At the turn of the 20th century, Akron, Ohio became the fastest growing city in the country. Fueled by the rubber industry, the city doubled its population, with tire companies like Goodyear, Firestone, and General establishing their headquarters in town.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company founded in 1898 [Pinterest]
To honor the contribution of the men and women who worked in the factories, the City of Akron and the Akron Stories initiative are installing a 12-ft.bronze statue in tribute to that heritage.
Akron rubber worker statue, by Ohio sculptor Alan Cottrill. [Akron Beacon Journal]