The Old Akron, Ohio Armory. 1918-1982

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Greetings ~

There isn't a lot of information about the old Akron, Ohio Armory building nowadays. Most of what I know is what I remember about the place personally. But what I have found out I have written here. So, let's go...

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Hello! I'm Mr. Ed

Blog Created: 12-27-2021

The Akron Armory building was constructed on South High Street in Akron, Ohio in 1918. Originally built as a training site for the Ohio National Guard troops. The Armory served many other purposes.

Besides the National Guard, the Armory was home to wrestling and boxing matches, concerts, trade shows, campaign rallies and several other events. The Shrine Circus held shows there. The Armory was, at the time, the largest indoor area in the city. The Masonic Lodge also held events there but not under the Masonic title.

In 1936, when the Armory was 18-years old, the WPA did a complete revamping of the structure and updated the old electrical system. They also added a new roof, new ceiling in the main auditorium, a new rifle range indoors, new stairs, meeting rooms, stage and dressing rooms, lawn, walks and added the Doughboy statue in the front of the building.

After only 64-years as an Akron icon, the Armory was demolished to make room for the new Ocasek Office Building. An event that goes down in history as another of Akron's big mistakes and blunders.

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My Personal Memories of the Armory ~

I remember the Akron Armory very well. This building was huge inside. The auditorium was massive. My family was never actually into wrestling or boxing, but my father and I attended many events there.

We went to the circus, a gun show or two, or three maybe. We also attended more than one Boy Scout events as my dad was a Boy Scout Leader for over 36-years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and, no doubt attended their events at the Armory as well.

I remember well also when the Armory was brought down in 1982. A sad event for sure. Like so many of Akron's original landmarks, The Armory bit the dust and became simply a part of our history. All that is left are photographs and not too many of those. I have a brick that I picked up at the demo site. Also left is the Doughboy statue...thank Heaven!

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Photo Gallery ~

February 18, 1947.

1940.

Doughboy statue dedication ceremony.

Nursing event. 1940s.

Late 1940s.

May Festival of Music. 1962.

People wait for Harry Truman's Whistle Stop Tour at the Armory. 1948.

Wrestling matches were held at the Armory often.

Dr. Sam Sheppard even wrestled at the Armory.

Events at the Armory always drew large crowds.

Postcard of the Akron Armory.

The Doughboy statue always stood proud and tall right out front.

Carrying his rifle in one hand and clutching a grenade in the other, the statue showed the bravery of our troops in World War I.

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A few of the many adverts of the Armory years ~

1948.

1966.

1968.

1977.

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The only memento that I have of the Armory today is this brick that I picked up at the demolition site in 1982. I have no idea where it was in the building.

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