Author Archives: Donna Webb

(Cirsium arvense) A short thistle-like European plant that came to the United States via Canada. Considered by farmers to be one of the most pernicious weeds. Its only known use is of the seeds which … more →

Canal slang for prostitutes.

See wicket.

Rectangular building material made of fired clay, usually about 8” X 4” X 3” used for constructing buildings and in a slightly larger size for paving streets. Brick making was one of the earliest industries … more →

An early nickname for Akron because of its prominence as a brick making center. Later it became a nickname for the North side projects (Elizabeth Park, located off North Street near the canal) because of … more →

(Juglans migra). The nut meat is difficult to obtain because of the hull which consists of a thick fleshy outer skin. The shell contains an oil that stains the hands and a tough inner shell … more →