The Cool History of Cleveland

On occassion a good dose of surprise can alter history. Indeed, the Cool History of Cleveland blog got a bit startled recently when it received an email from Corinne Kalasky of Turner Publishing asking if we would be up for a book review - a review on the book “Historic Photos of Cleveland.” As many of you know the Cool History of Cleveland blog is dedicated to all things cool and fascinating about Cleveland’s past and the opportunity to discuss an entire book on Cleveland was just too hot to pass up. The book - written and researched by Ronald L. Burdick and Margaret L. Baughman - is a beautiful reflection on the staggering richness that is Cleveland. Both authors are resident at the Cleveland Public Library and have access to photos and research that most Clevelanders do not. The results are stunning. “Historic Photos of Cleveland” resonates to what Cool History of Cleveland has been saying for a few years - this town has a history and depth that most cities could never offer.

One of the unintended consequences of the book is the focus on Euclid Avenue - true enough Euclid was a historic and powerful avenue that wears the boom and the busts of Cleveland well (too well recently). Within a few years one can see the powerful transformation this once bustling residential street made into a symbol of industrial and banking influence and interests. This photo of Euclid Avenue in 1890 (shot a bit east of where East Sixth would be today) offers a beautiful tree lined street bustling with some commerce and residences. The building in the middle of the photograph (at right) with the two flags at its top is the recently built Arcade.

Eight short years later this breezy, tree covered boulevard is a provocative symbol of the new age of commerce. Eight years later! Look at the bustle and size of Euclid Avenue. There had to be a great sense pride within the City. The transformation is shocking.

 
What makes these photos fascinating is that they both share a common marker - the Arcade. In the above photo the Arcade is the last building on the far right. This is a boom town, ladies and gentlemen. This is not your contemporary Cleveland.

Want to see Cleveland at its Zenith? Take a peek at this photo taken in 1933 where thousands (and I do mean thousands) of Clevelanders watch uniformed policemen march on Euclid Avenue toward Public Square. Again, our common marker the beautiful Arcade is on prideful display! It is now on the left hand of the photo next to the “Sherman” sign. Cleveland is alive and full of vigor. 

 
And finally this gorgreous shot of Euclid Avenue in 1941 - a street crowded with pedestrians, buses, cars and trolleys. Yet again we have our marker the Arcade just right of the W. B. Davis building (and check out that beautiful Rosenblum’s Store with the Hills Restaurant in front). If only I could have seen Euclid when it looked like this.

Another fascinating photo is this rich shot of the 1922 Republican National Convention in Public Hall. You not only get a great sense of how beautiful Public Hall is (and it is so very rarely used anymore) but how important Cleveland was to the world.

And finally, one last captivating shot. The photo below is a stunning view of the 1936 and 1937 Great Lakes Exposition. The shot is taken from a lake view but the Exposition is positioned between City Hall on the upper left of the photo and the Cuyahoga County Court House on the right. Did you notice the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium on the far right? The most fascinating part of this photograph is the lake liner (large ship) that is docked near the bottom right of the photo. Are you kidding me? Dynamic.

I have to give serious props to Ronald L. Burdick, Margaret L. Baugham and all the good people at Turner Publishing (www.turnerpublishing.com). They did us proud with “Historic Photos of Cleveland.” If you are a collector of books on Cleveland history this tome is a must!