1967 Higbee's Commercial

While searching for vintage Downtown Cleveland shopping history I came across this commercial and had to share.



Higbee's Department Store was a Cleveland, Ohio Landmark from 1860 until 1992. For generations, Clevelanders enjoyed their visits to this glamorous department store. It was located in the Terminal Tower Complex. Features included the Twigbee Shop, the Silver Grille Restaurant and the famous wooden escalators (catch a glimpse of them in the film The Christmas Story!). A small number of people old enough to remember have fond memories of Higbees. This 1967 psychadelic commercial is one of the last and best known advertisements for one of Cleveland's Landmarks.

Thanks to polkadotbox2 for the great video!

Le Plasir (11/29-30)

Saturday, November 29, at 5:30 pm & Sunday, November 30, at 4:15 pm

LE PLAISIR (aka “House of Pleasure”)

Max Ophuls’ 1955 color and ‘scope spectacle Lola Montès may be the revival of the year, but until that film gets to Cleveland, feast your eyes on this Ophuls wonder made three years earlier. It’s one of three masterpieces that ended the director’s extraordinary career (the third, The Earrings of Madame de…, shows at the Cleveland Museum of Art on Dec. 30.), and the only one of the three not distributed theatrically in the U.S. (We’re showing a rare 35mm print from France.) Le Plaisir tells, with peerless lyricism and intoxicating camera movements, three de Maupassant stories of fleeting happiness: an old man wears a mask to perpetuate his youth; urban prostitutes spend a day in the country; an artist marries his mistress/model. Subtitles. 35mm. 95 min.



Show Times : Nov 29 (Sat) - 5:30PM : Nov 30 (Sun) - 4:15PM For additional information visit www.cia.edu

Sunday at the Movies (11/2)

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

Newspaper editor Cary Grant will do anything to keep his ex-wife, ace reporter Rosalind Russell, from remarrying in "His Girl Friday." (1940) He loves her almost as much as the newspaper business and thinks nothing of framing her fiancé and freeing death row prisoners to lure her back for one last big story.



Directed by Howard Hawks, 2:00pm, Main Library Auditorium 15425 Detroit Ave. Lakewood. Free! For more information on this classic flick visit www.imdb.com/title/tt0032599/

Free French Film (10/18)

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

Girl on the Bridge (1999-France) starring Daniel Auteuil and Vanessa Paradis. Filmed in glorious black and white, this is an engaging story of a desperate girl and the professional knife-thrower who saves her. She joins the act, trusting him completely. Their relationship hits a snag, and she leaves. Then it’s he who suffers an emotional crisis. Luminous performances by Auteuil and Paradis.Directed by Patrice Leconte Rated R (French with English subtitles.)



6:00 p.m. Lakewood Library Main Auditorium

Fall Must-Haves

It's September...have you started making your fall fashion "must-have" shopping list? After hours and hours of flipping through the monster issues of Vogue, Bazaar, the latest J.Crew fall catalog and scrolling through blog after blog, I have a small list of a few "would-love-to-have's." The list goes something like, a new white button down, a pair of gray knee-high boots, a soft cashmere crewneck sweater, turquoise patent leather pumps, a striped scarf to accessorize all my vintage coats and possibly a few funky "just-for-Saturday" sweaters.

So, a few years ago while strolling though Brooklyn I came across a great little store called Ohio Knitting Mills, funny...this store was the showroom to what was once a sweater factory located right here in Cleveland. Founded by Harry Stone in 1928, the Ohio Knitting Mills grew to become one of the country’s largest knitwear producers. It was at the center of Clevelands thriving garment industry producing knitwear for iconic department stores from Sears to Saks. After World War II, the Mill plucked samples of each style they produced and put them into storage.



Five decades later, the archive had grown into a vast collection of design artifacts, representing mainstream fashion from the classic 40’s, fab 50’s, swinging 60’s, and funky 70’s. The little store had opened this time capsule to sell the collection of perfectly preserved fashions and I had stumbled upon it. Over the last few years the knits were taken online so that everyone worldwide can own a piece of Cleveland history.

If I was to indulge myself this fall I would buy the Natural Wave Jacket made with 100% wool, the 3/4 sleeves and half-dome plastic buttons are delightful. AND the MMMM Scarf Sewn from an early 1970's knit fabric is super fun as well.

Take a peak and let me know if anything gets added to you "list." ...www.ohioknittingmills.com

Pillow Talk? (08/09)

Saturday, August 9th, 2008.

Do you have Saturday afternoon plans? :) The Eleventh Annual Cinema at the Square Series returns to the Palace Theatre. For the ultimate visual experience, the films are shown on the Palace’s 20 foot-high by 47 foot-wide super Hurly-Glo projection screen – the largest non-Imax screen in Ohio.



This Saturday's flick is Pillow Talk, directed by Michael Gordon, Staring Rock Hudson, Doris Day and Tony Randal. A womanizing music composer repeatedly antagonizes the other half of his party line when she complains of his constant telephone use. Mutual hatred ensues, though the two had never previously met. Later, he manipulates her into falling in love with him by adopting the persona of a Southern Gentleman and playing this personality off of his own in a series of occasionally tag-team "three way" party line conversations. She later discovers his deception and is outraged. The film ends (hilariously) with him breaking down her front door and dragging her screaming out of bed through downtown New York, past a police officer, and finally up the stairs to his apartment where everything is made all right again by his condescension to marry her. A delightfully charming piece of Americana. 1959

Moviegoers will be treated to pre-show organ recitals on a restored 1928 Kimball organ as well as a delightful, classic cartoon, pre-movie.

For more information including more shows and times visit www.playhousesquare.org/cinema/

Simone sings Simone (7/26)

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

If you "want a little sugar in your bowl," than you can't miss this lifetime opportunity to hear Simone sing the tunes her mother, Nina Simone once crooned.

She is her own woman, a singer, songwriter and performer whose ability to transcend genres echoes the tradition of her mother, musical icon and pioneer Nina Simone. Blessed with a rich vocal range, an innate skill for lyrical interpretation and a soul-deep understanding of music as a means of healing, empowerment and celebration, Simone is very much her mother’s daughter, she is most assuredly a multi-talented artist in her own right.

A highly-praised live performer whose impressive resume includes starring roles on Broadway in such acclaimed musicals as Rent and Aida, Simone has developed an exciting and diverse repertoire of pop, soul, jazz, rock and funk, expressed in shows she’s done throughout the U.S. and in the UK, Ireland, Holland, Finland, Spain and France.



“This is my tribute to my mother, a chance for me to do the songs I love the most the way I hear them. It’s a glimpse of my life over four decades…” On April 21, 2006, three years after her mother’s passing, Simone paid tribute to her at Town Hall in New York, at the very venue where forty-seven years earlier a 26-year old Nina Simone had enjoyed her first major show in the city. Simone’s spellbinding, soulful performance turned into the genesis for the recording of Simone On Simone. “The idea had been pitched to me before but I had been writing a lot of my own material for almost ten years and my goal was to record those songs. It felt like an obstacle between me and that goal to do a tribute record to my mother. But after the Town Hall performance, I started considering it seriously…”

I can't wait to see this show. I remember the first time I ever heard Nina Simone I was in seventh grade and I rushed out and bought a tape of her music. Her deep vocal range astonished me as a young soprano singer, I actually ruined that tape from rewinding it over and over and trying to sing those same notes. I think this show will be a summer, must see!

For times & tickets visit www.beachlandballroom.com For more information on Ms. Simone visit www.simonesworld.com

Explore the Cod

Can I just say one of the things I "heart" about our fair city is the never-ending opportunity for adventure and discovery? As many times as I have driven by and parked by the U.S.S. Cod, I had never even thought to go in...until our day on the RTA lead us down to the water. If you have never been, it's quite and awesome experience.

First off, pick a sunny, clear, not-too-hot afternoon and get ready to duck as you make your way down under the lake and into this historic submarine. As you crawl down the steep metal ladder (*note. next time do not wear a skirt) imagine, 90 men down below, in close quarters underwater for 75 days (more than TWO MONTHS) at a time....insane. The stale smell of metal and vintage "pleather" lurked the narrow halls of this massive sea vessel. The miniature living quarters (including an amazing array of dining rooms, kitchens, teeny bedrooms and offices) were nestled amongst torpedoes, large engines, navigational equipment and massive water purification systems.



The U.S.S. Cod was named after the world's most important food fish and is a World War II era fleet submarine. The 312-ft, 1,525-ton submarine began her life in 1942 when her keel was laid at the Electric Boat Co., in Connecticut. Cod was launched in 1943 and was placed in commission by James C. Dempsey, USN. Dempsey had already won fame by sinking the first Japanese destroyer lost in the war while in command of a tiny, World War I-era submarine.

Cleveland can claim partial credit as Cod's birthplace, since the submarine's five massive diesel engines were built by General Motors' Cleveland Diesel plant on Cleveland's west side. Cod is now docked in Lake Erie at Cleveland, Ohio and is maintained and operated as a memorial to the more than 3900 submariners who lost their lives during the 100 year history of the United States Navy Submarine Force.

Be warned, if you a claustrophobic this is NOT the adventure for you. Also, I would not recommend taking very small children on this sub as you literally have to crawl in and out the vessel...no escalators or stairs here, just ladders. The public is invited to visit the boat daily between May 1 and September 30 each year. For times and additional information visit www.usscod.org.

King Kong in Lakewood (6/07)

Saturday June 7, 2008

Catch this historical flick this weekend. See what Peter Jackson got wrong in his ill-conceived remake by joining us for the glorious original. An adventurous film crew travels to Skull Island for the scenery and ends up finding the living eighth wonder of the world. Can Kong be tamed? Will New York City ever be the same? Is this the greatest special effects movie of all time?



Directed by Merian C. Cooper & Ernest B. Schoedsack. Rated PG. 6:00pm in the New Main Lakewood Library Auditorium
KING KONG (1933)

Triple SNOOP! (4/26)

Saturday, April 26th, 2008

Get together with other preservation-minded individuals from around northeastern Ohio. Go “behind the scenes” and enter doors to landmarks not typically accessible to the public. Join the group and go on the "Triple SNOOP!"

Here’s how it works:

Act 1 - At 11:00 a.m. CRS members will get a private hard hat tour of the renovations currently underway at the Hanna Theatre, future home of the Great Lakes Theater Festival.

Act 2 - SNOOPing! can work up quite an appetite, so lunch at noon will be right on time! Discover Bricco, one of the newest stars of playhouse square, featuring a refreshing variety of salads, pizzas, sandwiches and pastas and an impressive wine list in a fun casual atmosphere.

Act 3 - Round out the afternoon with a 1:30 p.m. matinee of the Crucible, Arthur Miller’s timeless tale of truth on trial. This American drama tells the story of a religious community in Salem Massachusetts in 1692 that is nearly torn apart by personal spite, mass hysteria and a relentless witch hunt.

Swing by for just the Hanna Theatre tour or the entire afternoon; its up to you!
Playhouse Square, Cleveland 11:00 a.m. Tour is FREE, optional meal and show are $40 per person. You must be a member to attend. Not yet a member? Join at the special price of $15 and you too can SNOOP! www.clevelandrestoration.org

Deco in River

How many times have you driven by the tall "pink" building in Rocky River and always wondered what it looked like inside? For me....hundreds.

Well, last night I was lucky enough to get inside the landmark for my monthly girls-only dice game. The exquisite art deco design and architectural details were enough to make anyone with a slight passion for design drool. Everything from the hallway signage to the scrolling iron work, the relief sculptures that welcome you into the asian-inspired lobby to the hand silkscreened wallpaper was in immaculate condition.



The "Westlake Hotel," was constructed in mid-1920s, has 11 floors and now serves as an upscale housing complex. If you are lucky enough to be in the market for a swanky Humphrey Bogart-inspired pad, I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to live in this historic space of Cleveland.

Old buildings with historic charm..one of the reasons I heart cleveland! :)

A Musical Hitchcock Affair (2/28)

Thursday, February 28th, 2008

Come see the newly remastered film of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. Hear the music of Bernard Herrmann performed by a Red quartet with Red's Artistic Director & Conductor Jonathan Sheffer on hand for a post-film discussion.



$20 includes the film, the musical performance and a general admission ticket to Red {an orchestra} March 8th concert. ($10, film only). For tickets and information contact the Red office at 216.361.1733 or info@redanorchestra.org. Note tickets for this event will NOT be on sale at the Shaker Square box office, they will only be available by contacting Red. Shaker Square Cinemas 13116 Shaker Square (SW Quadrant), Cleveland 7:00pm

Bogart in Lakewood (2/16)

Saturday, February 16th, 2008

Everybody comes to Rick's-Nazis, from thieves to old lovers. Humphrey Bogart plays a former freedom fighter who thought he left both love and America behind, drowning his sorrows in a bottle of gin. But then Ingrid Bergman comes back into his life on the arm of her hero husband and "Boggie" begins to rethink his ways.



Casablanca, 1942, directed by Michael Curtiz, is required viewing for anyone who ever thought they had a handle on love, and for those struggling under the burden of a broken heart.

Lakewood Public Library at 7:00 p.m. in the New Main Library Auditorium. Doors open fifteen minutes before the show. Free!
www.lkwdpl.org/calendar/flicks/index.html

Tremont Art Walk & Live Music (1/11)

Friday, January 11th, 2008

It's the second Friday of the month so head down to Tremont for the monthly Art Walk. Tremont has thrived and grown through the years. Today the neighborhood has many more attractions to bring visitors and residents, with many new galleries and retail stores, as well as fine restaurants and local pubs, there is something for all. www.tremontartwalk.org

Also, head over to Prosperity Social Club for the intoxicating sounds of MARTINI FIVE-O at 10PM bring your party pants and dancing shoes and stay late for Audio Spectrums DJ Dance Party (12:30-2:00am!) The kitchen is also open until 2am in case you get hungry from all the action. www.prosperitysocialclub.com

Detroit Shoreway Shopping, Sipping & Snacking

It is as chic as a small neighborhood in Chicago...

If you haven't driven down Detroit Ave in Cleveland (Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood) as of late you are missing the most up and coming strip of stores known to the city. In partnership with the City of Cleveland's Community Development Office, Detroit Shoreway offers the Storefront Renovation Program for commercial tenants (with building owner's approval.) This partnership is drawing many inspired small business owners.

Though there are many stores popping up, TWO of them truly stand out!



Room Service : 6505 Detroit Ave., is a chic home-decor/gift/furniture store that owner Danielle DeBoe describes as "a harmonious juxtaposition between old and new." Sleek, contemporary furniture is mixed with high-end, hip gift items and a smattering of antiques.



Duo Home : 6507 Detroit Ave., is a combo interior design business and shop featuring eclectic, contemporary yet organic home decor and furniture items.

Also, while you are in the neighborhood make sure to stop into Gypsy Beans & Baking Co. (6425 Detroit Avenue) for a hot cup-of-joe and some of their amazing homemade bakery. Indulge in some of their most savored bakery items such as the Amazon Chili Pepper Brownies, the Chocolate Truffle Tartlet in a Salted Shortbread Crust and the White Chocolate Iced Layer cake with a Honey Lavender Syrup. www.gypsybeans.com

Cosmic "Christmas" Collectibles

Vintage bulbs, feathery trees, sparkly ornaments and lots of vintage glitz and glamour await your discovery at Lakewood's finest vintage home furnishings and accessories store, Cosmic Collectibles.

Formerly located on Madison Avenue, this store has a charming home on Detroit Avenue, right next to Aladdin's Eatery. The storefront on this bustling section of Detroit takes you back to fifties Lakewood with its wonderfully decorated vintage holiday window displays. This boutique continues to offer quality and reasonably priced mid-century modern furniture finds, shabby chic treasures including lighting and clothing and the perfect assortment of tiny treasures of now!

For store hours give Robyn a call at 216.221.1085