Kent owes its origins to the Cuyahoga River — the city’s great natural asset that drew founding father Jacob Haymaker to establish a grist mill in 1805, prompting the creation of a settlement known as Franklin Mills in what was previously wilderness. Some 25 years later, it was the river that attracted businessman Zenas Kent to the community that would later bear his family’s name.
From such humble beginnings did a substantial community grow, led through the 19th Century by three remarkable generations of the Kent family. The Kents were responsible for turning the community into a thriving railroad town at the end of the Civil War, and many years later played a major role in the founding and location of Kent State Normal College that evolved into Kent State University.
The roaring waters of the Cuyahoga river have always been a focal point to Kent’s history. The Pennsylvania & Ohio canal brought prosperity to Kent.
Learn more about Pennsylvania and Ohio CanalCapt. Brady’s leap across Cuyahoga River.
Aaron Olmstead Purchased land in Kent.
First bridge built. Aaron Olmstead hired surveyors to explore twp. and divided it into lots.
(John) and Sally Haymaker arrived. First Permanent Settlers. Built first dam.
First Grist Mill Constructed.
First Wedding
First election in Franklin Twp.
First School established in small cabin.
First School and church erected.
Underground RR active in Kent.
John Brown moved to Franklin Mills, entered into partnership with Zenas Kent.
“Rail Service Came to Western Reserve”.
Land for Standing Rock Cemetery purchased
First lots in Standing Rock Cemetery sold.
A&GW RR tracks laid in Franklin Mills, through the efforts of Marvin Kent. Franklin Mills name changed to “Kent” in honor of Marvin Kent. Influx of Italians RR workers. Two more interurban lines.
Work begun building RR Shops.
Village of Kent Incorporated.
Kent held its first municipal election on Tuesday July 30, 1867. One of the first acts of the council was to erect two oil lights in the covered bridge over the Cuyahoga river on Main St.
Catholic Church Columbus St. Completed.
Anna Nutting first graduate of Kent High School.
New Depot opened.
Construction begins on the Marvin Kent Home.
John Davey “The Tree Doctor” came to Kent, designed Standing Rock Cemetery.
First Telephone exchange.
July 25, Martin L. Davey born, son of John and Bertha Davey.
Grand opening of Brady Lake Resort and Amusement Park on June 11th.
First automobile came to Kent.
Kent Church of Brethren purchased land.
Trinity Lutheran Church cornerstone laid.
Davey Tree Institute of Tree Surgery founded. Davey Tree Expert Company Incorporated.
William S. Kent donates land for KSU, accepted by State of Ohio.
Cornerstone laid for Merrill Hall-first building of campus.
Kent State Normal School opened its doors to its first students on the new campus.
Major Floods. Remnants of Canal, Dam Destroyed by Flood. Martin L. Davey elected Mayor of Kent.
Mason Tire and Rubber Co. Organized. Fred Haymaker opened Ford Agency & built garage. M.L. Davey re-elected Mayor of Kent.
M.L. Davey re-elected Mayor of Kent.
M.L. Davey elected to U.S. House of Rep. and re-elected 3 times.
Roosevelt H.S. built on N. Prospect St.
Martin L. Davey becomes President of Davey Tree Expert Co.
St. Patrick’s School built.
William A.Cluff Teacher’s Training School (University School) building erected. L.N. Gross Co. opened in Kent.
Black and Decker began manufacturing in purchased part of Mason plant.
Martin L. Davey elected Gov. Ohio.
Kent State College becomes University.
Kent Community Chest and Welfare Association formed. Martin L. Davey re-elected Gov. Ohio.
March 31. Martin L. Davey died in Kent.
Kent celebrated Sesquicentennial. Stow-Kent Shopping Center Built.
University Plaza shopping center built.
Roosevelt H.S. built N. Mantua St.
Black Squirrels (10) Introduced into Kent by Larry Woodell.
Opera House demolished.
May 4, Ohio National Guard shoots and kills four KSU students.
Kent Historical Society formed.
Major Fire downtown, Kent Block burns to the ground.
Kent Historical Society Purchased and renovated A&GW/Erie Depot. Pufferbelly Restaurant first floor, KHS offices and museum second floor. City Manager Gov’t Instituted in Kent. Haymaker Parkway completed.
Kent Bicentennial Celebration.
Kent switches to a city manager government, with David Firestone as the first City Manager.
Nancy Hansford first woman Mayor of Kent.
Priscilla Blanchard became first women to be named Kent City Manager.
Carol Cartwright becomes first woman president of a state university in Ohio.
Heritage Park Opens.
Pufferbelly Restaurant closes, Treno Restaurant opens in place of Pufferbelly.
