On October 9th 2020 like many people we went on an outdoor adventure-we were able to spend a little family time social distancing and exploring at the Akron Rubber Bowl. I cannot believe this was a little over four years ago. Boy does time fly! My grandson is more than twice that size now.
A little history-the rubber bowl was built in 1939 close to Derby Downs which was built in 1936. This is not far from the Goodyear blimp hanger in Akron, Ohio. Completion of construction was spring 1940 with the inaugural event of a state music and drill competition in June 1940. Mr. Trent’s great grandfather, Herbert Hermanus Trent was employed as a worker on the project until they realized he had trained as a draftsman and was recruited into that aspect of the development. At least that is what he was told by his grandmother. I believe there were probably a lot of people from the area that had hands on this structure. In its hayday it hosted many many football games. It was also a memorable concert venue-everything from Aretha Franklin to the Ozzfest. My husband has many memories of the Rubber Bowl. He grew up not far from there-seeing the condition the stadium was in compared to the memories, I am sure, was a lot to digest.
I have to say it is always mesmerizing to witness how nature quickly takes over structures that are not used. As if it is patiently waiting for the time to take back what was once hers. Clearly not completely abandoned as you can see by the many layers of graffiti, and the lean-to behind the old Heisman Lodge that was built in 1934. According to reports all the remaining structure was completely demolished.
A little history-the rubber bowl was built in 1939 close to Derby Downs which was built in 1936. This is not far from the Goodyear blimp hanger in Akron, Ohio. Completion of construction was spring 1940 with the inaugural event of a state music and drill competition in June 1940. Mr. Trent’s great grandfather, Herbert Hermanus Trent was employed as a worker on the project until they realized he had trained as a draftsman and was recruited into that aspect of the development. At least that is what he was told by his grandmother. I believe there were probably a lot of people from the area that had hands on this structure. In its hayday it hosted many many football games. It was also a memorable concert venue-everything from Aretha Franklin to the Ozzfest. My husband has many memories of the Rubber Bowl. He grew up not far from there-seeing the condition the stadium was in compared to the memories, I am sure, was a lot to digest.
I have to say it is always mesmerizing to witness how nature quickly takes over structures that are not used. As if it is patiently waiting for the time to take back what was once hers. Clearly not completely abandoned as you can see by the many layers of graffiti, and the lean-to behind the old Heisman Lodge that was built in 1934. According to reports all the remaining structure was completely demolished.
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