Akron Tile & Fireplace celebrating 100 years
By Maria Lindsay
MERRIMAN VALLEY — Akron Tile & Fireplace has a long history, celebrating its 100th anniversary Sept. 23.
The business was started by Leo Long, who left the family farm on land now occupied by Acme Fresh Market, and opened Akron Hardwood Floors on West Market Street in 1916. The business moved and evolved through four generations to become Akron Tile & Fireplace and now sells flooring, fireplaces and grills and more. Located at 1812 Merriman Road since 1968, the store is still operated by a member of the Long family.
“We have things you can’t find at any other store,” said Leslie Long Gatie, president of Akron Tile & Fireplace.
In addition to a large selection of upscale fireplaces, grills and related accessories, hundreds of styles of tiles for floors and walls, including some made of glass, metal and some that are hand painted, the company also has on hand an “exceptional tile setter” who can take on most jobs, according to Gatie.
The shop also offers a one-of-a-kind gift shop with items such as Vera Bradley purses, jewelry, china, a baby shop, glass doors and other home décor items.
The anniversary celebration will take place Sept. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include demonstrations that showcase items at the shop. Activities will include a cookout with hotdogs, cooking demonstrations and a sale with items discounted up to 75 percent off the regular price.
Regular business hours are 9:30
a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 9:30 a.m. to 5
p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more
information, call Akron Tile & Fireplace at (330)
867-4087.
A display celebrating Akron Tile & Fireplace’s 100-year anniversary is currently in the store. It includes some memorabilia from that long history.
Photo: Ken Crisafi
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