Coming Home to Youngstown

[AllanY2525]

Jay,

I think that's a great idea.  I myself am coming to visit
family and friends in the Youngstown area next week and
I am planning to meet up with Kitten44504.

I also plan to take several driving excursions around
the city - so much has changed since I left Youngstown
in February of 1988.  The photos I have found on the
web lately have got me interested in seeing all of the
new construction going on.

I plan on taking lots of pictures of those old historic
homes as well.  

[kitten44505]

How is this for an idea. When the new Court House is built and opened, the week of thew opening could be celebrated as Old Home Week. The new wing of Powers should be opened by then and the West End will be very much improved, a good reason for a party.

On day 1, the dedecation of the Court of Appeals building, followed by a welcoming cerimony at Powers, followed by a parade down Federal Street.

Day 2, A program at Powers performed by the city's high schools commerating historic events.

Day 3, A program at Stambaugh Auditorium with YSU putting on a show.

Day 4, A show at Powers featuring Easy Street Productions.

Day 5, A show at Stambaugh produced by the Youngstown Playhouse.

Day 6, A City Fest type event downtown. At this event reproductions of the Evening News for the day that the Pioneer Reunion was published and The Youngstown Vindicator for the issue that featured Old Home Week could be sold and the money going to Stambaugh Auditorium.

Day 7, A grand parade featuring people dressed in period costumes down Federal Street. That evening a show at Powers featuring the Symphony and Chorus in a grand concert followed by fireworks.

The Youngstown Club could also have a special event honoring pioneer families from Youngstown.

[kitten44505]

I located the earlier referenced article about the Pioneer Reunion and it was in September of 1878. The main event was held at the Grand Opera House.

A 2005 version could be held at Powers Auditorium following a grand parade down the newly opened Federal Street.

[kitten44505]

What a great idea. I have a copy of the Vindicator story on Old Home Week 1909 and it took up many pages -- June 7, 1909 and more in the June 11, 1909 edition. The June 7th account gave the whold program for the event.

Why would it necessairly have to be tied in with YSU?

It could be tied in with the Mahoning Valley Historical Society who would be in a position to know who and where some of the older families are and contact them.

I also have an article from The Evening News of such an event that was held earlier than 1909, and out of that reunion came a set of papers that historaians draw heavily from about the city's earliest history.

[jay]

With more and more former Youngstowners joining these message boards, perhaps it is time to think about organizing a yearly reunion of everyone who cares about the city.  For example, this event could be added to the Youngstown State University Homecoming weekend with additional activities focused on the history of Youngstown, its architecture, and current cultural activities.

I believe I once saw a photograph taken years ago at an Old Home Week in Youngstown.  Perhaps it is time to revive this tradition.

Comments anyone?