oversized c. 1950's american single-sided white porcelain enameled steel exterior letter sign salvaged from an old goodyear tire store located within the chicago area. the pressed and folded cold-rolled steel flush mount letter was manufactured by or for the goodyear tire and rubber co., akron, oh. the first goodyear factory opened in akron, ohio in 1898. the thirteen original employees manufactured bicycle and carriage tires, rubber horseshoe pads, and poker chips. the company grew with the advent of the automobile. in 1901 founder frank seiberling provided henry ford with racing tires. by 1908 ford was outfitting his model t with goodyear tires. in 1911 goodyear started experimenting with airship design. it later manufactured airships and observation balloons for the united states army air service during world war i. the transport and reconnaissance capabilities that goodyear provided contributed significantly to the allied victory. by 1926 goodyear was the largest rubber company in the world. the porcelain enameled finish shows wear consistent with age. measures 24 inches in height.