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Cleveland A to Z & Millionaire’s Row – John Grabowski & Alan Dutka
Friday, October 18 @ 7:30pmCities around the globe, whether large or small, have characteristics that create a particular identity. So what about Cleveland? What are its nuances, its images? In addressing that question, Cleveland A to Z is not a typical city guide. Rather than concentrating solely on the usual topics—landmarks, restaurants, shopping, and notable facts—this guide touches on deeper themes related to Cleveland’s people, places, stories, and events. These 72 short articles reveal details about the city’s rich history, while also hinting at the issues, attitudes, and even the quirks that define Cleveland’s character.
Cleveland A to Z truly serves as an entry point for a fuller exploration of the city’s history. Originally released as part of the Western Reserve Historical Society’s 150th anniversary celebration, this book is evidence of the Historical Society’s nationally significant collections. Almost every historical photo in this volume derives from its archives. Those collections represent a trust for the community—an essential service to students, scholars, family historians, and old and new Clevelanders. With striking contemporary photographs by Lauren R. Pacini paired with the insights of historian John J. Grabowski, Cleveland A to Z is a fascinating and entertaining resource for anyone interested in this important American city.
John J. Grabowski, a native Clevelander, began his career at the Western Reserve Historical Society in 1969. Since 1999, he has held a joint position with the Historical Society, where he currently serves as Historian/Vice President for Research and Publications, and at Case Western Reserve University, where he is the KriegerMueller Associate Professor of Applied History.
A resident of Cleveland since 1950, Lauren R. Pacini is a photographer, author, and publisher. His most recent published works include Preserving the Shaker Parklands and Renaissance of East 9th Street.
The incredible affluence and extravagance of Euclid Avenue’s Millionaires’ Row have fascinated Clevelanders for more than a century. Within these stately mansions, US presidents enjoyed dinners and discussions with powerful politicians and influential industrial and banking leaders. Through photographs and meticulously researched captions, Cleveland’s Millionaires’ Row provides authoritative visual and written answers to the most often-asked questions regarding the famous avenue: where were these mansions located, how did their occupants acquire such enormous wealth, what caused the street’s demise, and what replaced the famous old homes? The book also reveals the progress in remaking Euclid Avenue’s four-mile stretch from Public Square to University Circle. Cleveland’s Millionaires’ Row vividly illustrates the birth, glamor, decline, and renaissance of the grand old avenue.
Native Clevelander Alan F. Dutka has authored seven previous Cleveland history books, including Misfortune on Cleveland’s Millionaires’ Row. He is a popular speaker at historical societies, libraries, community centers, and the Music Box Supper Club and has appeared on numerous local television and radio programs. This book combines archival material primarily from the Cleveland Public Library and Cleveland State University with present-day images photographed by the author.
This event is free
