The Cool History of Cleveland

One of the more spectacular buildings in Downtown Cleveland is tucked away off Prospect Avenue and East Fourteenth offers an interesting view of Cleveland’s great past. I am, of course, talking about Gray’s Armory home of the Cleveland Gray’s. The building is a massive five story sandstone castle that stands tall and protects the southern flank of Downtown. And it holds a wonderful history. During the 19th century - most major cities sponsored their own militias. Complete with their own uniforms, flags, weapons and if you can believe it - their own marching bands.

This photo provided courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project.

Yes, that is the actual Cleveland Gray’s marching band. The Cleveland Gray’s were formed in 1837 but did not build their own armory until 1893.

This photo provided courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project.

The Armory actually stands on Bolivar Avenue and offers a 10,000 square foot ballroom, a basement shooting range, a wood-paneled library and an extension collection of military memorabilia. The Gray’s, themselves, were a successful military unit. The unit served proudly in the Civil War (with battles at Manassas and First Bull Run), the Spanish American War, the Mexican Punitive Expedition (with General Pershing) and World War I. In fact, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive on the Western Front in 1918 was the last active service of the Unit. The building has been transformed from an actual fort to a museum. Yet, the building remains a dynamic venue.

This photo provided courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project.

The building was the site of the first Cleveland Orchestra concert and is legendary of having a few ghosts. But if ever in Downtown and can spare a few moments, don’t be afraid to visit this wonderful old structure.

A few days past I was walking around Downtown Cleveland and happened to notice the banal Federal Building on corner of Lakeside Avenue and East Ninth. I started to wonder what had been on that spot prior. Certainly, something horrible had to be positioned on that corner for the City and the Federal Government decided to build perhaps the most boring building on the planet. Well, I was dumfounded after doing some research and realizing that the structure on that spot was none other than the Central Armory. And she was a “gothic beauty.”

Photo provided courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project.

The Central Armory was built in 1893 by Cuyahoga County to house the local units of the National Guard. It played a central role in the Industrial Exposition of 1909 when it has connected by a temporary walking bridge to a exhibition hall on the north side of Lakeside. The Exposition was a massive industrial show that highlighted the growing importance of Cleveland as the center of the manufacturing universe.

Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project

Coupled with City Hall the Central Armory was an iconic symbol of Cleveland might and power.

Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Memory Project.

The Armory was essentially a large constructed hall with a balcony suspended from the roof. It was the venue for many meetings, concerts, gymnastic exhibitions and a popular floral exposition. The Central Armory offered the rapidly expanding City a sense of safety and progress. It certainly didn’t hurt when the cavalry was around either!

Mounted police near the Central Armory.

The building was, unfortunately, demolished in 1965 for the Urban Development project now known as the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Office Building. A real shame, the Central Armory was that rare gem of architecture that made Downtown Cleveland alive. I cannot say the same of its replacement.