Login | July 09, 2026
Mahoning County Probate Court hosts historic tours
Brian Donahue
Legal News Reporter
Published: July 9, 2026
The Mahoning County Probate Court and Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr. recently invited the public on a series of historical tours of the 115-year-old building in celebration of the nation's 250th Anniversary.
Judge Rusu personally led the tours that spanned the course of several days from June 15 to June 18 with tours at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day.
According to Judge Rusu, more than 300 people participated in the tours, making it a great success.
“I think people are so enamored with the building, but too scared to walk through the front door,” he said. “They think heavy stuff happens there. You’re not allowed to go in, and it’s a public building.”
“I’m glad we’re demystifying that a little bit,” he added.
The tour included all the levels of the courthouse, including the courtrooms, the basement holding area for detainees, and the law library. The tour began in the law library as attendees were invited to walk around and view historical artifacts and watch a PowerPoint presentation by Judge Rusu on the history of the building.
The building was completed at the end of 1910 for a hefty sum approximating $2,000,000. In today’s money that would look more like $70,000,000 according to Rusu’s PowerPoint presentation.
They even commissioned well-known artist Edwin Blashfield for $10,000 for the mural pendentives seen throughout the rotunda of the courthouse. The pendentives are 17ft high triangular spaces in the four corners at the top of the rotunda.
The courthouse was designed in 1907 by Charles Frederick Olsen, who also designed several other well-known buildings in the area, including the Youngstown Public Library, South High School, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, and the former Isaly’s Dairy Plant.
The dome itself represents all 14 townships within Mahoning County.
Attendees were treated to history and art lessons as Judge Rusu explained the paintings and the meanings behind them.
A self-proclaimed history nut, Judge Rusu’s enthusiasm for the courthouse and for what he does every day was evident. His appreciation for Youngstown was also tangible as he guided attendees throughout the historic building.
“We need to know where we came from to know where we’re going, and that we were a major player back in the day,” Judge Rusu said. “We still can be, because we have the workforce.
“There’s a lot of smart people that come out of here, talented people, not just lawyers and doctors, but artisans and people that do great work.”
Judge Rusu expressed his belief that this positive outlook is expressed and lived out by everyone who works in the courthouse.
“I can absolutely say that people who work in the courthouse want to help people in this building.” Judge Rusu said.
Judge Rusu went on to talk about another colleague, Judge Anthony D’Apolito who said, “Justice looks different to every party. I hope to give justice to everyone in some portion, and that they receive something positive from it.”
For Judge Rusu, the positive impact of what he and his colleagues do everyday is worthwhile.
“We want to help people get their lives back. When you see someone get their relationship back with their son, their mother, their daughter, whatever the case may be - it really impacts you here,” he said, pointing to his heart.
“It fills my cup,” he added.
When asked about the current political climate and how the importance of events like the tour is in educating the public, Judge Rusu said, “We need to remember how fortunate we are to have a system in which we are presumed innocent until proven guilty. We have a fair justice system.
“You have judges that are impartial. They aren’t controlled by the state or any other faction. They are making decisions based upon precedent, based upon the law that is passed in this country. It is vitally important that we realize that we are one part of three.”
Judge Rusu also praised the people of Mahoning County.
“We take care of our people here. We have so many resources for mental health and for addiction services that a lot of other counties don’t have.
“It’s important that people appreciate the differences we have here, and that’s because of all the steel mills. They brought the melting pot, those different people together. We don’t have the race problems that they have in other parts of the country, because all those people work together and they get to know each other.
“I think that’s the key to Youngstown!”
The tours gave attendees an opportunity to learn more than just historical facts about the building itself. They also provided insight into the justice system and the people who serve Mahoning County, highlighting the courthouse’s role as both a historic landmark and a place dedicated to public service.