Youngstown: Postcards From The Steel City (OH)

by Donna M. DeBlasio

Youngstown, Ohio was a rapidly growing industrial city in the early 20th century. In 1900, the city had a population of about 45,000; ten years later, it nearly doubled to 80,000, and by 1920 had reached 120,000. This phenomenal growth was reflected in a number of structures that dotted the city's skyline, including the Mahoning Bank Building, the Masonic Temple, and the plants of three major steel companies along the banks of the Mahoning River. Youngstown also had new places for its citizens to play during this period-Idora Park, Mill Creek Park, and Wick Park. And this was all preserved for the future through another early-20th century phenomenon-the postcard. Over 190 vintage postcards illustrate this book, which will bring the reader back to the era when Youngstown was rapidly becoming the third largest steel producer in the nation.

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2003

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brought back memories of downtown when I was younger. Very interesting and I learned alot of history about how Youngstown began.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You don't scare me. I'm from Youngstown." At some point, several years ago, I read that message on a t-shirt. As a Y-town native, now emigre, I was amused but not surprised. Fitting sentiments expressive of a local society that lives out a "don't give an inch" mindset. This book, part of a Postcard History Series, presents 128 pages of postcard photos of the city, Mill Creek and Idora parks. A bit of historical context is included with each photo but not much. Local history is fascinating and Youngstown's history is certainly no exception.