The following are historical photographs of Leavittsburg, Ohio Double click on each picture below to view a larger version.

Leavittsburg, Ohio
by Leanne Turner

Origins
An unincorporated community, Leavittsburg is located in Warren Township of Trumbull County. The community is located in the heart of an 1802 settlement (a 1000-acre tract) or, as some have said, "hard to define, but everybody knows it's there." The settlement took its name from its founder, Enoch Leavitt. In early records of township meetings, reference is made to "Leavitt's burg" which became the name of the community.

Leavittsburg is located on the Mahoning River, on the western border of the city of Warren and seven miles east of Newton Falls. Its land is low and has experienced many floods. The early history was farming. For many years, a set of lovely farms drew summer crowds for picnics. The Meadowbrook farm and the Gillmer grove with its magnificent maples were considered beauty spots in the county. At the river's edge there was natural forest and rich soil.

In 1912, trolley and steam roads promised easy access to the new Mahoning Park where "boating, fishing, a beautiful grove and everything that nature can bestow" would make for a very popular place.

Growth
One of the first industries was a gristmill, Klingensmith Feed Mill, known for "White Swan" flour. Development continued with the opening of the Ohio Erie Canal in the 1840s and rail service in the 1850s. In fact, Leavittsburg was at the junction of the Erie, Mahoning and B&O railroads. In the early 1900s, growth came to Leavittsburg in the form of the Leavittsburg Brick Co. (which made common red and hollow brick from the local clay bed), the new Hydro-electric Dam and Power House (heralded as "modern in every respect" and built entirely of reinforced concrete for Peerless Electric Co. of Warren), and the D&M Cord Tire Co. (which became the Denman Rubber Mfg. Co.).

The railroad provided more than business, transportation and employment. The Community Church, established as a Methodist church, was sponsored by the Erie Railroad. The local railroad superintendent ordered all employees to go to church every Sunday (and contribute) or lose their jobs.

Demise
The canal had been out-placed by the railroad which were eventually replaced the highways. One by one, each of the industries closed. Exciting venues for entertainment opened elsewhere throughout the valley and the state. River pastimes became antiquated. Leavittsburg fell into such a state of neglect that this once lovely summer spot was, in 1983, rated the sixth most blighted area in the State of Ohio. Its outward appearance was that of boarded-up buildings or abandoned lots where buildings once stood.

Re-establishing 'Pride of Place"
The first step toward revitalization was to work with the county grant administrator to obtain a grant that would develop parks, build a new administration building and truck garage. Next, in a roll-up-your-shirtsleeves approach to civic problem-solving, citizens of Leavittsburg have been making a difference in their community by creating the Leavittsburg Downtown Improvement Association.

The improvement association started with a basic cleaning effort in the downtown. Next, they tackled landscaping and planted trees. Then, they hung flags and banners - seasonal, patriotic and sports. Restoring river pastimes was also included. The 'Regatta at Canoe City' has been held with great enthusiasm expressed not only by boaters but also by townspeople and folks from all over the Mahoning Valley.

Current
The Leavittsburg Downtown Improvement Association continues its efforts toward making the area more attractive. Those efforts are limited by abandoned lots and buildings; these properties belong to out-of-town owners who resist improvement efforts. This frustrates the township trustees and improvement advocates who are eager for change.

Water and sewer lines are needed, especially in the Meadowbrook neighborhood of Leavittsburg. Water and sewer service is a key to opening any new business. But, the major problem is that citizens cannot afford the hook-ups and that means that their drinking water (well water) is contaminated and septic overflow impacts the river. Federal and state monies are needed. Moreover, the OEPA has ordered the county to construct sewers. That project will cost over $8 million and funding has not been acquired. While the need for sewer lines is pressing, the need for clean drinking water is even more critical. Currently, Trumbull County is installing water lines in part of Meadowbrook, a $1.3M project; the other section will be completed later, pending funds.

The 2000 US Census added Leavittsburg to its 'designated place' category. This action provides demographic information about a specific place. "It makes it easier to get data on population and income for an area, which in turn helps make the case to agencies that dispense sate and federal grants." (Alan Knapp, Trumbull County Planning Commissioner, Tribune, 3/23/00) Such grants are critical for the water and sewer lines to be completed.

Potential
More is in store for this unincorporated community. The Polivkas Building in downtown, a local landmark, has been donated to the "Improvement Association" with the intention for its offices to be housed there as well as the historical society and a lending library. [Special note: To support these efforts, a local historic calendar is sold at area shops.]

"There is a lot of community pride," says one trustee, "and a good school system." Indeed, Leavittsburg has been called an 'affordable suburban area' as it is near the Rt. 5 'bypass', is close to the city of Warren and yet has beautiful country spots as well. New homes are under construction, even in the area needing water and sewer lines. The sense that the future will be better for Leavittsburg is visible in the community and understood through conversations with people who are working toward that goal. The river winds through this unincorporated community; a clean Mahoning River will provide the opportunity to enjoy, again, the abundant beauty that nature bestowed on the 1000-acre tract that Enoch Leavitt selected: "Leavitt's Burg."

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