Forever Young Magazine

July 2005
Back to Table of Contents
Back to Archives Main Page

Section: Feature

Akron
Small Village Charm
By Nancy Eckerson

Take an exciting excursion to a charming little village, 24 miles east of Buffalo. Akron, founded in 1826, is located in the town of Newstead, which was named by Mrs. Millard Fillmore in the early 1800s.

Historic Rich-Twinn Octagon House.
Photo by C. M. Fahey

By 1871, Akron was the most affluent village in the area, known for Akron Falls Flour, the premium King Cigars, and high quality cement. The elaborate gingerbread houses lining Main Street and sprinkled throughout the village echo the magnificent glory days.

Akron is home to one of the few remaining octagon houses, The Rich-Twinn Octagon House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the home has been meticulously restored to its 1849 Victorian splendor. Orson Fowler, the founding architect, believed that the shape of the structure and the myriad windows made it one of the healthiest places a person could live. Fowler professed that, with the wonderful light filling the house, there would be no corners for evil spirits to lurk.

Twenty-first Century Akron is the modern day version of Candyland. The streets have names like Ice Cream Plaza, leading to the famous Perry’s Ice Cream Company. Every week the air is filled with a sugary-sweet smell of the coating process taking place at the Ford Gumball Factory. It’s fun to see the huge semi-trucks sporting colorful ice cream cones tooling down the avenues in town.

Summer is a wonderful season to enjoy the outdoors in Akron. Akron Falls Park is a 284-acre county park with wooded trails and the easy-flowing Murder Creek leading hikers to a waterfall. Take a romantic stroll over the rolling hills or take your grandchildren to the park’s playground. Afterwards, for a relaxing meal sample the delicious cuisine at The Akron House, one of the former hotels (built in 1871, restored in 1990). Or experience the quaint Bag and Barrel and other charming downtown eateries.

Village of Akron.
Photo by C. M. Fahey

Summer also brings several enjoyable outdoor music events. The Community Band presents old-fashioned concerts every Friday night in the gazebo at Russell Park. Imagine relaxing on a blanket or chaise lounge on the grassy hillside while listening to the stirring sounds of classical music or Broadway show tunes. At intermission, the refreshment stand is alive with activity as patrons partake of the summer faire. Everything from hamburgers and homemade pies to popcorn and peaches and cream is sold during the season.

Lastly are the golf courses that showcase the Onondaga Escarpment including Rothlands, Dandee Farms, Bright Meadows and Arrowhead and a fifth addition, Ivy Ridge, opening this month.

Akron is rich in history, outdoor activities and an easy day trip for all.

Tours of the Rich-Twinn Octagon House are available to the public every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Private group tours can be pre- arranged by calling 716-542-2254.

Contact the Akron Chamber Of Commerce, 68 Main St., Akron, by calling 716-542-4050, for more information and events.

back to top

back to table of contents

Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home