Seiberling, Willard P. (Willard Penfield), 1892-1981

Willard Penfield Seiberling (June 28, 1892 - April 3, 1981) was the second son of six children of Franklin A. Seiberling, the founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., and Gertrude (Penfield) Seiberling. Between 1916 and 1921, Willard Seiberling was first assistant manager and later manager of the Goodyear Aeronautics Department, where he associated with airship men such as Ralph H. Upson and Herman T. Kraft. In 1921, Franklin A. Seiberling lost control of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., and founded another Akron rubber firm, Seiberling Tire and Rubber Co., with his brother, Charles W. Seiberling. Willard moved to the new company to serve as manager of accessories and repair materials. In 1941, he became the company secretary, and in 1950 he became a director. He retired in 1960.

From the description of Willard P. Seiberling papers, 1859-1964. (University of Akron). WorldCat record id: 694733465

Willard Penfield Seiberling (June 28, 1892 - April 3, 1981) was the second son of six children of Franklin A. Seiberling, the founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., and Gertrude (Penfield) Seiberling. Willard attended public schools, and graduated from Lawrenceville Preparatory School in New Jersey in 1911. He attended Princeton University, where he participated in various athletics and served as editor of the school's Pictorial Review . He graduated from Princeton with a degree in economics in 1915. Interested in aeronautics, Willard saw the Wright Brothers fly in 1909, and became a personal friend of theirs. His fascination with Lighter-Than-Air aeronautics was stirred when Melvin Vaniman interested F. A. Seiberling in building an airship in 1911 to fly the Atlantic.

Between 1916 and 1921, Willard Seiberling was first assistant manager and later manager of the Goodyear Aeronautics Department, where he associated with airship men such as Ralph H. Upson and Herman T. Kraft. In 1921, he aided Ward T. Van Orman in the National Balloon Race, in which they placed third. The two also participated in the Gordon Bennett International Balloon Race from Brussels.

In 1921, Franklin A. Seiberling lost control of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., and founded another Akron rubber firm, Seiberling Tire and Rubber Co., with his brother, Charles W. Seiberling. Willard moved to the new company to serve as manager of accessories and repair materials. In 1941 he became the company secretary, and in 1950 he became a director. He retired in 1960.

Willard Seiberling married Mary Harris Gerrish in 1923. In addition to his business responsibilities, Willard was active in community affairs as a member of the Akron Board of Education, and as a member of the board of trustees of Peoples Hospital (later known as Akron General Hospital). Willard served as board member of both the Akron and Barberton Chambers of Commerce and served on many Rotary Club committees and on the Barberton Red Cross campaign. He was a member of the Summit County Historical Society and served as president of the Fairlawn Country Club. Willard Seiberling traveled extensively, including seven trips to Germany from 1912 to 1962. Among his many interests was photography, a nearly life-long hobby in which he documented his work, family, and travels. Willard Seiberling died in a one-car auto accident in Michigan in 1981.

From the guide to the Willard P. Seiberling Papers, 1859-1964, (Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron)