VIDEO | Regional history center slated for downtown

Local History Center

Video

Interview with H. William Lawson: Executive Director Mahoning Valley Historical Society

YOUNGSTOWN — A building recognized for its role in the nation’s history will be transformed into a regional history center and a potential tourism destination, under plans announced Wednesday.

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society has bought the Ross Radio Building at 325 W. Federal St. downtown, and plans to turn it into the Mahoning Valley History Center.

Harry Burt, a confectioner, operated a candy and ice cream factory and store in the building in the 1920s, and he first produced his famous invention there, the Good Humor bar. The Good Humor bar, the first chocolate-dipped ice cream on a stick, represented a new way to eat the cold treat and became a national favorite.

After Burt’s death in 1926, his family continued to make and sell candy in the building until 1935, when it sold it to James Ross, founder of the Ross Radio Co., which has continuously operated at the location ever since. In 2006, the building was recognized by Parade magazine and the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the 11 most historic places in America.

The historical society bought the building without fanfare in September for $150,000, according to H. William Lawson, executive director. A capital campaign is being organized with a goal of raising $6 million: $4 million to renovate the building and $2 million for an endowment.

Read more in Thursday’s Vindicator and vindy.com