National Register Listing

Young Woman's Christian Association

a.k.a. Akron YMCA Building

146 S. High St., Akron, OH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture
The first traffic light in the world was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914. It had only two colors, red and green, and was manually operated by a police officer.
Ohio random facts
Summit County, Ohio has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by Europeans in the late 1700s as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, a parcel of land given to the state of Connecticut in compensation for their losses during the American Revolution. In 1808, the county was officially established, and it was named "Summit" due to its high elevation and the fact that it was located at the highest point along the Ohio and Erie Canal.

The development of the Ohio and Erie Canal played a significant role in the county's growth. Completed in 1832, the canal transformed Summit County into a major transportation hub, connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio River. This led to an economic boom, attracting industries such as coal mining, steel production, and manufacturing. Akron, the county seat, became known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" due to the presence of major tire companies like Goodyear and Firestone.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Summit County experienced rapid urbanization, fueled by the growth of its industries. The area attracted a diverse immigrant population, with substantial numbers of Eastern European, Irish, and Italian migrants settling in the region. They contributed to the cultural richness of the area, establishing their own communities and bringing their unique traditions with them.

In recent decades, Summit County has transitioned from an industrial-based economy to one focused on healthcare, education, and technology. The University of Akron has become a prominent institution, drawing students from across the region, while the Akron Global Business Accelerator supports the growth of tech startups. Today, Summit County is a vibrant and diverse area that combines historical charm with modern innovation.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Summit County, Ohio.

  • 1840: Summit County is established as one of the 88 counties in Ohio.
  • 1841: Canal construction in the county begins, aiding in the area's economic growth.
  • 1846: The Akron and Summit County Institute is established, marking the beginnings of higher education in the county.
  • 1865: The American Civil War ends, bringing changes and challenges to Summit County.
  • 1870: The Akron Public Library is founded, providing accessible knowledge to the community.
  • 1914: The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company is established in Akron, becoming a significant industrial presence.
  • 1935: Summit County experiences severe flooding as a result of heavy rainfall and inadequate flood control measures.
  • 1950: Akron becomes known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" as numerous rubber companies expand in the area.
  • 1970: The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is established, preserving natural beauty in Summit County.
  • 1986: The Akron Art Museum moves to its current location, showcasing art exhibitions and educational programs.
  • 2008: The downtown area of Akron undergoes revitalization efforts to attract more businesses and residents.