Rockynol in Akron opened

“Why doesn’t the Greater Cleveland-Akron area, with its large population, have its own OPH home?” Dr. Shafer, associate pastor of the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, had visited Park Vista in Youngstown, and asked OPH Superintendent Dr. Barr why his region didn’t have something similar. Dr. Barr’s response to this question came in the form of a challenge: “Do something about it.”

            Beginning in May of 1959, a committee of the Presbytery of Cleveland combed the Cleveland area for a suitable location. One property particularly caught their attention, but wasn’t available at the time. By 1960 they expanded the search to Akron and found the Robinson-Carter estate, which featured 10 acres and proximity to churches, educational institutions, shopping centers, fine restaurants and parks. The estate was purchased along with the 14-room house built in 1908.

            The name “Rockynol” was given to the estate by its first owner, Frank H. Adams, longtime treasurer for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The former farmlands had four large natural springs and large outcroppings of rock, so the name seemed appropriate.1966 - Rockynol Opened (anoble@ohioliving

            Rev. William T. Turnbull of the Brooklyn (Ohio) Presbyterian Church, who was serving as Administrator of the OPH community in Youngstown, was also appointed to Rockynol in Akron. He and his wife Mary moved into the house on Rockynol’s property, and he divided his time between the two campuses. He also initiated the creation of a model apartment on campus so future residents could see what their future home could look like.

            Toledo architects Samborn, Steketee, Otis and Evans designed two circular towers as the community’s first residential buildings. They featured 73 private rooms for individuals and 19 rooms for couples, and offered two distinct styles of retirement living – congregate and assisted living. Two complete floors were reserved for residents requiring skilled nursing care.

            Rockynol planners ran into several obstacles with Akron city officials, but longtime advisory council member Allan B. Diefenbach volunteered his legal expertise to help the council work effectively with city government. Finally, on May 15, 1966 – almost seven years after Dr. Shafer launched the Rockynol question to Dr. Barr, dedication services were held and residents began moving in.

 

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