Cleveland; Will the Phoenix Rise Fom the Ashes?

---Ashley Costello---

At one time, Cleveland was one of the major steel producing centers in the United States. It was a major port on the Great Lakes feeding the steel industry by bringing in iron ore, and also by shipping out things such as crops. As the railroad became more and more popular, it helped stimulate Cleveland as a major port even more so because as the ships brought in the goods we could send them to the Midwest. Cleveland was also home to the wealthiest industrialists whose philanthropic support of the arts made the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Museums of Art and History and Playhouse Square destinations for not only it’s residents but tourists as well. Being an industrial leader was a double edged sword in that the abundance of natural recourses encouraged abuse that led to pollution and destruction which can be graphically illustrated by the burning of the Cuyahoga River.



The loss of Republic Steel, Oglebay Norton, Hanna Mining and BP, to name a few companies, contributed to Cleveland’s decline. The loss of jobs led to the draining of population and monies from the city and the region as a whole. Cleveland schools also suffered during forced busing further leading to a loss of quality education and population.

The revitalization of Cleveland lags behind, its rust belt sister cities for numerous reasons. These reasons, according to some readers of the Plain Dealer, can be delineated into local and or regional problems and possible solutions. On a local level Cleveland must provide a more diversified pool of employment by expanding its focus from just the health care industry to other industries as well. It must encourage new business by providing a clean and safe environment as well as a quality school system for the employees of these new businesses. Tax incentives, better infrastructure and safe and quality housing within the city is a must. The politics of the city must also change and the parade of one party leadership (or the lack thereof) that has been lackluster at best and colored by cronyism and corruption must be changed. As Harry Truman once said, “A leader has to lead; otherwise he has no business in politics.” In order to move forward the city of Cleveland needs bold, energetic, and dynamic leadership.

On a regional level the city of Cleveland and the state of Ohio must work together to attract new industry and businesses by making college education affordable and offering incentives to graduates who accept employment and live in North East Ohio. The city and state must join together to market our region as our sister rust belt cities do with a comprehensive public relations plan that seeks business and tourism on a global scale. Tax incentives for industries, the development of a public rail transportation system throughout the state as well as the reclamation and preservation of our lakefront and other natural resources must me fostered.

I don’t see a thriving metropolitan corridor existing in the Cuyahoga Valley between Akron and Cleveland in the future. The best use of the resource is protecting it within the park system within which it lies and promoting tourism by expanding the activities currently existing there. Certainly small private farms and related businesses as well as bed and breakfasts, skiing facilities, hiking and biking businesses should be encouraged and supported. The preservation of this important part of the history between Cleveland and Akron can be insured by its rebirth as a tourist destination and wildlife sanctuary.


These are devastating times for the city of Cleveland, but it can survive these seismic setbacks because the city has must to recommend it; world class universities, museum and medical facilities, Lake Erie and land ripe for development.

Akron Industry Trip

--Ashley--

Akron succeeded as an industrial spot along the canal for many reasons. For example, many jobs were created as a result of the commerce flowing through the canal. Some of those jobs were building the canal boats, guiding the boats through the locks, and loading and unloading the cargo. This leads to another important reason as to why Akron was very successful at that time. The canal was a great way to transport many goods faster and at one time.

Akron is slowly trying to gain back its economical and cultural success. Not only did they preserve some history by turning the Quaker Mills into hotel’s and offices, they also have the Inventor’s Museum, and Akron University has expanded which attracts many students. The Akron Polymer Science Building is also beneficial because they are helping expand the study of polymers to invent or improve things such as bullet proof vests. Another thing Akron is trying to do is to create as comfortable, and more suburban living place within the city limits. Most are near the park system where they are trying to connect the Cleveland and Akron bike trail.

Also, at my dad’s request, they have the Firestone golf classic.

Akron seems to be heading in a good direction so far, but as Anna said, there is still room for growth.

Ching Ching!

---Ashley Costello---

I thought it was fun to lead my team. I was very lucky to have a group of my well behaved friends. Also, I had an adult on my trip, so it was pretty cool being in charge of someone a lot older than me. The whole leader thing was strange at first though, since I normally seem to be a follower but in the end I enjoyed it.

I tried to keep the learning portion of the bike trip fun and interesting. Not only did I have my group stop and read off the little informational boards along the path, but I also pointed out some other facts that I knew personally. Of course though, this could only go so far and my group was starting to become, well, sleepy. Since we needed to stop anyways, and I needed to wake them up a bit...as we were getting closer to one of the locks I yelled “Car!” which in turn caused everyone to break and look around frantically. I laughed and said “Okay, so there isn’t a car here in the middle of the woods, but there is another lock!” Cheers to their good senses of humor!

I think the idea of learning about the valley by taking the small bike trip was very interesting. Not only were we able to get some fresh air and bike in some great weather (unlike sitting in school where every hallway has its own climate and take notes all day…) it was a fun way to learn. Also, everyone got to learn or better their leadership skills and got the chance to share our valley voyages experience and spread knowledge to others.

My new life

Today is not only the 6th of April 1934, it is also the first day of my new life.
This was the first day in five years I actually have a real job. I have been looking for jobs constantly ever since the stock market crashed in 1929. I used to live with my family, my wife and our two children, in the city. I do not live with them anymore. Our first child died soon after we had to move out from were we used to live, a not very fancy apartment, but still an apartment, to live with my uncle. He lives in an old house, were the water is dripping from the roof and rats are snoring under our beds.
My second child, left with my wife. I can not blame her for what she did when she left me for a new man wealthier.
I used to work in a meatpacking factory, but they could not afford to keep me employed.
The first time I heard about this program was when a friend told me. I signed up for it as soon as possibly, without knowing exactly what it all was about. All I know is that the new president is a great man. And finally we have someone who sees the problems and do something about them.
So now, thanks to that man, am I lying in a big tent exhausted after a good days work, whit 25 other men who, like me, have got a new chance in life. I do not earn much for what I do, but every single penny that I earn will I save. Because this is the first day of my new life, and it is going to be the best life of my life.

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