- Grays Armory
-
Cleveland Grays Armory
Grays Armory
Location: 1234 Bolivar Rd., Cleveland, Ohio Coordinates: 41°29′56″N 81°40′56″W / 41.49889°N 81.68222°WCoordinates: 41°29′56″N 81°40′56″W / 41.49889°N 81.68222°W Area: 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) Built: 1894 Architect: Bate,Fenimore C. Architectural style: Romanesque, Richardsonian Romanesque Governing body: Local NRHP Reference#: 73001409
[1]Added to NRHP: March 28, 1973 Grays Armory is a historical building in Cleveland, Ohio and was founded in 1837 as a city militia. They were well-trained, drilled, and disciplined. This is also one of the oldest remaining buildings in downtown Cleveland.
Contents
History
The Grays Armory building predates the Civil War. Apart from protecting the city during riots or civil disturbances, the Cleveland Grays Armory has been long known for hosting the city's premiere social events. Grays Armory has been witness to a long tradition of patriotism and public service. Cleveland sent them proudly to fight in every major American conflict from the civil war through World War I]. Grays Armory earned repute as an exclusive venue right from the beginning during the celebrations for Cleveland's Centennial (1896). The Grays Armory events went way beyond the customary military balls and band concerts typical during that era. This building was originally built to house weapons and provides a drill hall for the militia; this edifice quickly evolved into a vital community center for the turn-of-the century Clevelanders.[2]
Architectural landmark
The armory's entrance
The Grays Militia was organized in 1837 as the City Guard unit, and it evolved through the years. The location of the first Grays Armory was reported to be on Center Street. Before Cleveland built the City Armory on Long Street, Gray's Armory occupied a vacant fire department engine house on Frankfort Street near West 6th Street] where it still stands. When a fire broke out in the City Armory on December 8, 1892. The Grays resolved to execute the much-planned construction of their own armory.
After the fire
On May 30, 1893. a three-ton Berea sandstone foundation block was put in place by Colonel John Frazee. The main portion of the building is four stories high, and the most notable feature is the five-story tower on the northeast corner of the building. The tower has '3 x 5' foundation blocks, the main entrance corners and the front window lintels are all of solid rough-hewn sandstone. The main entry arch rests on top of polished granite columns that rise from each cornerstone. Positioned above is a black iron drop-gate, and a gothic barrier between the front steps and the colossal oak doors. There were also pointed iron rods bolted to the scarlet brick walls that make up the window protectors on the first floor. The effect is a splendid mix of color and texture in materials. The overall design effectively conveys that this is an urban fortress.[2]
Civil War
In the mid nineteenth century the Civil War had a lot to do with the Grays Armory. In Cleveland, the unit was called the Cleveland Grays, named after their gray uniforms. They were the first Cleveland group to leave to fight in the Civil War, they fought at Manassas and at Philippi.[3]
Cleveland Grays militia
The Grays Armory, across the large cities of the young nation, leading citizens, and also schooling themselves in the arts of war and volunteered their personal fortunes to provide weapons, uniforms, and rations. Private citizens undertook these measures to defend their republic. The Militia Act of 1903 and its future amendments would eventually spell the end of the old militia companies like the Cleveland Grays. Even if the independent volunteer company was becoming a thing of the past, the Grays were determined to support the military as private citizens by organizing a "Businessmen's Camp" The intent was to indoctrinate professional men in the essentials of military leadership.[3]
The Cleveland Grays Armory Museum
The Grays Armory Museum seeks to share its historical and cultural legacy with the public. Beyond stewardship of the building and conservation of artifacts, the museum strives to preserve the traditions and the rich heritage of those who serve their country and their community. The museum actively fulfills this objective by preserving, interpreting and presenting the military history of the United States. The museum regularly reaches out to Greater Cleveland by sponsoring open-house events intended to reach diverse audiences. Each Veterans Day, the museum presents a cultural and educational program honoring those who serve past years programs that have included patriotic orchestra concerts and special touring exhibits. You also can rent the Grays Armory for special events such as private parties, weddings, receptions, and even proms. So this building is still active in the city of Cleveland.[4]
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2009-03-13. http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natreg/docs/All_Data.html.
- ^ a b Grays History
- ^ a b Grays Armory - Grays Armory in Cleveland Ohio
- ^ Special Event Rental
External links
U.S. National Register of Historic Places Topics Lists by states Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • WyomingLists by territories Lists by associated states Other Categories:- Buildings and structures in Cleveland, Ohio
- Military facilities on the National Register of Historic Places in Ohio
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
