Relive the Magic
of Cleveland
in the 1950s & 1960s
By Howard A. Zuckerman & Ellen N. Jacob
and unlock your FREE interactive photo book!
About the Book
Take a nostalgic journey through Cleveland’s golden years with the Cleveland Boomer Memories Book. A heartwarming collection of memories and photos from the 1950s and 1960s. From landmark institutions to everyday moments, this book captures the spirit of growing up in one of America’s most beloved cities.
This isn’t just a history book –it’s a celebration of the people, places, and playful pastimes that made growing up in Cleveland unforgettable.
Iconic Cleveland Treasures
This lovingly curated book highlights the unforgettable sights, sounds, and places of mid-20th century Cleveland, including:
Mawby's Restaurant
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, jukebox tunes, and reliable diner-style favorites, Mawby’s captures the spirit of the 1950s and 1960s Cleveland. Whether you stopped in after a game or met up for a late-night snack, Mawby’s felt like home. And don’t forget their hamburgers and grilled onions.
The Schvitz
Known for its intense steam room, cold plunge, and no-frills atmosphere, The Schvitz was a place where businessmen, athletes, and locals came together to unwind, sweat it out, and connect in an era before wellness became a trend.
Terminal Tower
The Terminal Tower is a symbol of Cleveland’s continuous progress. It features a observation deck on the 42nd floor that offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Erie. Over the decades, it has remained a beloved fixture of the city’s skyline, embodying the spirit and resilience of the city.
Cleveland Zoo
Kids marveled at the elephants, giggled at the monkeys, and eagerly fed the animals at the petting zoo. The zoo offered both wonder and learning, becoming a lasting memory in the hearts of countless Clevelanders.
Royal Castle
Royal Castle was a beloved fast-food chain with locations throughout Cleveland, during the 1950s and 1960s. Serving up their burgers, fries, and signature frosty mugs of birch beer. The restaurants became popular gathering spots, especially on game days.
West Side Market
This historic public market was a sensory wonderland in the 1950s and 1960s, filled with the aroma of fresh-baked bread, sizzling sausages, and ripe produce. Families shopped for their weekly groceries, while children marveled at the stalls of fresh food and the diverse accents of the vendors.
Cleveland
Municipal Stadium
In the 1950s and 1960s, it was the home of the Cleveland Indians and Browns, where generations of fans braved the elements to cheer on their teams. Whether it was an autumn Sunday filled with football or summer nights under the lights, the stadium was where unforgettable plays, spirited cheers, and lifelong memories were made.
Euclid Beach Park
During the 1950s and 1960s, families flocked to the park to enjoy their favorite attractions, including the iconic rides like the Rotor, the Racing Coaster, the Flying Turns and the grand carousel. It was the place where community memories were forged. With picnics on the lawn, strolls along the pier, and the treats of all sorts to enjoy.
Severance Center Mall
One of the first modern shopping centers in Ohio, Severance Center revolutionized indoor shopping. The mall featured prominent anchor department stores, Higbee’s and Halle’s alongside a variety of shops, a bowling alley, and a movie theatre. Throughout the 1960s, Severance Center was a bustling hub where families shopped, dined, and socialized, embodying the suburban shopping experience of the era.
Playhouse Square
The heart of Cleveland’s vibrant theatre scene, this renowned theatre district was the largest performing arts center in the U.S. outside of New York City. During the 1950s and 1960s, the district thrived as a glamorous cultural hub, premiering notable classic productions. Today, the district stands as a testament to community resilience and a cherished symbol of the city’s rich artistic heritage.
Chagrin Falls
Tucked away further east of the city, Chagrin Falls was, and remains known for its old-world charm, distinctive architecture, scenic waterfalls and unique boutiques. The city experienced significant growth and development throughout the 1960s, solidifying the village’s identity as a historic suburb within the Cleveland metropolitan area.
Coconut Bars and
Russian Tea Biscuits
Coconut Bars and Russian Tea Biscuits are cherished Cleveland classics with rich ties to the city’s Jewish heritage. More than just pastries, these iconic treats have become part of Cleveland’s cultural fabric, and their notoriety transcends the city’s limits
The Goodtime Ship
Inspired by the original Goodtime ship of the 1920s, Goodtime boats have been a Cleveland tradition since the late 1950s. They began in 1957 with a 68-passenger vessel. The cruises became so popular that a larger Goodtime II, which could accommodate 475 guests, was introduced in 1962. The ship navigates both the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie.
Barnaby
Rocky Colavito
Rocky Colavito was a Cleveland Indians baseball icon, best know for his powerful bat and strong arm. Finishing as one of the top right-handed hitters in the American Legue, his 1960s trade to Detroit sparked outrage. Colavito was inducted into the (now) Cleveland Guardians Hall of Fame in 2006 and honored with a statue in Little Italy in 2021.
Ghoulardi
Why You'll Love It
- Written by Clevelanders for Clevelanders
- Full of entertaining text and photos
- Makes a perfect gift for parents, grandparents, or history buffs
- Supports the preservation of Cleveland’s rich cultural heritage
Contents
Peek Inside:
The Cleveland Boomer Memories Book is thoroughly organized to take you on a nostalgic journey through the city’s most cherished places, people, and traditions. From Euclid Beach Park to Playhouse Square to iconic treats like coconut bars, each chapter captures the heart of Cleveland life in the 1950s and 1960s. The contents give you a quick look at what’s inside—whether you’re flipping straight to your favorite memory or exploring something new for the first time.
Order Your Copy Today!
Bring Cleveland’s past back to life—one page at a time. Whether you grew up in the city or just want to experience it through the eyes of those who did, the Cleveland Boomer Memories Book is your front-row seat to a simpler, sweeter time.
And unlock your FREE interactive photo book!
Bonus: FREE Interactive &
Printable Photo Book
- Printable pages for scrapbooks
- Shareable content for email or social media
- Interactive features online
With every purchase of this book, you gain exclusive access to our interactive and printable photo book, designed to help you reconnect with your memories—or share it with friends and family. It’s perfect for class reunions, gifts, or your own trip down memory lane.
NOTE: This printable digital book is available to those who purchase the book and take a selfie holding the book and then email this photo with a review of the book to: clevelandboomermemories@gmail.com
What Others Are Saying...
Discover why readers across generations are falling in love with Cleveland Boomer Memories:
Preserving Memories, Honoring Lives
When you purchase the Cleveland Boomer Memories Book, you’re doing more than revisiting the past—you’re helping shape a better future. All profits from this book will be donated to two meaningful causes: the Alzheimer’s Association, supporting vital research and care for those affected by memory loss, and to Holocaust Education to honor survivors and to ensure history is never forgotten and never repeated.