Cleveland is an old city with roots stretching back to 1796. Over the past few centuries, the city has undergone remarkable growth, but certain notable places have resisted the charms of the evolving cityscape. These remarkable places have stood frozen in time for decades, preserving iconic moments throughout Cleveland’s impressive history.
- Cleveland Arcade, 401 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
Antony Caldaroni/Flickr Sure, the decor may differ from season to season, but the magnificent environment of the Old Arcade stands eternal. This incredible splendor hearkens back to the bygone Victorian era, and it proudly upholds its legacy as the first indoor shopping center in the nation.
- Guarino’s Ristorante, 12309 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
Guarino’s Restaurant/Facebook Guarino’s Ristorante is coveted as one of the tastiest restaurants in Little Italy and has a reputation for being the oldest restaurant in Cleveland. It opened its doors in 1918, and the same family continues to oversee its daily operation nearly a century later. It began its life as a speakeasy, but it soon would become a fairly prestigious hangout for notable persons, including Frank Sinatra himself. For the last half a century, the storefront has remained unchanged (as evidenced by this photo circa 1974), seemingly frozen in time.
- James A. Garfield Memorial, 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
Erik Drost/Flickr This incredible tomb is the final resting place of the 20th President of the United States. It stands in silent elegance, its milieu a tasteful blend of Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It first opened in 1890, and today you can actually still tour this stunning marvel.
- The Moses Cleaveland Statue, Public Square
Erik Drost/Flickr While the city has grown and changed, the heart of Public Square has not changed since 1888. The story of us began while Moses Cleaveland was surveying land in the Western Reserve. He founded the City of Cleveland in 1796, then famously went home to Connecticut and never returned to the city which bears his name. On the city’s 92nd birthday, a 7'10" bronze statue of the city’s founder was erected in the southwest corner of Public Square, finally making Cleaveland a permanent resident in the lovely city he established. Despite renovations and a push to relocate this icon to University Circle, it has remained an unchanging sight in Public Square.
- The Dunham Tavern Museum, 6709 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
Edsel Little/Flickr In 1824, Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham were settling into their lovely new home, the first abode on Euclid east of East 55th Street. In its early life, it changed quite a bit, expanding to include a taproom in 1842 and evolving into a tavern and stagecoach stop. Time finally stood still in 1932, when a local activist restored the site and replanted its orchard. Since 1941, the Dunham Tavern Museum has remained a historic icon beloved by its community.
- George’s Kitchen, 13101 Triskett Road, Cleveland
George’s Kitchen/Facebook Since it opened in 1980, George’s Kitchen has changed very little over nearly 40 years of service. Every time I visit and see the familiar old environment, I almost expect to still smell the cigarette smoke from the former smoking section of the diner. It’s looked as if it was frozen in time for years, which brings waves of nostalgia to its long-standing patrons.
- Malley’s Chocolates Ice Cream Parlor, 14822 Madison Avenue, Lakewood
Yuan C./Yelp The vintage environment of the old-fashioned ice cream parlor at the Lakewood Malley’s has remained frozen in time for decades. This charming sweet shop opened in the midst of the Great Depression, and it flourished thanks to Cleveland’s love of all things sweet. Now, Malley’s has stores across the region, but its original location maintains a magical small-town milieu.
- West Side Market, 1979 West 25th Street, Cleveland
Eric Drost/Flickr This charming indoor marketplace may change vendors over the years, but its charming architecture is as splendid today as when it opened in 1912. Overflowing with local culture, this charming landmark is truly the best place to shop if you are looking for the best local goods.
- Erie Street Cemetery, 2254 East 9th Street, Cleveland
Tim Evanson/Flickr Erie Street Cemetery is, well… eerie. It is easy to see how this creepy site gained a reputation for being haunted. When it was established n 1826 as the city’s first permanent cemetery, it was on the edge of the city, and nobody seemed to think the community would grow. It did, though, and today the cemetery stands across from Progressive Field. According to local legend, a few of the residents of this peaceful plot aren’t at peace. Sauk Chief Joc-O-Sot is said to be unhappy with his burial in Cleveland. He had hoped to die in his homeland of Minnesota, but alas, he did not make it that far. Upset about his final resting place and its proximity to the controversial Chief Wahoo, locals say that this spirit hasn’t had a peaceful rest in years.
- Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Avenue, Cleveland
Daniel X. O’Neil/Flickr This charming edifice is an architectural marvel. Of course, a second building was constructed to expand the library in 1997, but the stunning 1925 structure of the main library is as splendid as when its doors first opened. It was a 5 million dollar project with its striking Beaux-Arts facade and Renaissance interior, which is plentifully infused with Italian marble. However, the Great Depression of all things would expand its elegance. At the time, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Public Works programs included the Cleveland Library, and a lot of TLC was pumped into it. Since the 1930’s, this majesty has been adorned with federally funded art, including three murals. Despite decades of use, this library seems almost frozen in time, a magnificent nod to an era of public library advancement.
Some of the most surprisingly memorable moments in Cleveland history have been preserved at these remarkable structures. If walls could talk, just imagine the stories these places would tell! Each spectacular place traces its lineage to a different point of time, and each has a fascinating hidden history all its own.
Antony Caldaroni/Flickr
Sure, the decor may differ from season to season, but the magnificent environment of the Old Arcade stands eternal. This incredible splendor hearkens back to the bygone Victorian era, and it proudly upholds its legacy as the first indoor shopping center in the nation.
Guarino’s Restaurant/Facebook
Guarino’s Ristorante is coveted as one of the tastiest restaurants in Little Italy and has a reputation for being the oldest restaurant in Cleveland. It opened its doors in 1918, and the same family continues to oversee its daily operation nearly a century later. It began its life as a speakeasy, but it soon would become a fairly prestigious hangout for notable persons, including Frank Sinatra himself. For the last half a century, the storefront has remained unchanged (as evidenced by this photo circa 1974), seemingly frozen in time.
Erik Drost/Flickr
This incredible tomb is the final resting place of the 20th President of the United States. It stands in silent elegance, its milieu a tasteful blend of Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It first opened in 1890, and today you can actually still tour this stunning marvel.
While the city has grown and changed, the heart of Public Square has not changed since 1888. The story of us began while Moses Cleaveland was surveying land in the Western Reserve. He founded the City of Cleveland in 1796, then famously went home to Connecticut and never returned to the city which bears his name. On the city’s 92nd birthday, a 7'10" bronze statue of the city’s founder was erected in the southwest corner of Public Square, finally making Cleaveland a permanent resident in the lovely city he established. Despite renovations and a push to relocate this icon to University Circle, it has remained an unchanging sight in Public Square.
Edsel Little/Flickr
In 1824, Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham were settling into their lovely new home, the first abode on Euclid east of East 55th Street. In its early life, it changed quite a bit, expanding to include a taproom in 1842 and evolving into a tavern and stagecoach stop. Time finally stood still in 1932, when a local activist restored the site and replanted its orchard. Since 1941, the Dunham Tavern Museum has remained a historic icon beloved by its community.
George’s Kitchen/Facebook
Since it opened in 1980, George’s Kitchen has changed very little over nearly 40 years of service. Every time I visit and see the familiar old environment, I almost expect to still smell the cigarette smoke from the former smoking section of the diner. It’s looked as if it was frozen in time for years, which brings waves of nostalgia to its long-standing patrons.
Yuan C./Yelp
The vintage environment of the old-fashioned ice cream parlor at the Lakewood Malley’s has remained frozen in time for decades. This charming sweet shop opened in the midst of the Great Depression, and it flourished thanks to Cleveland’s love of all things sweet. Now, Malley’s has stores across the region, but its original location maintains a magical small-town milieu.
Eric Drost/Flickr
This charming indoor marketplace may change vendors over the years, but its charming architecture is as splendid today as when it opened in 1912. Overflowing with local culture, this charming landmark is truly the best place to shop if you are looking for the best local goods.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Erie Street Cemetery is, well… eerie. It is easy to see how this creepy site gained a reputation for being haunted. When it was established n 1826 as the city’s first permanent cemetery, it was on the edge of the city, and nobody seemed to think the community would grow. It did, though, and today the cemetery stands across from Progressive Field. According to local legend, a few of the residents of this peaceful plot aren’t at peace. Sauk Chief Joc-O-Sot is said to be unhappy with his burial in Cleveland. He had hoped to die in his homeland of Minnesota, but alas, he did not make it that far. Upset about his final resting place and its proximity to the controversial Chief Wahoo, locals say that this spirit hasn’t had a peaceful rest in years.
Daniel X. O’Neil/Flickr
This charming edifice is an architectural marvel. Of course, a second building was constructed to expand the library in 1997, but the stunning 1925 structure of the main library is as splendid as when its doors first opened. It was a 5 million dollar project with its striking Beaux-Arts facade and Renaissance interior, which is plentifully infused with Italian marble. However, the Great Depression of all things would expand its elegance. At the time, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Public Works programs included the Cleveland Library, and a lot of TLC was pumped into it. Since the 1930’s, this majesty has been adorned with federally funded art, including three murals. Despite decades of use, this library seems almost frozen in time, a magnificent nod to an era of public library advancement.
Looking for more local history? Explore these photos of Cleveland’s past.
Want to explore fun attractions next? Head over to this list to enjoy in Cleveland.
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