Here Are Some Of The Very First Photos Ever Taken Of Greater Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 11, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
It is arguable that the most significant turning point in the history of documentation was the invention of the Kodak #1. This camera was affordable, which meant photography was no longer saved for the elite. It was something even everyday people could take advantage of, and eventually, the world evolved into the photo-loving society we are today.
Of course, photos existed prior to this milestone… the first modern camera came out circa 1816. Photos from that era are nearly impossible to come by, as the American Civil War is considered to be the first major conflict to be documented. From that point on, photography was more commonplace… especially in modest towns like Cleveland. Old photographs of Cleveland exist, but you’ll find that most easily accessible images are from the 1890s and 1900s… even if you look to coveted researchers like the Library of Congress. Nonetheless, locals have preserved the memories of their ancestors splendidly, and many have hung onto mementos and photographs. The following images all predate the turn of the century, and all offer a snapshot of life in a Cleveland that is hardly recognizable today.
1. Civil War infantry in Public Square, circa 1865
The exact date of this photograph is uncertain, but what we do know for sure is that the image depicts Cleveland's Public Square as it appeared during the Civil War. The men depicted are a local regiment, posing for the camera upon their return home following the conclusion of the war.
Back in 1847, this place was established as a site of higher education. It provided knowledge to intellectual young men and women, and it expanded significantly following its establishment. It flourished as a place of education between its founding and 1891.
William and Edward Hart and H.P. Malone sold and repaired furniture over on Euclid Avenue. They rented their space for $11,500 per year until 1879 (and they further stayed there for an undisclosed amount until 1889), at which point their landlord accused them of removing certain "fixtures," including a heating and cooler apparatus. These apparatuses, however, were said to be improvements the group made to the premises themselves. Even back in the day, "he said, she said" were prevalent accusations.
Pictured here are three longtime Clevelanders. Richard Woodley, L.D. Stack, and Geo. Corlett are posed from left to right, having gotten dressed up to celebrate the nation's centennial.
Cleveland Illustrated was published in 1889, and it showed life as it appeared around the region. The photographs contained within obviously date back from before then... although the time at which each was taken is something of a mystery. Here, boats unload ore on the Cuyahoga River, fueling local industry.
This image was snapped sometime between the founding of Cleveland Water Works in 1856 and the publication of Cleveland Illustrated in 1889. Prior to its establishment, barrels of clean water were delivered to locals. Public Square didn't even get a well until the 1840s! In the following decade, the city council would allocate funds for the establishment of a public water system. Ever since, we've had access to clean drinking water.
Cleveland's Police Department first formed in 1866 in response to an order issued from the Ohio general assembly. Prior to then, night watchmen were common in Cleveland, in addition to a small number of constables. The men pictured here are thought to be the top brass members of the 350-person strong team in 1897. They're pictured at the former police headquarters at the Champlain Street Station.
While some photo collections are well documented, others give us a glimpse into the past with little to no descriptions. This particular photo of the Cuyahoga River comes from a "mystery" album containing images taken around 1897 in Greater Cleveland and as far south as Kent.
Like the aforementioned location, this image was taken somewhere between Cleveland and Kent. The people pictured are unknown, although they may be the Gaylord family... one of the earlier and wealthier residents of the Munroe Falls area.
These old photographs of Cleveland show a world that’s fascinatingly different. Do you have any old photos of Cleveland or Clevelanders? Even if they’re much more recent than those on this list, we’d love to see them and hear your family stories in the comments!
Love exploring history? These local landmarks keep old Cleveland alive.
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