The Great Lakes Exposition was held in Cleveland during the summers of 1936 and 1937, drawing seven million visitors over its two-year run. The exposition was intended to observe the city's centennial anniversary and to celebrate the Great Lakes Region. It was also hoped that it would help lift the city's economy out of the Great Depression. The exposition boasted a staggering array of ever-changing national-level attractions and feature events. In a single day, exposition visitors could experience the latest technological innovations; see a world-class aquatics show; watch a Shakespearean play; ride in a blimp; and hear the music, taste the food, view the architecture, and experience the culture of 40 of the world's countries.

Meet Me on Lake Erie, Dearie! explains why- Motorists in 1936 had problems making left-hand turns in Cleveland- A victim of the Kingsbury Run Torso Murderer was seen at the Exposition- The annual invasion of Lake Erie midges sank a midway concession- Herman Pirchner defied the Exposition's ban on nudity- The world's ugliest lamp was in Cleveland- Cleveland was the center of a national divorce scandal- Toto Leverne jumped in the lake