Flags, Libraries, & Parks in Youngstown

Paul gave me a thorough tour of his hometown, Youngstown, Ohio right after Nasig 2019 ended last Saturday in Pittsburgh. He showed me his family house at Glenwood and Mistletoe, his elementary school, middle school and high school.

Since the closure of steel mills starting on Black Monday, 9/19/1977 through mid-80’s, Youngstown has had a hard time recovering from the deep economic recession, after losing its main economy, echoing a national trend of deindustrialization. With the exception of big brick or stone houses along Mill Creek Park and those in Boardman, many houses are in the dilapidated condition, or simply torn down to turn into empty lots between houses, just like a mouth of poorly maintained human teeth, with gaps and holes.

Despite such a depressing appearance, there are undercurrents of resilience. Most notably, there are more American flags flying than anyway else in residential areas, streets, government offices, and schools. Maybe depression make people more appreciate government welfare.

The second outstanding feature is people’s bursting pride in their public libraries. Before departing to airport, we visited Poland Library of Youngstown and Mohoning County, at the high recommendation of our friend Robert. It is airy, bright, and comfortable, built around an old seminary dormitory.With an areas of approximately 36,000 square feet, it has three floors, housing friends of library store and meeting room, library, and staff area.

Last but not least is renaissance of parks and recreation and educational centers. With private funds, Rose Garden (Fellows Riverside Gardens), Mill Creek Park and Youngstown State University all have been given a partial or whole or partial makeover. They not only provide people with beauty, but more importantly, hope and aspirations for a better future.

When driving out of Youngstown to go to Pittsburgh along I-680 S to I-76 E, we were periodically slowed down by roadwork. A series of road repair and lane expansions were under construction with all the signs and big machines up and standby. Apparently the way to Youngstown will be more smooth and pleasant. It is a sign of the beginning of recovery, hopefully.