Arms Family Museum Exhibits
We all know the story of Olive and Wilford Arms, but has anyone ever wondered about the domestic servants who played a vital role in their lives?
In the years following the completion of their home, Greystone, in 1905, Olive and Wilford hired several individuals of diverse backgrounds to help care for the three-story house and tend to their personal needs. These individuals filled positions such as housekeeper, butler, maid, cook, waiter/waitress, gardener, chauffeur, and chambermaid. In the duration of their employment, some of the servants resided at Greystone with their families. The cook and the chauffeur lived in the carriage house, while the maids occupied a two bedroom and one-bathroom space on the second floor of the main house. After the death of Wilford in 1947, Olive continued to employ domestic servants for assistance. At the time of her own death later in 1960, her staff consisted of the chauffeur, a cook, and one maid. Although they worked behind the scenes, the Arms’s servants made their mark in Greystone’s history.
Learn all about who the Arms’s servants were, where they came from, and what their jobs were. The exhibit also discusses the general responsibilities of domestic servants, labor laws that impacted domestic servants, factors that influenced the rise and fall of the employment of domestic servants in the country, and statistics on the number of domestic servants employed in Youngstown and the United States from 1900-1960.
Welcome to Isaly’s: A Youngstown Story
In 1918, after getting its start in Mansfield in 1899, and later expanding to Marion, Isaly’s Dairy Company established a foothold in Youngstown. Its main plant was located at 1033 Mahoning Avenue. The company quickly found success among local residents with its dairy products, luncheon meats, and ice cream treats. In 1939, the Mahoning Avenue plant underwent an Art Deco remodel with a 36, 250 square−foot addition for manufacturing, storage, and office space. At this time, about 260 people were employed here. The plant’s new five−story glass block tower, designed by renowned architect, Charles F. Owsley became a staple of Youngstown, and the new plant became known as “the most modern dairy plant in America.”
By 1951, Isaly’s had established nearly 150 retail stores in the Youngstown district alone. A few of these stores were located within downtown. However, the company’s presence would not last much longer. Beginning in the 1960s, Isaly’s retail stores began to slowly disappear from the map as consumer demands changed. In 1969, ice cream production moved to Pittsburgh. In 1970, milk processing and pasteurizing ceased. Isaly’s Mahoning Avenue plant closed, and was later purchased in 1977 by U-HAUL. It is now a haunting reminder of what used to be.
Isaly’s may no longer exist in the area, but the memories of those who experienced it continue to live on into today.
The exhibit features numerous Isaly’s artifacts and photos, displayed in a retro diner-like setting.
Shaping the Mahoning Valley: American Politics and Patriotism
Two hundred and fifty years ago, on July 4, 1776, the Thirteen Colonies, which were established and governed by the British Crown, joined together to sign the Declaration of Independence and become the United States of America. In 1783, after years of sacrifice and war for “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”, the Continental Army, under the command of George Washington, achieved victory over Great Britain and the United States of America officially became free and independent.
The history of the United States is complex. On one hand, there are stories of progress, patriotism, and coming together in the face of adversity. On the other hand, there are chapters of tribulation: oppression, racism, labor struggles, and violence. To learn all parts of our nation’s history allows one to better understand how the United States changed over the years and came to be what it is today.
In accordance with the U.S. Semiquincentennial this year, this exhibit highlights American politics and patriotism from the Civil War to 1991, with the Mahoning Valley as the focal point, tracing how national changes (both good and bad) made local impacts. The exhibit will be open at Arms Family Museum from March 31 to October 18.
Tailor Made: Local Clothing and Accessories
The clothing and accessories in the exhibit reflect the talent of many local men and women. Whether tailor made for downtown Youngstown’s shops or wealthy clients, or hand-sewn for family and friends, these pieces beautifully reflect the styles of their time. The exhibit includes pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries, from simple cotton bonnets, to extravagantly beaded evening dresses.
Anne Kilcawley Christman Decorative Arts Gallery
Tuning In: A Century of Broadcasting in the Mahoning Valley – Opening July 28, 2026
B.F. Wirt was a Youngstown lawyer and businessman, and served as an Ohio state senator for four years beginning in 1889. An avid traveler, Wirt amassed a unique collection of rare ancient artifacts, artwork, Asian decorative arts, as well as books, autographs and manuscripts. He intended to develop a museum for his collection, however that never came to fruition and the collection is now under the care of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. Visitors will see a variety of items including famous autographs, artifacts from the War of 1812, a Persian (Iranian) perfume bottle, Chinese embroidery and a Native American basket.
The Hands-On-History Room is located on the bottom floor of Arms Family Museum. Visitors have the opportunity to experience life during the time the early settlers came to this area. There are many hands-on activites for the whole family to learn about the history of the Mahoning Valley.
