Akronicity

WHAT SURGES THROUGH US

FOR NEARLY 200 YEARS, Greater Akron, Ohio, has been the birthplace of ideas, systems, products and idioms that have had an unmistakably positive impact on the world and its citizens. Strategically settled, Akron’s geographical location has been leveraged throughout its history – from waterways, road systems and air transport. Similarly, its ideagraphical locale has become a fertile landscape of inspiration and creation. Ideas have always flourished, bringing forth refinements and substantial advancements across every facet of our community’s output. This section is a brief glimpse at the common thread, we call “akronicity,” to demonstrate its influence on our achievements across time. For the complete story, visit akronicity.com.

LET’S PLAY! Each letter of Akronicity is from an iconic sign/company name, can you identify each? Answers on akronicity.com.

CAN’T BE HELD DOWN

IN 1917, GOODYEAR CREATED THE GOODYEAR ZEPPELIN COMPANY

and began manufacturing zeppelins mainly as a way to advertise their products. Then in the 1930s, they built two airships for military use – the USS Akron and the USS Macon. In the early 1960s, the Goodyear Aerospace Corporation helped NASA develop heating and cooling systems for the Apollo spacecrafts, produced tires used on moon vehicles, and created flotation devices for spacecrafts landing in water. Drive by the enormous Goodyear Airdock to see where the USS Akron and USS Macon were constructed.

HISTORY IN

THE MAKING

GERTRUDE SEIBERLING BEGAN ATTENDING

BUCHTEL COLLEGE when her husband’s business venture, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, became profitable. She studied architecture, gardening, and interior design. She wanted to be able to assist in building the family’s new home — a 65-room Tudor style mansion they would call Stan Hywet — when construction began in 1912. Visit Stan Hywet Halls & Gardens to learn more about the Seiberling family.

AKRON

INNOVATES

FOR YEARS, TOYS WERE ALL HANDMADE,

making them available only to the children of wealthy families. In 1884, Samuel C. Dyke automated his Akron factory to mass-produce marbles, the first toy affordable for everyone. He then founded The American Marble & Toy Manufacturing Co. in the mid-1890s, which produced a million marbles a day and turned out dozens of other toys, including America’s oldest figurine of a Santa, pictured here. Visit the Akron Children’s Museum with the young ones to experience playful, interactive learning.

INTERNATIONAL

TASTEMAKERS

AS GERMAN IMMIGRANTS MOVED TO THE AREA IN THE

EARLY DAYS OF AKRON, they introduced beer by opening the first breweries. In 1865, Fredrick Gaessler established Wolf Ledge Brewery. Later he partnered with Wilhelm Burkhardt and the company became Burkhardt and Company. They resumed brewing beer after prohibition ended and continued to operate until the brewery was sold in 1956. The tradition of brewing continues on today as Akron is home to several breweries. Thirsty Dog Brewing is located in the Wolf Ledges area in the former headquarters of the Burkhardt Brewing Company. Visit Thirsty Dog Brewing, part of the #SummitBrewPath.Brewing, part of the #SummitBrewPath.

akronicity [ak-ruh-nis-i-tee) Noun. the innate creativity, tenacity and intellectual prowess that has and will continue to surge through the men and women of Akron, Ohio: embrace your akronicity and make your new ideas reality | akronicity is a uniquely, oneof-a-kind spirit of innovation and determination that only the people of Akron, Ohio possess. ORIGIN: Settled in 1825 — Akron from the Greek “an elevation” or “point” / icity (you’re wondering) is the sweat, tears, joy, steadfastness, grit, passion and smarts that are the foundation of the community we celebrate today and what will propel us into the future.