Events to honor steelmaking in Brier Hill

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Two events are planned this week to honor a century of steelmaking in Youngstown’s Brier Hill neighborhood.

The first event will be a “Bits and Bites of History” lecture noon Thursday at the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, 325 W. Federal St.

Youngstown Steel Heritage executive director Rick Rowlands will explore the history of iron and steelmaking in Brier Hill from the original discovery of coal in the area in the 1840s, to the startup of steelmaking operations in 1914, to the current Vallourec Star pipe mill operations.

Admission is free.

The second event will be a Youngstown Steel Heritage annual fall open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Tod Engine Heritage Park, 2261 Hubbard Road.

The Tod Engine, a 260-ton stationary steam engine that originally drove a rolling mill at the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Brier Hill Works, is on display at the park.

The engine has undergone a yearlong cosmetic restoration timed to coincide with the engine’s 100th anniversary, and the improvements will be unveiled at the event.

The mission of Youngstown Steel Heritage and the Tod Engine Heritage Park is to educate the public about the history of manufacturing in the Mahoning Valley.

The Park collects pieces of locally made equipment for exhibit and sponsors programs designed to educate about metalworking, science and engineering.

To help preserve Mahoning Valley’s industrial history by becoming a YSHM member, volunteer or donor, contact Rick Rowlands for more information at 330-272-4089.