USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Youngstown > Century history of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and representative citizens, 20th > Part 54
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Many of the books were not adapted to the needs of children. Feeling the necessity of something outside of the text books to inter- est and develop the pupils, we enlisted the in- terest of the teachers and parents and the aid and advice of our worthy superintendent, Mr. McMillan. In 1872 the first venture was made in an entertainment which netted about $100. Thus was used for books suitable for schools.
Each year a festival or a literary entertain- ment was given by the pupils and teachers for the benefit of the library. The board of edu- cation furnished a room and a librarian.
About 1875 a number of teachers, members of the board of education and public spirited citizens formed an association to further the interests of the library. In 1878 the library was moved to the rooms of the board of educa- tion in the First National Bank block and was opened to the public on Saturday evenings.
In 1880 the association took out articles of incorporation in order to receive gifts and lega- cies. The name of the corporation was the Youngstown Library Association. The char- ter members were: Reuben McMillan, Dr. F. S. Whitslar, Dr. J. S. Cunningham, Sarah E. Pearson and Julia A. Hitchcock. Mr. Sidney Strong was active in forming the new associa- tion, framing the constitution and bylaws. The board of education had control of the library until March, 1891. the association loaning its books to the board, contributing dues and whatever other money came by gift or other- wise. The board of education contributed $300 yearly as a book fund and paid all other expenses except a part of the librarian's salary.
In 1890, through the efforts of some of our public spirited men, notably John H. Clarke, a law was passed, March 25, by the Ohio general assembly applying specially to Youngstown, by which a tax could be levied on the property of the city for library purposes. In order to use the tax money for the purchase of books the association decided to raise money by subscription to meet current expenses. This was done in 1891 and 1892, the board of edu- cation bearing the expenses jointly with the association.
In March, 1891. the library was moved to the Reel & Mover block.
In 1870, we started with 164 volumes; in 1891 there were 3.608 volumes ; in 1898 there were about 14,000 volumes, including the pamphlets.
Early in 1897 some friends and pupils of Mr. McMillan were at a social gathering, at which Mrs. McMillan was present. The sub- ject of memorials came up for discussion, dur- ing which Mrs. McMillan expressed her views together with those of her husband. They chose to be remembered in the hearts of their friends.
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HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY
The idea of dedicating the library to the memory of Mr. McMillan was there conceived and suggested by Mrs. McElevey and from the seed then sown has grown the beautiful struct- ure which we hope to occupy in the near future.
A large portrait of Mr. McMillan hangs in the library, under which is the following trib- ute, paid by Mr. Clarke :
"A man who sought neither wealth nor honor save as these were to be found in the faithful doing of his duty. He spent a long life for meager salary, in training the youth of the city to live the highest intellectual life. When his name was chosen for the library it was because his generation chose to honor and revere that type of manhood which finds its best expression in 'That high stern-featured beauty of steady devotedness to duty.'"
In 1897 the name of the Youngstown Li- brary Association was changed to the Reuben McMillan Free Library Association and that of the library to the Reuben McMillan Free Library.
In 1898 the Richard Brown house was pur- chased, $36,652.61 being raised by popular subscription for house, refitting and lot. The building was dedicated February 16, 1899.
The policy of the library has from the founding of the association been broad. In 1895 sets of books were loaned to schools; in 1899 free access to shelves was given to users of the library; in 1901 the library opened its doors on Sunday afternoons; co-operation with the Haselton library was then estab- lished; in 1904 home libraries were established.
The library has received legacies from the estate of David Theobald, $300.00; Charles D. Arms, $5,000.00 ; and Mrs. Caroline Theobald, $100; Mrs. Richard Brown gave an adjoining lot.
Too great praise cannot well be bestowed upon those who originated and fostered this institution in early years; nor upon those who took up this work in later ones and devised ways and means to place it upon a permanent foundation and provide for it an adequate home. By reason of the contributions of the many, it belongs to the people-a free library, supported by the people and for the people.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN, APRIL, 1905.
"To the Trustees of the Reuben McMillan Free Library :
"The librarian has the honor to present the report of the library for the statistical year ending April 30, 1905.
"While the past year shows no very im- portant changes, we feel that with the increase in volume, the work has become more of a unit and the year the most successful one in the his- tory of the library.
"For convenience the results of the year's work are briefly summarized as follows :
Total number of books in library April
30, 1905 .24,640
Total circulation .73,777
Total number of new borrowers 1,725
"The most gratifying development of the year has been in the number of readers who use the library for reference. There was an actual increase of 58 per cent over the previous year, while the gain for the last two years was 113 per cent.
"An exhibit of good books for children was held before Christmas. Interesting books and good editions were chosen.
"The gradual rounding out of the different departments is being accomplished. The selec- tion of books for purchase has been mainly from the American Library Association cata- logue of 8,000 volumes for a popular library. Nearly 300 of the best specialists co-operated in making up the lists. Most of the books in the catalogue we had already. The others are received too late for their use and worth to be appreciated by the public in this statistical year. With these additions the people may well be proud of the selection of books in the library.
"Again, as a consequence of the net price system on books, increasing the cost from 25 to 30 per cent, it has seemed expedient to cur- tail as much as possible the purchase of cur- rent American publications. Many books have been imported, others picked up through second hand and remainder catalogues. The
YOUNGSTOWN CITY HOSPITAL
MAHONING VALLEY HOSPITAL, YOUNGSTOWN
CHILDREN'S HOME, YOUNGSTOWN
405
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
library has thus secured books of enduring worth at very advantageous prices. This has restricted recent accessions to authors of estab- lished reputation, or to volumes which have been before the public long enough to have demonstrated their merit. The more recent books of fiction have been obtained through the Bodley Club.
"Accessions-4,090 volumes were added during the year and while a great many worn out books have been discarded, there is an ac- tual net gain of 3.936 volumes, making a total of 24.640 in the library.
"Among the new accessions may be specially mentioned those in foreign languages -Swedish and German. It is hoped that Hungarian books may be added soon.
"Loan Department-During the year 73,- 777 were issued for home use from the main library, schools and home libraries. This rep- resents an increase over the previous year of 4,352.
"The circulation of current numbers of the more popular magazines has been continued.
"Registration-1,725 new borrowers were registered during the year.
"Periodicals-89 current periodicals are now received in the periodical room, an in- crease of eight over last year. Of the acces- sions may be specially mentioned poultry jour- nals. The list is appended to the report; 47 were gifts.
"Cataloguing-The work of the year in- cludes the cataloguing of the new accessions. The Library of Congress printed cards have been purchased as far as possible.
"Binding-318 volumes were rebound, of which 250 were periodicals ; a smaller number than for last year.
"Reading and Reference-The growth of attendance has been constant and the statistics show an increase of 7,651 ; 1,016 came on Sun- days, an increase of 173. The total attendance was 24,036.
"Special efforts on the part of the librarian have been made for individual and special workers, clubs and teachers. Four hundred and seventy-eight subjects were especially looked up for study clubs, aid given in making 23
programs, and new books were bought where the subject was not otherwise sufficiently covered.
"A rotating library of new and interesting books has proved popular and of general use in guiding readers to good books.
"Stories were also told in the public schools and the Boys' Club at the Baldwin Memorial Kindergarten Association.
"A Girls' Club for reading met weekly dur- ing the summer vacation. The members made scrap books for the younger children in the children's room.
"The attendance in the children's room for reading during vacation has been most encour- aging. This habit of coming to the library for reading even for short periods, has been specially noticeable among the lower classes of the Rayen school and shows the influence of the children's room of the preceding years. Many of these students come daily and more subjects of general interest are looked up than ever before.
"While a report from the children's depart- ment can never express in figures the result of its work, a careful investigation of what has been accomplished with the children would con- vince any interested observer, that some of the most telling work for the general good of the community and for the future success of the library, has been done among the children. We have plenty of evidence to show what sensa- tional and injurious stuff they do read if better is not provided.
"Scattered throughout the city are innum- erable small shops where most debasing and sensational literature is sold to children. Is it not a wise expenditure of effort for a free pub- lic library to enter vigorously into competition with these purveyors, and place within the reach of every child of our city all the clean and wholesome literature it can secure?
"The empty shelves speak most eloquently for the needs of this department.
HOME LIBRARIES.
"The work of reaching the children too far from the main library to come to the children's
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HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY
room, has been most gratifying. Six home libraries have been sent out-to Steelton (2), Brier Hill (2), Lansingville (I) and Dry Run (I). The libraries were sent out in No- vember and exchanged once during the winter. The circulation of books was 885. The num- ber of members was 72.
"This seed planting has borne fruit in every district where these books have been sent. Desire for reading material has now come to us from the older children, men and women in these districts. Larger collections of books should be placed there in stores, schools or fire engine houses as deposit stations. We be- lieve that the time has now come to adopt this broader public policy, for citizens farthest away need the reading necessary for good citi- zenship as much as those who are near the heart of the city. It is also theirs by right, since they also are taxpayers.
SCHOOLS.
"Work with the schools has been continued along the lines of reference, school duplicates and story telling. Books have been sent to 17I schools. As a result of the meeting of the library committee of the Board of Education in February with the executive board, $300 aid was appropriated by the school board for the purchase of new sets of school duplicates.
"With the beginning of the fall term the school sets will be delivered by the library to the schools.
"School Sets-Seventy-eight sets of du- plicates for school room use were loaned 171 times, many of the sets being used each term and sometimes by two teachers the same term in the same building. Eighteen miscellaneous sets were loaned; the record of the use of these sets is incomplete and shows a partial use of 468."
THE YOUNGSTOWN CITY HOSPITAL.
The Youngstown City Hospital was founded in 1882, and much of the credit is due to the late John Stambaugh for its incep- tion and organization. It was actively begun
by the incorporation in that year of the Youngstown City Hospital Association, the in- stitution being opened in the following year. The original frame buildings were added to from time to time, as the beneficent work of the institution extended year by year, until finally the imperative necessity for a modern and much larger hospital was promptly met by many patriotic citizens. The new hospital was formally opened July 9, 1903.
In the construction of the present institu- tion careful attention has been given to the advice of some of the best experts in the coun- try. The buildings, which stand on a new site, crowning a steep bluff, which commands a fine view of the city and of the Mahoning valley, are constructed of native limestone, trimmed with Indiana limestone, and the grouping of the single detached wards and the administra- tion building is very graceful. The adminis- tration building contains three stories and basement, 61x65 feet in size. The main cor- ridor, which extends the entire length of the hospital, connects the various wards, as well as the nurses' home, divides the administra- tion building into executive offices in front, and the operating wing in the rear. The buildings are set back on a line eighty feet from Frances street, and present a very beau- tiful appearance to the passerby. The hos- pital is a magnificent testimonial to the phil- anthropy of the citizens of Youngstown, many of whom have given freely of their money to erect and equip the new hospital buildings.
In the twenty-first annual report ( 1903) of the association appeared the following state- ments of benefactions :
PERMANENT DONATIONS.
a Administration Building, operating rooms, two male surgical wards, obstetrical ward, children's ward and power house erected and furnished by Myron C. Wick at a cost of $65,390.50
b Nurses' Home erected and furnished by Mr. Myron I. Arms, Mr. Warner Arms, Mrs. Mary Arms Wick, Mrs. Emeline Arms Peck. Mrs. Jane Arms Hofer and Mrs. Harriet Arms Booth at a cost of. . 24,705.50
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c One male medical ward erected and fur- nished by Mrs. C. H. Andrews at a cost of 8,631.57
dl One male medical ward erected and fur- nished by Miss Sallie Tod at a cost of . .. 9,868.79 e One female medical ward erected and fur- nished by Mrs. Sallie Arms Bonnell, Mrs. Annie Arms Bonnell, Miss Katherine Arms, Miss Caroline Arms, Mrs. Laura Belle Arms Robinson and Mrs. Olive Arms at a cost of 8,813.48
f One female surgical ward erected and fur- nished by friends of the Hospital at a cost of 10,000.00
g One private room ward erected and fur- nished by Mrs. Edith Andrews Logan at a cost of 10,790.54
FREE BED ENDOW MENTS.
Mrs. Mary P. Hitchcock $5,000.00
Mrs. Maria Tod, George Tod. 5,000.00
Mrs. Grace Tod Arrel. Miss Sallie Tod. 5,000.00
John and Henry H. Stambaugh 5,000.00
Lucretia Althan's estate 5,000.00
Mrs. Caroline Stambaugh 5,000.00
Robert Bentley 5,000.00
Miss Belle Crandall, as a memorial of her father and mother 5,000.00
Estate of Richard Brown 5,000.00
LEGACY.
David and Caroline Theobald $ 500.00
PRIVATE ROOM DONATIONS.
Y. M. C. A. $250.00
St. John's Episcopal Church 250.00
First Presbyterian Church 250.00
Trinity M. E. Church 250.00
Masonic Order 250.00
Mrs. Edith Andrews Logan 250.00
Mrs. Caroline Theobald 250.00
Mrs. Mason Evans 250.00
Ferdinand Ritter and daughters 250.00
Rayen Club 250.00
Miss Grace Stambaugh 250.00
Thomas Parrock 250.00
William H. Park 250.00
Rodef Sholem Church 200.00
John S. Orr 200.00
Tabernacle U. P. Church 200.00
B. P. O. Elks 200.00
The German Lutheran Church 200.00
Mrs. C. P. Hutchinson 200.00
Endless Chain 200.00
Total
$4,650.00
In addition to the above there were cash and material donated to the total amount of $12,822.59. This included contributions, a number of them in large amounts, from some of the leading business and manufacturing con- cerns of Youngstown as well as from private individuals. There were also a number of contributions amounting in the aggregate to $545.50, for the purchase of an X-ray ma- chine, as well as numerous contributions of books, papers, magazines, flowers, pictures, toys, baby clothes, etc., chiefly from ladies. In connection with the hospital there is a training school for nurses, which has achieved a high standard of excellence in the work done by its pupils. The following is the report of
MEDICAL CASES.
In house Oct. 1, 1902 37
Admitted 492 529
Recovered
374
Improved
51
Not improved IO
Died
66
In house Oct. 1, 1903.
28
529
SURGICAL CASES.
In house Oct. 1, 1902 49
Admitted
.941
990
Recovered
865
Improved
7
Not improved
7
Died
66
In house Oct. 1, 1903
45
990
The hospital has a skillful medical and surgical staff, including several well known specialists, with an adequate number of trained nurses, under an efficient directress. Besides the officers of the association, who are elected annually, and the trustees, who hold their office for life, there is a Board of Lady Man- agers, who take care of the committees on Inspecting, Supplies, Flowers, Entertain- ments and Library. The Executive, Finance, Purchasing and Soliciting Committees are ap- pointed annually from the Board of Trustees. Members from both boards serve on the Train- ing School Committee. The present superin- tendent of the hospital is Miss Sadie Sims.
This year ( 1907), within three months, to
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HISTORY OF MAHONING COUNTY
pay off a debt, $40,000 has been received in contributions.
MAHONING VALLEY HOSPITAL.
In the spring of 1891 a number of Youngs- town physicians, who were dissatisfied with the conditions which then prevailed at the City Hospital, formed an association to pro- vide separate accommodations for their pa- tients. Among them were Drs. A. L. King, John McCurdy, A. E. Warren, C. C. Booth, J. A. Dickson, L. U. Howard, M. S. Clark and Jared E. Cone. The old Tod city man- sion, built by Governor Tod on Holmes street, near Federal, shortly before his death, was rented and used by the doctors for this pur- pose.
In December of the following year some Sisters of Charity from Pittsburg came to Youngstown for the purpose of founding a hospital, and got into communication with the physicians above named. Arrangements were made whereby the hospital passed into the hands of the said Sisters, they purchasing the property from the Tod estate. The house was thoroughly remodeled and fitted up as a hos- pital, for which purpose it is still used. It has forty beds, which are contained in large, airy rooms, well lighted, and provided with all necessary accommodations for the sick. There are also a few private rooms for special pa- tients. Besides what is paid in by patients, the institution received one-half of the fund appropriated by the city for hospital purposes. It is under the immediate charge of the Sis- ters, who are assisted by a board of directors. While the Sisters owe obedience in matters of faith to the Catholic Church, and are mem- bers of the diocese of Cleveland, the hospital is independent of the diocesan jurisdiction. It is visited by the Catholic clergy, and also by pas- tors of the various Protestant denominations, or other religious organizations, whenever their ministrations are desired by any of the patients, the institution being open to patients of all religions.
GLENWOOD CHILDREN'S HOME.
The purpose of the Glenwood Children's Home is to provide homes for homeless and neglected children under sixteen years of age. It was first opened for the reception of chil- dren in the year 1900.
The home is situated on one of the most charming spots in the city of Youngstown, facing upon Glenwood avenue, and overlook- ing the beautiful Mill Creek Park, and a broad stretch of undulating farm land.
There are eleven and one-half acres of land used for ornamental and garden pur- poses. The buildings consist of a substantial brick central structure, to which is attached by a covered corridor a cottage which is used as a dormitory, school and a play-room for the boys; the girls for the present being cared for in the main building. When the original plan is completed, a like cottage for the girls will be provided.
There is a substantial frame building on the grounds, occupied by the gardener, and a convenient barn will soon be erected. A sew- erage filter plant has been installed and the healthfulness of the home, within and without, has thus been assured.
The report of the superintendent, Miss Elizabeth Harlow, for the year ending Au- gust 31, 1906, shows some useful work done in improving the grounds and in providing suitable arrangements for the amusement and recreation of the children. The highest num- ber of children cared for in the home during the year was thirty-two. There had been a uniformly good state of health, with freedom from epidemics.
The children received into the home must be of good moral character and have satis- factory references. They are given at least five months' schooling each year, and are re- quired to attend church and Sabbath school when possible.
At the age of eighteen they are free and receive a good outfit of clothing and a bounty of from $50 to $100. They may be visited once a year or oftener by some one duly au-
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thorized, and may be legally adopted by re- sponsible persons whose character is satis- factory to the officers of the institution, and the right of recalling a child when its welfare demands it, is reserved.
FLORENCE CRITTENDEN HOME.
The Florence Crittenden Home, of Youngs- town, is one of a large number of homes of refuge and reformation for erring and unfor- tunate women that have been established in some sixty cities of the United States, besides Japan, China, France and Mexico. They owe their existence to the efforts of Mr. Charles Crittenden, a wealthy business man of New York, who was led to consecrate himself to Christian work through the death of his little daughter, Florence, after whom every home is named. It was this great affliction that first caused Mr. Crittenden to seek strength and consolation in religion. After a period of despair and rebellion against the Divine will, lasting for some months, his heart was finally softened. He found peace in resignation to God's will, and sought and found a field of Christian activity in the work of saving "Our Little Sisters," to which he now gives all of his large income. The first mission was opened at No. 29 Bleeker street, New York city, some twenty-three years ago, and since then the work has been steadily growing. It has been the means of rescuing thousands of young women and girls who had, through weakness, temptation, or unfortunate environment; let go their hold on right living, and has saved many more who were in danger of taking a similar false step.
"Any destitute, dissipated, or fallen wom- an or girl desirous of leading a better life, is cordially invited to the home, and may remain for such period of time as the Board of Man- agers shall deem best." Women and girls who have no home, or are out of employment. are also welcome until some employment is found. In this way many who are stranded are enabled to keep out of bad hands and tide over a time of stress and danger. The more detailed sketch of the local institution which
follows is from the pen of Rev. D. T. Thomas, and was published in the first report of the home.
"The Youngstown Florence Crittenden Home is due originally to the persistent pray- ers and efforts of a few of the devoted W. C. T. U. ladies of our city, the following being the primary movers: Mrs. E. A. Hall, Mrs. Jane Davis, Mrs. Paisley, Mrs. Gravell and Mrs. Ferrin. A year or so previous to the spring of 1902, at the invitation of the above named ladies, Mrs. Kate Walter Barrett, Na- tional Superintendent of the Florence Critten- den work, together with our present matron, Mrs. Jaynes, visited the city. Mrs. Barrett presented the work in public meetings, and Mrs. Jaynes, staying some days longer, solicit- ing subscriptions throughout the city.
"In April, 1902, Mrs. E. A. Hall and Mrs. Jane Davis appeared before the Ministerial Association asking the privilege of speaking concerning the needs of such a home in Youngstown. This being granted, they also presented personal letters from the Chief of Police and other leading citizens of Youngs- town, strongly urging the necessity of such a home, and especially emphasizing the adapt- ability of the Florence Crittenden Homes for this work. After listening to their earnest pleas a committee was appointed by the asso- ciation to consider the need and advisability of such a home in co-operation with these ladies. In due time this committee reported favorably on the matter and was instructed to continue their services.
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