Ohio: The Buckeye State: An Illustrated History - Hardcover

This intriguing chronicle of the Buckeye State captures the essence of Ohio's progressive history beginning with the early French explorers, statehood in 1803, 20th century growth and the challenges of the 21st century. Ohio proudly boasts of being the home of seven presidents, Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers, John Glenn, and captains of industry such as Rockefeller, Goodrich, Firestone and Procter & Gamble.

John D. Rockefeller. Benjamin F. Goodrich. William Procter and James Gamble. The empire these Ohioans helped create would change the world. But The Buckeye State is more than a story of great industrialists and entrepreneurs. This is the story of New England dairymen who ruled a “Cheesedom” in the Western Reserve; Irish canal builders who hacked through woods and thick underbrush; East Liverpool potters and Marietta shipbuilders; “Rosie the Riveters,” and “Millie the Machinists.” In a lively narrative, authors Eugene C. Murdock and Jeffrey Darbee depict Cincinnati's golden era and Cleveland's rise to power, yet also portray the heyday of cities like Portsmouth, Steubenville, and Zanesville. War, labor struggles, and financial setbacks are not strangers to the state, but The Buckeye State reminds us that Ohio has seen success even in its hardest times. “Cereal King” Ferdinand Schumacher of Akron became rich by supplying oatmeal to Union troops, and Jacob Sapirstein started the American Greetings Corporation during the Great Depression. Strikes led to the creation of the AFL in Columbus and prompted NCR's revolutionary employee-welfare programs. More than 450 illustrations bring to life the players in Ohio's fascinating past. The most-colorful characters include Cleveland's John D. Rockefeller, who controlled the number-one oil refinery in the number-one refining center in the world; and Benjamin F. Goodrich, Harvey Firestone, and Frank Seiberling, who made Akron the “rubber capital of the world.” These men and others like them took Ohio to the forefront of industry and shaped America's future. A special chapter, “Chronicles of Leadership” highlights some of the business people of today who proudly call themselves “Buckeyes.” These enterprising Ohioans, like their forebears, are challenged by new trends and look forward to a future full of promise. Finally, an illustrated chronology of significant events in Ohio's history enhances the main text and puts it all in perspective. Ohio: The Buckeye State is certain to be treasured and turned to again and again.