Christmas in Cleveland

Generations of Clevelanders share cherished memories of the city at Christmastime. Many recall the incredible Sterling-Lindner Christmas trees, shopping for mom and dad at the Twigbee Shop and the mesmerizing Nela Park light displays. And no one can forget exciting downtown parades and enchanting visits with the beloved Mr. Jingeling. Yet few may know that E.L. Baldwin’s 1881 sale paved the way for today’s ＂Black Friday＂ frenzy or that, through the decades, a host of celebrities ranging from Bob Hope to boxer Joe Louis have helped make the holidays brighter for the city’s neediest families. Touching on all of this and more, author Alan Dutka evokes fond recollections of bygone holiday seasons.

Native Clevelander Alan Dutka has authored eight Cleveland history books. He is a popular speaker at historical societies, libraries, community centers and the Music Box Supper Club and has appeared on the Feagler & Friends, Applause and Seven Minutes with Russ Mitchell television programs, along with radio programs including Dee Perry’s Around Noon and Jacqueline Gerber’s morning program. He has been interviewed by PBS, the Lorain Morning Journal and France 24 Television.