Akron Empire Favorites 2014: Landmarks

 
Akron Empire Favorites: Favorite Akron Landmarks
by Joanna Wilson

You voted--and we heard you!  Last summer we asked our readers to identify their favorite landmarks in the greater-Akron area.  Here are the results:

The Gate Lodge at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

First place: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Also the winner in our poll on Favorite Places to Take a Tour. Stan Hywet is the former home of F.A. Seiberling, the co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.  It is a favorite place for Akronites and out-of-town guests.  Stan Hywet's Gate Lodge is also a favorite landmark to those wishing to honor the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.  AA started right here in Akron and is known as one of the most powerful social movements of the twentieth century. Check out their website: StanHywet.org
 
Second place: Glendale Cemetery
The beauty of this landmark location, just on the other side of downtown, transcends its historic value as the final resting place of several Akron founders, industrialists, and former leaders.  Many people now visit Glendale to attend its popular public events held in the Great Meadow.  When was the last time you visited Glendale Cemetery?  For more information, check out their website: GlendaleAkron.com

Third place: The Towpath
The bike and hike trail along the historical Ohio & Erie Canal is a popular outdoor destination for locals.  Within the next few years, the entire 101 mile trail along the canal will be open from Cleveland to New Philadelphia.  The section of the trail through Akron and downtown is a natural wonder and open year round.  For more information about trailheads and historical stops along the towpath, check out the Summit Metro Parks website link HERE.

Sorry--the only photo I could find I had of the Signal Tree includes the cover of my book A IS FOR AKRON.  And, yes--I used my book to help me research these favorite Akron landmarks!

Honorable Mentions:
Another favorite landmark Akronites voted for includes the Signal Tree located in the Cascade Valley Chuckery area of the Summit Metro Parks.  The 300 year-old tree is believed to have been shaped by Native Americans looking to mark the area to assist persons passing by in locating the nearby river. 

Rotaynah continues to stand despite the harsh winters and insects of Akron.

And last but not least is Rotaynah, the wooden sculpture carved by artist Peter Toth.  This proud Native American landmark is located along West Market St. in front of the Judith Resnick Learning Center.  Do you have another favorite Native American landmark in Akron?

Thanks to everyone who voted.  Please check the complete list of Akron Empire Favorites found HERE.