Haunted Akron, Ohio

by Jeri Holland, John Holland (Illustrator), Ken Summers (Contributor)

Historic, haunted, chilling tales of the town of Akron as told by one of Northeast Ohio's most respected paranormal investigators! Run down the apparitions that float about Rubber City streets and façades like the shadow of a passing blimp. Stroll along forgotten canals amid the restless chatter and clank of spirits cut down before their hard lives became easier. Catch a show at the Civic Theater with a ""former"" engineer who prophesied that death wouldn't keep him from work. A more restive spirit is that of John Tedrow, a twenty-something mauled and murdered during a drunken brawl in 1882; he wails for help and resolution. In this ghostly tour through Akron's haunted and sometimes brutal past, paranormal specialist and historian Jeri Holland digs into the ghost tales and local legends that linger here like this city's industrial heritage.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Ghosts

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2011

Reviews

[April Helms · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good mix of familiar tales of haunts and several new stories. The concentration was more on the history of the locales themselves and the more technical aspects of trying to verify a particular haunting, which was different. The author stressed that she wanted to emphasize a balanced, neutral approach and she succeeded. It was a nice read on local history, area locales and legend.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is okay, not to put too fine of a point on it. The writing is not great but I love reading about historical Akron and it’s surrounding environs.

[James Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid if fairly standard account of hauntings in the past of Akron, Ohio. Would have preferred if there was less reference to things like EVP and more focus on just creepy stories, but it was acceptable.

[Karen Gedeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haunted Akron by Jeri Holland – a neat little book explaining several locations throughout the Akron Ohio area which are known hangouts for ghosts. Holland explains the history behind each location and briefly explains some of the reported paranormal visions. A limited number of photos and illustrations are included. Maps of all the locations as well as an overall one of the area would have been helpful for visual readers who are unaware of some of the locations. Included are a list of common paranormal terms, sources and local paranormal groups. Many chapters end with notes reminding readers of local ordinances or ghost hunting etiquette. A nice book to have for local history, but not one to scare the wits out of the reader. Grades 6+.

[Jeffrey Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent history book but a hit-and-miss ghost book. Some chapters don’t provide specifics on haunts but instead say things like “this person’s spirit might still be around” without any actual accounts of experiences.

[Kristin Holland · Rating 2 out of 5]

History of Akron was interfering, where names of places come from and some of the original “architects” of the city. Some of the language in the writing seemed a little cheesy.

[Hollie Secrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Very well written, entertaining and informative. I love the amount of rich history in this book. Anyone with an interest in the paranormal that lives in or near Akron should definitely check it out. You won't regret it.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read with lots of great stories! The only thing that would have made this book better would have been if the author had included maps of her locations.

[Matthew Zorich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Local stories mixed with bits of history and personal experiences from the author. Recommended for those in the area who want to know more about the spooky side of Summit County.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love scary stories! A very good read. I would love read more about Portage Path.