'BRIER HILL USA' Sequel preserves more memories of a neighborhood's storied past

Many people contacted the author after the first book was published.
YOUNGSTOWN -- A native of the neighborhood himself, Tony Trolio had always wanted to write a book about the colorful character and history of the Brier Hill section of Youngstown. Now, he's done exactly that -- twice.
"Brier Hill, USA: The Sequel" debuted Monday and features stories from more than 60 families about their experiences growing up in the close-knit neighborhood.
Trolio, who now lives in Poland, said he'd always thought the site where the Mahoning Valley's first Italian immigrants settled was the stuff a good book was made of.
He had dropped out of school in the ninth grade and never considered himself a writer, but he gathered interviews, stories and photographs -- while Michael N. Varveris helped edit the information into what became "Brier Hill, USA," released in 2001.
"A lot of people contacted me to tell me they thought it was a great book, but wondered why I didn't mention their families," Trolio said. It wasn't long before he had enough new stories and material to write a second installment, he said, with input from people all over the world.
His goal
Trolio says his goal is to get everything he can about Brier Hill into print to preserve the history of one of Youngstown's most famous ethnic neighborhoods.
"Brier Hill, USA" and "Brier Hill, USA: The Sequel" are available at Jimmy's Italian Store in Liberty, Rulli Bros. in Boardman and Austintown, Anzivino's Italian Food store in Boardman, The Book Nook in Warren, Borders in Niles, Open Me First in Cornersburg and Boardman, the Cornersburg Italian Food Store and Trolio's in Poland, the author's T-shirt business. It can also be purchased online at www.ciaopromotions.com.
slshaulis@vindy.com