108 Years Ago, 1912

After confirming the sad news that George Dennick Wick had perished aboard the Titanic, The Vindicator turned its attention to memorials, long stories told by survivors, and even more investigations into what occurred that fateful evening. Local poet Michael McGovern penned the following memorial to Colonel Wick on April 22:

“It seemed as if the world had paused in awe, when round its rim the fearful news was flashed; that ‘gainst a berg that knew no human law, Man’s greatest floating masterpiece had dashed. Could horror speak into the ears of grief a tale more terrible; of death and woe than that connected with that ship whose brief career was like unto a Meteor’s glow? It started on its course with prospects bright, enlivened by the continued song and cheer until obstructed like the aerolite that crashed into the earth’s gray atmosphere. “Titanic” was that peerless vessel’s name, Titanic was the berg which Nature sent adrift to intercept and wreck its fame; a fame now shared by those who with it went.

“For names of those who have gone down to death with that ill-fated ship fore’er shall be with it associated while the breath of life may whisper stories of the sea. With those whose hearts with grief are sore and sick we drape with mournful thought – in mem’ry of our own lamented Col’nel George D. Wick – this city of his birth and of his love. He met a heroe’s death ‘mong those who gave the bravest sacrifice that men could give, who stood behind with deal in manner brave that lady passengers should go, and live. Let’s mourn our own. Let tears of anguish flow. Let hearts for him be grieved, let friends lament to grief. Titanic, resting down below the North Atlantic; you are a monument.”

75 Years Ago, 1945

A Youngstown native received an unexpected and famous visitor. Lt. George Poschner was known for his time at Chaney High where he excelled on the football field. After graduating, he attended the University of Georgia, catching passes from another Chaney graduate, Frank Sinkwich. “Frankie” was an All-American football star and his partnership with Poschner was known throughout the football world. Poschner was recovering at Lawson General Hospital in Georgia after losing both legs in combat in Europe. He had been shot through the head and was left for dead by medics. Two days later, he was found by a medical detachment and his legs were amputated after being frozen in the snow. On April 24, he was visited by Helen Keller, the famous deaf and blind woman, who traveled to visit wounded soldiers who suffered head wounds, blindness, and other injuries.

Poschner passed away in 2004 and The Vindicator revisited his life and legacy. A fellow Chaney graduate, Joe Benish, remembered, “when he was down and out at Walter Reed Hospital, guys tried to get him to accept it. Eventually, he softened and realized it was the life he’d have to lead.” Poschner stated “I learned to accept it a long time ago. God has kept me alive for a certain purpose and I’ve got to see if I can do what He wants.” Poschner was buried with his cane and red University of Georgia letterman’s jacket.

50 Years Ago, 1970

1970 marked the first Earth Day and it was celebrated throughout the Mahoning Valley, as students assembled against pollution. Students at South Range School in North Lima traveled to school on bikes and horses to emphasize their concern for the impact of car pollution. A few students walked more than 10 miles, setting out around 4 am to get to school on time. Schools around the Valley held assemblies, lectures, films, and dramatizations, which highlighted the important environmental movement. Activities at Youngstown State University were sponsored by the SOS, Society Opposed to Smog.

Students at Woodrow Wilson High School marked the day by taking part in the ceremonial burying of a “dead motor.” Lew Nuzzie, president of the Student Council, wore a gas mask as he dug into the ground with a shovel to bury the “dirty, smog-emitting, internal combustion engine.” The students then heard from a representative from the Youngstown Health Department speak about pollution. Volney Rogers students picked up more than 300 shopping bags full of trash on Youngstown’s West Side. Liberty High School students did the same, walking to school and picking up litter along the way. School officials were very pleased by their students’ response and initiative, noting that these activities “should be a part of everyone’s way of life.”

• Compiled from the archives of the Youngstown Vindicator by Traci Manning, MVHS Curator of Education