Pioneer Pavilion, one of the oldest structures in Youngstown, is a rare surviving example of early nineteenth-century industry. James Heaton constructed this sandstone building in 1821 as a mill for carding and fulling wool. A millrace from Mill Creek and a waterwheel on the west side supplied the power. In the 1830s and 1840s, the woolen mill was converted to a storage facility for the nearby Mill Creek Furnace and later served as a cattle barn. In 1891, Youngstown attorney Volney Rogers purchased the property for Mill Creek Park, renovating the building in 1893 as a dining and dancing facility, and naming it Pioneer Pavilion. Generations of area residents spanning three centuries have celebrated social events in this historic landmark.
Follow Old Furnace Road W then S from Volney Rd to Pioneer Pavilion parking area
One of a kind gem in Mill Creek Park. The setting the building sits on is beautiful itself. Plus, you get a double whammy because the Mill Creek Furnace is also on Pioneer Pavillion’s property. It’s incredible to think the building was built in the early 1800s because it looks so good even today. I’m not sure if that’s due to amazing construction or being maintained so well. It’s probably a little bit of both. There’s an exciting path towards the parking lot that we wanted to explore. We saw some treasure hunters in the water searching the ground with their metal detectors. Before we knew it we were on a path with a serious 20-30 foot dropoff! This was my kind of path but had to turn back because we had kids with us.
1 Reviews on “Pioneer Pavilion”
One of a kind gem in Mill Creek Park. The setting the building sits on is beautiful itself. Plus, you get a double whammy because the Mill Creek Furnace is also on Pioneer Pavillion’s property. It’s incredible to think the building was built in the early 1800s because it looks so good even today. I’m not sure if that’s due to amazing construction or being maintained so well. It’s probably a little bit of both. There’s an exciting path towards the parking lot that we wanted to explore. We saw some treasure hunters in the water searching the ground with their metal detectors. Before we knew it we were on a path with a serious 20-30 foot dropoff! This was my kind of path but had to turn back because we had kids with us.
Go visit Pioneer! Better yet go rent it!