Steel museum principals honor C. Gilbert James

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor, 151 W. Wood St., was the site where its board of directors and members of its friends group met Feb. 19 to present a plaque honoring C. Gilbert James Jr. as emeritus director. A dessert reception followed.

James is the first director to achieve the distinction. His daughters, Mary Lipinski and Elizabeth Berberich, attended. His son, Carl James, was away on business and unable to attend. Those attending enjoyed libations and cake to thank James for his service to the board and to celebrate his 91st birthday the next day.

James staunchly supported the idea to construct a building reflecting the history of steel and other industries in the Mahoning Valley. The initial idea for such a facility was announced in 1986 by then Sen. Harry Meshel.

The museum and its focus on the steel industry are unique in the United States. It opened in 1992. James was the first person to donate material and items from Republic Steel for the center.

James has been a philanthropic advocate for nonprofit organizations and a respected businessman in the Valley for many decades.