McDONALD — It was Dec. 12, 1918 that McDonald was officially incorporated as a village.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary, members of the McDonald Historical Society held a special birthday open house Wednesday at the community room with cake and historical item displays, including aerial photos of the village and the McDonald U.S. Steel mill.

The village itself also marked the anniversary in October with a community fun day at the park when the weather was warmer.

Evelyn Hannon, curator of the society, said it was Thomas McDonald, a general foreman who worked at the mill, who was put in charge of building the village.

“The village is a nice place to live. I am glad my parents moved here. The officials, the employees and residents have kept the village up,” Hannon said.

She said officials had a special truck route made on the outskirts of the village so trucks did not have to pass through the center of town.

Hannon said the police made sure everyone followed the rules.

“It wasn’t just the police who knew you, but all the neighbors knew each other and helped take care of one another,” Hannon said.

David Martin, president of the society, said the village also credits Ellen Surak for forming the historical society six years ago and for being the first woman on village council.

Martin said Thomas McDonald, who was known as the “Father of the Village” received support from Carnegie Steel Company in Youngstown to construct the first 122 homes in the village for the employees. Brick and stucco homes were built along Ohio Avenue, with the first homes near Grant Street.

He said the schools always have been a very important part of the community, with students receiving honors in academics and athletics.

“The quality of the students shows the quality schools we have,” he said.

Martin said the village is what it is today because of the steel mill.

“What we have here in the village is because of Thomas McDonald,” he said.

Resident Jane Tock said she was raised in the village and then moved to Niles, but she was glad she returned to live in the village.

“I remember so much about the village. It’s great to celebrate 100 years,” she said.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com