Stevens is general superintendent at Cleveland. Another important link in Akron's present transportation chain with the outside world is The Erie Railroad with its local branches. The Erie originally touched Summit County in 1863 under the name of the Atlantic and Great Western. 684 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY W. R. Busenbark is general agent for the Erie in this region. His offices are in the Second National Building. These combined roads bring to Akron annually more than a quarter of a million carloads of food and materials for factory work and nearly half a million passengers. The Akron Barberton Belt Line Railroad, built in 1890 to give better facilities to Barberton industries, is jointly operated by the four Akron lines. Its yards touch most of the important industrial plants, thus giving each road nearly equal terminal facilities. This line, which was built by 0. C. Barber, the founder of Barberton, was an independent concern individually owned until a few years ago. The Akron, Canton & Youngstown Railroad Company is the only Akron-owned railroad. The present company was formed in 1920 to take over the interests of the Northern Ohio Railroad and those of the Akron and Newcastle Railroad Company. The line of the latter road was constructed in 1912 and 1913 from Akron to Mogadore where it connects with the Wheeling and Lake Erie. The Northern Ohio, which has existed under various names since 1883 with the first rails being laid in Akron in 1891, runs to Medina and thence to Delphos where it connects with the Clover Leaf. The A. C. & Y. has an investment of greatly over $5,000,000 and employs nearly 700 persons in the conduct of its business. Its general offices are on Exchange Street near Main. H. B. Stewart is president. The Northern Ohio Power & Light Company operates the local street car system, which has been augmented by many busses in the past few years, and in addition it conducts traction lines to Cleveland, Canton, Ravenna, Kent, Warren, New Philadelphia, Wadsworth, Barberton, Kenmore and Cuyahoga Falls. Its subsidiary, the Northern Ohio Transit Company, conducts bus lines to many of these cities and to almost countless others in the northeastern section of the state. The Zeno Transportation Company, the last privately owned bus line in the city, was purchased by the N. 0. P. & L. Company in 1928. Lines to a few suburban points are conducted by smaller bus companies. The first transportation of this character was started in about 1876 when herdics were operated from Middlebury (now East Akron) down Market Street to Howard. The Akron Street Railway Company was incorporated in 1882 by Will Christy, John Metlin and Ira Miller. Permission was obtained to operate cars on many of the principal streets. A line was laid from Federal and Howard streets to the south corporation line. After seven lean years of operation this property was sold to the Akron Street Railroad Company in 1888. John S. Casement of Painesville and S. T. Everett of Cleveland, who headed this firm, obtained a twenty-five year franchise to run electric cars in Akron. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 685 Their first cars ran late in 1888 the full length of Market Street. The next year John F. Seiberling headed a company which bought out the old concern. Two electric light and power companies had sprung into being about the same time and they as well as the street railway concern were consolidated about 1895. Receivership proceedings followed closely upon this move and after several cloudy years the Everett interests of Cleveland purchased all the rights and property in 1900 under the name of the Northern Ohio Traction and Light Company. Except for a change of name in 1926 this company has conducted the street railway and electric light and power business of the city since. It now has 125 cars in service over sixty-five miles of tracks within the city alone and has nearly 100 passenger busses which reach sections of the city where the tracks do not touch. The N. 0. P. also operates the city lines in Canton and Massillon. This $20,000,000 corporation gives employment to nearly 3,000 persons in this territory. This tremendous growth in public transportation systems has continued during the past twenty-five years at an increasing rate in spite of the great handicap of the most revolutionary advancement in methods of personal transportation. Horses were good for short distances or for the poorer classes for long trips, those to whom in fact time meant little or nothing. But a business man must start early and waste an entire day to do an hour's business in Cleveland if he depended upon horses as a means of transportation. Automobiles have been becoming more and more popular for short business trips for the last twenty years, since they left the early experimental stage. Today there are more than 80,000 in Summit County alone. Daily they take more than 100,000 persons to and from work. Their combined mileage must total nearly 350,000,000 a year. And the end is not yet. Their use has forced city, county and state officials to pave roads and streets in every direction, all to be paid for by the taxpayers to be sure, but making for growth and a more intimate contact between communities. The automobile end of transportation has done more to erase petty prejudices and intolerance than printing. So few people read and there are few families in Summit County today which do not drive. Replacements are taking a greater place in new car sales and sales to non-owners are growing fewer and fewer but the saturation point will not be reached for several years. With the utilities furnishing transportation for the community have worked others which have done much toward lightening the burden of our complicated civilization. While lighting is mostly done by electricity furnished by the N. O. P. & L. Co. today, this was not so true a few years ago when gas was burned in thousands of Akron homes. 686 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY The gas is still supplied a great majority of them for cooking and for many for heating purposes. This supply comes from West Virginia and Southern Ohio and is retailed by the East Ohio Gas Company. L. B. Terry is the Akron agent for this subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey. Mr. Terry has been connected with this organization for more than forty years, twenty-nine of which have been spent in Akron. His company was granted its first franchise in September, 1898. It now has in Akron alone nearly 50,000 meters and serves fifty towns and villages in Ohio. The local office employs about one hundred persons all the year round and a great many others during the construction season. The principal offices are in Cleveland. R. W. Gallagher is president and general manager ; C. E. Gallagher, assistant general manager ; J. J. McMahon, assistant to the president ; J. E. Hanks, general superintendent, and R. W. Brink, secretary and treasurer. The Ohio Bell Telephone Company with more than 600 local employees, serves more than 30,000 persons in Akron alone. The local office is at 82 South High Street. The Eastern Division consisting of seventeen counties along Eastern Ohio has its principal office in Akron. C. P. Bradford is division commercial superintendent ; K. D. Schaffer is plant superintendent and W. P. Dickerson, traffic superintendent. Walter Brock is commercial manager for the Akron, Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls area. Service was started in Akron, August 15, 1879, when a switchboard was installed in Robinson's Book Store at 31 South Howard Street. First conversation through the "Exchange" was between the Akron Daily Beacon office at 18 South Howard Street and Paige Brothers Hardware Store at 16 East Market Street. The president of the Ohio Bell Company is E. F. Carter. Randolph Eide is vice president and general manager. -Their offices are at 750 Huron Road, Cleveland. Early in 1826, the Akron post office was instituted, and Wolsey Wells was the first postmaster. Mr. Wells was a lawyer and was soon afterwards elected justice of the peace. When the canal was opened to navigation, July 4, 1827, he was appointed collector of tolls for the port of Akron. Squire Wells had a two-story house on the southwest corner of West Exchange and Water streets, which was afterwards converted into a hotel, and for many years known as "The Summit House." In the front room of this house Squire Wells had his law office, his justice of the peace court room, the post office and the canal collector's office. When Abraham Lincoln was storekeeper and postmaster at New Salem, Illinois, in 1833, he used his plug hat in which to keep the ponderous mail ; but Postmaster Wells was better equipped than Lincoln, for he had a cabinet in which he kept the mail, which was in size two feet by eighteen inches, AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 687 and provided with pigeon holes where he kept the letters for the various patrons of the office. The mail was brought from other places to the Akron post office by various means, each and all of which were slow and laborious. As an illustration, there were other post offices established along the line of the then unfinished Ohio canal, and in the spring of 1826, Maj. Miner Spicer took the contract for carrying the mail weekly between Akron and Bolivar (a small town on the Ohio canal in Tuscarawas County), and the service was regularly and faithfully performed by Mr. Spicer's nine and a half year old son, Hiram J. Spicer. Mr. Wells continued as postmaster until he removed from Akron, April, 1833. He was succeeded by Lewis Humiston, a Democrat, then proprietor of the Clark Hotel on the northeast corner of Main and Exchange streets. Mr. Humiston erected a small building immediately east of the hotel about twelve by fifteen feet in size, where the post office was kept, and Arad Kent was deputy postmaster. Mr. Humiston removed from the town in 1837. Harvey H. Johnson, a justice of the peace, and later mayor of Akron (1842-43) and a few years later a congressman from the Ashland district, was appointed postmaster, and the office was removed to "Cascade" into the north end of the Buckley Building at the northeast corner of Howard and Mill streets. As indicating the diminutive size of the town in those days, this removal of the post office from the center, Main and Exchange streets, was the cause of a great deal of bad feeling on the part of the citizens living south of the new location. Mr. Johnson's successor in the post office in April, 1845, was Dr. Dana D. Evans, and he removed the office to a room in the southwest corner of the old stone block on the east side of South Howard Street, nearly opposite Cherry Street, and two years later it was removed to the north side of East Market Street, a short distance from Main Street, about where the present Hermes Building is located. Frank Adams, father of Frank H. Adams, who resides on West Market Street, was appointed postmaster on April 1, 1849, and held the office until May, 1853. Mr. Adams removed the post office to the east side of South Howard Street. Edward W. Perrin was appointed postmaster in 1853, and the office was then moved to what was known as the Matthews Building, a few doors north of where it had been previously, where it remained for nearly twenty years. In August, 1857, Mr. Perrin resigned to go into the stock-raising business in Texas, and a well known Democratic politician and lawyer, Roland 0. Hammond, was appointed postmaster, which office he held until 1861 when he was succeeded by Richard S. Elkins, a republican, and one of the proprietors and associate editor of The Summit Beacon. 688 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY The next postmaster of Akron was James B. Storer, an ex-soldier, who had been badly wounded in the Civil war, who held the office for twelve years. It was under the administration of Postmaster Storer, in March, 1879, that the free mail delivery system was established in Akron. Under Mr. Storer, Harry J. Shreffier was assistant postmaster. Upon the installation of the free delivery system, George W. Schick was made superintendent of carriers, which position he has held ever since—a continuous period of wonderfully efficient service of forty-five years. Upon Mr. Storer's appointment as postmaster July 1, 1870, the office was removed from the Matthews Building where it had continuously remained for seventeen years, to the Masonic Building at the northeast corner of Howard and Mill streets, where it remained until May 30, 1893, when it was moved to the old Schumacher Company's office building, owned by the American Cereal Company, at the southeast corner of Mill and Broadway. The next postmaster was Capt. James H. Morrison, who took the office in 1882, and was succeeded by William Chauncey Alley, August 16, 1886, who held the office until February 11, 1891, when he was succeeded by William B. Gamble, who had been sheriff of Summit County, and who is now one of the clerks in the police court of Akron. Upon a change of administration, William B. Dobson, one of the owners and publishers of the Akron Daily Democrat, was appointed postmaster and took office March 5, 1895. Mr. Dobson was succeeded by Dr. L. S. Ebright, who was appointed by President McKinley, and took office on September 1, 1897. William B. Baldwin, formerly editor of the Beacon-Journal, and now editor and publisher of the Medina Gazette, became postmaster in January, 1910. Mr. Baldwin resigned to accept the office of tax commissioner of Summit County in November, 1913, and was succeeded by A. Ross Read. The present incumbent, C. Nelson Sparks, became postmaster on the 16th day of May, 1921, and resigned in 1927 to become president of the Akron Agencies, a local insurance organization. He was succeeded by L. D. Carter, former Akron safety director under the administration of Mayor D. C. Rybolt. The Government finally erected a post office building at the southeast corner of High and East Market streets, into which the post office was moved, July 29, 1899, and which building at the time it was constructed, was supposed to be adequate for many years to come, but which has long since proven to be wholly too small for the increased demands upon it. A lot has been purchased by the Government at the southwest corner of Prospect and East Market streets (formerly the home of Judge W. H. Upson). Congress has appropriated funds for a new building and preliminary construction work on a new building on this site was started in 1928. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 689 RADIO Jack J. Gritton, who resides at 849 Keeney Street, Akron, and is vice president of the Sun Radio, Inc., and who was the station manager and chief announcer of the WADC Broadcasting Station at the Portage Hotel, Akron, came to Akron from Cleveland in August, 1912, and brought with him a small radio outfit which he had made himself and which consisted of not only a receiving set but in a very limited sense, a sending set. This, so far as can be ascertained, was the first radio used in Akron. In the spring of 1913, Leo Price and Paul Derr, two Akron young men, began using radio outfits which they had made themselves, and when Mr. Gritton learned that fact, he promptly arranged with the young men to form a club, and they thereupon formed the Akron Radio Club, which is still in existence. Donald A. Hoffman, Darley F. Thurnes, Lloyd H. Miller, G. Franklin Dales and Roland Palmer built and used radios in 1913 ; and Donald A. Hoffman who at that time resided at 56 South Balch Street, had the first radio outfit store in Akron, at his home. In those early days of the radio, to wit, in the fall of 1912 and in 1913, the only reports or information obtainable over the radio were from commercial stations sending out weather reports and messages back and forth from the ships to the land and time signals from Arlington, Virginia, and from Key West, Florida. The first broadcasting station established in Akron was an amateur station built by Donald Hoffman at his home, 56 South Balch Street. This was a ten-watt station, and he broadcasted the music from Victrola records, and was able to send a distance of about twenty miles. After Hoffman built his station, Alfred Bachtel of Akron built a similar amateur broadcasting station, and then Hoffman and Bachtel would play checkers by radio, and the other young men in the city who had receiving sets, would get out their checker boards and follow the moves of these two checker players, by radio. On Armistice Day, November 11, 1921, President Harding's address at the burial of the Unknown Soldier, at Arlington Cemetery, Washington, D. C., was delivered before a specially arranged receiver connected to a high power radio transmitting circuit. In many large cities, receivers provided with amplifiers were set up, with the result that every word spoken by the President was distinctly heard by large audiences in various parts of the country. This notable demonstration furnished the suggestion, instantly acted on, to "broadcast" news items, market reports, music, lectures, addresses and sermons, etc., from large radio stations to any individual who would provide himself with a simple outfit, closely resembling the common radio receiving set, but including a vacuum tube amplifier. The first licensed broadcasting station in Akron was constructed by the Buckeye Radio Service Company in the fall of 1921, the station being 26—VOL. 1 690 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY known as WOE, located on South Main Street, near the Goodrich works, and was discontinued in January, 1924. The next broadcasting station was what is known as a temporary station, installed at the Akron Automobile Show at the Central Garage on Ash Street, in February, 1925, and was only operated during the show as a publicity feature. Its call letters were WADC, for the Automobile Dealers' Company, promoters of the show, and the same call letters were retained when the Simmons station was licensed. The temporary station was installed by the Willard Storage Battery Company, of Cleveland, for Frank O'Neil, manager of the auto show. The next broadcasting station, which is still in operation as a licensed station for a general broadcasting business, was installed and began operation in the Portage Hotel on April 8, 1925, by Allen T. Simmons of the Allen Theater, Akron. Jack Gritton did the work of installation, and was the station manager and chief announcer. The station is known as WADC, which translated into words gives the slogan : "Watch Akron Develop Commerce." It is located on West Market Street. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company constructed a commercial wireless telegraph station in 1912 for communication with their Detroit branch and their Canadian factory. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Cleveland, WEAR, did a general broadcasting business until it was taken over by WTAM, also of Cleveland. The B. F. Goodrich Company and the Seiberling Rubber Company have an arrangement at present with different stations for relaying the Silvertown Cord Orchestra and the Seiberling singers from New York City. WFJC, located in the Beacon Journal Building and operated by the W. F. Jones Company, was licensed to broadcast in 1927. A significant step was taken by Akron toward realization of her ambition for an airport, with the formal dedication of the air mail landing field on Akron-Massillon Road in 1928. Akron's Air Port was formerly known as Fulton Field. There's a tinge of pathos in it, too, for Fulton Field took its name from B. E. "Shorty" Fulton, who first recognized the value of the location as an air center. It is doubtful if Akronites ever will appreciate Fulton's pioneering, and what it has meant for Akron. Fulton was one of those early enthusiasts on aviation, visioning it a matter of vital concern to the community when those to whom he tried to communicate his enthusiasm sighed a bit and some even regarded him a bit of a "crank." FORESHADOWS PROGRAM But now Fulton Field is Akron Airport. And the very designation foreshadows the half-million-dollar development program which city officials have mapped out for the field. And back of the greater field which Akron plans to build are the visions of still other aviation "cranks," whom some held to be dreamers. There's Charlie Seiberling, whom aviation won into its fold a score AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 691 of years ago—Charlie Seiberling, who with his brother, F. A., and P. W. Litchfield, in the very dawn of the twentieth century, foresaw the day when air travel would be the most important factor in the transportation field, a time but a few years beyond, now. And there's J. B. "Bert" Huber, small of stature, quiet and energetic, who has been a giant figure in the background. CENTER OF AVIATION Huber, as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Special Airport Committee, has not entirely escaped the limelight. The public knows but little of the work Huber has done to see his home city become a true center of aviation—a metropolis of first rank in matters of air transportation and commerce. Litchfield, through his direction of the Goodyear-Zeppelin Corporation, has been instrumental in giving Akronites a picture of their city as the manufacturing center of the gigantic air liners of the immediate future. There are a dozen others, perhaps several whose names are unknown to the public at all, who have held faithful to the vision and who now are beginning to find a reward for their devotion. What kind of an airport is this to be? Is it rightly located? Is it properly designed? Is it costing too much? Will the project really be worth while? Plans for the development of Akron Airport have been before two city administrations. Officials of each administration not only have approved the projected development, but have lent enthusiastic support to efforts to bring about construction of the port. HEADS OF INDUSTRIES Heads of Akron's most important industries have studied the plans, and are among the most enthusiastic supporters which the project has had. Already Akron's industrial leaders are becoming "air-minded," planning to utilize this new commercial force to expand markets and thereby create a still greater city. Negotiations for at least two airplane manufacturing concerns have been under way for months, and present indications point to successful culmination of the conferences. A new industry, more workmen, larger payrolls and a greater Akron. Akron post office officials say that efforts to make Akron a stop on the Clifford Ball Air Mail Line between Pittsburgh and Cleveland already appear successful. Together with the Cleveland-Louisville air mail starting in 1928, it being the central event in the demonstration that year, Akron manufacturers and business men then would have at their service day and 692 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY night air mail schedules. All this means faster service to customers and increased business. Is the airport rightly located? The best answer to that, according to those most familiar with the matter, is the present experience of Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago and Dayton. FOUR MILES OUT Akron's airport is four miles from the heart of the city, connected by paved highway. It is twenty minutes automobile drive from the post office—fifteen minutes if traffic is favorable. Cleveland's airport is so far from the center of the city it is not unusual for the air mail to fly to Cleveland from Bellefonte, Pa., in less time than is required for the mail trucks to drive from the port to the post office. Chicago has projected a downtown airport, and is undertaking to build a new field on the lake shore by sucking sand from the lake bottom, thus extending the shoreline. Cleveland has studied a similar project. Detroit is using Dearborn Airport, developed by Henry Ford, and finds herself seriously crippled by the traffic tangle encountered in the run between the port and the post office. Dayton, through scarcity of funds for development, has been forced to locate the port far from the heart of the city. Officials, realizing the error, are unable to remedy it. New York City, too, is finding Mitchell Field, away out on Long Island, impractical in capitalizing the airplane's best asset, time-saving. Is it properly designed? AVIATION LEADERS Akron, without a doubt, can make reply to that query better than any city in the United States. A galaxy of experts, attracted due to Akron's prominence in the lighter-than-air manufacturing field, and by the prominence of aviation leaders here, have been warm in their praise of Akron's field and her plans for its construction. Admiral W. A. Moffett, chief of the Naval Bureau of Aeronautics, for instance. And Maj.-Gen. M. M. Patrick, ex-chief of the Army Air Service. Warm approval was expressed by William P. MacCracken, assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aviation, when he visited Akron. And Clarence M. Young, Department of Commerce airport expert, unquestioned authority, supported MacCracken's enthusiastic indorsement. The Hon. E. P. Warner, assistant Secretary of the Navy for Aviation, is still another nationally recognized expert, who has studied Akron's project and commends it highly. 694 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Dr. Hugo Eckener, directing head of the German Zeppelin Corporation, must not be overlooked. Nor Capt. Ernest Lehmann, his assistant, who formerly was vice president of the Goodyear-Zeppelin Corporation. LEND INDORSEMENT Commander C. E. Rosendahl, commander of the dirigible Los Angeles; Maj. Thomas Lamphier, commander of the famous First Army Pursuit Group from Mount Clemens ; Lieut. Alfred E. Hegenberger, trans-Pacific flier ; Brig.-Gen. William E. Gillmore, executive United States Army Air Corps; Commander Garland E. Fulton, executive United States Bureau of Aeronautics, and Lieut. J. A. "Jimmie" Doolittle of the United States Army, are others whose indorsement cannot be regarded lightly. All have found Akron's plans to be worthy of respect of the most noted experts of aviation. Small wonder, though, that the nation's outstanding aeronautic experts find so much to laud in the projected airport. Akron has demanded the services of her most able citizens, in preparing plans for the port. No sacrifice of time has been too much for this group. The hundreds of dollars it was necessary to expend in pioneering the plan have been paid from their own pockets. Options of a score of possible sites had to be obtained. Someone had to pay the bill. A few civic leaders raised the money, unknown to the public, through their love for Akron and their desire to see this city forge still more to the front among American municipalities. LAND INSPECTED More than 500,000 acres of land were inspected before approval was placed on the site finally chosen. Who are these men? On Huber's committee there are James D. Tew, president of the B. F. Goodrich Company ; William O'Neil, president of General Tire and Rubber Company ; Harry Williams, president of the National City Bank; Harry Polsky, of the A. Polsky Company ; George W. Crouse, president of Crouse Clay Products Company ; C. W. Seiberling, of the Seiberling Tire and Rubber Company, and H. S. Firestone, Jr., of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. To this group, inauguration of mail service in 1928 is but a step in the larger task ahead. Yet it is significant. There is a thrill to this first achievement. Huber expressed the thought of the committee. "It is a fine thing," he said, "this first direct connection with the air mail service. "We believe it is but the initial step in a program which will give Akron a great airport. "It is our belief that as the center of lighter-than-air activity in this AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 695 country and an important link in heavier-than-air development, Akron will in due time occupy a commanding position in things aeronautic. "Be assured that each step is being carefully studied, that when completed Akron airport will meet all requirements and will be in harmony with the position which we see for this city in all forms of aeronautics." OTHERS GIVE Besides Huber and his committee still other Akronites have given their best thought and energy to the airport development. Vincent Stevens, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, has borne a tremendous amount of detail work in coordinating activities of various groups. William C. Young, head of Goodyear's aeronautic division and chairman of the chamber's aeronautic committee, has been untiring in his efforts to aid Akron, and has been largely instrumental, with Litchfield, in holding the Zeppelin industry for Akron when a score of cities were bidding madly, telling Goodyear to "write your own terms." Service Director Fred E. Swineford has directed the city's development of the port, bringing it to its present condition. Swineford regards the airport as the most important engineering feat confronting the present city administration, and is giving the best men in departments under him for proper construction of the field. Swineford has supervised installation of the present lighting system, making possible the landing of night air mail planes, and will be in charge of the larger construct' n work when it starts. UNITED STATES CONTRACT Building of the ultimate port will be started as quickly as Goodyear is assured of the government contract for the two new navy super-dirigibles. The present field layout and lighting is shown in the diagram accompanying this article. All the lights will be utilized when the larger port is built. Only 160 acres of the total of 500 which the city has under option are now being used. The 500-acre field will cost $375,000, the price being approximately $750 an acre. With something like $500,000 necessary for engineering and development work, the cost will come within the $900,000 bond issue already authorized by the city council. Ceremonies in 1928, when five planes swept down on the inaugural trip from Louisville to Cleveland, were brief and informal. Mayor Lloyd Weil, for the City of Akron, and Postmaster Lloyd Carter, for the Post Office Department, greeted the airmen and gave brief talks. Several thousand Akronites crowded the field, in welcome to the planes. CHAPTER XXIV LABOR ORGANIZATIONS By Teddy Sawyer, Editor Summit County Labor News With the advent and growth of industrialism, Summit County went through practically the same process of change and development as did all the other manufacturing centers of the United States. And as the industries have not yet reached the extent of their full growth, so are the labor movements and problems still unsettled, although the leaders of the laboring groups have arrived at a more complete realization of the rights and the privileges and the weakness of the workingman. With this knowledge, and the existing spirit of friendliness between the crafts, it will be easy for them to keep step with the growing wealth of the county, to face the strongest opposition, and to make the demands necessitated by changing situations and relations. The changes that the nation underwent in its development from small local plants to the present status as the greatest manufacturing country in the world, are paralleled in Summit County. The first shops were established either by the moneyed men of the city or by a group of neighbors ; the few men required were usually old friends, sure of just treatment, and working with a whole-hearted interest in the success of the undertaking. But growth soon made it necessary to bring in outside labor and capital and increased the possibilities of unfairness and injustice and shirking. Small groups of men, seeing the weakness of their position organized and with the organization came bargaining and the strength needed to back up certain logical demands. The owners, if they were of a grasping type, had to temper their arbitrary exactions. As more and more labor came to the city and the early neighborliness of industrial life was completely gone, strikes became necessary to obtain increases in pay and more satisfactory working conditions. But on the whole they have been rather infrequent, both capital and labor realizing what an enormous economic loss a strike may be and what hardships it will cause. At present, all classes of workingmen are organized, with a few unavoidable exceptions, because they see the decided advantages and benefits in collective strength. Due to a more scientific understanding of the needs of those who toil, demands being consistent with the general progress of a community, the employers are more considerate, and a full show of their power has not yet been necessary. One of the few exceptions to a complete organization is the rubber industry. After many efforts to league the rubber workers into a union, the task has been hard - 696 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 697 and hopeless ; the failure lies in the nature of the work, which calls for very few skilled craftsmen and in the large reserve of rubber workers over the entire country, a floating working population which assures the employment departments of a labor supply to draw from at all times. The simple system of organization of American labor has long been envied and copied by European labor leaders ; it is a simplicity that gives strength and the assurance of rapid action. The local unions, being the unit threads woven into the whole, are organized for their advantage on a similar plan, and to this can be traced much of their effectiveness. For instance, there is a centralized advisory union for the allied building trade unions, the Building Trades Council, which can swing the strength of all the groups to the support of any one group that is having difficulties. The Akron Central Labor Union is also an advisory organization, with representatives from all the unions of the county ; it connects the county with the Ohio Federation of Labor and through that with the American Federation of Labor. But the connection is even more direct, for the Building Trades Council can appeal directly to the corresponding department of the A. F. of L., as can also the individual unions. The unions over the country all gradually widening the field of their activities, each year bringing something new and progressive. The dues each member pays are being used constantly to help men temporarily out of work, and to spread unionism. There is a national insurance company that assures its policy holders of a comfortable old age for a very reasonable premium. There are trade schools for the apprentices. And there are national and local publications for the working men. In this section the Summit County Labor News is the official union publication, carrying national and local news and connecting the different unions into a brotherhood of working men with similar aims. It tries to be just and fair in its judgments and to do what it can to strengthen and solidify organized labor in the county. The endorsement of practically all the local unions is some assurance that it is true to its policy and at least partially successful in its work. It would be possible, and some day it must be done, to give a detailed account of each individual union, the beginning, the growth, and the present organization and effectiveness. But fundamentally they have all had the same development; a story of determined efforts beating down opposition and indifference; of honesty and a deep earnestness on the part of the leaders. The growth of organized labor, in size and power, is one of the most heartening sides of American history. Without unnecessary violence, with brave attempts to secure justice for all the working men who were building up the real wealth of the country, the leaders have worked long and tirelessly. There have been many dark years when all the struggles that had gone before seemed vain and laughable in the face of the pitiless strength of the opposition. But always there were some who did not lose hope, who fought on and achieved one more step in the climb towards equality and justice. 698 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY It was a cold, blustery day, January 28, 1880, when twelve printers gathered at 12 South Howard Street to organize a printers' union. This building was known as Central Labor Union, and also as Carpenters' Hall. The weather may have been responsible for the small attendance. A charter was applied for, and the International Typographical Union issued one, with the following signers as charter members: William B. Taneyhill, F. J. Davis, R. H. Behan, Dave Hill E. E. Bauchman, R. S. Bean, Charles Flowers, James Patterson, J. Edgar Payne. Samuel Haldeman was the first president, and William White, secretary-treasurer. (William B. Taneyhill died May 24, 1924.) At a later meeting a constitution and by-laws were adopted. Akron Union, No. 182, has held its charter continuously since that time. Up to 1904 the union met monthly in different parts of the city. In that year headquarters was located in the old Walsh Block, known as Central Labor Union Hall. After the fire, in 1914, at the Walsh Block, meetings were held in the Woods Block, and at Buchtel Avenue and Main Street. In 1923 Akron Typographical Union leased the third floor of 11 East Market Street, where it now is located. Some of the old-time members of Akron Union are David Ferguson, Frank Schick, James McCartan, Ed Hallinan, E. H. Barker, Mont Beckwith, M. J. Grim, A. F. Osterhouse, W. A. Orr, H. B. Reese, Charles McFeely, Blake Kepner, J. A. Higgins, Clem Justice, William T. Hixson, B. F. Graves and L. R. Church. Local No. 24, American Federation of Musicians was organized, March 25, 1897. The Charter was granted to Henry Woehler, William R. Palmer, Ora Pixley, Wilber Stickle, Gus Smith, Hobart Drushal and William Harris. Henry Woehler was the first president, Ora Pixley, first secretary, and Wilbur Stickle, first treasurer. C. W. Lantz was the first member of the examining committee. The Executive Council of the American Federation of Musicians at that time was Owen Miller, president; I. J. Masten, first vice president; William Koch, second vice president; Christian Ahbe, third vice president; Frank Wade, fourth vice president; John Meurer, treasurer and J. J. Schmalz, secretary. Living honorary members are Ed Humphrey and George Parker. Local orchestras, where they are playing and their personnel, include: Springfield Lake.—Carnes-Richard Orchestra: Violin, Chas. Hackett; piano, Norwood Carnes; saxaphones, Martin Hoke, Tom Mackey, Chas. Wiseman ; banjo, H. McAfee; trumpet, A. Silverstein; trombone, John Coultrap; drums, James Richards, Jr.; bass, Tom Harper. Riverview Park.—Sam Smolin and His Orchestra: Violin, Joe Soloman; pianos, Sam Smolin, Jack McDonald ; saxaphones, Al Messmore, Edward Wentsler, Wm. Johns ; banjo, C. Myers ; trumpets, Frank Strange, Ed Galleher; trombone, Harry Thorpe; drums, Chas. Ballard ; bass, John Stover. Portage Hotel.—Carnes-Richards Orchestra: Violin, Don McAdoo; AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 699 piano, Norwood Carnes; saxaphone, Martin Hoke; trumpet, A. Silverstein ; drums, James Richards, Jr. Keith-Albee Theatre Orchestra.—Violin, Roy Billings; piano, Fred Coffin; clarinet, John Kratz; trumpet, Warren Billings; trombone, Harry Woodfield; drums, 0. R. Smith; bass violin, D. W. Parmelee; organ, Catherine Bernower, Katherine Bruot. Colonial Theatre Program.—Violin, Carl Glover ; piano, Inez Harwood; clarinet, Jos. Correia; trumpet, D. Woodford; trombone, Robert Paolucci; drums, Ray Roderick; bass violin, Reid Wilson; organ, Grace Whaling. Following is a directory of Summit County's leading labor organizations: Akron Central Labor Union.—Meets first and third Tuesdays of each month at Akron Chamber of Labor, 139 Market Street, at 7:30 P. M. Halls leased to local unions by caretakers on premises. J. C. Kemp, financial secretary. 558 Liberty Court. Akron Typographical Union, No. 182—Telephone Main 2065. Meets on third Monday of each month at 11 E. Market Street, at 7 :30 P. M. Executive Committee meets at 7 :30 on Friday evening before meeting of the local. Secretary's office, third floor, 11 East Market Street, hours 3 :30 to 5:30 P. M. Chas. Layman, president; Dan E. Shelby, secretary-treasurer. United Association of Journeymen Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local 219. —Meets second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in Chamber of Labor, 139 East Market Street. Young Ewing, president. Office: Labor News. Hours 9 to 5 daily. Barbers' Union, Local 105 —Meets every fourth Monday, 139 East Market Street. Office room No. 5, office phone, Main 7053. Office house, 8-9 A. M., 1:30-2:30 P. M. Street Car Men's Union, Division No. 98 —Meets the second and fourth Thursday each month at 10 A. M. and 6:30 P. M., Jr. 0. U. A. M. Hall, Miller Avenue and South Main Street. International Alliance Bill Posters and Billers —Meets second Saturday afternoon each month at 84 East Mill Street, Milton Baker, business agent. Carpenters' District Council of Summit County and vicinity. Meets second and fourth Friday of each month at Chamber of Labor, 139 East Market Street, 7:30 P. M. Telephone, Main 1855 or Main 7053. C. E. Worcester, president; Peter Dennis, secretary. The Summit County Labor News is the only official Labor Paper in Summit County that carries the endorsement of the following organizations: Akron Central Labor Union. Akron Building Trades Council. Barbers' Union, Local No. 105. Bakers' Union, Local No. 220. Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, Local No. 841. Plasterers' Local, No. 109. Electricians' Local, No. 306. 700 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Plumbers' and Steamfitters' Local, No. 219. Hoisting and Portable Engineers, Local No. 561. Stationary Engineers Local No. 821. Carpenters' Local 212. Carpenters' District Council of Summit County and Vicinity. Lineman's Local 439. Molders' Local, No. 30 Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers' Local, No. 71. International Hod Carriers, Building and Common Laborers, Local No. 280. CHAPTER XXV AGRICULTURE By P. A. Murphey, Assistant Summit County Farm Agent Much of Summit County is a prosperous and progressive agricultural community and her rural citizens are unusually alive to their opportunity afforded by the good markets for their products in the growing cities of the county. Among the organizations that provide educational, social and fraternal advantages for the farmers of Summit County are the Grange, with a membership of close to 500 of the most progressive farmers, the Horticultural Society and the Agricultural Society, organized primarily to promote the Summit County fairs that have been annual events for more than half a century. Although the invention of farm machinery has brought about a gradual change in the type of exhibits at these expositions the original idea of providing a sort of annual reunion for Summit County farmers still serves its purpose. Although not a farmer, I. S. Myers, Akron capitalist and former Ohio Agricultural Commissioner, has been one of the active leaders in keeping alive the social spirit among Summit farmers. Hon. C. 0. Hale, V. T. Bender, W. R. Lodge, Levi M. Kaufmann, M. W. Warner, Lloyd Weaver, W. H. Upson and others have been active, in recent years, in keeping alive the "family spirit" among the people outside the cities and villages. The Summit County Farm Bureau, a farmers' organization, was organized early in 1916 on a one dollar membership basis under the 'auspices of the Agricultural Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, I. S. Myers being chairman, aided by county leaders primarily for the purpose of securing county extension agents under the Smith-Lever law. Some of the early leaders who aided in the organization were G. W. Treap, C. W. Frank, V. T. Bender, W. J. Farriss, Charles Harris, Herman Fredrick, A. J. Dallinga, W. A. Sorrick, Doctor Anderson, John King, Elkana Bender, W. R. Lodge, E. C. Cranz, R. Luther, H. C. Barlow, and A. W. Scudder. The first president was G. W. Treap, Northampton ; vice president, C. W. Frank; secretary, V. T. Bender ; and treasurer, W. J. Farriss. The Farm Bureau continued on a one dollar basis until 1921 when, under plans of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, organized in 1919, the county went on a ten dollar membership basis which was continued under the three year membership contract for six years, in 1927 going on the continuous membership plan with the same dues. - 701 - 702 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY The first county agent employed by the Summit County Farm Bureau was J. C. Hedge, from June 21, 1916, to July 1, 1923. One of the outstanding works of Mr. Hedge while in charge was aiding in the organization of the Summit Growers Market in Akron. Boys and Girls Clubs were started in 1917 and 1918 under the contest plan. Clara M. Hall assisted in 1918, Rev. F. E. Eastman in 1919, and R. B. Tom from 1920 to 1923. The first Boys' Club Camp in Ohio was held in 1919, in which year Boys' and Girls' Club work was formally organized on a leadership plan. The first Home Demonstration Agent was Amy B. Parker, of Kingsville, Ohio, holding the position from 1921 until about November 1, 1924. Miss Parker had previously been employed in the county on a milk campaign and follow-up work later. After the resignation of Miss Parker to continue her studies at college, Edith M. Childs became Home Demonstration Agent, and has held the position to date. Some of the early leaders in the work with Miss Parker and who assisted in the organization of Home Demonstration work were: Mrs. W. H. Peck,. Stow; Mrs. Elliot Snyder, Barberton; Mrs. Harvey Luther, Peninsula; Mrs. F. L. McChesney, Krumroy; Mrs. A. Bell, Peninsula ; Mrs. C. E. Lee, Peninsula; Mrs. Guy Jenkins, Macedonia; Mrs. Charles Fenton, Northfield; Mrs. W. W. Thornton, Akron, and Mrs. Clark Denious, Franklin. Among the most active leaders in Home Demonstration work at the present time are Mrs. W. A. Stansfield, Copley; Mrs. F. A. Owen, Copley ; Mrs. Cora Stebbins, Peninsula; Mrs. Otis Kreighbaum, East Akron; Mrs. McChesney, Krumroy; Mrs. Sadie Bowling, Everett, and Mrs. W. H. Peck, Stow. The second president of the Summit County Farm Bureau was Charles Harris, succeeded by E. C. Robinson, Bath; G. W. Treap, E. C. Robinson and George A. Pease of Hudson, who is now president. Vice president and secretary is Mrs. W. H. Peck, Kent, Ohio ; and treasurer, W. H. Chamberlin, Hudson. Mrs. L. B. Richardson, Kent; Mrs. S. D. Gigger, Uniontown, and Mrs. 0. D. Gottschall, Greentown, in addition to the above, constitute the executive committee at the present time. Marjorie Spittler of Greensburg is office secretary. The township directors are: Northfield and Macedonia, W. H. Chamberlin; Hudson, H. C. Barlow; Boston, C. E. Lee; Richfield, R. E. Bigelow; Stow, W. H. Peck; Northampton, H. C. Treap ; Bath, Damon Cranz; Tallmadge, William B. Atwood ; Copley, C. W. Eckart ; Franklin, M. S. Grove; Green, J. W. Foltz, and Springfield and Coventry, D. H. Loreaux. H. H. Claypool, who had previously served as county club agent in Ashtabula County, a graduate of State College, Pennsylvania, was county agent from January 1, 1924, to July 1, 1927, when he was succeeded by Banks Collings of Rockville, Indiana, and a graduate of Purdue University, who had previously been county agent in Mercer County. Some of the projects of the county agent at this time include 4h Club work, demonstrations throughout the county in soils, crops, farm home landscaping, orcharding, poultry management, dairying, forestry, farm records, etc. 704 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY While the Extension Service has been set up primarily for the farmer's benefit, it is true that vast numbers of city folks use the service in seeking information relative to their back yard agricultural or horticultural problems. The County Farm Bureau while organized primarily for the purpose of securing extension agents, also took up the cooperative purchasing and selling of farmers' supplies and produce, especially after the severe deflation of farm products in 1920, when the work was pushed much stronger to attempt to better the economic condition of the farmers. This work was carried on mainly through the county office until July 1, 1924, when P. A. Murphey, Hudson, Ohio, became service manager under a plan fostered by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. The service manager is in charge of all cooperative commercial transactions in the county, purchasing mainly through the Ohio Farm Bureau Service Company of Columbus, Ohio, which company was organized by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. He also has charge of the automobile insurance in the county, this insurance being organized by the Ohio Farm Bureau in 1926. This business is handled at the lowest possible margin, and the profits after paying the expenses of transacting the business, are prorated as dividends to the various members of the County Farm Bureaus. They handle fertilizer, feed, lime, twine, machinery, seed potatoes, and other miscellaneous articles too numerous to mention. The past spring season of this year has been the best enjoyed by the Farm Bureau Service Company since its organization, they having sold in the spring of 1928 75 per cent more fertilizer than was handled in any spring previous and returned to the farmers of Ohio $66,934 as dividends. Summit County received as its share $932.87. Akron is the sportsman's capital of Ohio just as Columbus is the political capital of the state. So says Director of Agriculture Charles V. Truax. Fish and game activities as reflected by the State Fish and Game Division of the Department of Agriculture show that more interest is taken by the hunters and fishermen in and near Summit County than by those in any other one part of the state. Whenever an administrative policy is to be determined by state officials in charge of this work, the attitude of the sportsmen's organizations from Summit County carries considerable weight. No other part of the state is so well represented at sportsmen's conferences held here from time to time. Some of the most active sportsmen's organizations are located in Akron. There are 375 Izaak Walton leagues and Fish and Game associations in Ohio. In seven months the state realized $80,000 from rod and reel licenses alone and a goodly part of this came from the northeastern part of the state. The aim of the State Fish and Game Division is to be a governmental function of, by, and for the sportsmen, Charles V. Truax, director of agriculture, will tell you. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 705 This is as it should be for sportsmen are engaged in the division's work ; sportsmen's licenses maintain it ; and the purpose of the division is to protect the wild life of the state for the benefit of the sportsmen. Among the state-owned lakes used by the division for fish hatching is Portage Lakes group. The hatchery there is one of the most picturesque. It is located on a twenty-six acre island in the North Reservoir. From a seven-pond start in 1915, this hatchery has been enlarged to where it now has twelve ponds and is used to supply the larger waters of Lorain, Medina, Cuyahoga, Portage, Summit, Stark, Wayne and Ashland counties with new fish. Director Truax, somewhat of a sportsman, says he is particularly interested in the possibilities of Portage Lakes from a conservation standpoint. "I consider Portage Lakes," Truax says, "one of the finest chains of small lakes in the United States. The waters are unpolluted and well adapted to successful fish propagation. Scenically, the lakes are quite remarkable, so much so that Akron citizens should feel especially favored in having so beautiful a stretch of water so close. "As a natural outgrowth of our present policies in the Fish and Game Division, I fully anticipate that in a few years there will be very excellent fishing in the Portage Lakes. "Thus it is planned to furnish the great number of Akron's industrial workers with first class sport and recreation at a place easily accessible to them." Through an arrangement with Akron municipal authorities several years ago, the state division assumed the task of distributing fish from Lake Rockwell, also near Akron. Summit and Portage counties get first choice from this agreement but after that the division may distribute the balance to any point in the state at its discretion. In the spring of last year 54,000 matured fish were removed from Lake Rockwell for distribution, the majority going to the two favored counties. In the fall of 1925, the division removed 50,000 matured fish; the next spring 52,000; and the following fall 39,000. The general policy of the administration is not to stock private waters with fish taken from hatcheries or bodies of water maintained with funds contributed by the sportsmen at large. Lake Rockwell, not being maintained through sportsmen's funds, gives the state a chance to grant occasional requests from individuals for fish without violating its policy. Under no circumstances will the division stock private waters in a wholesale manner, officials say, but if a man owns a few acres of water, he will generally be allowed a few hundred breeders from Lake Rockwell. The number of fishermen in the United States has increased tenfold 706 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY during the last twenty years, it is estimated. If the fish supply were to remain constant, it is obvious the lone fisherman's chance for a catch would be reduced greatly from what it was in 1907. This situation has called for the artificial stimulation of the fish supply in the streams and lakes throughout the nation. Ohio has attempted to do more than her share in this movement. The state has undertaken, and, it is believed, successfully, to accomplish this through its fish hatcheries and distribution of fish to lean streams. Five state-owned lakes, all accessible by automobile and rail, have been set aside as state parks. These are at Lake St. Marys, Indian Lake, Buckeye Lake, Loramie Reservoir, and the Portage Lakes. The state urges sportsmen to visit these resorts and invites a greater interest in the activities of the government in the conservation of wild life. Messrs. I. S. Myers, Joseph Pfleuger, John Gammeter, Alvin Henry, and Henry J. Berrodin are among the civic leaders of the community who have been largely responsible for developing interest in fish and game conservation through the Izaak Walton League and the Portage Fish and Game Association. Mr. Gammeter has a large game preserve near Hudson. Covering the changes time has worked in Summit County fairs John A. Botzum, in the Akron Sunday Times, of Sept. 9, 1928, writes as follows : "Once more September comes to us with chirping crickets and other forerunners of fall. "It's the one time in the year when old-timers get to thinking about the frost on the pumpkin and then just naturally get to remembering the old county fair. "We can't help it, and I'm sure we don't want to. The old county fair has had a big place in our lives. There was a time when it was the biggest thing we looked forward to. "Time was when announcement of the county fair sent a thrill thruout the city and county. "Weeks aforehand big posters smeared over the bank, barns, the blacksmith shop and on the village stores, told of the four glorious days. Then it was that we repainted the red wagon and started to get ready for the fair. "The newspapers carried its great story. In old Akron you heard it discussed long before the frost was coloring the pumpkin. In the schools it was the next biggest thing to vacation time. "Old and young, rich and poor caught its meaning back there when we talked about and got ready for the county fair. "Every year, just about this time, editors of those old Akron newspapers looked forward to the coming of the county fair secretary with his passes and his story of 'bigger and better than ever.' 708 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY CHOICEST GOODS WERE ON DISPLAY "Even the old-time printer, who reached around for his type, felt the thrill of the fair. Merchants knew what it meant and began to pick out the choicest goods for the big display. "Lots of people are saying that the county fair will soon pass away. Some are saying this will be its last year. "Others say it will never pass away. "The crickets are again chirping and the announcement has been made that we are going to have another fair, down on the old grounds, Sept. 25-26-27-28. "The announcement has failed to thrill us. There is something lacking. "What can it be? "Thirty years ago Main Street liverymen watched the coming of the first automobile. "Someone suggested that the livery stables would be put out of business. `Not by these new horseless things,' an old liveryman snapped. "Today there is not a livery stable in town. "Fifty years ago men and women used to go down to the old Stone Mill, foot of Mill Street, and watch the big water wheel go 'round. It was music for Ferdinand Schumacher. "Ferdinand and the old water wheel are gone. "Forty years ago men fought for standing room when they heard that familiar call of 'right this way for the county fair.' HITCHING POSTS ARE GONE NOW "Where once stood the livery stables now stand the garages. The old hitching posts are gone and in their places we read the modern signs : `No parking here.' "Where once the horse-drawn chariots of other days drew up near the Empire House for the big fair days, we now leap for safety zones. "In vain we listen for 'Right this way for the county fair.' It doesn't seem just right. We miss the old county fair and yet we have one every year, but—we don't go. It has lost its grip. Why is it? "Sometimes we wonder why and we sort of long for a time when we may see it just as it was—down in old Fountain Park, down where we heard the bands play, saw the best horse win the race, watched the grand parade of prize winners, saw the mowers and reapers and other farm implements, passed thru the big horticultural hall, visited the merchants' booths, bought a new buggy whip, went into the wonderful sideshows, hung around the cattle, sheep and pig pens and then hurried over to see that wonderful rope walker, the Punch and Judy show, ate our basket dinner with the other folks, drank pop, lemonade and lots of other drinks, spent money for peanuts and popcorn, smiled at the country cousins and got real smart with the city folks—and now that the big race is on, we hurry back to the bend in the track. There they AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 709 come! The bands play, the crowd cheers, and thru a cloud of dust we see the winner coming down the last stretch. Someone hangs out a big card—Sunshine, or Johnny Cake, won, and you joined with 40,000 in cheering old county fair fans. UP EARLY TO SEE THE FAIR "And then you went back home, did the chores, got up early and went back to the old fair. "Wonderful days ! They sure were, and back on the farm, at hog killing time most everybody told of the fun he had when he went to the fair. Proud were the men and women who brought back the red ribbons that, thru all the winter months, hung on the sitting room wall. "The fair was needed in its day and time. It was big. It was instructive. It was entertaining. It belonged to the people and was for the people. It flourished in a time when the farmer was a backwoods person. There were no improved roads, no automobiles, no telephones, no radios, no sky chariots. Few read the daily papers and the weekly paper was long in getting out to the farm. "The old county fair brought the people together. They exhibited products from the farm, displayed their livestock, showed the things made in the city factories and marveled at the displays made by the merchants. It was at the old county fair that men and women were made happy and better for what they saw. They came together with the best they had and then went back to get ready for the next year's fair. "Today the farmer's home is out on the big highway. Daily he sees the world go by. His daily paper is always at the supper table. The telephone is on the wall. Electric lights have shoved aside the candles and oil lamps. The radio makes him a neighbor of all the world. "Maybe these are some of the reasons why things are changing and we no longer go back to the old fair. The magic and thrill of that once very popular institution is gone, perhaps never to return. STORY TOLD MANY TIMES "The story of the Summit County Fair has been told many times. There is nothing new in it except in the telling, and even then it remains for the old-timer to grasp its meaning and understand. "Just when the first movement was started in Akron for a county fair is not definitely known. It is known, however, that when the town had but a few hundred population, officers and directors of what was known as the Summit County Agricultural Society met in the American House, an early tavern, and proposed rules and by-laws for the society. That was May 22, 1849. Van R. Humphrey was made president. "Six months later a public meeting was • held on the old courthouse grounds. Capt. Amos Seward of Tallmadge presided. N. W. Goodhue was secretary. The people made it known that they favored having a county fair. 27-VOL. 1 710 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY "A few days later Simon Perkins, one of the founders of Akron, was elected president and William A. Hanford secretary. "The first fair was held on the court house grounds, and from the county treasury there was taken $137.50 to pay expenses. "The story of that first fair comes back in a strange way. It tells how the people from this community gathered on the courthouse grounds and let the world know that Summit County had a fair. The people came on horseback, in buggies, wagons and ox carts. Many came on foot. All brought something to exhibit and help make a fair. One of the great outstanding features of that first fair was an exhibition of stump pulling. There were many stumps in Akron then, stumps that marked the places of forests. There was one team of thirty-four oxen. As the stumps were pulled out there was cheering, ringing of bells and booming of cannon. "Just east of the jail there was an exhibition of fancy driving and a display of blooded stock. "Three years later the county fair was held down on South Main Street, where Akron's great rubber factories now stand. Fairs were held there for a few years and then, in 1859, the fair site was again moved to a thirty-acre tract up where the late Louis Miller and the late Colonel A. L. Conger later lived in their mansions. This property was owned by the late David L. King, who offered to sell it to the society for $5,000. It was then thought the price was too high. MANY RECALL FAIR ON HALL GROUNDS "In 1864, just as the Civil War was coming to a close, county fairs started on what was known as the old P. D. Hall grounds, in the western section of the city. It was there that a race track was built and there some of the most successful fairs in the history of the county were held. Hundreds of people are living who will recall the early fairs held on the Hall grounds. "In 1875 the fair association secured the Fountain Park site, and there the fairs have been held for over a half century. "As far back as 1859 Cuyahoga Falls had what was known as the Union Fair Association, and in that year a fair was held there, with Flora Temple as the great attraction in the races. "At the time the county fair was being held where Miller and Conger later lived officers of the fair association published in the newspapers the following : 'Our new site, Summit Grove, is within five minutes walk from the business part of town. The raising of sheep commands a large amount of attention, and the quality of wool is yearly advancing. " 'There was purchased in the town of Akron last June 150,000 pounds of wool. We have within our county many who take great interest in rearing fine horses, and it is seldom one beholds a finer display of that noble species of animals than the parade of premium horses at our last exhibition. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 711 " 'The wishes of the most sanguine friends are that our fair may continue as it began—a success as an exhibition—a success in management, a pride to the county and an honor to the state.' "Again we are wondering if the old county fair is to pass away, leaving behind its many memories."