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125 years ago, 1901, transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator:
"To annex Struthers. 'Greater Youngstown' receiving much attention and consideration. Tired of village rule. A county official gives his views on the question of great interest. The movement growing. A statement giving the nature of the change and the advantages of annexing the village to this city."
" 'Greater Youngstown' is receiving more discussion in all sections of this and other states than any other question or subject that has come up before the public in many years.
"Like Greater New York, Greater Youngstown is coming in for its share of consideration, and before the matter is allowed to drop from public view, and attention, this city may proudly boast of a population that will bring it among the first four or five cities in the state of Ohio….
"Will Struthers be annexed? That is the momentous question. There are people in Struthers who are in favor of annexation, and there are those who are opposed to it. It will be remembered that it was many months before Brooklyn was finally annexed to New York City, and it may be some time before Struthers is finally annexed to Youngstown. Lots of time is often required to bring big undertakings to a successful end.
"A number of the people of Struthers have been heard to freely express themselves on the subject of annexation…. By annexation it is argued that Struthers would get the benefit of fire protection, water supply, sewers, pavements, good police protection, and in fact everything else that a well regulated city boasts of….
"J.W. Van Auker, county commissioner, and one of the most prominent and well to do citizens of Struthers, was seen by a Vindicator reporter, this morning and asked for his views about the subject of annexation. Mr. Van Auker replied that as far as he was concerned he was perfectly willing to abide by the will of the people, or the result of any action that may be taken….
"Mr. Van Auker volunteered the information that the opposition to the incorporation of the village was due to a fear on the part of some people that the town would immediately go 'wet', whereas it is now 'dry.' In fact it has been learned that this is largely the cause of the opposition to the village taking on city airs and assuming more liberal and metropolitan views, habits and customs…. It is variously estimated that there are 3,000 or more people in Struthers and that the village is on the steady and rapid increase…. It is argued that the village is rapidly growing beyond the control of village administration, and that it will become necessary to do something or other to keep matters under control….
"It is also predicted by people who have watched the growth of cities in different parts of this and other countries that the day is not far away when Youngstown will be the namesake of all the towns and villages which are so close together, and which constitute one of the greatest valleys in the United States. Lowellville as well as Struthers, will eventually seek admission so it is predicted, Girard will also ring the doorbell in the course of time, Niles, which is now so vain and boastful, will meekly ask to be allowed to join the procession, and Warren will finally wake from its trance and take a seat at the table…. The time is approaching for all to get into the band wagon, and when it does this will be the greatest city in the state, barring none."
– Compiled by Dante Bernard, museum educator for the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.