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Many local historical societies opened in the nineteenth century and existed to celebrate a specific history namely, that of the white “pioneers” who first colonized that part of the world. They were founded by community boosters who are long dead, and the stories they tried to tell are not necessarily meaningful today. This leaves historical societies trying to figure out how to appeal to new audiences, many of whom are younger, as well as people of color who were often deliberately excluded from those histories.
Mahoning Valley Historical Society is an excellent example of this struggle. Founded in 1875, The Mahoning Valley Historical Society in Youngstown, Ohio, began as the sort of “pioneer heritage” institution that was common to many historical societies, but by asking tough questions and reshaping itself for the 21st century, it has not only survived, but it has expanded even in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. By hosting community conversations on current e
Jan 28, 2021
NEW MIDDLETOWN Lonnie Mashburn, 86, died Sunday morning, Jan. 24, 2021, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family.
Lonnie was born Nov. 12, 1934, in Unaka, N.C., a son of Caleb Jack and Ada Rose Mashburn.
With a steadfast and strong work ethic, Lonnie didn’t shy away from a hard day’s work, working two jobs the majority of his life. For 28 years, he worked in the steel mills at Youngstown Sheet and Tube before opening his own business, Mashburn Tree Service Inc., which he owned and operated for many years. On his family farm in New Middletown, Lonnie raised black angus cattle and farmed corn and soybeans until he was 81 years old.
Jan 28, 2021
YOUNGSTOWN Leonard M. “Derd” Hall, 84, passed away peacefully, Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family.
Leonard known by “Lennie” and “Derd” to family and friends, was born Feb. 22, 1936, in New Castle, Pa., a son the late Leonard and Edythe McKee Hall.
Raised in Struthers, he was a 1955 graduate of Struthers High School. From a young age, Lennie had a very hard work ethic. At the age of 17, while still in high school, he began working in the steel mills. He worked as a crane man for Youngstown Sheet and Tube until the company’s closing and then worked for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Inmate Services until his retirement. Lennie often worked side jobs after his regular jobs for extra income to take care of his family. After retirement, he worked part-time as a security guard for Parker-Hannifin. Leonard also proudly served in the Naval Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1962.
Jan 21, 2021
VENICE, Fla. David P. Prosser, 82, passed away Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at Venice Hospital, having fought the good fight against cancer.
He is survived by wife, Molly; son, Dave (Martha); daughter, Kathy (Kevin); and grandchildren, Nathan, Emily, Jacob (Leigh) and Michael (Caeli).
Dave was born Dec. 12, 1938, in Youngstown, to Thomas P. and Kitty Prosser, where he attended Youngstown State University and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He and Molly were married May 28, 1960.
Dave worked in data processing at Youngstown Sheet and Tube until its closure in 1977, then held numerous positions in the area until retirement.
Always one to live an active life, Dave was a longtime Cub Scout and Scouts BSA leader. He was extremely active in both the Youngstown and Salem theater communities, performing in dozens of local productions. He also served as a trustee and deacon at Christ Church United Presbyterian.