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2 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
Class of 2021 Reflects on Changes to Senior Year By Danielle Merrow for Hometown magazine
W On the cover: Memorial Day this year falls on Monday, May 31. It is a solemn occasion to remember loved ones who have passed away, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives for their country through service in the United States Military.
‘Punxsutawney Hometown’ magazine © Copyright 2021 — All Rights Reserved. Schedule your advertising in our next edition! We reach 100% of the local and area homes and businesses! - Concentrated Circulation 8,100+ copies of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine are direct-mailed to homes in Punxsutawney and surrounding towns and areas, giving our advertisers nearly 100% coverage . . . we deliver to every home and business! (As always — our circulation is verified — mailing and printing statements available.)
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Hometown Writers Jennifer Skarbek, Editor S. Thomas Curry Shirley Sharp Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri Marty Armstrong Dr. Gloria Kerr Danielle Merrow All material submitted becomes the property of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine. Mary Roberts......................(814) 952-3668 Tracey Young......................(814) 938-9084 hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com
Our business mailing address: 129 Aspen Rd., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 With our office located in: Railroad Building, Suite 100 N. Penn St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 Yearly Subscriptions: $37 — First Class Mail www.punxsutawneymagazine.com
alking through the front doors of the high school on the first day of the school year marks a milestone for all underclassmen. From that day forward, they watch the seniors in awe, maybe even with a tinge of jealousy. They make mental note of the confidence and comfort the seniors have in their school, knowing that in four years, it will be their turn. The class of 2021 has had four years to study the seniors’ behaviors, watch and celebrate their milestones and plan for their own senior year, knowing their turn would eventually come. They imagined driving themselves to school, playing for the varsity team, sitting in the front row for pep sessions, leading their instrument section in the band. What the class of 2021 did not plan for was the Coronavirus. English teacher Alicia Weaver and math teacher Eric Ambler weighed in on the impact of the pandemic on this year’s seniors; both agree that this year was hardest on the seniors for social reasons. Missing social events and not being able to gather as a class- even missing traditional lunch periods- have weighed heavily on morale. Weaver was quick to point out, “Overall it has not been a disaster. It’s been hard, not what they expected, but we got through it.” Senior Jenna Diem admitted that, “This past year has been completely unexpected, and has brought about more change than I could ever begin to imagine. Everything I had done in school, life, etc. had to be adapted to all of the COVID protocols, which hasn’t been easy. (Our senior class Jenna Diem, has) had to adapt submitted photo pep assemblies, dances, powder-puff and even the variety show. Thankfully, we have been able to have a version of many of the things seniors typically get to enjoy, and we still had a lot
of fun.” Weaver explained that, while many events seniors typically look forward to so enthusiastically had to be adapted, the Punxsutawney community pulled together to make this year special for the students. Events like homecoming, the formal, the powder-puff football game and prom were all made possible through the efforts put forth by local residents (many of whom are not family members of students- they were simply citizens who wanted to see the students get the most out of a year where so many opportunities were missed). “There is something to be said for the people in Punxs’y, stepping up to make opportunities for these students,” Weaver added. Senior Kendal Johnston agreed, saying, “Lots of people are trying to make this year as normal as possible for us, and I am so thankful. For example, we still put on the 2021 variety show. It might not be the traditional type of show, but we’re doing the best we can.” In regard to the Variety Show, Ambler noted a concern for future students’ access to the Margaret C. Bowles Scholarship. Funds are raised annually for the scholarship through ticket sales to the Variety Show. With fewer tickets being sold over the past two years, less money is being directed to funding the scholarship for the next couple of years, potentially impacting incoming
Kendal Johnston, submitted photo.
seniors. While the community pulled together to try to maximize opportunities for the seniors, there were many that couldn’t be compromised upon. Senior Meredith Brooks noted that the milestones she was most looking forward to were the senior trips to Kennywood and Cook Forest, both of which had to be cancelled. She acknowledged that while efforts made to save homecoming (held September 26, 2020) and winter formal (held February 13, 2020) were appreciated, the class trips were opportunities that won’t come again to be shared as a class. Diem added that this year - Continued on next page
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Homecoming, the formal, the powderpuff football game and prom were all made possible through the efforts put forth by local residents (many of whom are not family members of students- they were simply citizens who wanted to see the students get the most out of a year where so many opportunities were missed). Submitted photo.
Class of 2021 Continued from previous page was slated for the Disney trip the band takes every four years, and that was not possible either. The band, which traditionally performs at all home football games, several away games, as well as some field show competitions, had to adapt to guidelines and follow protocol this year, too. “When we started practicing [for marching season] in late July, we had no clue what our season was going to look like. At that time, the guidelines were constantly changing, especially in regards to allowing spectators at sporting events. We weren’t allowed to
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Eliza Neal (left) and Meredith Brooks (right) have their caps and gowns ready for their upcoming in-person graduation to be held June 2. Submitted photo.
really travel anywhere, which for me personally, is where a lot of the fun comes from during marching season. However, we still had a good run this year, and learned to make the best of the situation we had. We actually played at soccer games this year because we weren’t allowed at football games. We also went to a mini band fest and had our own performance night for the community. And to this day, we still are [holding], and are currently preparing for a spring concert,” Diem said. The plans for each of these events changed at a moment’s notice many times. Weaver noted that “these kids have been more than willing to wait and see. They’ve shown such patience- patience with the faculty, with the need to rework plans” as COVID protocols and state guidelines have changed. Winter formal, in particular, was cancelled as a school event. The community’s efforts made the dance possible, but organization was last-minute, which left students with less time than normal to prepare. “Participation in these events was lower than average, but those who really wanted to do it still could,” Weaver said. The restrictions have worn on faculty and students alike. “Classes feel different this year. It’s hard to teach when everyone is wearing a mask; I can’t hear them as well, and it’s hard to breathe,” Ambler says. “The hardest part, I think, was students’ not being able to gather for sporting events and other
4 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
extra-curricular activities. Also, because of the limits on spectators, teachers were not able to attend functions; that has been tough. I’ve missed interacting with the students. You don’t get to know them as well as in previous years.” Weaver recalls, “Morale at the beginning of the school year was low. We had no idea what was going to happen. After Christmas break, however, seniors started to get excited. There was a definite upswing in morale.” Variety show participation from the student body was on par with the usual response, and community spectators were permitted, too, she notes. Class night and graduation are expected to be held in person and outdoors. Brooks noted that one of the highlights of her year was being able to play in the powder-puff football game. Johnston, a senior softball player, says that restrictions haven’t impacted their season too much. “We still get to play, which I am so thankful for since this will be my last year. I go out every game playing like it will be my last, just because I never know if it is or not with the crazy world we live in now,” she explained. All in all, the Class of 2021 is aware of how fortunate they are to be able to have even some of the normal events of senior yearalbeit with some setbacks- where the Class of 2020 ended so abruptly that they missed the chance to close their year in person. Ambler said fondly, “God bless them, they’ve made the best of a bad situation.” He added, “I’m so proud of how they’ve handled it. They’ve handled it very maturely. This is a great group of kids, and they’re going out into the real world prepared with some very real world experience. This year has shown them and taught them that there are situations outside of your control, and you’re going to have to do what you have to do to overcome.” Weaver agreed: “These kids will be so much better prepared for college, the workforce, even relationships. This class has matured, grown stronger, faced adversity and disappointment with dignity and grace. Everything in life tastes better when you work hard for it.” Diem adds, “Throughout this pandemic, I think [my classmates and I] have learned that we will never know all the answers. Change is always right around the corner and each day can bring a new set of challenges. The best thing to do is work with what you can do and only move forward.” The senior class of 2021 is set to end this most unusual year on a high note. Class night was held in person, outdoors, on May 18, and graduation is planned to be celebrated outdoors and in person on June 2, with families welcome to attend. •••
The Health of Your Heart is in Your Hands T
he Punxsutawney Area Hospital Cardiology Department offers patient-centered cardiovascular medicine and diagnostic testing in one convenient setting. For both routine and more complex heart and vascular conditions, our team provides comprehensive services utilizing the most advanced technology, treatment and care options to ensure the highest quality of cardiac care for our patients. Our multidisciplinary team at PAH is comprised of a board-certified, professionally trained physician, Gary Lewis, M.D., FACC and an advanced practice nurse practitioner, Michael D. Kascmar, RNC,NP-C, CRNP, both committed to providing expert diagnosis, treatments and care for a range of cardiac and vascular conditions to improve the quality of our patients’ lives.
Blood Screening events held in conjunction with the Rotary Club on July 10 and 17. PAH will also be set up at the Festival in the Park and will be providing heart health and other educational literature to the community. The Punxsutawney Area Hospital Cardiology Department is here to provide compassionate, cardiac care to you and your family. For more information or to self-refer, please contact our office at 814-938-2653. (submitted article) •••
Our multidisciplinary team at PAH is comprised of a board-certified, professionally trained physician, Gary Lewis, M.D., FACC and an advanced practice nurse practitioner, Michael D. Kascmar, RNC,NPC, CRNP, both committed to providing expert diagnosis, treatments and care for a range of cardiac and vascular conditions to improve the quality of our patients’ lives.
At PAH, in partnership with IRMC and Butler Health System Cardiology, our team of expertly-trained cardiac specialists and advanced care providers combine their expertise to provide you the most efficient and compassionate care close to home. Rest assured, our Heart Team works closely with local primary care physicians to ensure the highest level of care to our region. Procedures and Treatments offered include, but are not limited to, Cardioversion, Echocardiogram, Event Monitoring, Medication Therapy, Pacemaker and Defibrillator Management, Stress Tests, 24-hour Holter Monitoring and others. Visit www.pah.org for heart health tips. PAH will be providing educational information to the participants of the Annual
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Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248 – 5
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On December 30, 1974, there was a major fire in downtown Punxsutawney. From the damages and ruins a new shopping experience in the downtown was developed to compete with a shopping center named Punx’y Plaza. (photos courtesy S. Thomas Curry)
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By S. Thomas Curry for Hometown magazine s Punxsutawney residents and Punxsutawney natives residing elsewhere are living their daily lives in the 21st century, memories reflect the years of Punxsutawney’s activities, growth and change of the past 50 years, beginning in the 1970s. Memories could include the shops in the Punx’y Plaza that introduced progress and change with the introduction of a multi-store shopping experience in 1970 as Punxsutawney’s first “shopping center.” Another project of change and progress would be the opening of a Burger King in September 1982, to be followed by construction of the Groundhog Plaza in 1983. Ten properties on North Penn Street and Front Street were demolished and the residents were relocated in order to accommodate the creation of a complex of new stores with smaller store fronts to appeal to shoppers’ needs. As new businesses appeared with these events of progress and change, the nostalgic “downtown” shopping experience on Mahoning Street faced new challenges and competition. Among the challenges to be dealt with was the loss of property because of devastating fires. The results were major – a part of the memories of older Punxsutawney Hometown readers.
A
Downtown Fire of December 1974 Requires a New Beginning What is generally known as the Feicht Building by many older Punxsutawneyites was the scene of two fires in Punxsutawney’s downtown history. One of the threatening fires followed the Pantall Hotel fire that happened in early 1952. The other was the fire in December 1958 in the Feicht and Beam buildings on West Mahoning Street The four-story building with a stone front, housing Feicht’s Drug Store, was built by Dr. John E. Grube in 1902, for Dr. Grube’s hospital. The Beam building was originally the “Torrence Block,” built in 1899. The three-story brick building had two store fronts divided by a unique stone arch entrance to apartments above. One of the stores in the Beam building was Jaynell’s, since 1945.
The December 1974 fire left a rebuilding project ahead for the three buildings affected by fire, smoke and water damage. The fire started in an apartment in the four-story building where then was Clinton Discount, and was the location of the former Feicht’s Drug Store for many years.(copy from December 31, 1977, The Punxsutawney Spirit)
However, it was the fire of December 30, 1974, that affected a significant change in downtown shopping. Late at night, a $300,000 fire caused major damage to the apartments and minor injuries to the residents. In 1974, the location of the fire was identified to be in the Anderson Building. Feicht’s Drug Store had closed in 1970 when pharmacist Paul Feicht, Jr. became associated with the new Thrift Drug Store that began business in the Punx’y Plaza. With the Clinton Discount Store on the street level and four apartments on the upper three stories, the fire broke through the roof, sending flames to the sky. Seen from many parts of Punxsutawney, residents had thought: “Would this be Punxsutawney’s worst fire of the century?” Firemen successfully kept the fire from spreading to the adjacent McCrory’s 5&10 on the east side and Jaynell’s on the west side. With fire damage to the rear of the Anderson building and extensive smoke and water damage to contents of the stores, a significant part of the story is the quick action of three Punxsutawney young men who were “at the right place at the right time.” Having pulled into the parking lot behind Murphy’s 5&10, “just to sit and talk,” they saw a girl run from the back steps of the building and the building on fire. They ran up to the second and third floor apartments to rescue residents to safety. Nineteen people were left homeless by the fire. - Continued on page 8
Stretching the Dollar By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine
M
y mom was an expert in scrimping and saving. I remember her adding water to the ketchup bottle to make it last a little longer. She never threw a speck of bread out either; she dried old bread in the oven for breadcrumbs for her meatloaf or meatballs. If the bread turned green, she put it near the bird feeder for the birds. If milk soured, she used it in a cake. When she used to butcher chickens, almost every part was used well, except the comb and the cluck. I remember her scrubbing the chicken feet until they glistened, and those poultry tootsies were added to tomato beef broth or to the spaghetti sauce. Later Gram, Mom and
my aunts and I gnawed on them as we sat around the kitchen table and “chewed the fat.” If there were leftover Sunday spaghetti, it was reheated, fried or made into sandwiches. Vegetable skins, bones and fat from meat were never tossed. She kept a jar of oil in the fridge with bacon drippings, and she reused her meatball oil. Vintage, almost-rotted vegetables that no one wanted made good soup, and potato peelings were fried to make chips. We used beef, chicken and turkey bones to make stock, and when we ate chicken — we ate it right down to the bone, gristly ends, and then some. Lucy could stretch butter with condensed milk and salt, but Mom loved margarine because it was cheaper. She made her own popsicle chunks in the old silver metal ice cube trays. Mom scraped every speck of mustard out of that little round jar, and she managed to extract every drop of jelly or jam from its glass container. If cheese had green mold on it, she trimmed it off and used it. Then, she gave me a speech about
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how penicillin was made. Lucy made her own cleaners to save money, too, plus other stuff for her family and the home. She used vinegar for cleaning her windows, and my mom used baking soda for toothpaste or for cleaning pots and pans. Her cleaning rags were discarded cut-up bed sheets. She used beeswax and turpentine for furniture polish. Mom took scratches out of her tables and chairs with olive oil and some elbow grease. My mother bought a giant jar of lanolin to use for our hair conditioner, and our après-shampoo rinse was vinegar and water. Lucy burned cinnamon in the kitchen for an air freshener. Mom reused many things. She washed out plastic sandwich bags and used them over and over. She had a drawer in the kitchen that was devoted to aluminum foil and waxed paper that was recycled. Mom saved jelly jars, pickle jars and mayonnaise jars for canning purposes. When she canned jelly with wax, that piece of wax got saved and melted down for the next season’s jelly. Mom put all the little bath soap chunks together to form one big chunk. Once, she melted all my little shards of broken crayons together to make some huge multicolored behemoth
crayon. Yes, I know some of these saving methods may sound odd, or they may sound pretty drastic. However, when you go through the Great Depression, wartime or when there were 12 mouths to feed when you grew up – it was tough. Consequently, you learned to save and to survive. Here’s to all the watered-down ketchup bottles, upside-down mustard and jelly jars and the cleaned-off Thanksgiving turkey skeletons that got turned into soup. Here’s to the dried bread in the oven, and here’s to the leftover fat stored in the fridge. And here’s to the washed-out plastic bags, the reused Brillo pad my mom kept in a little plastic bag under the sink and here’s to her drawer full of used aluminum foil. Most of all, here’s to all the moms out there that scrimped and saved and sacrificed for their families. “I will look after you and I will look after anybody you say needs to be looked after, any way you say. I am here. I brought my whole self to you. I am your mother.” Maya Angelou •••
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In this group of photographs, the 1977 street view for the Arcade and George Brown’s Gifts is compared to the ASH sign for IUP student housing seen in past years. (Black and White photo from Spirit; color digital by S. Thomas Curry)
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8 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
The Arcade Continued from page 6
The detailed account of the raging fire made note: “Three young Punxsutawney men turned heroes in the wake of the fire last evening ...” (December 31, 1974, The Punxsutawney Spirit) Those young heroes of the past are now men in their mid-70s with special memories of that night. They and their families and friends have a story to tell. A New Beginning Starts in 1977 As a result of the fire, the homeless were given assistance for temporary relocation, with clothing, food and furniture until a permanent residence could be found. The four businesses affected by smoke and water damage, Clinton Discount, McCrory’s, Jaynell’s and R and R Yarn Shop, reorganized with fire sales. A few reopened. Emory A. Anderson, owner of the Anderson building where Clinton Discount was located, reviewed his losses in the late 1974 fire and considered the alternatives with the McCrory building (former three-story Snyder Bros. building of 1902) and his building erected in 1902 by Dr. J. E. Grube. The alternatives were to raze the former Feicht building of the past and design and erect a new building, or raze the building and turn the empty space into a parking lot. With community pride at heart, his decision was declared. The result would not be a parking lot, but a new commercial venture for Punxsutawney. The building was leveled. However, the square footage of the narrow fourstory building that was razed did not accommodate a new building on the same site. It was decided then to use the threestory McCrory Building next door and combine it with another structure to create a new experience in shopping downtown. After two years, and with the influence of a successful similar project in Lake Wales, Florida, behind him, young architect Emory Anderson, Jr. introduced Punxsutawney’s “downtown mall.” A three-day Grand Opening of the Arcade was held in late May 1977. The headline in The Punxsutawney Spirit: “Arcade Puts Life in Downtown Punx’y,” added to the expectations of area residents who witnessed the remodeling and construction from the ruins of the 1974 fire. On the first floor of what had been the former Feicht building, was a fully bricked corridor or walkway from Mahoning Street through to the parking lot behind it. On the two sides were a total
of thirteen stores, designed for small square footage when few retailers could afford to pay rent prices that the larger stores expected. The new shopping experience was planned to compete with the Punx’y Plaza shopping center. The second and third floors of the former McCrory building contained office spaces that included Anderson’s architectural office, other business offices and designed space for doctors. All of these were air-conditioned. All of these could be reached through new elevator service from the Arcade corridor. The largest store to be featured and accessed from Mahoning Street and the Arcade was George Brown’s gift shop that occupied the retail space of the former McCrory’s 5&10. The former second-floor gift shop of the Punxsutawney Hardware was moved to a new, attractive store in the Arcade concept. In the fourth generation of the Brown family, the younger Brown named the
To create the interest in the new Arcade, a unique indoor “downtown mall,” an architect’s drawing was used for the advertisement of the Grand Opening on May 26, 27 and 28, 1977. (copy of advertisement from May 24, 1977, The Punxsutawney Spirit)
new store as “George Brown’s Gifts.” With that, he honored the respected George C. Brown who founded the Punxsutawney Hardware Company in the early 1900s. Mr. Brown is also honored for his donation of sufficient funds to construct the George C. Brown Community Swimming Pool, dedicated in July 1929. Announcing the open house to shop- Continued on next page
Among the stores in the brick-walled mall were a variety of small shops with special interest for shoppers and young people. Many memories have been retained about the shopping in the Arcade.
The Arcade
Continued from previous page pers, Emory Anderson, Sr. had said, “We believe that the downtown will never die and I expect a resurge from the vacant spots now existing. That is why we undertook this project.” (May 24, 1977, The Punxsutawney Spirit)
A Place of Memories The grand opening of the Arcade in Punxsutawney’s downtown, where the former Feicht Drug Store stood for many years, followed three years of architectural labor to put together the concept of retail shopping in “cubicle shops” and opened up new retail experiences and employment for many local residents and others. Major national chains such as Penneys, Murphy’s, Montgomery Ward and others, were closing in small towns. People were traveling to bigger malls for shopping. When it opened in 1977, the original smaller shops in the Arcade were a jewelry store, ice cream store, plant shop,
appliance center, pizza parlor, health store and clothing center. The Punxsutawney Arcade became a popular “hang-out” for young people and a memorable shopping trip for local residents who visited the downtown with curiosity to “stop and shop.” Memories vary, as the question is asked: “Do you remember the Arcade?” Among the names of the original shops that memories will recall are the Losurdo’s Pizza Villa, The Ice Cream Store, Hall’s Plant Shop, Johnson’s Health Food Center, The Pants Post and The Jewel Box. Among the memories, Mary Roberts, publisher of Hometown magazine, shared, “I worked there while I attended school at IUP Punxs’y. The couple who owned it were not from town. Jim (Hall) came in every day to tend his plant shop.” Memories were different from those who visited the Arcade in the 1980s or early 1990s, as others shared memories about the following: Artley’s; J & L Leather Shop; A Special Touch, with Judy Lingenfelter; Geri’s Ice Cream
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A Bold Future Ahead In April 1999, a headline in The Punxsutawney Spirit reminded residents that Punxsutawney’s Arcade became a part of history. The headline read: “Arcade Building Sold at Auction.” A bold future
of faith was ahead for that portion of street-level buildings of downtown Punxsutawney. That story is ahead as the Punxsutawney Christian School became a part of change in Punxsutawney. •••
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Punxsutawney Area Community Foundation T he Punxsutawney Area Community Foundation, Inc. (PXYCF) took steps to better serve the Punxsutawney area when it became a nonprofit Pennsylvania corporation on January 1, 2021. The corporation has also applied for IRS status as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The foundation, as a public charity, encourages and supports charitable giving. Local donations, large and small, are pooled and used to meet community needs and to support local nonprofits. PXYCF, as a stand-alone community foundation, will be timelier and more effective in responding to community needs. Previously the Punxsutawney Area Community Foundation operated as an affiliate of a multi-county organization headquartered in Venango County. Robert Cardamone, board president, stated PXYCF will “receive, aggregate, manage and distribute charitable funds to IRS-qualified non-profit and public organizations in order to improve the quality of life for residents of the Punxsutawney area.” The foundation will do this by enabling individuals and groups to make charitable contributions to endowment funds for community activities and improvements, memorial gifts, scholarship funds, humanitarian assistance funds and more. According to Cardamone, PXYCF will serve the same geographical area as the Punxsutawney Area School District. Cardamone stated, “The foundation will work with local organizations to improve the community, facilitate community engagement, support operations and improve the capacity of direct community service providers to make the Punxsutawney area a better place to live, work and play.”
Cardamone emphasized that the reorganized PXYCF is better suited to serve the community because: • the Board of Directors are Punxsutawney area residents and have a better understanding of local community needs. • charitable donations will be accepted regardless of the size and without charges or fees, • donated funds will be deposited in Punxsutawney area banks. • partnerships with local non-profits will increase the foundation’s understanding of their needs and improve responsiveness to their requests; and • the foundation will be an easily recognizable and accessible part of the Punxsutawney community. The current members of the Foundation Board of Directors include the following: Matthew Kengersky, vice president; David Smith, treasurer; Shirley Sharp, secretary; Nancy Anthony, assistant treasurer; Roberta Dinsmore; Donald Armstrong; Katie Donald; Casey Lellock; Jeffrey Long; Laura Page; Devon Vallies; and Susan Wolfe. “Our first order of business for PXYCF,” Cardamone said, “is to work with our local nonprofits to stimulate support through a community awareness campaigns, as soon as we are operational. Watch for details as plans are finalized.” During the next few months, while PXYCF is becoming fully operational, members of the board of directors may be reached by mail at PXYCF, PO Box 663, Punxsutawney, PA, 15767; via email at info@pxycf.org; or by leaving a voice message at 814-938-2493. A board member will respond to all inquiries. •••
Rotary Club of Punxsutawney “Service above Self”
To All Our Patrons & Friends Though it has been a difficult time, we Thank You for bearing with us, as the show must go on. We promise that it will do so, in some way, in some fashion. Theatre can be performed anywhere; all you need is talent and an audience. We do have eager audience interest out there and for that we are thankful. All we need now is a safe venue, the right show and a cast & crew. We hope for something to develop yet in 2021. Look for us, as live theatre will return. Punxsutawney Threatre Arts Guild P.O. Box 152, Punxsutawney, PA 15767
10 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
Punxsutawney Rotary Club Announces Mixer to Celebrate its 100th Anniversary
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he Punxsutawney Rotary Club will hold a mixer to celebrate its 100th Anniversary on Wednesday, June16, 2021, 5-7 p.m. at Gobblers Knob This free event to the public will celebrate 100 years of Rotary in the Punxsutawney Community. Snacks and beverages will be provided, and a basket raffle and 50/50 will take place to benefit the Rotary Club. The Rotary Club of Punxsutawney was founded in 1921 and continues the mission of: provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Throughout the years in the Punxsutawney Community, the Rotary Club is best known for the Rotary Radio Auction and the Multi-Phasic Blood screening event. The multi-phasic was cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus, however, it has been rescheduled for this year, July 10 and 17; registration is now open. A few of the local groups that the club helps to support include: Garden Club, The Salvation Army, SPLASH, PRIDE, Arc of Jefferson/Clearfield Counties, Make-A-Wish, Community Center, The Weather Center, Rotary Boy of the Month, NHS Banquet, RYLA/ROVA, and the club is responsible for the Circle of Trees held in Barclay Square during the holiday season. •••
DARL LEROY DINGER (2020-2007) and PAUL WILMER DINGER (1921-2015) Sons of Norman Monroe and Fern Minnie Mitchell Dinger of Oliveburg, Pennsylvania, these brothers are pictured together in U.S. Army and U.S. Army Air Corps uniforms in a clipping from The Punxsutawney Spirit, July 26, 1944. PAHGS WWII Clipping File.
Siblings in Service and Ladies of the Church By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine ust inside the vestibule of the Olive Presbyterian Church, Oliveburg, Pennsylvania, there is a handsome plaque honoring those from the church family who served during World War II and the Korean Conflict. It is not unusual to find both groupings honored on a sin-
J
sons from a family of twelve siblings, Darl Leroy (1920-2007) and Paul Wilmer (1921-2015) began work early on the farm. Young fellows who enjoyed life, Darl was known to prize the vehicle he drove, keeping it spotlessly clean; Paul enjoyed roller skating. They entered the service in 1943 and 1942, respectively. A PAHGS’s clipping file shows them pictured together in 1944, along with routine printed blurbs announcing furloughs, promotions and reassignments.
Darl Leroy Dinger In the summer of 1943, Darl was married to Evelyn London. In the fall of that same year he entered the U.S. Army and was ultimately assigned to Co. I, 28 th Infantry. Prior to enlistment, he had been employed by National Electric Products Company in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. Pictures made the papers at times when important developments were reported—initial enlistments, sibling enlistments or concerning reports. Darl had several such concerning reports during his time overseas as a rifleman in the European Theatre of Operations. In August of 1944, he was reported to have been wounded while serving in France; he recovered in a hospital in England and returned to duty. Already slated to receive OLIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH a Purple Heart, he was SERVICEPERSONS’ MEMORIAL PLAQUE Placed just inside as one enters the Church, the plaque wounded a second time in Delists 23 WWII veterans and eight Korean conflict veterans from the congregation. They are not listed alphabetically; cember of 1944 in Germany. it may be that they are in the order in which they entered Returning to the field again, he the service. was reported missing in action in February of 1945. In April, gle plaque. One reason is the timing; his family received word that he had only a few years separated the two con- been located and that he was safe and flicts while the two world wars were a well. Though not noted in newspaper regeneration apart. Beneath the beautifully ports, mention is made in Darl’s obituary carved eagle, names are carefully hand that he had been a prisoner of war. Relettered. Among them are two sons of search in the U.S. National Archives and Norman Monroe and Fern Minnie Records Administration database of Mitchell Dinger of Oliveburg. Older - Continued on next page
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DIME BINGO
Thursday, June 3 at 11 am Thursday, June 17 at 12:30 pm & enjoy refreshing Root Beer Floats
BINGO with Kim from Embassy Thursday, June 10 at 11 am
APPRISE COUNSELOR Thursday, June 10 at 11 am
BEST FRIEND DAY
Bring Yours! Tuesday, June 8
HYMN SING - with Kay Young Thursday, June 17 at 11 am
BAKE SALE!
Outside! Under Our Canopy! Tuesday, June 22 from 10 am - 2 pm
PIE DAY with Dave Wednesday, June 23
NATIONAL ICE CREAM SODA DAY Wednesday, June 30
Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248 – 11
Siblings in Service
Something to Smile About
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12 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
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known WWII prisoners of war reveals a March 1946 entry indicating Darl L. Dinger had been held in Stalag 12A to 9B Limburg An Der Lahn Messen-Nassau, Prussia 50-08, a prisoner of war camp in Germany. Like many soldiers, he was reluctant to talk about his wartime experiences; but, a younger sister, Evelyn Dinger Chambers, says that Darl did describe the deplorable conditions he and other prisoners endured while packed together on prisoner railcars. Darl’s service in the European Theater included engagements in Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. Following the war, the Dingers lived for a time in Erie, later making their home in Arizona. They are buried at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden, Sun City West, Maricopa County, Arizona. Paul Wilmer Dinger Paul’s enlistment with the U.S. Army Air Corps began in the fall of 1942, and the clipping file describes most of his stateside service at Kirkland Field Air Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he served with the 2053 rd Ordinance Company. Like his older brother, he was employed by National Electric Products Company in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a machine operator prior to his enlistment. Although no mention is made in the clipping file of overseas service, Paul’s service record shows foreign service from May 17, 1945, to December 24, 1945, with no indication of the theater of operations to which he was assigned. Paul’s obituary, found online, states: “He … moved to Trumbull County in Ohio following his military service in 1946. For many years he drove gasoline tanker trucks for Amoco Oil Company. He started working at the Packard Electric Company and after 26 years as a cutter he retired on February 1, 1985. Throughout the years, Paul was a member of St. James Church, Blessed Sacrament Churches in Warren and St. Stephen Church in Niles. In retirement he was an avid golfer and enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden and yard. He and his wife spent many winters in Florida and attended the 717 Local Retirees luncheons.” Paul and his wife, Lillian V. Hughes Dinger, whom he married in 1968, are buried together in Kerrs Cemetery, Mineral Ridge, Trumbull County, Ohio. With a large family, Norman and Fern were certainly busy parents, but a line in Fern’s obituary describes her membership in the Oliveburg Presbyterian Church’s Ladies’ Aid. There is history to this kind of organization. For residents of many communities, not just rural, the church has been the center of all social and service activities. It should surprise no one that in times of war, civilians worked together to provide medical support in the form of caregiving and supplies. During the Civil War, for example, many soldiers’ aid societies or ladies’ aid societies were formed to provide sanitary
FERN MINNIE MITCHELL DINGER WITH DAUGHTER, SHIRLEY This individual image is a group photograph of a meeting of the Jefferson Presbyterian Parish Ladies’ Aids, by White Studio, September 11, 1941. Collection of Marty Armstrong.
supplies and blankets to wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Many such groups were affiliated with churches; and, by the early 1900s, most churches had a ladies’ aid society or its equivalent. In times of peace, they volunteered their time for any event the congregation might hold or any need their members and neighbors might have. Thus, fundraising for those in financial distress, care and maintenance of the church sanctuary, provision of flowers and paraments, organizing church and community dinners, all were in their purview. Ladies gathered regularly for business meetings (dues were collected), planning sessions and lunch at the church if a social room with kitchen facilities was available or in members’ homes on a rotating schedule. Evelyn recalls that at Oliveburg, ladies met in members’ homes, accompanied at times by younger children but generally not as meeting days were mothers’ days out. Another feature of these groups was support of their denominations’ missions abroad. This could involve fund-raising, making items needed or collection of supplies and then seeing to their delivery. Women of St. John’s Church in Grange spent many hours at home during the early 1950s knitting four-inch wide, lengthy bandage strips for use overseas. They were thick, flexible and somewhat elastic without the use of elastic. Knowing of Fern Dinger’s strong connection to the Olive Church’s Ladies’ Aid, it seemed likely that a 1941 picture of members from several churches meeting at Oliveburg would include her. With only one woman (Bess Jordan) identified in the picture, visits to several long-time Oliveburg residents ensued. Several more were identified, and, of course, Fern was identified by her daughter, Evelyn. Fern is front and center, next to the Pastor, with her young daughter Shirley at her knee. The picture in its entirety will be posted to the Facebook page of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. with those already identified noted in case readers will be able to identify others. As this was a meeting involving ladies from several area Presbyterian churches, not all the women were from Oliveburg. •••
Punxsutawney Community 2021 Multiphasic Blood Screenings by Punxsutawney Rotary & Punxsutawney Hospital Coming Soon
T
he very popular community bloodscreening events held by the Punxsutawney Rotary Club and the Punxsutawney Area Hospital with its professional staff as medical providers are planned and registration is now open! The events will be held from 6 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 10, and again from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 17. This year will be at a new location: Punxsutawney Area High School on North Findley Street (rather than the Middle School where it had been previously). Be aware that we suggest scheduling for the second week (July 17) as the first week and early times will fill up quickly. The second week will have shorter lines and less waiting. Also, you will not necessarily get your results faster because you go the first week as reports are not determined by when you were tested. Other changes will be in place this year, including a new test being added to the panel. That is the Hemoglobin (A1C) test for monitoring blood sugar. Also, to ensure public health safety, the event will be spread out to keep social distancing. Participants will enter the building and exit at different points and will be directed by Rotary volunteers. Masks will be required for everyone and will be available for anyone that does not have one. Another notable change this year, to ensure health safety, will be elim-
inating seating and social time after having blood drawn, as in the past. Grab and go water, juice and pre-packaged breakfast treats will be available to all participants to take when exiting the facility. These events are an annual Punxsutawney community tradition, serve up to 1,400 local residents and help support our local hospital; likewise, one hundred percent of the net proceeds from the events are donated by Punxsutawney Rotary to more than 30 local charities, scholarships, community projects and other non-profit organizations. People can register now for these valuable health screenings by going on-line to www.punxsyrotary.com to register, to pay by credit card and to pick their own appointment time, which will also allow faster check in at the events and avoid some standing in lines. Paper registration forms will also be mailed to past participants during early June. Those can be filled out and returned with a check for registration and pre-payment, following the instructions that will accompany the form. Those using the paper mail-in forms will need to check in at the events to receive and sign their confirmation form. To take advantage of this low cost program, you must be registered no later than July 4 for the first week or by July 11 for the second week. Everyone must be pre-registered; no
walk-ins can be accepted at the site. The on-line registration is recommended, as it can be done from any internet enabled device, at any time, takes only a few minutes and is a totally secure web transaction. For those that are using the on-line registration, there are on screen instructions to follow. Once registered, you will then receive an email receipt and a confirmation form which you will then print and bring to the event. Mail-in application forms can also be picked up at the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce during normal business hours or printed off the Rotary website. Remember that appointments are limited and are filled on a first-come first-served basis. For any specific questions, you may send an email to punxsyrotary@gmail.com and a Rotary member will reply back by phone or email. All blood screening participants will have blood drawn for 40 different medical conditions to be done by the laboratory. The full test results are then sent to the participant’s requested medical provider and notice is mailed to the participant as well. Your provider must have agreed in advance to participate and many in the area have. Patients of any provider who is not listed should contact that provider’s office about participating. Per-
sons interested are also recommended to compare the actual tests being done at this program with any other “multi-phasic” screenings they may see offered. All screenings are not the same. For example,/ the TSH thyroid test (a $10 value) is included in this screening but is often an optional add-on in other screenings. The total cost for the basic panel for 40 things is $70 per person. The PSA (prostate specific antigen) test for men over 40 is an optional test that can be done at this screening for a $20 additional cost. Participants are reminded that a fast of 12 to 14 hours is required prior to the screening and that no alcohol can be used for 24 hours prior to the test. Participants can take their regular medications on the morning of the test but only with water. In most cases Medicare will not cover costs of these screenings. This screening is not recommended for anyone under age 18. Participants will also need to list on a form that morning at the site any medications they use. So, they are reminded to bring a list of those with them if needed. Punxsy Rotary wants to thank: Punxsutawney Area School District, the local news media, the Chamber of Commerce and our non-member volunteers who all help to make this truly community event possible. •••
Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248 – 13
Barbara K. Fye of Punxsutawney June 26, 1954 - March 21, 2021 Barbara was a graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School and the VoTech Food Service Program. She was a Lutheran and was very religious. She loved animals, especially her dog. She enjoyed walking her dog, listening to her music outside, going out to eat with family and playing lottery tickets. She is survived by six siblings, Bernice (Gerald) Wright, Beverly Fye, Brenda (David) Bofinger, Richard (Zana) Fye, Joseph (Paula) Fye and David (Louise) Fye; numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much; step sisters-in-law Marci Hodgson and Kitty Hodgson; and step brothers-in-law Anthony Stello and Vincent Villella. In addition to her parents, Edith E. (Wood) and Charles C. Fye, she was preceded in death by half-sisters Martha Villella and Nancy Stello and half-brothers Jim Hodgson and Terry Hodgson. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Bridget Brolin of Coalport March 30, 1973 - April 4, 2021 She loved her family and friends. She enjoyed baking and photography. Bridget is survived by her children Joseph Brolin and Alyssa Bilger; a sister, Brenda (Darren) Bilger; her grandmother, Catherine Dickey; and two nieces, Megan (Kyle) Barclay and Linsey Bilger. She was preceded in death by her parents, Boyd Dickey, Jr. and Loretta (Caldwell) Dickey. Waldron Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Ronald L. “Skip” Coon of Punxsutawney May 25, 1939 - April 16, 2021 Skip was a retired Boiler Maker, Local 154. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Smicksburg. Skip was a member of the Free Masons, 32nd degree, Portland Lodge. He enjoyed farming, camping and tinkering in his garage. Skip, most of all, enjoyed being around his family, grandchildren and great-grandchild. He is survived by a son, Randy (Tina) Coon, a daughter, Tami (Greg) Horner, a daughter-in-law, Jennifer Coon, five grandchildren, Nichole (Blair) Overly, Ashley Coon, Ryan Horner and fiancée Brandi, Vanessa Coon, Alex (Amber) Coon, three great-grandchildren, Bentley, Leyton and Addison, two sisters, Cindy (Richard) Miller and Carol Lettie, and a brother, William (Carol) Coon. He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. and June L. (VanHorn) Coon, his wife Barbara, a son, Kevin Coon, a granddaughter, Jessica Coon, two brothers, Robert Coon and Alan “Mike” Coon and a sister, Margaret “Peg” Stiteler. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u
Velma J. Getch of Anita November 1, 1934 - April 17, 2021 Velma attended the Assembly of God Church in Anita and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, puzzle books and reading her bible. She worked as a tester at Rola-Jensen for many years. Velma is survived by six siblings, Diana (Bill) Startzell, Carolyn (Mike) Meckley, Robert (Deborah) “Jake” Getch, David (Sandy) Getch, Greg Getch and Rev. Lloyd (Marlene) Getch, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Harriet M. (Jacobson) and Joseph N. Getch, she was preceded in death by five siblings, Joseph A. “Bud” Getch, James Getch, John “Sonny” Getch, Donna Snyder and Barbara Anthony. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Abby E. Curry of Sprankle Mills November 26, 1958 - April 19, 2021 Abby was a 1976 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School. She was a member of the St. Johns Reformed Church of Punxsutawney where she helped out with their Bible school program. Abby loved the Dominican Republic where she and her daughter would help the children with their medical needs. She also loved being able to raise babies and was a caretaker for many children in the Punxsutawney area for over thirty years. Abby also enjoyed trips to the beach, purses, cooking, going for rides in the Mustang and her VW Beetle, spending time with her family and the Lord. She was involved within Child Evangelism Fellowship in Punxsutawney where she taught and volunteered. She also served on the Red Cross and taught CPR. Abby formerly worked as a Paramedic, worked at Jamesway in Punxsutawney and also as a caretaker for the elderly. She is survived by her parents, Elaine (Smathers) and Lorrain H. Raybuck, and her husband, John R. Curry; three children, sons Matthew (Kathy) Curry and Adam (Hallie) Curry and daughter Elana Curry and fiancé Brandin McFadden; two grandchildren, Ethan Curry and Elliot Curry; and two brothers, Kevin (Dorie) Raybuck and Mark (Susan) Raybuck. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Barbara E. Cackowski of Ypsilanti, Michigan, formerly of Rochester Mills and Latrobe April 27, 1940 - April 21, 2021 Barbara was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church in Punxsutawney. She was a graduate of Indiana State Teachers’ College and previously worked as an art teacher. She enjoyed her family, art and the outdoors.
14 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
She is survived by her son, Dr. Frank (Candace) Cameron Cackowski. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Emma (Novotny) Pluchinsky, and her husband, Frank Charles Cackowski. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Rosemary Gaston of Punxsutawney passed away April 25, 2021 Rosemary is survived by two sons, Christian and Jeffrey Gaston, several grandchildren, Nicole Lundquist, Christian Gaston, Jared Gaston, Thomas Carr and Becky Lapp, as well as several great-grandchildren, Brenden Lapp, Logan Lundquist, Samantha Carr and Jessica Kaufman. She is also survived by her great-greatgranddaughter, Grace Kaufman. Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Christian Gaston, her daughter, Jan Harris, and two daughters-in-law, Karen Gaston and Jane Gaston.. Richard L. Fait Funeral Home www.faitfuneralhome.com u Jean Ann (Bish) Deeley of Punxsutawney June 4, 1950 - April 27, 2021 On June 8, 1974, she married; those who knew them as a couple would often hear her saying “Oh, Bill!” and Bill would often refer to her as “Queen Jean!” She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree and earned her teaching certificate at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Jean taught in the Curwensville School District for four years as a third-grade teacher. After the birth of their first daughter, Jean worked as a secretary for the family business, Deeley Funeral Home; there, she was the glue that held it together. Jean was an active member of the Punxsutawney Garden Club, former member of the board of directors for the Punxsutawney Area Hospital and former board member for the Punxsutawney Memorial Library. Jean was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney, where she previously served as a deacon. Her favorite times were those spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was an avid gardener, enjoying workdays with friends in the Garden Club and planting flowers at her home and farm. She loved traveling with Bill and friends. One of her favorite destinations was Wrightsville Beach, NC. While she hadn’t skied in years, she also loved weekends at Holiday Valley. In addition to her husband, William C. Deeley, she is survived by two daughters, Beth (Hikary) Deeley and Michele Stavovy; four grandchildren, Thomas and Christopher Deeley and Lily and Max Stavovy; a brother, Kenneth (Diane) Bish; a sister, Betty (Chuck) Heitzenrater; her sister-in-law, Wanda Marie Bish; and her
brother-in-law, Doug (Susie) Deeley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Verna (Dinger) and Palmer Bish and brothers, Bob Bish and Allen Bish. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Darlene Black of Punxsutawney October 23, 1952 - April 28, 2021 Darlene loved going to the beach and being by her pool with her friends and her dog LeRoy. She enjoyed her time with her sons, grandchildren and her good friends the Walker family, who the Black family would like to thank for their years of friendship and the loving care they gave to Darlene during her illness. She was a loving wife, mom, grandmother and best friend who will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband, Robert Black and their sons, Shaun (Laurie) Black and Scott Black; three grandchildren, Benjamin, Anna and Amelia Black; one brother, Terry Ballorilla and Sherry Mitchell of Punxsutawney and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam Ballorilla and Antoinette (Boris) Ballorilla. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Florence H. Lewis of Punxsutawney November 10, 1923 - April 29, 2021 Florence was previously employed at Pramco and Montgomery Wards in Punxsutawney. She attended the St. Peters United Church of Christ in Elk Run. She loved fishing, camping, gardening and canning. She is survived by a son, Ronald Lewis; seven grandchildren; numerous greatgrandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Delores Lewis. In addition to her parents, Alta M. (Horner) and William Hobba, and her husband, Arnold L. Lewis, she was preceded in death by her son Clifford Lewis and her sister Helen Jordan. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Hazel W. Grist, 90, of Punxsutawney Passed away April 30, 2021 Hazel was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Hazel was a loving mother of seven children. Surviving children are Bonnie Grist, Debra Grist Davis, George Grist, Della Grist and Carolyn Grist. She was preceded in death by two children, Sharon Grist Wright and Donald Grist. She deeply loved her eleven grandchildren and helped raise them at different times, Sammy Diehl, Thomas Wright, David Warfield Jr., Holly Neely, Dana Neely, Aubree Grist, RhiAnnon Byers, Neil Grist, Skylar Catarouche, Brian Barto and Angel Barto. In addition to her grandchildren, she - Continued on next page
- Continued from previous page
had sixteen great-great grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners, traveling to Prince Gallitzin State Park and Hemlock Lake for picnics and decorating her Christmas tree for every occasion. Richard L. Fait Funeral Home www.faitfuneralhome.com u June Carol Fetterman of Rossiter April 30, 1940 - May 2, 2021 June was the Banks Township tax collector for 47 years. She served as Banks Township secretary and worked at Connors Grocery store and service station for over 20 years. She enjoyed camping, country music and spending time with her family. She is survived by two sons and a daughter, Larry (Pam) “Chip” Fetterman, Rodney (Teri) “Rock” Fetterman and Carol (Ken) “Candy” Wetzel; three grandchildren, Kalyn (Seth) Everett, Becca Strong and Quenton Strong; close friends of the family, Chloe, Adam and Ethan Wright; three sisters, Diana Miller, Anna Mae (Ted) Rishell and Marian (John) Urish; three brothers, Kenneth Fisher, Wayne Fisher and Willis (Wanda) Fisher; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Edna (Fetterman) Fisher, her husband, Buck Fetterman and a sister, Dorothy Smith. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u John T. Smith of Punxsutawney September 10, 1946 - May 3, 2021 John was a graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School Class of 1965. He enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, barbequing, his ducks and duck pond and his dog Thor. John was employed at Loree Footwear for fourteen years and served as the head of their union. He worked there until the plant closed, then went to work for the Punxsutawney School District as a head of maintenance, from where he retired after seventeen years. In addition to his wife, Kathleen Elva (Hoch) Smith, he is survived by two children, son Wesley Smith and Amy Jo and daughter Andrea (Randall) Verdill; five grandchildren, Kody, Alexis, Lakyn, Lane and Braxton; five great-grandchildren,
Zaiden, Kaysen, Chase, Rowan and Rylan; two sisters, Margaret Shields and Janet (John) Milliron; sisters-in-law Martha Hoch and Millie (Don) Reitz; and a brother-in-law, Tom (Sandy) Hoch. In addition to his parents, Goldie Helen (Kaylor) and Harold W. Smith, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Smith, and brothers-in-law Bill Shields and Richard Hoch. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Bradley J. Homan of Valier July 23, 1965 - May 4, 2021 Brad was a veteran of Persian Gulf War, serving as a Medic in the United States Navy. Brad was protestant. He was a 1983 graduate of Jeff Tech. He was a member of the John W. Jenks, Masonic Lodge 536, Punxsutawney, PA. Brad was a Pipe Fitter, belonging to the Pipe Fitters Union #354. Most recently, he was the safety coordinator for Kiewit, Corp. in Uniontown. Brad was a longtime photographer of dirt track racing at Marion Center and Dog Hollow Speedway. He was also experienced in underwater photography. Brad loved spending time with his family, watching dirt track racing and he especially loved his German Shepherd, Drake. He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Nesbit) Homan, his mother, Mary B. Homan, his father, David W. Homan and JoAnn Pellman; a sister, Erica (Mark) Grove; a brother, David F. Homan; a niece, Brittany and two nephews, Zachary and Jeremy; his mother and father-in-law, Jerry and Karen Nesbit; two sisters-in-law, Beth (Karl) Huber and Jody (Jim) London, a brother-in-law, Brett Nesbit; and nieces and nephews, Brittany, Zachary, Jeremy, Kira, Alex, Justin and Jordan. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Marilyn (London) Drexler Nickel of Punxsutawney August 3, 1928 - May 15, 2021 She was first married to Paul A. Drexler in 1948; he preceded her in death. She then married John W. Nickel in 1978, who also preceded her in death. Marilyn was a 1946 graduate of Sykesville High School. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Paradise and attended the
Scotland Avenue Church of God. She organized her class reunions every five years and was the chairperson for the Sykesville-Henderson Alumni Reunions for fifteen years. She is survived by five children, son Paul (Tamra) E. Drexler, daughter Loretta M. “Lori” Mickle, son Gary (Mona Lisa) M. “Lurch” Drexler, son Alan (Nancy) G. “Al” Drexler and son Glen A. Drexler; two sisters, Marianne “Ann” Blair and Carole Blair; a special niece, Karen (John) Knopick; six grandsons, Stanley L. Mickle, Jr., Matthew (Stacie) P. Drexler Morrow, Gary (Clarissa) M. Drexler II, Derik (Ashley) A. Drexler, Christopher (Leah) J. Drexler and Daniel (Cristy) D. Drexler; five great-grandsons; two greatgranddaughters; four step grandsons; one step granddaughter; and numerous step great-grandchildren. In addition to her husbands and parents, Martha B. (Miller) and Edward W. London, she was preceded in death by a brother, Colonel James E. London; sisterin-law, Merrilou London; son-in-law, Stanley L. Mickle, Sr.; and brothers-inlaw, W. Wilson Blair and David M. Blair. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Lynn G. Dobson of Worthville April 8, 1934 - April 15, 2021 Lynn was a member of the Stanton United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of the Hobah Masonic Lodge, Brookville, PA, and the Coudersport Consistory. He graduated in 1953 from Punxsutawney High School. After working 32 years for National Fuel, he retired as a sub-foreman and compressor station operator at Knox Station. He enjoyed the lifetime friendships he shared with his coworkers at National Fuel and looked forward to monthly luncheons with fellow retirees. In addition, Lynn enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, trapping and traveling. He enjoyed gardening and maintaining his farm. Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family and attending many sporting events in which his five grandchildren participated. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, as well. Surviving relatives include his wife, Joann Keihl and his two daughters, Jolynn (Mike) Cook and Joan (Mike) Gillung. Five grandchildren also survive: Cole (Carly) Cook, Aaron (Arielle) Gillung, Caitlin (Bradley) Brocious, Nicholas Gillung and friend Tori, and Carlie (Jordan) Wells.
Completing his family are four greatgrandchildren: Addilynn and Emilia Brocious, Rhett Gillung and Camryn Cook, along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Zelda (Dinger) and N. Perry Dobson, Lynn was preceded in death by two siblings, Lois (Dobson) Scott and Jay Dobson. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Joseph Gerald Guzzo, Jr. of Punxsutawney October 22, 1988 - May 14, 2021 After graduation from Punxsutawney High School in 2007, he took a position with Rosebud Mining, working as a miner operator. Joe attended the Albion Heights United Methodist Church. Joe loved the outdoors and the company of his dogs, Buster and Mr. Brinley. He was passionate about restoring his 1976 yellow Chevy truck that had belonged to his late father and was an avid woodworker. Joe was a wonderful and kind man who focused his attention on those he loved. He was proud to be an amazing father to his son Joey, and was a loving, supportive son to his mother. He was devoted to his girlgriend Lauren Conrad, and treasured time with her and the Conrad family, whom he loved very much. Joe valued his strong friendships with many Rosebud Mining coworkers and enjoyed visiting with their families and helping them with personal projects. Joe’s sincere and infectious personality will be missed by all who knew him. Joe is survived by his beloved son, Joey; mother, Debbie Guzzo; maternal grandmother, Beverly Zanaglio; and best friend and girlfriend, Lauren Conrad. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph G. Guzzo, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Joe and Audrey Guzzo; and maternal grandfather, John Zanaglio. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Please visit the website of the funeral homes listed to view complete obituary, sign their guestbook, plant a tree and offer your condolences. u If you have a loved one who has passed away and would like to publish it in Hometown Magazine, please contact us at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or call 814-952-3668. uuu
Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248 – 15
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16 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
Hometown Community Happenings By the staff of Hometown magazine rom the staff of Hometown magazine and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events coming up in our area: Please check with the host organization, website, or Facebook page for up-to-date information. Events subject to change and Coronavirus restrictions. n Hometown’s Penguins Hockey contest winner. The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Buffalo Sabres 1-0 on Saturday, May 8 with a total point score of 1. Pam Hankinson entered the closet score of 3 total points. She wishes to redeem her gift card at Laska's Pizza. n May 28 – end of summer: The Punxsutawney Farmers Market will be open from 9 to noon every Friday through the summer on South Findley St., sponsored by Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce. n Registration is under way for Summer Library Programs at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library. For registration information, go to www.punxsutawneylibrary.org or call the library. Programs start the week of June 7. n The Weather Discovery Center was planning to open on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact the center for admission prices. n May 30: Fish for Free Day in PA, sponsored by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. No license needed for fishing today. n May 31: Memorial Day. Remember those who passed away in active military service. n June 3: Last student day of school at Punxsutawney Area School District. Watch for children. n June 4: Blood Drive at First Church of God, 12:30 to 6 p.m. Benefits American Red Cross. n June 4: Kids Trout Fishing Rodeo at Cook Forest State Park, for children age 12 & under. n June 4 & 5: Grange’s Helping Hands free clothing. Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grange Church of God. Please wear a mask. n June 5: Opening Day for the George C. Brown Community Pool, noon to 6 p.m. n June 5: Kickin’ Off Summer Show, 1 p.m. at Punxsutawney Saddle Club. Contact the club for more information on costs. n June 5: Unity Rises Assoc. Fundraiser Dance, 5 p.m. at Flashover Club. $20 per person, $30 per couple. n June 5: Strawberry Saturday in Smicksburg, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., various locations. n June 5: Rock & Roll Summer Jam, 4 to 8 p.m. at Dayton Fairgrounds. Tickets required. Benefits the Dayton Fair & the Armstrong County Sheriff’s K9 Unit. n June 5: 6th Annual Military Collectibles Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jefferson County Fairgrounds. $7 admission adults, free for those under age 16.
F
n June 5: 3rd Annual Golf Scramble for Child Evangelism Fellowship at Beechwoods Golf Course, Falls Creek. Registration is at 8 a.m. n June 5 & 6: Hazen Flea Market, opens at 7 a.m. at Warsaw Township Fire Co. grounds. n June 6: Hawthorn Fire Co.’s Annual Kayak/Canoe Poker Run. Launch is 9 a.m. at Summerville Bridge. Register at Hawthorn Boat Launch. Registration information & costs at hawthorn560.com or call 814-541-4005. n June 7-9: VBS Knights of North Castle, 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. n June 7- Aug. 18: Summer Food Service program for children age 18 & under by Punxsutawney Area School District. Free breakfasts & lunches distributed at several locations in and around Punxsutawney. Contact the school district for times & locations. n June 9: Farmers’ Market Voucher Distribution, 9 a.m. at Punxsutawney Area Senior Center on N. Findley St. n June 16: Rotary Club mixer, 5 to 7 p.m. at Gobbler’s Knob. n June 17-19: Coolspring Power Museum Expo & Flea Market, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is an admission charge. n June 12-20: Laurel Festival in Brookville. Fun and events for the whole family. Check the Facebook page for more information. n June 12: Girl Scouts Cadette Space Science Researcher Day, 9 a.m. to noon at Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center. $20 cost. n June 14: Flag Day. Fly the American Flag! n June 15: Blood Drive at Punxsutawney VFW, noon to 6 p.m. Benefits American Red Cross. n The Presbyterian Church is serving “drive through” community meals on the third Wednesday of each month throughout the summer…June 16, July 21 and August 18, between the hours of 5:00-6:00 p.m. or until the meals are all given out. Enter the ally off East Mahoning St. near the Pantall and head toward Union St., stay in your car and a meal(s) will be handed to you. n June 17: Community Classic Golf Tournament, noon at Punxsutawney Country Club. Benefits Make-A-Wish, Weather Discovery Center, Community Center and the Chamber of Commerce. For registration information, contact the chamber at 814-938-7700, ext. 2. n June 19: Big Rigs Truck & Tractor Pull, 7 p.m. at Jefferson County Fairgrounds. n June 21: First Day of Summer! n June 20-26: Groundhog Festival at Yoder’s Antique Mall. Fun & entertainment for the whole family. Check out Punxsutawneygroundhogfestival.com or its Facebook page for more information. - Continued on page 19
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18 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
Pictured is the tar-paper barracks which housed thirty-three families during the Strike of 1927-28. Photo courtesy of Basile Collection, PAHGS.
By Coal Memorial Committee minous Coal Company. It was still a for Hometown magazine new, progressive community when the he Tiles at the Punxsutawney Area English family arrived. Established in Coal Memorial tell interesting sto- 1901, it boasted of many modern conries that go far beyond the lives of veniences and a new high school, which those being honored. had been built in 1921. The story in the backThe Clearfield Bitumiground of the life of Eli nous Coal Company Blackman English, is mined coal exclusively one that reaches from a for use by the New York small mining commuCentral Railroad. As a nity to the United States result, miners at Rossiter Congress, and has had a had relatively steady emconnection to affirming ployment. Because their the rights of citizens of customer relied on a the United States of steady supply of coal to America to assemble, to keep the trains running, protest injustice and to Rossiter miners did not provide assistance and experience slow-downs support for their fellow in mine operations man. caused by fluctuations in Eli Blackman English Eli Blackman English, known to his the market price. was born in Benezette, family as “Pap,” brought his family to However, in 1927 the Elk County, on May 4, Rossiter where he worked in the Rossiter miners were on Bituminous Coal Company 1880. The son of Cook- Clearfield mines. Photo courtesy of the English strike, and the situation son and Frances Kersh- Family. had attracted national atner English, he grew up tention. The Indiana in a time when the lumber industry was Gazette, on Friday, February 24, 1928, at its peak. It was when financiers were reported in large front-page headlines investing in and building railroads to that the “ROSSITER WORKINGS TO reach the vast coal fields in the northern BE INSPECTED BY COMMITTEE Alleghenies. PROBERS. SUNDAY.” Miners across The sons of Carpenter Winslow, who western Pennsylvania had been on strike, had come from Maine to settle in Jefferand the United States Senate Coal Comson County, located in the Benezette area mittee was holding hearings on the situabout the same time as Eli English’s paration. The Senate Coal Committee had ents. This section of land had been a part visited the Moon Run mines and camps of northern Jefferson County before of the Pittsburgh Coal Company and 1843, when it was redesignated as part were on their way to observe conditions of the new Elk County. The Winslow at the Clearfield Bituminous Coal ComFamily of Elk County was actively en- pany mines at Rossiter. gaged in developing the railroad and coal At Rossiter, 800 miners had joined the industry in that area. western Pennsylvania miners in their In his early working life, Eli worked as strike. The Rossiter miners were under a laborer in saw mills. He married Mary an injunction issued by the courts of InElizabeth Tyler and started a family. As diana County prohibiting them from the coal industry developed, it attracted gathering on the church lot to sing lumbermen. According to Samuel Eng- hymns every day at six in the morning lish, grandson of Eli, the family’s oral and three in the afternoon. Miners had history tradition is: “About 1928, the been evicted from their homes in comfamily, whose ancestors had lived in the pany owned houses. In the middle FebBenezette area for more than 60 years, ruary 1928, thirty-three families of suddenly moved to Rossiter.” miners were living in a make-shift barRossiter, in Canoe Township, Indiana racks constructed of one-inch boards and - Continued on page 20 County, was built by the Clearfield Bitu-
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(“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.) May 15, 1889 — It will very likely require three coaches to accommodate all the Punxsutawney people who want to go to DuBois to see actor Joe Jefferson at the DuBois Opera House on Monday, May 20 for his performance of “Rip Van Winkle.” (The Punxsutawney Spirit) [Note: When the Jefferson Theatre was opened in 1905, it was named for the popular actor Joe Jefferson.] May 18, 1905 — The annual dinner of the Fifteenth of May Club was held last Sunday at the residence of E. S. Swartz, of this place. To be eligible to membership in this club it is necessary to have been born on the fifteenth of May. The wives and husbands of the fifteenth of Mayites are ex-officio members. They have a fine dinner every year, and enjoy themselves to the limit. May 23, 1888 — The fence around the stock yard at the C. & J. railroad has been treated to a coat of white wash which brightens it up materially. (The Punxsutawney News) [Note: The railroad came to Punxsutawney in 1886 in Punxsutawney’s East End. The railroad’s stock yard was in the vicinity of the Punxsutawney Health Center at the end of Prushnok Drive.] May 24, 1899 — The young men of this place who play lawn tennis are getting the courts in shape for steady use during the summer season. Tennis is a popular game in Punxsutawney. (The Punxsutawney Spirit) May 30, 1907 — Though the Decoration Day exercises of today went off smoothly and surpassed those of former years, two or three things happened to mar them slightly. One was the Italian organization marching through the line of small girls and stampeding them. The second was caused by a large crowd of overgrown girls, who talked and chattered during the services at the grave so as to make it impossible for a large number of people to hear the speakers. It is also a very lamentable fact that free-born American citizens assembled there could not get through with three verses of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” (Punxsutawney News) [Note: In the early 1900s, Decoration Day was observed with a parade that formed on the plaza across from the public square (Barclay Square). With bands, service groups, little boys with flags and girls with baskets of flowers, the parade marched to the North Findley Street Cemetery where speeches were made and
young girls placed flowers on the graves.) June 1, 1892 — The dandelion is one of the most beautiful flowers that grow, especially when it is thickly scattered among bright green grass. Laid against the grass they are like constellations of orange yellow stars. But beauty is not the sole good quality of the dandelion. Among the earliest spring greens, it is as good in quality as spinach. In early spring women and children may be seen cutting off the dandelion leaves close to the root, and carrying basketfuls of them to market for sale. (Punxsutawney News) •••
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Continued from page 16 n June 24-27: Laurel Eye Monsters Mega Rock Festival at Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Go to www.laurelconcert.com for information. n June 26: Girl Scout Space Science Day for Daisies, Brownies & Juniors, at Weather Discovery Center. 10 a.m. to noon for Brownies & Juniors, 1 to 3 p.m. for Daisies. Cost $15. n June 26-July 3: Festival in the Park at Barclay Square. Activities & entertainment for the whole family. Sponsored by the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce. n June 27: Punxsutawney Lions Club Cruise In, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CNB parking lot. $10 donation. Benefits Punxsutawney Canine Unit. n Watch for Music in The Park events in July & August! n Fairs are returning! Jefferson County Fair, July 18-24; Sykesville Ag & Youth Fair, in August; Dayton Fair, Aug. 15-21; Indiana County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 4. n The Punxsutawney Memorial Library has re-opened the book stacks. Contact the library or visit its Facebook page for more information on what services are available. n The Jackson Theater at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center has reopened for weekend movies. n Unity Rises Association, a local nonprofit organization, is raising funds to obtain a larger space for its free donation center. This group currently operates a donation center in Cloe that is open to help the public. They are hoping to find a larger space that is handicapped accessible and on a bus route. They also hope to use the larger space to accept furniture and food donations. For more information, contact unityrisesassn@gmail.com. n Email your hometown community happenings items to hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com. •••
Welcome To The Pharmacy That’s Still Close By. With five pharmacists ready to serve you: • Michael Horner, R. Ph. • Kim Horner, R. Ph. • Jennifer Moore, R. Ph. • Joe Presloid, R. Ph. • Matt Kunselman, R. Ph.
2 PUNXSUTAWNEY 200 Prushnok Dr. LOCATIONS: 618-5957
132 West Mahoning St.
938-3077
Mon.- Fri 9 to 7, Sat. 9 to 2 Visit our website:
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Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. The facilities of the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society Facilities will remain closed to the public until COVID-19 is controlled.
h Gift Shop items may be purchased online h Genealogy searches may be requested by phone, e-mail or regular mail h Watch for our reopening later in 2021 h A new exhibit “SPORTS” will be in the Griffiths Galleries at the Lattimer House Find us at: WWW.PUNXSYHISTORY.ORG Email: PUNXSYHISTORY@OUTLOOK.COM
400 & 401 W. Mahoning St.
938-2555
Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248 – 19
Casteel Chiropractic DR. IAN CASTEEL Our job is to keep your spine in line for a better, healthier you!
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS X-rays (on your first visit)
410 East Mahoning St.
938-4400
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Hometown’s Mother’s Day 2021 Giveaway Winners Biggie’s Quality Meats $15 Gift Certificate Sandra Payne
Kengersky Insurance Blanket and Mug Esther Kurtz
The Burrow $25 Chamber Gift Card Erica Boyles
McDonald’s $20 Gift Card Esther Miller
Roseman’s Florist & Gifts $10 Gift Certificate Dorothy Painter
CRW Home Center $25 Gift Card Darlene Stuchell
Grandma’s Kitchen $20 Gift Certificate Shirley Plyler
The New Anchor Inn $20 Gift Certificate Mary Jane Juliette
London’s Country Creamery $10 gift certificate Teresa Smith
Fox’s Pizza Den $20 Fox’s Gift Card Barbara Cochran
Walmart $25 Gift Card Norma Kriebel
Please call or text 814-952-3668 or email hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com if you are a winner who has not been contacted yet. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
20 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
This photo shows the inside of a mine at Rossiter, Pennsylvania. The mines were opened about 1901 and operated until 1953. Photo courtesy of Basile Collection, PAHGS.
English Family Continued from page 18 tar paper. Sixty-seven families were reported to be destitute. Indiana County Judge Jonathan Langham had forbidden marching, picketing, public assembly and distribution of union funds to assist or support the striking miners and their families. The strikers were hoping for a settlement in the spring, when the farmers, who were strikebreakers, would return to work on their farms. Complicating this situation for the company were the immigration policies which restricted the total number of immigrants to 700,000 per year. This was a serious blow to the coal industry which had relied on immigrants from southern European countries to provide laborers. The Clearfield Bituminous Coal Company, needing to keep the railroads supplied, took another approach to maintaining its work force. The company recruited workers from other companies. The Company could offer steady employment as incentives to recruit new laborers to its mines. This may have been the reason for the sudden move of the English family from Elk County to Rossiter in Indiana County. According to his grandson, Eli had become a blaster in the mines at Benezette. When Eli English and his family arrived at Rossiter about 1929, they moved into one of the miners’ double houses in the town. The children attended the Rossiter school. Life was good for his family. Six of their twelve children were born at Rossiter. Eli went to work as a “shot firer” in the Rossiter mines. In 1937, Eli English and four other miners were working inside the Rossiter mine when an accident occurred. It was an explosion, or maybe a misfire of a shot, which blew Eli off his feet into a mine car. The mine car had provided some protection for the other miners, who in spite of their injuries were able to push the car to where they could be rescued. Eli English, at 57 years of age, spent a month in the Clearfield Hospital recuperating from his injuries. He suffered significant hearing loss and black lung for the remainder of his eighty years of
life. His son Samuel English, who was 17 years of age at the time of the accident, had to quit school and go to work to support the family. The three oldest sons of Eli put together the money to make a down-payment on a house in Rossiter, where the family continued to reside. Mary Tyler English, wife of Eli English, remained in Rossiter and continued to live in the house for the rest of her life. During her later years she was often honored as the oldest living resident of Rossiter. The English Family came to Rossiter seeking a secure future. They lived each day amidst the history that was being made in Rossiter at that time. Today, there is a Pennsylvania Memorial Marker commemorating the 1927-28 Rossiter’s Miners’ Strike and the role it played in reaffirming the rights of United States citizens. The Clearfield Bituminous Coal Company continued producing coal at Rossiter until 1953. The railroads converted to electric engines. Today, the descendants of Eli and Mary Tyler English are scattered across the country, however, some remain in the greater Punxsutawney area. Eli “Pap” English will be honored by his family with a tile installed at the Punxsutawney Area Coal Memorial, on Sunday, September 5, 2021 This article has been prepared by the Coal Memorial Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. Resources used in preparing this article are from Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, The Punxsutawney Spirit and Newspapers.com. Comments may be directed to PAHGS, P.O. Box 286, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Individuals desiring to honor a coal or coal related industry worker in 2021 are encouraged to purchase their tile by June 30, 2021. A Coal Memorial tile may honor persons who worked in any aspect of the coal industry including railroads and ancillary services. Additional information and forms may be found online at www.punxsyhistory.org or may be requested by e-mail at: punxsyhistory@outlook.com, or calling 814-938-2555 and leaving a message •••
Welcome To The Pharmacy That’s Still Close By. With five pharmacists ready to serve you: • Michael Horner, R. Ph. • Kim Horner, R. Ph. • Jennifer Moore, R. Ph. • Joe Presloid, R. Ph. • Matt Kunselman, R. Ph.
2 PUNXSUTAWNEY LOCATIONS:
132 West Mahoning St.
938-3077
Mon.- Fri 9 to 7, Sat. 9 to 2 Visit our website:
E
Interesting Facts About Memorial Day
ach year on the last Monday of May, Americans celebrate Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors and mourns American military personnel who died while performing their duties in service to the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day has a rich history and one that’s worth revisiting as the nation prepares to honor the sacrifices made by its military personnel over the centuries. • Freed slaves played a role in the establishment of Memorial Day. The American Civil War is the deadliest military conflict
in American history, as the Union and the Confederacy each suffered more than 800,000 casualties by the time the war ended in 1865. According to History.com, as the war drew to a close, hundreds of Union soldiers who were being held as prisoners of war died and were buried in a mass grave in a Confederate prison camp in South Carolina. After the Confederate surrender, more than 1,000 now-freed slaves honored those recently deceased Union soldiers during a ceremony in which they sang hymns and distributed flowers. The ceremony was dedicated to the fallen soldiers and served as a precursor to what is now celebrated as Memorial Day.
• Confederate soldiers were honored, too. Confederate losses during the Civil War outnumbered Union losses, and those losses were not forgotten by southerners who survived the war. History.com notes that, in 1866, the Georgia-based Ladies Memorial Association, one of many similar organizations to arise in the aftermath of the war, pushed for a day to honor fallen Confederate soldiers. In fact, these efforts are believed to have influenced General John A. Logan. In 1868, General Logan, a Civil War veteran who was then serving as commander-in-chief of a group of Union veterans, ordered the decoration of Union graves with flowers on May 30. The day would ultimately be known as “Memorial Day.” • It took a long time for Memorial Day to become a federal holiday. Despite tracing its origins to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, Memorial Day did not become an official federal holiday until 1971, more than a century after the war ended. This is the same year the holiday was officially designated as taking place on the last Monday in May. The designation has periodically drawn the ire of veterans and military supporters who suggest it is now more widely seen as the unofficial beginning to summer and not a day in which the sacrifices of fallen U.S. soldiers are honored to the extent that they should be. • Debate exists about which town has the longest history of celebrating Memorial Day. A handful of towns claim to be the first celebrants of Memorial Day. That debate figures to continue in perpetuity, but History.com notes that Waterloo, New York, was officially recognized by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson as the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966. Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and Rochester, Wisconsin are some other towns that claim to have celebrated Memorial Day since the mid-1860s. Memorial Day has a rich history that highlights the importance of honoring the men and women who have given their lives while in service of the United States military. •••
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Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248 – 21
Hometown Classified Ads! SERVER WANTED Apply in person at The New Anchor Inn. OFFICE HELPER for individual who wishes to learn all aspects of print and online publication. Responsibilities to include invoicing and sending emails. Respond by email to hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com. Reference #12. C L E A N I N G P E R S O N N E E D E D MONTHLY Experience and References helpful. Please respond by email to hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com. Reference #18. OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENT WORKER who wishes to learn all aspects of marketing for a print and online publication. Interests should include advertising, writing and communications. Respond by email to hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com. Reference #12.
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OCCASIONAL PET SITTER References a must. Respond by email to hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com. Reference #21. BUYING AND SELLING all types of rare coins, currency and precious metals. Gold, silver and platinum jewelry. Call 814-590-0609.
WE BUY LAND Extra Acreage? Need Cash? Call 814-952-8425.
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Mail in form or TEXT OR CALL 814-952-3668 Mail form and payment to: ‘Hometown Classifieds’ 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767 p UP TO 20 WORDS: (add’l $1 charge per word over 20) __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Deadline for next issue is __________________________________________________ June 21
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22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248
Hobbies for Seniors Residing in Assisted Living Communities
A
ssisted living facilities are a vital resource for aging individuals. Data from the American Health Care Association® and the National Center for Assisted Living® indicates that more than 811,000 people reside in assisted living facilities across the United States. Assisted living facilities have changed dramatically over the years, making them ideal options for adults who may need varying degrees of help with daily activities. Such facilities can help with activities like bathing and preparing meals, but they also can help residents find and explore new or existing hobbies. As individuals adjust to life in assisted living facilities, finding new hobbies or rediscovering old passions can be a great way to connect with fellow residents. • Reading: Reading is a rewarding activity that can greatly benefit seniors and provide an engaging pastime for those with limited mobility. Many assisted living facilities offer activities that are designed to foster communication between residents and a book club can do just that. What’s more, reading every day may be especially valuable for people age 65 and older. A 2018 study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that dementia risk was considerably lower among men and women 65 and older who participated in intellectual activities like reading than it was among seniors who did not engage in such pursuits. • Gardening: AARP notes that gardening provides a host of health benefits that go
beyond ensuring fresh fruits and vegetables will be on the dinner table. For example, vitamin D is vital to bone health, which is important for aging men and women who are vulnerable to osteoporosis. A 2014 study from researchers in Italy found that exposure to sunlight can help older adults get adequate amounts of vitamin D. Signing up for a gardening club can be a great way for seniors to get some exercise, enjoy time outside the assisted living facility and promote strong bones. • Art therapy: According to the Chicago Methodist Senior Services, art therapy is a creative form of therapy designed to help older adults with memory loss or those experiencing mental or physical stress. The Harvard Medical School notes that recent research has indicated that engaging in creative activities may be more effective at delaying cognitive decline than merely appreciating creative works. A 2014 study from researchers in Germany found that retirees who painted and sculpted had greater improvements in spatial reasoning and emotional resilience than a similar group who attended art appreciation classes. Many assisted living facilities offer art therapy or similar programs to residents, and enrolling in such programs can promote social interaction and provide numerous benefits to men and women over 65. Assisted living facilities offer an array of programs designed to help residents develop rewarding hobbies that can benefit their long-term health. •••
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Closed Mon. • Tue. - Thurs. 10:30-8, Fri. & Sat. 10:30-9 • Sun.11-8 GIVEAWAY RULES
1. Complete the coupon on this page. 2. Guess the winning team and the total number of points you think will be scored in the Pirates vs. Dodgers Game and enter the guesses in the spaces provided on the coupon.
Pirates vs. Dodgers
Thur., June 10 • 7:05 p.m.
3. Enter one of the participating advertisers on this page in the space provided to redeem your coupon should you be the contest winner. 4. Clip and forward the coupon to:‘Penguins Hockey Contest,’ c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. PLEASE MARK YOUR TEAM PICK & TOTAL POINTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE.
Full Menu • New Menu Catering • Six Packs to Go Remodeled Dining Room Please call ahead during this time for Hours & Days. 119 South, Punx’y (Next to Dairy Queen)
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5. All entries must be received by 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 8. 6. No purchase necessary to participate. All entries must be original magazine coupon (no photocopies). 7. In the event two or more contestants correctly pick the winning team and total number of points, one winner will be randomly selected and awarded the winning prize. In event two or more contestants tie for closest to the total score, one winner will be randomly selected to win the $20 certificate. Each issue we will give one $20 certificate. 8. Hometown magazine retains the right to make any final decisions regarding the contest, and by submitting an entry, contestants agree to abide by the rules of the contest.
Hometown magazine ‘Pirates Hockey Giveaway’: Complete, Clip, Drop off or Mail to: Pirates Baseball Contest c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767
Name __________________________________ TO QUALIFY FOR CONTESTYOU THE MARK YOUR TEAMMUST Address ________________________________ TOTAL POINTS ONPICK & OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE. ON THE Zip ____________________________________ ONE ENTRY PER ENVLY ELOPE. Phone __________________________________
Coupon for Game of Thur., June 10 Step 1: Guess the Winning Team: __ Pirates vs. __ Dodgers Step 2: Guess the Total Points that will be Scored in that Game: _______ Total Points Step 3: Should I win, I would like to redeem my merchandise certificate at: (List business from this page) _____________________
TAKE-OUTS WELCOME
814-618-5083
Laska’s Pizza 405 N. Main St. Punxsutawney
938-4647 COLD 6-PACKS TO GO
LARGE SELECTION OF SPECIALTY AND CRAFT BEERS
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STARTING JUNE 1:
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Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248 – 23
Providing Families the Best Care at Their Worst Time
MEMORIAL DAY
H O N O RI N G F REED O M ’ S F I G H T ERS
McCabe Waldron
FUNERAL HOME INC.
FUNERAL HOME
Andrew R. Philliber, Supervisor
Lisa J. Waldron, Supervisor
Lisa J. Waldron, Funeral Director
114 Maple Ave., Punxsutawney
Andrew R. Philliber, Funeral Director 125 Market St., Mahaffey
814-938-0400
814-277-9911
Joe Buterbaugh, Funeral Associate
www.mccabewaldronfh.com 24 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2021 - Issue #248