Ohio History Journal

THE AKRON CENTENNIAL

 

JULY 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 1925

 

 

BY EDWIN W. BROUSE

The plans for the Centennial found their first public

expression in the appointment of an executive committee

of seven men and women by Mayor D. C. Rybolt. The

Mayor was selected chairman of this committee.

This Committee spent much time in constructive

work, both in formulating plans, and in digesting the

multifarious suggestions which were offered to them.

As a result of this preliminary work two additional com-

mittees were appointed, to work in connection with the

executive committee. They were the program commit-

tee, of which E. S. Babcox was chairman, and the his-

torical committee, of which Professor O. E. Olin was

chairman.

In February, 1925, a meeting of about one hundred

twenty-five of Akron's industrial and financial leaders

attended a meeting at the Akron City Club. The tenta-

tive program was approved, and Francis Seiberling sub-

mitted a budget which was unanimously approved, and

the funds were raised by subscription.

The plans would have failed of successful execution,

but for the wise decision, which was made in the latter

part of February, to employ a business manager, who

would devote his entire time to the project. E. E. Helm,

formerly industrial secretary of the Akron Chamber of

Commerce, was chosen. Mr. Helm established an of-

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The Akron Centennial          523

fice, and with his two assistants and a corps of stenogra-

phers, a tremendous amount of detail was administered

with great efficiency. This office kept in touch with the

various committees which were now expanded to include

the following: Finance, Akron Day, Band, Concessions,

Dancing and Mardi Gras, Decorating, Float, Fraternal

Day, Equine Display, Invitation, Music, Old Timers,

Publications, Canal Boat, Traffic, Youths' Day, Open

House and Registration, Aeronautical, Popularity, Cen-

tennial Ball and Reception. The membership of these

committees was in excess of seven hundred. The recital

of the various activities which cleared through the office

of the business manager gives an idea of the scope of

the work. Each committee was an active committee.

Each had its part in the intensive expression of the few

days devoted to the Centennial.

For more than six months previous to the celebration

the Akron Beacon Journal and the Akron Times-Press

kept public interest alive by publishing feature articles

concerning the history of Akron. Each published, in

daily serial form, the story of Akron. The Beacon

Journal awarded prizes for a contest in which the com-

petitors submitted plans for the celebration. In this

contest many suggestions were made which aided the

program committee.

On Saturday, July 18, 1925, the preliminary event,

announcing the formal opening of the Centennial, was

the Centennial Free Balloon Race and Aviation Meet at

Stow Field, under the direction of P. W. Litchfield.

Five balloons participated, Goodyear IV, Goodyear V,

Goodyear VI, Army, and Navy. This race was won

by W. W. Morton, pilot, and H. W. Makon, aide, in

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Goodyear V. The winners landed near Lyndonville,

New York, after traveling two hundred twenty-three

miles. Second place was won by J. A. Boettner and

Porter Collins, who landed near Toronto, Canada, two

hundred seventeen miles away.

At this meet was the christening and public inspection

of "The Pilgrim," the smallest airship in the world. The

balloons and airship are one of the last developments

of Akron industry, and were manufactured at The

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Saturday evening at Summit Beach Park, the an-

nouncement of winners in the Popularity Contest was

made. Miss Helen Winebrenner won first place with

386,365 votes, Miss Louise Wagenman, second, with

265,383 votes, and Miss Ola Bishop, third, with 255,068

votes. The winner was selected as "Miss Greater Akron,

Queen of the Centennial," and received as her prize a

Flint sedan. The second prize was a Rollin sedan, and

the third a Cleveland sedan.

Sunday, July 19, 1925, was opening day. Special

services were held in all churches of the city, commem-

orative of the city's hundredth birthday, and with spe-

cial reference to the history of each congregation.

The day's celebration was under the direction of At-

torney Wade DeWoody. The program was as follows:

3:00 P. M. Concert by Akron Centennial Band.

3:30 P. M. Invocation by Rev. William H. Huber. of the

First Presbyterian Church.

The Star Spangled Banner, by Akron Centennial Chorus,

Band and Audience.

Formal opening of the Centennial, Mayor D. C. Rybolt.

"Akron, Strong and Mighty," Chorus, Band and Audience.

"Anniversary Thoughts," Rev. Richard A. Dowed, pastor

Church of the Annunciation.

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The Akron Centennial               525

 

"Centennial Prize Ode, 'Akron, Century Crowned,'" Chorus,

Band and Audience. Words by Adele M. Miller, music by Harry

Page.

Centennial Oration, Rev. Chas. T. Hull, Curate of the Church

of Our Savior.

"America the Beautiful," Chorus, Band and Audience.

Benediction, Rabbi David Alexander of Temple Israel.

The following is the Centennial Oration which was

delivered by Rev. Charles Thomas Hull:

Fellow citizens and neighbors, schoolmates and friends: This

is, for us, a solemnly joyous day. As we enter into the celebra-

tion of the Centennial of Akron, Ohio, we are conscious of rich

blessings that are ours. Our first humble feeling because of our

prosperity is one of joyful gratitude for all bountiful gifts of the

Lord God, Jehovah.

These beautiful hills and valleys, these rippling streams and

sparkling lakes, were they not formed and placed by a gracious

and thoughtful Providence! To be sure the Red Men discovered

them, the pioneer cleared them and the sturdy millers from rugged

New England harnessed the power of these hill-born streams.

But it was a Divine Hand that prepared for us this place of habi-

tation. We reverently acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe

for all that Goodness.

Men could not see in those early days how much this city

would need its abundant water supply. But we can understand

that this one provision alone has been a chief source of our pros-

perity and growth.

These venerable hills have seemed at times a hindrance to our

progress. But the past reveals that the water power produced

by them was a primary aid in our early development; an accel-

erating traction for our advancement. Truly the millers who

ground the grist and wove the home-spun yarn might return to-

day and respond with us, sincerely and with fervor, "I will lift

up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My

help cometh even from the Lord: who hath made the heavens

and the earth." God provided this place for our city and "We

yield to Him most high praise and hearty thanks" for all His

kindness to us thru the struggles of our first century.

Only to mention those struggles is to bring to mind the race

of men who once roamed the prairies of this vast continent and

were the first to blaze its trails.

The Portage Path that still winds its way along the crest of

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yon western slope is for us a constant, gentle, reminder that it

was the Red Man who first found this site and taught our fore-

fathers its great value. When palefaces drew across this beauti-

ful landscape that first great scar of progress and built the Ohio

Canal, they were only later imitators in a larger way of the wis-

dom of the Tribes.

Tho the feathered Chief may never return to the lakes he loved

so well; nor the squaw go forth to plant the maize in the fields

where Hopocan dwelt,

"Their memory liveth on our hills,

Their baptism on our shores

Our everlasting rivers speak

Their dialect of yore."

Nor shall we forget in this hour of rejoicing the valiant Minute

Men of the days of Independence. Their graves we cherish in

our midst who came to plant their lives in the garden of the new

nation.

They did more than win a war and free their country. They

helped to lay its foundations and plant its cities. The name of

Bettes Corners like the names of many of our streets, parks, and

schools will forever remind us of the noble debt we owe.

The country for which they fought has only been a nation for

a hundred and fifty years. The wonder of its growth in power,

wealth, prosperity and achievement is a miracle that the older

nations never fully have realized, appreciated, or believed. Doubt-

less they never will. But we are citizens of a typically American

city: One that has given and borne its full share in the startling

growth of this infant among the nations, the Giant of the West.

The story of our first century, a romance of discovery, conquest,

and achievement, is a constant reminder to us, that we are but a

part of a greater and more inspiring development in which every

goodly American community has given its share and played its

part.

What a magnificent thing it is to be a citizen of such a city in

such a nation! The government of the United States has been a new

and wonderful experiment in the realm of national organization;

a republic where the will and voice of the governed is represented.

Under this government a part of our challenging heritage is the

right to live a free and neighborly life where all may strive co-

equally for the ultimate good of all. This is a priceless treasure,

a matchless gift, won and bequeathed to us in wrappings of crim-

son, vicarious, by the hands of the Minute Men. Their cherished

graves are with us yet, "Lest we forget."

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The Akron Centennial                527

The very name of Perkins Woods Park also is eloquent with

the memory of the founder of our city. That "Your young men

shall see visions" was never more surely proved than it was in him.

As he tramped these hills and valleys in the ranks of the early sur-

veyors, perhaps he did not see clearly what today we behold, but

dim tho it must have been, he was loyal to his vision.

He named the child of that vision, Akron, an ideal name for a

tip-top city in the heart of a republic. The acropolis in the center

of Athens was not better named. He left us a daring example in

the community that has grown where he planted. He was the true

Akronian; he saw the need and did the deed. There is no laurel

crown too sacred or diadem too splendid for the brow of such a

founder. A magnificent heritage he left us and a royal tribute we

return.

Another name will link forever its memory with his own, a

common name quite unadorned, but the name of one of the great.

For while John Brown, as his partner, was not a great business

man, made his mistakes, and lacked perhaps in much, he too saw

a vision. He was the lonely eagle his memorial signifies, the

"voice of one crying in the wilderness," like another John of an-

cient days. But his memory shines as brightly in the victory of

his defeat as others may in success. He was more than a shep-

herd of sheep. He lived a life and died a great death. He paid a

portion of a great ransom and was loyal to a great cause. "His

soul goes marching on."

These two great lives demand our attention with a noble and

inspiring lesson. They teach us that the greatest good in life is

found when we vision the needs of the children of men and min-

ister to their need tho we die in the ministration.  May the

courageous spirit of John Brown and the able vision of General

Perkins be ever a part of the heritage of our home city.

"We tread the paths their feet have worn," may we tread as

nobly and do as well.

But as we look back over the intervening years, there comes

upon us the consciousness that even the gifts of Divine Provi-

dence, the sacrifices of those who bled and the sturdy deeds of

hardy pioneers would not have sufficed "to do as well" nor to

build all this which we now own. Something more, far more was

needed.

There must be men, great men, of vision, courage, knowledge

and skill. Those who could see the need and how to do the

needed thing. There must also arise hundreds of men and women

who could with skill and faithfulness do the common task and

do it well. A city is as great, successful and worthy of praise as

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its average citizen. It is the goodly fellowship of all our people

that has made us what we are.

Therefore it is not needed that we here recall the individual

names, the personal struggles, problems and accomplishments of

all those splendid years. Let us not hope to paint the details that

memory has in store. But rather trace with hasty word the salient

outlines and grasp from these their challenge and their warning.

What underlying motive wove its tiny thread of gold thru

all the arduous tasks that our forefathers carried thru? Was it

greed of gain, or fame or power that inspired them to achieve?

No mighty Niagara offered power, no goodly harbor promised

trade, nor hidden mines, nor wells of oil beckoned with unseen

treasure. What is the secret purpose that weaves its way thru the

pattern of our common life?

Do we not find, when thoughtfully we search, this one great

truth, "He profits most who serves best" ? It is but the modern ver-

sion of a truth so ancient and so fundamental that we believe it to

be eternal. The predominating influence in all this city's life has

been just that: the earnest desire to serve the fundamental needs

of the world. It shows itself again and again in the fabric of

our past.

This once was known as the Match City, because the manu-

facture of that tiny stick of wood opened for the workers of this

community an avenue for their services which extends to all the

earth. The lad who devoted his life to developing that field of

service became an uncrowned king in his realm. The match was

a tiny lever but it opened a mighty door and all that lad's home

city entered thru that door.

Another young man once came to Akron, seeking a livelihood.

He was German born, but Akron has ever been a melting pot and

a place of opportunity for those of whatever race who knew how

and could do. He learned to make a goodly breakfast food from

the humble and untried oats. He made his adopted city famous

over the world as the home of Quaker Oats. He also taught us

to render a great service for our fellow men. Think of the mul-

titudes of children who have been helped to a sturdy and happy

life by this goodly product of our labors. The man who taught

us how became the foremost of the millers of his day and a mil-

lionaire when such were scarce.

Or think once more, as many of you can, of the birth and

growth of our present dominant industry. Our city is the capital

of the rubber world. When ambulances sought the wounded on

the battlefields of France, Akron was there. The labors of her

tire builders were rendering tender service to the needy, over

there. Wherever the horseless carriage or the motor truck rolls its

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The Akron Centennial                529

 

way, the people of Akron are doing a kindness for their fellow

men. Yet this is a lesson taught us by one who not only knew

how but could.

To vulcanize rubber was a lesson Charles Goodyear learned,

To make it a paying business is a lesson taught this city by one

of its staunchest builders. He will forever own a large place in

our hearts. He came to us because he liked us. We will forever

cherish his memory because he taught us how to render a new and

kindly service and do good to the sons of men.

The men who are carrying on and the ones who have come to

the end of their acivity, in building this great industry, have met

and solved many problems. Two achievements in their labors

will forever be worthy of remembrance. Have you ever thought

what a mighty task is shown complete in the person of a Master

Rubber Worker?

When the Clay Product Industry under its great leaders

found coal and clay ready at hand in Middlebury, its workers

were also ready. For the trade of the Potter is as old as civili-

zation.

When mills were built to weave the wool, clipped from the

backs of thousands of sheep that once grazed on these very hills,

the millers were following a trade well known to David, the Poet

King.

But rubber is a new material in the manufacturing world. It

cannot be handled like wood, or wool or clay or steel. The Mas-

ter Rubber Worker must be trained in new methods, to handle

an unfamiliar material. The difficulties of the process are all

new. The dangers, accidents and conditions must all be learned

and met. The Master Rubber Worker is the final and finest prod-

uct of this later and greater industry. The men living and dead

who have helped in the evolution of this new trade and type of

skill have done a splendid thing. They have added much to the

wealth of the world and nation as well as to that of their home

city. We owe them all a loyally sincere appreciation and a mighty

tribute of gratitude.

It is due to them that our city has continually moved forward

in all the glorious history of our first one hundred years. Most

cities develop best the material they find at their door. When

that fails or is exhausted, the city dies or sleeps. Such might

have been the fate of Akron. Most of our previous undertakings,

here found some portion of their supplies at hand. But the lead-

ers of our industrial life have successfully risen above this limit-

ing condition. Akron men are of the kind who will find a way or

make one.

Rubber is raised, as we all know, on the other side of the earth

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530       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

or south of the equator. In fact the source of our raw material

is about as remote as it could be. Yet here we have the center

of the world's manufacture of rubber. Our industry and city

stand firmly built and able to weather the financial gales and

hurricanes that are deadly to some cities because of the great care

men have taken in knitting together the factors of our life.

That institutions of worship and education crown our high

places with our University like a cathedral in the center of them

all, is a very significant fact. For we have learned that faith and

knowledge will move mountains. Many are the discouraging

peaks that the faith and wisdom of our people have cleared from

the path of our fair city's progress. If there was a need they

met it. Every problem they solved. Each difficulty was over-

come. Great Britain will eventually be reminded that this typ-

ically American city still believes in Independence. This moun-

tain too that rears a forbidding summit in the pathway of our

progress, this mountain too will pass away. We will find a way

or make one. For Akron must press onward in her service to

the world.

For lo from out of the western sky there comes mid the glow

of each dying day, the memory of all those great sons of our com-

mon life who left us so goodly an heritage. And echoing down

the corridors of a hundred sunny years they challenge us by noble

deed and glowing word:

"Build thee more stately the city of our birth,

Live life so nobly on this fair spot of earth,

That thy children and their children

May arise and praise thy worth."

And we, we are Americans and citizens of no mean city. We

stand today in the radiant light of a newly dawning century. Al-

ready over the hills of Summit the brightening colors of a new

and greater opportunity are shining in hopeful array. The throb

and roar of the engines of a new day are calling us to a new and

greater task.

As in former years that are complete, new forms of transpor-

tation ever gave us renewed impulses to strive on; so now from

such a field there comes the sound of Akron men at work for

Akron's good. Away on the eastern borders of our city there

stands by Wingfoot Lake, the first great outpost of the new day.

The Zeppelin, Blimp and Balloon are captives to our hangar. In

them we have the faith to see the chariots of our future; prime

factors in our second century of growth and service.

The ox cart and the canoe, the canal boat and the railroad,

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The Akron Centcennial               531

the horse and automobile together with the street car have each

marked for us some new step in progress and wider fields of

service. So also now we feel the growing impetus to greater

achievement. We have vision, faith, and courage for the new

day.

We will be worthy of this magnificent heritage. We will be

true to the vision of our founder and the courage of our builders.

We will be loyal to our city and worthy of our citizenship.

The passion for service shall ever be a wholesome, clean, and

uplifting impulse in our hearts, to do good to all the world and

to live righteously by the right of that goodly service.

"Wisdom, power, charity,

Mold thy prosperity,

Akron, our pride!

Thy labors here give birth

To gifts for all the earth,

Sounding the people's worth

Who here abide.

"God bless our mighty men.

Give each the strength of ten,

Akron, Our Pride!

Preserve our liberty,

Honor, integrity,

Then shall praise be to Thee,

Great God, our Guide."

More than 20,000 people were in the audience. That

all might hear the words of the speakers, microphones

were used. As if to bring the present forcibly to those

who were hearing of the deeds of the past, a fleet of five

airplanes from Stow Field, in formation, passed over the

audience.

Monday, July 20th, was "Akron Day." In the morn-

ing the Centennial Industrial Exhibit was opened at the

Armory. Sixty-six companies, engaged in industrial

activities in Akron, had exhibits on display.

At the Public Library there was a display of books,

papers, documents and other articles of historical char-

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532      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

acter gathered from the older residents of the city, and

at the Akron Art Institute an exhibit of antique furni-

ture and portraits of the Akron pioneers.

At 1 P. M. an impressive spectacle occurred. It was

the Historical and Industrial Parade, illustrating the

development of the city since its founding in 1825. The

parade was in eight major divisions of several sections

each. It was the largest and longest parade in the his-

tory of Akron. Four hundred and sixty floats and seven

thousand marchers participated. The officers of the day

were James A. Dillian, Grand Marshal, H. B. Yarnell,

Adjutant, James Flower, Jr., Chief of Staff.

At the head of the procession were the representa-

tives of three wars. Major Emmett Taggart, Civil War,

Major Walter W. Price, U. S. R.-Spanish American

War, and Lieut. Dwite H. Schaffner, U. S. R., recipient

of the Congressional Medal of Honor, World War.

Division One represented 100 years of history. Sec-

tion A consisted of floats representing Akron from the

earliest days, with a glimpse of the future. These floats

were contributed by the luncheon clubs as follows: In-

dian Village, --Rotary Club; Early White Settlement,

-- Kiwanis Club; Canal Boat, -- Exchange Club; Old

Grist Mill, -- Lions' Club; Modern Industry, -- Civitan

Club; The Air Port of Akron, -- Optimist's Club. These

floats were built under the direction of Milton Seitz,

city playground superintendent.

Section B was a pageant of industry -- showing suc-

cessive stages in the development of Akron Industrial

Plants -- represented in floats.

Division Two, "Homes of 100 Years," showed the

various building industries and trades of Akron.

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The Akron Centennial           533

Division Three, "Pageant of Domestic Arts," in five

sections, represented food product and distributing com-

panies.

Division Four, "The Automobile Age," presented all

types of automobiles, trucks and motor accessories used

in Akron.

Division Five, "Akron's Diversified Citizenship," in

eight sections, showed many of Akron's foreign citizens,

some in picturesque native costumes, and with floats

typical of their native pursuits.

Division Six, "Civic and Municipal." In this division

were automobiles with the county and city officers, and

floats showing the various departments of city govern-

ment, welfare, educational, civic and musical organiza-

tions of the city. One feature of this division which

interested the crowd was a diversified collection of fire

apparatus from the earliest times.

Division Seven, "The Rubber Industry," was im-

pressive in the elaborate displays shown by the various

Akron Rubber Companies.

Division Eight, "One Hundred Years of Transporta-

tion." Here in pageantry were disclosed: the Indian, the

Emigrant, the Stage Coach, the Canal Boat, the Rail-

road, the Street Car, the Motor Car, the Airship and

the Airplane.

Tuesday, July 21st, was Youth's Day. This day's

program was under the direction of H. T. Waller, Sec-

retary of the Y. M. C. A., and Grand Marshal Dwight

M. Ramsey, Boy Scout Executive.

In Division One the children of city playgrounds, in

costume, depicted Indians, Early Settlers, Canal Boat-

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534      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

men, Early Industries, and Present and Future Indus-

tries.

In Division Two the various public schools and pa-

rochial schools were represented by children in costume.

At two P. M. a horse parade of 1,000 selected ani-

mals, was held. All varieties of vehicles appeared, one

section of the parade being devoted to old-fashioned rigs

and vehicles. A spectacular feature was a wagon drawn

by fifty horses.

In the evening a Centennial Period Concert was held

at Goodyear Theatre. The concert was given in periods,

each period displaying the costumes typical of that time,

and the music produced then. Among other periods

were those of Jenny Lind, the Civil War, the World

War, and "the age of Jazz."

Wednesday, July 22, was Fraternal Day. Headed

by veteran organizations, a magnificent parade of thir-

teen divisions was held in the afternoon. Adam J. Guth

was Grand Marshal and Reuben E. Bulman, Chief of

Staff. More than twenty-five fraternal orders were rep-

resented by one or more lodges in a parade which took

an hour and a half to pass.

At the conclusion of the parade a large granite boul-

der bearing a bronze tablet, with the names of thirty-

two deceased industrial leaders of Akron, was dedicated

on the Court House Lawn. The following is the address

delivered by Hon. George W. Sieber:

Mr. Chairman and Fellow Citizens:--

For the distinguished honor conferred upon me by your

invitation to take part in your exercises today, I thank you.

Mindful of my limitations, I realize that no poor words of mine

can fittingly express the reverence and respect of our citizens for

the great contribution of service rendered by Akron's great In-

dustrial Leaders of the past.

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The Akron Centennial               535 At the outset, it is a pleasant duty to express the appreciation of our citizens for the beautiful thot of Charles W. Wickline and William H. Wert, which suggested this memorial; for the splen- did manner in which you, Mr. Chairman, and your committee, have performed your duties in connection with this ceremony and for the most generous manner in which the great heart of the

fraternal bodies of our city has responded to the call of duty in their presentation of this splendid memorial to the city of Akron. Standing in this presence, as the past rises before us, visualiz- ing within the corporate limits of our city uncleared and uncul- tivated plains, hills and valleys, we have come at the end of a

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536       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

century to pay tribute to the great Industrial Leaders who as-

sisted in transforming the wilderness into a great city and made

possible Akron of today.

Who are these who have come up in the making of our city?

Men, great men, noble-hearted men, men who were destined

for leadership, men who tho dead still live.

Our illustrious dead, who wrought and worked in the up-

building of the city, still live; their lives are impressed upon its

material and spiritual development. The brick and mortar of

our factories are mute witnesses of their labors. The hum and

energy of our industrial machinery are eloquent of their persever-

ance and energy. In the marts of trade, amidst the bustle and

activity of business, where integrity and fair-dealing ever suc-

ceed, the high principles upon which they predicated their ef-

forts for success still obtain. In our public schools we feel their

encouragement and influence for the cause of education. In the

management of our municipal affairs we recall their services.

freely given, for the best interests of the community. In the

churches, whether as vestrymen, church officials or members, their

memories are recalled with reverence and respect; and in the

homes of our city the names of these illustrious men are recalled

with gratitude for the opportunity they afforded for home making

and home owning.

Many in this presence recall a number of these heroic char-

acters, whose names are recorded among our industrial leaders

of the past.

It was my privilege to know all but the first five whose names

are inscribed upon this memorial tablet. When I came to Akron

Eliakim Crosby, Jedediah Commins, Aaron Norton, Justus Gale

and Jesse Allen had passed on, leaving the impress of their labors

upon the then thriving and energetic little city of Akron of about

6,000 inhabitants.

Then the city's fame had already extended throughout the

East; and its products were being widely distributed. Akron had

already become famous for its manufacture of pottery-ware,

sewerpipe, matches, agricultural machinery and the products of

its furnaces, rolling mills and foundries.

Flouring mills which were then operated by water power from

the surplus waters of the Ohio and Pennsylvania Canals, from

Fritch and Springfield Lakes, with that of the Cuyahoga River,

brought by race-way constructed by Dr. Crosby and his asso-

ciates to Lock 5 of the Ohio Canal, where the combined waters

from the race-way and canal served in turn, over and over again,

as power for the Stone Mill, Allen Mill, Center Mill, City Mill,

Aetna Mill, Cascade Mill and German Mill, were the making of a

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The Akron Centennial                537

 

great wheat market and a great incentive to commercial mer-

chandising.

There were no grain elevators in those days. Farmers within

a radius of more than 40 miles hauled their grain into the city

by wagons, and frequently these extended over a mile in length.

waiting to unload; and the city grew rapidly, making for its fu-

ture development and prosperity.

Notwithstanding this growth and development, with inhab-

itants slightly in excess of 10,000 in 1870, no one would have

been bold enough to prophesy that in fifty years Akron would

pass the 200,000 mark in population.

Then there were no paved streets, no water works, no sewer

system, but the growth of the city's population was demanding

better conditions, and it is to these industrial leaders who started

a movement for the advancement and improvement of the city,

that we are indebted today for an abundant and healthful water

supply, the sanitation of its sewerage system, its gas, electric

lights, transportation and the benefit of our public utilities, which

promote the city's comfort and welfare.

The seventies, eighties and nineties were great years for

Akron. In the forefront of the city's activities during those

years were: Lewis Miller, John R. Buchtel, Ferdinand Schu-

macher, John F. Seiberling, George W. Crouse, Ohio C. Barber.

J. Park Alexander, David E. Hill, David L. King, Thomas Robin-

son, Arthur L. Conger, Jeremiah A. Long, George T. Perkins.

Benjamin F. Goodrich, John Good, Ernest Pfleuger, Alexander

Brewster, Edwin H. Merrill, Charles Webster, James B. Taplin.

James Christy, Joseph A. Baldwin, John H. Hower, James C.

McNeil, Thomas Phillips, J. Martin Beck and Joseph C. Ewart.

By the efforts of these men the city was forging ahead and

its products were being widely distributed until, finally, Akron

fixed the price throughout the world for pottery-ware, sewerpipe.

mowers and reapers, matches and later rubber goods, until today

our city's name is known in all civilized lands.

These leaders were not devoted alone to one industry, and

while giving their principal time and attention to one in which

they were chiefly interested, each was helping and assisting other

industries and using his best efforts to make Akron a great manu-

facturing center.

As I recall these men, five were most active in flour, oatmeal

and barley mills; Ferdinand Schumacher, by reason of his intense

activity in this industry, heading the list and becoming known as

the "Oatmeal King."

Mr. Schumacher was a most generous and philanthropical

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538       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

 

man; was interested in all things connected with the city's wel-

fare and greatly devoted to the cause of temperance.

Five were largely interested in the manufacture of agricul-

tural implements. Among these, the names of Lewis Miller,

John R. Buchtel and George W. Crouse are connected with the

Buckeye Mower and Reaper works and the names of John F.

Seiberling and John H. Hower with the Excelsior Mower and

Reaper and the Empire Mower and Reaper factories.

Mr. Miller will long be remembered for his inventions in con-

nection with the Buckeye Mower, Reaper and Binder; his gen-

erous gifts to Mt. Union College and the Chautauqua Associa-

tion and his great interest and services as a layman in the Meth-

odist Church.

Mr. Buchtel was a heroic figure. He was a man of great

force and energy and as the principal contributor to Buchtel

College, he gave his entire fortune to that institution in his life-

time. By this generous self-sacrifice he endeared himself to the

hearts of his fellow citizens and assisted in laying the founda-

tion of Akron's greatest institution--the University of Akron.

Mr. Crouse spent many years in connection with the Buckeye

Mower and Reaper Works and gave largely of his time and at-

tention to the up-building of many other industries within the

city. His business judgment and foresight were of great benefit

to his business associates. For many years he was a vestryman

of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and was a delightful and lovable

man.

The name of John F. Seiberling stands out prominently as an

inventive genius of great ability in connection with the Excelsior

and Empire Mowers and Reapers.

And the name of John H. Hower is also connected with the

Excelsior as an inventor.

Both men were members of the Lutheran Church and gave

largely of their means for the construction of the first edifice of

that denomination in our city.

Mr. Seiberling, in connection with his sons, Frank and Charles,

was largely interested in many of the industries of our city;

among them being the Akron Street Railway and the Seiberling

Milling Company.

The names of Edwin H. Merrill, Joseph A. Baldwin, David

E. Hill, David L. King and Thomas Robinsown are connected with

the pottery-ware and sewerpipe industry. It is to these men that

Akron owes much for its fame. They prosecuted their business

with such energy and perseverance that in the early seventies

Akron became the largest manufacturer of vitrified sewerpipe in

the world. This business is still continued and its products daily

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540       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

contribute to make the name of Akron famous. All gave muck

of their time to civic affairs as members of the council and board

of education.

David L. King's great work was in connection with the con-

struction of the Valley Railway, now a part of the Baltimore and

Ohio Railroad System.

The names of Charles Webster, James B. Taplin, James C.

.lcNeill, George T. Perkins and Jeremniah A. Long are connected

with the iron and machinery industry. They were all excellent

men, active and energetic, deeply concerned in the city's welfare

and freely giving of their time for its advancement and improve-

ment.

Colonel Perkins was a distinguished soldier and rendered

splendid service during the Civil War.

John Good was an oil refiner, a most worthy and able gentle-

man, highly respected by his fellow citizens.

James C. Christy was a man of great worth and integrity.

For a number of years he was engaged in the tanning and leather

industry; a leading member of the Congregational Church and

highly respected by all who knew him.

Ernest Pfleuger established the fishing tackle industry which

is so successfully conducted by his sons and the members of his

family, and whose products daily add to the name and fame of

our city.

Joseph C. Ewart was a manufacturer of roofing tile; was

largely interested in the manufacture of pressed brick and other

industries; gave distinguished service for the Union during the

war of the rebellion and took an active interest in military affairs.

J. Martin Beck with his associates started the manufacture of

varnish in our city, an industry still continued under the name

and style of "Akron Varnish Company", which is owned and

controlled by members of his family.

Honorable J. Park Alexander was a manufacturer of fine

brick. Mr. Alexander was a man of great energy and force of

character; he gave freely much of his time to the advancement of

the city and was highly respected by his fellow citizens.

The name of Arthur L. Conger is connected with The Whit-

man Barnes Manufacturing Company. Mr. Conger was most

active in the prosecution of the business of that company for

many years. In addition to this, he gave largely of his time to

the organization and establishment of the tinplate and plate

glass industries in the United States. Colonel Conger had a splen-

did record as a soldier and was greatly beloved by his fellow citi-

zens.

The name of Ohio C. Barber is connected with match, sewer-

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The Akron Centennial                541

 

pipe, strawboard, plate glass and other industries. His activities

in Akron and its vicinity were devoted to the manufacture of

matches, sewerpipe and strawboard. He was the principal factor

in the building of the city of Barberton and interested in all of

its leading industries. Mr. Barber was an outstanding character,

with great ability as an organizer, and did much to spread the

reputation of our city abroad.

The name of Benjamin F. Goodrich leads that of all others

in connection with the establishment of the rubber industry in

our city. It is a most interesting story as to how it was that he

came to locate here and the faith in him and the great foresight

that is given to some men is evidenced by the fidelity with which

our fellow citizens, Lewis Miller, Colonel Perkins and Mr. Crouse

aided and assisted Dr. Goodrich in the trying days when the man-

ufacture of rubber products was an experiment. The final suc-

cess of the rubber industry was far beyond the vision of any

man, but the faith in him and his industry and the financial as-

sistance that was given Dr. Goodrich by Lewis Miller, Colonel

Perkins and Mr. Crouse was well repaid, not alone in personal

gain but in the establishment of one of America's greatest in-

dustries in our midst, and the name of Goodrich in connection

with our city is known throughout the world.

The time allotted to me would not be sufficient to pay a proper

tribute to any one of these industrial leaders of the past. They

were not without fault; not everything they undertook was suc-

cessful, but it was the possession of an aggressive spirit--that

failure could not conquer--that fitted them for leadership and

inspired in others the spirit of assistance and service that made

the dreams of these men come true. And out of it all has come

not alone material success but a spirit of service that is at once

the pride and glory of our city.

It was the spirit of service that inspired the men and women

contemporary with them to overcome hardships; and it was the

common sacrifices of all that welded and bound together the com-

munity which was to make for the advancement, success and

prosperity of our city.

While we revere the memories of all whose names are in-

scribed upon this memorial of bronze and granite, we also ac-

knowledge with grateful hearts, as these industrial leaders would

have us do, the services of the vast army of unseen and unknown

workers, in factory and office, in school and in church, in public

office and in private life, who as co-laborers with these men, made

possible Akron of today. It is to these men and women, who took

advantage of the opportunities afforded by these leaders, that we

are also greatly indebted for the City of Homes, the City Beau-

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The Akron Centennial                543

tiful, the city where peace and concord dwell, where happiness

and prosperity go hand in hand, where the citizenship is not con-

fined in its aspirations alone to growth, development and pros-

perity within its corporate limits, but which lifts its aspiring eye

to the future welfare and happiness of every hamlet, village and

city in the land, and to all within the borders of our common

country, the United States of America.

To the young men and women of this community I recom-

mend the study of the history of our city and county and the

biographies of these great industrial leaders. As the greatest

men of history have come from obscurity, so it was with these

men, the latent power within them was not suspected. Read and

study the lives of these men and search for the latent power

within yourselves. "Only a clay worker", "only a blacksmith",

"only a machinist", "only a boatman", "only a miller", "only a

matchmaker", "only a rubber worker" might have been said of

some of these illustrious dead, but that divine spark -- the spirit

of service -- glowed within them and made possible the great

work of their accomplishment.

Akron's industrial leaders of the past, who builded so well,

were all loyal, patriotic citizens. Each one proved his loyalty

and worth by the service he gave to his country. When the storm

and stress of war swept over our country each one proved his

devotion by his patriotic and loyal service as a citizen.

And now, my fellow citizens, if we would truly honor these

illustrious dead, let us, as they did, remember our duties and re-

sponsibilities as citizens. Let us recall that these accomplish-

ments of the past, of which we have spoken, were all made pos-

sible under a government that was created by men who loved

justice and were desirous of promoting the general welfare and

securing the blessings of liberty for themselves and their pos-

terity; a government that was created by men who wrote into

the constitution, by the adoption of the first ten amendments

thereto, those inalienable rights to which all had consented and

assented during the great work of drafting that instrument.

In this great charter of our liberties we are guaranteed the

right of religious liberty, the right of freedom of speech and of

the press, the right of peaceable assembly, to petition the govern-

ment for the redress of grievances; the right to be secure in our

persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches

and seizures; the right of trial by jury and that no person shall

be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of

law.

Under our constitutional representative form of government

our country has taken first rank among the nations of the world.

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544       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

 

What is to be the future of our vigorous and liberty loving people

no one can tell, but during the last twenty-five years changes have

been taking place within our government and we have been

drifting toward Democracy and Bureaucracy.

Our trouble seems to have commenced when we started to

instruct our representatives what to do, until today, many of our

representatives are controlled by the direction of blocs and in-

terests and representatives are asked, not to exercise their own

judgment and to legislate for the general welfare, but are sought

to be controlled for the advantage and benefit of those who would

instruct them.

The powers conferred upon the chief executive in the execu-

tion of the law have been greatly curtailed by laws conferring

the duties imposed upon him by the constitution upon commis-

sions, boards and bureaus.

The power of the legislature has been usurped by writing into.

the constitution by amendment, legislative enactments, instead of

granting to Congress the right to legislate upon the subject matter

written into the constitution by such amendments.

Repeated attempts have been made to destroy the efficiency

of our courts by unwise and unwholesome legislation and amend-

ments to our constitution.

All this has taken place during the progress and advancement

of our country, and in our success and prosperity the people have

been careless of their rights which were safeguarded to them

under the constitution and the first ten amendments thereto.

As a result of these innovations we are now commencing to

feel the great burden that is resting upon the people.

What is the remedy?

The remedy lies in removing the heavy burden of taxation

that rests upon us by limiting expenditures to those things alone

which are essential, and by restoring to the legislative and execu-

tive branches of our government those duties originally vested in

them by the constitution, and by removing from our statute books

the laws which have created unnecessary commissions and boards,

which, with their great number of employees, are absorbing the

earnings and accumulations of our people.

Men and Women of Akron, we must accept the great chal-

lenge. We must be prepared to take on and assimilate, in the

near future, a great population far beyond the expectation of the

most optimistic. As on Monday we witnessed the magnificent his-

torical and industrial parade, with its beautiful and kaleidoscopic

pageantry, its colorful, diversified citizenship, we realized that this

happy, joyous and prosperous humanity blended into a harmoni-

ous community, constitutes our city.

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The Akron Centennial                545

The young manhood and womanhood of our city of a surety

will become our successors. And who knows but that the un-

known boy upon our streets, who with his great eyes has been

drinking in the sights and scenes of our Centennial Celebration,

in the near future will head an institution greater than any our

city has ever known? Great is our duty and responsibility -- not

only for the present but for the future.

We must see to it that our public schools and municipal uni-

versity are preserved in their purity; that the youth of our city,

irrespective of race, color and creed, may freely drink from the

incorruptible fountain of knowledge and grow in moral, intel-

lectual and physical development, fitted and equipped for the great

experiment -- the battle of life.

There is not, nor must there be any conflict between science

and religion. Atheism, Agnosticism and Infidelity have built no

enduring monuments, yet, let us be tolerant of the beliefs of all.

Let us respect all religions and creeds.

Let us trust in God and with hope for the future, respect

and reverence the church -- the great moral stabilizer of society;

and from the beautiful lessons of the Sermon on the Mount and

the Golden Rule, catch the inspiration for the glorification of God

and service to our fellow men.

Mindful of our great responsibilities, let us honor these illus-

trious dead by here and now pledging our best efforts for a re-

turn to the constitution and to this end let us invoke the aid of a

conscientious and righteous press which will continue the fight

already begun, by some of our fearless and respected journalists,

until all the rights guaranteed by the constitution and bill of

rights as expressed in amendments thereto, are restored to the

people.

To this end, as humble instrumentalities in the hands of Provi-

dence, may we ever stand for Justice and for the rights of all;

for the honor and integrity of our government, that our country,

our America, may maintain a worthy place of honor, trust and

confidence among the nations of the world.

The scroll of the century is closed. Our illustrious dead rest

in peace. And to them we can pay no higher, no greater, no nobler

tribute than by here and now solemnly dedicating ourselves to

the high ideals and the great principles for which they stood.

Following Mr. Sieber's address, Senator Frank B.

Willis delivered an address on "The Spirit of Fraternal-

ism."

In the evening a "Mardi Gras" was held on South

Vol. XXXV-34.

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546      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

Main Street. Street dancing by masked and costumed

merrymakers was the feature.

Thursday, July 23rd, was Homecoming and Reunion

Day.

In the morning the Cuyahoga Portage Chapter,

Daughters of the American Revolution, dedicated a tab-

let marking the northern terminus of the Portage Trail.

Mrs. D. V. Reuggsegger was chairman. Mrs. Orville

D. Bailey, State Chairman on Preservation of Historic

Sites and Revolutionary Graves, delivered an address

entitled, "Pioneer Trails."

The tablet read:

"This boulder marks the northern terminus of Portage Path

used as the upper headquarters of the surveying party in 1779.

Also the site of the military post established during the war of

1812 by General Elijah Cendsworth."

The deed for the ground on which the boulder was

located was presented by Joseph Courtney, and was ac-

cepted by F. A. Seiberling, representative of the Metro-

politan Park Board.

At 11:30 a similar boulder, marking the southern

terminus of the trail, was dedicated. Mrs. Lowell F.

Hobart, State Regent of the Daughters of the American

Revolution, delivered a patriotic address, "Relation of

the Daughters of the American Revolution to Pioneer

History."

The old timers' picnic at Summit Beach Park, held

at noon on this day, was a very successful event. The

old time residents of Akron and their families, from

far and near, met and talked of Old Akron. After a

picnic dinner, addresses were delivered by Senator

Charles Dick, F. A. Seiberling, Charles Seiberling. and

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The Akron Centennial          547

George W. Sieber. Count Ilya Tolstoy, one of the great

Russian novelists, who was a guest, spoke of conditions

in Russia.

On Wednesday evening, July 22nd, and on Friday

evening, July 24th, children's pageants which illustrated

the various episodes from the history of Akron, were

held at Buchtel Field. The pageants were the result of

many weeks' rehearsal, study and training, on the part

of some hundreds of Akron school children, under the

direction of Milton H. Seitz. The pageants drew, in

each case, over 3,000 people; tickets to them being dis-

tributed free, to the people, by the children who took

part in the event.

One account of the Centennial was the publication

of a Centennial History of Akron, of 666 pages, to

which some 37 writers contributed. In the short time

during which this book could be prepared, the work was

subdivided among many different headings. The work

contained an outline History of Akron and many topics

of the history, growth and development of the City of

Akron. James A. Braden was Editor-in-Chief of this

book.

The formal closing of the Centennial was a recep-

tion and ball, given on Thursday evening, at Summit

Beach Park.

The Akron Centennial justified the expenditure of

the time and money which was needed. It was success-

ful in every department. Akron people learned more

of the traditions of Akron, of its growth and resources,

during this short time than they had learned in decades

before.

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