Cleveland Vintage Blog — Culture

Clevelanders who were lucky enough to be around for Dick Goddard are likely well aware of what a woolly bear is. But let's take a look at the furry little creature that was beloved by the also-beloved Cleveland meteorologist. What's a Woolly Bear - or Woolly Worm? You've likely seen these fuzzy little black-and-brown caterpillars before. They are the larva of the Isabella tiger moth and can be found just about anywhere. Though the woolly bear is a pretty cute-looking insect, the most notable thing about this caterpillar is its supposed ability to predict winter weather. Can the Woolly Bear...

Wes Craven was one of the modern kings of horror, with an incredible film résumé that includes the likes of A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Last House on the Left, The Hills Have Eyes, The People Under the Stairs, Red Eye, and, of course, the Scream series. But did you know Craven is from Cleveland? That's right - the master of horror himself was born right here in Northeast Ohio in 1939. Unfortunately, Craven's childhood home - located at 1458 East 86th Street, uncovered by some great sleuthing from Don Billie - is no longer standing, but don't let that...

Variety Theatre Update: The Variety Theatre property is once again up for sale. After being acquired in 2022, Variety Properties LLC is looking to sell to someone who would be looking to embark on a full redevelopment of the theater and the surrounding properties (whether or not the theater's ghosts stay in the deal remains to be seen). Luxurious theaters with their large seating capacities were a staple in the Cleveland area as far back as the 1920s. I myself grew up with one in Maple Heights - the Mapletown Theater. Most started out as single-screen movie houses that were...

Cleveland - and the rest of Ohio - is a cryptid hotbed, with recorded sightings that date back as far as the 18th century. From the watery depths of Lake Erie to the dense, forested depths of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and throughout the rest of the state, many types of cryptids have stalked this area and called it home. Here are some of the most popular cryptids you could find in Ohio. South Bay Bessie You might know South Bay Bessie by her other name - the Lake Erie Monster - but however you know her, she's been stalking...

Many of us longtime Clevelanders remember it like it was just this past Saturday afternoon. “Hello der” (dare) was how Marty Sullivan, aka “Superhost,” greeted his fans when coming on air or back from commercials during his successful run on local Cleveland television station WUAB. The show, in a variety of formats, enjoyed a nice long run of 20 years from 1969 to 1989. Sullivan performed a variety of jobs at the station prior to and during his run as Superhost. He was a floor director and an on- and off-air show host while also wearing a very baggy, cartoonish...