Photograph by Traci Hlafka
A little over two weeks ago, I shared some photographs of Chester Commons, the park at the northwest corner of Chester Avenue and East 12th Street that has been demolished and is in the process of being reborn, now as Perk Park. I noted, in the color slides, from the early 1970s, "the presence of color in the figures on the concrete walls." I continued that "I can't recall whether they were still in color at the time of demolition - what I do recall is that they felt quite gray - the vibrance in these images was definitely gone from them."
Cleveland Area History reader Traci Hlafka was kind enough to share this group of photographs she took of the park, a couple months prior to the demolition.
Photograph by Traci Hlafka
Peeling paint was visible everywhere, including on the fountain, which appears to either be drained or be out of commission completely.
Photograph by Traci Hlafka
The abstract figures, painted on the concrete - figures that were once brilliant colors - are now dull and muted.
Photograph by Traci Hlafka
The toll caused by lack of maintenance is obvious.
Photograph by Traci Hlafka
Erosion has changed the physical landscape. And the growth of trees has made the space very different from how it appeared in the early 1970s.
These photos help to provide a record of how the park changed over time, as well as what has been lost.
If you have photographs or other images that might provide for an interesting follow-up to a story, please email them to ClevelandAreaHistory@gmail.com.
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