A few weeks ago, the old Prospect Mold and Die building was demolished to make way for redevelopment of Front Street. As the current owner and son of the founder, William P. Wright, I had a lot of emotions listening to the mayor's speech prior to the demolition of the building. The company was founded on that site in February 1945. Prospect Mold acquired Akromold in 1997, and moved to our current location of 1100 Main St. in Cuyahoga Falls.
The last walk I took around the building brought back many memories of my lifetime spent at this location. Many current and former employees were in attendance for the event. As I looked around the room listening to the mayor speak, I noticed how many were crying.
It was an exciting day for Cuyahoga Falls and I, too, am all in favor of progress. As I listened to Mayor Don Robart's speech about the progress and the change in the landscape, I had to agree it was time.
I disagree, however, with the broad statement made by Robart at the demolition when he said, "To many, today represents the last chapter in the Industrial Age, when manufacturers routinely spewed pollution and debris into the Cuyahoga River." Being associated with Prospect Mold for 50 years, I can positively say we were very conscious of our environment. At no time did we dump pollutants in the Cuyahoga River, and I take offense to the mayor's comment. Prospect Mold has always been conscious of the beauty of the river. The last thing we would have wanted was to contribute to its demise.
I applaud progress, but Prospect Mold is and has always been a clean industrial manufacturer. As manufacturers, we are proud of our heritage and what we have brought to Cuyahoga Falls over the last 63 years.
Bruce Wright
Silver Lake