Grays Armory
Cleveland Grays Armory Museum | |
Cleveland, Ohio | |
Coordinates | 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 |
NRHP reference No. | 73001409[1] |
Added to NRHP | March 28, 1973 |
Grays Armory is a historic building in Cleveland, Ohio. It was built by the Cleveland Grays, a private military company which was founded in 1837.[2] This is one of the oldest standing buildings in downtown Cleveland located at 1234 Bolivar Rd.
The Cleveland Grays
The Cleveland Grays is a social organization devoted to the promotion of patriotism and the preservation of the military heritage of Greater Cleveland.[2] It was founded as a volunteer private military company at a time when the common or constitutional militia[3] languished due to uninterest and neglect by state politicians.[4]
The unit's original purpose was twofold: to provide assistance and support to the local law enforcement authorities of the time as well as to provide a first line of defense for the city in the event that the fighting in Canada's
The first organizational meeting was held on August 28, 1837, and on September 18, seventy-eight men joined the active company. At the time of its founding, the unit was called The Cleveland City Guards but within the next year the membership decided that their organization would be known by reference to the gray color of their uniforms.[6] On November 29, 1838 the Grays made one of the first of their many parade appearances fully dressed in their distinctive gray uniforms and tall black bearskin caps. As the years passed, those who had earned the status of "Pioneer" for their membership of twenty-five or more years were entitled to add leather aprons to their uniforms and to carry axes when on parade.[7]
The Grays saw military service as a unit during the Civil War and the Spanish–American War.[2] Reforms of the country's militia system which began with the Militia Act of 1903 and continued with subsequent legislation at the state and federal levels meant that the era of private military companies' official participation in national military affairs had come to an end and while the Grays, under the leadership of Ludwig S. Connelly, were able to enlist in the Ohio National Guard (ONG) for duty during the Mexican Punitive Expedition, they essentially did so as a group of private citizens enlisting en masse and not as a private military company. Their participation in World War I, which began immediately upon their ONG unit's release from duty on the Mexican border, was the last conflict in which the Grays saw active service even as a group of enlistees.[8] Individual members have served in subsequent conflicts.[2]
Building
The Grays made their home in several different places from the time of their founding until the completion of their own building on Bolivar Road. The Grays' first
After the fire
On May 30, 1893, a three-ton
The Cleveland Grays Armory has been long known for hosting the city's premier social events. 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.
Cleveland Grays Armory Museum
This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (July 2023) |
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. In the past, programs that have included patriotic orchestra concerts and special touring exhibits. The Grays Armory can also be rented for special events such as private parties, weddings, receptions, and even proms.[13]
Organ
In July, 1970 the 3 manual 17 rank pipe organ was installed. The organ originates from the Warner Theater in Erie, Pennsylvania. Three or four concerts per year are given on this organ, sponsored by the Western Reserve Theater Organ Society.[14][15]
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e Cleveland Grays, Cleveland Grays - The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History.
- ^ "United States Constitution, Article I, Section 8". The United States Constitution. The United States National Archives and Records Administration. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ISBN 0-87338-678-7.
- ^ Vourlojianis (2002), p. 14
- ^ Vourlojianis (2002), pp. 7-11
- LCCN 90-4853
- ^ Vourlojianis (2002), pp. 91-115
- ^ Rose (1990), pp. 154, 165.
- ^ Rose (1990), p. 174.
- ^ Rose (1990), p. 439.
- ^ Rose (1990), p. 540.
- ^ https://www.graysarmory.org.
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- ^ "The Grays Armory WurliTzer: Cleveland, Ohio". Theatre Organ Home Page.