Canton – RDZ Photography

Columbus – April 2019 – Ohio Sports History

The Ohio History Center recently opened an exhibit on the history of sports in Ohio. It featured both professional and team sports, as well as sports geared toward participation, such as these classic old roller skates.

The Cincinnati Bengals came into existence as part of the American Football League (AFL), a couple of years before they merged with the NFL. The exhibit had a rare referee’s uniform from the AFL days.

A classic bowling shirt from the 1960s.

One of the most famous annual events in the state is the world soap box derby championships in Akron.

While the NBA was in existence in the early 1960s, college basketball was bigger. An offshoot of that was big time AAU basketball – Cleveland had a team that was the National Champions in 1961.

The 1970s Cincinnati Reds were a powerhouse team, lead by catcher Johnny Bench and the now disgraced Pete Rose.

High School football is big time in Ohio, and are none are bigger than the Massillon – Canton McKinley rivalry.

Probably the most famous athlete from Ohio today is LeBron James.

The exhibit was ok, but given how much sports history there is in Ohio it seemed lacking in depth and detail.

Canton, OH – April 2018 – Model Ship Museum

Art, History, Transportation

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At the edge of Canton, Ohio behind a row of old shopping areas, is a building that at first appearances is a vacant factory. As you drive up you see a small sign that says ‘Blue Water Majesty Museum’.

Once you enter and meet Larry Pulka, the owner and craftsman, you see it is much more. For more than 40 years Larry has built from scratch model ships. These ships are built just like the real thing, starting with the skeleton and beyond.

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The display area is well done, with display cases and backgrounds very professionally done.

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Most are scale sailing ships.

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Each ship has details such as lifeboats, railings and masts. All are built out of exotic woods, using different woods to represent the various colors.

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Larry goes into such detail that he has made tiny wood nails that are used extensively.

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Further detail is shown in the peripherals on the ship.

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If you find yourself in Canton, Ohio it is well worth a visit to go see Larry and his amazing ships.

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Canton – April 2017 – Pro Football Hall of Fame revisit

History, Sports

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is somewhere I have been numerous times over the years, but not since 2014. Since I was in Northern Ohio and had some time I stopped by.

The only fundamental change is a football card display, the rest of the displays were the same as three years ago. Still with new lenses and a different perspective it was a good chance to challenge the photography skills.

Canton – March 2014 – Pro Football Hall of Fame

History, Sports

Canton is the home of professional football in America, with the NFL being founded in a car dealership garage there in 1920. In the early 1960s the leaders of Canton thought it would be a good idea to build a Professional Football Hall of Fame, having seen the success that Cooperstown, NY had with the baseball one.

The distinctive building, in the shape of an upright football coming out of the roof, was expanded in the mid 1990s to it’s current 80,000 + square feet.

As you enter the rotunda you are greeting with a life sized statue of Jim Thorpe, one of the best athletes of all time. Jim, who was a Sac and Fox Native America named Wa Tho Huk (Bright Path), won Olympic Gold Medals in the Pentathlon and Decathlon, played American Football, Professional Baseball and Basketball, and excelled at all of them.

Winning his gold medals in 1912 Stockholm Olympics; when he was presented his gold medals from King Gustav V, the kind said “You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world”, to which Thorpe (being a true American) replied, “Thanks, King”

The first exhibit hall displays equipment from the early days.

The Bust Gallery of all of the Hall of Fame players is especially impressive.

Throughout the day the docents presented different programs; we watched one on the evolution of the helmet.

There was an exhibit on professional leagues other than the NFL.

Finally as you reach the end you are greeted by a Super Bowl trophy.

Canton – January 2012 – Classic Car Museum

Art, History, Transportation

The Canton Classic Car Museum is located in downtown Canton. In addition to the cars they have a vast collection of kitsch.

Canton, OH – January 2012 – MAPS Airplane Museum

History, Transportation

The Military Air Preservation Society (MAPS) runs a small museum at the Akron Canton Airport in Northern Ohio. As noted by the name, it has mostly military aircraft, as well as a small museum.

Personally I like civilian aviation better, but the volunteers there took great care in restoration of the old aircraft.

Akron – Canton – September 2011 – A Tour of the Highlights of the Area

Architecture, Festival, History, Nature, Sports, Transportation

With a sunny early fall weekend with nothing to do, we played tourist in the area we lived.

A flower festival in Barberton

Sand castles and carvings were on display

The statue was even adorned with flowers.

Akron was once the rubber capital of the world, and there is plenty of evidence of this – including Firestone Stadium, a depression era baseball stadium that has been converted for the Women’s Professional Softball team.

Quaker Oats started in Akron – one of the old silo complexes was turned into a hotel, and later, University of Akron dorms.

The new University of Akron football stadium – likely overbuilt as they never fill it.

The William McKinley Memorial in Canton.

The steps are a popular workout location.

Canton is home to the Professional Football Hall of Fame – as the freeway bridge proclaims.

Back in Akron – Fulton Airport – Home of the Blimp Hangar

Canton, OH – September 2011 – Glenmoor Councours

Architecture, Art, Festival, History, Sciences, Transportation

Mid September brought the Glemoor Concours to Canton. While the official name was pretentious, the Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles, it did indeed fit.

The collection of cars that were there was stunning. In addition the setting on the country club fairways added to the overall appeal. As a result I have one of my longest postings in terms of photographs.

Canton – July 2011 – Hot Air Balloon Festival

Art, Festival, Transportation

Each July Canton has a number of activities for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. One of the ancillary events is a hot air balloon festival held on the Stark State Community College grounds.