On January 7, 2026, the marriage of entertainers George Burns and Gracie Allen will celebrate its centennial, marking a significant moment in Cleveland’s history. While their nuptials have become legendary, the details surrounding the ceremony challenge some popular beliefs. Contrary to the myth that they were wed in the Palace Theatre, the actual location of their marriage reveals a more grounded story.
To uncover the true narrative, one must refer to application No. 208442 for a marriage license, issued on January 7, 1926, and preserved in the Cuyahoga County Archives. The license was issued to Nathan Birnbaum, the birth name of Burns, and Grace C. Allen. According to deputy clerk H. W. Beckman, the marriage was to be officiated by M. J. Penty, a justice of the peace in Warrensville Township. However, the completed return indicates that the couple was actually married by J. E. Chizek, another justice of the peace.
Burns provided an account of their wedding in 1980, reminiscing about their journey from meeting in 1923 to becoming a comedic duo on the vaudeville circuit. By 1926, they were fine-tuning a new act called “Lamb Chops” while traveling through Ohio. During a brief stop in Cleveland, they decided to marry, arriving at the Statler Hotel on Euclid Avenue at 5:00 a.m. To avoid an additional day’s charge, they waited in the hotel’s lobby until check-in time.
Once settled, the couple made their way to the Cuyahoga County Courthouse on Lakeside Avenue to obtain their marriage license. The next step, according to Burns, was a bit uncertain. Both Penty and Chizek operated their offices across the street from the courthouse, yet neither was available that Thursday. Burns recalled an 85-cent cab ride to Chizek’s modest office, which also served as his residence on Bridgeview Avenue in Newburgh Heights.
As they arrived, Chizek and a friend were preparing to go fishing. When Burns approached with the request to marry, Chizek initially suggested they return the following day. However, with a tight schedule, Burns responded, “The fish can wait, but we can’t.” This plea prompted Chizek to relent, inviting them inside and calling his wife to serve as a witness. The marriage ceremony took place with Chizek holding a book in one hand and a fishing pole in the other.
After the ceremony, Burns gifted Chizek $10 and presented Allen with a $20 wedding ring, which she wore until her passing. On their way back downtown, Allen humorously remarked that for a moment, she thought they were obtaining a fishing license instead of a marriage certificate. Their celebration concluded with dinner at the Statler with Burns’ brother and his family, who had traveled from Akron to join in their joy.
Interestingly, the couple was not performing at the Palace Theatre that weekend, despite later success at the venue. Ten weeks after their wedding, they returned to play at the Cleveland Palace, which may have contributed to the enduring legend of their marriage occurring there.
As John Vacha, a Cleveland historian and writer, reflects on this iconic moment, one can appreciate the blend of history and myth that surrounds Burns and Allen’s union. Their legacy as one of the most beloved comedic duos in history is marked not only by their talent but also by the charming story of their wedding day. Happy anniversary, Gracie and George!
