Shaker Heights

Images of America: Ohio

by Bruce T. Marshall

Shaker Heights achieved international renown in the early 20th century as an enclave for wealthy residents--a city of stunning homes, substantial green space, an excellent school system, and attentive municipal services. Cleveland entrepreneurs O. P. and M. J. Van Sweringen established Shaker Heights as a haven from the stresses of city life and claimed a connection with previous residents of this land, the North Union settlement of Shakers. Shaker communities sought to create paradise on earth by living communally and focusing on the life of the spirit. Buyers in Shaker Heights were assured that their paradise would last forever because of restrictions on what could be built and who could live there. Nevertheless, Shaker Heights has changed from a protected environment for the wealthy to a stable, integrated city that intentionally promotes diversity in its population. This is a remarkable story of dramatic change but also continuity as residents pursue the goal of creating an ideal community.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2006

Reviews

[noa expósito]

wow that was very interesting! i read this book for my EE but i’ve discovered and learned a lot tbh. also, i haven’t read a proper book in months and i finished this in like 2 days! it had a lot of pictures, that’s true, but at least it’s something. now that i’m thinking about it, it’s super fascinating, the history of the city and everything, like it all makes sense now. i’m glad i read this and i would like to continue reading about the city!