CFHS 2023 Photography Final Exam Field Trip
Cleveland's Charm Shines Through The Cleveland Flats, West Side Market, and Public Square
IN the heart of Cleveland on a chilly December morning, Alex and his photography class bundled up in layers with there cameras in their hands to photograph the Cleveland Flats. The once industrial area now stood silent, its steel structures looming against a gray sky. The Cleveland Flats was once an industrial powerhouse, fueling the city's growth. In the late 19th century, the Flats became a major shipping and manufacturing hub, and the infamous "Burning River" incident in 1969 sparked environmental awareness. Alex captured the remnants of an era gone by, with rusted out metal and abandoned buildings telling the tales of a city's industrial past. Him and his class, eventually made there way westward to the iconic West Side Market. Since 1840, this iconic market has been an outstanding foot market, hosting over 100 diverse vendors, and also being one of the oldest public markets in the country. Alex saw vendors showcasing colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, and a variety of goods. Shoppers were wrapped up in scarves and coats, bundling up to explore the market's stalls. Alex and his class took snapshots of the people walking throughout the market. There last stop was in the middle of Cleveland, the Public Square. The first thing Alex had noticed when he got off the bus was the big monument in the middle of the public square. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in the square honors Civil War veterans and stands as a symbol of Cleveland's resilience. As he looked around more, he saw places filled with holiday lights, and the mall packed with people and fun activities. Families would soon skate on the ice rink, but Patrick said, "Its not cold enough yet for the water to freeze over". This cold windy December morning in Cleveland, was bad due to the weather but the students made the most out of it were still able to enjoy capturing great photos from The Industrial Flats, The West Side Market, and finally The Public Square.