The Plain Dealer reports how Cleveland was once the Silicon Valley of the nation.
At the turn of the 20th century, our nation was in the midst of the industrial revolution. Cleveland was the crux of our country’s innovation, with the largest concentration of inventors and millionaires to fund new ventures than any other city. Western Reserve Historical Society in University Circle is capturing this history in a new exhibit focused on the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Robert Smith of the Plain Dealer wrote a front-page article about Cleveland’s historic peak of innovation and drew parallels between then and now.
On November 3, the historical society will induct another class into its 100 Year Club, companies and organizations that have reached their centennial. This year, the focus will shift from recognizing longevity to honoring the entrepreneurial spirit.
The club is inducting companies like Akron’s Knapp Foundry, which is still run by members of the founding Knapp family. Speakers include modern-day entrepreneurs like Charles Stack, who founded the downtown Cleveland startup accelerator, Flashstarts.
