Browse Interviews

In this 2007 interview, Gloria Aron, a lifelong resident of the Detroit Shoreway area of Cleveland, talks about her experiences living on West 81st Street, and her involvement in a number of projects as a community activist. She talks about the problems of the poor, the homeless, and the working class in her neighborhood. She also discusses government programs that have worked to alleviate neighborhood problems; and others that have not. She comments on the Cleveland School system, and contends…

Gloria Aron is a long time Detroit Shoreway community resident. From her first taste of grassroots activism in the struggle to desegregate Cleveland Public Schools, Aron has continued to devote her life to giving back to her fellow man. Aron talks about how there are two sections of Detroit Shoreway and that adequate low-income housing is a major issue plaguing her community. She also discusses why she holds community development organizations in such low-esteem.

Herb Arron works with the Africa Community Village Garden. He discusses the importance of having a garden and green space in communities to provide a local access to nature. The garden is a vegetable garden and the produce is distributed to the community and he hopes that any excess could be sold at farmer’s markets around town. Herb also discusses the hopes of partnering with one of the local schools to allow the students to have a hands on experience with gardening. He also mentions that the…

Elsa Arsic was born in 1936 in Grutschno, West Prussia. Arsic describes her time in Germany, constantly moving to survive the war, with her younger sister and mother. Her father served in the German military, was wounded in the battle of Stalingrad, and killed in battle in Hungary in 1945. After the war Arsic's mother wrote to her aunt and uncle, who lived on a farm in the United States. In 1956 the family was sponsored by the Lutheran Church and her mother, despite Arsic’s displeasure, moved…

In this 2012 interview, Herb Ascherman talks about his experience as a longtime Shaker resident. He focuses on Shaker Heights education and the elitist attitude that he thinks was instilled in Shaker Heights students in the 1950s and 1960s. He describes current and past race relations, and the problems Shaker now faces as a community. Later in the interview, Mr. Ascherman tells stories of his childhood and of visits to restaurants in Shaker, Coventry Village, and the ever-growing ethnic…

David Mack shares his experiences growing up at Antioch Baptist Church and growing up in Cleveland.

Pamela Ashley, a lifelong Cleveland resident, talks about her life and experiences. She was born in Cleveland and moved to Cleveland Heights in the seventh grade. She describes her travels across the country with her immediate family to visit her extended family. She talks about what she did for fun, which included dances and house parties. She also talks about her education at Dyke College, and then her employment at Standard Oil and the United States Postal Service. She also talks about the…

Jan Thomas's family has lived in Boston Township for generations. In this 2011 interview Thomas describes life on the farm. They had no electricity until 1946 and even no bathroom until Thomas was in 6th grade. She discusses life in the community, what they did for entertainment, the church community, and her school experiences.

Janet Cummings of the Helping Stone Garden discusses her involvement in that project. Janet Came to Cleveland in the 1970′s and has been here ever since. Cummings shares her insight on how the Garden works, and well as the future plans for the Garden and the community. Janet also speaks about the children of the neighborhood and their importance to the success of the project.

Abdullah (Abby) Mina, is a radio host for the Arabic program on Cleveland State University's WCSB 89.3. He has served as the past president of C.A.M.E.O. (Cleveland American Middle East Organization) for twelve years. Abby immigrated to America in 1956 to Richmond, VA and later migrated to Cleveland, OH after marriage to his wife, Mona. He proudly devoted his life in America helping to assimilate and assist Arab immigrants into American society.

Mary Rose Oakar, the first Democratic female to be elected into Congress from Ohio, details her family and life events. She discusses her upbringing growing up in Ohio City and her work in Congress. She also details her work with the ADC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee) and stories of discrimination she witnessed against Arab Americans.

Mary Harami, wife of the late David Harami, speaks about her life growing up Palestinian of Armenian descent in Jerusalem and working in Jordan and Jerusalem, where she met her husband David, a Palestinian businessman. Mary explains life growing up during the British Mandate of Palestine and recalls becoming a refugee during the Arab-Israeli war. She also speaks about her time working for the American Embassy in Benghazi, Libya which she remembers vividly.

Irene and Michel Farah are Palestinian Americans who came to Cleveland, which they love, in 1972 for medical training. Michel is a cardiologist studied at the American University of Beirut and Irene has a Master’s in French literature from Case University. The both from the city of Jerusalem, which, plays a significant role in their life and identity. They have two girls and two boys. Irene and Michel believe it is of great important to preserve their Arabic culture as well as the Palestinian…

This group interview explores changes in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, including details about Battery Park, Union Carbide, Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, Edgewater Park, and Herman Avenue.

Russel Atkins discusses his work as a poet and the relationship of the arts to the city of Cleveland. A graduate of Central High School, Atkins remembers Cleveland as an artistic hub and historicizes artistic movements in the city that was home to Langston Hughes and the "Black Arts Movement," the Ohio Poetry Society, Freelance Magazine and other publications, and beatniks. Atkins' poetic accomplishments and publications in magazines such as Experiment are situated alongside his discussion of…

An equipment operator and work leader, Tim Atkinson his role in the Park staff. Discussed are the means by which Atkinson evolved from a volunteer position to a leader in various projects and the challenges posed to staff personell. These include the seasonality of trails, seasonality of staffing, and the extensive flooding damage to the Towpath. Atkinson discusses also the successes of the Towpath project in terms of improving the quality of life and the ability of the visitor centeer to…

Sisters Rebecca and Christina Attenson share their memories of growing up in the Coventry area of Cleveland Heights and owning the store Attenson's Antiques and Books on Coventry Road. Although the self-described hippies have grown up, their legacy lingers in Coventry's commercial district where the bizarre is never surprising.

Fay Harris moved to Cleveland from Pennsylvania to work as a Chemist. Fay sits on the board of the Near West Side Development Corporation. She is working on planting a community garden in her neighborhood as a way of engaging the community and bringing them together.

This interview was conducted for the purpose of gaining insight to the organization East Side Inter-faith Ministries (ESIM) of Cleveland, Ohio. Although information regarding this topic was discussed, the interview also encompassed other topics. The common thread in the interview was the Presbyterian mission of social justice and activism. Karen Ault's life story was told through this interview. She explained how the Presbyterian faith was a constant and important factor in the trajectory of her…

Cleveland resident Mary Auner discusses her memories of Short Vincent and the surrounding neighborhood as a young adult. The Roxy, Theatrical Grill, and Jean's Fun House are discussed as well as the East 9th Street Pier. Suburbanization is discussed as the leading factor for Short Vincent's demise.

Dick Austin discusses the history of the Austin Company which his great grandfather had founded. The company was a large designer and builder of industrial facilities. He relates various major projects of the company through the years including Nela Park, the Boeing factory, and its involvement in a Russian automotive complex.

Sam Awad discusses his life here in Cleveland after moving here from Egypt as a teenager. He discusses his work history and how he purchased several businesses in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. Among his concerns for the future of the area are a need for more police, a desire to see more home owners in the area, and a return to hard working mentality among Americans.

Frank Awender was born in 1924 in Neuburg, Romania. He is one of the founding members of the Society of the Donauschwaben in Cleveland which is now the Donauschwaben German American Cultural Center (DGACC). Awender served in the German army and tells stories about his service in the Third German Panzer Division. He was captured near the end of the war and eventually escaped and joined his mother in Kolberg, Germany. There he learned the construction trade. In 1952, Frank immigrated to Cleveland.…

Frank Azman, third generation owner of Azman & Sons market discusses the business his faimly has operated in Cleveland since 1924. Mr. Azman talks about how the business got started, his process of making Slovenian sausage, some of the original equipment since in use in the shop, and what the market was like in its heyday.

Eugene Bahniuk provides a detailed account of his childhood and young adulthood in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Bahniuk recounts his early memories of the neighborhood, the diverse community, and the various activities he and his friends engaged in, from playing in Lincoln Park to exploring the flats. He reflects on his experiences at local schools, his involvement in sports and social clubs, and his work at his father's gas station. Bahniuk also discusses the impact of World War…

This oral history interview with Eugene Bahniuk, conducted by Molly Nieser on November 5, 2003, captures Bahniuk's recollections of his childhood and early adulthood, focusing on his experiences growing up in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, during the Great Depression. Bahniuk discusses his family's move to Tremont in 1933 due to his father's job loss, their life in the neighborhood, and his schooling, which he recalls fondly for its progressive teaching methods. He also reflects on…

Artist Lawrence Baker discusses his life and career. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1947, Baker moved to Cleveland in the late 1960s. Baker's early education lacked art programs, so he looked over his brother's shoulder for art inspiration. Art is Baker's own endeavor, and he considers himself as the sole motivator for his artwork. He challenges himself to find individuality in his artwork and to be recognized by the art community. Baker identifies himself first as an artist, then as African…

Mary Baldwin, a marketing professional from Bedford, joined the Cleveland Hiking Club in 1985. She talks about being among the younger members of the club when she joined, special hikes including the Buckeye Trail and other hikes designed to show something of the land, friendships made and how being a member of the club has changed her perception of the city of Cleveland.

Interview with Mitchell Balk, the President of the Mt Sinai Healthcare Foundation. Balk discusses the history of Mt Sinai hospital, including the kinds of research and innovative procedures it pioneered. He also describes several philanthropic programs the hospital is involved in. Balk also touches on the challenges the healthcare system faces. He also briefly includes his impressions of Jewish history in Cleveland.

Phyliss Bambek taught at several Cleveland Catholic schools. She lived on Cleveland's West Side in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. She notes the influx of immigrants to Detroit Shoreway and the subsequent migration of Catholic parishioners to the suburbs. Bambek expresses her dissatisfaction with Bishop Lenin and the Dioceses' decree to shut down multiple parishes. Bambek, who also taught in public schools, mentions the effects of Cleveland's court-ordered busing. Finally, she describes how…

Harry Banfield grew up in Chesterland Ohio in Geauga County. He became a pastor and became involved with the City Mission as well as Youth for Christ. In 1970 he was asked to become the Mission's first full time youth director. He held that post until 1983. In this 2005 interview he discusses his work with the mission and his family's involvement with the children they worked with at the mission. He also discusses why people go to the mission and some of the work the mission does other than his…

Robert Banks, Sr. discusses growing up in Cleveland attending Antioch Baptist Church. Banks also includes his experiences serving in the Chemical Corps during World War II

Mr. Curtis Banks discusses his past and future for Kosciuszko Avenue in Cleveland Ohio. He explains what his plans are for his site and how he came to Cleveland. He discusses how and why his father came to Cleveland in the first place and what the living conditions were when he arrived. He also explains how the history and culture of the area has changed through the years and what he intends to do to make it a better place to live in the future.

Filmmaker, Robert C. Banks, Jr. discusses his life and career. A lifelong Clevelander, Banks attended the Cleveland School of the Arts (CSA), where he learned many of the fundamentals of art and film. Despite having spent some years pursuing higher education at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland State University, and elsewhere, Banks credits much of his film-making expertise to self-education and collegial exchanges from within the Cleveland art scene. Banks discusses his service in the…

Sylvia Banks joined the Cleveland Hiking Club in 1986. She has hiked more than 10,000 miles, served on the club's board and as its photo contest chairman, and enjoyed many trips, including rafting on the Colorado River and hiking in Great Britain. She also recalls memorable experiences in what later became the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Barbara Wherley grew up in Cleveland Heights and in this interview she describes that experience. She discusses what it was like going to Nela Park with her father, an employee of General Electric. She also describes her growth through the schools of Cleveland Heights, and how those experiences shaped her future thinking. She recalls how her church, Noble Road Presbyterian, was very involved in the civil rights movement. Additionally, she describes the attendance and the Sunday Schooling that…

Kathleen Barber of the Shaker Lakes Nature Center describes her involvement with the Center beginning with the battle to protect Shaker Lakes from highway development in the 1960s. Barber describes this activist campaign in great detail, discussing the proposed route of the highway, the role of County Commissioner Albert Porter, the strategies employed to stop the highway, and the parts played by numerous individuals and activists - particularly women, whose role, according to Barber, was very…

Robert Bard is a lifelong Cuyahoga Valley resident and former Cuyahoga Valley National Park maintenance worker. Bard shared memories of growing up in Cuyahoga Falls and memories of the creation of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Content covered includes Robert Hunker, John Seiberling, African American businesses in the Cuyahoga Valley, Terry Lumber, volunteering for the Peninsula Fire Department, SCVNP Superintendent John Debo, CVNP Superintendent William Birdsell.

Interview recorded during Prosperity Social Club 10 year anniversary event.
Jessica and Justin share their love story and the role Prosperity has played in their relationship. After a string of first dates, all at Prosperity, Jessica finally met and fell in love with Justin, and Prosperity served as the venue for their wedding rehearsal dinner.

Interview recorded during Prosperity Social Club 10 year anniversary event.
Jean Brandt is a longtime Tremont resident that operated the former Brandt Gallery and her law office across the park from Prosperity. She speaks about the unique Tremont community and how Dempsey's/Prosperity is such an important resource in that regard – serving as a welcome wagon for new residents and a social hub for everyone.

Interview recorded during Prosperity Social Club 10 year anniversary event.
Ms Nieves lived in an apartment above Prosperity for three years and relates the story of a unique roommate. In her account, Stan, a previous resident, is now a friendly ghost who haunts the bar and especially the upstairs apartment.

Interview recorded during Prosperity Social Club 10 year anniversary event.
Erich Hooper is the owner of Hooper Farm, a neighborhood garden that works with the youth of the area. Mr Hooper has lived in Tremont since 1966 and discusses the early days of the neighborhood, and the changes that have occurred there.

Zachary Zak of the Zak Funeral Home describes the history of the family business that began in 1890. He offers insights into successfully running a funeral home business, and describes the various changes experienced by his funeral home over several generations. He describes the the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood from his childhood through the revitalization efforts of the early 21st century.

In this 2025 interview, East Cleveland native Mr. Danny Barnes reflects on his upbringing, and his educational experiences in the city’s schools, especially Shaw High School. He discusses the strong sense of community, the presence of Black-owned businesses, and the supportive environment that shaped his adolescence and early adulthood. Barnes recounts the origins of the first All Class Shaw Reunion in 2004, detailing his motivation to reunite former students, strengthen community ties, and…

In this 2012 interview, Emilie Barnett describes her Shaker experience. Wife of Irving Barnett, she began getting involved with the Ludlow Community Association from the very beginning, collaborating with notable Ludlow activists like Drew and Fran King. She describes the neighborhood dinners and meetings that predated the LCA, which eventually became the foundation for the Ludlow integration movement. She tells stories of the many events and fundraisers that occurred in Ludlow and in Shaker as…

Heidi Barham grew up in the Lee Harvard area. Her doctors’ were in the historic Robert Madison Medical Associates building, now ThirdSpaceActionLab. Topics covered include Laurel School for Girls, Cleveland State University, Dearing’s Restaurant, East 105th Street, the importance of Black medical care, Jazz on East 6th Street and her career in hospice.

Russell Baron grew up in Glenville before moving to Cleveland Heights. His father owned a haberdashery, a men's clothing store, where Baron worked during high school and college. Baron became a lawyer and worked in his father-in-law's practice before starting his own law practice. He was a member of the Cleveland Heights Board of Education and later, the Planning Commission. While in city governent, Baron worked to integrate the Cleveland Heights schools despite the protests of some residents.…

John Barr, first owner of Nighttown, speaks of his experiences there. He describes the difficult beginnings that the bar had, but that they persevered and eventually made it to where they are now. Barr describes the building and how its changed over the years. He also talks about how the neighborhood went from near collapse to bustling and thriving. He concludes the piece by talking about the various articles, trinkets, and knick-knacks that he has accrued over the years.

Charesha Barrett, a Cleveland native, educator, consultant, genealogist, and co-founder of the Lee-Harvard Memorial Project, reflects on growing up in the Lee-Harvard neighborhood and her work to preserve and share its history. Barrett discusses Lee-Harvard's legacy as a place of community, Black excellence, and intergenerational connection. She recalls neighborhood places such as John F. Kennedy High School, St. Henry Parish, Kerruish Park, Lee-Harvard Shopping Center, Harvard Community Service…

This interview was conducted as part of Cleveland State University's 50th Anniversary Commemoration effort. William Barrow is currently the Special Collections librarian at Cleveland State University. Barrow was born in University Circle and grew up in Cleveland's eastern suburb of Mentor. After high school he went on to attend Bowling Green State University where he was active in the school's chapter of Students For a Democratic Society. Barrow left BGSU before graduating to work construction…

An Interview with William Barrow who discusses his relative Thomas Cooper Barrow and his driving range on Euclid Ave. The Hole-in-One was a unique business that served as a transition between the glory days of Millionaire's Row and the period of decline that followed. The discussion includes various remembrances of Millionaire's Row and other general aspects of Cleveland life from the 1920s to the 50s.

Herman Pirchner Jr., son of the owner of the Alpine Village dining and nightclub, discusses the origins of the Alpine Village, the famous acts and guests who performed at Alpine Village, and the legacy of his father Herman Pirchner Sr. Pirchner was a stuntman, restaurateur, promoter, and natural entertainer who had legacy in Cleveland and nationally with a syndicated radio show.

Florence Unetich describes her family's migration from Austria to the United States, the Slovenian community in Cleveland, her involvement with Slovenian Cultural Garden, and numerous issues in recent Cleveland history.

Roseana Bass, owner of Diamond's Flowers, talks about her experiences in Coventry Village. She talks about the previous owners of the store, and how she came to acquire the business. She also discusses the Coventry Street Fair and her involvement. She concludes by talking about how much Coventry Road has changed over the years.

Rose Agnes Bastian was born in Cleveland in 1926. She grew up on Cory Avenue off of East 79th Street and later settled in Brook Park. She describes her neighborhood surroundings, going to St. Agnes Parish School, traveling around downtown on the streetcar and explains how the Depression and wars have affected her family. Bastian vividly describes what she and others did for fun while growing up in the area and compares the family dynamics of her youth to today.

This interview was conducted as part of Cleveland State University's 50th Anniversary Commemoration Project. William G. Batchelder III is a native of Medina, Ohio and is the current Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he received a BA in history and following graduation went on to law school at the Ohio State University. While in law school he served as an aid for Lt. Governor John W. Brown. He was elected to the legislature in 1969 and served…

Born in 1961, Cleveland State University music professor Michael Baumgartner has traveled and worked around the world as a musicologist. He grew up in Zürich, Switzerland, but heard the music and experienced lifestyles of numerous cultures from around Europe. His experiences traveling and working in different countries showed him the significant privileges afforded to people of his identity, white men, versus the disadvantages and prejudice that people of color who traveled the world had to…

Richard Baznik, University Historian at Case Western Reserve University, provides a detailed history of the development of the university and describes how the school responded to various national and local events and movements. He notes CWRU's relationship with other cultural and educational institutions in the area.

Walter Beach III was born in Pontiac, Michigan. He served as the director for Council for Youth Opportunities during the administration of mayor Carl Stokes. Beach played defensive back for the 1964 World Championship Cleveland Browns football team. He is a lawyer and author. This 2017 interview was collected as part of a yearlong, community-wide commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Carl Stokes' election as mayor of Cleveland.

In this interview, Celestine Beasley describes her experiences growing up in a sharecropper family in rural Mississippi, migrating to Cleveland's Cedar-Central neighborhood, and her career as a nurse at Mount Sinai. The interview also relates information about race, farming, food culture, and cuisine.