Book on Depression released

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Department of History at Youngstown State University and several co–sponsors will present two events marking the national release of “The Great Depression: A Diary,” the chronicle of Youngstown attorney Benjamin Roth’s Depression–era experiences.

Co–editors James Ledbetter and Daniel Roth, the author’s son, will discuss the diary and will sign copies of the book at 4 p.m. Monday in the Chestnut Room at YSU’s Kilcawley Center. The presentation will also feature an exhibit, “Youngstown in the Great Depression,” as seen through Benjamin Roth’s eyes.

Ledbetter and Roth also will meet with the public to discuss the book from 5 to 6 p.m. next Saturday, at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, 151 W. Wood St. The museum will be open to the public free of charge.

Co-sponsors are the Center for Applied History, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, the Ohio Historical Society, the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, YSU Center for Working–Class Studies, YSU Center for Judaic and Holocaust Studies and the YSU Department of Economics.