MAHONING VALLEY
Recalling Christmas window magic at Strouss’ downtown BY JOYCE LYNN FARRELL
n Editor’s note:
he night before Thanksgiving, after Strouss’ Department Store had closed for the day, all the display windows on the West Federal side were covered and would remain that way overnight while window dressers put together the most beautiful Christmastime displays. There were six large display windows to decorate, and the window dressers had to be done by Thanksgiving morning for they knew that there would be a crowd waiting outside for the grand reveal. Two windows would draw the most attention: the window with the Nativity scene and the Toyland display. The Toyland window was a favorite with both adults and children, and everyone agreed that the window at Strouss’ was superior to McKelvey’s. A team of window dressers worked all year preparing for the displays, while tending to their weekly windows, for the policy was that no Christmas display should be repeated. Window dressers were posted at each window on Thanksgiving morning – ready to open the curtains – and all six were opened simultaneously, to the cheers of
n At left:
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Joyce Lynn Farrell recalls when Christmas displays at Strouss’ delighted young and old in the Valley. Joyce, who died in 2018, was an ardent Youngstown historian with an interest in downtown theaters. Strouss’ in an undated image. Image courtesy of John Harris.
onlookers outside. It was official as far as the people were concerned. Many burst into singing “White Christmas” as the countdown to Christmas began. Tucked away in one of the windows was a small easel stand with a “Countdown to Christmas.” The display would mark the days until Christmas Day, with the last card
reading “MERRY CHRISTMAS.” Other stores counted remaining shopping days, but not Strouss’. In that same window was a “Keep-Christ-in-Christmas” display, which was sponsored by the Council of Churches. In the days leading up to Christmas week, the display windows at Strouss’ would
remain unchanged – until the last five. Then, the display window that I remember as the Nativity window went dark once again as the curtain was closed and window dressers worked to transform it into a thing of pure beauty. This window was Strouss’ annual Christmas card to all of Youngstown, a spiritual card of the purest beauty – and the Nativity scene was front and center. It was a work of art, worthy of the Butler Institute of American Art. There was one rule for this display: no commercial message. And it must be worthy of a place in any church. Of all the stores downtown, this was the only window that had such a display of sublime, spiritual beauty. As if by some signal, another large crowd gathered outside to see the display on the morning of the window’s unveiling. Afterward, the crowds made their way into the store for last-minute shopping. Indeed, after all the stores moved out of the downtown area, there would never again be that kind of response to Christmas window displays. An era was gone, but not forgotten.
PEYKO, From Page 6 Bill was an extrovert with a wonderful and, at times, irreverent sense of humor. Everyone who knew Bill loved him. He had a distinct style of dress that matched his colorful personality. Bill often included purple, his favorite color, in his wardrobe. He showed his boys how to tie a Windsor knot, and was known for always having polished shoes. He was an active and involved father, teaching his children how to ride a bike, to think for themselves, to treat people well, and the virtues of hard work, honesty and giving back to the community. Although no child was his favorite, Marshawn, his only daughter, held a special place in his heart. Bill was a humanitarian, which surfaced in his work and personal life. During a teaching career that spanned three decades, He taught students with developmental disabilities and tutored students after work. He volunteered for Trumbull Mobile Meals and was recognized for his long-standing service to the organization. He taught English as a second language to newlyarrived immigrants, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Biff traveled to New Orleans multiple times with local volunteers
to help rebuild homes. Bill had a remarkable work ethic, and he was methodical and disciplined, which allowed him to save – on a teacher’s salary – for an annual family vacation to Wildwood, N.J. Bill was well-read, well-liked and smart. He preferred paperbacks to hardcovers and always seemed to be reading a new book. He liked his eggs sunny side up. • Friends and family may call 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Szabo and Sons Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Apostle’s Parish/St. Stephen of Hungary Church in Youngstown. Due to COVID-19, all social distancing guidelines will be in place and face covering will be required. The Peyko family would like to thank Dr. Santuccio Ricciardi and his team; the staff of All Caring Hospice; Don Lambert of Greenville, Pa.; Ron Flaviano of Warren; and all others for their love and support. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter. Funeral arrangements were handled by Szabo and Sons Funeral Home.
Bill Peyko in an undated photo with two of his children – Mark (left) and Marshawn (with Samson)
METRO MONTHLY DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 7
