Here’s a review of this week’s questions:
- What 1970’s children’s cartoon based its “Hall of Justice” on the façade of Cincinnati’s Union Terminal?
- What museum is housed in Essex Studios, the former building of the Herschede Clock factory?
- What is the name of the second-tallest building in Cincinnati, an Art Deco structure built in 1930?
And here are the answers:
- Super Friends. “Super Friends” was an immensely popular Saturday morning children’s cartoon show that ran on ABC from 1975-1983. While locals had suspected the “Hall of Justice” connection for decades, it was confirmed in 2009 that Hanna-Barbera background supervisor Al Gmuer had been inspired by Union Terminal when he worked on what would become the Justice League’s HQ. The Terminal itself, of course, has its own illustrious history, perhaps more interesting to grown-ups. It is considered one of the last great train stations built in the US and is one of the most widely regarded examples of the art deco style.
- Lucky Cat Museum. Most everyone recognizes Maneki Neko (Japan’s “Lucky Cat”). Asian restaurants often have the happy waving cat greeting customers. The Cincinnati Lucky Cat Museum has over 700 of these fortunate felines on display. Some are waving, some are not. Some are lefties, some righties, and some use both paws to invite luck. The museum is available for visits by appointment only, and the path through Essex Studio to get there is half the fun!
- Carew Tower. Carew Tower is a 49-story, 574-foot tall Art Decobuilding that overlooks the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. The tower is named after Canadian transplant Joseph T. Carew, proprietor of the Mabley & Carew department store chain, which had previously operated in a building on the site. It is a leading example of art deco style, and the original intention of its designers was to replicate the beauty of New York’s Waldorf Astoria building. Carew Tower is currently home to the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. The hotel is listed on the register of National Historic Landmarks.