Akron (Images of America) by Diane Francis

Akron (Images of America) by Diane Francis

See how Akron, Ohio, rode the economic roller coaster but overcame several adversities and remained a major force in many industries.

Best known as the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron, Ohio, was a major player in varioius 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, and even countries. This lively mix of diverse cultures helped to create Akron's unique beauty and boundless spirit.

Akron, Ohio, examines this special blend of industry, culture, tight-knit neighborhoods, and high society through historic photographs and images - some of which have not been seen . until now

Diane Francis is the author of nine books, including Who Owns Canada Now and Bre-X: The Inside Story, which were both #1 bestsellers. She has been a columnist for Maclean's magazine, The New York Sun, and the Financial Post, and is currently Editor at Large at the National Post and a blogger for The Huffington Post. Francis spent 20 years as a Media Fellow and participant at the World Economic Forum, as well as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University's Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics, and Public Affairs. She is presently a Distinguished Professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. She is a Chicago native who now splits her time between Toronto and New York City.