One Morning 53 Years Ago in Akron

The wayback machine is set for Aug. 18, 1968, in Akron at Union Depot.

In the top image, Baltimore & Ohio E9A No. 1455 has cut off from the westbound Diplomat in order to, most likely, add or remove a mail car.

Across the tracks the Erie Lackawanna’s westbound Lake Cities is sitting at its station.

In the middle image the Lake Cities can be seen pulling away from its station platform. It was not unusual for both passenger trains to be in Akron at the same time.

In the bottom image notice the family standing and watching trains on the EL platform.

Can you imagine joining this family and watching trains? I said “watching” because that is the dark side for morning photography.

Yet if you look carefully, the man appears to have a camera around his neck.

If you decide to use your own wayback machine and join me for taking pictures on this day, tell me seeing my photos 53 ahead in the future inspired you to join me to photograph Akron. I’ll believe you.

Article and Photographs by Robert Farkas

Tags: Akron Union Depot, B&O passenger trains, B&O's Diplomat, Baltimore & Ohio, Baltimore & Ohio in Akron Ohio, Baltimore & Ohio locomotives, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, Erie Lackawanna, Erie Lackawanna in Akron Ohio, Erie Lackawanna locomotives, Erie Lackawanna motive power, Erie Lackawanna passenger trains, Erie Lackawanna's Lake Cities, Photographs of Akron railroads, Railroads of Akron Ohio, Robert Farkas photography