Northeast Ohio
A Learning Adventure
In the early 20th century, Cleveland was the fifth-largest city in the United States, a powerhouse of manufacturing and finance, with John D. Rockefeller founding Standard Oil here.
This Day In History
On this day in 1922, construction was booming on the Terminal Tower, a project that would briefly make Cleveland home to the second-tallest building in the world.
Historic Figure: John D. Rockefeller (1839–1937)
An industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Standard Oil Company in Cleveland in 1870. He became the world's richest man and a major philanthropist.
Workplace: Standard Oil Co. Headquarters, Cleveland
Residence: Millionaires' Row, Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
At its peak in the 1890s, Standard Oil controlled about 90% of all oil refineries in the U.S., making it one of the first and largest multinational corporations.
Key Stat: By 1882, the Standard Oil Trust had assets of $70 million (over $2 billion in today's money).
Wages & Housing
| Time Period | Avg. House Price | Avg. Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| c. 1925 | $6,000 | $1,400 |
| c. 1975 | $35,000 | $9,000 |
| c. 2000 | $120,000 | $35,000 |
| Today | $210,000 | $60,000 |
Commodities
| Commodity | 100y ago | 50y ago | 25y ago | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold per oz | $20.67 | $161 | $288 | $2,350 |
| Silver per oz | $0.65 | $4.30 | $5.20 | $30.50 |
| Steel per ton | $43 | $200 | $350 | $780 |
| Temperature | 72°F |
| Humidity | 65% |
| Wind Speed | 8 mph |
Forecast
Clear skies expected tonight, with a low of 60°F.