Early and Present Kent
(First floor hall, room 1)
(First floor hall, room 1)
The city of Kent (originally named Franklin Mills) was built by “do-it-yourself” people - individuals who saw an ideal location and the possibility for limitless opportunity. A survey by the Kent Bulletin showed the following businesses in 1870: Four dry goods stores; six grocery stores; two drug stores; three boot and shoe stores; four clothing stores; two jewelry stores; three livery stables; a flour and feed store; a furniture store; a harness shop; two tin shops; two meat markets; five millinery stores; five blacksmith shops; one wagon shop; and a number of paint shops. Those earliest entrepreneurs, such as T.G. Parson Lumber, and their business ventures are represented in this room.
Today, more than 200 years after it was founded, the ingenuity and spirit of those early entrepreneurs continues to be apparent today in the ever-evolving Kent landscape.
Today, more than 200 years after it was founded, the ingenuity and spirit of those early entrepreneurs continues to be apparent today in the ever-evolving Kent landscape.
Progress in Kent
(First floor, room 2)
(First floor, room 2)
Emory's Barber Shop
The Fageol Factory
In the 20th Century, the city continued to change at a rapid-fire pace as some of Kent's most well-known ventures were organized. The exhibit features an original barber chair from 1919; porcelain sink; a sign from his shop; mirror; barber's combs, clippers, razors and scissors; and some hair tonics still in original bottles. Before his retirement, Emory was one of the five oldest barbers still practicing in Ohio. One can also find artifacts and a large group of photos from the Twin Coach factory. In addition to artifacts and pictures from these companies on exhibit in this room, a display case holds various promotional items used to advertise businesses that have operated in Kent and some that still are operating today.
More coming to this page.