Code,999067
Subject,Dr. John Grabowski
Date,7/23/2008
Interviewer,Emily Miller
Abstract,Dr. John Grabowski answers a series of questions concerning the history of Cleveland's entertainment districts and cultural centers. Grabowski highlights the transformation of Euclid Avenue from a wealthy residential street to an entertainment district. Grabowski illuminates the diversity of Cleveland by providing brief historical sketches of various institutions that were located on Euclid Avenue. 
Tags:,"WRHS/Millionaires' Row, Botanical Gardens, Leo's Casino, Immigrants, Little Italy, Elysium, Euclid Ave. Opera House, League of Women Voters, Hessler Fair and Neighborhood, May Day Riots, Zoo"
Special Notes,
minutes:,
0,Emily Miller introduces Dr. John Grabowski. He discusses the connections between the Western Reserve Historical Society and Millionaires' Row. 
1,East Blvd. was the second reiteration of Millionaires' Row. WRHS occupies two of the houses and notes how the museum utilizes the space. 
2,WRHS's relationship with the Euclid Corridor. Explains why the museum moved from Public Square. 
3,"Further explains why the museum moved to University Circle. The Cleveland Garden Center, Botanical Gardens, white elephant sales. "
4,The white elephant sale was a large rummage sale. He describes and explains the purpose of the  sales.
5,Grabowski further explains the purpose of the sales and its legacy. The rising profile of the community. 
6,"He mentions his personal interaction/experience visiting the Botanical Gardens, especially Wade Oval. "
7,"The League of Women Voters, Cleveland Branch history and importance. Growth out of the Women's Suffrage Movement. "
8,University Circle resonance to Cleveland's multi-cultural heritage. Mention of the Magyar statue. 
9,History of Magyar statue and other immigrant statues act as evidence of Cleveland's diverse cultural background. 
10,History of Little Italy's founding. At first the immigrants were artisans. 
11,"1880s and 1890s Little Italy grows. From the railroads that cut through the village, industries cropped up and they employed the Italian immigrants. "
12,"Little Italy, Feast of the Assumption, now it is a trendy neighborhood. MLK Drive and Cultural Gardens, in his opinion, are extensions of University Circle. "
13,St. Clair neighborhood settled first by German immigrants. Unique in the United States because it becomes a Slovenian settlement. 
14,Description of the settlement patterns in the neighborhood continues. Slovenian heritage center being established. 
15,Millionaires' Row stretched from Playhouse Square to East Cleveland. Immigrants lived in the grand homes as servants. 
16,Some of the immigrant families that lived in the grand homes went on to be wealthy themselves. He provides an example of one such man. 
17,"Servants on Euclid Avenue were mostly women. For a study on sex, gender, and domestic servitude need to look at Euclid Avenue. "
18,For immigrants return to their home country was not desirable. The Euclid Avenue Opera House and its importance. Famous actors of late-19th century performed there. 
19,Automogers atmosphere is described and the connection to the Euclid Avenue Opera House is developed. 
20,Euclid Avenue Opera House started the entertainment district. Euclid Avenue is the cultural center of Cleveland. Severance Hall and The Agora. 
21,The Agora's first location and the other 1960s music venues are mentioned. Hessler neighborhood. 
22,The uniqueness of Hessler and highlights Cleveland's counter-culture. The residents form association to preserve the street.
23,"Grabowski notes that first professors lived in the area, then artists. Survived urban revitalization. Last wooden-block street in Cleveland. "
24,He mentions why it is believed the wooden-block style of pavement was implemented. Hessler Street Fair importance. 
25,Further Hessler Street Fair importance. Cleveland's Free Clinic history. Mention of the Draft Services and Co-ops.  
26,Elysium first professional hockey team and a technologically innovative area. History of the Elysium. 
27,History of the Elysium continues. 
28,1930s and 1940s many ballrooms were built. Euclid Avenue becomes more entertainment oriented. 
29,"Mention of Central Cadillac. Between East 30th and East 55th, at major intersections, there were many car dealerships. "
30,"Frederick Crawford, founder of the  first Auto-Aviation Museum, at 30th and Chester. The first Cleveland Zoo was located near the Botanical Gardens, in Wade Park. "
31,The zoo became less popular as the mansions started to be built. The zoo is now part of the Metroparks and is still independently funded. 
32,May Day Riots history. Grabowski describes the political and social climate of Cleveland and nationally in 1919. 
33,May Day international history. It was the day workers demanded rights. May Day Riot history continues. 
34,May Day Riot history continues. Grabowski analyzes the May Day Riots. Mention of Leo's Casino. 
35,"Leo's Casino discussion continues, popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The epitome of African American entertainment in Cleveland. "
36,"Leo's Casino, established by Leo Frank, history of the casino continues. He mentions the change in locations and the different entertainment booked. "
37,He lists the type of music played at the venue. Closed in 1971 perhaps because of the Hough Riots. It was a place where blacks and whites met. Cedar-Central district mentioned.
38,The interview ends. 
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