Two "Fun" Things to do the Next Time You're in Cleveland

The Cleveland Police Museum:

"Various fascinating and often grisly artifacts from Cleveland's crime history. The star of the exhibits is the corner devoted to the infamous Torso Murders of the 1930s, generally thought to be the first recognized serial killings in the United States. Particularly scary-cool are the four painted and bewigged plaster casts of the faces of four unidentified Torso Murder Victims. These were shown in a little out-of-the-way booth at the 1937 Great Lakes Exposition in Cleveland, in the hopes that someone might recognize them. No one did. Now they're a little worse for the wear, but all the more creepy for it." (from RoadsideAmerica.com)

The Percy Skuy Collection on the History of Contraception, at CWRU's Dittrick Medical History Center.

"This unique collection includes a wide range of contraception items, prototypes, and manufacturing devices...The world's most comprehensive collection of historical contraceptive devices, numbering over 650 artifacts. The permanent exhibit will examine the interface between contraceptive development and innovations in science and technology, and explore the impact of changes in contraception upon daily life and public policy." (Dittrick Medical History Center Website)

You can also listen to a lecture online: Uncovering the Lost History of Contracpetives in America

This Christmas, Hang Out with Henry II!

If you live in the Cleveland area, you are not going to want to miss the annual Medieval Christmas Feast at Trinity Cathedral. Featured on The Food Network, the Feast includes:

"...A procession into the cathedral nave for a multi-course banquet of hearty medieval fare eaten with the fingers. Wine, ale and fruit juice accompany the food, and interactive entertainment will delight you between courses.

The evening ends with the curious ceremony of the Pig's Head. Our beautiful Gothic venue provides a perfect setting for group photos afterwards. (You'll want to come in costume for those photo ops; we'll give you suggestions with your confirmation!)"

Book your tickets now, they're going like hot cakes.

Euclid Avenue: Then and Now

About three years ago, I took some "then and now" shots of Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. Euclid was formerly "Millionaire's Row," the richest street in America, which the likes of Rockfeller and Carnegie called home.

The 19th century prints and photographs are from the book Showplace of America: Cleveland's Euclid Avenue, 1850-1910.

East 40th st.

East 30th. St.

East 21st. st.

East 14th st.

East 9th st

The Beckwith Mansion

The Carlin Mansion