This month's Akron2Akron walk focused on the oldest part of Akron - which wasn't actually originally part of Akron at all - Middlebury. Middlebury was already thriving when Akron was just a plan on a map that General Simon Perkins had drawn on land he owned. Middlebury's huge industry was clay products and the business was so thriving many thought the village would outpace Cleveland's growth the become the region's largest city. The fortunes changed though when Perkins convinced the Ohio Legislature to put the Ohio & Erie Canal through his property. Akron took off and eventually annexed Middlebury. On the walk we not only saw the history of Middlebury but examined its current status and businesses.
We started at The Well who is hosting a new Wednesday Market.
This now abandoned mansion has also housed many businesses over the years. This stretch of Market was once Akron's Millionaire Row - this is one of the last remaining structures from that era.
We were discussing the food options in Middlebury - which is almost entirely all fast food in this completely un-pedestrian friendly area.
A few of these former homes that once belonged to clay barons.
Fair Financial - which was bought by out-of-town investors and turned into a ponzi scheme - and eventually raided by the FBI.
Group shot with the famous gorilla at the Mattress Outlet.
The Womb
This little monument is where Middlebury's town square was - outside Akron's Fire Station #2.
This is a bridge over the Little Cuyahoga River where the first mills in Middlebury were located.
We learned the history of this Catholic congregation too - the church was very cool.
Checking out some pieces from old clay kilns.
We also checked out this spice shop and community space.
Kombucha popsicles!
There was so much more interesting history and sites along the walk than I'm showing here - which is why you need to come to the next walk - which is on August 18th in Northhill. Find all the info on the Akron2Akron Facebook Page.
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