Clarence J. Strouss

Son of Isaac Strouss, Clarence J. Strouss was born in 1887. He graduated from Mount Pleasant Academy at Ossining-on-the Hudson in New York. At the age of sixteen, he returned to Youngstown to work in his father’s store. At Strouss & Hirshberg department store, he took over as secretary-treasure (after Bernard Hirshberg retired) and was a member of the board of directors, and then president of the board in 1924. A year later he became the general manager.

Known as a generous and fair man, “C.J.,” as he was known to his loyal employees, always took an interest in the affairs of the people who worked for him and in the community. He was an active leader at Rodef Sholom Temple and by 1935 he had inspired an umbrella Jewish Community organization to form. Strouss also served as the first president of the board of directors for the Jewish Federation of Youngstown.  

Strouss also contributed to countless community organizations. His philanthropic gifts benefited the Federated Churches Holy Week Program, Youngstown College, the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, and the Mahoning Saddle and Bridle Club to name a few. He also assisted in planning the annual Mahoning Saddle and Bridle Club horse show and hosted picnics at his estate for crippled children. 

At the time of his death in 1947, Strouss was a renowned philanthropist and community leader. He had expanded his father’s business and made it into a modern department store. However, he never let his business success jade his generosity.

C.J. Strouss,

Acc. No. JA95-620P-1,

MVHS Collection

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