At least we have a Lake

Have you ever told someone you’re from Cleveland and they immediately respond, with “Mistake on the Lake”?  This term was originally coined for Mayor Kucinich and his term as Mayor of Cleveland.  Unfortunately, many individuals ignorant of what Cleveland has to offer, still use this term to insult individuals from this area and the city itself.  Anyone from Cleveland knows this is not the truth and while it might not be easy to come up with a quick retort, its time we start responding with… “At least we have a Lake”… 

As more and more populations around the world are literally running out of water, this saying and the importance of a great lake has never been stronger.  As our planet continues to warm up, the need for water will only increase. 

The Atlanta area is only the most recent example of an ‘instant town’ which has gotten itself in trouble.  A friend recently stated, Atlanta is a success story after the Olympics.  The population has grown from 2.5 million to over 5 million.  Unfortunately the aquatic infrastructure was not in place to allow for this growth.  Atlanta is running out of water. 

Lake Lanier is the fresh water lake where most of greater Atlanta receives their drinking water and the lake is down 10 or 11 feet.  The boat docks are all on dry land.  Atlanta’s civic leaders have asked Army Corp of Engineers to divert more water from Chattahoochee river and unfortunately they have agreed to do so.  This will only divert water away from Alabama and Florida.  We don’t yet know the long-term consequences of this action 

There are many reasons why Atlanta is this short of water.  One is the lack of summer rains and another is the lack of hurricanes.  While everyone holds their breath that hurricanes won’t hit land and especially their land and/or home.  The truth of the matter is the rain from these storms help replenish the water tables.   

The citizens in the Atlanta area are using the technique of not flushing the toilet after each use in order to conserve water.  It has recently been reported that establishments in the area are posting the following signs in the restrooms:

“If it’s Yellow, be mellow,

If it’s brown, flush it down…”  

Not a good way to attract visitors and patrons.  What’s next for these restaurants and hotels, outhouses…  

Las Vegas is another example of over population drawing down the available water.  Lake Mead is at half its normal level and if they don’t get more rain soon, the citizens of Las Vegas will be the first to feel it.  Las Vegas gets 90% of its drinking water from the lake and seven other states rely on the Colorado river for part of their water supply.   The water level is approaching one of the pumps the city uses and they are being forced to build a new pump lower in the lake.  Believe it or not, the city of Las Vegas pays its citizens to tear up their lawns and put in cacti and desertscape  landscaping. 

Additionally, the Hoover dam generates its power from the water in Lake Mead.  If Lake Mead goes dry, Las Vegas’s 1.8 million residents and the casinos will not simply be missing their drinking water but also their inexpensive source of electricity.  It seems living in the desert isn’t all that it is cracked up to be. 

Las Vegas is building a 280 mile water pipeline from northern Nevada.  To put this in perspective, that is a distance longer than Cleveland to Cincinnati.  One can only imagine what that will do for their water bills. 

Southern California is a desert and for the last  100 years they have piped in their water.  One of their aqueducts is 600 miles long.  This is the distance from Cleveland to Atlanta.  Today, no one would advocate moving water that distance, 100 years ago, this is what they did.  Even President Teddy Roosevelt assisted.  He obtained the rights to move water over this area by declaring some of the land as National Parks.  Southern California has another aqueduct and it is 400 miles long.  This drains water from the Colorado River and is a constant battle between the western states.   Mark Twain probably summed it up best when he wrote, “in the West, the whiskey is for drinking, and the water is for fighting over” This still holds true.  

One way we can help in Northern Ohio is to slow the constant paving of our lands with roads and parking lots.  This prevents rain water from returning to the ground and becoming part of the water tables.  Instead the water is channeled into storm water sewers and piped into other areas.  We should applaud an east side insurance company as they built a parking garage and left considerable green space.  It would have been easier to pave over the green space.  Let’s hope other communities, companies and developers follow suit. 

Clevelanders appreciate the lake and this is evidenced by the number of yacht clubs in the area.  As many well-heeled Clevelanders belong to yacht clubs as to country clubs.  Few regions in the country have the number or quality of yacht clubs as Cleveland.  There are numerous individuals from Columbus and from as far as Chillicothe who keep their boats on Lake Erie and drive north to enjoy the lake.    

Over 200 years ago, Cleveland’s forefathers settled this area for one reason; there was easy and plentiful access to clean, healthy drinking water.  Recently there have been “instant towns” which are created by adding water.  Anyone who has ever made instant anything, knows what happens when the water is removed.    

This area was previously known as the “Great Lakes Region”.  Unfortunately with the loss of a few large industries, we became known as the “Rust Belt Region”.  The good news is these old industries have been replaced with new more diverse and more permanent industries.  We should again refer to ourselves as the “Great Lakes Region”, or the “Good Hygiene Region” .  It will remind ourselves and others of how fortunate we are to be near these resources.    

In closing, for those of us old enough to remember our mothers’ saying, “eat your vegetables, there are people starving in China”.  We may have one for our children, “Don’t waste the water, there are people in the south who can’t take a shower”

And remember if you ever hear, “mistake on the lake”, please respond with, “at least we have a LAKE… ”

Unite or Die

Unite or Die

It’s never easy for strong willed individuals to set aside their own self interest for an unforeseen greater gain in the collective good. This is why over 250 years ago Ben Franklin first created the above artwork demonstrating the importance of joining efforts; a concept which still rings true in our own community, as the contemporary rendition was created by talented CIA graduate Graham Krausser, clearly shows. 

Initially, Flora Stone Mather (the main force behind the creation of University Circle) made sure the University Circle institutions combined their efforts, and what she understood has recently been proven by reams of economic evidence.  Quite simply, institutions are strongest when they work together and weakest when they are segmented.  As we struggle to find new ways of reinventing Cleveland, we under publicize the world class resources already established here.  If the University Circle institutions combine their marketing and other efforts, they can serve not only as the intellectual center of this great city, but also as selling point to others.  Imagine weekend tour packages which included events at The Orchestra, The Art Museum, The Gardens and other venues.  By working together, the University Circle institutions can serve to showcase our city, allowing individuals from outside the region to begin to appreciate Cleveland and understand what Clevelanders have always known and enjoyed about our great city.  

Regionalization of this microcosm is necessary for the regionalization of NE Ohio.  These leaders can easily and convincingly demonstrate the benefits regionalization can achieve, which would demonstrate to the citizens of the county the benefits of working together.  How can this community articulate the importance of regionalization and cohesiveness to the citizens of Cuyahoga County, when its own, greatest intellectual leaders refuse to do so?  We can all hope these benevolent leaders will lead by example.

The True Fountain of Youth

The True Fountain of Youth

Recent studies have proven there is a way to stay young, healthy and smart but it’s not easy and actually becomes harder as we age.  Everyone wants to drink from the fountain of youth, but few will climb the mountain to retrieve it.   What might be surprising to many, it is the ‘climbing of the mountain’, that will improve your life.  In other words, it is exercise that is the fountain of youth.  Newer studies have shown aerobic activity (particularly running), will help individuals grow new brain cells.  

Our brain consumes more blood than any other organ.  Many of the more seasoned individuals will remember the saying to ‘get your creative juices flowing’ which meant to move around.  Some of the better local schools know the importance of this and have the children move and perform light exercise to get their blood flowing and jump start their thinking.  It’s one of the main reasons for years we had recess and gym classes at schools.  It’s unfortunate during budget tightening times, these activities are being reduced or eliminated. These classes can literally make their students smarter. 

Another older line of thinking is reading, completing cross word puzzles or Sudoku improves your mind. This is certainly true, these things will help to improve your mind.  But surprisingly, exercise will help your brain more any of these mental activities.

This doesn’t suggest not to read or intellectually challenge your mind.  Exercise by itself while it will help your brain, it will not make one intelligent.  Its always been an interesting how successful men and women have for centuries have read and mentally challenged themselves. Even today there are still many intellectual and/or wealthy men and woman who, read, work with non-profits or are working to obtain their PhD’s.  

However bragging about this has never been appropriate.  There is humor from individuals who brag about their readings.  There are at least two main stream newspaper writers who have written that they ‘have read New Yorker for over 10 years’. If reading a magazine helps by introducing new information or is written well enough to improve the reader’s writing style, there is no need to mention reading it.  I have read an international publication for years and while I hope it improves my writing style and content, I won’t mention its name. 

Some might comment or think there are plenty of intelligent individuals who do little or no exercise. While this is certainly true, its interesting to wonder  how much smarter they would be if they did exercise.  Not everyone needs to run a 5k or a 42.2k race, but the trick is to do something.  The easiest and most basic exercise is to start walking. 

Not only will a person who exercise be helping their mental capacities, they will also in general be happier.  Ben Franklin in his autobiography wrote during the building of a fort, on sunny days when the people were working, there were few problems and everything progressed smoothly.  However when the weather was foul and the men couldn’t work, there were complaints about the food, arguments between men and even fights breaking out.  After watching this for 6 months, he wrote that people are only happy when they are working.  During this time, it was stated “idle hands are the devil’s workshop”  however in the 21^st century its probably more appropriate to write, “people are only happy when they are working”. 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt knew this when he created the WPA and other works projects.  He had men and women working and staying busy.  Far better than more recent efforts that had people doing little and receiving benefits and leaders thinking this was kind to them.  They were doing these individuals a disservice.  These individuals had obviously never read Ben Franklin’s autobiography.  They failed to realized hard work never killed anyone; maybe poor health and poor nutrition but not hard work by itself.  Work actually keeps people happy.

The relationship between exercise and intelligence has been known for years.    This is why long ago the Rhodes Scholarship was set up to reward those individuals who were both an athlete and a scholar. These athletes aren’t necessary a star football player such as Mike Lanese was at Ohio State.  I have also met a Rhodes Scholar who was a crew member on a shell. Additionally it’s hard to think of former President Clinton as an athlete.  However its well known that he jogged during many of his days at the White House. 

A good friend of mine said he was an old x-athlete and I told him there is no such thing; there are simply athletes in waiting.  There are plenty of 70 to 80 year old individuals who run or exercise more than might be expected.  One friend began running marathons at 58 and has run 155 miles across the Sahara desert and scores of other endurance races. Another 70 to 80  year old  individual I met, regularly cycles across the US.  Another close friend walks 2 or 3 miles daily and ski’s whenever given the chance. Additionally, he is an accomplished pianist.  Each of these individuals are as quick and witting as any 20 or 30 year old and it’s a pleasure speaking with each.  These individuals are not simply young at heart, but also young in mind. 

A neighbor physician friend treats many seniors and he says there is a night and day difference between the patients who exercise and those that not.  This physician and his wife run regularly and they even run ½ marathons.  Another nationally, if not internationally known physician, told me if he was trying to resolve issue he would go on a run and invariably the answer would come to him.  As this individual competed in dance competitions in his younger years, he has always understood the importance of exercise.  Exercise keeps one younger and smarter. 

Previously I assisted in a 6 week healthy challenge course and the number of individuals who no longer needed their medicine for high blood pressure, diabetes or other aliments was staggering.  If you watch the NBC show “Biggest Loser” and you will see contestants on medication but after a few weeks of eating right and exercising; they no longer need them.  If your doctor recommends exercise, listen to them, if they recommend medicine, ask for an alternative.   Exercise keeps you healthy and is much less expensive then medicine. 

Pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to report the benefits of exercise to the public.   Hopefully, Nike or another athletic company would make this part of a national advertising campaign.  “Exercise and be Smarter”  Such a forward looking company could hopefully get this country moving again.   While this article won’t be published nationally at least the readers of Cool Cleveland will learn about the intellectually stimulating benefits of exercise. 

This is an immense, complicated and evolving topic and anyone who is interested in learning more on the subject should pick up one of Dr. Michael Roizen’s books. He is the Director of Wellness at the Cleveland Clinic and has created a large volume of pioneering research on aging.  His insight on flossing versus brushing and other aging related topics are worth far more than the price of the  book.  Cleveland and Clevelanders are fortunate to have the Cleveland Clinic in our backyard.  NIMBY doesn’t apply here.     

Get moving and you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll be happier, healthier and grow smarter.  The human form is roughly 200,000 years old.  Never in any of our ancestors’ background did they sit for 8 to 10 hours a day.   If you begin moving, you’ll not only probably lose a few pounds, but you’ll gain years to your life.      

There will be a few readers who adamantly disagree with this article.  One thing that is true is, if someone strongly disagrees, it’s probably because they deep down know this is correct.  As the old Hamlet saying goes, “doth protest too loudly”.

Hopefully this is good news, because after learning all the ways we have killed brain cells, it’s good to know there is a way to grow new ones.  Exercise and be healthier, be happier, live longer and most importantly be wiser. 

The Vaness Tower (aka the Van)

                                                The Vanview or Vaness Tower

Or simply The Van

Cleveland’s leaders are quickly moving this resource full area to a truly exciting, winning, wonderful 21^st Century region; however they are overlooking one much needed change.  Cornerstone to our current transformation is the medical community and as such, why is our most famous building still “terminal”?   Imagine if the Medical Mart moves into the Higbee building, it would be next door to the terminal tower.  Not a comforting thought for those visiting Cleveland for medical treatment.  Think of the names: Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House or Sears Tower and what those bring to mind to understand the impact of a building’s name. 

Why not honor the Van Sweringens, as they would not allow themselves to be honored when they were living.  These two brothers were the largest railroad owners in the country and should have their name along side the Vanderbilt’s and other railroad tycoons. 

It is time to honor two of the greatest Clevelanders to live near the shores of Lake Erie.  Let us remember not simply the Terminal Tower, but also the Shaker Rapid line, and the  beautiful homes and landscaping of Shaker Hts, Cleveland Hts and Hunting Valley.  Their influence, class and quality are seen and felt every day in Northeast Ohio.

Their influence in the railroad industry is also still appreciated.  They created a model for running railroad which is still in use today by large railroad companies.  CSX may have left Cleveland, however Cleveland’s influence has not left CSX.  The Van Sweringens, were creative thinkers, who were ahead of their time. 

Some have an issue with some of their thoughts and ideologies.  However, my understanding is this was more a product of the time rather than personal beliefs.  They were friends with many of the leading and diverse families in the area.  Beliefs and attitudes change with time and are a product of time.  In my family, my great - grandmother was not permitted to attend Oberlin on a full scholarship, because her Civil War veteran father believed women shouldn’t go to college.  Today, considering 60% of incoming college freshman are female, he could not have been more mistaken.    
Others mention the Vans lost most of their fortune during the Great Depression.  Critics need only look as far as MIT and their naming their business school after Alfred P. Sloan.  Mr. Sloan transformed GM during the 1920’s, however during the depression, he passed away penniless in a pauper’s hotel.  MIT is one of the world’s finest learning institutions and they named their business school after him.  Many great men and women were wiped out by the depression and this should not diminish their accomplishments before that time.  Do we remember Babe Ruth for leading the majors in number of strike outs, or number of home runs?

Additionally many well-off Clevelanders continue emulate the Van brothers.  They live in their homes, own and work in their offices buildings, owned their hotel and many other pieces of their lives. Even billionaire Fred Lennon’s famous motto, “Secrecy is Success…”, came in part from the Vans.   The tower is still one of Cleveland’s the most prominent addresses.  While many prominent Clevelanders want to emulate the brothers, few have taken the time or courage to honor them.

According to Herbert Harwood in his book about the brothers, Invisible Giants, not much thought was given to naming the tower.  It was the depression and with railroads king, the name terminal tower was unceremoniously selected.  Asked by visitors to Cleveland what is the building and I tell them quietly, it is the “Terminal Tower”.  There needs to be a better name.  Forrest City enterprises knows the importance of a name.  Fortunately, they are repairing and remodeling the tower, and when they are finished, what better time to rededicate the tower. 

Let us also remember this was once the tallest or second tallest building in the World.(I have seen both in print and am not sure which is accurate)   As new cities around the world race to build the world’s tallest, Cleveland needs to celebrate the fact that Cleveland was once the home of one of the world’s tallest building.  Not many cities in the world can stake this claim.  If Clevelanders don’t take pride in their city, who will?

The building could be renamed Vanview tower for its tremendous view or for the progressive insights the Van Sweringen brothers gave the world.  Or it could be named Vanesse which the Van Sweringens actually used to name one of their companies.  Today all names are shortened and it would probably be call The Van.  This is far better than being Terminal.  Almost any suggestion would be an improvement on its current name.  

As we try to reshape peoples’ impressions of Northeast Ohio, it is time to move away from a tower that is terminal and lake that is e(e)rie.   While no one is suggesting we change the name of Lake Erie (whose meaning is lake of the cat), to move forward as an enlightened 21^st Century city, Cleveland needs to change the name of its most famous building.   

Tiffany Town

Cleveland has been called many names over the years, however I doubt  anyone has ever heard Cleveland called the above name.  Believe it or not, Cleveland has the right to this name, given the number and uniqueness of Louis Comfort Tiffany windows and designs in the city.  Cleveland’s home to the one of the most complete buildings ever designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and literally scores of windows from the Tiffany Studios.  Few  other cities have such rich treasures.   

Louis Comfort Tiffany is seen as one of America’s greatest artist and has been called the Monet of the glass world.   His use of new techniques for making glass made him famous during his lifetime.  He and his studios were well known for his stained glass windows and lamps, jewelry, paintings, enamels, and metal work.   Annually Tiffany Studios annually produced over 30,000 pieces, however there were only approximately 7,000 windows produced.  In recent years his lamps and windows have sold for ever inflating prices as more and more individuals begin to appreciate the quality and uniqueness of his work.   Unfortunately Tiffany windows were not always prized and during the last century Cleveland lost many of these treasures.  The good news is Cleveland still benefits from having as many of these treasures as we do. 

Cleveland was initially a small mostly agricultural town however by the time the Erie Canal was finished it became a hub of intellectual, artistic and commercial interest.  After the Civil War the steel, shipping, oil and other interests began to grow quickly. By 1880, according to the US census, Cleveland had more millionaires, than any city in America.  Euclid Ave, Bratenahl, and surrounding areas were alive with the likes of the Mather’s Hanna’s, Marshall’s, Payne’s, Southworth’s, Rockefeller’s and many many others.  Fortunately these early leaders invested their wealth in Cleveland.  Today Cleveland contains many world class cultural and intellectual institutions which were originally created and funded by these civic minded, worldly and intellectual leaders.  

Fortunately for Clevelanders, Cleveland’s hey-day coincided with Tiffany’s rise and zenith of creativity and recognition.  Clevelanders purchased many of these windows and luckily many of them are still here. 

One of his most complete interior designs resides here in Cleveland; Wade Memorial Chapel at Lakeview cemetery.  Now open to the public, it is a must see for any culturally minded Clevelander.  It is one of the most beautiful structures anywhere on earth. 

Immeasurable thanks to Mary Krohmer, Marge Wilson and Wayne Bifano.  Each assisted me and helped make this article much more interesting and complete. 

Wade Memorial Chapel is one of a handful interiors completely designed and decorated by Louis Comfort Tiffany.  It is said he was such a perfectionist that while the chapel was finished in 1900, he continued to make changes and it did not open until 1901.  

Tiffany designed and decorated the interior of only a handful of buildings during his creative period.  Most Clevelanders know of Wade Chapel and its beauty, but how many Clevelanders know he also designed the interior of a home for Howard Hinds.  The home was built in Euclid Hts in 1900 and it is said Tiffany decorated the entire house in a manner similar to how Tiffany had previously decorated the White House.  It is hoped this house is still standing and its decorating has not been remodeled by some well meaning interior designer.  Fortunately Mr. Hind’s daughter donated a landscape window to the Cleveland Museum of Art.  This window was not found on the CMA website and hopefully it will be added soon. 

Below is a list of the other interiors designed by Tiffany.  Seeing how few structures Tiffany designed you began to realize how fortunately Cleveland is to have to at least one interior still standing which was designed by Tiffany.  

There is the 1893 Columbia Exhibition interior which currently resides in the Morse Museum in Winterpark, Florida.  Additionally, there is the Willard Chapel in Auburn, NY and the church chapel in the St. Michael Church in New York city at 99^th and Amsterdam Ave.  There may be one or two more, however that fact there is less than a half dozen, you can begin to appreciate Wade Chapel even more. 

 It has been written that at least 14 churches, three office buildings and a number of private homes and private mausoleums have Tiffany windows.  Unfortunately no one has ever taken the time to catalogue each of them.  I have attempted to find a few and have listed them below. 

First Unitarian Church at 82^nd and Euclid.  I start with this because it is an example of what can happen if we do not take care of Cleveland’s treasures.  Four of these windows were sold and four were stolen.  Maybe one day they will return and it’s certainly hoped no other Tiffany treasures leave this town.     “Angel of Resurrection” and “Angel of Victory” were two of the windows removed from this church.    These windows were donated by the Southworth/Goff family. 

St. Paul’s Church on East 40^th and Euclid.  There were 9 windows listed for this church.  Unfortunately when the church moved, these were removed and put in storage and while in storage, the windows were lost.  Some of the names of the families donating these windows include, King, Bolton, Gibbs, Norton-Bolton and Scott.  It’s unfortunate Cleveland has lost these treasures. 

Euclid Ave Baptist Church, also known as Rockefeller’s church.  There were two windows in this church unfortunately this church was has been torn down and it is uncertain what happened to these windows. 

Church of the Covenant (aka Euclid Ave. Presbyterian Church) at 11205 Euclid Avenue.  It has the “Jesus, the Good Shepherd”, in the south gallery in the Covenant’s building.  This window was originally place in the Beckwith Church when it was built in 1892.  It was given in the memory of Thomas Sterling Beckwith (1821-1876) an elder at the Second Presbyterian.   When this church was closed, the window as moved to the Church of the Covenant.   

Second Presbyterian Church.  This church merged with Church of the Covenant, however it is uncertain what happen to its two Tiffany windows.  They were named, “The Holy Spirit” and “Our Savior”.  

Old Stone Church, Public Square.  – The Tiffany windows were dedicated in 1885, including “The Recording Angel”  window.  Though the church was first built in 1834, the current structure dates to 1855.  Noted architect Charles F. Schweinfurth worked on the reconstruction of the church after a fire in 1884.  As the windows were dedicated in 1885, he was probably responsible for bringing the Tiffany windows to this church.  He was later architect for other churches and buildings in Cleveland and many of these also feature Tiffany windows. 

Harkness Chapel is on the campus of Case University.  It was constructed in 1902 and depending on how they are counted there are 8 to 10 Tiffany windows in the chapel.  Some are subtle and subdued and others are more colorful and exciting.  The Chapel was designed by Mr. Schweinfurth and he most likely is the one who suggested these windows be installed.  Mr. Richard Baznik, provided considerable insight into these windows and is a great resource for Case University historical information. 

Also discovered during the research for this article, a previously unknown Tiffany bronze is on the Case campus.  It is in the Adelbert Hall, above a fireplace.  It is known as the Pope Tablet as Pope had been a trustee and had financed many renovations in this building.  It was with Mr. Baznik assistance that this discovery was made. 

Trinity Cathedral has one Tiffany window and it is from Grace church.  The name of the window is “Blessed Are the Pure in Heart”.  Fortunately when Grace church was torn down the window was removed and moved to Trinity Cathedral sometime in the 1950’s. 

Pilgrim Congregational UCC in Tremont.  Has two Tiffany windows flanking the organ.  These were most likely installed when the church was built in 1894.  Both windows feature Saint Cecelia.

Epworth-Euclid Methodist Church (aka Oil Can church), University Circle.  A window was moved to this church from the 1890’s church on the corner of Prospect & E55th.  It is currently in pieces and being researched to determine if it is by Tiffany studios or some other maker.  Mr. Bill Anderson was helpful with this insight and is researching this window.  He encourages everyone to see the other beautiful windows inside this sanctuary.  As a side note, the marathoners do appreciate their organist’s contribution to their annual efforts.

There are a couple of other Cleveland churches which may have Tiffany windows in them.  There is more research needed to determine if these churches still have their Tiffany windows and if they do, let’s hope they do not leave the city. 

There is a smaller private mausoleum in Cleveland which may have a number of Tiffany windows.  This also has not yet been researched.   

Cleveland Institute of Art had ornamental Tiffany windows in their old building.  It is not known what happened to the windows when they moved to their current building. 

Rockefeller building had Tiffany ornamental skylights and it is hoped these are still in place. 

Cleveland Museum of Art contains at least one Tiffany window and this one can be seen on their web site.  The window was originally installed in a house located on the present site of the First Church of Christ Scientist on Overlook Road in Cleveland.

There is another significant window in Cleveland which at least needs to be mentioned.  It is certainly largest stained glass window in Cleveland area and is 60 or 61 feet in diameter, making it roughly 2,800 square feet.  It is also one of the most beautiful windows anywhere.  It is in the old Cleveland Trust Rotunda on the corner of E 9^th and Euclid.  Why is everyone arguing over the Bruer tower, when we should be discussing how best to use this cultural gem?   The architect for this building was the famed George B. Post & Sons.  He was also the architect for the New York Stock Exchange building.  You can see the resemblance. 

Frederick Goff was the first bank president of Cleveland trust and set about building a world-class building.  He chose to compete with the beauty and opulence of the Union Commerce Bank lobby, with a stained glass window ceiling.  I have been told many times by members of the Goff family that this is a Tiffany window.  Mr. Goff  knew of Mr. Tiffany as he and his wife, Frances Southworth Goff, had commissioned windows for the Unitarian church.   Speaking with John Winterich III, whose firm worked on the window in 1979 and again in the 1990’s, he did extensive research and found it may not be a Tiffany window.  As Tiffany did designs and had others produce the windows, further research is needed to determine who designed and produced this window of 963 sections and over 5,000 pieces of glass.  It can at least be said, it is a Tiffany après window. 

I need to thank some of the helpful individuals who assisted me in the research for this article.  These individuals are great references for Tiffany works if anyone needs assistance, I recommend each highly. 

Arlie Sulka of Lillian Nassau, LLC was an immeasurable source of knowledge and  assisted me immensely with identifying the Tiffany windows in Cleveland and the Tiffany structures around the country.  She has travel to Cleveland to assist institutions in recognizing, appraising and preserving their Tiffany windows.   Arlie has been working with Tiffany pieces for many years and can be seen on Antiques Roadshow .  

Richard Marcello of Tiffany windows.com, assisted me with relative value of the windows and let me know there were roughly 7,000 windows produced.  Richard is the market maker for Tiffany windows and if Cleveland’s lost windows are to be found, Richard is probably the one who could assist.  He is putting together a show of Tiffany windows and has stops booked at the Smithsonian and the Getty Museum.  Might be nice if the show stopped in Cleveland.  

Chris Ohla of Century Antiques assisted me with knowledge of local buildings and insights on the local stained glass market.  His expertise on stained glass lamps was also much appreciated.

John Winterich III and his firm John W. Winterich and Associates, for his extensive  insights and research on the Cleveland Trust ceiling window.   Also for helping preserve this cultural gem.

Janet Lipstreu from Whitney Stained Glass Studio, Inc. in Cleveland was also most helpful in understanding the Cleveland Tiffany window landscape.  She assisted me in locating different windows in the area.  The Whitney studio is currently restoring the windows at the Old Stone Church. 

In conclusion…

Some economic studies show tourism as the largest industry in the world.  As Cleveland looks for new economic opportunities, this is an area which can be easily expanded upon; its almost a no brainer.  Please remember John D. Rockefeller summered here for decades even after he “officially” moved to New York.    I have long been a fan of cultural tourism and bringing individuals to Cleveland for cultural weekends at the art museum, the orchestra and the other intellectual and cultural gems of University Circle and surrounding areas.  Maybe even some day we’ll have a Tiffany Tour as part of Cleveland Cultural Tour getaway package.

The Intellectual Infrastructure

A country’s “Intellectual Infrastructure” is equally if not more important than the better known and more discussed physical infrastructure.   The physical infrastructure of roads, bridges, waterways, airports, electrical grids, sewer & potable water systems are critically important to the economic viability of an area. Equally true is the area’s ‘intellectual infrastructure’ is no less critical to the economic stability, growth and success. 

It’s easiest to think of the ‘intellectual infrastructure’ as being made up of two pieces.  The first piece is the ‘schooling Intellectual Infrastructure’ which is predominately for the young.  It refers to our primary, secondary, undergraduate and graduate schools and universities.  The importance of schools to the economic success of an area is not a new revelation and has been long researched, discussed and appreciated.   Fortunately our Cleveland area forefathers understood this and created some of the oldest and finest learning institutions in the country.

However the second piece of the ‘intellectual infrastructure’ is less well known and appreciated.  It’s the ‘Post Schooling Intellectual infrastructure’ which is made up of a long list of institutions which continue to educate, mentally challenge and grow a person years beyond their schooling.   These institutions include museums, orchestras, theaters, religious institutions and as well as book clubs, lecture halls, social clubs and to some extend newspapers and periodicals.  If you don’t feel this institutions are intellectually stimulating and expansive, spend the afternoon at the art museum or listening the Cleveland orchestra and understand how differently you afterward. 

The institutions which are part of both the Schooling and Post Schooling Intellectual Infrastructure are  our libraries.   Our forefathers understood the importance and mass appeal of libraries and this is probably why Ohio and especially Cuyahoga County has such a strong library system. 

Think about all the above mentioned Cleveland area institutions and you’ll understand the strength of the Cleveland area’s ‘Intellectual infrastructure’.  These institutions were critical to our regions early success and are critical to the region’s rebirth. 

This country was created as a Republic with citizens selecting our public servants.  The founding fathers understood the need to educate citizens in order for citizen to be able to elect their leaders.  This was such a risking proposition and many didn’t trust the masses.  This is the reason the Electoral College was created.  Educating the populace at public expense was not only world altering idea but also an experiment.  Rarely and possibly never before had this been attempted on such a large scale.  If you don’t appreciate this as a unique proposal; travel to a 3^rd world country and understand who has access to the education, especially higher education.   It’s little wonder that 3^rd world countries have the lowest access to education and the most prosperous areas have the most educated populace.

Fortunately the founders of the Western Reserve region brought their Connecticut and New England values and culture.  They understood the importance of an educated populace and installed one of the country’s finest ‘intellectual infrastructures’.  They appreciated the physical infrastructure or brawn plus the intellectual infrastructure or brain, were equally important.  This understanding allowed the Western Reserve region to grow quickly and prosperously for many decades.  After the Civil War, Cleveland was one of the most prosperous areas in the country.   The 1880 census showed more millionaires in Cleveland than in other city in the country.   As the area prospered these early pioneering Clevelanders continued to pour their resources into the institutions which only strengthened the area’s ‘intellectual Infrastructure’.  

Intellectual Infrastructure - Schooling

Schools, colleges and universities are the easiest to understand and most discussed portion of the ‘intellectual infrastructure’.  To appreciate the area’s forefather’s understanding of the importance of education, examine the number of colleges and universities in the region and across Ohio.  Our forefathers were wise in their long term thinking and founded institutions which still benefit us to this day. 

It’s enlightening to examine the number of higher learning institutions in Ohio relative to its population.  Ohio has 194 colleges and university and a population of roughly 11 million.  Texas in comparison, has 208 institutions of higher learning and a population which is more than double Ohio’s at 24 million.  This helps demonstrate the importance our Ohio forefathers placed on education. 

Colleges and universities not only educate the students, but they also provide an educated work force which lives and raises families in the area.  Professors and their families live, work and go to school and their knowledge oriented outlook helps strength the areas pro-education outlook. 

Below is a short list of the centers of higher learning in the Greater Cleveland area.  Examine the ages of the region’s colleges and preparatory schools.  Baldwin Wallace, Oberlin and Western Reserve were founded long before the Civil War.  There was also Cleveland University built in the 1850’s in Tremont.  (For this reason Tremont, became known as University Heights)  Early Clevelanders understood to be a world class city they needed a world class university.  When Cleveland University did not last, they moved Western Reserve University to Cleveland. 

Case Western Reserve University (est. 1826) is the largest private university in Ohio. CWRU evolved from a college founded by David Hudson in 1826 in Hudson. In 1888 Amasa Stone donated over $500,000 to move Western Reserve College to Cleveland.  In recognition of Stone's donation, the men's undergraduate college was named Adelbert College, after Stone's son, who drowned while a student at Yale.   Other contributors raised upwards of $100,000 to purchase 43 acres for it and the fledgling Case School, so they could be adjacent to one another. Only eight years earlier LEONARD CASE, JR., bequeathed a portion of his estate to found the Case School of Applied Science.  

In 1950’s they combined the two schools and more recently they wanted to simplify the name to Case University.  However this cut off the funding from the ever proud Western Reserve University alumni and the name for the time being remains Case Western Reserve University   

When Western Reserve University moved from Hudson, the city fathers decided to create a preparatory school.  Given its recent high rankings in the national media, this seems to have been a wise choice. 

More recently Wake Forest University moved from Wake Forest North Carolina to Winston Salem, North Carolina.  They also understood a great city needs a great university. 

Cleveland State University is a world class university which was named and reorganized as CSU in 1964 as the region knew it needed a first rate public university.  Its history though is much older.  It grew out of a YMCA where classes started in the 1870’s.  It was named Fenn College in 1930’s.

Baldwin Wallace (1845) began as Baldwin University and German Wallace College.  Local lore has it that Mr. Baldwin felt if he could create a fortunate from the sandstone basin found there, he would create a University.  He became wealthy and created Baldwin University.  A few years later German Wallace College was created in Berea and in 1914 the two merged and became Baldwin Wallace College.  Football fans will know it as the alma mater of Coach Jim Tressel and the place where his father Lee coached for many years.  They are still the only Father/Son combination to win football National Championships.  Art lovers will know it as their musical arts program is one of its finest in the country.  Many, if not most of their graduates go on to New York stardom. 

Oberlin (1833) was the first college in America to admit everyone to their college; this included women and African Americans.  Most colleges did not admit women as the 19^th century American belief was there was no need.   Not until the early industrialist were told that ‘women educate the children’ that resources were given to create colleges for women.  Oberlin was ahead of its time.  Oberlin is well endowed as Mr. Brush left much of his fortune from arch lighting to the college.  Lastly a little known trivia about Oberlin is that each college building has to be built in a different architectural style. 

John Carroll University (1886) was  first based near Tremont near the old Cleveland University campus.  Later it was moved to a town named Idlewood.  When John Carroll moved to Idlewood the town changed its name to University Heights.  Upon hearing this story my friend Joe Arko of Arko Picture Framing felt idlewood would good name for frame shop. He also does great framing. 

Ursuline College (1871) and Notre Dame College (1922) are both women’s colleges and look at the age of each.  They understood long ago the importance and need to educate all members of our society.   

Tri-C was created more recently to make post high school education more affordable and attainable to Cuyahoga county citizens. This was a stroke of genius and forward thinking as the leaders of the day realized not all professions require a four year college degree.

   
Meyers (1848)   One of the oldest in the county and I’m not sure if it’s still in existence.  This is shame as on of our country’s greatest philanthropist John D. Rockefeller graduated from Meyers. Hopefully the Rockefeller Foundation can save the school. 

Scores of other colleges and technical schools are in the region.  These include Kent, YSU, Akron, Bowling Green and others.   Many of these schools started out as two year ‘normal schools’.   ‘Normal Schools’ were two year colleges to teach and create teachers.  These schools have certainly grown since their early beginnings.  Kent State is now the second largest school in Ohio. 

Primary and secondary schools have always been a focus of parents in this area.  Ask a parent why they live in a particular town and they will say the quality of the schools.  Parent involvement in schools is paramount to the quality of the schools.  This is one reason some schools and some areas are better than others.  When we talk about parent involvement in the schools, it's not simply parents talking with the teachers, but the nightly involvement in homework and the extra circular learning by taking their children to museums, libraries, concerts and other educational venues.  To demonstrate the importance Clevelanders have always placed on education, it helps to know the first study undertaken years ago by the venerable Cleveland Foundation’s was to improve the City of Cleveland schools.  

 Also examine the number, the age and the quality of the regions preparatory schools.  Hathaway Brown(1876), University School(1890), Laurel(1896), Andrews Osborne(1910), Old Trail School (1920), Gilmore Academy(1950’s)  and Hawken School (1915).  These plus the non-secular schools of St. Ignatius, St Edwards, St Joes, NDCL, Beaumont , Ratner School and so many others.    Notice the age of these schools and also how many were set up for young woman; both advantaged and less advantaged.  Early Clevelanders knew the importance of educating women.   Won’t they be surprised, pleased and proud that for the last few years more young woman than men have made up our county’s incoming college freshman class.  This trend will continue for the foreseeable future. 

What many readers may not realize about these independent schools is the number of families who move the Cleveland area so their children can attend these nationally ranked schools.  Additionally there are a number of families which have decided not to move away due to the quality of education their children are receiving at these schools.  The quality of these schools is truly remarkable and there may not be another area in the county which has such a high concentration of quality independent schools.  The number of schools is a good indication of the importance Clevelanders place on education.    

To demonstration the quality of these schools is a story from a teacher from one of the above schools who moved to the Washington DC area.  She began teaching there and told a friend here, the preparatory schools in DC wished they had the issues that were occurring in the Cleveland area schools.  She felt the schools in the DC area were 20 years behind the schools in this area.  Fortunately our region’s schools continue to develop, expand and experiment with change so our lead in preparatory education will remain sizable.     

Schools play the largest role in the educating of young minds, however other aspects of the intellectual infrastructure are equally important to educating and challenging not only school aged individuals, but post school age individuals as well.    

Intellectual Infrastructure - Post Schooling

One reason this area has such a strong ‘post schooling intellectual infrastructure’ is our forefathers understood education is not an inoculation. An individual can not receive a Yale, Ohio State or Oberlin shot and use that knowledge for the rest of their life.  The world changes, new knowledge is created and individuals can’t remember everything taught in school.   It’s for these reasons most professions now require continuing education classes.  Education is a life long endeavor.  

Arts & Culture

Arts and education has always been a cornerstone to our area.  In the 1830’s the natural history museum opened on Public Square.    The industrialist of the late 19^th century put their resources into one of the finest art and cultural areas in the country, if not the world.  The University Circle area was developed and made available to everyone to help challenge and further develop each individual’s intellect.  To understand the importance of this region to Clevelanders then and now, understand that the Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most endowed.  A few years ago it was the 3^rd most endowed in the country.  Its still one of the only major art museums which does not charge an admittance fee. 

There is also the Cleveland Orchestra which is one of the finest in the country.  The national history museum is a national treasure as is the botanical garden.  Unfortunately the recent changes at the Western Reserve Historical Society have changed it from a national treasure to a local one. 

Religious services and meetings

Churches, temples, mosques, and other religious organizations were an early large part of this country’s intellectual infrastructure.  Many of this country’s great universities were set up originally as divinity schools.  In many ways religious organizations are still part of the intellectual infrastructure.  If there are any self professed intellectuals who profess religious institutions are not part of an ‘intellectual infrastructure’, it is questionable if they are one.    Many friends, business introductions and learning occur at these institutions.  They also give people hope, courage and strength.  Unfortunately in the 1950’s President Eisenhower took away much of their power to speak out against individual politicians.  It’s unnecessary to point out what has happen to the honesty of most politicians since the 1950’s. 

Even if religious leaders can not speak out on individual politicians, these religious institutions can still be great centers of learning.  The lessons taught are many times great life lessons (Shakespeare copy many of his lines from the Bible) and as my aunt’s Bratenahl family likes to say, ‘you launder you cloths once a week, you may want to lauder your mind as well’. 

Reading in libraries, periodicals, blogs, other

Libraries are a great source of information and learning and this is the reason so many resources were put into the Ohio libraries in the late 19^th and throughout the 20^th centuries.  Ohio has some of the best libraries in the country, as does Cuyahoga County.  Visiting one on a Saturday morning and its easy to understand how much use they receive.

Periodicals previously were a good way to learn about our ever changing world.  Unfortunately many of the popular periodicals have become more focused on the entertainment community and less on the regional or world altering events and discoveries.  Fortunately there are a still a few periodicals which still report on our ever changing region, country and world. 

Blogs are the newest form of communications and as with anything else there are good ones and less than stellar ones.  The good news with blogs is if you have an interest in a particular area you can find  someone writing on the topic.  The other good news is there the opportunity to provide input or feedback immediately.  This is only beginning to appear in more traditional top down communications. 

Twitters, texting and other areas are also forms of communications and whether or not they are part of an intellectual stimulating conversation or simply a recital of a person’s recent activity is up to the individual reader to determine. 

In Conclusion…

This writer will be the first to admit that this region has numerous areas of opportunities.   Most have been caused by a lack of strong leaders however the good news is our ‘intellectual infrastructure’ is still strong, vibrant and growing. The hope in writing this article is that it will continue to remain so. 

Whether citizens take advantage of continual learning, new ideas, thoughts and imagines is up to each individual.  There is more than ample opportunity in our region to continually develop one’s mind and expand one’s world of experience.   As the old Asian saying goes, “learning something new keeps one young”.  Stay young Clevelanders…