The Origins of "Forest City"
Why are we called "The Forest City Coffee Company?"
Because we bring the best coffee and tea to the Cleveland area, we chose a name that evokes the best aspect of our region—and it's one of Cleveland's original nicknames.
It's easy to see why Cleveland has been known as "Forest City." From the tree-lined streets of Cleveland's distinct neighborhoods to the emerald ring of Cleveland's Metroparks, the natural beauty of northeast Ohio was discovered early in American history.
Credit for the nickname is generally given to William Case, secretary of the Cleveland Horticultural Society in the 1840s and mayor from 1850-51. Case encouraged the planting of shade and fruit trees to enhance the area's beauty. However, whether or not Case coined the phrase is still a matter of debate. An obituary of Timothy Smead, one of Cleveland's pioneer printers and newspaper publishers, claims that "while in an editorial capacity Mr. Smead gave to Cleveland the name of Forest City" (Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 4, 1890).
Many area businesses were quick to seize on the "Forest City" moniker. The Forest City Race Track, opened in 1850, is the earliest-known business use of the name. It was followed in 1851 by the Forest City Agricultural Warehouse, and other businesses including a bank, bath house, cricket club, and lyceum. A hotel using the name, the Forest City House, was incorporated in March 1851.
The Forest City name also featured prominently in the origins of baseball. The Forest City Baseball Club, or "The Forest Citys," was the name of several early amateur and professional baseball teams in Cleveland. The first was an amateur team sponsored by the Forest City Baseball Club, organized in 1865.
The Forest Citys played the first pro baseball game in Cleveland on June 2, 1869, which they lost 25-6 to the professional Cincinnati Red Stockings. The game was played in front of 2,000 spectators at Case Commons at Putnam Ave. (E. 38th St.) between Scovill and Central avenues.
Other prominent businesses and organizations who have used the Forest City name include:
- The Forest City Railway Company, which in 1904 was granted the right to maintain and operate a street railroad.
- The Forest City Machine and Forge Company, founded in 1919.
- A lumber business, The Forest City Material Company, was founded in 1921 by Charlie Ratner. Now known as Forest City Enterprises, it is one of the world's most prominent commercial real estate development companies.
- The Forest City Publishing Company, which was formed on in September 1932 to facilitate the Cleveland Plain Dealer's purchase of the Cleveland News.
- Cleveland's first interracial hospital, a 103-bed facility named Forest City Hospital, was established in 1939.
