Ed Thellman

Ed Thellman dedicated his career as a custodian at Longfellow Elementary School from 1988 to 2010. Beyond maintaining the school’s physical environment, Ed was deeply committed to preserving its rich history. When the Cleveland Municipal School District closed the building in 2011, he took it upon himself to rescue cherished artifacts, including an abandoned classroom desk, scrapbooks, and a door lockset.

In July 2023, Ed returned many of these significant items to the Longfellow site, which was undergoing conversion into senior housing. The reintroduction of these historic artifacts connects the site’s past to its present and future, allowing the building’s story to continue.

Additionally, Ed played a vital role in sharing Longfellow's legacy by donating a collection of photographs to the Cleveland Public Library, making them accessible to the public.

Every historic building benefits from the efforts of dedicated individuals like Ed Thellman, who help preserve and celebrate their stories. We are proud to recognize and honor his contributions.