ART & ART DECO CLEVELAND 2006
September 13-17, 2006

Great Lakes Exposition (1936-37)

at The Western Reserve Historical Society (founded 1867) 10825 East Boulevard.

Perhaps history has mostly forgotten The Great Lakes Exposition of 1936-37 because it was between the more famous 1933 Chicago World's Fair and the New York World's Fair of 1939. Nevertheless, it attracted over 4 million visitors from around the country in its first year. The exhibition area was 135 acres in size, along the lakefront and included The Mall. Vintage postcards show the modern (but temporary) Exposition structures among the Beaux Arts and neoclassical civic buildings built between 1910-1925.

There were historical, industrial, and horticultural exhibits, and a "streets of the world" with restaurants and bazaars reminiscent of the countries they represented. Of course, there was a Midway with rides and slideshows. Many of the structures featured modern, streamlined design. Because of the popularity of the first year, sponsors decided to carry the show for a second year. The 1937 season had a new attraction which became its most popular feature: Billy Rose's "Aquacade" that featured water ballet shows and starred Eleanor Holm and Johnny Weismuller. Over 3 million visitors attended the 1937 season.

We learned about the Great Lakes Exposition at The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS), one of the oldest and largest private historical societies in the United States. The complex incorporates two large historic residences: The John Hay House (1910) and the Mrs. Leonard C. Hanna House (1918). The Society maintains an outstanding collection relating to the history of Cleveland and the Western Reserve from the Revolution through the 20th Century. Their genealogy library is nationally known. Dean Zimmerman, Chief Curator, provided us with a "sneak preview" tour of an exhibit called "Treasures," which was in the final stages of installation and had not yet opened to the public. It was an eclectic exhibit showcasing the finest of the WRHS collection. For our group Mr. Zimmerman focused on outstanding examples of 20th Century design, including works by Tiffany, Viktor Schreckengost, and Art Deco furniture by the Cleveland firm of Rorimer-Brooks.

John Grabowski, Director of Research, organized an exhibit especially for "Art & Art Deco Cleveland 2006." From the WRHS archives he obtained vintage photographs, brochures, and postcards relating to the Great Lakes Exposition. (Many of the postcard images in the following photo set are also from the Special Collections of Cleveland State University Library.)

The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum was added to the WRHS in 1965. Allan Unrein, the Director, provided an enthusiastic tour highlighting vintage automobiles of the Art Deco period.

A big "thank you" to the staff at the WRHS for all their time and effort on our behalf — it was an educational and enjoyable afternoon!

Greyhound Bus Terminal