UPDATE: In a landmark move, the Akron City Council has just approved the renaming of Schneider Park to Schneider Memorial Park, honoring the forgotten souls buried on the grounds. This unanimous decision, made during the council’s meeting on March 2, 2023, marks a significant victory for local historian Jane Greenland, who has tirelessly campaigned for recognition of those interred there.
The park, previously a graveyard for the Summit County Infirmary and a “poor farm,” holds the remains of hundreds who lived lives of hardship and neglect. Greenland, who lives directly across from the park, expressed her emotional relief upon hearing the news. “These were real people, and they deserve our acknowledgment,” she stated tearfully.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik‘s administration has fully endorsed the name change and plans to collaborate with Councilwoman Jan Davis to facilitate a formal renaming ceremony. This initiative promises to shed light on the historical significance of the site, where, according to University of Akron Anthropology Professor Emerita Carolyn Behrman, at least 308 death certificates have been documented.
Schneider Park was established on land that once served as a burial ground dating back to the mid-1800s. The area was notorious for its harsh conditions, which were detailed in an 1868 report describing the grim realities faced by its residents. Many were left without family or resources, and the site has remained largely unrecognized until now.
The transformation of Schneider Park into a memorial site serves not only to honor the deceased but also to educate the public about the area’s troubled past. Greenland emphasized her desire to see an informational plaque installed that would detail the lives of the buried individuals. “They were often immigrants who came here seeking a better life,” she explained. “Now, they will not be forgotten.”
The push for change gained momentum in recent years, particularly after Behrman and her husband, who have researched the site extensively, highlighted its historical importance. Their work culminated in the publication of a book titled “What Remains: Infirmary Burials, Memory, and Community in the Rubber City.”
As the city prepares for the renaming event, Greenland hopes this recognition will prompt further exploration and memorialization of similar forgotten sites across the nation. “I felt euphoric when I heard the news,” she said. “It’s a small step, but it’s a vital one for acknowledging our shared history.”
Stay tuned for more updates as the city finalizes plans for the renaming ceremony and the installation of educational markers at Schneider Memorial Park. This development not only honors the past but also paves the way for a more inclusive and aware community.
