Cleveland’s Must-See List may leave you surprised

A lot has changed since Moses Cleveland and his surveying team first set foot there on July 22, 1796. Founded as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, Cleveland sits near the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. The southern shore of Lake Erie as its northern border. A port city, Cleveland grew into and still is, a major manufacturing center. Rich in cultural history it would take more than a few hours to explore, as would any major city. But here are a few interesting items to choose from during your stay.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Have you ever wondered why the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland? Other cities contributed to this genre of music. And yes, others did, but Cleveland reigns as being the “Birthplace of Rock & Roll”.

It’s not due to a specific event or person, but a collection of historical occurrences. One defining moment, or as some would claim, THE defining moment was on March 21, 1952. Local DJ Alan Freeds’ radio show gained popularity because of the style of music he played.  Additionally, he hosted the world’s first “rock” concert. Coined The Moondog Coronation Ball, the concert sold over 10,000 tickets.  This causEd an overflow crowd, which lead to a full-scale riot! Rock music was making headlines, becoming even more popular across the country.

Three years later, Elvis Presley played his first concert north of the Mason-Dixon Line. DJ Bill Randle set it up at Cleveland’s Brooklyn High School. Eleven years, and an evolution of the genre later, the Beatles, too, played in Cleveland at the Public Hall in 1966. Sadly, they were banned from ever playing in Cleveland again. I couldn’t find the reason, but I’m curious.

For most of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, local FM radio station WMMS DJ’s, played up-and-coming musicians. Such as Rush, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, and David Bowie (to name a few).  The radio airplay catapulted their careers. The station, recognized across the nation, broadcasted live events called “Coffee Break Concerts”. These free, daytime concerts were legendary. They helped introduce musicians. Lou Reed, Peter Frampton, John “Cougar” Mellencamp, and Kenny Loggins.

As you can see, Cleveland’s “Birthplace” resume is long and storied. When the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF) Foundation started in 1983, finding a permanent home for the Hall was a must. After a large push by both civic and business leaders, and winning a USA Today poll, Cleveland was finally chosen.

World renowned architect I. M. Pei designed the building. Envisioning a 200 foot tall tower with a glass pyramid protruding from it. The design topped out at 162 feet, due to the proximity to Burke Lakefront Airport.

Wandering the seven levels of Rock & Roll history will fill up your Cleveland layover while youe toes tap along to the songs you haven’t thought of in a while.  You will begin in the main gallery where exhibits recount the birth of rock music. Gospel, Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Folk, Country, and Bluegrass are discussed while  highlighting the major impact other cities had on rock & roll. 

Don’t miss the second floor, it has several interactive kiosks, but a favorite is the  “One Hit Wonders” and “Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll”. 

Finally, the top two levels feature large, temporary exhibits. Over the years, many exhibits were on these two levels. Highlighting hip-hop, John Lennon, The Who, The Grateful Dead, and The Rolling Stones. Including a special exposition entitled “Women Who Rock”.

The RRHOF doesn’t stop at artifacts and stories surrounding the music. They produce many public programs such as lectures, interviews, film screenings, etcetera. Be sure to check their schedule to see what is available while you are in Cleveland.

Any history, even a history only around 70 years old, is hard to encapsulate in one museum or exhibit. Especially when discussing a music genre born of rebellion and going “against-the-grain”. But the RRHOF does an enviable job by showcasing real artifacts and items. From the bands you grew up listening to and those that are carrying it forward to the next generations.

Know Before You Go

• The museum is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm (Check their site for changes). Admission is $28 for adults and $18 for children (2020 prices reflected).

A Christmas Story House

We’ve all heard, or even said, the line…”You’ll shoot your eye out”, or “It’s a major award”. 

How many have pronounced the word “Fragile” as “Fra-gee-lay”? 

Did you think you were speaking Italian? 

Ever came across TBS’s 24 hour marathon of “A Christmas Story” on Christmas Day?

Did you know, while set in the fictional town of Holman, Indiana, Ralphie’s house is actually located in Cleveland? The home has been turned into a museum dedicated to the movie by a super fan. If you are a super fan, head over to the site to see how you can book the home for a night or two. 

Based on a series of semi-autobiographical stories by Jean Shepherdplayed on the radio and later published in Playboy. The stories were compiled and again published by Shepherd in his book “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash”. When director Bob Clark heard one of Shepherd’s readings on the radio. He knew immediately that he wanted to turn it into a movie. A movie that has reached holiday cult classic status. The film was preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2012.

We all remember that department store window where Ralphie first looks at the Red Rider BB gun. It is one of the scenes that immediately comes to mind. Location scouts had trouble finding a store to give filming permission. Higbee’s Department Store, was the only store willing to be in the movie. The store was once located in Terminal Tower, but it has since closed. This is what brought production to Cleveland.

While the exterior of the house was in Cleveland, the interior was on sound stages far from Cleveland. In 2004, Superfan and entrepreneur Brian Jones scooped up the house. Transforming it into the Parker family homestead. Today, both the exterior and interior look exactly as they did in the 1983 film. Right down to the bar of Lifebouy soap on the bathroom sink, used to wash out Ralphie’s mouth.

The house tour starts in the living room. An employee tells you the story of Jean Shepherd, Bob Clark, and how “A Christmas Story” went from script to screen. Next, you are free to explore the house on your own, posing for the iconic shots copied from the movie.

Across the street is the museum. You will find behind-the-scenes photos, costumes, and props from production. They have the Parker family car, a period correct fire engine, and many other items. Also, many trivia tidbits surrounding the film. For example, did you know the role of Ralphies father was first offered to Jack Nicholson?

Swing into the gift shop for your Christmas Story memorabilia, including the leg lamp and bunny pajamas.

Know Before You Go

• The house is at 3159 W 11th Street and is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. With extended hours during the Christmas season. (Check their site for latest hours) 
• Tours start once an hour and cost $13 for adults and $10 for children. (Prices reflected are 2020)
• There are two free parking lots for your use, along with free on-street parking. 

Fun Facts About Cleveland

• Four NFL franchises have ties to Cleveland. The most obvious is the Cleveland Browns. But, so do the Baltimore Ravens, which were the Browns before their move to Baltimore. Fired by owner Art Modell, Former Browns head coach (and namesake) Paul Brown formed the Cincinnati Bengals. And finally, The Los Angeles Rams started as the Cleveland Rams.
• In the 1970’s, city planners tried marketing Cleveland as the “Plum City” to compare itself to New York’s “The Big Apple”.
• Other nicknames for Cleveland. “The Forest City”. “The North Coast”.  “The New American City”. Also from the ‘70’s “The Best Location in the Nation”.  Because of the influx of industry and people making it the seventh largest city in the nation.
• Completed in 1927, the Terminal Tower was the tallest building in North America outside of New York City until 1964.
• In the late 1880’s, Cleveland’s Euclid Avenue was described as “the most beautiful street in the world”. Also known as “Millionaires Row”, figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Mark Hanna, and John Hay lived here.