Monday, November 24, 2008

Akron Industry

Akron was a great industrial spot along the canal because of its location. It had many resources which helped it to thrive, one being the canal; for the time the canal was one of the most modern and fastest way to transport goods from A to B. One canal boat could hold almost as much as a 18 wheeler does today, so as for what you could transport there were many possibilities. One of the major factors for Akron's industry was the rubber and polymer manufactures. I think that the tire industry probably could have only thrived in another place given it had such a great transportation method for the time.

Akron is working to rebuild the city to show everyone that even though alot of industry has moved out more jobs can and will take its place. Akron took a part of the city which was ran down and no one wanted to live there and transformed it into a great place to live. They are building houses and making it feel like a suburban setting while still having the advantages of being in a city. Places like the old Quaker square is appealing to people to come in and visit the city, to show that there is a great history behind the city.

I feel that akron is a great city mainly because of everything that I listed above, not only is it rebuilding but it has many great things to offer to everyone and not just from the history standpoint. I feel that what Akron lacks to be able to compete with other metropolitan centers is the attitude that people have towards the city. Some people think that Akron is some run down city that nothing goes on there, some don't even bother to go and take a look for themselves.

Akron is a great place to visit, also a great place to live. I am glad that I was able to spend the day touring the city. And yes, I know my blog is late...better late then never I suppose.

--
Fosch

4 comments:

Sethna said...

I'm actually a subscriber to the philosophy of "if it's too late, then never is better because maybe they will have forgotten about it and bringing it up again isn't necessary"

What other resources besides the canal caused it to thrive?

Interesting thoughts, they show good insight.

Lienne said...

The reason you gave for Akron's lack of competition with other big metropolitan areas was interesting. It is true that there is a split in beliefs among inhabitants in the area and it is hard to change those views if the ones who express them are not willing to come and see all of what Akron really has to offer.

Spell check before you post next time. "A lot" is two words.

First Knight said...

Were you suggesting that the canal and the rubber industry were simultaneous? The canals and mills, rubber, and polymers are very distinct eras in Akron's history. I hope our whirlwind tour did not confuse you.

I agree that your insights are compelling, and that, if more timely next time, would generate more dialogue.

Fosch said...

as to both the canal and rubber industry question, I was trying to show that both while being quite different are connected in Akron's past and how Akron has changed over time. Sorry if there was confusion about that.