It truly is wild seeing the lives that some of these structures have lived. In this case, we’re looking at the DeBoe House of East Cleveland.

Originally built as a private residence in 1904, it eventually became a home people could rent to stay in, either while on vacation or otherwise to get away and relax.

A postcard from the 1940s reads:
“The DeBoe House- Your home when away from home, Modern-clean, well furnished rooms some with private bath, free parking, Mildred DeBOE Potomac”

The house operated this way from 1930-1959 or so, and had a brief time between where it perhaps had become a private residence once again. In 1975, the home was sold to Center Inc. East Cleveland Pre-School and was used as a daycare until 2000, when it was transferred over to new owners at a price of $104,000.

The property was given up in 2018 to the city. It continues to sit vacant, and is now valued at $40,400.

The home was built in the Colonial Revival architectural style, which was popular during the 1890s, gaining more momentum through the early 20th century. The Colonial Revival style grew during these years due to help from Wallace Nutting’s atmospheric photographs of New England. Historical attractions such as Colonial Williamsburg helped broaden exposure further in the 1930s. After World War II, Colonial design elements were even being added to the then popular ranch-style house design.

It seems as though the home has been slowly falling apart for the last 18 years or so. Paint now peels from the walls, and windows have become musty and fogged. Trash is scattered throughout the hallways, and couches in the living room remain filled with dirt and dust, clutter all around them. This home is one of the greater examples of an incredible structure of our history simply being forgotten about. Imagine the life this must have lived through the early 1900s — the parties it has seen, the dinners and meetings held within its walls. Imagine what it was compared to what it has become.

OHIO’S FORGOTTEN HISTORY PARTS 1 & 2:

My 6th and 7th books, and first two in a series of books showcasing Ohio’s abandoned and forgotten history. The house shown in this blog post is one of the places featured in part 2. Orders for my abandoned Ohio books are currently open, and you can find more info about the books at either link below:

Part 1 – HERE

Part 2 – HERE

Both books can be ordered together as a bundle on either page