Township holds Historic Hamlets of Bath Tour

Enjoy a trip back in time on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m. and find a treasure while discovering “Center Road,” a key to the past in Bath Township.

Take a two-hour trolley tour back into history and unlock the mysteries that unfold as seven spirits guide passengers through the Historic Hamlets of Bath Township. The tour guide will identify the 19th century homes and barns as the trolley passes through the three hamlets: Hammond’s Corners, Bath Center and Ghent while traveling along Cleveland-Massillon Road, which used to be called “Center Road.”

Trolley passengers will meet Seigel Whitcraft through his grandson, Jeff Andrew, as he tells of the disastrous 1912 fire that destroyed the 1877 general store. Lois Lambert will enlighten time travelers with tales of the Civil War and how it affected Bath. Raymond Firestone will tell how his father Harvey started a rubber company in 1896 that became famous around the world. In 1930, an explosion at Bath Township School devastated the community – Roy Pugh will describe that tragedy. Irvin Manton will recollect his days operating Robinson Clay Products, a company that made clay sewer pipe, and his desire to become a dairy farmer in 1920. Alonzo Coffin will relate his 1860 purchase of the 1832 Woolen Mill and describe how the wool was processed into cloth. Finally, Sarah Jane Pierson will explain how the mills along Yellow Creek were responsible for the settlement of Ghent.

The trolleys will transport passengers from Garth Andrew’s parking lot (1969 Cleveland-Massillon Rd.) north through Hammond’s Corners and then south along “Center Road” to Ghent. There will be one comfort stop at the Bath Township Museum to see the current “Schools of Bath Township” exhibit.

Tickets are $20 each for a seat on one of two trolleys and must be purchased by Sept. 9. Make checks out to “Bath Township” at 3864 West Bath Rd., Akron. Tickets are limited, so reserve a seat quickly and list the names of those attending. With questions call 330-666-4007. ∞