| Thousands of pedestrians crisscross its walkways
or relax on its quadrants every day. Thousands of motorists drive
through it daily. Special occasions – sports celebrations, concerts,
political rallies, protests, and holiday lights – draw tens of thousands
to it many times a year. Cleveland’s Public Square is not only the
physical center of the city, but the civic heart of the Greater
Cleveland community. The story told here is of Public Square during
the course of the 20th century – with a brief look at what came
before. It covers the changes in the landscape of the Square itself,
the architectural developments that have defined the Square’s neighborhood,
and some of the numerous events that have taken place there.
The Square has been a microcosm of Cleveland’s promise and a
reflection of what Clevelanders value. During good times and bad,
Clevelanders have fought diligently to preserve the space at the
city’s core laid out by Seth Pease and Amos Spafford more than
two centuries ago. From grazing ground to corporate front yard,
the Square has seen many changes, but it remains the city’s civic
center.
In narrative and with over 140 illustrations, The Heart
of Cleveland takes the reader on a century’s journey through
the Square and to what happened on it and around it. It takes
the readers on a trip to a forgotten past and through changes
that have brought about a dynamic present.
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