Cleveland has a long and proud history, but our not-so-distant past is perhaps the most intriguing. During World War II, life in Cleveland was in a constant state of evolution. The Cleveland Bomber Plant (now known as the I-X Center) opened its doors, the tragic Cleveland East Ohio Gas Explosion claimed 130 lives and leaves destruction in its wake, and the Cleveland Rams won the NFL championship. The city was active, buzzing with energy and enthusiasm and, fortunately, the era was captured on film so that we may still admire our predecessors’ efforts today.

Telephone operators finish a day at work.

The Cleveland Press Collection/Special Collections, Cleveland State University Library Here, Edna Johnson, Delia Horwath, Luce Smith, Jenny Korby and Iva Rose work on the switchboard, or the “cord board.” The same year that this photo was taken, AT&T debuted a video-phone service at the World’s Fair of New York. It never quite took off, though cellular phones today do tend to come with cameras and the ability to make video calls.

A locomotive in Avon Lake Park.

The Cleveland Press Collection/Special Collections, Cleveland State University Library Cleveland has a history that is deeply rooted in the railroad industry. This photo is believed to have been taken in 1939.

Roman Klingshirn’s new tractor.

The Cleveland Press Collection/Special Collections, Cleveland State University Library At the onset of the war, all forms of vehicles were rationed. For Roman, a tractor was a much-needed piece of farming equipment. Since he couldn’t obtain one, he built one. Here is the ‘Doodlebug,’ built from pieces of an old Buick and other cars.

The city expands.

The Cleveland Press Collection/Special Collections, Cleveland State University Library In 1940, the Forest Hill Foot Bridge over Forest Hill Boulevard was under construction in East Cleveland. The bridge was designed by Wilbur Watson & Associates and was actually constructed close to the former home of John D. Rockefeller.

A ship on the waters of Lake Erie.

State of Wisconsin Collection/Wikimedia Commons The deck reads, “Detroit and Cleveland Division” with thick, bold letters proudly declaring the ship to be from the “City of Cleveland.” This photo was snapped in 1941, just one year before a Lake Erie mystery wave claimed seven lives. The wave, observed to be more than 15 feet in height, was probably created by thunderstorm winds.

A snapshot of Cleveland industry.

Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons Here, the Hulett iron ore unloaders work tirelessly at the Pennsylvania Railroad docks, which are located in Cleveland. This machine revolutionized iron ore shipment on the Great Lakes, replacing a great deal of hand labor. The first Hulett was built in 1899, so this was old technology by the time this photo was taken in 1943.

A visit to the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in 1943.

NASA Headquarters/Wikimedia Commons Colonel E.R. Page, William F. Durand, Orville Wright, and Addison M. Rothrock are seen visiting what we know today as the John H. Glenn Research Center.

The devastating damage from the East Ohio Gas Company Explosion in 1944.

The Cleveland Press Collection/Special Collections, Cleveland State University Library This event was one of the worst in Cleveland history. One day, a tank of natural gas exploded on the East Side, destroying residences, businesses, and taking many lives in the process.

A nurse tends to a victim of the gas explosion.

The Cleveland Press Collection/Special Collections, Cleveland State University Library On Friday, October 20, 1944, life changed for Clevelanders as an entire region mourned the loss of 130 lives.

Crile Hospital’s dedication ceremony.

The Cleveland Press Collection/Special Collections, Cleveland State University Library This hospital would soon serve wounded soldiers and would house 250 German prisoners of war. The site became home to Tri-C Western Campus, though they celebrate and preserve the history of Crile Hospital in the Crile Archives.

There is much to love when it comes to Cleveland, but our dedication to preserving the past is doubtlessly one of our greatest strengths as a community. What is your favorite local museum or historical institution?

The Cleveland Press Collection/Special Collections, Cleveland State University Library

Here, Edna Johnson, Delia Horwath, Luce Smith, Jenny Korby and Iva Rose work on the switchboard, or the “cord board.” The same year that this photo was taken, AT&T debuted a video-phone service at the World’s Fair of New York. It never quite took off, though cellular phones today do tend to come with cameras and the ability to make video calls.

Cleveland has a history that is deeply rooted in the railroad industry. This photo is believed to have been taken in 1939.

At the onset of the war, all forms of vehicles were rationed. For Roman, a tractor was a much-needed piece of farming equipment. Since he couldn’t obtain one, he built one. Here is the ‘Doodlebug,’ built from pieces of an old Buick and other cars.

In 1940, the Forest Hill Foot Bridge over Forest Hill Boulevard was under construction in East Cleveland. The bridge was designed by Wilbur Watson & Associates and was actually constructed close to the former home of John D. Rockefeller.

State of Wisconsin Collection/Wikimedia Commons

The deck reads, “Detroit and Cleveland Division” with thick, bold letters proudly declaring the ship to be from the “City of Cleveland.” This photo was snapped in 1941, just one year before a Lake Erie mystery wave claimed seven lives. The wave, observed to be more than 15 feet in height, was probably created by thunderstorm winds.

Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons

Here, the Hulett iron ore unloaders work tirelessly at the Pennsylvania Railroad docks, which are located in Cleveland. This machine revolutionized iron ore shipment on the Great Lakes, replacing a great deal of hand labor. The first Hulett was built in 1899, so this was old technology by the time this photo was taken in 1943.

NASA Headquarters/Wikimedia Commons

Colonel E.R. Page, William F. Durand, Orville Wright, and Addison M. Rothrock are seen visiting what we know today as the John H. Glenn Research Center.

This event was one of the worst in Cleveland history. One day, a tank of natural gas exploded on the East Side, destroying residences, businesses, and taking many lives in the process.

On Friday, October 20, 1944, life changed for Clevelanders as an entire region mourned the loss of 130 lives.

This hospital would soon serve wounded soldiers and would house 250 German prisoners of war. The site became home to Tri-C Western Campus, though they celebrate and preserve the history of Crile Hospital in the Crile Archives.

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