University of Akron Historical Resources

Chains of Opportunity: The University of Akron and the Emergence of the Polymer Age, 1909-2007 tells the story of the University's rise to prominence in the field of polymer science, beginning with the world's first academic course in rubber chemistry almost a century ago. Chains of Opportunity explores the University's pioneering contributions to rubber chemistry, polymer science, and polymer engineering. It traces the school's interaction with Akron rubber giants such as Goodyear and Firestone, recounts its administration of the federal government's synthetic rubber program during World War II, and describes its role in the development and professionalization of the academic discipline in polymers. The University of Akron has been an essential force in establishing the polymer age that has become a pervasive part of our material lives, in everything from toys to biotechnology.

Fifty Years of Buchtel (1870-1920) is a history of The University of Akron from its founding as Buchtel College in 1870 to its 50th anniversary in 1920, edited by Albert I. Spanton, Professor of English and Dean of the Buchtel College of Liberal Arts. Chapters include: the founding; the founders; the administrations of Presidents McCollester and Rexford; reminiscences of the early years; early days; the administration of President Cone; the administrations of Doctor Knight and President Priest; the administration of President Church; the administration of President Kolbe; the Preparatory Department; the faculty and the curriculum; the teacher; gifts and donors; athletics; literary activities; college journalism; fraternities and sororities; student social life; the nineties and later; traditions and fun; Buchtel in the Great War; life in the S.A.T.C.; letter from Mary Gladwin; and appendix. In addition to Spanton, chapters were written by Charles B. Wright, Susie Chamberlain Cole, Mary B. Jewett, Lily Theiss Neal, Amelia Schoeninger, Agnes Whiton Simmons, Alfred Herberich, Parke R. Kolbe, Dr. Charles M. Knight, C.R. Olin, Charles L. Bulger, Robert J. Osborne, Lydia Voris Kolbe, Franklin G. Wieland, Maude Herndon, Walker Buel, and Joseph C. Osborne.

Glorious to View: A Reconstruction of Old Buchtel, 1871-1899 is a history of Buchtel College, predecessor of The University of Akron, from its founding in 1870 to the burning of the Main College Building (now known as Old Buchtel Hall) in 1899, by Theodore Thomas "T.T." Duke, the late Distinguished Professor of Latin and Greek and Head of the Department of Classics at The University of Akron.

Hail We Akron! gathers memories, impressions, and opinions of alumni, friends, stakeholders, and donors about Akron's hometown college since its achievement of state status, the third phase of its transformation from Buchtel College and the municipal university. A celebratory collection rather than a chronicle, it gives voice to those who worked and studied here, to the sports fans and concertgoers, the taxpayers and the angels, the employers of graduates, and the vendors of goods and services. Instead of the authority of a single narrative, it offers the range of a panorama and the variety of a collage. It is a grassroots report.

A history of Buchtel College through its transition into the Municipal University of Akron. Compiled by P.R. Kolbe, the book describes the University's growth from a small, secular liberal arts college and academy to a mutli-college municipal university. Contains segments written by Kolbe and Rev. Dr. Abram Simon and articles from The Christian Science Monitor, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, and The Akron Times.

Norman P. Auburn (1905-2003), tenth president of The University of Akron (1951-1971), was a husband and father as well as UA's most important leader in the second half of its 150 years. His third-born child remembers the private man behind the public figure. Norm and Kay Auburn treated the President's Home as a manse and the university constituents as a congregation. They entertained there extensively, inviting every student, faculty, and staff member and showing off the distinguished visitors they brought for lectures, commencements, and commissioning. Behind the scenes they prepared the public face. They raised three children to adulthood and marriage and arranged for the lifelong security of their disabled child.

Our Boys in Blue and Gold chronicles Zips football from the late 1800s until today. Stories from the The Buchtelite have been carefully selected to provide a complete and unique picture of the university's crucial games and motley characters. Historic images fill the pages with a timeline of the game itself.

Summit's Glory is George W. Knepper's eloquent personal history of The University of Akron. In this series of vignettes, he draws on 40 years as student, faculty member, administrator, and University Historian to discuss the University's evolution over a century and a quarter. Summit's Glory will appeal to readers with ties to The University of Akron and to others who enjoy the reflections of a mature scholar.