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Cleveland Memory Project
Through a generous partnership with the Cleveland Memory Project, a digital history collection at Cleveland State University showcasing both the Special Collections at Cleveland State University and collections housed at other Cleveland institutions, Rocky River Public Library & Cowan Pottery Museum is putting our photograph collection online. We have been digitizing and displaying images depicting the history of the library and the Cowan Pottery Museum.
The library’s history is one of innovation and community support. Formed in 1924 with a collection established in 1877 by the North Ridge Literary Society, the Rocky River Public Library building was completed in 1928. A timeline of the library’s history outlines the many renovations and updates from its beginning to the present.
The Cowan Pottery Museum is located within Rocky River Public Library. This museum, with holdings of 1200 items, preserves and displays the ceramic works of R. Guy Cowan and fellow artists who strove to produce both art pottery and commercial wares. The Cowan Pottery Studio (also known as the Cleveland Pottery and Tile Company), existed from 1913 to 1917 in Lakewood, Ohio, and from 1919 to 1931 in Rocky River, Ohio. They produced commercial items such as vases, bowls, bookends, candlesticks and lamps, all with unique colorful glazes. Cowan Pottery’s outstanding ceramic sculptures were widely acclaimed and won local and national awards. For further information, please contact the Cowan Pottery Museum Associates.
In addition to our photograph collection, you may find an image of Rocky River by searching Cleveland Memory’s other collections. Images may be downloaded for educational or personal use or reproductions may be ordered from the Digital Production Unit at the Cleveland State University Library.
Ohio Memory: An Online Scrapbook of Ohio History
The Ohio Historical Society, in cooperation with Ohio libraries, museums, historical societies and archives, has created a database bringing together primary materials depicting Ohio history into a huge scrapbook. Twelve photographs were contributed by the Rocky River Historical Society and Rocky River Public Library & Cowan Pottery Museum. These images date from the early 19th century and include photographs of Rocky River residents Reuben and Mary Wood and a catalog of books from the North Ridge Literary Society. You may request copies of these images through Ohio Memory ’ s website or search for images of Rocky River in Ohio Memory ’ s other collections. |
