East Cleveland leader. [volume] (East Cleveland, Ohio) 1942-1970, 1955-03-17

East Cleveland's inaugural cere-
mony clicked to the last item on
the agenda handed to Master Of
Ceremonies Walter H. Sutter, city
commissioner. 1t reflected the
skilled planning of Chief of Police
H. S. Weaver, Capt. Ed. Polk and
City Commissioner Richard S.
Horan.
Banners fluttered about the
temporary stand set up on the sta
tion plaza. Shaw High School band
and choir added lively music.
March gave its blessing with a
light sprinkle baptism" in a
spring shower for the opening few
minutes, then took refuge behind
the grey clouds.
Some 1900 citizens, many wear
ing the blue badge for special first
rider honors, thronged the area.
Cameras clicked everywhere.
City Manager Chas. A. Carran
paid tribute to all those who, dur.
ing the 40-odd years since Rapid
Transit was first discussed, have
had a part in the continuing eff
fort which now has reached the
first actual slip in its goal.
US. Senator Thomas Burke, who
when Mayor Of Cleveland, kept the
Rapid fires burning, and US. Sen
ator Thomas Burke, who helped
negotiate the needed RFC Loan,
prophisied continuing expansion Of
the rapid system in the immediate
years ahead.
introduced were local city Of
ficials and civic leaders, and visit
ing National, state and Cleveland
officials.
CTS officials, pleased with
Rapids first day, are checking to
learn how it is being received by
folks residing along the new feed
er bus lines. Inclement weather
later Tuesday probably had cut
down somewhat the number of
first try" riders.
1t will take a few rides before
passengers become accustomed to
the rapid routine, fare payments,
getting that transfer before board
ing the train, boarding quickly,
getting to the door before it makes
its few-second stops at stations.
Passengers can walk through the
train, but it is bit risky if the
train is in motion.
Already more signs are going up
at Windermere and other stations
to aid in directing passenger traf-
flc to and from trains and buses.
Station platforms are getting new
floor markings to speed loading.
At present all fares are being
paid at stations. Later this service
may be limited to rush hours only,
with motormen collecting fares on
trains during off-peak runs.
A few complaints came in about
the stairs. There is an escalator at
Windermere, another at the Ter
minal. Other stations have stair
ways. Older folks do not particu-
larly like them.
Chief motorman on the first train
was Howard G. Cumler, brother of
VIM. Cumler, East Cleveland's
YMCA secretary. Mr.. Cumler,
transportation superintendent,
came up through the ranks.
The exact running time of the
guest train was 1912 minutes.
No date is set for the opening
of the 45O-car parking lot north
of Windermere station. 1t can be
reached from Hayden ave. or
through the underpass off Doan
ave.
Later on 100 car parking lot
will be made at superior-Emiley
station.
No buses will now travel Doan
ave. since all will use CTS own
right of way roadways leading
into the terminals.
There's always something to add
one off note to any celebration.
For East Cleveland it was a black
and white dog. The dog cared not
whit for the city's ruling against
roaming at large. 1t persisted in
trotting out to the speakers stand.
Police finally put it in a phone
booth.
Cutting the ribbon to signal the
opening of the station door was
Mrs. Chas. Carran, wife of East
Cleveland's City Manager.
G.E.'s huge bulb-the biggest
in the world - flashed the go"
signal.
Favorable comment was heard
on all sides for the eye to beauty
everywhere in evidence through
out the sites and stations and roll
ing equipment. Slopes at the Win
dermere plaza are to be planted
shortly, adding another touch to
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