The first decade of the 20th Century was filled with discovery and invention. Our country was enjoying a decade of relative peace and prosperity. During this period, Collinwood and Nottingham villages were also very prosperous. The railroad, as well as business and industry, were growing and the population of the villages was expanding. The hearty immigrants brought their religion, their work ethics and their family values and built their homes, churches and their gathering places. The Collinwood School Fire of March 4, 1908 nearly devastated the community but the strong-willed immigrants continued on, despite their loss and worked even harder to build a cohesive community able to withstand anything life threw at them. Collinwood petitioned the City of Cleveland to become a part of their growing metropolis and in February 1910, Collinwood officially and legislatively is added to the City of Cleveland, able to receive services from the City while retaining their unique character. (The same happens with Nottingham Village in 1912 – but, that’s another story!)  

October 4, 1905:  The Wright Flyer III piloted by Orville, last photographed flight of the year.

1905: Wilber and Orville Wright. Last flight of the year.

So, in 2010 we will begin our celebration of the decade of 1900 to 1909 and look forward to commemorating the next decade of 1910 to 1919. So much was happening in the community, the City of Cleveland and in the world that we at the Collinwood Nottingham Historical Society feel that we won’t soon run out of things to talk about.     
 
Join us on Friday, February 19, 2010 for our first ANNUAL MEETING and the kick off party for “PARTY LIKE ITS 1910.” 

Our first Annual Meeting will be held at the Lithuanian Hall at 877 East 185th Street, where we have met for the past year while organizing our Society. The meeting starts at 6:30 PM. Refreshments will be served. If you have any questions feel free to email the Society at CollNottHistory@aol.com or call (216) 486-1298.