Akron-isms

Every "hometown" has them. Those little things that make their town unique. In Akron, Ohio, we have our share.

We have the battle of the burgers: Swensons vs Skyway. We have parts of town that are known for something. Barberton, for example, has Lake Anna, and the best chicken joints anywhere. East Akron neighborhoods grew because so many workers from the rubber companies moved in and raised their familiies there. And speaking of the rubber city, the founders, CEO's and executives at those rubber companies build their stately homes in lovely West Akron; the most famous of those homes being Stan Hywett Hall, built by the Seiberlings.

We Akronites are proud of our surprisingly cosmopolitan downtown, with new restaurants and clubs emerging all the time. We love our very cool baseball stadium; home to the Akron Aeors; the Indians farm team. We have an amazing little outdoor ampitheatre, Lock 3 Park, right downtown...and a new art museum. I say our town is "surprisingly" cosmopolitan because many Clevelanders think they own Ohio's bragging rights to cool city stuff with the Flats, the Warehouse District, and the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. But when they see downtown Akron they find it to be an undiscovered 'gem' 30 miles south of the big city.

What never ceases to amaze me about Akron, is the strong history and pride of the high school football rivalries...especially the Catholic School rivalries. And of all of those, none top the St V-Hoban game. I can be in a restaurant, bar, at a fund raiser or community event and when the converstion turns to "where did you go to school?" I can often find a good humored St V-Hoban ribbing from graduates of either school. For too many years to recall, St V and Hoban have passed a Shelaleigh back and forth to the winning team. Unfortunately for this St V alum, Hoban has had it in their possession for the last 7, 8... or is it 9 seasons? Hmmm...maybe this will be our year to win it back!

But back to the real controversy--which is better--Swensons or Skyway?