First Citizen

In 1919, the doors of Youngstown’s Butler Institute of American Art were opened for the first time. Dubbed “the lighthouse of culture,” both the beautiful marble museum and the artwork inside were the gift of 19th-century industrialist Joseph G. Butler, Jr., in what was the crowning achievement of a long life. Butler earned his successes with hard work, a competitive spirit and business savvy. He earned a fortune in the iron and steel industry crowded by such figures as Andrew Carnegie, Henry Frick and Charles Schwab. Butler also took on politicians, promoted American interests, preserved American history and spearheaded projects to improve his community. To friends and admirers, he was affectionately referred to as “Uncle Joe.”

Author Biography

Joseph Lambert, Jr., is a health care administrator who previously worked as a research associate for the Ohio Historical Society. He lives in Canfield, Ohio. The late Rick Shale was a retired English professor from Youngstown State University. He co-authored two books of local history and edited numerous others related to the motion picture industry.