This is a pic taken in May 2008 of Dyna Guard on Clark Ave .  Up until the mid-90s everyone knew not loiter immediately in front of Dyna Guard, it was a sacred place. Low quality bags of Iron District Attorney were typically copped in the parking lot of Tony’s or on Walton. Much has changed … the underworld artistry of stamped bags, malted Goya beverages, and savage farm animals are mere memories preserved only in the pink paint of this beloved service station.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported today that, Cleveland’s 21-member City Council will lose two seats next year, a reflection of a fast-shrinking population”. SGS found this election flyer from the past both timely and interesting since it professes the need to reduce council so our city can move forward. We hope that council can learn from the past and see that reduction does not necessarily mean progress. Possibly council just needs a few members who really represent their communities and are not afraid to preach the truth in fear of losing power or reelection. Special thanks to Scorpio Diamante for the loan.

Cleveland was founded in 1796 and the city has produced many amazing watering holes in its illustrious history.  Yet, one lounge stands out in Cle lore not because of what was going on inside but what it presented on the exterior. The Classy Scuffler is, in one sense, the culmination of present day St. Clair and of Cleveland itself.  It is also one of the masterpieces of signage because it dares all those who enter to come correct.  SGS took this picture in May 2006, just months before the great assemblage unjustly deteriorated from the elements of a doodoo economy.

SGS took this pic on February 15th.  Joe’s Beverage is located on Superior Ave. and E. 105 St.  

Every Cleveland neighborhood has its own set of rules that residents must live by.  The Clark-Fulton area is no different, they make it abundantly clear that no sexual acts are allowed to occur in any passageway. Before SGS left this alleyway sexlessly dejected we snapped a pic of this perfectly saran wrapped virtuosity.

This is a picture of the Cleveland Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. The club is buried in the St. Clair-Superior Neighborhood.  For a couple of other Hells Angels pics we shot click here.

Haab’s Bakery was a Cleveland classic that stood on West 19th for over 104 years. Haab’s Bakery closed in 2000.  SGS still misses Haab’s homemade bread that was used to cradle the bratwurst at Frank’s at the West Side Market.

The Loop Lounge was one of the premier Jazz clubs in the country during the 1950’s.  This Call and Post ad promoting a Chet Baker appearance was published in January 1955.  A portion of this jazz relic still stands today on Prospect Ave.  The building is still a watering hole minus the Jazz called Nick’s Sports Corner. For more Loop Lounge advertisements click here.  

This is a scan from the Cleveland Weekly on June 17, 1933.  This photo of Jesse Owens was prescient as it announced the “wonder boy” while he was still in high school at East Tech.  For more SGS scans of Jesse Owens check out this link.