Waterloo art district

The coastline of Lake Erie is called Collinswood (formerly known as Collamer), which was once famous for its lush vineyards. This fertile land is very suitable for growing grapes. 1870 became the largest grape transportation point in North America. But agriculture was not the only industry in Collins Wood: by 1890, it was the main transit point for the lakeshore and South Michigan (later central New York, now CSX) railways.

The tide of European immigrants, especially those from Ireland, Italy and Slovenia, promoted the expansion of Collins Wood in the early 20th century. Nearby enterprises such as Fisher Body, Lincoln Electric, Eaton Axle and General Electric provide a lot of employment opportunities. The interior of Waterloo Road Seaside Ballroom (formerly the Croatian Freedom Hall) pays tribute to the national tradition of the community. Along the street, the Slovenian Workers' Home shows a period when migrant workers entered and exited nearby factories and railway stations. After World War II, as more and more African-Americans moved to Collins Wood,

Tensions are beginning to show. 1946 (excluding blacks at that time) The riot in Euclid Beach Park was one of the early red flags. Numerous factory closures, persistent tension between students and predatory tactics of local real estate agents further undermined the stability of Collins Wood, and a large number of white homeowners left the area.

But new faces are coming. In the 1990s, under the temptation of affordable rent, young people began to flood in. The artist found cheap galleries and studios. Others are attracted by the growing underground music circle in this area. With the passage of time, Collins Wood's identity began to evolve from industry and railway to art, culture and catering. The epicenter was at the intersection of Waterloo Road and East156th Street. Collins wood's

Art projects can actually be traced back to the 1960s, when funds were provided to help children and adults deal with ethnic conflicts in their communities. But since then, Collins Wood has further consolidated his artistic reputation: Waterloo Art Company was founded in 2002 with funds from Cleveland Foundation. Waterloo Art Festival-an annual feast of food, art, music and other street entertainment will be launched soon. In 2004, Waterloo Art Building opened, and now it is the location of artists' studios and galleries. Cafe with live music and open microphone night; And auxiliary facilities for educational programs and performances.

Music, galleries and public art, street performances and plays on Waterloo Road are Collins Wood's new business cards. Slovenian workers' home often holds swing dances, and almost every night, a national performance is held in the Beachland Ballroom, with the name "Salute to Euclid Beach". There are also record shops, antique clothing stores, handicraft shops, bars, cafes and recording studios nearby. No wonder Collingwood was rated as one of the most secret neighborhoods in the United States by Travel+Leisure, and it is no wonder that the Wall Street Journal mentioned this neighborhood in a report on fighting blight with art.