At a 90th-anniversary celebration in Cleveland, Texas, residents and longtime community members shared memories of the city’s founding, local traditions and hopes for its future.

The gathering featured personal recollections about Cleveland’s early economy, a recounting of the town’s naming and history, and remembrances of local institutions such as the public library and Old City Park. Speakers emphasized community ties as the city grows and noted both loss of some facilities and enduring traditions.

“We have a lot of good people here in Cleveland. That's what I'm most proud of,” said Resident 1, reflecting on the city’s social ties and describing Cleveland as “home.” Several other speakers echoed that sentiment, saying the community’s small-town feel and neighbors’ care were reasons they remain in the city despite change.

Resident 4 recounted the town’s founding history in detail: “Charles Landers Cleveland, he got grants because he had actually worked with Sam Houston during the secession. He was a lawyer, and, so he was given several grants. He had over 50,000 acres throughout the state of Texas. He was granted 63.5 acres of land, and he decided that he was going deed it to the railroad people to put their tracks through for a crossroad. And, he wanted the station to be named after him.” The speaker added that the town’s name was required by that stipulation: “So it was named after him with the stipulation that any town that came up would be called Cleveland, and that's how we were founded.”

Several speakers recalled local traditions and landmarks. One longtime resident said she grew up participating in Dairy Day and entered baked goods in contests, while noting she did not raise cattle herself. Others said the library and the former swimming pool at Old City Park held particular personal meaning. Resident 7 said the Old City Park “would always be packed with young people” and that the pool was a central part of childhood summers, though the pool is no longer there.

Speakers also spoke to change and growth: “While the face of Cleveland is differently changing, because we do have new development and and things that that haven't happened in the past, Cleveland has very much been able to retain its its its foundation,” said Resident 3, who noted that despite growth the town has retained a small-community character.

Several people offered brief personal aspirations for Cleveland’s future, voicing hopes that residents would continue to “work together” and that the city would provide fair opportunities for all. Multiple speakers closed with celebratory remarks: “Happy ninetieth birthday, Cleveland,” and expressions of pride and optimism about the next decade.

The event consisted of a series of personal remarks and recollections; no formal actions or votes were recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.