DC Histories: Cleveland

Here at DC Histories, we usually try to make sense of the continuity that perplexes, befuddles, and intimidates. We generally discuss what worked and what didn’t. Not so this week. Today, we’re looking at some of the historical sites tied to the creation of Superman. Today, we’re looking at Cleveland, Ohio.

IMG_0439

There are certain pilgrimages that comic fans go on. Attending the San Diego Comic Con is one. Wandering around New York clutching a copy of The Marvel Comics Guide to New York City is another. But recently, the spot where the world’s first super hero was created has become another destination. Cleveland has begun to celebrate the fact that two of its sons, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, created Superman while living in its borders. 75 years after the Man of Steel was first introduced to readers, there are sites around the city honoring these two dreamers.

Across from baggage claim 10 in the Cleveland Hopkins International Aiport is a display set up by the Siegel and Shuster Society. An organization dedicated to celebrating the life and work of these two creators, the Society designed a panorama explaining to Cleveland’s visitors the city’s ties to Superman.

IMG_0429

Alongside a life-sized Superman statue are cut-out word balloons detailing the places nearby with links to Siegel and Shuster. A faux-phonebooth is off to the side with an image on it which swifts between Superman and Clark Kent as passersby go about their business. On the other side of the display is a short video running on a loop which describes how two young boys created the idea of the ultimate hero during the depths of the Great Depression.  Just below that video is a small placard telling readers that Lois Lane was based on a young model, Joanne Kovacs, who Jerry Siegel knew and who would later become his wife. In all, it’s a colorful, quick overview of Superman’s connection to Cleveland and encourages fans to visit other sites around the city.

The main draw of those seeking Superman’s roots in Cleveland has to be the houses where Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster grew up. Both were originally located in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland, though only Jerry Siegel’s house still stands. In place of Joe Shuster’s childhood home is a small apartment building. However, on a fence surrounding the property is a lovely tribute to the work of these two innovators.

IMG_0441

The entirety of the first Superman story from 1938’s Action Comics #1 is found on this fence. Blown up to several feet high, each page is larger than life. It showcases Shuster’s art and gives fans a reminder that before all the movies, books, t-shirts, stamps, and notepads, Superman was simply a 13 page story. It all began here.

On the corner of the fence lies a brand new page. It gives a short biography of Shuster’s life and love of drawing.

IMG_0445

Alongside these original pages, this is a wonderful tribute to Shuster. It’s a shame that a few of the pages look a bit weather beaten, but that has to be expected. Ohio’s weather changes severely from rain to snow to high winds over the course of months and years. Here’s hoping that extras of each of these pages were made so that they can be replaced as they become more damaged.

IMG_0450

The city of Cleveland honored this location another way as well. On the road signs next to where Shuster’s house once existed, unofficial names are given the roads. Parkwood, the main road in this part of town, is cheekily known as “Lois Lane.” Amor, the cross street, is also known as “Joe Shuster Lane.” Both also have a modern Superman S-symbol attached.

IMG_0442

Just a half mile away, no more than a short walk, is the former house of Jerry Siegel. Still standing, the house remains a private residence but it can be viewed from the street. Built onto the metal fence in front of this building is a one-of-a-kind original S-symbol and small plaque describing the life of Jerry Siegel. On the front porch is a variety of fun Superman memorabilia from the various incarnations of Superman. Stickers and posters are found in the front windows. A Superman blanket is hung over the patio porch. It’s obvious a fan lives here.

IMG_0452

This house wouldn’t be standing today without the hard work of the Siegel and Shuster Society. Several years ago, this house was in awful condition. It appeared ready to be torn down any minute. As chronicled in a 2008 New York Times article, the building was saved in no small part due to the efforts of comic book writer and novelist Brad Meltzer and Michael Sangiacomo, a reporter for The Plain Dealer. Their efforts, along with the work of many others, raised the money necessary to repair the house and get it to this condition. If they hadn’t acted when they did, this house would have been lost just like Shuster’s before it. While some of the neighboring houses on this street are in a sad, unlivable condition, the Siegel house shines.

As they did for the corner of the old Shuster house, the city of Cleveland gave nicknames to the street that Siegel’s house is on. Once again, Parkwood is known as “Lois Lane” but here, Kimberley is also known as “Jerry Siegel Lane.” It’s a nice touch.

IMG_0460

Less than a quarter mile away from the Siegel house is an official Ohio Historical Marker. These markers are placed by the Ohio Historical Society on sites that are championed by local communities. In 2003, this marker was placed as a way of remembering just where and when Superman came into the world.

IMG_0462

The back of the plaque continues the origins of Superman and celebrates the two young men who created a long-lasting American icon.

IMG_0464

At none of these sites are the various legal battles that the Siegel and Shuster families engaged in against DC Comics mentioned. The financial woes that eventually befell the families aren’t brought up. That’s not what these places choose to focus on. They focus on what two young men created and where they created it. There are books, interviews, and histories to chronicle what came later. The spotlight here is on what came first.

Cleveland’s modern celebration of Siegel and Shuster’s lasting legacy continues. On April 18, 2013, Cleveland declared it to be the 75th anniversary of the creation of Superman. NPR covered the story and even interviewed the current owner of Siegel’s childhood home. In June, the city is planning on bathing the Terminal Tower, a landmark of downtown Cleveland, in lights of red, blue, and gold. The work of the Siegel and Shuster Society has reminded Cleveland of the legacy their city has given to the world of comics and the pop culture landscape as a whole.

For those of you within driving distance to Cleveland, I recommend a day trip to these sites. The moment when my wife and I came around a small turn on Parkwood and saw the fence surrounding the old Shuster property gave me chills. All fans of Superman, and of comics in general, would do well to remember the humble origins of the men who injected the Man of Tomorrow into our culture. We all owe a debt to Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

 


Jeff Reid needs to point out that this is Superman’s 75th anniversary and this is the 75th DC Histories article. Funny how that all worked out. He’ll also point that out on Twitter.

Comments

  1. Awesome write up and pics. I live in a suburb just outside of Cleveland, so it’s awesome to see these sites getting some love. Cleveland is an awesome comic book city, and the surrounding areas have lots of great shops and events going on regularly.

    • Totally agree. Cleveland is a great city with a lot of comic book connections beyond the Seigel/Shuster one too. The FCBD events are shaping up to be great and the celebrations this year for Superman are looking good. Now, if we could get a major convention going, we could get some hometown comic pros to visit.

    • Avatar photo Jeff Reid (@JeffRReid) says:

      I planned on checking out the Harvey Pekar statue at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library when I visited for this article, but I went on a Sunday. They were closed so I couldn’t check it out. I plan on going back some day and seeing that and other stuff I missed.

  2. Really great article Jeff. This was a fascinating read and even I didn’t know how much Cleveland loves being the birthplace of Superman.

    It’s funny how to really different spectrum of comics that Cleveland is apart of. They’re involved with the birth of Superheroes and also the home of underground comic creator in Harvey Pekar. I wonder if Cleveland still embraces Pekar as much as they did when he was alive?

  3. What a great article; delightfully written and heartwarming to see how these momentous events in comic book history are commemorated. Thank you for sharing your experience!