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- Transparency of afternoon dress of cotton printed yellow, pink, olive, chartreuse, lavender and other colors. Tabby weave, white, printed with typical psychedelic design with 1.625" border. Knee length with round neckline on front and V-neckline in back. Sleeveless, A-line with dropped waistline. back zipper closure set off center to left. Bodice in three panels (two in back and one in front) fitted with long, curved darts from bust point to slightly above waist at hip. Skirt in front and back panels, neckline, center back closure, waistline and hem defined by printed border. Dress pieces to look as if printed 'en disposition.", MUS93.38.3 Gift of Mrs. L. N. Gross.
- Picture of an Indian whose name, Joc-o-sot, means "The Walking Bear." Picture is 17-1/2" by 11" with white mat and 1" wide black frame. Framed measurement-25" by 18-1/2". Joc-o-sot was a Sauk Chief and came to Cleveland from the Lake Superior region with Dr. H. A. Ackley. He was contacted by Dan Marble, an actor and theatrical manager who engaged him to appear in native costume and to perform Indian dances and songs. He was a great success and became a sensation in England where he presented his program before Queen Victoria. He returned to Cleveland, ill. Reached Cleveland early in 1844 and was befriended by John B. Stockly and Dr. H.A. Ackley. Died and buried in Erie St. Cemetery. Further informational in files and scrapbook, Vol. 2 Pages 20 & 28; Vol. 3, page 103.
- The Superior was the second steam-powered vessel to operate on the Great Lakes. It was built with the engine of the first steam vessel, Walk-in-the-Water, which sank in 1821. Like her predecessor she combined steam-powered sidewheels and sails. On May 28, 1822, the Cleveland Herald reported, "the new steamship Superior arrived here on May 23 from Black Rock (near Buffalo) on its first trip to Detroit...headwinds may cause some delay so that she may no leave Buffalo on her next trip quite as soon as advertised." Cleveland became a way port for sidewheel steamers running between Buffalo and Detroit. The painting is executed in the British-American tradition of ship portraiture and is both detailed and realistic. Note the passengers at the stern holding parasols and seated on Windsor chairs and the crew members in the rigging., MUS 83.54.1. Featured in the "Cleveland Starts Here" Exhibit
- Plaid is created by weaving different colored yarns to form stripes intersecting at right angles. When the horizontal and vertical groupings are identical, the plaid is considered a tartan. The origins of Scottish tartans were seeded centuries ago, but theirs is a history steeped in fantasy. Scotland’s “traditional” highland dress and the association of tartans with clans were actually fabricated by the English during the early 19th century. The assignment was, in fact, given randomly by weavers in preparation for George IV’s visit to Edinburgh in 1822 and held fast. Thereafter popularized as a fashion trend by Queen Victoria, plaid has the ability to transform style from classic, to preppy, hip, and even subversive. It can be serious and subdued, or bright and festive: it’s a chameleon. Since plaid’s entry into the fashion world, Ohio’s men, women, and children have worn the fabric as a way to showcase their identities. Today, plaid celebrates the season, shows school pride, embraces heritage, and expresses a particular brand of rugged American style.
- Transparency of photograph of painting. This is the earliest surviving oil painting of Public Square. The Cleveland Grays were organized in 1837 as an independent volunteer militia company to bolster the local constabulary and to protect the city in case of invasion from Canada. Here they parade on Public Square on the occasion of their second anniversary. They wear new gray uniforms, from which they took their name, and display a new banner, presented to them by Charles Giddings who also commissioned this painting. The buildings around the square are a mix of residential, commercial, and religious with the Presbyterian Old Stone dominating the center. The Square’s quadrants have painted board fencing, to protect newly planted saplings. Groupings of citizens, possibly the town’s entire population, watch the parade. The view is from an upper story of the Cleveland House Hotel on Superior west of the Square., "Donated by General S.A. Sanford". Featured in the "Cleveland Starts Here" Exhibit
- Patchwork quilt, each block of different material, some appliqués and some inset. Unusual designs. Large Greek cross, quilted, in center, of white material upon which is inset bowl of flowers. Green and purple grapes inset in each corner. Bound with narrow stripe of red print cotton. Made by Martha Pierson, East Nottingham, Pennsylvania in Sept. 18, 1847. (signed in ink on quilt block), MUS42.4249. Featured in the "Cleveland Starts Here" Exhibit
- In 1821 she married Benjamin Rouse; they lived in Boston and New York before moving to Cleveland in 1830. As a member of the Ladies Tract Society, Rouse made personal visits to every home in the village. She was an original member of the First Baptist Society. In 1842, she founded and became president of the Martha Washington & Dorcas Society, one of the first benevolent organizations in the city, from which originated the Protestant Orphan Asylum, which she served for many years as director. Dedicated to reforming the baneful effects of alcohol, she helped organize the Cleveland Ladies Temperance Union in June 1850., MUS 1206. Featured in the "Cleveland Starts Here" Exhibit
- Sebring, Ohio native Viktor Schreckengost has been called the American DaVinci. He was a painter, sculptor, ceramicist, and designer of everything from dinnerware to lawnmowers. Some of his most endearing designs were for children's toys, including this pedal car resembling a WWII fighter aircraft., Featured in the "Cleveland Starts Here" Exhibit
- Explore the life of one of Cleveland’s most impactful community builders, Rev. Emmitt Theophilus Caviness. His move from Texas to Cleveland in 1961 brought him to the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland’s Glenville Community where he continues to marry social activism and spirituality today. His friendship with Martin Luther King and his own beliefs in the power of nonviolent protest propelled Rev. Caviness to the forefront of activism in 1960s Cleveland. He is an agent of change for Cleveland, playing an instrumental role in the election of African American politicians, including Carl Stokes as the first black mayor of a major U.S. city. Discover his role in the Civil Rights Movement and learn about his dedication to family and community engagement.
- Transparency of photograph of glazed Rookwood pottery vase. Dark gray at top shading down to light gray background at bottom. On this are sprays of leaves & chrysanthemum blossoms in low relief. Base flaring toward top with mouth. Mark VII 9078 Characteristic with 14 year mark. Designer: K. Shirayamadani Color: green, pink, blue, etc., MUS59.669
- Transparency of photograph of pottery Rookwood Vase. Unusual Rookwood vase, golden tan blending with brown toward bottom. 10" high, base 4.75". On one side is a branch of blueberries and leaves. On opposite side is a crescent moon and bats. Flecks of gold are on body and two flat handles near top. In perfect condition. Labeled with Rookwood mark of 1882. Artist's mark A.R.V. Stands for Albert R. Valentien, who became director of Rookwood Pottery in 1909. Color: brown, blue, green, MUS60.335