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    The Carskadden Optical Company was incorporated in March of 1946 in Zanesville, Ohio.  Its founders were three brothers - Ben Carskadden (1911 - 1987), Bob Carskadden (1921 - 2004), and Dan Carskadden (1925 - 1991).  Ben had served as the manager of the local White Haines Optical Company, Bob was manager of the Marion branch of White Haines, and Dan had worked several years at Bausch and Lomb Optical in Rochester New York.  The next generation became involved when Ben's son Jeff Carskadden began working full time for the company in 1972 after graduating from Denison University and serving overseas in the Army.  Dan's son Danny began full time work in 1973 upon graduating from Ohio State University and is currently the Chief Financial Officer.. Bob was the last of the remaining founders to retire, which he did in 2001.  Bob's nephew, Tom Colopy, became involved in 1972 while in high school and has worked full time ever since graduation.  Tom is currently the Chief Operating Officer.  A number of grandchildren of the three founders have worked for the company over the years. Jeff, Dan and Tom became the current owners of the company when Bob's stock was purchased in 2001.  Carskadden's began as a family company, and still is to this day.

    Since its founding in 1946, Carskadden Optical was located on Sixth Street in downtown Zanesville, at first in a small store-front room on the west side of the street. Beginning about 1950, the company relocated to the address most are familiar with - 24 South Sixth Street.  The company gradually expanded until it encompassed the second floor of two adjacent buildings.  Carskadden Optical has employed literally hundreds of Zanesville residents over the years.  At one time, Carskadden Optical was the second largest employer in downtown Zanesville.  Several current practicing Ohio optometrists worked part time at Carskadden's during their high school and college days, including Zanesville optometrist Dr. Kevin Colopy, brother of Tom Colopy, and Dr. Jeff Rice.

    By the late 1990's, the optical company had outgrown its downtown facilities, and in the spring of 2003 moved into a new facility in the North Pointe Industrial Park on the north edge of Zanesville where it hopes to be located for many years to come. Carskadden Optical continues to be a major business in the Zanesville area serving all of Ohio and the neighboring states.