Akron, Ohio News Release...

Mayor Plusquellic Tours Historic Mustill Store

Mayor Plusquellic tours historic Mustill Store after news conference announcing restoration partnership

(June 1, 1998) Mayor Don Plusquellic joined Congressman Tom Sawyer, State Senator Roy Ray and others this morning to kick off the Mustill House and Store rehabilitation project at Lock 15 along the Ohio & Erie Canal. The ceremony included the signing of a four-party partnership agreement that will drive the project. The City of Akron, Metro Parks serving Summit County, the Cascade Locks Park Association and the National Park Service are partners in this agreement.

This collaboration will transform the structure (circa 1853) into a beautiful new attraction along the 87-mile National Heritage Corridor. As part of the four-way agreement, the parties will each contribute funding to renovate the interior and exterior of the store and accompanying home, and provide parking, utilities, walkways and other outside improvements. This is northeast Ohio's only canal-era residence and business complex and will provide unique educational opportunities for tourists, trail users, students, senior groups, train passengers and history buffs. The rehabilitation will preserve as much historic material as possible, while it updates the complex to serve modern-day trail users.

The Mustill complex, located on West North Street, is one of the most historically significant sites in Akron and along the 87-mile National Heritage Corridor. During the 19th century, the store, situated near the staircase locks, was a hub of activity along the canal. It typically would take canal boats most of a day to make their way through the complex system of locks located near the store, so this became a popular place for people to stop during their trips down the canal. The restored historic structure sits along what will eventually be a 110 mile vehicular scenic byway from Cleveland to Dover.

The following have already committed to the Mustill rehabilitation project.

• The GAR Foundation-$125,000 challenge grant

• City of Akron, Natl. Park Service, Ohio & Erie Canal Association-$100,000 each

• Gund Foundation-$27,500

• Akron Community Foundation-$12,000

• McAlonon Foundation-$10,000

• Corbin Foundation-$10,000

• Eugenia Radney-$7,500

• Al Brion-$1,200

• Babcox Foundation-$500

Mayor Plusquellic said of the project this morning, "The new Mustill complex will serve to bring visitors to a long-neglected area and stimulate economic growth. Of equal importance is its contribution to the neighborhood. This new attraction will provide much needed green space and activity to what has become an almost abandoned neighborhood."

The Mustill project began in 1989 when the Cascade Locks Park Association was established to create a vision for the house and store. CLPA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to complete the Cascade Locks Park from Locks 10 to 16 along the Ohio & Erie Canal while preserving, promoting and protecting the industrial heritage of the area. This $940,000 project cost includes rehabilitation of the house, store and site. It also includes the cost of interpretive exhibits that will be part of the new attraction. Construction and exhibits will both be completed in time for the opening of the towpath trail in July of 1999.