CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Part exhibition space, armed camp/fortification, museum and social club, Grays Armory turns 120 years old on June 8, and celebrates by throwing open its massive wooden doors and welcoming the public for free

tours.

It all starts at noon. A ceremonial program begins at 1 p.m. and tours continue until 4 p.m. at the armory, 1234 Bolivar Road, Cleveland.

The masses won't get to use the working rifle and pistol range in the basement. But they will get a good look at some of the Grays' weaponry and other military artifacts representing the history and heritage of the 176-year-old organization.

The Grays themselves are much older than the armory that bears their name. The unit was founded here in 1837 as a private local militia that helped maintain law and order, and responded to aid requests from local, state and federal officials. The Grays boast of being the first militia unit west of the Alleghenies to answer Lincoln's call to arms against Southern treason.

The Grays also fought in the Spanish-American War, rode with Gen. John J. Pershing in the punitive expedition against Pancho Villa in 1916, and served in France and Belgium in World War I.

Reforms set in motion in 1903 spelled the end of the Grays as an independent military unit. Militias were given the choice of becoming National Guard units or severing ties to the government and existing as private organizations. The Grays chose the latter route. Individual members of the Grays, however, have continued to serve in all branches of military service.

The organization views its modern mission as preserving the imposing armory, serving as custodians of Northeast Ohio's military history, and supporting people serving in the military today, said William Roediger, president of the Grays.

The elaborate fortress-like armories of many militias that became National Guard units around the country are gone or in private hands.

One of those was known simply as the Cleveland Armory. It resembled that of the Grays, sat across the street from Cleveland City Hall and came down around 50 years ago to make way for the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building.

The style is variously known as Romanesque Revival or Richardsonian Romanesque after architect H.H. Richardson, who designed many similar 19th-century buildings.

Fenimore C. Bate, a local architect, is credited with designing Grays Armory, which went up on Bolivar Road in 1893, replacing an earlier one that burned down.

Some historians argue that the fortress-like appearance of the 19th-century urban armories was no affectation because they were intended as staging areas from which civil disturbances and labor strife could be suppressed.

The current armory pre-dates many of the theaters and exhibition spaces in Cleveland.

Thus, the Cleveland Orchestra had its first concert in the armory, the area's first auto show was there as well, and John Phillip Sousa once conducted there, said Mary Beth Rauzi, adjutant of the Grays.

There are currently 125 active members, and they continue to serve as color guards and honor guards in local parades. The armory itself, with a seating capacity of 2,200 in the gymnasium like-drill space, is also available for rent.

A ballroom and various parlor-like spaces also are available.

The rifle range in the basement remains in regular use by various groups, said Roediger.

Many weapons of the former militia unit remain on display.

When Vice President Dick Cheney came here in 2004 for the vice presidential debate at Case Western Reserve University, the armory was the site of a reception for him.

Roediger recalls a woman from the Secret Service inspecting the place in advance of Cheney's appearance.

"Sir, this place is full of guns," the alarmed agent told Roediger.

"Lady, what part of 'armory' don't you understand?" he retorted.

Examples of military sidearms from the late 19th and early 20th centuries adorn walls.

Some are too big for the wall, including a water-cooled Maxim machine gun from World War 1, an M-1A 75 mm pack howitzer of World War II vintage and a muzzle-loading Confederate field piece that the Grays captured in West Virginia during the Civil War.

Roediger said the Confederate trophy had been on display for a long time on Public Square, until it was stolen in the 1970s. A new homeowner found it pointing at his head when he opened his garage door in East Cleveland, Roediger said.

From the look of the muzzle the homeowner thought it was some sort of water cannon, so it went to the city water works until it was finally reunited with the Grays in the 1980s.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jewinger@plaind.com, 216-999-3905