Malana A. Walling Harris, 1842 - 1904

Mrs. Malana A. Walling Harris, considered the "friend of the children," was instrumental in bringing free kindergarten to children in Summit County at the turn of the century.

Harris, who closely followed the teachings of Friedrich Froebel, founder of the kindergarten movement, was a national leader in her field. Teachers from all over the country would come to her for instruction.

Born in Erie County, Pa., Harris taught at the Crosby School in Akron for 28 years. Outspoken in her views about education, she often encountered criticism from the Board of Education, but praise and support from the parents of Summit County. Because she was so respected in the community, Akron's Harris Elementary School was named in her honor.

In addition to her teaching in public school, Harris was a member of the First Baptist Church in Akron. She was very involved in teaching Sunday school there. She was married to Squire A. Harris on May 16, 1873.

Harris was described as being unselfish and devoted to the welfare of others. After her death, money was collected by the children of the community to erect a monument in her honor. The monument is located near her grave in Glendale Cemetery and reads, "Come let us live with the children."

A letter to the editor of the Akron Beacon Journal dated Oct. 22. 1904, said, "teaching was not a profession to Mrs. Harris, it was her very life."

Photo courtesy of the Beacon Journal.

--Penny Fox