Cyril “Cy” Porthouse

Academic and Career Accomplishments

Cy Porthouse was a 1928 graduate of Ravenna High School who went on to distinguish himself as the area’s most successful industrialist of the post World War II era. His companies became national product leaders in their respective fields. He, along with a small group of investors, acquired and directed numerous companies that dealt with the infant care and recreation businesses. Under the name Pyramid International, the following companies were developed: Evenflo Products, Harcourt Manufacturing, Oil City Glass, Archer Service Co., Crator Manufacturing Co., Platt and Munk, Inc., Infanseat Co. and Evenflo of Mexico. These companies were later merged with Dunhill International, Inc. of which Mr. Porthouse became Vice-President and Director. Dunhill International merged with A.P. Parts of Toledo to become Questor Corporation. Mr. Porthouse served as Vice-President and President of the Questor Juvenile Products Co. until his retirement. In addition, Mr. Porthouse held Directorships with 16 other companies including Rawlings Sporting Goods, A.G. Spaulding, Bell International and the First National Bank of Ravenna. In 1965 he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Ohio State University and in 1970 the Centennial Achievement Award from the same university. Mr. Porthouse set up the Porthouse Foundation to provide for charitable giving. His most visible gift was that which allowed for the creation of Porthouse Theater at Blossom Music Center. His illustrious career in the business world will long remain a challenge for other Ravenna students destined to follow his footsteps.

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