Today we landed in Cleveland. Our cruise ship docks at the Port of Cleveland, you’re immediately greeted with the stunning skyline and the sparkling waters of Lake Erie. The port is conveniently located making it easy to explore without needing extensive transportation.

We joined a walking tour of Cleveland this morning. While I lived close to Cleveland for 15 years, I learned a lot of new things today about Cleveland. While I grew up less than an hour from here in Elyria Ohio, we never really toured the city of Cleveland, we always came in to just visit family.

Very old and majestic buildings with a lot of history. We head to Public Square, the heart of downtown Cleveland. This historic park has been revitalized with beautiful green spaces, fountains, and public art installations. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Nana found the public library and a very interesting door with words all over it. We visited the Cleveland Arcade which is now the Hyatt hotel and where they just finished filing some scenes from the new Superman movie.

Papa found directions to the city he was born in…. just a suburb of Clevleand.

Then a visit to the Rock n Roll Museum.  This museum is a must-see for music lovers. Dive into the rich history of rock and roll, from its roots to its modern-day influences, and enjoy exhibits featuring legendary artists.Of course Nana had to do the scavenger hunt here and collect her prize.  It was a walk down memory lane of many songs we grew up with.

Uncle Pat and Aunt Kay then picked us up and off to Mass at the Cathedral.  What a goregeous Cathedral. My Grandmother used to live within a couple of blocks from the Cathedral and went to Mass there all the time. This is also where her funeral Mass was. Eileen Healy and John O’Donnell, two of my cousins joined us for Mass, what a wonderful surprise.

Nest stop was lunch on the Cuyahoga River. The Cuyahoga River’s name, derived from a Native American word meaning “crooked river,” reflects its winding path through the landscape. The river stretches approximately 100 miles, from its headwaters in Geauga County, flowing south through Akron, and then turning northward to empty into Lake Erie at Cleveland.

In the mid-20th century, the Cuyahoga River was heavily polluted with industrial waste, oil, and debris. The river caught fire multiple times, with the most famous blaze occurring on June 22, 1969. This fire, although not the first or the largest, gained national attention and became a catalyst for the environmental movement in the United States. The image of a burning river highlighted the dire need for environmental regulations and spurred significant legislative action, including the Clean Water Act of 1972 and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The years following the infamous fire saw a concerted effort to clean up and restore the Cuyahoga River. Federal, state, and local authorities, along with environmental organizations and the community, worked tirelessly to rehabilitate the waterway. Today, the Cuyahoga River is a testament to the power of environmental stewardship and collective action.

The Irish have a lot of history in Cleveland. My Grandmother and Grandfather emigrated from Ireland to Cleveland. They met at a Catholic Church get together and it was love after that. Cleveland, Ohio, is a city with a rich tapestry of immigrant histories, and the Irish community has played a significant role in shaping its cultural, social, and economic landscape. From the early days of immigration to the vibrant celebrations of today, the Irish in Cleveland have left an indelible mark on the city. Here’s a closer look at the history and influence of the Irish community in Cleveland.The Irish presence in Cleveland began to grow significantly in the mid-19th century, particularly during the Great Famine (1845-1852). Many Irish fled their homeland in search of better opportunities, and Cleveland, with its burgeoning industrial economy and promise of jobs, became a prime destination. By 1850, a sizable Irish community had established itself in the city.One of the first and most notable Irish settlements was the Angle neighborhood on the west side of Cleveland, near the Cuyahoga River. This area became a hub for Irish immigrants, who worked in the nearby docks, railroads, and factories. The Angle was characterized by its close-knit community, with families supporting each other through the challenges of immigrant life.
The history of the Irish in Cleveland is a story of perseverance, community, and cultural pride. From their early days of settlement to their ongoing contributions to the city’s cultural fabric, the Irish have played a vital role in shaping Cleveland’s identity. Whether through historic landmarks, vibrant festivals, or active community organizations, the legacy of the Irish in Cleveland is a living testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable community.

After lunch we went to Uncle Pat and Aunt Kay’s house. We sat around for several hours just talking about family and some family history. Aunt Kay shared some of the World War I documents detailing my Grandfather’s role in the war and the specific battle. This is the battle where he got shot and lost the use of one of his eyes. She also shared the medals that my grandfather earned and was awarded.

At the house, I saw one of the paintings that my Mom had painted for Uncle Pat and Aunt Kay showing the Cleveland skyline. I am always amazed at how good my Mom was at painting.

Uncle Pat shared a book with us that he had wrote and it was illustrated by his granddaughter. He wronte the book about a bum boat which is an actual type of boat that was in the Cleveland area when Uncle Pat was a tug boat captain. The bum boat was like a convenience store on the water and visited the different boats as they came into the port. The bum boat is no longer around as it has gone way of many different types of boats. When I asked Uncle Pat if the story was real, he laughed and said it was fictional but he wanted the story to have a feel good ending ! I know Chele has the book as I have read it to Levi and Robert many times.

After our visit, Eileen showed us an amazing view of the city and we found a house that matched Nana’s dress. Notice our ship in the background by the city.

Tomorrow is Detroit and the Henry Ford Museum