Columnist Reminisces About Cleveland Heights' Past

Bert Stratton reflects on the people, places, and memories that defined his community growing up.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In a nostalgic column, frequent Plain Dealer contributor Bert Stratton takes readers on a trip down memory lane, recounting his childhood experiences and the changing landscape of Cleveland Heights. From the Roxy Burlesque to the Jewish Community Center, Stratton's vivid recollections paint a picture of the community's vibrant past.

Why it matters

Stratton's reflections provide a glimpse into the rich history and evolution of Cleveland Heights, a community that has undergone significant changes over the decades. His personal anecdotes and references to local landmarks, businesses, and cultural touchstones offer a unique perspective on the community's identity and the experiences that shaped it.

The details

Stratton's column covers a wide range of memories, from attending Indians games with his mother to the crepe dreidels his family hung during Hanukkah. He also reminisces about local businesses like Burger Chef, the Roxy Burlesque, and Frank's Hebrew Bookstore, as well as community institutions like the Boy Scouts and the Jewish Community Center. The column also includes references to popular culture, sports, and academic achievements of his peers.

  • In the 1950s, Stratton's father coached Little League teams in South Euclid, including teams named Havana, San Antonio, Rochester, Syracuse, and Phoenix.
  • In the 1960s, Stratton attended Charles F. Brush High School, where his classmate Harvey Greenberg achieved a near-perfect score on the SAT.
  • In the 1970s, Stratton's friend Chap Erickson played trumpet in a soul band at the No Name Bar in Cedar Center, South Euclid.

The players

Bert Stratton

A frequent contributor to The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com, Stratton lives in Cleveland Heights and writes the blog 'Klezmer Guy: Real Music & Real Estate'.

Eugene Burdick

Co-author of the novel 'Fail-Safe'.

Harvey Wheeler

Co-author of the novel 'Fail-Safe'.

Ted Williams

A legendary baseball player who played for the Boston Red Sox.

Sandy Koufax

A Hall of Fame baseball pitcher who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Irwin Weinberger

Stratton's musician friend who was 'All But Eagle' in the Boy Scouts.

Philip Setzer

A violinist who was a year younger than Stratton and went on to become part of the renowned Emerson String Quartet.

Rich Greenberg

A tennis player from Cleveland Heights High School who competed in a national 16-and-under tournament.

Bobby McKinley

The opponent Rich Greenberg played in the national 16-and-under tennis tournament.

Chuck McKinley

Bobby McKinley's older brother, who was a Davis Cup player.

Harvey Greenberg

A classmate of Stratton's at Charles F. Brush High School who achieved a near-perfect score on the SAT.

Chap Erickson

A friend of Stratton's who played trumpet in a soul band at the No Name Bar in Cedar Center, South Euclid.

Bruno Bornino

A columnist who wrote about music and cars for the Cleveland Press.

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What they’re saying

“When I drive along Mayfield Road these days, I frequently see things that don't exist anymore. This can be hazardous, but I haven't smashed into anything yet.”

— Bert Stratton, Columnist (cleveland.com)

The takeaway

Stratton's nostalgic recollections offer a poignant reminder of the rich history and evolving identity of Cleveland Heights, a community that has witnessed significant changes over the decades. His personal anecdotes and references to local landmarks, businesses, and cultural touchstones provide a unique perspective on the experiences that have shaped the community and its residents.