Cleveland Pioneers
While there are many great pioneers in Cleveland's past, these are some of the people and stories you'll learn about in Dan Ruminski's talks and on this site.
1. Millionaires Row ~ Euclid Avenue
- A story that will amaze in its scope, wealth and effect on Cleveland, Ohio.
- A personal side the great avenue and how it came into being
- That which created also destroyed, the rest of the story
- What made Euclid Avenue unique?
- What were the residents like, other that extremely wealthy?
- Were they much different than you and I?
2. The Famous Whites of White Sewing Machine and White Motors
- A very personal look at this genius of the Thomas Howard White Family
- A detailed account of his sewing machine company and The White Motor Company.
- A look at the grand homes and estates that were created from wealth earned
- Surprise revelations about the individuals that made up this famous White family
3. The Great Estates of Wickliffe ~ Millionaires Mile
- A story that ties Cleveland to the now famous movie The Kings Speech
- The Four families ~ A very personal touch for I knew Mrs. Boler ~ Frank Rockefeller’s daughter
- Rockefeller
- Corrigan
- McKinney
- Coulby
- Learn in great detail of how 4 Wickliffe estates’ owners became involved in a story that would rival any Greek tragedy
- Once heard, one will never look upon Wickliffe, Ohio the same way again
4. The Francis Drury Story, Drury Theater and The Cleveland Playhouse
- A very personal presentation of a man and his family few know about
- Learn details of this building of his great Cedar hill Farm, now Gilmour Academy and his great home on Millionaires Row across from the playhouse.
- A great story with an unexpected ending
- The Drury connection to John D. Rockefeller
5. The John D. Rockefeller Story Myth Verses Fact
- Surprising details of Cleveland’s wealthiest citizens
- Learn where folklore and fact differ in a most fascinating story of great ambition, success and charity
- Hear about John D.’s passions, his unusual disease and what he really thought of Cleveland at the end of his life
6. The Theatrical, a Very Famous Cleveland Landmark
- Short Vincent Street and the Theatrical Restaurant were featured in the movie, "The Danny Green Story."
- The Theatrical, a Cleveland landmark, was a place where men met future wives, lawyers and those pursued by the law, sat to have lunch or dinner. Movie stars and the great entertainers of the day mingled there on an everyday basis.
- Hear how some of our nation's greatest entertainers got their start in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Learn about the beginning and sad ending to this legendary place.
Creation of the Stories by Dan Ruminski, Cleveland's Storyteller
I believe it is an understatement to suggest that the creation of anything is easy. We all know it is not. Thus with difficulty, passion and great satisfaction I have over time created 5 presentations relating to Cleveland’s exceptional history from 1875 to about 1929. During this period Cleveland, Ohio was considered by many to be both the greatest and wealthiest city in the world. Famous Euclid Avenue, Millionaires Row, served to showcase this greatness and tremendous wealth.
The production of my stories evolved in no particular order. A passion for the subject matter took over and various materials became available. No major process but, rather an unscripted series of events which made archives available at random times.
When research and study evolved into a presentation and one was given to the public I was thrilled at the great interest and questions each audience had. Capacity audiences began to show up at numerous events to my total amusement. There appeared to be a hunger for properly presented Cleveland history and the cast of characters that made this wonderful period happen.
Thus, if I may the following is an over view of each of the 5 presentations I have created. Any of these talks are available for presentation to groups of all kinds, any place, and any time. An interesting side, many organizations have seen fit to use my presentations for fund raising venues. These have given me particular satisfaction and purpose.
I remain greatly appreciate of audience’s questions and comments. Many audience members have been very helpful in promoting our history through out the Cleveland area. I am a lucky fellow. Thank you all.
