Electric Buses

Royle Corrigan was born in Akron in 1943, and grew up on Kelly Avenue. His father, grandfather, and uncle all worked in the rubber industry. Royle vividly remembers growing up in Akron and seeing the city change over the years. Royle’s father knew Shorty Fulton (of Fulton Airport) and delivered the railroad tracks that were used to build the Airdock. Royle’s mother worked at O’Neil’s department store and her brother worked at Polsky’s. Royle started working in the rubber industry in the mailing department, but was drafted by the United States Army and served in 11th Airborne Division, out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After two years of service in the parachute infantry, Royle returned to work at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in the Test Lab. He assisted the chemists and taught himself how to do their job. Royle’s manager, James Loulan, appreciated his ingenuity and put him in the Racing Division as chemist. Royle conducted the drive tire testing for Goodyear Racing, and was instrumental in developing multiple generations of race tires, including those used for drag cars.