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The Empire Hotel is Built

AKRON & SUMMIT COUNTY

Karl H. Grismer,

Summit County Historical Society,

Akron, Ohio c. 1950 p 146-147

The Empire Hotel Is Built

The burning of the Ohio Exchange would have been a sad blow had it not been for the fact that by the time it was destroyed, Akron had a much better hotel, the Empire.

This fine four-story brick hotel, located on the northwest corner of Main and Market, was built in 1846-47 by William B. Burroughs and Judge Leicester King at a reported cost of $38,000. Boasting of an elegant ballroom, a dining room and taproom, it was heralded as the most modern hotel in northern Ohio. Perched on top of the building was a cupola where, old timers said, a man was always stationed to watch for approaching packet boats on the P. & 0. Canal, which ran right by its Main Street door. Each time a boat came in sight, the look­out rang a bell to inform the staff that new guests might be coming.

The Empire Hotel was formally opened with a grand ball and banquet November 20, 1847. Never before had Akron witnessed such a turn-out of celebrities. All the leading citizens  of town were there as well as dignitaries from Columbus, Cleveland, Warren and many other cities. Every incoming stagecoach was crowded to capacity and special packet boats were run on both canals.

The throng was so large that ten o'clock passed before everyone was served in the dining room. The late corners stood by and listened to the sweet music being played by John Keating's 12-piece orchestra. After the banquet came the ball and the last couple did not leave the floor until nearly daybreak.

This was the menu of that historic banquet: Turkey, duck, chicken, beef, pork, oyster pie, chicken pie, potatoes, turnips, cabbage, onions, beets and sweet corn. And for dessert: Apple pudding, mince pie, apple pie, pumpkin pie, nuts, raisins and apples. Nothing fancy, but nourishing and filling.

Drawing from Lane's History of Summit County

Akron celebrated when the long-famous Empire Hotel, on the northwest corner of Main and
Market, was opened, on November 20, 1847. The Empire served Akron visitors until it was torn down in 1912 to make way for the Portage Hotel.