By LINDA M. LINONIS

By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Bricks and concrete may be the foundation of Stambaugh Auditorium at 1000 Fifth Ave., but the Stambaugh Pillars provides strong support of another kind. The organization offers financial assistance and a determined spirit.
The building, a legacy of industrialist and philanthropist Henry H. Stambaugh for the people of the Mahoning Valley, had fallen into disrepair. "It went downhill for about 20 years. The building was falling apart ... no attention had been paid to it," said Leland Clegg, chairman of the Stambaugh Pillars executive committee.
Emmanuel Cominos, liaison committee chairman, agreed. "It was in deplorable condition. Part of the problem was that the group in charge met only twice a year."
Problem solved
Now that's changed. There's a tiered system that has assumed responsibility for the operation of the auditorium and should be credited for steadily returning the building to its first-built glory. They are:
UStambaugh trustees. The seven-member group is responsible for making decisions on all aspects of the auditorium. There are three emeritus trustees.
UStambaugh directors. The 13 members help oversee the building and make decisions about the auditorium.
UStambaugh Association. The group involves the trustees, directors and representatives of the community.
UStambaugh Pillars. The main purpose of the 1,300-member group is fund-raising, and it has donated some $150,000 toward renovations in the last eight years or so. A council directs activities.
Barbara Armstrong has been the general manager of Stambaugh Auditorium for 13 years.
In December 2001 the 75th anniversary of the building's dedication on Dec. 5, 1926, was celebrated. Back then, humorist Will Rogers gave the first performance there, starting a tradition of entertainment that continues. Plans are being made to rededicate the auditorium next September.
During its history, Stambaugh has been the site of many high school and college commencements, religious services, lecture series, educational exhibitions, and car, boat and flower shows. It's also home to offices of Monday Musical Club and the Junior League of Youngstown and their programs.
Entertainment continues in many forms, including a new musical group. Clegg and Cominos both said they were glad to see the formation of the Stambaugh Youth Concert Band, which involves up to 100 students from area high schools in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. They rehearse Tuesdays at the auditorium and present two concerts annually; the next one is Dec. 4. Membership is by audition.
"It gets a new audience," Clegg said. "It's great to see the young people playing here ... they are the future," Cominos added.
Lives up to its name
When the Pillars was organized in 1989, there was a contest to name the group. Theo Damon, now deceased, who was a professor at Youngstown State University, came up with the winning name. It certainly suits the group that has helped the facility with financial support. The group also gives something not as tangible as money, it offers a spirit ... a can-do attitude that has made a difference.
Through state grants, private donations and fund-raisers, some $4.5 million has made renovations and updates a reality. But through it all, Clegg said, "It's important to maintain the building's integrity. It's a historic landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places."
Thanks to cooperation among groups operating and working to preserve the auditorium, state grants have funded such renovations as a new copper roof, electrical system, heating and cooling systems, stage lighting, sound system and fire alarms.
The funds from various sources have also resulted in new windows, fenced and lighted parking lots, elevator, rest rooms, the garden, various fixtures and marquee. Restoring the gold inlay in the ceiling began in June and has been completed. Brass trim and railings are being polished. Plans also include the installation of new seats and carpeting, Clegg said. "It's amazing to see the improvements," said Cominos, who noted times when it was sweltering in the building because it lacked air-conditioning, now a convenience expected by the public. And, he said, it is gratifying and satisfying to know the Pillars has been involved in bringing the auditorium back.
In the beginning
Construction on the auditorium began in 1924 following a directive from Stambaugh's will ... "it being my wish that said auditorium when erected shall as far as possible be used for the enjoyment, pleasure, entertainment and education of the community residing in Youngstown and contiguous thereto ..."
It was built at a cost of $1.5 million. Now it operates on an annual budget of about $400,000, Clegg said. The ballroom is located on the main floor, the auditorium on the second and Marble Room on the third.
Clegg said his goal as a Stambaugh Pillars member is "to see a resurgence of the auditorium as a center of cultural activities."
Cominos agreed and added, "Restoring the magnificence of the auditorium" is a priority.
But both men agreed that to do those things more community commitment and volunteers are vital. "We do need more volunteers. People need to get involved," Cominos said.
Clegg and Cominos said Stambaugh Auditorium is a public building, left by Henry Stambaugh to the people of the Youngstown area, and it's up to the community and volunteers to treasure the remarkable gift and see that it endures.
linonis@vindy.com
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