| Abstract: |
The Van Sweringen Company (f. 1905) was a joint venture in Cleveland, Ohio, of brothers M. J. and O. P. Van Sweringen. The
company's focus was primarily land development, as well as investments in the railroad industry. The company developed land
that had been part of the North Union Shaker Community in the nineteenth century, creating Shaker Village, which eventually
became Shaker Heights, Ohio. The Van Sweringens were the driving force in the construction of Cleveland's Terminal Tower building
and Union Station. They developed the rapid transit line that connects much of the greater Cleveland area to downtown for
ease of access for Shaker Village residents to travel from their homes to downtown. Shaker Heights was one of the very few
planned suburbs of its time. There were strict building and construction guidelines, and the land was not developed on a grid,
but with winding roads and other sophisticated flourishes that made it an appealing place of residence, especially those who
owned automobiles. The Van Sweringens started by developing transportation lines throughout Shaker and what is now Cleveland
Heights before extending their reach to downtown. They bought 51% interest in a 523 mile stretch of railroad track from the
New York Central Railroad in 1915. From this point on, they extended their reach in the railroad industry and continued to
invest in other companies, eventually controlling 30,000 miles of track. After they had successfully taken control of rights
to build track through downtown Cleveland, they then began construction on Union Station and Terminal Tower. The Tower was
originally intended as a new space for offices and businesses. Before the Depression, the value of the brothers' holdings
was estimated to be $3 billion. After the Depression, the value plummeted drastically. M. J. died in 1934, and O. P. never
quite recovered from the loss. He died just two years later. The collection consists of a drawing, a scrapbook, and photographic
prints of varying sizes. All together, the collection consists of approximately 268 photographs.
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