Behind Butler project is a story of friendship

Behind Butler projectis a story of friendship
EDITOR:
It sure is a great story that the Butler Institute of American Art will finally have a public caf & eacute; and other beautiful amenities with the opening of the new Andrews Pavilion in early August. Behind this great news is a beautiful story of a devoted friendship and individual integrity.
It was the late D.D. Davis who oversaw the early phase of the new addition's construction. As he did so often in our community, Davis volunteered his time and energy toward making this long-time Butler Institute dream a reality.
To ensure the project's success, Davis asked his long-time friend and company supervisor, Jim Steiner, to come out of retirement to provide his expertise to the Butler building project. Despite enjoying his retirement from Davis Construction Co., Steiner could not turn down a man whom he had come to love and admire as a second father. He agreed to take on the very complex Butler project without compensation as a favor to Davis.
The sudden death of Davis last fall was a terrible blow to the Butler and, of course, our entire community. It was particularly difficult for Steiner, since his association and special friendship with Davis extended back to the 1950s. At the hospital, before his death, Davis reiterated to Steiner the importance of the Butler project. He responded, "I won't let you down, D.D."
Jim Steiner did not disappoint his dearest friend. Despite a severe winter, further complicated by a debilitating illness, Steiner has appeared on the construction site every single day to see the project through to completion. When asked to take some payment for his long and hard work he responded, "Nope, it's for D.D."
LOUIS A. ZONA
Butler Institute of American Art
Youngstown
Meshel is right, de Souzais wrong about the Valley
EDITOR:
I would like to echo Harry Meshel's message to the editor.
Youngstown was at one time the hub of the Mahoning Valley. We had 15 or more theaters in the downtown area alone. We had places to eat all over the place.
True, the mills left, but what have we done since then? If we get rid of certain elected officials, we might have a chance.
I think if ever de Souza had anything to say good about this Valley it would be a miracle. He wants to build a children's museum. What does he want the people to do? Go watch the kids play ring-around-the-rosy? I think de Souza should get out of town and take the rest of the, as Mr. T would say, "fools" with him.
I think Harry Meshel is the best thing we have in this town. He did a lot for this town and continues to do so.
FRANK VERGALLITO
Youngstown
Let East High name livefor the sake of inductees
EDITOR:
I read in the newspaper that some want the new East High School name changed to honor someone.
The name East High goes back to 1926. East has been one that rated high in sports. The East High Hall of Fame is the best of any school, and it is still active, has been for 15 years. We draw over 800 people to our banquets. We already have members to be inducted at our banquet the last Sunday in April 2004.
So please do not change the name. We were promised a room in the new school to honor all of the inductees, the past ones and all future inductees.
Please let us keep East High School in our hearts forever.
MAROON GABRIEL
Youngstown