“The Summit” refers to the south end of Summit Street in Smithville, Ohio, a small town of a thousand, southwest of Akron. Heading south eventually takes you out of town and to the highest elevation on the railroad between Chicago and Pittsburgh. Bill’s maternal grandparents purchased seven lots as part of their retirement plans. This is the map of those parcels and shows the seventh one located at the corner of Center Street and South Summit. Lots 232/33 is the location of the original family home where Bill and his parents lived with Grandma Crites during some of the Depression years. Lot 236 was where his parents, Elmer and Prdudence built their own house. Bill and Mary Louise built their first home further south and after eventually outgrowing it, they moved into the corner house 237/8. When Prudence died, the couple moved back into Bill’s childhood home. All of the residences remain intact.
The Summit – The original bill of sale
This is the original bill of sale that lays out the seven lots on South Summit purchased by Joseph and Mary Crites, the parents of Prudence. The dream was to have each of the children raise their families on the Summit. Prudence and her husband Elmer, were the only ones to fulfill it.
Bill & Mary Lou’s First Home
Further South on Summit is the first house that Bill & Mary Lou occupied. It was built by Easton Lumber Company, the family business.
