City of Akron celebrates rubber workers with statue downtown

Akron, OH – The City of Akron unveiled a statue downtown dedicated to those who helped build up Akron and the rubber and tire industry.

Ohio Sculptor Alan Cottrill was hired by the city to create the statue. The 12-foot bronze piece of art was inspired by the cover of David Giffels and Steve Love’s book, “Wheels of Fortune.”

The statue sits in the center of a roundabout located at the corner of Main and Mill Streets.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan shared remarks before the unveiling. “The city was proud to establish a tribute area for rubber workers and their families on the northeast corner of this intersection to provide visitors with an opportunity to safely engage with a work of art,” he said.