Hundreds attend open house of the future Mahoning History Center

By Harold Gwin

YOUNGSTOWN — Marguerite and Robert Craciun took advantage of warm, sunny day to journey from their West Side home to a downtown historic landmark, and what they saw impressed them.

They were among several hundred people Sunday to tour the Burt Building at 325 W. Federal St., the home of the original Good Humor bar and soon to be the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s History Center.

The society purchased the property, which last housed Ross Radio CO. , for $150,000 one year ago.

H. William Lawson, society executive director, said the open house was “to show the community what we have here” and give them a look a the “before” part of the restoration work that will lead to the opening of the History Center.

In addition to the tours, there was food, entertainment (including The Youngstown Connection, the city school district performance troupe) and walking tours featuring historical areas of the downtown.

“I think it’s beautiful, and I really think it has a lot of potential,” Marguerite Craciun said, adding that she can envision banquets, wedding showers and other events being held there.

Robert Craciun said he was impressed with the use of natural light that floods the three-story structure. It was probably a good place to work when Harry Burt, a confectioner and entrepreneur, operated a candy and ice cream factory as well as several dining areas there in the 1920s.

“I think this is one of the treasures we have in Youngstown that should be discovered,” his wife added.

“We’ve torn down too many historical buildings,” offered Joseph Planey of Boardman, another of those who came to take a loot at the building. He said he is glad the historical society was able to get the structure.

He said he’s writing an autobiography about growing up in the Mahoning Valley, and frequent trips into what was then a thriving retail and entertainment center downtown are part of his memories.

Planey likened the efforts to restore the downtown area to the legend of the Phoenix rising from the ashes.

“I think it’s a plus, plus, plus,” he said.