120 years ago, 1900

The well-known firm of Strouss and Hirshberg celebrated the 25th anniversary of their business in Youngstown. “In a day and time when the business world is strewn with the wrecks of those who have attempted and failed, the event which Messers Strouss and Hirshberg are now celebrating is noteworthy in every respect. To the people of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, it seems almost superfluous to say anything regarding the business methods or personality of this great trading establishment. The business, its growth and development have been contemporary with the best years of the city’s life.”

Opened in March of 1875, the Strouss and Hirshberg business was small, but the foundation was solid. They focused on honest trading practices which helped their operation to expand and outgrow early locations. That growth helped establish a fine store that was the envy of many cities throughout the country. Customers had confidence in their consistent practices and respected the ethical business model that was the cornerstone of the business. Through changes in name and ownership, the business’s legacy lasted more than 100 years in downtown Youngstown.

75 years ago, 1945

August Battisti received a hero’s welcome in Brier Hill after spending 34 months as a prisoner of war in Japan. Augie, as he was known, held court on his sister’s front porch as well-wishers, family and friends stopped by. When he arrived at the local bus depot, his family of seven brothers and sisters greeted him. There was a large sheet cake waiting at home along with a sign that read “Welcome Home Augie” topped with American flags. Children stopped by on their way to school, men on their way to work, and the neighborhood girls “fluttered” in and out, “still as pretty as ever” noted Augie.

Battisti had been on the Bataan Death March and managed to survive the seven-day ordeal with very little smuggled-in food. He contracted malaria but his overall physical condition kept him alive. He recalled the horrors of the camp with anger and sadness in his eyes, remembering the starving men who struggled with hard jobs. Augie had never expected to be home again but he reveled in the sun shining and tried to put the past behind him. He had lost more than 60 pounds during his imprisonment and found that home-cooked meals were just the ticket to filling himself out again. While others pushed for his story, he changed the subject and tried to avoid talking about punishment or retribution. He wanted nothing more than to spend time with his old pals from General Fireproofing, reunite with his extended family, meet his new nieces and nephews, and settle in his beloved Brier Hill home.

60 years ago, 1960

The Youngstown Symphony Society announced its season with several impressive guest musicians. Carol Sindell, an 11-year-old violin prodigy from Cleveland and student of Joseph Gingold, former concert-master of the Cleveland Orchestra, was a noted star. Music critic Herbert Elwell reviewed Sindell’s earlier appearance in Cleveland noting, “Far from showing timidity, the girl seemed to take complete possession of the instrument and music, setting the orchestra a merry pace in the last movement.”

Another featured musician was Italian lyrical tenor Cesare Valletti who had previously performed at the La Scala Opera House in Rome and with the San Francisco opera. Byron Janis, a young pianist, was born in McKeesport, Pa., and made his professional debut at the age nine in Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Hall. Janis, 30 years old at the time, was the American artist selected to open the American Festival Week at the Brussels World Fair in 1958. Nathan Milstein, one of the world’s greatest violinists, scheduled a performance in Youngstown as part of his 30th anniversary tour of North America. He played his famous Stradivarius, known as Marie Therese in honor of his wife and daughter.

40 years ago, 1980

Nearly 35,000 people attended the annual Home and Garden Show at Idora Park. The famous Idora Ballroom was filled with more than 100 booths displaying the latest in home trends, products and decor. New ideas were seen throughout the show, including several displays dedicated to conserving energy and reusing old items. Visitors relished in the lavish displays, many dreaming away their savings as they lounged in front of model fireplaces, browsed kitchen cabinets and flipped through design books.

Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Howard were in the planning stages of building a house in Poland Township and were looking for building materials, noting, “We’re doing most of the job ourselves with sweat equity!” Saving money was a consistent theme, especially with Matt Kaszowski who asked an exhibitor about drilling a gas well on his lot on East Indianola Avenue. It was certainly worth considering until he found that he’d need a minimum of 21 acres for the system.

• Compiled from the archives of the Youngstown Vindicator by Traci Manning, curator of education at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.