WATER SYSTEM. The production, purification, and distribution of potable water constitutes a "hidden system" in the infrastructure of the modern city. Until faucets run dry, or reservoirs are exhausted, citizens tend to remain unaware of the nature and condition of the complex technological, social, and political attributes of the water system.
WATERFIELD, ROBERT "BOB" (26 July 1920-25 Mar. 1983), FOOTBALL player with the Cleveland and Los Angeles Rams (see CLEVELAND RAMS), in his rookie season led the Cleveland Rams to the 1945 Natl. Football League championship and was unanimously elected the league's Most Valuable Player.
WATERWORKS AMERICA, INC. was established ca. 1984 by Bruce Wirtanen. Wirtanen, a chemist, formed Waterworks after developing a technique to manufacture acyclic copolymer crystals that helped to reduce water usage. Initially marketed for use with home gardeners,the product was soon utilized internationally by farms and nurseries.
WATERWORKS TUNNEL DISASTERS occurred 6 times during the construction of water intake tunnels for Cleveland's water system, killing a total of 58 men between 1898-1916. Tunnels into Lake Erie were needed because by 1876 the increased sewage flow from the rapidly growing city had transformed its water supply into a health hazard.
WATKlNS, SAMUEL "SAMMY" (ca. 1904-26 July 1969) was a well-known dance orchestra leader and songwriter in Cleveland whose style, quality, and good taste brought pleasure to Greater Clevelanders for over 40 years.
WATSON, WILBUR J. (5 Apr. 1871-22 May 1939), a civil engineer, especially eminent in bridge design, was born in BEREA to David R. and Maria (Parker) Watson. Receiving his B.S.
WCLV, Cleveland's classical music radio station was launched on 1 Nov. 1962, following the purchase of WDGO-FM from Douglas G. Oviatt. New owners C. K. Patrick and Robt. Conrad of Radio Seaway, Inc., immediately changed the call letters to WCLV, broadcasting at 95.5 megacycles.
WCPN traces its beginnings from WBOE, the radio station of the CLEVELAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Broadcasting from Lafayette School on Abell Ave., it went on the air as an AM station on 21 Nov. 1938. Two months later it moved to the sixth floor of the Board of Education Bldg. on E. 6th St.
WEARN, JOSEPH T. (15 Feb. 1893-26 Sept. 1984), dean of Western Reserve University School of Medicine, was born in Charlotte, N.C., the son of Joseph H. and Ann (Treloar) Wearn. He received his B.A.
The WEATHERHEAD DIVISION OF THE DANA CORP., an important parts supplier for the automobile industry, was established in 1919 by Albert J. Weatherhead, Jr., who set up a shop at 706 Frankfort St. to make radiator drain cocks and priming cups for automobiles. By 1926 the plant supplied these products to much of the auto industry and had established a research department to keep pace with industry changes. Weatherhead Co.
The WEBB C. BALL CO. was one of Cleveland's major jewelry retailers. It was established by WEBB C. BALL, who bought an interest in Whitcomb and Metten Jewelers upon his arrival in Cleveland in 1879. By 1881 he had become the sole owner of the Webb C. Ball Co., which consisted originally of 2 showcases and a workbench at Superior Ave. and Seneca (W. 3rd) St.
WEBB, ELLA STURTEVANT (15 Dec.1856-6 Sept. 1931), writer, helped compile the 3-volume Memorial to the Pioneer Women of the Western Reserve (1896-1924) and served as recording secretary of the Women's Department of the Cleveland Centennial Commission (1896). She wrote for publications such as Leisure Hours (Philadelphia).
WEBER'S RESTAURANT, a popular Cleveland eatery, served downtown diners under several names for 75 years. Owned by Leonard Schlathler, the restaurant opened in 1899 as the Casino Restaurant and Cafe.
WEBER, GUSTAV C. E. (26 May 1828-21 Mar. 1912), surgeon, professor, and a founder of ST. VINCENT CHARITY HOSPITAL, was born in Bonn, Germany to anatomy professor Moritz Ignaz Weber and Josephine Philippina (Von Podowilz) Weber. He immigrated to St. Louis in 1848, received his degree from St.
WEBSTER, FREDDIE (8 June 1916-1 April 1947) was an influential jazz trumpeter from Cleveland, Ohio. Although his legacy has been largely forgotten by the general public, jazz historians and fans acknowledge his influence on the American jazz scene. During his lifetime, Webster was an influential jazz artist who worked with other well-known artists of the time period, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.
WEDDELL HOUSE, Superior Ave. and Bank (W. 6th) St., was the best known of the early hotels built in Cleveland in the first half of the 19th century. Early settler and businessman PETER M. WEDDELL employed Geo. P. Smith to build the hotel on Superior St., replacing his successful mercantile store.
WEDDELL, PETER MARTIN (1788-1847) was the prominent merchant and owner of WEDDELL HOUSE, Cleveland's most fashionable hotel, during the mid-1800s. Son of Peter M. and Sarah Weddell, he was born in Westmoreland County, Pa. Weddell moved to Paris, Ky. when he was 14, working in a general store and becoming a partner within 5 years.
WEEDEN, JOHN T. (2 Aug. 1901-17 Sept. 1988) a Baptist minister for 65 years, served 41 years at St. Timothy Baptist Church in Cleveland. He demonstrated for civil rights for AFRICAN AMERICANS locally and in Atlanta, GA, and Selma, AL, was community liaison for Rep. Louis Stokes (D-21), and managed the 1967 mayoral campaign for Carl Stokes (see MAYORAL ADMINISTRATION OF CARL B. STOKES).
WEEKS, HARRY ELLIS (2 Oct. 1871-21 Dec. 1935), architect who, with FRANK R. WALKER, founded WALKER & WEEKS, Cleveland's foremost architectural firm during the 1920s. The son of Charles F. and Clarissa Allen Weeks, he was born in W.
The WEIDEMAN CO., from the 1890s through the 1940s, was one of Cleveland's largest companies and one of the largest wholesale grocery firms in the U.S. The original Weideman Co., founded by German-born JOHN C. WEIDEMAN, was a wine and liquor firm established in 1861 on Old River Rd. in the FLATS.
WEIDEMAN, JOHN CHRISTIAN (14 Oct. 1829-9 Dec. 1900) was a leading wholesale grocer, prominent businessman, and an early German settler of Cleveland. He was born in Lehrensteinsfeld, Wurttemberg, Germany. His family emigrated to American in 1833, first residing in Philadelphia before moving to Medina County, OH, in 1836.
WEIDENTHAL, LEO (23 Apr. 1878-8 May 1967), editor of the Jewish Independent and founder of CLEVELAND CULTURAL GARDENS FED., was born in Cleveland to Emanuel and Julia (Kretch) Weidenthal.
WEIL, HELEN KAHN (3 Jan. 1902-20 Aug. 1992), pioneer in gerontology, introduced innovations at the MONTEFIORE HOME for the aged with her husband Julius (see WEIL, JULIUS), such as the sheltered workshop, which were later modeled nationwide.
WEIL, JULIUS (6 Oct. 1902-9 April 1989) spent forty-five years of his life in working with senior citizens in Greater Cleveland. His contributions earned him national and international recognition. Born in Steifurt, Germany, to Gustav and Matilda Weil, Julius was educated in Germany, eventually earning his Ph.D in clinical psychology from the University of Munich. On 20 Nov.
WEINBERG, JOSEPH LEWIS (12 Nov. 1890-14 Jan. 1977), architect who pioneered urban-renewal and slum-clearance efforts with his design of LAKEVIEW TERRACE (1934), was born in Omaha, Nebr. to Lewis and Mollie Lazar Weinberg and at 10 came to Cleveland to live at the JEWISH ORPHAN HOME after his father's death.
WEINBERGER, ADOLPH (5 Jan. 1891-16 Dec. 1977) founder of a nation-wide chain of drug stores, was born in Hungary, the son of Nathan N. and Tillie Hocheiser Weinberger.
WEINBERGER, WILLIAM SIDNEY (8 Feb. 1913 - 8 Aug. 1996) a casino industry leader and philanthropist, was president of Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and Bally's Park Place in Atlantic City, NJ, and a founder of Bluecoats, Inc.
WEISS NOODLE CO., a family-owned business which manufactured and marketed "Mrs. Weiss' Noodles" for over 70 years, was founded by Hungarian immigrants Gaspar and Bertha Weiss in 1923, who sold Bertha's homemade noodles to Cleveland's better restaurants. As sales increased, the company expanded operations several times before establishing a plant at 2101 Woodland Ave. in 1937.
WELFARE ASSN. FOR JEWISH CHILDREN. See JEWISH CHILDREN'S BUREAU.
WELFARE DEPT. See CUYAHOGA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.
WELFARE FEDERATION. See CENTER FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS.
WELFARE/RELIEF. The relief of destitution has been a responsibility of local government since Colonial times. Territorial laws to prevent extreme suffering and death (but not to relieve poverty) existed before Cleveland's founding and settlement. Relief was kept low and unattractive, lest workers be lured into dependency, requiring more taxes from other workers.
The WELSH HOME, founded in 1911 and opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1919, houses elderly natives of Wales, people of Welsh descent, and their spouses. Mary Jane Hasenpflug and other members of the Women's Welsh Club of Cleveland established the home. The club was the founding organization of the national Women's Welsh Clubs of America, which operates the facility. The first Welsh Home, on Mayfield Rd.
WELSH WOMEN'S CLUB OF CLEVELAND. See BRITISH IMMIGRATION.
WELSH WOMEN'S CLUB OF WEST CLEVELAND. See BRITISH IMMIGRATION.
WELSH, REV. ROBERT J., S.J. (June 6, 1936 - August 30, 2018) left his mark on multiple generations of students at ST. IGNATIUS HIGH SCHOOL, Cleveland’s Jesuit High School for young men.
WELTER, KATHERINE J. KESSLER (1901-14 June 1992), opened and managed an all-woman real estate office, Katherine J.
WEMBRIDGE, ELEANOR HARRIS ROWLAND (1882-19 Feb. 1944), psychologist and nationally known author on juvenile delinquency, served as girls' referee for the CUYAHOGA COUNTY JUVENILE COURT (1926-35). Wembridge (half-sister of AMY ROWLAND) was born in Lee, MA, to Rev.
WENHAM, FREDERICK L. (21 Dec. 1916-22 Sept. 1965) built one of the region's largest trucking firms and sponsored one of the city's most successful amateur baseball teams. He was born in Willoughby, O., the son of Percival and Catherine Burmeister Wenham.
WERTHEIM, AUBREY (14 August 1953 - 12 January 2003), born Robert Wertheim, was a playwright and gay rights activist born to Robert Sorin Wertheim and Mildred “Millie” Wertheim in Sagamore Hills Township, Ohio. He graduated from Nordonia High School before going on to study theater at Ohio University for one year, followed by two years at New York’s New School for Social Research.
WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, on Cleveland's near west side at Bridge Ave. and W. 44th, was organized and incorporated on 11 May 1947, a merger of 2 historic Methodist congregations: FRANKLIN BOULEVARD METHODIST CHURCH and St. Paul's German Methodist Episcopal Church. St.
WEST BLVD. CHRISTIAN CHURCH. See FRANKLIN CIRCLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST).
WEST BOULEVARD is a Cleveland neighborhood and Statistical Planning Area (SPA). Its approximate borders are I-90 on the north, Memphis Ave. on the south, W. 117th St. on the west and Clinton Ave. and W. 73rd St. on the east. The neighborhood, which is effectively sandwiched between I-90 and I-71, takes its name from the West Blvd. thoroughfare which runs north-south through the district’s center.
WEST CREEK RESERVATION is bounded by West Pleasant Valley Road to the south, Broadview Road to the east, and West Ridgewood Drive to the north in the city of PARMA. It opened as the sixteenth park reservation in the CLEVELAND METROPARKS in 2006.
WEST CREEK RESERVATION is bounded by West Pleasant Valley Road to the south, Broadview Road to the east, and West Ridgewood Drive to the north in the city of PARMA. It opened as the sixteenth park reservation in the CLEVELAND METROPARKS in 2006.
WEST HIGH SCHOOL was Cleveland's second public high school, originating as a branch of CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL in the 3rd floor of a grammar school on W. 45th St. in 1852. It moved to locations on Clinton Ave.