2008 Historic Preservation Awards

The Historic Preservation Committee of the MVHS Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 Historic Preservation Awards. These awards honor those in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties who take an active role in preserving historic buildings, sites and districts.

The Categories and winners are as follows:

Community Revitalization Awards

The Suspension Bridge on Valley Drive in Mill Creek Park in Youngstown

Bulit in 1895, Restored in 2007

This projects efforts included repaving the bridges surface, installation of new channel supports and brackets, along with new timber strip decking and timber plank sidewalks.


The suspension bridge project was completed between June and November 2007. The most recent rehabilitation of the bridge was carried out in 1973 and a concrete pier was constructed under the center of the bridge, and new wide flange steel beams were installed to independently support the bridge deck from the original suspension system.


Prior to the revitalization efforts, the bridge was rated "4P" by the Ohio Department of Transportation, which means the bridge was in poor condition. The bridge suffered from advanced section loss on members, deterioration and spalling. Now the 86 ft. suspension bridge known by different names like "The Cinderella Bridge" and "The Fairytale Bridge," looks as good as new. This bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and was featured in the internationally distributed American Society of Engineers' year 2000 calender.

Moss Ancestral Home in Mineral Ridge
Built in 1843, Restored in 2003

Current owner of the home, Mary Lou Godleski was in search of the home that her great, great grandfather lived when he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1855 from Luxemberg. What she found was a home in complete disrepair, and after large restoration efforts the home is now considered by Architectural restoration classes at Youngstown State University as historical preservation and also historical architecture.

Mary Lou Godleski first set out to find the home in 1990. Upon finding the home which had been condemned by Wethersfield Township Mary Lou struck a deal to purchase the home from the owner whom was inprisoned at the time, and she convinced the local authorities that it was important to save it from being torn down.

The restoration beagan by first tearing out everything that had been recently added to the house. The process also included replacement of floors, ceilings, and windows. Also, the crane and a bake oven from the original kitchen of the house were rebuilt and repaired. Much of this home was restored back to its original form.

Commercial Revitalization Award

Tod Cemetery Mausoleum in Youngstown

Built in 1927, restored 2007

This outstanding example of an early 20th century cemetery facility underwent a major restoration that included new storm sewers and ground water control, asbestos removal, repairing of roof leaks and replacement of original copper roof, flashings, gutters and downspouts. The investment in original materials shows their commitment to community restoration.

The Tod Mausoleum is located on the grounds of the Tod Homestead Cemetery, a National Registry property. The Mausoleum is faced with white Vermont Marble over solid concrete floors, walls and roof. The interior is faced with marble panels, decorative plaster, orante metal work, and Tiffany stained glass windows. The Trustees of the Tod Homestead Cemetery undertook the major restoration project on the occassion of the Mausoleum's 80th year.

MVHS Directors Awards of Achievement

Wick Pollock Inn Sunken Gardens, Youngstown State University

Built 1930, restored 2007

The revitalization of the 1930 Wick Pollock Inn Sunken Gardens, Youngstown State University; This projects efforts were led by members of Youngstown State Universities Student Government Association. More than 40 volunteers contributed over 400 man hours to the efforts which included clearing seven dump truck loads of debris from the garden as well as mulching and maintaining it after the project was completed.

In the spring semester of 2007, the Youngstown State University Student Government Association was approached by a student who had chanced upon an old and forgotten garden near the carriage house of the Wick-Pollock Inn. Since the Inn was closed, the garden had not been touched. So, with their own funds and hard work, the SGA was able to revitalize the garden to become a coveted source of pride for the university.

Organization began in February of 2007 through the collaboration of SGA, YSU groundskeeper Larry Tooker, and Kridler Gardens of Homeworth, Ohio. Mr. Tooker was previously the horticulturalist for Mill Creek Park, and guided SGA through the process from begininng to end.

The hard work and dedication of the students and community members has revitalized a once forgotten garden that Mary Wick Pollock, and even the children of Smoky Hollow walked and played in. Now, the garden can be enjoyed by the thousands of students at YSU as well as members of the public.

The winners will be honored at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society's 133rd Annual Meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 17th in the Christman Room at Stambaugh Auditorium. For more information about the awards and the historical society call 330-743-2589 or visit www.mahoninghistory.org.