Akron
Francis, David W. / Francis, Diane DeMali Best known as the "Rubber Capital of the World, " Akron, Ohio, was a major player in many industries long before Benjamin F. Goodrich moved there in 1870. From humble canal town to global industry giant, Akron rode the economic roller coaster through the Depression, wars, strikes, and financial booms. As a major manufacturing center of everything from sewer pipe to matches to oatmeal, Akron lured prospective workers from other towns, states, a...