History - The Bedford Tribune

This Week in History ~ October 28th – November 3rd

Ray Wells — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex Completion (October 28, 1996): The Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex, which includes Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, was officially completed. This complex has since hosted Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) baseball games and Cleveland Cavaliers basketball games, contributing significantly to the local economy and sports culture.

Impact of the Great Depression on Cleveland (October 29, 1929): This date marks the onset of the Great Depression, significantly affecting Cleveland’s industrial sectors, especially manufacturing, coinciding with Black Tuesday.

Cleveland’s “Red Line” Extension (October 30, 1967): Cleveland’s first subway, the “Red Line,” was extended to the west side, providing crucial public transit connectivity and marking a significant expansion in the city’s public transportation infrastructure.

Dedication of Cleveland’s Health Museum (November 1, 1952): The Cleveland Health Museum, now known as the Health Education Center, was dedicated on this date, highlighting its role in pioneering health education in the United States.

Groundbreaking of Lorain-Carnegie Bridge (November 2, 1927): The Lorain-Carnegie Bridge (later renamed the Hope Memorial Bridge) broke ground, initiating the construction of what would become one of Cleveland’s architectural icons, known for its “Guardians of Traffic” statues.

World History

October 28, 1886: The Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated in New York Harbor. The statue was a gift from France to the United States to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The dedication ceremony was presided over by President Grover Cleveland, and the statue has since become an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy.

October 29, 1929: Known as “Black Tuesday,” this date marks the most devastating stock market crash in the history of the United States, signaling the beginning of the 10-year Great Depression that affected all Western industrialized countries. It was the culmination of the Wall Street Crash that began in late October 1929 and had profound effects on the global economy.

October 30, 1938: Orson Welles’ radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” was broadcasted, famously causing panic among listeners who believed the fictional news bulletins about a Martian invasion to be real. This event highlighted the power of the media and its potential to influence public behavior.

November 1, 1952: The United States conducted the first successful detonation of a hydrogen bomb, codenamed “Ivy Mike,” at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands. This marked a significant advancement in nuclear weapons technology during the Cold War, escalating the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

November 3, 1957: The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, carrying Laika, the first animal to orbit the Earth. Although Laika did not survive the mission, her journey provided scientists with the first data on the biological effects of spaceflight, paving the way for human space exploration.

The post This Week in History ~ October 28th – November 3rd first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This Week in History ~ October 21st – 27th

Ray Wells — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

October 21, 1922: The Public Auditorium in Cleveland was officially opened. This grand venue has hosted numerous cultural, political, and musical events over the decades, including the Republican National Convention and concerts by major artists like The Beatles.

October 22, 1976: The Cleveland Cultural Gardens were celebrated for their ongoing contributions to the city’s ethnic diversity, though specific landmark designation dates should be verified. These gardens, located in Rockefeller Park, feature beautifully themed gardens representing different national groups.

Terminal Tower Special Lighting Event: While the Terminal Tower was completed in 1930 and known for special lighting, the specific event on October 23, 1936, requires further verification. The Tower remains a prominent feature of Cleveland’s skyline.

October 25, 1995: The grand opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum took place in Cleveland. This landmark event emphasized Cleveland’s pivotal role in the history of rock and roll, celebrating its cultural heritage.

October 27, 1967: The Cuyahoga River caught fire due to industrial pollution. This incident, though less noted than the 1969 fire, was part of a series of environmental events that spurred significant legislation and heightened awareness regarding industrial pollution and environmental protection.

World History

October 21, 1805: The Battle of Trafalgar took place. This naval engagement, fought near the coast of Spain, saw British Admiral Horatio Nelson defeat a combined French and Spanish fleet. Nelson was killed during the battle, but it ensured British naval supremacy for over a century and is one of the most celebrated naval battles in British history.

October 22, 1797: André-Jacques Garnerin made the first successful parachute descent. He jumped from a balloon over Parc Monceau in Paris at an altitude of about 3,000 feet, using a silk parachute, marking the birth of parachuting as a practice.

October 23, 1956: The Hungarian Revolution began. This nationwide revolt against the Marxist-Leninist government of the Hungarian People’s Republic was initially successful and led to the appointment of Imre Nagy as Prime Minister. However, it was crushed weeks later by Soviet forces, highlighting the Cold War tensions between the Soviet bloc and the West.

October 25, 1415: The Battle of Agincourt occurred during the Hundred Years’ War. English forces, led by King Henry V, defeated a numerically superior French army. The battle is famous for the effectiveness of the English longbow and is a pivotal moment in English military history.

October 27, 312: Constantine the Great received his reputed vision of the cross before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. According to accounts, Constantine and his soldiers saw a cross of light in the sky bearing the inscription “In this sign, you will conquer.” This event led to his conversion to Christianity and the eventual Christianization of the Roman Empire.

The post This Week in History ~ October 21st – 27th first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This Week in History ~ October 14th – 20th

Ray Wells — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

October 14, 1912: The West Side Market officially opened its doors. This iconic market has been a staple in Cleveland, offering fresh produce, meats, and other goods, representing the city’s diverse community and culinary heritage.

October 15, 1932: The unveiling of the “Guardians of Transportation” statues on the Hope Memorial Bridge occurred during its opening. These art deco statues have become symbolic of Cleveland, representing the spirit of progress in transportation.

October 16, 1969: The infamous Cuyahoga River fire occurred on this date, catching national attention and becoming a catalyst for the environmental movements across the United States, which led to significant legislative reforms including the Clean Water Act.

October 18, 1925: The Cleveland Public Library’s Main Building was dedicated. This historic event marked a significant expansion in public resources and access to information for the Cleveland community.

October 19, 1994: The Cleveland Cavaliers played their first game at the Gund Arena (now known as Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse). This venue has since hosted countless sports and entertainment events, becoming a central hub for the city’s cultural and social activities.

World History

October 14, 1066: The Battle of Hastings occurred on this date, where William the Conqueror led the Norman forces to victory over the English army led by King Harold II. This battle was decisive in the Norman Conquest of England, significantly altering the culture, language, and administration of England.

October 15, 1917: Mata Hari, the Dutch exotic dancer and accused spy, was executed by firing squad in France. Her execution marked one of the most famous espionage cases of World War I, and she has since become a figure of mystery and intrigue.

October 16, 1793: Queen Marie Antoinette of France was executed by guillotine at the height of the French Revolution. Her death symbolized the radical social and political upheaval that transformed France during this period.

October 18, 1867: The United States formally took possession of Alaska after purchasing the territory from Russia for $7.2 million, an event known as the Alaska Purchase. This day is celebrated annually in Alaska as Alaska Day.

October 20, 1803: The U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, whereby the United States purchased approximately 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River from France. This acquisition doubled the size of the United States, paving the way for westward expansion.

The post This Week in History ~ October 14th – 20th first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This Week in History ~ October 7th – 13th

Ray Wells — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

October 7, 1925: The dedication of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport marked a significant milestone in aviation history, as it was one of the first municipally owned airports in the United States. The airport’s opening helped to establish Cleveland as a critical hub for air travel and commerce in the early 20th century.

October 8, 1867: John D. Rockefeller founded the Standard Oil Company in Cleveland, Ohio. This foundational event initiated the transformation of the oil industry and propelled Rockefeller to become one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential businessmen. Standard Oil’s dominance in the industry also significantly boosted Cleveland’s economy and shaped its industrial landscape.

October 10, 1932: The opening of the Hope Memorial Bridge, adorned with the iconic “Guardians of Transportation” statues, enhanced Cleveland’s architectural and cultural heritage. The bridge not only serves as a vital transportation link between Cleveland’s east and west sides but also as a symbol of the city’s commitment to monumental infrastructure during the Great Depression.

October 12, 1931: The dedication of Severance Hall, the home of the Cleveland Orchestra, solidified its status as one of the leading concert venues in the world. Renowned for its exquisite Neoclassical architecture and exceptional acoustics, Severance Hall has hosted decades of world-class performances, significantly enriching Cleveland’s cultural offerings.

October 13, 1972: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation achieved a medical milestone by completing its first coronary artery bypass surgery. This procedure underscored the clinic’s role as a pioneer in cardiac care and medical innovation, contributing to its reputation as one of the leading healthcare providers globally.

World History

October 7, 1571: The Battle of Lepanto took place on this day, marking one of the largest and last naval battles fought solely between rowing vessels. The Holy League, a coalition of southern European Catholic maritime states, defeated the fleet of the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras. This battle curtailed Ottoman naval dominance in the Mediterranean and is often seen as a pivotal moment in Mediterranean history.

October 8, 1871: The Great Chicago Fire began, famously rumored to have been started by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow. Over the course of two days, the fire destroyed thousands of buildings, killed approximately 300 people, and left 100,000 homeless. The event led to sweeping changes in building and fire safety codes and reshaped the urban landscape of Chicago, promoting the use of fire-resistant materials in urban construction.

October 10, 732: The Battle of Tours, also known as the Battle of Poitiers, was fought near Tours, France. Frankish leader Charles Martel and his troops defeated a large army of the Umayyad Caliphate, halting the northward advance of Islam from the Iberian Peninsula. This battle is often considered a turning point in European history, preserving western Christianity as the dominant faith of Europe.

October 12, 1492: Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the New World in the Bahamas. This momentous event marked the beginning of centuries of exploration and colonization by European powers in the Americas. It profoundly impacted the historical trajectory of the Western Hemisphere, initiating widespread cultural exchanges and significant geopolitical shifts.

October 13, 1792: The cornerstone of the White House, the official residence and principal workplace of the United States presidents, was laid in Washington, D.C. The building’s construction and its enduring role as a symbol of the U.S. presidency highlight significant architectural and historical narratives about American national identity and governance.

The post This Week in History ~ October 7th – 13th first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This Week in History ~ September 30th – October 6th

Ray Wells — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

September 30, 1929: The Terminal Tower complex was officially dedicated. This iconic building, part of the Cleveland Union Terminal, remains a key landmark in downtown Cleveland and symbolizes the city’s early 20th-century prosperity.

October 1, 1953: The Cleveland Arena, home to the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League, hosted its first hockey game. This arena played a significant role in Cleveland’s sports history until its demolition in 1977.

October 2, 1974: Cleveland celebrated the opening of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This event marked the conservation of a large green space between Cleveland and Akron, which has become a significant recreational and ecological asset.

October 4, 1996: The KeyBank State Theatre, the last of the major theaters in Playhouse Square to be renovated, was reopened to the public. This completion marked the culmination of efforts to restore the historic theater district of Cleveland.

October 6, 2007: The HealthLine, Cleveland’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service along Euclid Avenue, began operations. This development was significant in enhancing public transportation and spurring urban renewal along its route.

World History

September 30, 1966: The British protectorate of Bechuanaland declared its independence and became the Republic of Botswana. This day is now celebrated annually as Botswana Day.

October 1, 1949: Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China during a ceremony in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, after the victory of the Communist Party over the Nationalist forces in the Chinese Civil War.

October 2, 1958: Guinea declared its independence from French colonial rule. This significant political change marked Guinea’s transition to sovereignty, celebrated annually as the country’s Independence Day.

October 4, 1957: The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, into space. This event marked the beginning of the space age and was a pivotal moment in the Cold War space race.

October 6, 1973: The Yom Kippur War began when a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. This conflict had profound implications for Middle Eastern politics and the peace process.

The post This Week in History ~ September 30th – October 6th first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This Week in History ~ September 23rd – 29th

Ray Wells — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

September 23, 1954: The Cleveland Indians played their last game at League Park before moving permanently to Cleveland Municipal Stadium. This game marked the end of an era for one of the oldest baseball parks in Major League Baseball.

September 24, 1929: The opening of the Union Terminal is accurate. This major transportation hub became an architectural landmark in Cleveland, significantly influencing the city’s development and connectivity.

September 25, 2008: The inaugural Cleveland Beer Week was launched, celebrating Cleveland’s brewing history and the modern craft beer movement. This event has since become an annual celebration, attracting beer enthusiasts from around the region.

September 27, 1938: The Severance Hall, home to the Cleveland Orchestra, was dedicated on this date. This event marked a significant cultural milestone, enhancing Cleveland’s reputation as a center for musical arts.

September 28, 1972: The Cuyahoga Community College opened its Metropolitan Campus in downtown Cleveland. This event was pivotal in expanding higher education access and urban development in the city.

World History

September 23, 1846: Astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle first observed Neptune, making this the first planet to be discovered with the aid of a telescope. This discovery significantly expanded our understanding of the solar system.

September 24, 1957: President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce school desegregation, marking a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. This intervention underscored the federal government’s commitment to upholding the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

September 25, 1513: Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa reached the Pacific Ocean after crossing the Isthmus of Panama, becoming the first European to lead an expedition to have seen or reached the Pacific from the New World.

September 27, 1825: The world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives, the Stockton and Darlington Railway, opened in England. This event marked a significant development in the Industrial Revolution, influencing transportation and economic growth globally.

September 29, 1988: NASA launched STS-26, the return-to-flight mission after the Challenger disaster. This Space Shuttle Discovery mission was crucial for restoring confidence in NASA’s space shuttle program following the 1986 tragedy.

The post This Week in History ~ September 23rd – 29th first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This Week in History ~ September 16th – 22nd

Ray Wells — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

September 16, 1963: The Cleveland Public Library dedicated its new main building addition, significantly expanding its capacity and services. This event marked an important development in the library’s history, enhancing its role as a community and educational resource.

September 17, 1937: The Cleveland Arena, which became a prominent venue for sports and entertainment, officially opened. It hosted a variety of events including hockey games, basketball games, and concerts until its demolition in 1977.

September 18, 1955: Cleveland celebrated the opening of the I-480, known as the Outerbelt East Freeway, which improved traffic flow around the city and was part of broader post-war infrastructure improvements aimed at suburban development and connectivity.

September 20, 1972: The Cuyahoga River, famously known for catching fire due to pollution, was the focus of the first “Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan Workshop”. This workshop represented a significant step in ongoing efforts to clean and restore the river, crucial for the environmental health of the region.

September 21, 1920: The West Side Market, one of Cleveland’s oldest publicly owned markets, officially opened its current facility. This market has been a cornerstone of Cleveland’s cultural and culinary scene for over a century, offering a wide variety of fresh and specialty foods.

World History

September 16, 1620: The Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, carrying Pilgrims to what would become the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. This voyage is one of the key events in early American history, marking the beginning of large-scale European colonization in North America.

September 17, 1978: The Camp David Accords were signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, facilitated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter. These accords led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, the first such agreement between Israel and an Arab country.

September 18, 1981: France abolished capital punishment, marking a significant human rights milestone. The law was enacted under President François Mitterrand and Justice Minister Robert Badinter, aligning France with other European nations that had abandoned the death penalty.

September 20, 1519: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan embarked on his expedition from Spain. This journey would lead to the first successful circumnavigation of the Earth, dramatically altering European perspectives on the world and global navigation.

September 21, 1937: J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” was published. This novel introduced readers to a richly imagined world that would later be expanded in “The Lord of the Rings,” and it has had a profound influence on the fantasy genre.

The post This Week in History ~ September 16th – 22nd first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This Week in History ~ September 9th – 15th

Ray Wells — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

September 9, 1956: The first Moondog Coronation Ball, considered to be the first major rock and roll concert, was held in Cleveland. This event was organized by Alan Freed, a DJ who popularized the term “rock and roll” and had a profound impact on the music industry.

September 10, 1960: The Cleveland Browns played their first game at the newly opened Cleveland Municipal Stadium. This event marked a significant development in the city’s sports history, establishing a new home for the Browns.

September 11, 2001: Following the tragic events of 9/11, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport played a crucial role in managing the sudden grounding of all air traffic across the United States. The airport had to accommodate numerous unexpected landings, showcasing its capacity and efficiency during a national crisis.

September 12, 1995: The Cleveland Indians clinched their first American League Central Division title at Jacobs Field. This achievement marked a turning point for the team, revitalizing baseball enthusiasm in the city.

September 14, 1994: The Greater Cleveland Aquarium was officially opened. This facility has since become an important educational and tourist destination, contributing significantly to the city’s cultural and economic landscape.

World History

September 9, 1971: The Attica Prison uprising began at the Attica Correctional Facility in New York. This four-day revolt was one of the most well-known and significant prison uprisings in the United States, highlighting severe issues within the prison system.

September 10, 1897: The world’s first drunk driving arrest was made in London, England, when a taxi driver named George Smith crashed his cab into a building and was subsequently charged.

September 12, 1959: The Soviet Union launched Luna 2, the first spacecraft to reach the Moon. It impacted near the Aristides, Archimedes, and Autolycus craters, marking a significant milestone in the space race.

September 13, 1814: During the War of 1812, British forces bombarded Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. The sight of the American flag still flying over the fort the next morning inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

September 14, 1982: Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly actress Grace Kelly, died from injuries sustained in a car accident. Her death marked a tragic end to the life of a beloved public figure and film star who had become royalty.

The post This Week in History ~ September 9th – 15th first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This Week in History ~ September 2nd – 8th

Ray Wells — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

September 2, 1996: The Key Tower in Cleveland, the tallest building in Ohio, was officially dedicated. This skyscraper has played a significant role in defining Cleveland’s skyline and hosting major businesses.

September 3, 1925: The opening of the Lorain–Carnegie Bridge (now known as the Hope Memorial Bridge) featured innovative architectural designs and became an iconic part of Cleveland infrastructure, linking the east and west sides of the city.

September 4, 1975: Cleveland’s Settlers Landing Park was dedicated, commemorating the approximate landing site of Moses Cleaveland and his surveying party. The park marks an important historical and recreational spot in the city.

September 6, 1968: The Cleveland Public Theatre was founded, offering a platform for contemporary theatre that reflects the diverse experiences of the community. It has since become a cornerstone of the local arts scene.

September 8, 1963: The Cleveland Museum of Art completed a significant expansion, enhancing its ability to host international exhibitions and increasing its capacity for educational programs.

World History

September 2, 1945: World War II officially ended with the formal surrender of Japan aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This ceremony marked the official conclusion of the most devastating conflict in human history.

September 3, 1976: Viking 2, part of a two-spacecraft mission operated by NASA, landed at Utopia Planitia on Mars. This mission was crucial for sending back high-resolution images and extensive data about the Martian surface.

September 4, 476 AD: The Western Roman Empire formally came to an end when Romulus Augustulus, the last emperor, was deposed by Odoacer. This event is traditionally marked as the fall of ancient Rome and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe.

September 5, 1972: During the Munich Olympics, a Palestinian terrorist group known as Black September attacked the Israeli Olympic team’s quarters, leading to the deaths of 11 athletes and coaches and a German police officer.

September 8, 1966: The first episode of “Star Trek” aired on NBC, titled “The Man Trap.” This marked the beginning of one of the most influential television franchises in science fiction, shaping the genre for decades.

The post This Week in History ~ September 2nd – 8th first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This Week in History ~ August 26th – September 1st

Ray Wells — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Cleveland History

August 26, 2005: The Great Lakes Science Center opened the Steamship William G. Mather Museum to the public. This museum ship, permanently docked in Cleveland, offers insight into the maritime history of the Great Lakes.

August 27, 1993: The groundbreaking ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame took place in Cleveland. This landmark celebrates Cleveland’s historical connection to the music genre, notably through DJ Alan Freed, who popularized the term “rock and roll.”

August 29, 2002: The Cleveland Museum of Art announced the acquisition of an important collection of Renaissance art, significantly enriching its offerings and further establishing its reputation as a leading arts institution.

August 30, 1995: The Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex celebrated its opening anniversary. This complex, which includes Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, has played a crucial role in revitalizing downtown Cleveland.

September 1, 1993: The cleanup and revitalization of the Cuyahoga River were officially recognized. This river, once notorious for pollution so severe that it caught fire, had undergone extensive environmental restoration efforts.

World History

August 26, 1920: The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was certified, granting American women the right to vote. This followed its ratification and was a landmark moment in the women’s suffrage movement.

August 27, 1883: The eruption of Krakatoa culminated in one of the most violent volcanic events in recorded history. This event occurred in Indonesia and had significant global climatic effects, including spectacular sunsets and a drop in global temperatures.

August 28, 1963: The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C., a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

August 30, 1967: Thurgood Marshall was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the first African American Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, marking a historic milestone in American judicial history.

September 1, 1939: World War II began with Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland. This marked a significant escalation in regional tensions that would expand into a global conflict involving multiple world powers.

The post This Week in History ~ August 26th – September 1st first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.