Soapbox Article

Built in 1921, the American Can building in Northside was home to the American Can Company, which manufactured can-making machines. After the company closed in 1963, it reopened as the Cleveland Machine Company, which used the first floor for machining purposes.The building then sat vacant for almost 30 years, until it was redeveloped into 110 apartments, Ruth’s Parkside Café and Fisher Design.

Since Ruth’s opened in October 2013, customers have come in whose parents, relatives or themselves worked at American Can. In its heyday, the company employed about 2,500 people. Restaurant owners Mary Kroner and David Tape want to keep those memories alive by hosting an American Can reunion of sorts.

For now, Kroner is gathering a list of people who are interested in the idea. She’s working with a professor at the University of Cincinnati who specializes in local history, and she wants to hear what others remember about their time at American Can.

Details haven’t been ironed out yet, but Kroner plans to have the reunion on a Sunday (when Ruth’s isn’t open) and pass around photos, memorabilia and stories about American Can as well as learn a little more about its history.

If you’re interested in participating in or learning more about the American Can reunion, please email Mary Kroner at info@ruths.com.