Celebrating in Akron Where It All Began The founder's five sons, Roger, Russell, Harvey Jr., Leonard and Raymond, gather for the dedication of the Akron Memorial to Harvey S. Firestone, Sr. (American Highway Users Alliance Archives) In 1900, Harvey S. Firestone chose Akron, Ohio, a town already being revitalized by the rubber industry, as the birthplace of his fledgling business. For decades to come, The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company would evolve as an Akron icon, which helped define the community as the Rubber Capital of the World. So, it is fitting that Bridgestone/Firestone will center much of its Centennial celebration in Akron, where it continues to employ almost 1,000 associates at the Bridgestone/Firestone Technology Company, Firestone Polymers, Firestone Natural Rubber, Bridgestone/Firestone Research, and Bridgestone/Firestone Information Services. Events and activities throughout the year will remind our employees and the community of the legendary entrepreneur Harvey S. Firestone, the century of progress that the company he started has enjoyed, and most importantly, the 100th anniversary that is being celebrated throughout 2000. Stay tuned for more details on Centennial events in Akron and across the country.

The Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness Rock depressions a top Yellow Bluff reflect warm light of the setting sun. (©2000 Photographs by Senator Howard Baker and John Netherton.) In April, as part of the Firestone Centennial celebration, Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. donated 6,000 acres of pristine wilderness to the state of Tennessee. The gift is the company's second major land donation, and these two areas combined span over 10,000 acres of land. Take a scenic ride with us as we explore the breath-taking scenery through the stunning photographs by former Tennessee Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. and renowned nature photographer John Netherton. These photographs are part of their book "Scott's Gulf: The Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness" which was commissioned by Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. in an effort to share the natural wonders of this majestic land with nature-lovers across the country. Explore the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness.