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A Historical Look at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company: From Past to Present Kalie Hearrell

ELED 3223-003 Spring 2014 Please choose ctrl + click on your mouse on the URL below to access my Digital Museum Website

http://hearrellckp.weebly.com

Introduction and Geographical Perspective The once industrialized city of Akron, Ohio did not receive its name the Rubber Capital of the World for just any reason (Love and Griffels, 1999). This city became a powerhouse of innovative products and research due to developments in science that led to an increase in profits and job opportunities (Love and Griffels, 1999). Akron, Ohio at one time was home to four different tire plant headquarters: Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, B.F. Goodrich Company, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and General Tire. Most located along the convenient Erie Canal. Akron became known for its metaphorical black snow and molten rubber stench (Love and Griffels, 1999). Rubber was like gold in Ohio, attracting oversea immigrants and people from nearby states (Love and Griffels, 1999). People flooded into Akron, job seeking, between 1910 and 1920 (Love and Griffels, 1999). Population surged by 200 percent, making Akron the fastest-growing city in the country (Love and Griffels, 1999). However, Akrons economy would not prosper forever. From the 1970s to 1990s, population declined rapidly. The area lost a fifth of its overall population (Love and Griffels, 1999). As rubber companies were relocated down south or bought out by foreign investors, only one rubber companies headquarter remained in Akron and continued to thrive (Love and Griffels, 1999). This was the famous Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Historical Perspective of the Rubber Industry As ironic as Akrons declining industrial population is, so was Charles Goodyears (the man accredited for inventing vulcanization) success. In 1834, Goodyear invented a valve responsible for rubber life preservers (Goodyear). However, as quickly as the rubber fad had appeared, it had just as rapidly disappeared because of rubbers melting dilemma due to warm

temperatures (Goodyear). This made his invention obsolete because nobody was interested in using the valve because of the declining interest in rubber (Goodyear). So instead of Goodyear giving up on the rubber industry, he began the long process of finding a solution to preventing rubber from melting (vulcanization). His first trial-and-error occurred when he learned that by mixing magnesia and quicklime in with the rubber, these two elements acted as drying agents (Goodyear). Even though he was awarded a medal by the New York trade show for this invention, the melting issue still was not solved. Then by a fluke, he discovered how to preserve the outside texture of rubber. This occurred when he started producing rubber samples that were painted, gold-plated, and embossed (Goodyear). When he ran out of rubber samples to decorate, he decided to remove the paint off of an old sample with nitric acid (Goodyear). He quickly realized this made the rubber more durable than ever. This intrigued a business mans interest whom contributed to him a thousand dollars to initiate production (Goodyear). However, a financial panic of 1837 ended production and left Goodyear penniless (Goodyear). Nevertheless, he got backing again by some Boston entrepreneurs. Unfortunately his rubber mixed with nitric acid proved to be a false solution also. While on a monthly vacation, the 150 bags of rubber melted (Goodyear). He once again was impoverished for a five year span. Finally in 1839, by a total coincidence he discovered vulcanization by accidently tossing his rubber and sulfur mixture on a stove and learning that it turned into leather like substance instead of melting (Goodyear). Unfortunately, due to bad business deals, lawsuits, and other designers stealing and flourishing off Goodyears ideas, he died bankrupt and in debt (Goodyear). He would not get to see the rubber industry prosper due to his invention. Even more importantly, he would not get to witness the memorialization of his name through the Goodyear Tire Company that would come into existence in 1898, almost 30 years after his death (Goodyear).

Historical Perspective of Goodyear Rubber and Tire Company At the age of thirty nine a man named Frank Augustus Seiberling invested in an old strawboard factory located along the Cuyahoga River (Love, Griffels, 1999). He burrowed 3,500 dollars from his brother-in-law Lucius C. Miles, with the vision of turning this factory into a rubber plant (Seiberling, 1924). He had come from a family of manufacturers that were responsible for the creation of the Excelsior, The Empire Mower and Reaper, and the twine binder (Seiberling, 1924). Before purchasing the factory, he had worked for his fathers business J. F. Seiberling Company of Akron as the secretary and treasurer (Seiberling, 1924). This would give him the experience needed to establish a successful rubber plant, despite the complications the rubber industries were experiencing because of financial and patent difficulties (Collins, 2003). Around Akron, he became known as the Napoleon of Rubber because of his major accomplishments and founding of Goodyear Tire Company (Seiberling, 1924). He was the chief executive of Goodyear for over 23 years and was the major force behind Goodyears success (Seiberling, 1924). He is responsible for the creation of the tire building machine (1903), straight-side tire (1903), and for the detachable rim (1905) (Seiberling, 1924). Additionally, he established Goodyear Heights in East Akron. This was a community of homes available for rent by Goodyear employees (Seiberling, 1924). This industrial plan set way for other large companies that utilized this same ideal (Seiberling, 1924). His contributions to the city of Akron still continue today, such as creation of the Akron Seiberling Field and Lincoln Highway (Seiberling, 1924). However, in spite of his good fortunes he had to resign as president of Goodyear in May of1922 because of the economic downturn of 1920 and 1921 (Seiberling, 1024). This just made him more eager to continue his place in the tire industry. He established

the Seiberling Rubber Company in Barberton, Ohio and New Castle, Pennsylvania that profited immediately (Seiberling, 1924). Nevertheless, he is most known for his creation and contributions of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Seiberling, on November 21, 1898 began production with a handful of only thirteen employees (Goodyear). In the first month, despite their obstacles of limited rail access, the company made 8, 246 dollars (Goodyear). It produced mainly bicycle and carriage tires, but it also made profit from horseshoe pads and poker chips (Goodyear). These thirteen workers endured ten-hour work days, for a measly 13 to 25 cents an hour (Goodyear). The first recorded payroll reported a meager $217.86 (Goodyear). As Goodyears production of tires and work staff continued to advance, workers started to have more demands, even though they now were working shorter days than their predecessors. In the year 1935 the workers of Goodyear and other local rubber plants created a union known as the United Rubber Workers (URW) (Gu). This union was created mainly due to harsh working environments that reflected in low wages and diminutive benefits (Gu). The employees at Goodyear were by now making an estimated 122 dollars a week, for a 6-hour work day (Love and Griffels, 1999). The union workers feared unemployment when a company notice advised potential layoff of an estimated 70 workers due to a change of shift hours (Love and Griffels, 1999). The Goodyear employees would be expected to work 8-hour shifts instead of 6-hour shifts, requiring fewer workers and resulting in only an extra 3 dollars a month (Love and Griffels, 1999). As a result in 1936 Goodyear factory workers staged a strike in the form of a sitin; inside the factory (Love and Griffels, 1999). The workers stationed themselves behind their machines and ceased production (Love and Griffels, 1999). This type of strike gained recognition because it inhibited the company from bringing in scab workers to continue

production in the absence of union workers who usually formed strikes in the arrangement of picket lines (Gu). During this time other workers that were not participating in the strike continued to make tires. However, tire production was very limited which concerned then President Paul Litchfield (Love and Griffels, 1999). Goodyear was already facing financial issues during this time and low production could devastate the company. As union workers inside participated in a sit-in strike; union workers outside added to the strike by creating a long picket line in front of Goodyears main gate (Love and Griffels, 1999). The street was littered with over a thousand URW workers that carried weapons and carried on in loud protests (Gu). The police and sanitation workers refused to encounter the large mob. Eventually, on March 21st, five weeks after the initial strike began, Goodyear agreed to continue the six-hour work days and improve working conditions (Gu). This organization continued to prosper in membership and recognition. It grew from four thousand workers to over forty-thousand workers by the end of World War II (Gu). It continued to improve overall working conditions (Love and Griffels, 1999). Additionally, it gained insurance and pension plans and minimized gender and racial discrimination for union workers (Gu). However, as these massive strikes affected production negatively, companies were forced into closing or were bought out by foreign investors. The Union Rubber Workers merged into the Rubber/Plastics Industry Conference of the United Steelworkers of America in 1995(Love and Griffels, 1999). Present Day and Economic Perspective Today, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company thrive on the wellness and personal growth of its workforce (Goodyear). Goodyear offers associate training and developmental programs for all associates (Goodyear). These include training on public speaking skills, selling skills, communication skills, product training, and so forth (Goodyear). Also, Goodyear adopted the

Good Life program, which assists employees in approving health and wellness (Goodyear). This program provides health benefits, holiday and vacation pay, 401ks, and other benefits (Goodyear). Since Goodyear serves to satisfy the consumer, it relies on having a highly qualified workforce that works as a team (Goodyear). Goodyear as an overall company excels in problem solving, collaboration, and the exploration of innovative new products and ideas (Goodyear). Being that it is a global corporation, diversification of employees has become a priority of Goodyear (Goodyear). Nevertheless, strikes still occur at Goodyear, but their overall treatment of employees has improved tremendously over the years. Goodyear has come a long way from just producing tires out of Akrons plant. It now is associated with other brand names like: Dunlop, Kelly, Fulda, Lee, Sava and Debica (Goodyear). It produces tires for all vehicles, including airplanes (Goodyear). In addition, Goodyear offers a number of valuable services like tread rubber, automotive repairs, and chemical products (Goodyear). More importantly, Goodyear today is also famous for its three large blimps that adorn the sky, broadcasting video footage during sports events and serving as an iconic symbol, advertising the brilliant blue and yellow logo (Allen, 2009). The Spirit of Goodyear lives in the hangar located at Wingfoot Park near Akron, Ohio (Allen, 2009). The other two blimps are located in Pompano Beach, Florida (the Spirit of Innovation), and in Carson, California (the Spirit of America) (Allen, 2009). The development of airships began as far back as World War 1. Since the start of Goodyear in 1898 there has been over 300 airships manufactured (Allen, 2009). However, the large types of non-rigid aircrafts were not created until World War 2 (Allen, 2009). They were used primarily to guard merchant ships against attacks from enemies (Allen, 2009). These large vessels contain inner metal frames and have a length equal to two football

fields (History/FAQ). Additionally, they weigh over 400,000 pounds and take an estimated 6.5 million cubic feet of helium (History/FAQ). Today, they are referred to as Ariel Ambassadors for Goodyear as they serve as a proud testimony to Goodyears reputation and overwhelming success (Allen, 2009). Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company was actually established as the worlds largest tire company in 1916 (Goodyear). Goodyear has plants all over the United States and is presently in 28 other countries (Goodyear). Its winged-foot symbol, which was created by the famous Frank A. Seiberling, is recognized worldwide. Also, Goodyear added its slogan in 1926 that reads, More people ride on Goodyear tires than on any other kind (Goodyear). Today it estimates roughly about 20 billion dollars in yearly sales and employs about 80,000 individuals (Goodyear). Its diversification of products and services, coupled with its strong partnership with the auto racing industry points towards Goodyears strong financial success in the future. Conclusion and Reflection What set this company apart from the others and gave it the strength to successfully continue in such a challenging economic environment? Well to me thats easy to answer. Goodyear has prided itself on quality products, as well as customer service, and employee relations all over the world. Goodyear excels in research development that continues to advance its products to match a technologically progressive world. As times change, so does Goodyears products. However, Goodyears outlook on success remains the same. To be the best, you must build a reputation for your products and name. By looking at Goodyear from past to present I was able to demonstrate the changes and developmental growth of mega corporations and labor environments throughout the 1900s.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company was in competition with three other major rubber plants just in its area. Yet, through depressions, wars, stock market instabilities, recessions, and multidollar losses, Goodyear still continued to thrive amongst these other competitors (Goodyear). As Goodyears headquarters in Akron, Ohio continue to progress towards a more global innovative facility, so might Akrons economy in the future. Goodyear has nothing but success in its future. To think that this small company that started with just 13 employees sky rocketed into the corporate empire it is today, explains how the American Dream can be achieved through passion and dedication. Also, like Seiberling, sometimes all it takes is one person with a big idea to change a society. According to the North Carolina Essential Standards for third grade Social Studies, students explore how individuals contribute to their local communities (North). Furthermore, they are expected to use primary and secondary sources, in order to understand the significant role of the individual in shaping history and explore change in communities and regions over time (North). I related my research of Goodyear to these ideas and determined that Essential Standards 3.H.1, 3.H.1.1, 3.H.1.2, and 3.H.1.3 aligned best with the ideas and concepts I portrayed through my research of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. North Carolinas Essential Standards for North Carolina 3. H.1 Understand how events, individuals and ideas have influenced the history of local and regional communities. 3. H.1.1 Explain key historical events that occurred in the local community and regions over time. 3. H.1.2 Analyze the impact of contributions made by diverse historical figures in local communities and regions over time.

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3. H.1.3 Exemplify the ideas that were significant in the development of local communities and
regions. I choose Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company because I was born in Barberton, Ohio that is located near Akron, Ohio. As a child I was always fascinated by the large Goodyear blimp that glided through the sky. I remember looking at the large brick buildings that included the tall clock tower and watching in awe. I remember listening to stories about how economically stable Akron once was with all of its local rubber plants. Now my father explains how not only Akron, but Ohio had taken a large economic downfall. However, there was always Goodyear Tire Company standing proud among its competitors and still going strong. I now have relations to several people that are part of Goodyears workforce. I know individuals that work in the corporate office and others that work in the factories. So when I was given the chance to explore a social studies topic for this project, I jumped at the chance to bring a historical part of Ohio into my North Carolina classroom. Goodyear has so many focuses. In my future classroom, I could have my students research Frank A. Seiberling to explain how individuals contribute to their local societies. I could have students look at how the use of rubber impacts the physical environment. Additionally, I could have students look at how small companies progressed to corporate empires. The realm of possibilities goes on. I know my students would be as fascinated as I was to learn about how much Goodyear has contributed to our society. I mean they made floatation devices, coffins, and life jackets during World War 2. Today, they are major manufacturer of NASCAR tires. If I would have never done research on Goodyear, I would not have discovered how beneficial they have been to our society when it comes to technological advances and even employment. They really are a fascinating corporation to explore.

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References
Allen, S. (2009, October 16). A Brief History of the Goodyear Blimp. Mental Floss. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from http://www.mentalfloss.com/article/23025/brief-history-goodyear-blimp Collins, C. (2003, January 1). Seiberling Visual HistoryThe Seiberling Family Story. Seiberling Visual HistoryThe Seiberling Family Story. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from http://seiberlingvisualhistory.org/The_Seiberling_Family_Story Goodyear Corporate. (n.d.). . Retrieved April 30, 2014, from http://www.goodyear.com/corporate/ Gu, P. (n.d.). United Rubber Workers - Ohio History Central. United Rubber Workers - Ohio History Central. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/United_Rubber_Workers?rec=996 History/FAQ. (n.d.). . Retrieved April 30, 2014, from http://www.goodyearblimp.com/cfmx/web/blimp/history/

Love, Steve, David Giffels, and Debbie Van Tassel. Wheels of Fortune: The Story of Rubber in Akron. Akron, OH: University of Akron, 1999. Print.

North Carolina Essential Standards. (n.d.). . Retrieved May 1, 2014, from http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/acre/standards/new-standards/social-studies/3-5.pdf
"Seiberling Visual HistoryBarberton Herald Biography." Seiberling Visual HistoryBarberton Herald Biography. N.p., 12 Nov. 1924. Web. 02 Mar. 2014 http://seiberlingvisualhistory.org/Barberton_Herald_biography/

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