This publication started out as an historical account of the movement and consolidations of synagogues ting from Cleveland’s Glenville and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods of prior to the 1950’s. As I compiled the data using primary sources, the project expanded to include the historical account of each of the prior locations, as far back as their incorporation, some as far back as the mid to late 1800’s.
The good news, beyond finding most of the answers, was the opportunity to meet and work with many wonderful people. Before I mention those folks, allow me to thank long-time friend John B. Hexter for his words of wisdom and support. Mitch Wasserman, Maxine Margolis and David Payne added their technical assistance and willingness to review draft upon draft of the document. The assistance of Bill Barrow, the rock of Cleveland State University’s Special Collections and his assistant Lynn Duchez Bycko were also invaluable to the completion of my work. A special thank you is due Mitchell Balk, Karen Leizman Moses, Allan Pearl, Richard Schanfarber, Ivan A. Soclof and both the Madorsky and Sperber families for their input.
The collection of data transitioned from a task to a journey allowing me the opportunity to meet people in both the public and private sectors including Dr. Judith G. Cetina at the Cuyahoga County Archives; and Tom Edwards in the map department and Margaret Baughman in the photo collection at the Cleveland Public Library. All of these folks not only provided needed direction, they also offered a deep interest in the project and support in uncovering additional supportive information.
My work with Martin Hauserman Chief City Archivist and Veronica Pierce Deputy City Archivist for the Cleveland City Council was one of several invaluable unintended collaborations that took place as I searched for information. Our friendship and mutual interest while working on this and other tasks will be cherished for years to come. In addition, the assistance provided by city planner Don Petit in the Cleveland Landmark Commission are examples of good people in government that are dedicated to their work.
While making inquiries at many of the former synagogues, I had the opportunity to meet several gracious leaders in the city’s church community. These include: Mr. James Wright a resident of Glenville since 1947; Pastor Garry Washington at the Apostolic Faith Tabernacle; Pastor Edward McGhee at the True Vine Baptist Church and Pastor Julia Allen at the Integrated Faith Assembly.
My special thanks to Cleveland’s Jewish history experts Nate Arnold and Arnold Berger for their assistance, along with Dr. Richard Klein for his input on my quest to refine my work as a Study of Place as it relates to Urban Studies.
With the gracious support of all these people came an abundance of copies, downloads and flash drives, which resulted in our home being taken over with files, copies of copies, plat maps and numerous directories. Therefore, I thank Gloria and Matthew for putting up with losing the dining room table, the basement and, at times, the kitchen table.
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About The Sources Used:
The most important factor consideration in compiling this document was the use of Primary Sources. Primary Sources include legal documents such as, records filed with the State of Ohio, the Cuyahoga County Recorder, or minutes of an incorporated organization . About the Spelling and Dates of Mergers and or Consolidations The spelling of a congregation is based on the spelling at the time of their filling with the Secretary of the State of Ohio. Mergers publicly announced, however not considered a merger until accepted by the Secretary of the State of Ohio. |