The GLOBE THEATER occupied the 2nd floor of a building built by J. W. Watson in 1840 on the north side of Superior St. between Bank (W. 6th) and Seneca (W. 3rd) sts. One of the first theaters in the city of Cleveland, the space was 60 ft. wide by 100 ft. long, with a ceiling height of roughly 25 ft.
The performance area often was redesigned due to frequent changes in ownership and name. When first erected it was Watson's Hall (1840-45) followed by Melodeon Hall (1845-60), Brainard's Hall (1860-72), Brainard's Opera House (1872-75, see BRAINARD, SILAS) and, finally, the Globe Theater (1875 until its demolition in 1880). Notable attractions featured during the theater’s 40-year life included Ralph Waldo Emerson on 10 Jan. 1847, the Manvers Operatic Co. on 23 May 1849 (the city’s first OPERA performance), LOUIS KOSSUTH, orator and Hungarian patriot on 2 Feb. 1852, and The Great Royal Japanese Troupe from the Imperial Theater of Yeddo appeared on 28 Feb. 1873. The Globe’s final performance, Uncle Tom's Cabin, was held on 29 Jan. 1880, after which the theater was demolished. On the site now stands the world headquarters of SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CO.
Updated by Christopher Roy 3 December 2024