Lakewood's Theater Hero, Weldon Carpenter!
Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 7:29 am
The Playhouse Square area was envisioned many years ago by several people as being the primary jewel in Cleveland's comeback. Though many could not see it at the time, there were early visionaries, without whom, this wonderful event last night would not have happened.
One of those visionaries, and arguably, the one who started it all, was Lakewood's own Weldon Carpenter.
When Cleveland Schools Superintendent, the late Ray Shephardson, saw Weldon Carpenter on "The Mike Douglas Show" talking about the Ohio theater, he contacted Weldon and persuaded him to come to Cleveland. For awhile, Weldon actually lived among the ruins of the Playhouse Square theaters, helping Shephardson to sell memberships to the Playhouse Square Association, and helping to get the whole theater restoration ball rolling again.
As the theaters began to open, Carpenter was there, bringing his connections as a former "Chef to the Stars" to assist any way he could to raise awareness for what is now the centerpiece magnet and nationwide symbol of urban success.
Longtime Lakewoodite, our own Weldon Carpenter is perhaps the last living direct connection to saving Playhouse Square, and in truth and by extension, saving Downtown Cleveland, as well.
Weldon told me last night that the interviews have started. He has to be feeling pretty good right about now.
Congratulations Weldon. You made a HUGE difference for all of us!
One of those visionaries, and arguably, the one who started it all, was Lakewood's own Weldon Carpenter.
When Cleveland Schools Superintendent, the late Ray Shephardson, saw Weldon Carpenter on "The Mike Douglas Show" talking about the Ohio theater, he contacted Weldon and persuaded him to come to Cleveland. For awhile, Weldon actually lived among the ruins of the Playhouse Square theaters, helping Shephardson to sell memberships to the Playhouse Square Association, and helping to get the whole theater restoration ball rolling again.
As the theaters began to open, Carpenter was there, bringing his connections as a former "Chef to the Stars" to assist any way he could to raise awareness for what is now the centerpiece magnet and nationwide symbol of urban success.
Longtime Lakewoodite, our own Weldon Carpenter is perhaps the last living direct connection to saving Playhouse Square, and in truth and by extension, saving Downtown Cleveland, as well.
Weldon told me last night that the interviews have started. He has to be feeling pretty good right about now.
Congratulations Weldon. You made a HUGE difference for all of us!