If you grew up in Cleveland in the 80s, I’m sure you have some pretty awesome memories from your childhood. After all, Cleveland was and is an amazing city filled with plenty to do and opportunities to have fun. Let’s take a step back in time and reminisce with these 10 memories from the 1980s, shall we?

1. Big Chuck and Lil John

Rona Proudfoot, Flickr
Cleveland wouldn't be Cleveland without the cheesy comedy of Big Chuck and Little John that was popular in the 1980s. The duo had a local TV series that began in 1979 and ran through 2007. The pair were known for their slapstick comedy routines, which often poked fun at their Polish heritage.

2. Mr. Jingeling

Facebook/Mr. Jingeling
Santa's Cleveland sidekick, Mr. Jingeling, dates way back to the 1950s, but he was just as popular in Cleveland during the 80s. Children knew his song by heart and they'd line up to see him (and his pal Santa as well) at Halle's, and later Higbee's, department stores around the holidays.

3. Higbee's

Andy B / Flickr
Speaking of Higbee's, the downtown department store holds a special place in the memories of anyone who grew up in 1980s Cleveland. It was a big deal to head down to Higbee's for a special dress or suit or Christmas gifts. Who could forget that holiday display window? Seeing it was one of the best things to do in Cleveland.

4. The original Cleveland Browns

Erik Drost, Flickr
This was back when The Browns were a great team-- and before they left for Maryland in Model's great betrayal. These were the Kardiac Kids under the leadership of Sam Rutigliano. Those were the days, weren't they? Does anyone remember that song "The 12 Days of a Cleveland Browns Christmas" from 1980?

5. Bob's Big Boy

marianne muegenburg cothern / Flickr
Being a kid (or an adult) meant dining at Bob's Big Boy in Cleveland, Ohio during the 1980s. If only social media had been around back then; those pictures with that big cartoon boy in the checkered overalls would be all over the internet. Remember piling your plate high at the Big Boy salad bar? Of course, you do.

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6. Zayre

Joe+Jeanette Archie, Flickr
Ah, the 80s. The pre-Walmart, pre-Target era. Back then, we had Zayre (and Ames and Hills, too). The cashier had to input each item by hand at the checkout because there were no optical scanners or UPCs in the retail realm back in 1980s Cleveland.

7. Geauga Lake

Patrick McGarvey, Flickr
Clevelanders are still sore about the closing of our beloved amusement park, Geauga Lake. But back in the 80s, the park was flourishing. This was long before it got bought out by Six Flags or Cedar Fair; this was back when it was an old-school fun park that was perfect just the way it was. Can you remember waiting in line for the Flying Bobs? Oh, the memories...

8. Finast Supermarket

Wikipedia/Mike Kalasnik
This photo is of a former Finast store that was all the rage in Cleveland, Ohio during the 1980s. Finast was the first real supermarket to hit the Cleveland market. We had Pick-&-Pay and Stop & Shop, but when Finast came on the scene, we all stared in amazement at its enormity and a vast selection of... everything. Maybe you picked up a box of Mr. T cereal at Finast... just maybe.

9. SeaWorld

Jeremy Thompson, Flickr
It was located across the lake from Geauga Lake, and it was a theme park many 1980s Clevelanders remember well. We can still feel the splash of Shamu and Mamu's live show on our skin...

10. Cleveland (Municipal) Stadium

Paul M. Walsh, Wikimedia Commons
Before Jacob's Field and Cleveland Browns Stadium came Cleveland (Municipal) Stadium. This 80,000-seat arena housed the Browns, the Indians, and special events before it was demolished (and rightly so. Although it was the place to be during Cleveland 1980s, it was falling apart at the seams) in 1996.

Well, what do you think of this list of things from life in Cleveland in the 80s? What other memories do you have of the CLE back in the 80s? Feel free to share your thoughts in the following comments section.

If you’d like to explore what Cleveland is like nowadays, how about checking out an Airbnb experience or two? And, if you’d like to learn more about the city’s past, take a look at this article about Cleveland’s history. 

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More to Explore

Cleveland in the 80s

Marla S. | September 14, 2023

What are some fun facts about Cleveland, Ohio?

In addition to what you just learned about Cleveland in the 1980s, here are some fun facts about the city.

  • Cleveland is the home of the very first rock and roll concert.
  • The first American car was sold in Cleveland.
  • Mill Creek Falls in Garfield Park Reservation is man-made.
  • Moses Cleaveland, the founder of Ohio's famous city, is said to have visited the city he discovered only one time.

 

To learn more, take a look at this piece on unusual things about Cleveland, Ohio.

What are some retro destinations in and around Cleveland?

Along with the places mentioned that were popular in the 1980s, here are some retro destinations in the Cleveland area.

  • Rocket Fizz: We think you'll enjoy satisfying your sweet tooth at this old-school candy store that sells sodas that'll remind you of your childhood too.
  • Mary's Diner: When you're in the mood for a hearty meal, pop by this 1950s-inspired spot in Geneva.
  • Brunswick Skate Station: If you were a fan of skating on a Friday night as a teenager, you'll have a blast when you head to this retro rink.

 

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