I actually grew up next to the Cuyahoga in the '70s, and it’s mind-boggling how disgusting that river was. Used tires and rusted steel chemical barrels everywhere, and the surface covered with a sheen of oil or who knows what the fuck it was. The concept of a beautiful rivers edge was laughable back then, as the river was lined with various plants and factories with big drainage pipes jutting out over the water discharging … stuff. And this was about 30 miles from the part that actually caught fire (which was in Cleveland). I really don’t understand why that river wasn’t just on fire all the time.
My parents founded an organization that cleaned the river up (at least the part of it in our town) and turned it into a beautiful park and walking trail. I’m so proud of them for that, but sadly these victories are never permanent.
I actually grew up next to the Cuyahoga in the '70s, and it’s mind-boggling how disgusting that river was. Used tires and rusted steel chemical barrels everywhere, and the surface covered with a sheen of oil or who knows what the fuck it was. The concept of a beautiful rivers edge was laughable back then, as the river was lined with various plants and factories with big drainage pipes jutting out over the water discharging … stuff. And this was about 30 miles from the part that actually caught fire (which was in Cleveland). I really don’t understand why that river wasn’t just on fire all the time.
My parents founded an organization that cleaned the river up (at least the part of it in our town) and turned it into a beautiful park and walking trail. I’m so proud of them for that, but sadly these victories are never permanent.