Struthers Historical Museum

About

Saving the history of Struthers,Ohio

Story

The Gothic two story frame dwelling was built in 1884 by Alexander Frankfort for his wife, Louisa, and infant daughter, Alma. The land was purchased from Thomas Struthers for $190.00.

Alma resided in the home for 93 years. She died at age 100 and heirs donated the residence to the Society in 1986. Members completed restoration in 1989.

No fireplaces exist in the house. Every room has access to a side of a "turned" or "diagonal" chimney. Small stoves kept areas heated.

The kitchen stove serves as a heating unit in the winter when wood burning side was used.
In the warm months the cooler gas side would have been suitable.

A dry sink and outside pump and cistern were early sources of water. In the far back yard an outhouse stood and a coal shed was located near the present floral garden.

The kitchen display features the original table and chairs of Mrs. Frankfort and her wicker couch in under Mr. Frankfort's rock collection cabinet. Alexander was the city's last surviving Civil War veteran when he died in 1930.

Upon entering the museum from the porch, visitors view the front room where Alma worked as a seamstress. The sewing machine was similar to the type she would have used. Large doors separated the two front rooms years ago and ladies would change clothes in the far room and be pinned and fitted in new garments in the sewing machine room.

The front door and eight of the windows are original. Stairways and flooring upstairs are also authentic. Rugs on the second floor and furniture in the bedroom were in the house or returned by heirs. Articles of clothing are a mixture of Frankfort and donated items.

HOPEWELL FURNACE ARTIFACTS--A permanent display on the main floor. The furnace, first of its kind west of the Allegheny Mountains in 1804, was excavated by Dr. John White, Professor, YSU, and Struthers High School students in the Struthers Total Environmental Education Program in 1976.

This room holds wooden molds to make machine parts by Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company.

The Shift Change Whistle is mounted on a stand. It could be heard for seven miles when in operation. Today it is heard when presented in parades in Struthers.

Paintings, photographs and memorabilia from the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company donated by from former steelworkers and distributed throughout the museum.

UPSTAIRS

THE BEDROOM... contains many objects from the Frankfort family, as well as articles donated to the Society.

Apparel sewn by Alma is mingled with clothing stitched by other women.


THE LIBRARY...located in a hallway area at top of the winding, enclosed stairs, contains the bound files of the Struthers,Campbell and Lowellville Journals from 1928 to the 1980s.

There is an incomplete collection of Struthers High School yearbooks. Scrapbooks were given to the Society by residents of the town.

One may view the "bird box" in the library, which was created by a Mr. Ward in 1890.

An aerial view of Struthers is above the Journal newspaper files.

CITY FOUNDERS, GENEOLOGY RECORDS, FAMILY HISTORIES, TALES OF EARLY SETTLERS are on file in the Struthers Room. Descendants of Thomas Struthers can research data.

Coal mining maps and city maps are located in this department.

The school desks are examples of those used in earlier days. Textbooks and photographs of teachers, students, schools and activities are stored.

WHAT'S IS IN THE BASEMENT???

A collection of tools, bottles, Stop 14 pictures, World War I and World War II plaques.
Also a kitchen and restroom.

ODD FACTS - There are no cemeteries in Struthers.

We preserve hometown memories, through photographs,films,letters,books,videos,recordings -- and information on schools,churches,busi-
nesses,sports and city government.

FAMOUS FOLKS

William H. Galbreath-- Posed for the "Cream of Wheat" Cereal Company. He owned a coal company on State Street and is buried in Belmont Park Cemetary.

Paul Jenkins--Internationally known abstract artist is the son of Nadyne Herrick, past owner and publisher of The Journal Publishing Company.

Paul is a graduate of Struthers High. Prints of his paintings and books on his work have been donated to the museum by the artist.