A friend had asked me to get him a ceramic plate--the type people collect--bearing the coat of arms of the State of Ohio or of the city of Cleveland (though I don't think the city has a coat or arms). Does anyone know where, ideally in Cleveland, where I could find this item? There used to be a store in the old Arcade that had stuff like this, though I don't remember actually seeing it, nor know if its even still there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

You're probably thinking of the Cleveland Store, which moved to Tower City.  That would be a good bet.  You might also check out various museum gift shops, like the one in the Rock Hall, or the Western Reserve Historical Society.  Big Fun has some stuff like that (I got a Cleveland mug from Big Fun Cleveland in Edgewater.)

Yes, Cleveland Store... I made a short radio ad for them....  Great place. Tower City.

I recommend giving them a call first, they may have something but if they don't they'll probably know someone who does - 216.241.2011. Website is http://www.theonlyclevelandstore.com/

 

I have one of these plates (and have no plans to sell it); it's pretty cool - shows a few of the landmarks of the city:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Cleveland-Ohio-Souvenir-Plate-Public-Square-/380257964756?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0#ht_666wt_913

All--thanks very much for your guidance. As I was looking for this thing, I came to realize that there is no 'City of Cleveland Store' that sells official T-shirts, pens, and the like. Even the city of Cle Hts has such a thing. Or do I just not know how to find it? Such a store would help inspire some local pride...

"the only cleveland store" which moved from the arcade to tower city, has a lot of great stuff like this.