Today on DinkLife, we took a trip down memory lane to explore the history of Quaker Square in Akron, Ohio. This place holds a special spot in our hearts, especially for those of us who remember it as a bustling shopping mall in the late 1970s and 1980s. But before it became a unique shopping center, Quaker Square started as a set of oat silos for the Quaker Oats factory, founded by Ferdinand Schumacher, who brought his oat milling expertise from Germany in the mid-1800s. The factory expanded, became a cornerstone of the local economy, and eventually evolved into the famous Quaker Oats Company.
In 1975, Quaker Square was transformed from an old oat mill into a shopping destination with four shops, an ice cream parlor, and quirky, uneven floors that made exploring it feel like a treasure hunt. The smells of freshly baked oatmeal cookies greeted visitors as soon as they entered, and specialty stores like a toy shop, a train store, and craft boutiques gave the place a unique charm. One of the coolest features was the converted railway station next to the mall and gave the complex a nostalgic feel with its model trains and historic decor.
Later on, the iconic silos were turned into a hotel, complete with 196 round rooms, a ballroom, and a restaurant. I remember fondly attending the annual Christmas Tree Festival, which took place in the hotel lobby before it eventually moved to another venue. Though the mall faced financial troubles and closed down, leaving only memories, the site was repurposed by the University of Akron for student housing.
Walking around the now-quiet complex, it’s bittersweet to see the remnants of what was once a beloved part of Akron. Even though the shops and hotel have closed, the buildings still stand, evoking memories of the past. Quaker Square may no longer be the lively spot it once was, but its history and significance remain etched in the hearts of those who experienced it.
wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaker_Square
If you watched our “History of Quaker Square in Akron, Ohio” video and now you’re craving those famous oatmeal cookies, you’re in luck! Here’s the recipe straight from the Beacon Journal.
DinkLife 