Memorial Parkway Fundraiser

In 1964 a torrential rainstorm caused a section of Tallmadge Parkway to collapse. A car with three people inside fell into the ever-widening hole. A young man passing by crawled into the hole and was soon joined by a police officer. Together they saved the lives of the injured driver of the car and a young passenger. Tragically, the ground collapsed around them, taking the lives of the two rescuers and a second youngster who was riding in the car. The police officer and the young man were awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism posthumously. After nearly 60 years we are erecting a memorial stone in a park at the bottom of what is now called Memorial Parkway in Akron, Ohio. Family members have made a substantial contribution as the total cost of this effort is greater than our fundraising goal. Two benches will be placed near the stone so that those passing by might reflect on caring and sacrifice.