Robert Bruce Norton

Robert Bruce Norton. . Bruce came to Akron, Ohio, in 1976 and was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. as a tire design engineer. Bruce's passion for photography led him away from Goodyear to operating his own camera repair business., Always a history buff, Bruce enjoyed hiking the Cascade Valley with friends, uncovering the neglected remains of the Ohio and Erie canal. During this time period, Bruce was introduced to the Canal Society of Ohio and the fledgling, Cascade Locks Park Association., Bruce took great interest in the history surrounding the Ohio and Erie as well as other nineteenth century American canals. He could often be found leading tours along the canal, educating visitors on the impact it had not only on Akron's industrial development but America's 19th century growth., He was instrumental in researching the Mustill Family story and the unique history behind the Mustill Store. Bruce also played a significant role in the restoration of the Mustill Store and Home. His proudest accomplishment was that his research and knowledge were utilized to influence the accurate representation of the Mustill site and trail., As a volunteer of Cascade Locks Park Association, Bruce championed the crucial role of the canal to our community's historical heritage and the importance of protecting the canal corridor. Realizing historical assets in the Cascade Valley were being lost, he and others helped save the old North Street Bridge. Constructed of hand-cut sandstone in the early 1800s, the bridge was dismantled piece by piece and saved for future generations., Cleveland State University interviewed Bruce to document the history of the Ohio and Erie Canalway for the archives of CSU library's Center for Regional and Public History project. Bruce Norton was a proud Vietnam Veteran, outgoing, respectful, a good listener, a mentor, and a steward of canal history. park association Most importantly, he was a friend.