Lessons of Cleveland History | Dan Ruminski Storyteller

The Cleveland Storyteller

The Cleveland Storyteller began in April of 2008 at Gates Mills Library. Forty people were expected and over 100 showed up. Motivated by his passion and the response to his talks, Dan continues to research Cleveland history, specifically the families of Millionaires’ Row and their contribution to Cleveland’s greatness during the years 1875-1929. He has created a collection of stories that are constantly updated and fresh and shares those stories at events and venues throughout the Cleveland area. He creates a spellbinding entertainment experience - The Storyteller in his chair, sharing unique stories of Cleveland’s past. Dan has become recognized as an expert in this area. His goal is to promote Cleveland nationally, rebuild Cleveland pride, and overcome outdated, uncomplimentary stereotypes.
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Dan is a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area currently living for the past 31 years on six acres in Chesterland, which was formerly part of the Circle W Farm, owned by Walter and Virginia White. Walter was the youngest of the White brothers, founders of White Motors. Dan has developed the property into many palatial gardens that reflect the gardening style and characteristics of the great mansions once owned by Cleveland’s prominent figures.

The purpose of this site is to explore Cleveland's unique history with regard to the many "first's" — inventions, inventors, etc. — that led this city to national and world recognition. The book Cradle of Greatness, National and World Achievements of Ohio's Western Reserve, by Earl R. Hoover, was one of many sources researched, and we thank them for allowing us to use some of their images. Descendants and friends of the families discussed have also been interviewed and/or contributed content, and we are grateful.

Our mission:

Promote Cleveland.
Dispel old negative stereotypes about Cleveland.
Examine in an entertaining fashion what made Cleveland great 1885-1929.
Apply history lessons to help return Cleveland to greatness.
Promote and publish individual stories about Cleveland.
How great Cleveland families made Cleveland great.

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Order Dan's new book, Cleveland in the Gilded Age: A Stroll Down Millionaires' Row, his Great Estates of Wickliffe DVD, Cleveland Storyteller Cap, or Millionaires' Row Poster

Order the Cleveland storyteller's new book about the grand mansions and fascinating characters of Millionaires' Row. In addition to the book, you can order a DVD showing one of Dan Ruminski's presentations, recorded live at Coulby Mansion in September 2012.

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Order the Book

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Order the DVD

Order the Cap

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Order a Millionaires' Row Poster!

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May Talks

Title of Talk: Millionaires' Row
May 20th, 2013, 3:00 p.m.
Towne Center Independent Living
400 Community Drive, Avon Lake, OH 44012
Contact: Tiffany Fields, (440) 930-6752

Title of Talk: Millionaires' Row
May 22nd, 2013, 5:30 p.m.
Champps Restaurant
5989 Canal Road, Valley View, OH 44125
Contact: Bob Neer, (330) 562-2185
Not open to the public

Title of Talk: Millionaires' Row
May 18, 2013 5:30 p.m.
Asbury Fellowship Mentor Methodist Group
Pine Ridge Country Club, 30601 Ridge Road, Wickliffe, OH 44092
Contact: Mary Lou Haines 440-255-2287

Title of Talk: John D. Rockefeller
May 23rd , 2013 11:00 am
St. Mary of the Woods
35755 Detroit Road, Avon, OH 44011
Contact: Peggy Rice 440-937-3111

June Talks

Title of Talk: Great Estates of Wickliffe
June 4thth, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Middleburgh Heights Community Center
16000 Bagley Road, Middleburgh Heights, OH 44130
Contact: Barbara Becker, (440) 234-9366

Title of Talk: Millionaires' Row
Tuesday, June 11th , 2013, 12:30 p.m.
West Shore Rotary Club
100th Bomb Group Restaurant, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135
Contact: Eric Wagner (440) 941-3742

Title of Talk: Millionaires' Row - Cleveland's Downtown Abbey
June 12th, 2013, 7:00 pm
Medina County Library - Highland Branch
4160 Ridge Road, Medina, OH 44256
Contact: Keni Hansen, (330) 278-4271

Title of Talk: Great Estates of Wickliffe ~ Millionaires' Mile
June 13th, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Eliza Jennings Retirement Campus
26276 John Road, Olmsted Township, OH 44138
Contact: Amanda Ritchie, (440) 235-7100 ext. 2891

Title of Talk: Great Estates of Wickliffe
Saturday, June 15th 5, 2013, 12:00 p.m. noon
Medina County Historical Society
Medina Country Club, 5588 Wedgewood Road, Medina, OH 44256
Contact: Joann King (330) 725-0476

Title of Talk: Millionaires' Row
June 18th, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Morley Library
184 Phelps Street, Painesville, OH 44077
Contact: Jennifer Webster, (440) 352-3383

Title of Talk: Famous Whites of White Sewing Machine & White Motors
June 21st, 2013, 6:30 p.m.
Fork & Hoe Garden Club
Private Dinner Party
Not open to the public

July Talks

Title of Talk: Cleveland in the Gilded Age; A Stroll Down Millionaires' Row
July 2nd, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Westlake Porter Library
27333 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, OH 44145
Contact: Susan Cozzens, (440) 250-5465

Title of Talk: Millionaires' Row
July 5, 2013, 12:30 p.m.
St. Anselm Parish Church - Hospitality Room
12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH 44026
Contact: Rosemary Mariola, 440-338-3266

Title of Talk: Gilded Age of Cleveland
July 24th, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Cuyahoga County Public Library - Bay Village
502 Cahoon Road, Bay Village, OH 44140
Contact: Barbara Isaacs, (440) 871-6392

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