In 1924, Bain E. "Shorty" Fulton bought a farm on Massillon
Road in Akron, Ohio and, after clearing his pasture and orchard, began operating what was to become the Akron Fulton International Airport. Not long after, Goodyear placed its new airdock on adjacent land at Shorty's request. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) completed projects to improve the airport, one of which resulted in a hillside depression that became the Rubber Bowl. The Soap Box Derby was brought to Akron to take advantage of the hilly terrain, and Derby Downs was built. All of these uniquely Akron landmarks are intricately tied to the Akron Fulton International Airport.
