Aug GreeneScene 2018

AUGUST

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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GreeneScene Magazine •

AUGUST

2018

AUGUST

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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I Love this P l ace

Terry Phillips and Rex Miller sit in “their chairs” inside the Log Cabin Service Station. The wall behind them is the log wall that was the front of the store before the addition was added.

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The New Freeport sign tells visitors that this little town has an historic past.

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hen history hunting, nothing is more exciting than finding a real artifact. It happened to me when I dropped by the Cornerstone Geneology Society to see what was on file about the village of New Freeport. If you’ve ever driven State Route 18 South to B and D Auto Repair to have your vehicle worked on, you have just passed it, tucked off the highway six country miles from Hundred, West Virginia. Main Street is Deep Valley Road, intersecting Route 18 before it crosses the Cephus Lee Roupe Memorial Bridge, then curving around to Beryl and Dave’s garage and on to the Log Cabin store.

Here’s a happy shout out to Della Witlatch, who donated the artifact I was so happy to find – a copy of The Press, that four page, one sheet newspaper written and published in 1892 by Russell H. Farrell.

New Freeport, Russell lets you know, once had “about 100 residents…at the confluence of two branches of Fish Creek, six and a half miles from the B&O Railroad.” Those tracks still run along the western edge of Pennsylvania on the West Virginia side. Russell’s town had 22 dwellings, two general stores, a confectionary, drugstore, hotel, shoe shop, harness, shoe and wagon shops, a doctor, barber, three dressmakers and a printing office.

News of the day: Robert Watson of Holbrook was “taking hogs at 4 ½ cents.”

Why the name New Freeport? The only reference I found was in Lillian Potisek, Hilda Stull and Thomas Viencek’s Greene County History, published for the American Bicentennial. It was “founded

by W.P. Hoskinson” and was a “free port for trading” most likely because of its proximity to West Virginia. Plus it was a fine sugar camp with plenty of maple trees lining every back road.

NEW FREEPORT, PA

by Colleen Nelson

Thanks to historian G. Wayne Smith’s decades of patient cranking through microfilm, we know that New Freeport made the news in 1890 when the first phone line was installed to Jollytown and the Baptist Church was built for $2,200.

The Press tells the backstory: a settler named Cake owned land and sold his right to Silas Ayers. Silas and his wife, unable to find fellow Presbyterians to pray with “cast their lot with a few Baptist friends” and founded the church with Rev. Charles Tilton as pastor.

Peter Kimble was the first settler and the first store in town was built by Kennedy Bell, “a two story, fine for its time.”

The Press reports that in the early days Colonel Cook owned the mail route from “Waynesburg to Middlebourne” and mail was delivered once a week, but by 1892, New Freeport borough had daily mail and ‘telephone communications with important points.”

Jollytown, to be exact!

Philip Shough, born in 1809, remembered seeing both Lafayette and the Hon. Albert Gallatin in Fayette County in 1827, The Press was happy to report. “He helped at the harvest this season and is quite active for his age.”

The first gas and oil boom years were about to begin – in 1898 there was a big strike on the Jacob Rice farm. Morris Gas and Oil was formed in 1918 with F.W. Morris as president. The next dozen years before the Great Depression are lost to living memory, but by 1930, when jobs off the farm, like hauling pipe for the wells had dried up, talking to members of the Bissett and Barnhart families put me back on the oral history trail.

I interviewed Herschel Bissett in 2002 for the Observer Reporter when he was 88 and was delighted to find that article, curled and yellowing, tacked to the bulletin board at B and D when I stopped by to write this story.

Herschel graduated high school in 1931 and told me about lining up along the road with 30 to 40 young men every day, hoping for work on the WPA project that would turn muddy rutted roads into stone bedded highways at $6000 a mile. Workweeks were split between the able bodied so that all families could survive and Herschel gave up his dream of college and becoming a history teacher to support his mom on the farm.

“Herschal was my dad’s brother,” Bonnie Bissett Barnhart told me. She lives in her family home, a pretty white house surrounded by flowers just before the turnoff to Deep Valley. Bonnie was born in 1931 and grew with the changes that modern living was about to bring.

She walked to the old two room school just up the road from her house - town historian Buck Cross told me that the one room school that once sat across the road from the fire hall was skidded there to become one of the rooms that taught kids through eighth grade.

“It had a water pump out front – the water tasted like sulfur!

– and a big coal stove with a steel guard we put our mittens on,” Bonnie remembers.

Hershel went there too, and credited his love of learning to being in the same room with older kids. “If you paid attention you knew what was coming next year!” he told Wendy Saul when she did an oral history project with him in 2005.

When Herschel graduated eighth grade in the 1920s he was able to catch a ride to Aleppo High School with a neighbor who happened to have a car. The era of motor vehicles was dawning.

Herschel would leave his WPA job, which paid 35 cents an hour to become a state inspector making $115 a week in 1936.

When Bonnie went to high school in 1946, she rode the bus to Waynesburg because “West Greene high school wasn’t there yet.”

Bonnie married construction worker Roy Barnhart in 1949.

Roy went on to be a rural mail carrier for 43 years, following in the footsteps of his dad Lewis, who was in Company K during the First World War and made it home to deliver mail in and around New Freeport for 15 years.

W. H. Haverstumpf bought Kennedy Bell’s old store with its Sons of Pythias lodge upstairs in 1930 and converted part of it into a fire hall with wooden floors that sagged and groaned as the fire GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

trucks got bigger and bigger over the years.

W.H. also built the Log Cabin general store and gas station to take advantage of the traffic to be had on Route 18.

When Terry and Ethel “Tootles” Philips moved to town in 1973 to live and operate the Bell’s store that Terry’s dad had bought, the fire hall telephone was in the store. Soon Tootles was in the thick of it, rallying the neighborhood to fundraise for more equipment and trucks, and finally, by 1987, the new fire hall.

Today, downtown New Freeport has a fine fire hall, a post office with old photos of the horse drawn mail delivery days on the wall and a scattering of homes and open green spaces where houses and shops once stood. The Baptist church sits empty and the metal building that was Kelly Reed’s Inspection station has a for rent sign on it. What will come next?

These days a new cycle of extraction is in full swing – big trucks rumble down every road that leads to a Marcellus well site and today’s youngsters are at the wheel. Will they take those paychecks and build a life here? Time will tell. But for now, memories of the old days are here for the taking, in Bonnie’s front room, surrounded by family photos.

“I remember the big snow of 1950. The snow was so high we were trapped in our houses. Roy took the doctor up Monkey Hollow on a bulldozer to deliver a baby!” Bonnie tells me.

“The post office was in Sudie Westfall’s house in the late ‘50s.”

Son Roy Jr. sometimes helped his dad on his 35-mile mail runs.

“We sorted mail in her back room. Now it’s in the building that used to be owned by the gas company. Jim Rizor owns it now.”

Roy Jr. also remembers when his hometown rocketed into the 20th century. “When Jack Cooper was the fire chief he ran cable to New Freeport and we paid $6 a month!”

Bonnie’s sweetest memory is one she’s here to share. “I love blackberry cake!” Someone in the family always makes her one for her birthday. But the year she was in Morgantown recuperating from a stroke “they brought me all the ingredients and told me to make it myself, it would be good therapy!”

Now you can make it too. Here’s all you need to know if you’re an old school cook. And don’t forget – blackberries are in season right now!

Albert King and Tom Coss in front of the New Freeport fire hall with the post office in the background. Tom is holding the department’s new Life Pack heart monitor that is now available for emergencies.

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2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

Bonnie Barnhart’s Blackberry Cake 2 c. flour 1 ½ c. sugar ½ c. shortening 2 eggs, ½ tsp. soda 2 tsp. baking powder

1/3 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 c. water 1 c. blackberries (drained)

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes in a 13x9 inch pan.

Alvin “Buck” Cross stands by the new monument to veterans built by Russ and Bonnie Kiger in the early 2000s.

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G ree n e Sce n e of the Pa st

Rosedale and Forrest “Snuffy” Miller minded the store from 1978 to 1986

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here’s an old photograph hanging on the wall of the Log Cabin Service Station on State Route 18 that shows what it looked like in the 1930s. This picture has a story to tell that only some remember, so here I am at 8 a.m. on a Thursday morning, ready to drink coffee with the regulars and plug into that stream of consciousness that flows through shared memories when someone like me stops by to shoot the breeze.

“That’s the original owner Bill Haberstumph,” Rex Miller tells me. He and Terry Phillips are sitting in “their chairs” at the corner table beside the coffee pots. “He always had that parrot on his shoulder.”

I step closer to look. Dang! It is a parrot.

Store manager Lori Gilbert is busy behind the counter taking invoices from the delivery drivers wheeling boxes of snacks, sodas and whatnots through the door, making change for the early morning workers in reflective taped shirts and dusty boots who are here to grab a bite to start the day. The parking lot is full of trucks of every size and snippets of conversation collide. Rex’s cheerful history lesson rises above it all.

“You see those logs in front? That’s what we’re leaning against here. The addition we’re sitting in got put on later. If you step out the door and look down you can see where those old gas pumps used to sit.”

Rex tells me that this photo was on the cover of a calendar put out by Coen Oil that supplied gas to the AMOCO pumps and that the benches where regulars once sat are still there in front of the new addition, which by all accounts, Bill Haverstumph built.

“Not sure who the woman in the photograph is. Pretty sure it’s not his wife. Her name was Flora.

They lived here too, in back behind the store.”

Lori chimes in from behind the counter. “Bill died here. We sometimes hear his ghost rustling around back there.”

Part of “back there” is now being filled with collectibles and soon, local crafts. Lori says.

“We used to have a full kitchen and we’re hoping to do it again. It’s hard to find delivery trucks that come out this far. When Bill Wise (of Bill Wise Excavating) bought the store in 2012, he realized he didn’t want the community to lose it. This is where people gather. I’ve worked here ever since Deb and Steve Roberts bought it in 2002. It really is the heart of the community.”

Cindy Miller Varner of Hundred, Jeannie Miller Katruska of Waynesburg and her mom Mable, a spry 93, helps me fill in the generations of Millers that kept the groceries, gas and gab going after Bill Haberstumph died. Grant and Mable Miller took over in 1955, buying the contents of the store and renting the building from the Haberstumph family for 13 years. They lived in the apartment in back and “we were open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. except for Christmas day,” Jeannie tells me a few days later. She has happy memories of growing up at the store in the thick of community life, where neighbors were known to knock on the window at night if they needed something and salesmen always had presents for her. That back apartment had three bedrooms, two sitting rooms plus the kitchen and bathroom. “Part of it hung over the creek and I remember being home sick from school and fishing out my bedroom window!”

In 1968, the store went to Grant’s brother Forrest “Snuffy” Miller and his wife Rosedale.

“I was ready for Kindergarten they didn’t want me getting off the bus alone in New Freeport so they sold their store in Aleppo and bought the Log Cabin in 1968,” daughter Cindy told me over the phone. She also emailed me a photo of her mom and dad behind the counter, taken shortly before Snuffy died in 1986.

“Mom hated that picture but we love it because it’s the last photo we have of Dad.” Brother Dan and his wife Ruthie helped Rosedale keep the doors open until his death in 2002.

“I was friends with Deb, that’s when I started working here part time,” Lori tells me that morning at the store as I pour chocolate milk into my cup of righteously strong java and settle in to meet the neighbors streaming through the door to get a jumpstart on the day.

Thomas R. Coss Jr. bustles in - he seems to have picked up on doing great stuff for the fire department where Tootles Phillips left off. In order to be classified as an Advanced Life Support Squad, a $40,000 Life Pack Heart monitor had to be purchased, along with a Lucas 3 CPR machine. Thanks to Tom’s persistence and grant writing savvy, the money came in, from local fundraising to bigger donations from Farrall Methodist Church in Spraggs, Community Foundation of Fayette County, Greene Co. Memorial Hospital Foundation and EQT, the big driller in these parts.

I persuade Tom to join me at the fire hall for a photograph of the new defibrillator that will save lives here in the rural reaches - Tom tells me it takes 45 minutes to an hour to get an ambulance. Albert King is waiting for us with his guitar when we get there, ready to let the rest of the world know there’s live music and good food here every other Saturday night. These get-togethers help pay the bills and

buy new equipment and training for volunteer fire fighters.

Old country stores that are still alive and ticking are worth a visit, especially if you like good coffee and good neighbors. The Log Cabin doesn’t keep hours like it did in Jeanie Katruska’s day, but

by Colleen Nelson

you can be sure the doors are open early every workday morning.

Saturday night dances at the fire hall are scheduled for August 7 and 25 and the fun starts at 7 p.m.

The log cabin as it once looked in the early 1930s

Terry Philips and Rex Miller standing outside the Log Cabin as it looks today

If you have an interesting old photo from the area you’d like to share, just send it to: GreeneScene of the Past, 185 Wade Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Or email to: info@greenescene.com with GreeneScene Past in subject line. The GreeneScene Community Magazine can even scan your original in just a few minutes if you bring it to our office. We are particularly interested in photos of people and places in the Greene County area taken between 1950 and 1980, though we welcome previous dates, too.

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GreeneScene Magazine •

AUGUST

2018

A TEAM Effort for Humane Society of Greene County

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he 2018 Victory 5K will be held August 11, 2018, beginning at Rolling Meadows Church of God in Waynesburg. “We’re gearing up for another exciting event!” said spokesperson Larry Calvert, “the organizers are working hard to make this year’s event something special.”

The Victory 5K is a joint venture between Bethlehem Baptist Church of Ruff Creek and Rolling Meadows Church of God, and serves as a charitable fund raiser. The beneficiary for 2018 is the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Greene County, a Christian centered organization that helps women and couples facing the difficulties of unplanned pregnancy while protecting the life of the unborn.

A food drive will also be held to benefit the Corner Cupboard Food Bank.

“The mission of The Victory 5K is to achieve victory in our Lord Jesus Christ, victory over uncertainty and victory over personal hardships. Together we can help those who are struggling in our community. This is a family focused event with fun, fitness and fellowship!” adds Larry.

The event includes a 5K run/walk and mile run. Awards will be given for top three 5K runners and walkers, both male and female, as well as Children’s Challenge Mile Run (ages 12 and under).

Additional awards will be given by age group categories for the 5K run/walk, both male and female.

The atmosphere will be festive as well with raffle prizes, food drive, chicken roast, live music

by Robin and Bob and children’s activities like face painting and a bounce house. VFW Post 4793 will provide roasted chickens at $10 each. Non-perishable, non-expired food items will be accepted for the event’s food drive. Each food donor will receive raffle tickets for a food drive prize.

A special raffle will be held for a handmade quilt, made and donated by the Waynesburg Senior Center Quilters. Tickets for this quilt will also be sold at Rolling Meadows Church of God, Waynesburg Senior Center, Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency, the event booth at Rain Day Festival and during race day.

To guarantee an event t-shirt and race bag, pre-register by July 27 for $16 for 5K run/walk and $10 for mile run. Cost to run on race day is $20 for 5k run/walk and $12 for mile run. Register on-

AUGUST

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

line at www.runsignup.com, by searching for “The Victory 5K”. A printable brochure is also posted on “The Victory 5K” Facebook page and registrations may be mailed to: The Victory 5K, PO Box 963, Waynesburg, PA 15370. FMI, contact thevictory5k@yahoo.com or message the Facebook page.

Susan Cole, Humane Society volunteer; Vicki Duvall, Humane Society Marketing & Communications Coordinator; Bill Murphy, Manager, Western Area, Dominion Energy Transmission; Patrick Brady and Karic Hughes, Greene County Career & Technology Center students (not photographed is Jordan Bolyard who also participated in the project); and Larry Franks, Greene County Career & Technology Center instructor.

Participants run The Victory 5K.

Shown here with the quilt to be raffled are Tina Raber, Pat Thorp, Jessie Rush and her son, Thomas Rush.

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t takes time and money to keep an animal shelter running and operating successfully, and everything done is for the benefit of the homeless and abused animals who reside there.

Thanks to a collaborative effort of several organizations coming together, the Humane Society of Greene County in Waynesburg, Pa., is the recipient of a much-needed storage shed on its shelter property.

“These organizations represented a real team effort to provide a building to replace one inhabited by snakes, mice and insects, and whose walls were crumbling,” says Vicki Duvall, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Humane Society of Greene County. “Everything we do at the shelter takes teamwork, and this is a wonderful, successful example. TEAM to us means that Together, Each Animal Matters!”

The team effort began last September at a Greene County Chamber of Commerce general membership networking luncheon. Representatives of the Humane Society, Greene County Career and Technology Center, Blueprints (formerly Community Action Southwest) with funding from the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and The Challenge Program, Inc., met and discussed the shed project for the very first time.

The effort blossomed from there to receiving a $5,000 grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, which was used to pay for supplies. Blueprints paid students from the Career and Technology Center to build the shed through a Work-Based Learning Experience where students gain work experience. Sherwin-Williams donated the paint.

“We are proud to support the Humane Society of Greene County and its mission of ending animal abuse, abandonment and suffering,” says Bill Murphy, Manager, Western Area, Dominion Energy Transmission. “I want to especially thank the students at the Greene County Career and Technology Center for their efforts and outstanding work in building the shed that will be used for many years to come.”

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In the 1940s through the 1950s, the Church of Christ was a simple frame structure.

any little country churches in Greene County have an old photo hanging inside that shows the original meetinghouse, usually made of wood and later torn down to make room for a new brick building. In the case of the Church of Christ in New Freeport, that original church didn’t go anywhere – it got remodeled.

My friends Jim and Judy Rizor were there to greet me when I arrived at 9:30 a.m. on a sunny Sunday morning, and were happy to show me their church and that old photo.

“It used to be the Assembly of God Church but they stopped meeting here,” Judy explained as we stepped inside. Jim took the framed picture off the wall and we took it outside for its photo op. The plain white building with no steeple that looked more like a schoolhouse has disappeared behind bricks and new additions. It used to sit below the road but sometime in the 1950s members of the congregation rolled up their sleeves and put a basement under it. Sometime in the 1960s the serious remodeling began, one project and hundreds of volunteer hours at a time, until by the 1970s it had become the handsome brick building with the jaunty steeple you see today, sitting beside the pond that Charles Bissett excavated when he built the yellow brick home across the road for his family. By all accounts, it was his bulldozer that did the work

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of the Lord on that basement.

The Rizors and a handful of other parishioners had come early for the 10 a.m. bible study - worship services start at 11 a.m. We settled into the empty pews with Rev. Larry Huggins, who lives in the church parsonage in Jollytown, for an impromptu history lesson on the origins of the Church of Christ and how the Church got its start in New Freeport.

The founder of this branch of nondenominational Christianity that had its origin on the American Frontier was Alexander Campbell 1788-1866.

He and his father Thomas were leaders in the reform “restoration movement” that stressed reliance on scriptures of the New Testament rather than following established Protestant sects. These breakaway congregations chose words like Christ, Christian and Disciple to name themselves and strived to live as the bible directed. In 1832, reformers lead by Campbell merged with the Kentucky congregations calling themselves the Disciples of Christ but these were turbulent spiritual times. In the years preceding the Civil War, the moral conundrum of slavery caused great rifts in the spiritual and political fabric of America and played out in pulpits throughout the land. Campbell was an abolitionist living in what was then the state of Virginia. He founded Bethany College to educate pastors and risked the laws of Virginia to support the abolition of slavery.

His reform movement’s message “In essen- Bissett while only being in the church one year has tials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things love” made much progress in the Lord’s work and is now seems to have found a home in the hearts of the preaching the Gospel very ably. Our prayers are hard working, neighbor helping neighbor farm with him that God will bless him and use him in families of New Freeport as the Great Depression this work. An interest and an attendance seems to ended and a frightening World War was about to be holding up quite well.” begin.

Any other official church records of the dayThe old record book that parishioner Richard to-day happenings at church have been lost to Johnson brought to share had the church’s Genesis time, but Nancy Knight Hennen, who put the spelled out in faded longhand, bookmarked for me church program together for the 50th anniversary to read. celebration October 12-13, 1991 has memories of “On October 13, 1940, Oliver Johnson of Mar- growing up attending services here with her family ietta, Ohio held a mission meeting in the building and returning after marriage to become a regular owned by the Assembly of God in New Freeport,” member. the unknown scribe wrote. The new church was “We got married in 1961 and I remember my sponsored by the already established congregations husband Bob painting the bathroom walls in the of Hundred, Littleton, Earnshaw, Sansho, Sand Hill, East View, Liming Ridge and Farmington.

“The visible results of the meeting were four baptisms.”

A meeting between elders and church leaders from these churches was held on March 16, 1941, when it was decided to buy the abandoned church.

Trustees were elected, with Charles Bissett representing New Freeport. The Moundsville congregation sponsored a two-week meeting beginning April 20 and membership increased by 12. Teachers were elected on May 4 and the first service was held on May 11 with “Mr. G. Today the original church has been remodeled inside and out, with new additions, a brick Keller in charge.” The exterior and a steeple. Some of the congregation are seen here getting ready for bible study before worship services that start at 11 a.m. church of Moundsville agreed to send preachers for a period of one year and the new church new addition upstairs right after that so that’s when was officially up and running the next Sunday. And the remodeling began.” just in time, too. Herman Riggs of Deep Valley was Over the years, the church has been there for on his deathbed and church elders were able to ac- the community and its kids, with Vacation Bible company Brother Bob Hamis to the Riggs home for School, holiday meals for the homebound, visiting communion. nursing homes and helping neighbors in need, esBy the fall of 1941, this brand new church had pecially those who suffer fire and flood. hit its first financial milestone.

“When Hundred flooded so bad on Rain Day On its official dedication day, September 28, last year we took a pickup truck load of supplies an all day meeting was held and the Wheeling down to them,” Nancy said. “We give to missions church sent a preacher for the sermon. “This ser- overseas and when the Church of Christ started in vice resulted in the cleansing of all the indebted- Waynesburg we gave them 8000 volunteer hours.” ness against this church.” A check was cut to C. L. When I read Nancy’s 1991 program and saw Gump for $545 “this being the balance due on the that when asked to “stand with the congregation” building.”

Charles, Herschel and their families were at the top The last entry is dated February 1, 1942 and of the list. I had to grin. It seems that those prayers begins “Regular services today, attendance 37, col- for young Herschel 50 years ago had not been in lection $7.05. Brother Bernard Peterson submitted vain. His interest and attendance seems to have a letter from the elders of the church at Wheeling held up quite well!

W.V. to transfer their membership to the FreeOn Sunday, bible study is 10 a.m. and worship port Church.” and ends “One thing more I believe at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday bible study is 5-6 should be recorded at this time Brother Herschel p.m. winter and 6-7 p.m. in summer.

GreeneScene Magazine •

AUGUST

2018

2018 Rain Day Celebration!

The Annual Rain Day Celebration is on a On Saturday night, Local Boy Scout Troop 1280 will camp out on the courthouse lawn to spend the night and begin a midnight vigil of when the first drop of rain falls, should that happen before the day’s activities get really buzzing, shortly after dawn.

This year, the events kick off with a church service on Sponsored by: the Greene County Courthouse steps, followed by a very special ceremony remembering the Rain Day Boys. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the day in 1918 when Greene County lost 18 soldiers in one battle during WWI. SOAR of Greene County will provide a flyover to end the cermony and the rest of the festivities will begin.

The Special Events Commission continues the tradition every year on July 29th with a street fair in the heart of town, live entertainment on the courthouse steps, arts and crafts booths, food booths, children’s games and assorted other diversions. Vendors will be pulling in and setting up as soon as the sunrises. As always, the street is closed to through traffic and we take over downtown for Rain Day! There is no admission, tons of food, plenty of games and contests. Greene County’s recently formed Civil Air Patrol will be operating the dunking booth, and don’t forget to decorate your umbrella! An additional treat this year is a professional fireworks display sponsored by EQT and presented by Starfire Corporation. The Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:45pm. A special viewing area will be setup in the Borough #3 Parking lot near PNC Bank – bring your lawn chairs!

Sunday July 29, Rain Day Celebration commences from 11am - 10pm 7 - 10 am ...............Buckwheat Pancake Breakfast at St. Ann Church Main Stage/Lower stage (in front of Greene County Courthouse) 10:00 am................Church Service by Waynesburg First Assembly Community Service,

Message by Reverend James Galbraith 10:30 am................100th Anniversary Ceremony of The Rain Day Boys – Company K

110th Infantry, SOAR of Greene County Fly over ending ceremony 11 am - 8:30pm.....Dunk Booth (by Waynesburg Borough Office) 11:30 am................Umbrella Contest 12:00 pm...............His Royal Blood 12 - 3 pm...............Howard Mincone (Strolling) 12 - 6 pm...............Pittsburgh Art Glass Demonstration (By PNC Bank) 1:00 pm.................Barbara Moschetta Dance School 1:30 pm.................Lexie VanDyne, Cassidy Chambers, Courtney Ross 2:30 pm.................American Judo Hapkido 2:50 pm.................RAIN DAY TOWN SELFIE with “WAYNE DROP” 3:00 pm.................The Crew 4:00 pm.................Diaper Derby 4:30 - 6:30 pm.......The House Band 6:30 pm.................Rain Day Contestants 7:00 pm.................Company K Salute - Moment of Silence 7:05 pm.................Award Presentations

(Window Decorating Contest, Baby Rain Day Winners,

Jack McCracken Award & Boy Scout Donation) 7:30-9:30 pm.........Ferris Bueller’s Revenge 9:45 pm.................EQT FIREWORKS Presented By Starfire Corporation

(Reserved viewing area in Waynesburg Borough Lot 3 near PNC Bank Music provided by Memories & Melodies!)

Second Stage area (Waynesburg University lawn area by First National Bank) 12:00 pm...............“Maxwell the Raindrop” Story Time with Joseph Moore 12:30 pm...............Bowlby Library Story Time with Miss Susan & Miss Maria 1 - 6 pm.................Life Size Games 1:00 pm.................Make it Rain Trivia Game

(Make it Rain Trivia game- Sign up at the Special Event Booth/

10 participants at each time slot! Sign up early) 1:30 pm.................Bowlby Library Story Time with Miss Susan & Miss Maria 2:00 pm.................First Assembly Games and Giveaways 2:30 pm.................“Maxwell the Raindrop” Story Time with Joseph Moore 3:00 pm.................Make it Rain Trivia Game

Courthouse Lawn Area 12 - 7 pm ...............Children’s Carnival Games presented by First Assembly 1 - 4 pm ................JMS Balloon Art 1 - 6 pm ................Barnyard Petting Zoo 2 - 6 pm ................Face Painting - Tom Savini’s Special Effect School Music: 3:30 pm ........ Good For Friday 4:30 pm......... Drew Johnson

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2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

5:00 pm......... Savannah Britt 5:30 pm......... Talia Teagarden

6:00 pm......... Rodney Parson & Lucien Schroyer

6:30 pm......... Coco Pahanish 7:00 pm......... Lexie VanDyne

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STUFF THE BUS

or the past 15 years, children and families have crowded into the Lions Club Park in Waynesburg, eager to grab some new school supplies from the loaded bus parked nearby. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade jump on the bus and get to pick out a new backpack, fully loaded with new school supplies for the upcoming school year.

The 16th annual Stuff the Bus event will be held at the JC Pavilion in the Lions Club Park again this year on Wednesday, August 15th from 11:00am to 2:00pm. A free lunch (for kids) will be served from 11:00am to 1:00pm, provided by the Central Greene Summer Food program.

Several different agencies will be available to provide information about local programs, including applications for the Free or Reduced School Lunch Program. There will also be games, face painting, treats and more fun things to do.

We make it a really enjoyable day,” says MaChal Forbes, Greene County United Way executive director. “It is a community-wide event. In Carmichaels, Jefferson, Waynesburg, Ruff Creek, all over. The county comes together. Everyone wants to help.”

To create a guideline for what school supplies are needed, the local school districts’ supply lists are utilized. Backpacks are filled by age groups, so that younger and older children get the appropriate school supplies. Pens, pencils, backpacks,

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crayons, markers, glue sticks, book covers, notebooks, folders, lunch boxes, binders, scissors, and children’s books are welcome donations.

Monetary donations are also accepted – and appreciated!

Once the supplies have been picked up from the donation locations, they are brought to the United Way’s office. Assembly lines loaded with volunteers, made up of students, board members, and others, are created and the backpack stuffing begins. Once the backpacks are full of supplies, they are loaded onto the bus and it’s off to the event.

Afterwards, backpacks of supplies are also delivered to the area headstart programs. First Federal Savings and Loan of Greene County, a yearly sponsor, also helps deliver the backpacks.

The numbers for donated backpacks have been growing every year, and this year is sure to be no exception. “Last year, we provided 665 backpacks to children from headstart to 12th grade,” says MaChal.

Donations to the program can be made by dropping off school supplies at any of the drop off sites. These sites include: Baily’s Insurance, Big Lots, Blueprints, Bowlby Library, Community Bank (Carmichaels and Waynesburg), Cornerstone Care, Domestic Violence Services of SWPA, First Federal Savings and Loan of Greene County, First National Bank (Rices Landing and Waynesburg), Flenniken Library, Greene ARC, Greene County Chamber of Commerce, Greene County United Way, SPHS Care Center, Washington Health Systems Greene, Waynesburg Rotary, Bridge Street Commons, and Waynesburg University.

To register for the event, dial 2-1-1. You must be registered to participate. Backpacks may also be picked up at the United Way Office the following week Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The office is located at 748 East High Street, Waynesburg, PA. FMI, contact Greene County united Way at 724-852-1009.

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Hilly Billy Roubaix: Cycling the Back Roads of PA and WV 434 bicyclists from across the United States, Canada and as far away as Wales, gathered in Mason-Dixon Historical Park on the overcast morning of Saturday, June 23 to take part in the demanding Hilly Billy Roubaix.

The Hilly Billy Roubaix meanders through West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania, on a backbreaking 72-mile course that consists of a mix of dirt roads, paved roads, gravel roads and even abandoned roads. The first official Hilly Billy was run in 2010, but the idea began brewing as early as 2008 when J.R. Petsko and Gunnar Shogren, mountain bike enthusiasts, spent time exploring the back roads of the area on their bikes. J.R. shared, “We had such a blast riding on the unmaintained roads in the area, as it was a lot of fun. Riding this type of

road, especially back in those days, was not for everyone but we thought it was awesome.”

That first Hilly Billy in 2010 brought a crowd of about 70 riders.

Because it was new, most of the riders had no idea what they were getting into that day. “The 70 or so folks who showed up had no clue what they were getting into. I got yelled at a lot after, as broken people lay all over the ground at the finish.“ To prevent that in future races – after all, no one wants to get yelled at after every event – the race organizers now provide photographs and videos of people pre-riding the course so that newcomers will have an idea of what’s in store for them along the back roads.

The race draws people in from all over not just because of a course that will test your endurance, but also because of the post-race fun afterwards.

Riders share stories over a beer, snap photos in a photo booth complete with worn-down couch, pigs Abel & Bella and chickens, and enjoy the fun and relaxed vibe. At the Hilly Billy, the most important thing is fun and safety. That’s what keeps them coming back for more every year. “…it may not fun during the whole race – it is called “Hilly” Billy for a reason – but most leave with smiles that evening. After we break your soul on the 72 miles course, we’ll feed you, offer you a good beer, and we all tell stories from the day,” J.R.

By Danielle Nyland

added.

The 2018 Overall Men’s Winner: Bryon Lewis of Virginia, with a time od 4:12:49. The 2018 Overall Women’s Winner: Kae Takeshita of Illinois, with a time of 5:09:59. Track records are Cole Oberman at 3 hours 57 minutes in 2015 (Men) and Crystal Anthony at 4 hours 31 minutes in 2014 (Women).

“People always tell me how good of a job I do with the event, but it is not me. The Hilly Billy is a great event because of the people who support it. I am talking about the 70 volunteers, sponsors, Local EMS, County and State police, my wonderful friends and family, my awesome wife who works her butt off, and of course Abel and Bella. All of those folks are the reason the Hilly Billy is a special event, not me.”

FMI, check them out on Facebook @ Hilly.

Billy.Roubaix.

Co ol at S cho o l

by Danielle Nyland

GCCTC Young Entrepreneurs Win Big at National Conference

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reene County Career and Technology Center (GCCTC) students captured first place at the FCCLA (Family Career Community Leaders of America) national leadership competition held June 28 – July 2 in Atlanta, GA. The 3-person team, consisting of Kyle Sharp (senior), Zachary Smith(senior), and Sara Hornick(junior), brought home the gold in the Entrepreneurship competition with their “Waynesburg Theater and Courtyard Grill” business project.

The team worked with the current owner of the old Waynesburg Theater, Chris Kiger, to get access to the theater and created a hypothetical business. Included in the project were feasibility studies, market surveys, marketing, menu planning and design, facilities planning and design, scheduling, and even food cost.

The plan involved turning the theater into something similar to the Palace Theater in Greensburg or the State Theater in Uniontown, showcasing musical guests across a range of decades and genres.

Outside, in the vacant lot next to the theater, an outside grill would serve food.

The project placed first at the State conference, along with two other projects from the school. The

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seven students traveled to Atlanta to for the national conference and took in a little sightseeing along the way. They visited the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., the World of Coca-Cola, and some other places of significance.

“The judges loved it,” said Dan Wagner, Culinary Arts FCCLA Advisor for GCCTC. “It’s the new thing across the country. Towns are brining in people to revitalize and using small theaters to bring more engagement to the community.”

“Even though the study was hypothetical, it was based on a lot of real-life studies. Something like this takes a lot revamping. Everything was considered for the project to decide its feasibility. “

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2018 HAT BET WITH HEATHER ABRAHAM

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s Rain Day nears, its time for celebrities to take a chance with their hats as part of the legendary Hat Bet held every year.

This year Mayor Brian Tanner has made his famous wager with Heather Abraham of KDKA. “I was humbled when Mayor Tanner asked me to take the Hat Bet. There is so much history and fun behind this tradition,” Heather said. “I’m honored to be part of a long list of people who have taken part in the bet, like KDKA’s Bill and Patty Burns, actor/comedian Will Ferrell, everyone’s favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers, and even President Donald Trump in 2005. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the 18 men who lost their lives in 1918 in WWI. This 100 year anniversary of their

deaths should serve as a reminder of their great sacrifice and the continued sacrifices of our military men and women.”

An award-winning journalist, Heather has been nominated for several Emmys – winning one – and won a Golden Quill award for her reporting on a 7-alarm fire in Homestead. Heather, a Pittsburgh native, graduated from Shaler Area High School, where her passion for the news started with the morning announcements and was supported by her high school teacher, Lee Myers.

She continued her education at West Virginia University where she studied Broadcast News. After graduating from WVU, Heather spent four years at News 12 Brooklyn, covering politics, crime, and neighborhood news. She also occasionally filled in on the anchor desk. She joined KDKA in December 2010.

When she’s not reporting or anchoring, Heather loves spending time with her family. Her husband is a City of Pittsburgh firefighter and they have two daughters, Lila and Sunny, and two dogs.

Heather’s been involved with the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, even taking part in their annual polar plunge fundraiser.

Heather’s got a lot of talent, but those awardwinning journalism skills might just let her down this year when she has to hand over her hat to Mayor Tanner - ‘cause everyone knows that it’s going to rain in Waynesburg on July 29th.

Mason-Dixon Frontier Fest

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eld annually at the end of August, the Mason-Dixon Frontier Festival has been tradition for 35 years. Celebrating the community’s rich history and culture with exhibitions, demonstrations, music, food, and more, the 36th Frontier Festival in Mt. Morris is not to be missed.

Make sure you arrive hungry because there’s a wide variety of delicious food available. Come early and enjoy some breakfast, like a plate of biscuits and gravy. Spend the day munching on soup beans and cornbread with homemade butter, those famous Mason-Dixon Dogs (cheese, chili, coleslaw sauerkraut, & onions), haluski, funnel cakes, fried potatoes, sweet sausage sandwiches, buffalo burgers and more. And then wash it all down with some sassafras tea. Veterans and spouse can eat free at the pavilion.

You can even buy a whole pie - or two! Other baked goods include Statler’s baked goods, salt rising bread, pies, cookies, Margaret’s jams and jellies, honey, Sonny’s peppers, pepperoni Rolls, filled cupcakes… the list goes on and on.

Vendors will have a wide variety of locally produced arts and crafts available, as well canned foodstuffs, potted plants, and more. Vendors will include: North Central WV Trappers Association, Grady’s ivory, Angel’s R Designs. LulaRoe, wood burning stove inserts, Scentsy by Tasha, Trapper Paul’s supply house, Tupperware, Hillybilly spin art, GLM woodworks, and more. Tom Hritz will be making the sawdust fly with his chainsaw carving.

The antique engine show, along with the car and tractor parade, is always a big hit. Those interested in bringing their classic or antique car are encouraged to do so. Don Pyle’s antique car show will also be featured at the festival. FMI, call Harold Campbell at 724-878-5682 or Dave Chisler at 304-879-5881.

A pre-1840 frontier encampment will give you a small taste of life during the early days of Greene County settlements. On Saturday, learn how our

frontier ancestors caught lunch with a display of trapping techniques by ABC Humane Animal Removal.

Live music will be available on both days. FMI, contact Rich Lash at 304-798-3596.

On Sunday morning, an outdoors, non-denominational service will begin at 9am with Pastor Wanda Brosky.

For your comfort and convenience, an airconditioned rest area is located inside the cabin; shuttle service will be available from the parking area to the festival grounds. Baby high chairs will also be available at the food pavilion.

The festival will be held Saturday, August 25th and Sunday August 26th from 10AM until 5PM daily in Mt. Morris. Take Interstate 79 to Mount Morris to Buckeye Road to Creek Road, and then travel a half-mile to Mason-Dixon Park. Admission is free. FMI, visit masondixonpark.net, call 304-879-5500 or email keeperoftheland@aol.com.

Photo courtesy Mason-Dixon Park website.

GreeneScene by John Costello

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Greene County Farmland Preservation

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o you want to improve your farm? Are you looking to ensure your property is farmed for future generations? Consider enrolling in Farmland Preservation and selling an easement for help with project on your farm as well as ensuring future farming.

Greene County Farmland Preservation is now accepting applications for agricultural easement

GreeneScene by Brittany McIntire

until December 31, 2018. This easement can protect a family’s farmland from being lost to future non-agricultural development. The easement is an interest in land, representing the right to prevent development or improvement of a parcel for any purposes other than agricultural production.

To be eligible, the farm must be located in an Agricultural Security Area, be contiguous acreage at least 50 acres in size/10 acres in size and used for a crop unique to the area/10 acres or more and a property joined to a previously preserved farm, at least 50% of the soils on the property shall be in soil capability classes I-IV and be available for agricultural production, and contain the greater of 50% or 10 acres of harvested cropland, pasture, or grazing land.

In Greene County there are currently eight townships with approved agricultural security areas: Center, Cumberland, Franklin, Greene, Jefferson, Morgan, Washington and Wayne. If your land is in one of these townships, you may be eligible for Farmland Preservation – even if you are not yet in the Agricultural Security program.

If you are not a part of the Agricultural Security Areas or Farmland Preservation, but are interested please call 724-852-5278 or gccd@co.greene. pa.us to find out more information about beginning an Agricultural Security Area in your township!

Rev. John Corbly Remembered ticeship to a Quaker family he moved to Virginia. He eventually returned to Pennsylvania in 1771, where he founded the Goshen Baptist Church (now John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church).

John Corbly married three times and had a total of seventeen children.

His first marriage was to Abigail Bull in 1752. He then married Elizabeth Tyler in 1773.

During the Revolutionary War, John Corbly served as a soldier, chaplain, militiaman, draftsmen, judge, and Indian fighter. He traveled with the George Rogers Clark expedition to the Sheelagh Whillock (middle) has light-hearted discussion with Whiskey Falls of the Ohio and platted the city Rebellion re-enactor Clay Kilgore (left) at the 87th Corbly reunion.

Louisville.

Sheelagh, the attendee coming from the furthest distance, was visiting The infamous Corbly Family masfrom Sussex England. Brian Cunning is the 2nd re-enactor (right). sacre occurred on the Sunday morning of May 10, 1782, as the Corbly famn Saturday, June 24th, the 87th reunion ily traveled to preach and worship. Rev. of the John Corbly Descendants As- Corbly followed his family while contemplating the sociation was held at the John Corbly upcoming sermon. In a letter to Reverend William Baptist Church in Garard’s Fort. The as- Rogers, Rev. Corbly wrote: sociation was formed to honor the contributions of “… all of a sudden, I was greatly alarmed with Reverend John Corbly, a prominent early settler in the frightful shrieks of my dear wife before me. I western Pennsylvania. He served during the Revo- immediately ran with all the speed I could, vainly lutionary War, played a part in the Whisky Rebel- hunting a club as I ran, till I got within forty rods of lion, and established over 30 churches in multiple them; my poor wife seeing me, cried to me to make states. my escape; an Indian ran up to shoot me. Seeing John Corbly was born February 23, 1733. In the odds too great against me, I fled, and by doing 1747, at the age of 14, he left his home in Ireland so outran him.” and immigrated to Philadelphia. After his appren-

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By Danielle Nyland

The Indians, spying the party from “Indian Point,” descended the hill, crossed Whitely Creek and massacred the family, killing Mrs. Corbly, 2 daughters, and a son. Two other daughters, Elizabeth and Delilah, were scalped but survived.

The Excise Whiskey Tax of 1791, which levied a tax against on domestic and imported alcohol, was strongly protested by the farmers of Pennsylvania, who relied on whiskey as part of their barter system. Corbly was outspoken about the Whiskey Act and in November 1794, was arrested when the federal government swept into to the area with a force of almost 13,000 troops to end the Whiskey Rebellion.

Corbly was exonerated in April 1976 and returned home to the newly minted Greene County and his third wife, Nancy Ann Lynn, where the brick house of the John Corbly farm built in 1796 still stands. Rev. John Corbly died on June 9, 1803 at his home in Garard’s Fort.

Each year, the Corbly association holds a reunion that includes a church service, speakers, memorial service, and luncheon. Over seventy were in attendance, representing fourteen states and one foreign country (Sussex, England). A church service led by Pastor Gary Whipkey opened the reunion and attendees introduced themselves and their Corbly lineage afterwards.

President Miller presented an overview of Corbly’s life highlighting 3 critical years and this year’s event focused on the Whisky Rebellion. To give descendants an overview of the Whiskey Re-

bellion, re-enactors, Clay Kilgore, Director of the Washington County Historical Society, and Brian Cunning portrayed the conflict between the rebels and Federal militia.

A brief memorial service was held for descendants who had passed away since the last reunion and photos were taken of descendants from each of the Corbly’s wives. Following the luncheon in the church social hall, some descendants visited the Garard’s Fort cemetery. The graves of Corbly, two wives and eleven children, as well as memorials for the Corbly massacre and highlights of Corbly’s life are on the cemetery grounds. FMI, visit www. johncorblydescendants.org.

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Eastern Mining Collectors Show

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he Eastern Mining Collectors Show is returning as part of the annual Bituminous Coal Show, casually referred to as the King Coal Show around Greene County.

Back in 1983 a decal and belt buckle swap was incorporated into the event. The swap continued for a few years and, like the water battle contests that once were part of the event, was dropped from the schedule.

Brice Rush, who holds one of the largest local collections known, was instrumental in bringing the swap back a few years ago; it is now part of the Eastern Miners Collectors Show (EMCS) circuit. What started in the 80s as a decal and buckle swap is much larger event held at the Carmichaels Fire Hall from 9am – 2pm on Aug. 25. There is a $1 charge to get into the collectors show. People will be able to buy, sell, trade and swap their items with others from places like Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and more.

Brice and his wife, Linda will be at the show with some of the items from their collection. This year, in honor of the 65th Coal Show “65 Years of Honoring Our Miners,” the Rushes will bring a selection of mining memorabilia that showcases specific coal mining lives.

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“We like to bring different items each year.

One year we focused on moine safety posters and had a large display,” Brice says. “This year, we’re going to bring items from certain people, like Joe Cafiero, a Mather miner that was there the day of the explosion, but left to go home.”

Events this year during the week-long celebration include the usual pet parade, bike parade, car show, and parade. A golf tournament and 5k run will be held on Saturday. There will also be exhibits, entertainment, and delicious food at the Carmichaels Fire Hall Tuesday through Saturday. The Coal Show will conclude on Aug. 27. For more information, visit www.kingcoalshow.com.

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T

Golden Chanterelles

erence Keenan stopped by today at Direct Results with some lovely Golden Chanterelles (Canthearellus cibarius), one of the most well known wild mushrooms, known for their edibility and beauty. Ranging in color from yellow to deep orange, golden chanterelles shine bright and sunny against the drab forest floor from June to September.

Chanterelles are very popular in cooking, having been recorded in recipes as far back as the 16th century but flourished in popularity during the 18th century with the rise of French cuisine. They are often said to have a ‘nutty’ or ‘peppery’ taste and maintain the fruity fragrance even after cooking. They can be used in a variety of recipes, dried, or even frozen. If freezing, it’s suggested to sauté in butter and then freeze to retain the most flavor. Fresh chanterelles will keep for about ten days if stored in the fridge in a paper bag.

Usually found near hardwoods like maple poplar, beech, and oak, chanterelles prefer moisture, shade and organic matter to grow . The roots of

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By Danielle Nyland

plants and trees are one of their favorite spots, their mycelial threads (how the mushroom absorbs nutrients) intertwined with the roots of the trees and shrubs around them. You can also find them near washes, the edges of dirt roads, or other places where the dirt has been disturbed. They have a sweet smell, similar to apricots or peaches.

As long as the area where they are growing is not disturbed and by keeping the base intact, they generally will return year after year in the same spot.

Chanterelles can grow as small as a thumb to the size of a fist in North America. Their stem is 1” to 2” long and about ¼” to ½” thick. The cap is about 1” to 3” across, fleshy with wavy margins that taper down to the stem, often forming into the shape of a funnel. The color of the stem and the cap are the same. The false gills underneath the cap are thick, wrinkle-like, folded, forked and wavy with blunt edges that run down the stem. This is one of the easiest ways to identify true chanterelles from other similar-looking, non-edible mushrooms, like the Jack O’ Lantern and the False Chanterelle.

The Jack O’ Lantern can cause sever cramps and diarrhea thanks to the toxin muscarine. The easiest way to differentiate between the Jack O’ Lantern and a chanterelle is the gills. Chanterelles have false gills that almost look melted, while the Jack O’ Lantern has true gills, that are very bladelike. The Jack O’ Lantern is also more orange and grow in large groups with the stems attached, while chanterelles are solitary and have separate stems.

False chanterelles also have true gills, although they are forked on the edges. They are also a deeper orange with no yellow; the color on the caps is graded and gets darker towards the center.

If you’re planning on making a trip into the woods looking for these delightful mushrooms, here are a few pointers to make it easier: • Tread lightly, as to minimize damaging new growth.

• Get a sharp knife and mushroom cleaning brush.

• Leave smaller chanterelles and check back on them in a week or two.

• Bring a container large enough to carry several pounds of mushrooms, but not so big as to be awkward or crush your haul.

• If this is your first time out hunting, taking someone with more knowledge is always a great idea for safety reasons – after all, you don’t want to take one of those nasty Jack O’ Lanterns home instead.

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17

COLORING CONTEST WINNERS 6 & under WINNER

Lilly Kozlowski - Congratulations!

7-12 WINNER Anastasia Williams - Congratulations!

13 & up WINNER Lauren Bertovich - Congratulations!

PICTURE PUZZLE WINNER Winner is Lori Gustovich of Mather, PA. Congratulations Lori!

Photo not available

Answer is COTTON CANDY! 18

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Little Miss Firecracker Crowned

Pictured is Scout Pack 1262 of Carmichaels at the flag retirement ceremony. In last month’s issue, the incorrect picture was featured with our Message Board article. We apologize, Pack 1262.

Meet the Grant Makers Forum and Seminar Offered The Community Foundation of Greene County (CFGC), in partnership with the Greene County Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania (GWPA) will sponsor a Meet the Grantmakers forum and Grant Proposal Basics seminar on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the EQT REC Center, 400 EverGreene Drive, Waynesburg.

The Grant Proposal Basics seminar, which will be held from 1– 2:30 PM, will cover topics including how to prepare a grant letter or proposal using various types of grant application forms, and how to communicate with potential funders.

The Meet the Grantmakers will be held

from 3:00 – 4:30 PM with a short reception following the presentations and question and answer sessions. The session will feature representatives from local and regional foundations and corporate grantmaking programs that support programs in Greene County.

Both events are open to all individuals either representing nonprofit organizations or members of the community who are interested in learning about grants to benefit Greene County nonprofit programs and activities. There is no fee to attend either event, but pre-registration is required for both. To register for the event please call 724-627-2010, email cfgcpa@gmail.com or visit our website www.cfgcpa.org.

Art Blast on the Mon Save the Date! Nathanael Greene CDC is planning for the 13th annual Art Blast on the Mon to be held on September 1st at the Ice Plant Pavilion in Greensboro. There will be vendors, activities, food, music and more! Vendors, crafters and interactive artists are needed to make this event a special art and music festival.

FMI, contact Mary Shine at shine201027@yahoo.com or call 724-9434462.

L to R: Skylar King, Jocelyn Policz, Haylee Rishell, Gloria Evans, Patience Webster, Bridgette Garber, Casey Burford, Adrianna Morris, Maci Farley, Genevieve Harvey.

Ten girls participated in the Little Miss Firecracker Pageant at the Waynesburg Lions Club Fourth of July Celebration at the Greene County Fairgrounds on Wednesday July 4 at 6pm. Bridgette Garber, daughter of Shelby King and Jason Garber of Carmichaels was crowned Little Miss Firecracker.

Conservation District to Hold Free Rain Barrel Workshops The Greene County Conservation District, in cooperation with Waynesburg Borough, will be holding rain barrel workshops in Waynesburg.

These workshops are open to all Greene County residents and are free to attend. They will be held at the borough maintenance yard on First Street in Waynesburg on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, July 24 at 6:00 p.m.

• Thursday, July 26 at 6:00 p.m.

• Saturday, July 28 at 9:00 a.m.

• Thursday, August 2 at 6:00 p.m.

Rain barrels collect and store water that falls on roofs. The property owner may then use this water for household activities such as watering their gardens. This results in a savings on the property owner’s water bill and also reduces the

effects of stormwater runoff on streams and rivers.

Purchasing a pre-manufactured rain barrel can be expensive, but making one is very easy.

Participants in the workshop will construct their very own rain barrel from materials provided by the Conservation District.

In addition, the organization will also discuss other good practices that property owners can implement alongside their new rain barrel to reduce runoff, erosion and water pollution.

While the workshop and rain barrel are both free, space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, call the Conservation District at 724-852-5278, or email jzinn@co.greene.pa.us.

Back-to-School Raffle Tickets Take a chance to win $1850 in gift cards to 35+ businesses! If you would like to purchase a $10 ticket or sell a book of ten tickets, please contact the Greene County Chamber of Commerce office at 724-627-5296. Tickets will go off on August 3.

GreeneScene by Kristen Sproat

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Rain Day Pageant Time!

It wouldn’t be Rain Day without the Rain Day Pageant!

Photos by Bruno & Bruno

The 40th annual Miss Rain Day Scholarship Pageant sponsored by Rain Day Scholarship, Inc. will be held on Sunday, July 22ndh at 4:00pm in the Waynesburg High School Auditorium. Six young ladies from Greene County

between the ages of 14 and 18 will be vying for the coveted Miss Rain Day Crown.

Those competing for the title of Miss Rain Day 2018 and the schools they attend are as follows:

RORY

ALISON

ISABELLE

Rory Black, the 16 year old daughter of Robert and Betty Jo Black of Wind Ridge; she will be a junior at West Greene High School.

Alison Blair, the 16 year old daughter of Laurie and Michael Blaire of Waynesburg; she will be a freshman at Waynesburg Central High School.

Isabelle Tedrow, the 14 year old daughter of Ken and Tarisa Tedrow of Jefferson; she will be a freshman at Jefferson-Morgan Junior Senior High School.

LOREN

JOELLE

PEYTON

Loren Schroyer, 13 year old daughter of Joel and Courtney Schroyer of Waynesburg; she will be an eighth grade student at Waynesburg Central High School.

Joelle Marie Pahanish, the 16 year old daughter of Dave and Tammy Thistlethwaite of Jefferson; she will be a senior at Jefferson-Morgan Junior Senior High School.

Peyton Christopher, the 14 year old daughter of Ryan & Melissa Christopher of Carmichaels; she will be a freshman at Carmichaels High School.

CROWN BEARER

2017 Miss Rain Day 2017 Miss Rain Day Eden Rogers is the daughter of Jason and Shelly Rogers of Sycamore, PA and attends Waynesburg Central High School. She will be a senior and is 16 years old.

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Sophia Faddis, our crown bearer, is the 8 year old daughter of Timothy and Melissa Faddis of Rices Landing.

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2018 King Coal 5K Run

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he 2018 King Coal 5K Run/Walk will be held August 18, 2018.

The event will start and end at the Carmichaels Fire Hall on George Street. This is the third year that event has taken place to kick-start the Bituminous Coal Show, held annually in Carmichaels since 1953.

The event includes a 5K run/walk and a Kids Fun Run for children ages 10 and under. Registration for both events begins at 8am and lasts until 8:50am. The Kids Fun Run begins at 9am and the 5K begins at 9:30am.

Awards will be given for Overall Female and Male for Run and Walk. There will also be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Male and Female medals in each age category. The Kids Fun Run will have a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each category, as well as participation medals.

To guarantee an event t-shirt, you must pre-register for the race by July 30.

Limited qualities of t-shirts will be available for race day registration. Pre-registration cost for the 5K is $20 and the Kid’s Fun Run is $10. After July 30 the cost for the 5k is $25 and the Kid’s Fun Run is $10.

Register online at www.runsignup.com, by searching for “King Coal 5K”. More information can be found at kingcoalshow.com and their Face-

book page.

Picture provided by Chrissy Church of Mattie, Lilley, & Sami from the 2017 race.

GreeneScene by Grace Bradmon

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First Baptist Church Celebrates 175 Years

T

he First Baptist Waynesburg is celebrating a big milestone this year – 175 years as a part of the Waynesburg community.

What started as a small group of people has expanded into more than just a church and is now an important part of the community, providing support and worship to those in the area.

The church was started on July 10, 1843, when a small group of 15 people joined together and formed the Waynesburg Baptist Church. A small frame building was erected on the corner of High and West Streets in 1846, where it stood for almost 35 years. A tornado tore through Waynesburg in 1880, pulling the building from its moorings. A new brick building, complete with pipe organ, was dedicated in June 1884. Around 1916, an education wing was added to the rear of the church.

In 1962, the current sanctuary built of steel and concrete, was completed. It was eventually renovated in the early 1990s under Rev. Richard Visser, who served the church for 20 years. Throughout its 175-year span, the church has had 41 pastors serve, starting with Rev. Simon Siegrfried.

The current pastor, Rev. Dr. Edward Pierce, has led the church for the past seven years. “We are doing a lot.” Rev. Pierce stated, “ We are not just talking about faith, but we are living it.”

“Our current motto, ‘Loving Christ - Serving Others’ is really a vision for the church. By serving others we can touch the community.” Pierce added.

And First Baptist works hard to provide ser-

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vice to others. Their services and ministries include Cup of Grace Coffee House, Room at the Table, support groups, an outdoor ministry, the annual Touch-A-Truck event, the Christian Sandbox preschool, and more. They also work closely with the Coalition for a Brighter Greene and are dedicated to fighting the drug and opioid crisis facing Greene County.

The anniversary celebration featured former minsters, associate pastors, and youth directors Special guest Rev. Jeff Johnson speaking at the 175th anniversary event on Sunday, July 15, 2018. who returned for the celebration.

Approximately 21 members were recognized during the event for their long-term commitment to the church, having been members for at least 50 years.

A historical display and dinner was held on Saturday, July 14th, with guest speaker Rev. Dr Frank Frischkorn of American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware. On Sunday, July 15th, there was a social at 9am, followed by a special program during the 10am service with special music and guest speaker Rev. Jeff Johnson of the American Baptist Church USA. Rev. Johnson also did a period piece from 1843.

“We don’t look at this as just a celebration of the 175th anniversary.” said Rev. Peirce, “This is really a stepping stone to the future.”

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2018

Rain Day Boys July 29, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of Greene County’s largest loss of life in battle. The 17 soldiers that fell that Rain Day (and 1 on the 28th) in France became known as the “Rain Day Boys.” They were all members of Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces.

Called to the front on July 27, 1918, Company K crossed the Ourcq River into German territory located in Picardie, France on July 28, 1918. On July 29, 1918, Company K began an assault on the Germans that left 17 dead or wounded within only two hours.

All photos and information is courtesy The Rain Day Boys: The Greene That Lay Near Grimpettes Woods by Candace Buchanan and Glenn Toothman.

ALBERT “BERT” BUCHANAN Birth: 2 May 1892, Waynesburg, PA Parents: Charles Buchanan and Catherine Reese Residence at time of enlistment: Waynesburg, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 8 August 1921 Green Mount Cemetery, Waynesburg, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241424. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

HAROLD THOMAS CAREY Birth: April 15, 1896 Claysville, PA Parents: Thomas Sylvester Carey and Belle Mariah Smith Residence at time of enlistment: 153 South West Street, Waynesburg, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 7 August 1921 Green Mount Cemetery, Waynesburg, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241472. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

HALLIE JACKSON CLOSSER Birth: 14 February 1885 Greene County, PA Parents: James Wesley Closser and Ella Garner Residence at time of enlistment: 124 South Richhill Street, Waynesburg, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 24 July 1921 Oakmont Cemetery, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241427. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

HARRY DUNN Birth: 15 January 1895 Jefferson Township, PA Parents: Washington Dunn and Martha Minerva Helt Residence at time of enlistment: Dunn’s Station, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 25 July 1921 Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Ruff Creek, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241481. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

JOHN GRIMES DUVALL Birth: 8 January 1897 Greene County, PA Parents: William Knisely and Alice Cassandra Duvall (a/k/a Catherine Alice Duvall) Residence at time of enlistment: Waynesburg, PA Death: Wounded in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France. Died as a result of his wounds 20 August 1918 Base Hospital No. 34, Nantes, France.

Last resting place: 11 November 1920 Oakmont Cemetery, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241433. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

JAMES LEO FARRELL Birth: 1 September 1898 Freedom, PA Parents: John Joseph Farrell and Sarah Ellen Costello Residence at time of enlistment: 303 Huffman Street, Waynesburg, PA Death: Killed in action 28 July 1918, Fresnes-en-Tardenois, Picardie, France Last resting place: 25 July 1921 St. Ann Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Waynesburg, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1239058. Private. Headquarters Company, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

FLOYD THOMAS HICKMAN Birth: 13 February 1896 Millsboro, PA Parents: Lindsey McClelland Hickman and Cora Lee Fordyce Residence at time of enlistment: Waynesburg, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 3 November 1923 Green Mount Cemetery, Waynesburg, Greene County, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241505. Private. Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

BENJAMIN ARVID MANNING Birth: 22 July 1893 PA Parents: John Newton Manning and Emma Elizabeth Bare Residence at time of enlistment: 131 East Greene Street, Waynesburg, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 9 July 1922 Green Mount Cemetery, Waynesburg, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241408. Mechanic. Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

FREDERICK W. MARSHALL Birth: 24 February 1897 Time, PA Parents: George William Marshall Sr. and Mary Margaret Bush Residence at time of enlistment: Time, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 24 July 1921 West Finley Cemetery, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241527. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

GEORGE T. MCNEELY Birth: 2 September 1899 Worth Township, PA Parents: Simon Coen McNeely and Martha Clark Residence at time of enlistment: Wind Ridge, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: Body not recovered/identified. Tablets of the Missing, Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Belleau, Picardie, France Military rank: Serial No. 1241538. Private. Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

FRANCIS BENTON MOORE Birth: 25 March 1893 Kirby, PA Parents: William Arthur Moore and Elizabeth Guthrie Residence at time of enlistment: Dunn’s Station, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 7 August 1921 Green Mount Cemetery, Waynesburg, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241447. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division

CHARLES EDWARD MURPHY Birth: 15 May 1897 Colliers, West Virginia Parents: Dennis Herman Murphy and Lucy Jones Residence at time of enlistment: Wind Ridge, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 7 August 1921 Jacksonville Cemetery, Wind Ridge, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241388. Corporal. Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

JOHN MILTON PADEN Birth: January 1885 Greene County, PA Parents: Jesse Randolph Paden[ii] and Hannah Jane “Jennie” Waters Residence at time of enlistment: Waynesburg, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Fèreen-Tardenois, Picardie, France Military rank: Serial No. 1241360. Mess Sergeant.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

WILLIAM WEBSTER THROCKMORTON Birth: 26 August 1897 Rogersville, PA Parents: Thomas Morford Thockmorton and Anna M. Webster Residence at time of enlistment: North Richhill Street, Waynesburg, PA Death: Wounded in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France. Died 18 September 1918 Saint-Nazaire-surCharente, Poitou-Charentes, France.

Last resting place: 8 October 1920 Oakmont Cemetery, Franklin Township, Greene County, PA[v] Military rank: Serial No. 1241444. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

RUSSELL KENNETH YODERS Birth: 23 May 1899 Waynesburg, PA Parents: William Henry Yoders and Clemma Durbin Residence at time of enlistment: Waynesburg, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 24 July 1921 Green Mount Cemetery, Waynesburg, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241945. Private. Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

NORMAN MONTGOMERY ZAHNISER Birth: 6 December 1894 Washington County, PA Parents: William S. Zahniser and Ada M. Alexander Residence at time of enlistment: Waynesburg, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 16 January 1922 Green Mount Cemetery, Waynesburg, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241461. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

WALTER BERTRAM RIGGLE Birth: 30 October 1894 Aleppo Township, PA Parents: Lewis Perry Riggle and Nora Etta Kuhn Residence at time of enlistment: Aleppo Township, Greene County, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 4 June 1922 Centennial Cemetery, Aleppo Township, Greene County, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241453. Lieutenant. Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

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LAWRENCE LESLIE STAGGERS Birth: 18 November 1896 Greene County, PA Parents: James Ellsworth Staggers and Amanda McVay Residence at time of enlistment: near Bristoria, PA Death: Killed in action 29 July 1918 Cierges, Picardie, France Last resting place: 27 July 1921 Staggers Family Cemetery, Jackson Township, Greene County, PA Military rank: Serial No. 1241559. Private First Class.

Company K, 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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Carmichaels Student Youngest Recipient of Create! Award

West Greene FFA Win State Championship

During the 89th FFA Summer Activities Week, the West Greene Future Farmers of America were State FFA winners, placing first in Livestock Career Development. The event was held at Penn State University from June 12 to 14. The four member team, consisting of Courtney Ross , Makenzie Thomas, Avery Berdine, and Savannah Pettit and

will be heading to the National FFA Livestock CDE in Indianapolis this October. The team faced a range of challenges during the competition, including evaluating and placing livestock, oral components, a livestock knowledge test, and a genetics and marketing problem to solve.

On June 7, 2018, the Pittsburgh Create! Festival hosted an award ceremony at the August Wilson Center in partnership with the Pittsburgh Technology Council, Dollar Bank, and countless others. The Pittsburgh Create! Award Ceremony celebrates artists, makers, designers, musicians, and all those who are making a difference in the community by creating.

Carmichaels’ student, Lucas Swartz. Swartz, who just finished his freshman year at Carmichaels, was nominated for his design of a “SlopeMaster Ski Bike” into the “Design+Maker” category. The SlopeMaster is a typical mountain bike frame with two skis mounted where the wheels go. The frame is white with red lettering. The skis and the handlebars are blue.

With no motor (or brakes), the ski bike functions from the momentum of snow-covered hills. “I worked very hard on it,” said Swartz. “My family and friends have encouraged me throughout the process. I have also ridden the Slopemaster many times. It’s very safe. I went 25 mph on my backyard property and even 65 mph on my friends hill with it.”

“The year before, Lucas and other members of his class (Hunter Voithofer and Bailey Jones), won Inventionland’s Top Inventor Award on the middle school level with the SlopeMaster. I knew that Lucas had a really unique and creative project with the SlopeMaster and wanted to showcase it further. You could tell that he worked countless hours outside of school to perfect it and tweak it,” said teacher Brittany Phillips.

“We entered the SlopeMaster and hoped for the best, so it was exciting to get the email in April that he became a finalist.”

While Swartz did not win his category of Design+Maker, he was the youngest nominee, and still left with a win – the Create! People’s Choice Award. This award, determined by the number of “likes” on Facebook, and with help of family, friends, and the community, Swartz crushed the competition with 529 likes and 421 shares.

Civil Air Patrol Awards

Waynesburg Sportsmen’s Association Scholarships Waynesburg Sportsmen’s Association, Inc. recently presented two $1000 scholarships to a member of Waynesburg High School and West Greene rifle teams.

Presenting the checks is Chris Clark, Vice President of the sportsmen’s club, Emilee Tuttle from Waynesburg Central High School and Zachary Abbott from West Greene.

Members of the Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 606 with members of the Waynesburg VFW, proudly displaying their Color Guard Equipment.

On Monday, June 25th the Greene County Composite Squadron 606 and the Waynesburg VFW Post 4793 held an awards and presentation ceremony. The ceremony started as the Squadron lined up before the flag and then was presented their Color Guard Equipment by the Waynesburg VFW. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Squadron Cadet NCO of the Year Award was presented to Cadet Technical Sergeant

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Chase R. Hixenbaugh. An ‘Atta Girl’ Award was presented to Capt. Ciarra Williams. A Life-Saving Award was presented to Capt. David Shaw by Doug Wilson for his heroic effort in saving a cadet’s life while choking. The following cadets were promoted: C/A1C Caitlyn Pester, C/SrA Kyle Pester, and C/A1C James Vandervender.

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American Pickers to Film in PA

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ike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are returning to Pennsylvania this August to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers.

American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on the History channel. The show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.

Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. American Pickers is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the bet-

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ter part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST. Or visit their Facebook: @GotAPick. Please note that Mike and Frank only pick private collections so NO stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses or anything open to the public.

40 YEARS RUNNING

his year will mark the 40th running of the Annual Rain Day Race, now hosted by Habitat for Humanity.

“It’s a special anniversary for us, and we wanted to reward the participants - some of them who have been running year after year with a really nice shirt,” said Keith Davin, Executive Director of Greene County Habitat for Humanity.

The 2018 shirt is a Sport-Tek performance jersey made of lightweight wicking fabric and sports a special 40th Anniversary logo and slogan.

“Sponsors will also receive special recognition on re-usable non-woven tote bags provided to each participant at the event, we couldn’t do it without our sponsors,” added Bob Barnhart, Race Director.

The 40th Running of the Rain Day Race is Saturday July 28th, 2018. Registration begins at 7:45am, the kid’s 1 mile fun run starts and 8:30am and the 5K race starts at 9am. Registration is in the

parking lot behind McCracken Pharmacy and the race begins at the intersection of Porter & High Streets. Pre-registration is $15 for the 5K and $10 for the kid’s run; forms are available online at www. greenecountyhabitat.net. Day of run registration is $20 & $15.

All proceeds from the race benefit Greene County Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat has been working in Greene County to provide decent, affordable housing to families in need for over 30 years.

Habitat makes no profit from its home sales and offers 0% interest mortgage loans, to make homeownership a reality and to help families increase self-reliance and build a strong foundation.

For more information on how to donate, volunteer or apply for Habitat, please contact the office on Church Street in downtown Waynesburg at 724-852-2598.

Direct Results own Chris Bland will be participating in the 40th running of the Rain Day Race and agreed to model the special 40th anniversary shirts- lightweight, wicking performance jerseys with special 40th Anniversary logo and slogan – 40 Years Running.

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Digging Coal

By Danielle Nyland

t’s a wonder of coal mining artifacts and memorabilia, from miners check tags to the Mather mine whistle that blew on that fateful day in 1928. If it’s related to coal mining in any way, there’s a chance that Brice Rush might have it.

Brice’s collection of coal mining memorabilia started small – with some hardhat decals and an old safety lamp – and grew into one of the largest local collections in the area. It’s grown so extensive, that it’s even got its own building.

“This cabin is from Ceylon,” Brice says as we walk towards the rebuilt log house that sits to one side of his property. “As soon as I saw it for sale, I knew exactly what house it was. It used to belong to my high school math teacher, Evelyn Hartley. It had been covered in siding and once they tore it all off, they discovered the log home.”

The Rushes made an offer on the house and brought it to their property where it was rebuilt and fashioned into a beautiful home for Brice’s coal collection, full of memories and history. The walnut and cherry lumber used inside were from Brice’s family farm, cut in the 1930s and stored in the barn. The poplar came from a small sawmill in Blacksville, WV. The handrails for the steps were once trolley poles. Some of the displays came from Gideon’s in Carmichaels (now Pam Snyder’s office).

The collection started off in the Rush home before it outgrew the space and was partially moved to the log cabin. “I wanted to see it. I didn’t just want the stuff siting in boxes where it couldn’t be looked at,” Brice says.

And there is much to see, with glass display cases full of many interesting items. Pit belts line the rafters and miner’s buckets and baskets hang down. Outside, the underside of the porch roof is filled with metal mine signs and future plans for a railing made of mine related metal items are in the works.

Brice grew up in Khedive and used to attend auctions with his mother in the 50s. “I liked wooden items, Waynesburg pottery, stuff like that… I met Linda and married into a coal mining family.

I eventually went to work at Frosty Run and after a few years became a member of the King Coal Association.”

Brice started by collecting hardhat decals like many coal miners but it was a safety lamp that really kicked off the collection. “My uncle had a junkyard and inside one of the old cars he found a safety lamp. He gave it to me and after that…”

“It was insanity,” Linda finishes with a laugh.

Brice showed me one of his irreplaceable items – a nearly full set of the Consolidated Coal Company Mutual Monthly Magazine, bound into hardback books. The bound copies cover the years from 1918 to 1928. The magazine featured lives of miners that worked for the company, as well as information about each mine division. These magazines are a genealogical researcher’s dream, with detailed captions for every picture.

“Once I loaned one of them to a friend who lived in Somerset. While going through it he found a picture of three little girls on a sled. It was his mother and her two sisters,” Brice says. “Another time I loaned one out to a friend from Arlington and he found a news story inside about his grandfather being killed by a horse and wagon.”

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“We have thousands of pictures. There’s a lot of documents and history,” Linda says of the collection, after producing a photo album of pictures of Nemacolin’s Buckeye Mine during construction – a particular interest of mine.

Many items in the collection have personal meaning to Brice and Linda. There are pay envelopes and a fire boss book belonging to Linda’s grandfather. Pit belts, helmets, and more from people Brice has worked in the mines with over the years are there. Even Brice’s first fire boss book is part of their collection.

One of the most meaningful pieces is a wooden miner, hand carved by George Gomez for Porter Duke Remington, a foreman at Gateway and Brice’s friend. Brice would often travel with Remington and his family to collect decals. The miner sat in a china cupboard at Remington’s house for years and always caught Brice’s eye when he would visit. After Duke’s death, his wife gave it to Brice and it’s been a treasured part of the collection ever since.

“When I’m here, I get to see all my friends, neighbors, relatives. I look at the items and remember,” Brice shares. “I’ve talked to so many people and gotten so many stories. All of the old guys had so many stories…stories that are lost when they’re gone.” Brice has provided oral histories to students at Penn State and has encouraged others to do so as well.

There are items in the collection that date back to the 1800s. Framed and on display, a document about the sale of a coal bank in Waynesburg is probably the oldest, from 1857. Other pre-1900s items include mine lights that date back to the 1870s, birdcages from the 1800s, and more documents.

How do they find all these wonderful items for their collection? Auctions, flea markets, word of mouth, and gifts are the usual. “Sometimes we’ll come home and find items sitting on the porch. We don’t know where they come from,” Linda says.

One year at the Coal Show, a young man approached the couple and said he had pay envelopes.

Brice told him to bring them in and the next year he returned with a brown bag full of pay envelopes from a pay period in 1944. Hidden inside were pay envelopes for Brice’s uncle and Linda’s uncle and both of her grandfathers.

“What we’re supposed to have, we get,” Linda explains. “People know that if they give us their treasures and come back 5 years later, we’ll still have it. We keep the items we get.”

“A lot of the stuff is treasure only to us. We find boxes of someone’s life. We clean it up, we organize it and it might not be a lot of value to anyone The hand carved miner else. But we value them gifted to Brice and carved

by George Gomez. because of what they are

Brice stands amidst his collection housed in a restored log house.

and the meaning they had. We were given this job.”

Their collection has even been featured in the media. In 1987, Brice did a spot on KD Country with Dave Crawley, taking him underground at Dilworth and to his family farm. It was part of the Bituminous Coal Queens of Pennsylvania documentary filmed in 2003. The documentary brought Rick Sebak’s notice to the collection. Sebak was filming Underground Pittsburgh, a show that showcased things that were underground related in southwestern Pennsylvania, and spotlighted the collection. An article written after filming features a picture of Linda with the hand carved coal miner.

When asked if they had any guidance to those looking to start collections of their own, they had a few pieces of advice. “Narrow it down and pick a rare thing instead of a broad category,” Linda says.

“Start organizing from the start. Display the items so that you

can look at them,” Brice adds.

The Rushes dedication to preserving and honoring history is a wonderful thing. Their collection continues to grow and shows no signs of stopping.

Brice shares a story about his daughter asking him if he would ever finish collecting. “I told her I’ll die a happy man if I bought something that day.”

Pit belts and miner’s lunch buckets line the ceiling of the log house.

A document advertising the sale of a Waynesburg coal bank from 1957.

The restored log house that is home to the collection. The underside of the porch roof is covered with old mine signs.

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Spo r t Sh o rt s

Hawkeyes win 34 awards at State Championship

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wenty-eight members of the Hunting Hills Hawkeyes, Greene County’s Scholastic Clay Target Program team, received a total of 34 awards during the Pennsylvania Scholastic Clay Target Program Sporting Clays Championship, held Saturday, June 16, at Blue Ridge Sportsman’s Club in Harrisburg.

The event involved over 225 youth shooters from across the state competing in a 100-target shoot to determine state winners in seven skill divisions: rookie, intermediate entry, intermediate advanced, junior varsity, varsity, mixed open and collegiate.

Awards were given to the top three teams in each division, as well as the highest overall and first- through third-place scorers in each division. A total of 53 Hunting Hills Hawkeyes members participated in the shoot.

Hawkeyes squads took first-place in four divisions, second-place in one division, and third-place in three divisions, along with nine individual and one collegiate award.

ROOKIE The squad consisting of Brendan Cole, Dylan Hughes and Samuel Riley took first-place in the rookie division with a combined score of 195. Riley placed first with an individual score of 72.

INTERMEDIATE ENTRY There were no placements in the intermediate entry division.

INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED The Hawkeyes placed first and third in the intermediate advanced division. The first-place squad consisting of Robert Dillion III, Owen Hughes, and Ethan Wise had a combined score of 229. A combined score of 218 placed Ivan Pavick, Devon Pezzino and Jacob Stroud in third-place. Dillon placed first with an individual score of 81, and Wise placed third with an individual score of 80.

JUNIOR VARSITY Squads placed first and third in the junior varsity division. The squad consisting of Keehn Dunlevy, Garret Efaw and Zach Wilson won with a combined score of 243. The squad consisting of Parker Grimes, Tucker Hughes and Thaine Miller placed third with a combined score of 232. Efaw placed first with an individual score of 88, and Terry Anderson placed second with an individual score of 83. Kyleigh Kozel also placed first with an individual score of 75 for the female category.

VARSITY The Hawkeyes placed first and second in the varsity division. The firstplace squad consisting of Zach Abbott, Cameron Cernuska and Tristan Cole won with a combined score of 262. A combined score of 260 won second place for the squad consisting of Dylan Henkins, Arran Hinerman and Dylan Miller.

Hinerman placed second with an individual score of 90, and Cole placed third with an individual score of 90.

MIXED OPEN In the mixed open division, Grace Kalsey won second-place with an individual score of 52 in the female category.

COLLEGIATE Patrick Hughes placed first with an individual score of 92 and won high overall among all shooters.

The team’s home base of Hunting Hills is owned and operated by Sally and Roy Sisler, who first approached the Greene County Commissioners in 2008 about starting a Scholastic Clay Target Program.

More than 60 students in grades five through 12 have participated each year since the pilot program began in 2009. Overseeing this year’s program were head coach Chuck Mallory and assistant head coach Randy Coss, along

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Twenty-eight members of the Hunting Hills Hawkeyes – Greene County’s Scholastic Clay Target Program team – received a total of 34 awards during the Pennsylvania Scholastic Clay Target Program Sporting Clays Championship, held Saturday, June 16, at Blue Ridge Sportsman’s Club in Harrisburg, Pa.

with several assistant coaches.

Nationally, the programs are sponsored by the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation.

Locally, the Greene County Commissioners, Hunting Hills and the Department of Recreation sponsor the program with support from Amity Asphalt Paving Inc., First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County, the Friends of the National Rifle Association, Gateway engineers Inc., KestersonRush Funeral Home, Laurel Aggregates, Midway Foundation, National Wild Turkey federation Warrior Trail gobblers, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The program’s mission is to promote and teach young people the fundamentals of gun safety, team work and outdoor sports.

“The Greene County Board of Commissioners applaud the members of the Hunting Hills Hawkeyes for their achievements in this recent championship,” said Commissioner Blair Zimmerman. “These youths deserve to be commended for their efforts, and the Commissioners are proud to be one of the team’s sponsors.”

For more information on the Hunting Hills Hawkeyes, call the Department of Recreation at 724-852-5323, or visit www.co.greene.pa.us.

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2018 Community Builders Sessions Slated to Begin in August

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he fourteenth series of Community Builders of Greene County will begin August 27, 2018. The program will meet every other Monday through December 10, 2018. Classes will be held from 5:30-8:30 each evening in the CFGC Foundation Room at 106 E. High Street, Waynesburg.

Applications are being accepted through August 17th.

Community Builders provides training for persons interested in volunteering their time and talents to support Greene County nonprofit organizations. The nonprofit leadership program explores leadership, nonprofit development and board governance, financial management, strategic planning, marketing, resource development and volunteer engagement.

The series is geared to helping citizens become better volunteers and employees with nonprofit organizations in the community, whether it be through activities such as serving on non-profit boards, volunteering on fundraising committees, or serving as a program staff.

Eight learning sessions are conducted by one or more local experts in the field of that week’s topic. A achievement ceremony is held at the end of the program when participants completing the course

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receive a Community Builder Certificate.

Each participant is asked to pay a $150 tuition fee which covers some of the cost of their materials and a light meal during each session. In some instances, the participant’s employer or organization may cover all or part of the fee for their employees or board members. A limited number of scholarships are available on a need basis for one-half of the tuition.

Nearly 200 individuals have completed the course since 2004. Many have become active members of local nonprofit boards, while others have expanded their roles as employees of nonprofit organizations. One Community Builder graduate recently said, “As a board member of one nonprofit and employee of another, I can’t tell you how much I have used what I learned in Community Builders to help make these programs stronger.” Several graduates also shared how the series helped them to build self-confidence and become more involved in their work and community.

Applications and schedule are available online at http://www.cfgcpa.org/community-builders/ For more information on Community Builders of Greene County call 724-627-2010, or email cfgcpa@gmail.com.

Getting Better in Greene: W.A. Young and Sons Foundry and Machine Shop Restoration Underway

As repairs continue, a new row of windows can be on the lower floor of the foundry. The upper row of windows has been boarded over because they have become too fragile.

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reene County’s only National Historic Landmark is undergoing a facelift.

New windows and frames, as well as siding are being replaced in an effort to restore the shops façade – and keep the valuable contents inside safe.

The restoration is possible because of a $65,000 state grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to Rivers of Steel Heritage Corp., the current owners of the foundry. The Keystone Historic Preservation Grant will be used toward Phase 3 of the historic restoration of W.A. Young and Sons Foundry and Machine Shop, located in Rices Landing.

The repairs of the windows and siding are very much needed, shared George “Bly” Blystone, the foundry’s caretaker and often tour guide.

“The windows and siding on this side were so bad that in the winter when it snowed, the snow would just blow into the shop and cover the machines,” Bly said. The new grant will correct that with new siding, window frames and restored vintage window glass that will keep the snow out and – a bonus – be able to be opened.

About 75% of the windows will be replaced.

“The old windows couldn’t be opened because they were in such bad shape,” Gary Shriver, a blacksmithing friend of Bly’s and fellow foundry enthusiast, said. “It can get pretty hot here in the summer when you can’t get any air.”

William A. Young opened the machine shop in 1900; in 1908, the foundry was added, and then electric added in 1928. All equipment located in the foundry dates from 1870 to 1920.

An elaborate system of belts and pulleys spread throughout the shop runs 25 pieces of machinery, each independent of the other and fully operational, originally operated by steam and now gasoline.

The foundry closed in 1965 and sat neglected until 1985, when the Greene County Historical Society purchased it. Repairs were made and

it was opened to the public. In 1998, the foundry was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009, the historical society turned over the foundry to non-profit Rivers of Steel and extensive repairs were made, including a new roof.

Last year, the W.A. Young and Sons Foundry & Machine Shop was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Construction has been on-going in small steps to keep the foundry in good repair. Phase 1, initially meant to replace windows and siding discovered structural issue that needed to be address first. A new block footer fixed a failing foundation on the side of the foundry, partial new siding and letters, as well as new supports and a new truss, improved the structure and appearance. Phase 2 was completed last winter; the light well was improved, receiving a new gutter and downspouts, and the wall repaired.

“Termites had damaged the wall, which twisted a beam that supported the roof,” Bly informed me. After the repairs, he stained the new wood to blend in with the old, making the repairs blend in to the original structure.

As we walked through the foundry, Bly pointed out some of the previous repairs and some of the current work that was underway. His current project was trying to find a paint color that would match the original siding. The colors previously picked just weren’t quite a match.

“It’s been crazy trying to match the colors, but I think we finally found one,” he said then added with a smile. “I keep an eye on it and let them know how I feel.”

“We will always be looking for money to stabilize it and keep it moving forward,” said Ron Baraff, Director of Museums and Archives for Rivers of Steel. “We honored to be a part of it and to keep it preserved.”

After its restoration and under Bly’s watchful eye and loving care, W.A. Young Foundry and Machine Shop will surely be around to educate for another 100 years.

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RURAL RETAIL DINING DAY

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riday, July 27th has been declared Rural Retail and Dining Day in Waynesburg.

Similar to Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it’s a day to shop small. But this day isn’t just about shopping small – it’s about shopping rural.

Waynesburg will host the first Rural Retail and Dining Day in the area and serve as a model when the initiative moves forward into the other 27 counties that make up the footprint for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Pittsburgh office.

The SBA and the USDA are working together to find ways to better serve rural America.

“We’ve been holding round-tables around the region to discuss small business concerns,” said Dr. Kelly Hunt, District Director for the Pittsburgh office. “We really try to get in to see the problems that small businesses are facing and how we can better serve them.”

The SBA is working with local groups, like the Greene County Chamber of Commerce and the Borough of Waynesburg to ensure the day is a success. Businesses are encouraged to promote the event, create a sale or run a special – whatever they want to make the day a success. You don’t need to register or anything like that – just open your days on the 27th and invite the customers in.

“What I love about Waynesburg is the downtown,” said Kelly Hunt. “Very few places are as nice as downtown Waynesburg. We wanted to come up with an event to really promote an amazing little town with great businesses and a great community.”

To kick-off the even a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the courthouse on July 27th.

For more information about the event, visit www. sba.gov/offices/district/pa/pittsburgh.

GreeneScene by Penny Hughes

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The Bil-Mar

The Bil-Mar was open from 7am to 2am every day except Sunday. Shift workers could stop and have a ‘cold one’ regardless of when they worked. On Thursdays, farmers would pack The Bil-Mar to enjoy a cold beer or hot lunch prepared daily by Lynne Morris, after taking their stock to the stockyard.

“The restaurant served lunch and dinner, and our patrons came from all walks of life – miners, attorneys, farmers, bankers, businessmen, and the late Judge Glenn Toothman. Most were local, but some came from much further away.,“ wrote Rebecca.

The Bil-Mar had a vibrant nightlife, also. Numerous bands and acts were showcased, with some eventually performing at other large shows, even as far away as Nashville. The good music eventually earned The Bil-Mar a reputation for a “packed house” on band nights. The dancehall was closed for a couple years and a general store took its place. The general store was a hub for the Bill Morris at the bar right after he bought it in 1971. Notice the pool community, providing a place to gather and table mentioned in the June issue. hangout. It serviced the entire community, “sometimes feeding neighborhood kinds ur articles about West Waynesburg when they had nothing else to eat, for free.”

(June 2018 issue) were well appreci“…to me and my sisters, The Bil-Mar repreated by those that grew up and live in the area, but some details weren’t in- sented family. Since we lived above the bar, The Bilcluded due to article size and available history, at Mar became an extension of our home. When pathe time. Rebecca Morris of Waynesburg wrote us a trons stepped into the The Bil-Mar, it was as if they very informative and personal letter about The Bil- were visiting our home,” Rebecca wrote. “Therefore, Mar that we would love to convey to our readers. It my parents demanded respect, honesty, and good expands upon the history of The Bil-Mar and the behavior just as if you were in our home. My dad made sure it was a placed a coal miner or farmer family that owned it.

“My father, William F. Morris II bought The could relax, but it was also a place where you could Bil-Mar Tavern in 1971 from Mary Gusic and her bring your wife and feel comfortable, knowing that family, and he owned it until late 1989,” Rebecca she would not have to hear bad language or put up shared with us. “My father brought the first of five with ‘bar nonsense.’”

William F. Morris II passed away five years and for a long time, only, food truck to Greene ago after leaving Greene County fro 20 years. At the County, feeding over 500 coal miners every week, both breakfast and lunch. Those five food trucks small memorial service, over 200 people showed up provided hot meals, cold drinks, snacks, and pas- to pay their respects. Rebecca shared her surprise, “ tries at a discounted price for the hardworking men We were floored! And every single person who atand women who were employed by one of the larg- tended, all said the same thing, ‘You were our famest business in Greene County. My father would get ily and we were your family.’ That is what The Bilup at 3:30am every morning, drive to Washington Mar was all about. It was so much more that just a to pick up fresh doughnuts and pastries for the food business that existed between Gusics and Trinity’s.”

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truck. He never missed a day, regardless of weather.”

The food truck in front of the bar somewhere between 1979-1982.

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