Grays Armory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cleveland Grays Armory
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Grays Armory
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 Location in Cleveland
Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1234 Bolivar Rd., Cleveland, Ohio |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1894 |
| Architect | Bate, Fenimore C. |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001409 |
| Added to NRHP | March 28, 1973 |
Grays Armory is an old and important building in Cleveland, Ohio. It was built by a special group called the Cleveland Grays. This group was a private military company that started in 1837. The Grays Armory is one of the oldest buildings still standing in downtown Cleveland today.
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The Cleveland Grays: Always Ready
The Cleveland Grays is a social group that loves to promote patriotism. They also work to keep the military history of the Cleveland area alive. They began as a volunteer military company in 1837. At that time, official state militias were not very active.
The Grays had two main goals when they started. First, they wanted to help local police and law enforcement. Second, they aimed to protect Cleveland if fighting from Canada's Rebellions of 1837 spread into the United States. Their motto is Semper Paratus, which means "Always Ready" in Latin.
How the Grays Began
The first meeting of the Grays happened on August 28, 1837. Soon after, 78 men joined the active company on September 18. When they first started, the group was called The Cleveland City Guards. But within a year, members decided to change their name. They chose "Grays" because of the gray color of their uniforms.
On November 29, 1838, the Grays made one of their first parade appearances. They wore their special gray uniforms and tall black bearskin caps. As years passed, members who had been with the group for 25 years or more were called "Pioneers." They could add leather aprons to their uniforms and carry axes during parades.
Grays in Military Service
The Grays served as a unit during the Civil War and the Spanish–American War. Later, new laws changed how the country's military worked. This meant private military groups like the Grays could no longer officially join national military actions.
However, the Grays still found ways to serve. Under Ludwig S. Connelly, they joined the Ohio National Guard (ONG) for duty during the Mexican Punitive Expedition. They did this as a large group of private citizens. Their service in World War I was the last time the Grays served actively as a group. Since then, individual members have continued to serve in later conflicts.
The Grays Armory Building
Before building their own armory on Bolivar Road, the Grays moved to several different places. Their first armory was on the fourth floor of the Mechanics Block, built in 1838. In 1870, they moved into a building that used to be a fire station.
By March 20, 1880, the Grays moved into the new City Armory. They shared this building with the 5th Regiment, Ohio National Guard. But on December 8, 1892, a fire destroyed the building. Much of their equipment and guns were lost. Major Otto Schade and some men bravely saved a few items.
Building a New Home
The Grays recovered quickly after the fire. They soon raised money to build a new armory. While construction was underway in 1893, they found a temporary home. They stayed at the Gatling Gun Battery Armory.
On May 30, 1893, a huge three-ton sandstone block was put in place for the foundation. Colonel John Frazee helped with this important step.
Armory's Unique Design
The main part of the Grays Armory building is four stories tall. Its most striking feature is a five-story tower on the northeast corner. The tower has large foundation blocks. The main entrance and front windows are made of rough sandstone.
The main entry arch sits on polished granite columns. Above the arch is a black iron drop-gate. A gothic barrier stands between the front steps and the huge oak doors. Pointed iron rods are bolted to the red brick walls, protecting the first-floor windows. All these details create a wonderful mix of colors and textures. The building truly looks like a strong city fortress.
A Community Hub
The Cleveland Grays Armory became famous for hosting Cleveland's best social events. It earned a great reputation right from the start during Cleveland's Centennial celebrations in 1896. The events held at Grays Armory were more than just military balls and concerts.
Even though the building was first made to store weapons and provide a drill hall, it quickly became a vital community center. It was a popular place for Clevelanders to gather at the turn of the century.
Cleveland Grays Armory Museum
The Grays Armory Museum wants to share its history and culture with everyone. Besides taking care of the building and old items, the museum works to preserve traditions. It also honors the rich heritage of those who serve their country and community.
The museum achieves this by saving, explaining, and showing the military history of the United States. They often host open-house events for people in Greater Cleveland. Each Veterans Day, the museum holds a special program to honor service members. In the past, these programs have included patriotic orchestra concerts and touring exhibits.
The Grays Armory can also be rented for special events. People use it for private parties, weddings, receptions, and even proms.
The Armory's Organ
In July 1970, a large pipe organ was installed in the armory. This organ has three manuals (keyboards) and 17 ranks (sets of pipes). It originally came from the Warner Theater in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The Western Reserve Theater Organ Society sponsors three or four concerts each year using this organ.
