Akron's Bicentennial - Commemorative Ornament and Wallhanging
The City of Akron is celebrating its 200th anniversary this coming July 4th weekend. From a new museum about Akron's history to a historic parade on Sunday, July 5th - there has been quite the buzz about this special anniversary.
When creating this pewter piece to commemorate the bicentennial, Leandra's goal was to symbolically show what Akron means to her. She thought about this and shared that the word that comes to mind when she thinks of Akron is "heart."
In Leandra's words, "We are a community that cares deeply about Akron, our people, our history, our neighborhoods, and our local businesses." Leandra sees a vibrancy in the community and appreciates how much Akron and its residents support the arts. Whether it is dance, music, sculpture, poetry, literature, or theater - people can easily access the talents of its community.
Leandra also shares that "Akron is big enough to have many new and unique places to explore and people to meet - but - small enough that we all know our neighbors and community leaders."
In the center of Leandra's design, you'll find houses representing "home is where the heart is." The hearts of the people of Akron are what make the Akron community so special. As an added touch, there is a heart near the houses.
The iconic Goodyear Blimp is depicted floating in the sky above the homes. In 2025, the Goodyear Blimp is celebrating its centennial - its first vessel, The Pilgrim, launched on June 3, 1925. Still a thrill to see it!
Not to leave anything out, there are also references to Ohio with a buckeye leaf with two buckeyes, a duck for the RubberDucks, Akron's minor league baseball team - also with its namesake harkening to the roots of the rubber industry.
We hope you enjoy this ornament and enjoy the upcoming festivities and parade!
SHOP LEANDRA DRUMM AKRON BICENTENNIAL ORNAMENT
Pictured here is Don with Kerry Clawson, the Akron Beacon Journal's Arts Writer. For the upcoming article that Kerry is writing about the City of Akron's Bicentennial, she spent time interviewing Don at his workshop. The two of them had a wonderful time discussing the arts, historic landmarks in Akron, and Don's chosen word for the article. You'll have to check out the Akron Beacon article to learn what word he connects to Akron and his reason why.
Don crafted his commemorative wall hanging in pewter. You'll see his iconic sun in the center with the words "Akron's Bicentennial" surrounding the sun. This piece is approximately 9.5 inches in diameter and about three fourths of an inch in thickness.