Browse Interviews

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.

This interview focuses on the origins of the West Creek conservation projects as well as the collaborations between citizenry and government. Particularly focusing on community organization and activism, the interview emphasizes the significance of a public understanding of issues pertaining to environmental concerns. Also discussed are educational inititiatives and the significance of the involvement of the MetroParks in the project.

Roman Zorska, a delegate of the Lithuainain Cultural Garden, reflects on his life and discusses the history of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden. An immigrant from Lithuania, Mr. Zorska came to Cleveland in December of 1949 as a young boy. He discusses where he went to school, where he lived, and his life in Cleveland growing up. He also discusses the areas Lithuanian's lived within Cleveland, the changing demographics within city limits, and Lithuanian history and culture. The bulk of the…

Matthew Zone is a native Clevelander. He is the Cleveland City Councilman representing the same Detroit-Shoreway ward as his late parents Councilman Michael Zone and Councilwoman Mary Zone on Cleveland’s west side. 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 2005 interview, Matt Zone, Councilman for Ward 17 of the City of Cleveland, discusses his family's history on the west side of Cleveland and his political career. Zone is a third generation Italian-American. His grandparents came to the Detroit-Shoreway area of Cleveland shortly after WWI ended. His father and mother grew up on West 65th Street and were both Councilpersons for the Ward--from 1960-1982. Matt has been Councilperson for the Ward since 2001. Zone talks about neighborhood…

In this 2005 interview, Matt Zone, Councilman for Ward 17 of the City of Cleveland, discusses his family's history on the west side of Cleveland and his political career. Zone is a third generation Italian-American. His grandparents came to the Detroit-Shoreway area of Cleveland shortly after WWI ended. His father and mother grew up on West 65th Street and were both Councilpersons for the Ward--from 1960-1982. Matt has been Councilperson for the Ward since 2001. Zone talks about neighborhood…

In this very brief interview, longtime Cleveland Hiking Club member Gayle Zipay recounts what led her to join the hiking club in 1983. Her interview includes reminiscences about a couple of notable club members, a youth hostel that once operated in the Cuyahoga Valley, and some of the chores associated with maintaining the club's camp.

In this 2012 interview, Jennifer Mearns talks about her role as a member of the school board in Shaker Heights. She explains some of the programs offered in the school, and the advantages of living in Shaker Heights.

This interview was conducted as part of Cleveland State University's 50th Anniversary Commemoration effort. Elizabeth Zavada is currently the Assistant to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees at CSU. Born in Brownsville, PA, Zavada moved with her family to Cleveland's west side in the 1950s. Zavada enrolled at CSU in the fall of 1969 where she majored in education and worked in the alumni development office. After graduation she stayed on at CSU, working in government relations under Dr.…

Interviewee Lilah Zautner talks about her ties to Cleveland and education in the first part of the interview. In July 2009, she was hired to manage the grant side of ReImagining Cleveland, a shared staff position. She talks about the study ReImagining Cleveland and more Sustainable Cleveland. Another point of discussion is how Neighborhood Progress Inc. approached the City of Cleveland to allocate funds. In much of the interview, she details out the application and funding process, problems…

Jamilah Zand was born in Cleveland in 1954. This 2009 interview discusses her childhood, racial issues, and the music she grew up with. Zand, who grew up on Cleveland's east side, shares memories of attending concerts, listening to the radio, and sampling new music from her different relatives' record collections. She also comments on the music being released today and how its message is often different from the music she grew up with. Race and race relations in Cleveland are another topic…

Born in Painesville in 1932, J. Zampini is a lifetime resident of Lake County. Zampini grew up surrounded by nurseries and eventually became the proprietor of his own nursery. He has been credited with creating new plant variations and using plants for community rejuvenation. Zampini recounts the changes the nursery business has undergone over the years. He also discusses the lasting impression the various waves of immigration have made on the industry.Though mechanization and chemicals are…

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.

Constance Zachery discusses living in Fairfax and her membership and experiences at Antioch Baptist Church.

Longtime resident, Mary Jane Yuhas, describes changes in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood.

Mattew Young discusses the educational and social impact of his work with the American Cultural Garden. A teacher at Hawken School, Young describes the role that students have played and continue to play in this particular garden. Young details the scientific and educational programs that his garden promotes, describes how they are influencing urban gardening, and how they are introducing students to a variety of issues surrounding the urban environment. Young contextualizes the role of the…

Harriet Young was born in Cleveland and attended Antioch Baptist Church since she was an infant. During her time at Antioch, she participated in many clubs and community outreach programs, including making meals for the grieving and going to assisted living homes to visit the elderly. In addition, she enjoyed teaching the Bible to the youth in Sunday school. She taught in public school as well, where she was a principal in several school for years.

Anthony Yen discusses the history of the Chinese Cultural Garden, from its planning to its completion. Mr. Yen describes the trials and tribulations in obtaining the land and the drive to have the gardens become a national landmark designation. Other topics include the fiolage within the Chinese Cultural Garden, future plans of the garden, and vandalism.

Anthony Yen discusses the history of the Chinese Cultural Garden, from its planning to its completion. Mr. Yen describes the trials and tribulations in obtaining the land and the drive to have the gardens become a national landmark designation. Other topics include the foliage within the Chinese Cultural Garden, future plans of the garden, and creating what became known as Teacher Day.

Robin Yates, owner of Brownstone Inn, describes his interest in architecture and the decision to purchase property on Cleveland's east side. Yates colorfully describes Prospect Avenue in the 1970s, then known as a red light district. He describes the relationship between local law enforcement and the residents and property owners in the area. Specifically, Yates notes the importance of citizen advocacy groups and other improvement entities that worked to transform the district. In addition, he…

Robin Yates, a professional real estate developer, describes his professional history and experiences with neighborhood projects in the city of Cleveland. Yates also explains his bed and breakfast operation that takes tourists on tours of the city of Cleveland. Significant to Yates is not only the perception of Cleveland, but the means to increase residency and future residential developments in the city.

Joan Yarano has worked for unions since 1953. She began with Local 217 and in 1955 began working for the Cleveland Industrial Union Council. In this 2012 interview she describes her work for the unions and some of her experiences. Yarano was also a member of a union herself, the DALU 1794, which was a union for secretaries who worked for unions. She describes her role within that union and some of the difficulties the union came across during her time in it.

Interview recorded during Prosperity Social Club 10 year anniversary event.
Tim Yanko describes visiting Dempsey's Oasis during the 1980s for fish fries, his family's ties to the Tremont neighborhood, and working as a bartender at Prosperity Social Club.

Sadie and Eva discuss their experiences being Japanese Americans in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Taking turns answering the questions posed to them, they discuss their removal from California for life in the internment camps, what childhood was like there, and how they finally were permitted to leave. They later discuss the compensation approved by the government for their wrongdoing. The 442nd Volunteer Combat Unit of mostly Japanese American soldiers is covered near the end.

Involved in historic development in Cleveland, especially the warehouse district and gateway district, Cleveland native Thomas Yablonsky discusses the Ohio and Erie Canal He is on the Ohio and Erie Canal association board as well as the Ohio canal corridor. He also discusses the changes and developments in the Tremont region.

In this 2005 interview, Thomas Yablonsky, executive director of both the Warehouse District and the Historic Gateway District. Mr. Yablonski discussed his involvement with downtown Cleveland, first as a high school and college student in the 1970s, and then later in the 1980s as a volunteer and ultimately the executor director of two of the historic districts of Cleveland. Mr. Yablonski has worked the last 20 years in downtown Cleveland in the area of historic preservation and redevelopment. …

Dennis Woods discusses his time as a teacher and baseball coach at Glenville High School.

Betty Woods was born in Maryland, and moved to Cleveland at the age of 5. She grew up on Hampton Ave. in Glenville, and raised her family in Glenville as well. She worked for the city of Cleveland as a secretary for over 30 years. She enrolled her children in Catholic school rather than the local Glenville schools, but at the time of this interview, her children still live in Cleveland.

Candace Woods-Evans was raised by her parents in Glenville, who also grew up in Glenville as well. Her parents were involved in their local street club, where meetings would sometimes be held at their home. As a child, Woods-Evans played tennis in the National Junior Tennis League, collected bottles for cash, and played an instrument in the band. She later went to Beaumont for her high school education, where she encountered discrimination along the way.

Diana Woodbridge grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and Shaker Heights, attended college at Miami University, and taught school for a short time in Painesville, Ohio. She discusses the struggle for fair housing in the Heights in the 1960s-70s and the formation of two key organizations: Forest Hill Housing Corporation and Heights Community Congress.

Dave Woldman recalls his experiences in the Heights during the 1960s through the 1970s. He grew up in a conservative Jewish home, but later embraced the counterculture movement and the alternative lifestyles particular to Coventry Village.

Wilma Witt grew up in the Collinwood neighborhood during the Great Depression and World War II. In this 2005 interview, she describes life during the war and depression. She also discusses the Collinwood neighborhood and the ethnic communities there, and tells stories about her family.

Karin Wishner discusses her involvement in the Re-Imagining Cleveland project.

LaVera Wingfield shares the story of her family growing up in Cleveland and moving to Shaker Heights. She tells stories about her children growing up in the school district and the affection she has for her community. Wingfield is currently involved with the Neighbor Night program and discusses programs they are hosting within the community.

In this brief interview, Noah Wingenfeld discusses his family farm and some of the difficulties involved in running the farm. He also recollects his family's involvement in farming.

Dave Wingenfeld owns Canal Corners Farm & Market located at the corner of Canal Road and Tinkers Creek Road in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Dave runs the farm's day to day operations with his two sons Danny, the oldest, and Noah, the youngest. Noah is currently a Student at CSU and also participated by being interviewed seperatley. Dave and his family live in the historic Gleeson House built in 1854. In 1974 Dave purchased the Swan Farm. Through the Countryside Conservency Initiative…

William E. Wilson, the current Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Cleveland State University (CSU), discusses the history of technology on the campus over the last thirteen years. He talks about his experiences with technology at his alma mater, Penn State, and compares where technology was on campus in the 1970s to the technology on CSU's campus today. He also contrasts where technology was when he first arrived at CSU and how certain focuses have changed and adapted to the times. He provides a…

This is an interview with Thomas “Skip” Wilson. Skip has worked for the mill since 14 years old and been doing it full time since graduating college. Milling is no longer the main focus of the facility and instead they are now focused on a customer oriented business. They have a good relationship with the Park but have an innate fear of “big government.” As a protection against this they opened up another facility not within the park in case they buy out the land. All-in-all Wilson has…

Vernong Ott Wilson was born in 1916 in Bath, Ohio, and grew up in the summer house of the Hale Farm property. Ott's family worked the Hale farm during the years when C.O. Hale was alive, as well as when Clara Belle Ritchie and her father took over the farm. Ott provided many memories of life on a farm during the Great Depression, and jobs he shared with his father hauling milk and farming. Ott also shared memories of bootlegging activities in Peninsula and Everett. His story gives a picture of…

Ott Wilson's family purchased a house in Bath, Ohio in the early 20th century, and rented farm land from C.O. Hale, of the Hale Farm, during the 1920s and 1930s. Ott, his father and brothers did farmwork on their land and for Mr. Hale, as well as Hale's neice, Clara Belle Ritchie, who later owned the property. This is Ott's second interview on the topic. He shares more information on farming activities and working on the Hale Farm. He also provides information about the Hale and Ritchie…

Ott Wilson's family purchased a house in Bath, Ohio in the early 20th century, and rented farm land from C.O. Hale, of the Hale Farm, during the 1920s and 1930s. Ott, his father and brothers did farmwork on their land and for Mr. Hale, as well as Hale's neice, Clara Belle Ritchie, who later owned the property. This is Ott's second interview on the topic. He shares more information on farming activities and working on the Hale Farm. He also provides information about the Hale and Ritchie…

John Wilson is a musician and music industry veteran who was born in Cleveland in 1949. In this 2009 interview he discusses growing up on Cleveland's east side, his life long involvement with rock and roll music, and the issue of racism, both within the music industry and in Cleveland. As his family was one of the first black families in his east side neighborhood, Wilson experienced racism at a very young age. He also developed a love for rock and roll as a child, and he describes this as well,…

Jene Wilson grew up in a union family, and when she was 16 had her first experience working for a union, the AFLCIO. She describes her experience working for the union as a young girl. Later in life she became part of a teacher's union and became very involved in that. She discusses her involvement in the union, as well as some of the gender issues that she found working for the union.

Kathy Wilmer, a librarian and chaplain, describes her recollections of hiking in Ohio and nearby states starting in the 1970s and personal notes about the emotional and physical benefits of hiking.

Lester gives an well-rounded history of the town of Dover, Ohio. His interest in and appreciation for Dover's history and history in general stems from the work his family has done in this field. The subjects he discusses are vast in scope. Everything from racial discrimination to the Ohio Canal are discussed in detail as they pertain to Dover. Interview was conducted by various members of the Rivers Roads and Rails (TAH Project) Dover team.

Dyeatra Williams grew up in Cleveland and attended Camp Mueller during the early 1950s. Dyeatra also attended Camp Hiram House. Her two younger brothers also attended camp with her after her first year. Dyeatra discusses the positive impact camp had on her life and the how she feels every child should have the same opportunity to go to camp as she had. Dyeatra's family owns a pest control business that has a long standing in the community. She recounts working at the family business on the…

Charles V. Williams is a longtime advocate for the Black Deaf community at both the local, state, and national levels. In this first of two interviews, he discusses losing his hearing as a child, growing up on Cleveland's East Side, early efforts to help Black Deaf newcomers to the city, working at Thompson Products and in the Cuyahoga County Engineer's Office, and campaigning for Carl Stokes for mayor.

Charles V. Williams is a longtime advocate for the Black Deaf community at both the local, state, and national levels. In this second of two interviews, he discusses his advocacy in the Black Deaf community from the 1970s to the present, including volunteering at the Cleveland Society for the Blind, his efforts for greater inclusivity in the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, getting closed captioning added for the 1980 Democratic National Convention, creating an interpreter training…

Chester Willey's late wife is buried in Lakeview Cemetery. In this 2005 interview he describes the process of chosing Lakeview, and designing plot. He also discusses some of the other families who have plots at the cemetery.

Dick and Darlene Wiegandt, Cleveland Hiking Club members since 1990, talk about their life in the Detroit area and other places before moving to Cleveland. They joined the Cleveland Hiking Club after meeting a CHC member who was also president of the Buckeye Trail Association. They started hiking the Buckeye Trail and then joined the CHC to "get credit" for their mileage. They eventually led Buckeye Trail hikes and talk about some of the trail happenings--a dog rescue, having police called…