Rolling Acres Mall, Part 14: The Collapse

[@phil34nc]

It's strange feeling sad over a mall that I've never been to. But I've watched a lot of videos on it for a long time. It really makes me mad about the fountain but what can you do. At the state of the fountain I almost couldn't watch anymore of it. Thank you so much for keeping us up to date with your beautiful videos.. Well done!!!!

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Phillip Wright thank you for watching, Phillip! Your support is appreciated.

[@luckystarlyndle]

Awesome video. Perfect piece of music to accompany it. Seeing the fountain under the once beautiful roof is so sad. Thank you for making these Dawn.

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+luckystarlyndle thank you! I truly appreciate your support.

[@BonnieEau]

God, it's just so weird. I used to go here, I remember it. I remember the deterioration of it. It's honestly so sad. This was part of my childhood.

[@kevinbickellbickell1648]

Very sad. The canopy is down and now the fountain is officially gone. I was hoping it would get the ceremony it deserves. Sucks. Some people have no respect

[@battybethc]

Another great heartfelt Video Dawn Frank! Thankyou once again! Even though I have never visited The Rolling Acres Mall or even been to Ohio, ever since I've seen it on The Dead Mall Series with This is Dan Belle, The Rolling Acres Mall along with the long lost Methuen Mall of Methuen MA has held a Place in my Heart since. And your heartfelt Videos have made me feel alot of empathy for the People who worked, socialized, shopped, dined and just had great Times and made great Memories at The Rolling Acres Mall. It's such a shame that the City wouldn't save that Fountain! When a Freind of mine went to Ohio to visit Family there in the mid 90s, one of their first day Trips was to see the Rolling Acres Mall and the Photos they took of the Family on Tour of that vast and beautiful Mall were really awesome. But the Photo that struck me the most was of the Family standing and smiling in front of that iconic Fountain. It was just so brightly colored and beautiful and welcoming. I just loved it. It was like looking at a Fairy Tale Garden! Thankyou once again for your heartfelt Video of The Rolling Acres Mall Dawn Frank! These Videos have touched my Heart in many Ways. I do hope you continue to follow the Demolition of The Rolling Acres Mall. Your Videos are incredible! Blessings for Happy Holidays to you and your Family, Dawn Frank! Blessed Be! )0(

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Beth Cialek thank you, Beth! I will continue to post updates as often as I can. Blessings to you and your family! Thank you for your continued support. You are appreciated.

[@matooleyobrien2918]

Thenks again Dawn for doing this series, im sharing with friends who now live out of state that use to work and shop at rolling acres .

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Matooley O'Brien my pleasure! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@psychictom]

Dawn: Once again, I can't begin to express my appreciation for your efforts. Your time commitment can only be imagined, not to mention the editing and music selection. At the very least this series will be a great addition to your resume. Thanks so much!

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Tom Padgett thank you, Tom. I appreciate your words more than you know. The support I've received throughout this series has been humbling. I can't wait to begin working on new material. I hope you'll stick around.

[@matooleyobrien2918]

great series Dawn!! keep making great video's please. . I really enjoy your work!!! Merry Christmas

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Matooley O'Brien thank you! I will continue to upload content here. I would drive myself insane if I stopped. :) Merry Christmas! Thank you for your support.

[@jayjames4679]

Excellent footage!....very well done!

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Mike Quinn thank you!

[@tamararohlin9292]

I wish i could've seen the fountain in it's heyday 😥 . Its so iconic, even as a skeleton of what it used to be...so sad that it is soon to be a memory. like another viewer mentioned, i have never seen or set foot in this mall, but this demolition is very emotional...from all the videos I've watched, and what research I've done, it feels kinda like losing a friend, i know that sounds corny, but it does take a piece of your heart

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Tamara Rohlin I can tell you that the fountain was stunning in its heyday. I can remember begging my parents for some coins to toss every time we went to the mall as a family...we spent a ton of time at Rolling Acres through the years. I'm surprised they didn't have to take out a second mortgage to finance my obsession of hearing the 'kerplunk' of the coins hitting the water. I can still hear that noise and I can still smell the scent of that water. Ah, the memories. :)

[@davinp]

The last time we'll see the escalators covered in snow

[@CommodoreProductions01]

very heart breaking video just to watch them nock down the glass roof and rip it apart like ripping the heart out of rolling acres mall.

[@BamBamz_Buildz]

great job once again Dawn, for a place ive never seen in person or sat foot in!! my hart broke at the site of the fountain crushed my the roof that used to protect it!!! its weird for me say this but ive been upsest with this mall from the first time i saw it on a youtubers channel...

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Bam Bam thank you! What you said isn't weird at all. There is something special about Rolling Acres that touches people around the world. Thank you for watching and for your support. You are appreciated.

[@Christopher0817]

I know what you mean I never been to this mall but it was coming across a dead mall video I belive it was one of Dan's videos that made me become obsessed with dead malls

[@as6110]

Bam Bam same. I've never been to Ohio, but I am weirdly attached to this mall

[@carolmahoney2109]

You've turned a very sad event into a work of art.

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Carol Mahoney thank you, Carol!

[@carolmahoney2109]

Dawn Frank You're welcome Dawn. Your talent with creating shines thru your wonderful videos. I look forward to watching all your touching work!!!

[@kellireeves4527]

Like so many hearts broken by what once protected it.Poor Rib Cage,so strong yet so vulnerable,came crashing down on top of Heart,not beside it,in one last valiant effort to protect it. He heard one time in the history of his existence,that some human somewhere died with his boots on and this action was viewed as heroic.The job of protecting Heart was carried through in Rib Cage's final gesture of love and devotion.If it had only known how many hearts would break upon it's very own passing!The very mechanical buzzards which brought it down,swarmed,lighting on Rib Cage.This was the moment they had planned and waited for,after all.The sound of the twisting structure filled the air,and the remains of Rolling Acres lie in frozen suspense...

[@psychictom]

Kelli, another poignant display of creativity. The theme is battling to the bitter end with dignity, even in a losing cause. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. And with the hope that someone, somewhere, would acknowledge the valiant struggle respectfully, even reverently, despite the fact that it was in vain. Greek tragedy at its finest. Once again, thanks so much for sharing your writing talent and vivid imagination with us

[@kellireeves4527]

Tom-can't help but notice you are quite eloquent yourself!! I loved studying Greek tragedy and mythology in school,it was one of my favorite subjects!(Just don't ask me any algebraic equations...)Thank you again for your acknowledgement and praise,it means so much! Something tells me you could also spin a mean yarn!

[@psychictom]

Kelli Thanks for the compliment. As a Vietnam vet, I learned the hard way about losing causes, and I've been sensitive to that topic ever since. I'm just now getting caught up in Dawn's series and I hope you have kept up your descriptions. I look forward to reading more.

[@bethbeckettcrow2081]

The wrecking company posted a drone video of their crew taking down the glass covering the fountain this week. You will like it "Rolling Acres Fountain Canopy Demolition" by Eslich Wrecking Company

[@leno4399]

thanks for keeping us updated on this merry Christmas

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+ELEVATING WITH LENO my pleasure. Merry Christmas!

[@clarenceparker7832]

I to never have seen nor set foot in that Mall in person, but feel a sense of sadness about the demo of this Mall. Seeing all the exploring videos inside and out of the Mall through the years makes it feel a little part of me is gone too!! Weird? lol Thanks for sharing your drone footage of the being and to the end of the demo of the Mall! Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Clarence Parker my pleasure, Clarence! Your feelings aren't weird at all. I swear that building has a soul. :) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!

[@battybethc]

Yes that Mall definitely has a Soul and Spirit. Rolling Acres has touched so many People worldwide over the Years. So sad to see that beautiful Mall go! R.I.P. Rolling Acres! Hoping you will see one last Christmas before you are thrown into Oblivion. Yes, Dawn Frank, you are right, Rolling Acres does have a Soul and Spirit and a very kind one at that! Thankyou so much once again for your Videos. So poignant and heartfelt! I hope Rolling Acres will at least get to see one last New Year. Blessings to you Dawn Frank for a wonderful, peaceful, and prosperous New Year in 2017! Blessed Be! 🌛🌝🌜🎍

[@battybethc]

Yes that Mall definitely has a Soul and Spirit. Rolling Acres has touched so many People worldwide over the Years. So sad to see that beautiful Mall go! R.I.P. Rolling Acres! Hoping you will see one last Christmas before you are thrown into Oblivion. Yes, Dawn Frank, you are right, Rolling Acres does have a Soul and Spirit and a very kind one at that! Thankyou so much once again for your Videos. So poignant and heartfelt! I hope Rolling Acres will at least get to see one last New Year. Blessings to you Dawn Frank for a wonderful, peaceful, and prosperous New Year in 2017! Blessed Be! 🌛🌝🌜🎍

[@movie534]

Great job Dawn. For those of who have never been to this mall, I can tell you, as someone who traveled to visit relatives a few times a year, Ive been to this mall, in its hey day, and its waning days. This time of year is particularly sad, because many of our Christmas decorations came from the Pennys Outlet Store. Many of our curtains and cookware and other things came from that store and others in that mall. My wife has jewelry from the Kaufmans/Macys store. It was a great mall. Its a sin how vandels destroyed it. Dawn, I was always surprised how none of the glass above the fountain was shot out like it was over the escalators and other areas.

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+movie534 thank you! It really was the greatest mall around. I can remember sitting in traffic during the holiday season. It seemed like it stretched for miles down Romig Rd. and State St. Thank you for watching and for your support. Merry Christmas!

[@as6110]

saw the eslich video weeks ago and it still gutted me to see the fountain.

[@artiexr222]

Thanks for another great..if sad upload Dawn have a great Christmas.

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+artiexr222 thank you for watching. Merry Christmas!

[@janethoulette1802]

I used to shop at this mall all the time when I lived in Akron, Ohio.

[@MrStones1963]

Upon seeing the red fountain sticking out under the fallen canopy, I immediately thought of ruby red slippers sticking out underneath a house that had fallen from the sky. For those of us who are fascinated by this place, Eslich Wrecking Company was thoughtful enough to post a video of the canopy being knocked over.

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+MrStones1963 that is exactly what I thought of!

[@rebelrailz.]

It's strange how I feel so sad about a mall I've never been to.. It was the first mall that introduced me to dead malls. I hadn't realized it had been torn down 2-3 years ago until around a week ago or more. It was only one year older than my local mall (Fort Henry Mall, Kingsport, TN), that was dying in 2015-16 until it was remodeled in 2018.. Glad my mall didn't turn out like another local one in Bristol, TN (Bristol Mall)/Rolling Acres. The same thing may happen to another local mall of mine (still has a Sears) called the Johnson City Mall. (This summer, I will be visiting Akron, OH and will be stopping by Chapel Hill Mall. I'll drop by the now-empty Rolling Acres lot, hopefully..) *R.I.P Rolling Acres Mall, 1975-2008/2016. You're gone, but not forgotten..*

[@mrnapolean1]

Gone but not forgotten. Like Dan Bell put it: "The fountain is a glimmer ray of sunshine in a dead post apocalyptic wasteland." PS: Are you doing anymore demolition follow up videos when they tear down the other part of the mall? Or is this the last one?

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+mrnapolean1 I was wondering if anyone would question the ending. I will continue to provide updates as often as I can. :)

[@mrnapolean1]

It just said the end at "the end" at the end of part 14. I wasn't for sure if you where referring to the legacy of the fountain or the video series.

[@SurferJoe71]

Dear Dawn, I've been following Dead Malls in general for a while Its like losing your best friend they were always there for you letting you escape a bad day they were a meeting place of my youth to meet girls ,socialize with friends buy the greatest Cassettes ,CD's at Camelot Music,shop at Merry Go Round ,County Seat,The Gap,Kaufmans,Hornes,to name a few for the latest styles .....its sad that kids today are missing contact with people in the flesh not just through a text....Yes we had pagers and I.O.U clothes but we had real connections with people .Thanks For Your videos What are they planning to do with the property?? My first video of Rolling Acres was Dan Bell I always thought they should put the fountain in a park for the memories of people made wishes from I know corny but my thought......Peace Matt "Surfer Joe "

[@BoratWanksta]

I wonder if the fountain will be saved? I have a weird feeling it wasn't saved, but who knows? Wish something like that could've been saved.

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+BoratWanksta no, they aren't going to save the fountain.

[@BoratWanksta]

I was guessing it wouldn't be saved. Thanks for responding. Would've been nice if the tiles from that fountain, had been saved though. But not holding my breath the demo company tearing Rolling Acres down will do that. :(

[@TheNASCARJeff]

To bad the fountain could not be saved, is the demolition going into the rest of the mall to the escalators & theater? It looks as if after the fountain is gone this is as far as they go.. Nice series Dawn, the music you choose goes well with the video you shoot.

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Jeff Marcosky thank you, Jeff! The demolition will continue into the interior of the mall as well as the theater and the JCP building.

[@robertsisson1262]

I thought the fountain was gonna stay? confused

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+robert sisson sadly no. I addressed that in part 10.

[@ScottyToaster]

Hi, Dawn. I love your videos and photos, SO much! The video series on Rolling Acres stole my heart. Your work is hauntingly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us. I have a question about the fountain photo at the end of this episode. Do you have prints of that for sale? I'd LOVE to have one. I sent you a friend request on Facebook (Toaster Sixty-Six). I hope we can connect. Thanks again! Gary & Toaster, St. Augustine, FL.

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

Hey Toaster! Send me another request on Facebook. I didn’t see this post in time. Thank you for the kind words by the way. I truly appreciate your support!

[@retroryan838]

You monsters save the fountain

[@KevinPlaysGuitar]

Goodbye fountain! Were you able to see that video/link I sent you when those construction workers demolish it?

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+musicman123 yes I saw it. Thank you!

[@corproblox3874]

Sad :(

[@stephanielane3165]

R.I.P. :(

[@leno4399]

I can't believe they just crushed the fountain people including me wanted a piece of it what a horrible lazy selfish company that is tearing this mall down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@toddashcraft6453]

ELEVATING WITH LENO im sure theyre just following the citys orders

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+ELEVATING WITH LENO Eslich is an awesome company! They are simply following the orders they were given. I know it's tough to watch but this was inevitable.

[@mrnapolean1]

Don't complain to eslich. Complain to the City of Akron.

[@leno4399]

I knew it was going to be destroyed but I guess they could have removed some of the tile and given it to people first also it's not totally crushed I noticed after watching this a few times maybe there still is hope for getting a piece of it

[@mrnapolean1]

If you live near there, go there and ask the demo manager if they can get you a peice of it.

[@sraightaxleduramax]

Anyone else find it ironic that an ICONIC american mall has to demo'ed with Chinese equipment?!?!?!? Think about it people, we better figure our shit out or we are done!!

[@epistte]

Komatsu is Japanese. SANY is Chinese but they are rare in the US.

[@72coronet10]

you should use the song Jennifer Rush - 'I'm In It For Love' on the next video aka part 15

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+Christopher Edgar thanks for the suggestion! I just finished editing part 15. I will look at that song for the series finale. :)

[@leno4399]

first comment

[@Sippy309]

Good riddance...What an ugly eye sore and waste of land and a demonstration of failing to keep up with the times. Who cares. Time to do something else with the land. What's heartbreaking exactly?!...Your memories will stay with you....This is just nothing but bricks and mortar....Out with the old in with new fresh ideas and concepts. Glad it's gone! Btw what an ugly fountain

[@DawnFrankPhotos]

+11marylena ohhhh you are going to get the RAM community all riled up. 😉 p.s. I’m glad it’s gone, too...finally.