Why are Firestone Park Ohio homes unique? Many of Akron Ohio's communities were formed and built in the early 1900's to accommodate the many workers in the rubber shops busily making tires for Henry Ford's new invention, the car! Ford was a good friend to Harvey Firestone. We had Firestone, Goodyear, Sieberling and General Tire among other smaller ones that were absorbed or disappeared. This story is about Harvey Firestone's vision. Firestone Park Homes!
This is the "Heart" of Firestone Park Ohio, the park, naturally! If you look at the center, it is shaped in the likeness of the well known brand, the "Firestone Shield." You can see it is surrounded by well cared for, Firestone Park homes. The plant itself is walking distance from here and all of Firestone Park residents, which is what Harvey Firestone wanted and designed. A lot of the workers at that time did not own cars, thus the proximity was the value of the idea.
The Firestone Park homes were designed and built by Harvey Firestone's approved engineers and contractors. They were very well built and most are still in great shape today. The executive's stately homes were built closest and are brick Tudors and Colonials. One example is below and are still considered mansions by us regular folks. They were very large and also contained servants quarters which are the children's hide-a-ways and bedrooms today.
Harvey had vision and implemented many innovative ideas to keep his Firestone Park Homes neighborhood active, enjoyable and permanent. He owned all the land and donated the lots for anyone wanting to build a church or school. He even established his own Firestone Bank next to the plant. The bank is no longer, but the churches and schools are still standing and thriving. Way to go Harvey!
Firestone Park Ohio Homes is still my home after over 50 years. It has been, and still is, a great place to live and raise a family! All are welcome!
Comments(2)