By the end of World War I, the neighborhood of Glenville became a home for an increasing number of Jewish European immigrants, and by the Great Depression was the epicenter of Cleveland's Jewish community.
Glenville High School was originally located at the intersection of Everton and Parkwood. In 1936, Glenville graduate Wilson Hirschfeld began work delivering papers within the offices of the Plain Dealer. Hirschfeld had been the editor of the Glenville student paper, The Torch and would work to become the Plain Dealer's managing editor.
Howard Metzenbaum ('35) was raised a businessman who lost his business in the Depression and a mother who earned $13 a week in a department store. He made his fortune through a parking lot franchise and spent many years as an Ohio Senator.
Willie Gilbert ('34) became a comedy writer, co-authoring the book for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and writing for Howdy Doody as well as a variety of Hanna Barbera cartoons.
Jerome Lawrence (born Jerome Schwartz, class of 1933) co-wrote the play Inherit the Wind and The Night Thoreau Spent In Jail among many others.
Barney Silver (born Bernard Schrader, class of 32) founded the sketch comedy troupe The Times, pioneering improvisational club improv.
As has already been noted, Superman creators Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel graduated from Glenville High in 1932.
Thanks for sharing an amazing story.
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