This was a tailor and cleaning shop owned by Benjamin F. Harris. He was an African American businessman who was originally born in Alabama but later moved to Akron. Besides being an entrepreneur, Harris was also an active member of the Church of God. The address of Tuxedo Cleaners was 198 North Howard St., which was also his home. Before this shop opened around 1929, 198 North Howard St. was home to Cuyahoga St. Greenhouse. And prior to the greenhouse, the building was sold as a 10-room house in 1903. Tuxedo Cleaners was listed in the 1940 edition of the Akron Negro Directory. He is not listed in the Akron City Directory after 1941.
Resources
- Akron City Directory, 1941, 1943.
- Akron Negro Directory, 1940.
- “Cuyahoga St. Greenhouse.” Akron Beacon Journal. May 9, 1925.
- “For Sale.” Akron Beacon Journal. January 10, 1903.
- “Second Day Sessions Held.” Akron Beacon Journal. May 3, 1941.
- “Shop Owner Fires Shot at Burglar.” Akron Beacon Journal. October 30, 1933.
- “Suits.” Akron Beacon Journal. September 6, 1929.