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FREE W FREE Wireless irreleess esss OPEEN M Mon., on.,, We Wed., eed.,, TThhhurs., uurs., rss.,, Fri. FFrri. at 8:00 8:00 am; am;; TTues., uues ess.,, Sat., SSat att.,, SSun unn.. at 10:30 10::330 am am Breakfast Bre B rea eakf kfa fas ast st SSe Served errveeedd U Unti ntil 110:00 0::00 am am BREAKFASTT PIZZA - Build Your Own $100.75
Avvailable Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. Omelettes - Served with Toast $6.95 $66 95 Mrs. Groundhog - eggs, fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese Mr. Groundhog - eggs, ham, sausage, onions, green peppers, mozzarella cheese Build Your Own Breakfast - $1.50 Per Choice HJJV VOLFHV RI WRDVW HQJOLVK PXIĂ€Q VOLFHV RI EDFRQ - 1 sausage patty - 1 order breakfast potatoes - 1 pancake - 1 bagel *Egg beaters available *Gluten Free bread option available
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House Blend Coffee $1.95 Lattes $3.95
Mochas $3.95 Double Shot Espressos $1.95
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Side Items - Available A il bl All Day D House Salad - spring mix greens, hot h pepper rings, red onions, black olives, romano omano cheese $3.95 Breadsticks (6) FKHHV\ JDUOLF à DYRU VHUYHG ZLWK VDXFH $6.95 Chicken Strips (4) RYHQ EDNHG VHUYHG ZLWK FKRLFH RI VDXFH $5.95 Sweet Potato Fries VHUYHG ZLWK KRQH\ 6PDOO $2.95 Large $4.95 Chicken Strips & Sweet Potato Fries ries VHUYHG ZLWK FKRLFH RI VDXFH $7.95 Pierogies (12) RYHQ EDNHG WRVVHG LQ JDUOLF EXWWHU SDUPHVDQ FKHHVH VHUYHG ZLWK FKRLFH RI marinara or pesto sauce $6.95 BONELESS WINGS - 1/2 Dozen $4.50 - Dozen $7.95 $GG 5DQFK RU %OHX &KHHVH GUHVVLQJ $.50 Hot • Garlic Butter Parmesan • Spicy BBQ • Creamy Buffalo • Plain ain • Sweet Chili
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Wraps p VHUYHG ZLWK VLGH RI FKLSV ² $5.95 Buffalo Chicken - fresh chicken, reed onions, tomatoes, spring greens, homemade emade buffalo sauce, PR]]DUHOOD FKHHVH VHUYHG ZLWK 5DQFK GUHVVLQJ Italian Chicken JULOOHG FKLFNHQ WRPDWRHV VSULQJ JUHHQV PR]]DUHOOD FKHHVH VHUYHG ZLWK Vidalia Onion dressing Mediterranean - fresh spinach, kaalamata olives, roasted red peppers, red onions, feta cheese VHUYHG ZLWK %DOVDPLF Vinaigrette dressing Veggie - roasted red peppers, redd onions, tomatoes, hot peppers, green peppers, eppers, mozzarella FKHHVH VHUYHG ZLWK %DOVDPLF 9LQDLJUHWWH GUHVVLQJ B.L.T. - bacon, tomatoes, romainee greens, mayo Paninis VHUYHG ZLWK VLGH RI FKLSV ² $5.95
Reuben FRUQHG EHHI VDXHUNUDXW VZLVV FKHHVH GUHVVLQJ VHUYHG RQ PDUEOH U\H EUHDG Caprese Melt WRPDWRHV SHVWR PR]]DUHOOD FKHHVH VHUYHG RQ &LDEDWWD EUHDG B.L.T. EDFRQ WRPDWRHV URPDLQH JUHHQV PD\R VHUYHG RQ VOLFHG ,WDOLDQ EUHDG Muffaleta JHQRD VDODPL SHSSHURQL KDP FDSRFROOR ROLYH VSUHDG PR]]DUHOOD FKHHVH VHUYHG on wedge of Tuscan bread Four Cheese Panini PR]]DUHDOOD SURYRORQH DPHULFDQ DQG 6ZLVV FKHHVHV VHUYHG RQ VOLFHG Italian bread Ham & Swiss Panini VOLFHG KDP 6ZLVV FKHHVH WRPDWR PD\RQQDLVH VHUYHG RQ VOLFHG ,WDOLDQ bread Roast Beef Panini VOLFHG URDVW EHHI UHG RQLRQV FKHGGDU FKHHVH KRUVHUDGLVK VDXFH VHUYHG RQ slicedd Italian bbreadd Mediterranean Panini - fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, kalamata olivves, feta cheese VHUYHG RQ FLDEDWWD EUHDG 8SJUDGH \RXU ZUDS RU SDQLQL WR D VLGH VDODG RU VLGH RI VZHHW SRWDWR IULHV IRU *ASK ABOUT OUR SOUP OF THE DAY *GLUTEN FREE BREAD OPTION AVAILABLE
2 – Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217
Salads - Available all day $7.95
FEATUREDD SALAD: Phil’s Pheast - spring mix greens, sliced apples, pecans, dried cranberries, fetaa FKHHVH VHUYHG ZLWK EHUU\ 9LQDLJUHWWH GUHVVLQJ Italian Chicken cken - spring mix greens, grilled chicken, redd onions, roasted red peppers, asiago & romano mano FKHHVH VHUYHG ZLWK %DOVDPLF 9LQDLJUHWWH GUHVVLQJ Buffalo Chicken hicken - spring mix greens, grilled chicken, red ed onions, homemade buffalo sauce, mozzarella arella FKHHVH VHUYHG ZLWK 5DQFK GUHVVLQJ Strawberryy Spinach VSLQDFK JUHHQV IUHVK VWUDZEHUULHV PDQGDULQ RUDQJHV SHFDQV IHWD FKHHVH VHUYHG with Berry Vinaigrette dressing Greek URPDLQH JUHHQV NDODPDWD ROLYHV WRPDWRHV IHWD FKHHVH VHUYHG ZLWK *UHHN GUHVVLQJ Chicken Caesar aesar - romaine greens, grilled chicken, tomatoes, matoes, croutons, asiago & romano cheese, SHSSHURQFLQL VHUYHG ZLWK &DHVDU GUHVVLQJ Wedge - icceberg lettuce, buttermilk ranch dressing, tomatoes, omatoes, red onions, bacon Dressing choices: Balsamic Vinaigrette, tte, Ranch, French, Sweet & Sour, Berry Vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese, Caesar, aesar Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette aesar, *ASK ABOUT OUR SEASONAL SALAD
Specialty p y Pizzas - $10.75 Buffalo Chicken - fresh chicken, homemade buffalo sauce, auce, cheese Pierogie - potatoes, sautĂŠed onions, red onions, cheesee 4-Cheese White - garlic sauce, tomatoes, mozzarella, provolone parmesan, romano cheese Reuben - corned beef, sauerkraut, dressing, swiss cheese ese Margarita - pesto, vinaigrette soaked tomatoes, mozzarella zzarella cheese Hawaiian - honey mustard dressing, ham, pineapple,, mozzarella cheese Mediterranean IUHVK VSLQDFK NDODPDWD ROLYHV URDVWHG UHG SHSSHUV WRSSHG ZLWK IHWD DQG %DOVDPLF JOD]H *ASK ASK ABOUT OUR SEASONAL SPECIALTY PIZZA
Strombolis - $10.75
Italian - genoa salami, pepperoni, ham-capocollo, roasted asted red peppers, red onions, hot peppers, sauce, mozzarella cheese Buffalo Chicken - fresh chicken, homemade buffalo sauce, auce, red onions, spring mix greens, mozzarella rella cheese Calzone KDP SL]]D VDXFH ULFRWWD PR]]DUHOOD FKHHVH VHUYHG ZLWK VLGH RI VDXFH Mediterranean Calzone IUHVK VSLQDFK URDVWHG UHG SHSSHUV ULFRWWD DQG PR]]DUHOOD FKHHVH VHUYHG with a side of sauce 1R VXEVWLWXWLRQV Additional Toppings: *UHHQ 3HSSHUV 2QLRQV +RW 3HSSHUV 0XVKURRPV %ODFN 2OLYHV 3LQHDSSOH 6DDXXVDJH 7RPDWRHV Spinach, Jalapeno alapeno Peppers $QFKRYLHV %DFRQ 0HDWEDOOV &KLFNHQ +DP )HWD &KHHVVHH
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E On the cover: Eugene McKee A Man of Many Hats (Hometown Staff photo)
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We are the only Punxsutawney-owned media! Punxsy Proud — Boosting our Hometown! Publisher Mary L. Roberts Advertising Mary L. Roberts Tracey Young Contributing Writers Jennifer Skarbek Smith, Editor S. Thomas Curry Shirley Sharp Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri Marty Armstrong Gloria Kerr James Lauffer Art Director Melissa Salsgiver
Eugene McKee: A Proud Veteran Who Wears Many Hats
By Gloria Kerr for Hometown magazine ugene Clyde McKee, born on January 31, 1927, is ninety-one years old, but he is certainly not retired. Like the proverbial cat with nine lives, Eugene, called Gene, seems to have lived at least nine different lives with his many jobs and life experiences. Having been at various times a
risburg farm show while he was in high school. Born in the late 1920s, McKee grew up during the Depression. Like most others in the area, the McKee family had little money. They raised their own milk and beef cows, raised chickens for their eggs and pigs to butcher for pork. “We raised wheat and traded it to the Big Run Mill for flour,” he recalls. He saw McKee and the Gaskill Township dump truck he drives. With the other young- eight-ton Peterbilt, he plows snow in winter and does summer sters buying road maintenance. (Hometown staff photo) nickel candy, but he couldn’t instituted a program “to get farmers out of afford even that small lux- the mud” in the early 1930s. McKee recalls ury, for he was raising and those new, improved roads and having electricity after the war as “amazing changes.” Just seventeen of the many hats Gene McKee has collected over selling chickens for money In the United States Navy ninety-plus years, many of them connected to his World War II to spend and to buy clothes. military service. (Hometown staff photo) The farm had no electricity, McKee was supposed to graduate from the although the McKees did lis- Big Run Area School in the spring of 1945, ten to a battery-powered radio before World but he wanted to serve the United States in farmer, a sailor and World War II veteran, War II. Dirt roads that turned to mud in wet the war effort that had been grinding on an insurance agent and adjuster, dairy weather had crisscrossed Gaskill Township, since Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor on farmer, railroad employee, machinist, Vetbut Gifford Pinchot, Pennsylvania’s gover- December 7, 1941. Thus, because his erans of Foreign Wars commandant, Amernor for two terms (1923-27 and 1931-35), grades were excellent, the seventeen-yearican Legion commander, heavy equipment operator, township supervisor, and a com- Continued on page 4 pany president, he is currently performing only the last three jobs: supervisor of Gaskill Township, summer and winter road maintenance truck driver, and president of the Patrons’ Mutual Insurance Company based in Indiana, Pennsylvania. McKee was born on his family’s farm in 1927 in Gaskill Township to Clyde and Myrtle Ruth (Bowers) McKee, the oldest of five children including brothers Melvin and Donald and sisters Helen and Mary Irene. Tall and lanky brother Donald, deceased, he says, looked like Abraham Lincoln with his beard. In an age when horses literally powered the farm equipment, his dad had horses and “a lot of ponies for fun,” so he rode around on them rather than bicycles or motorcycles, but they soon had tractors, too. He also participated in 4-H Club and recalls raising his own dairy cow to show at a Har-
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Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217 – 3
Eugene McKee Continued from page 3
old senior was told he could enlist. He says the principal told “me to stop by when I get
Growing up on the family farm during the Depression, McKee loved the horses that powered the farm machinery. (submitted photo)
Yeoman Eugene McKee, age eighteen; he trained at Sampson in NY and then was assigned to the USS Portsmouth, a light cruiser that hunted German U-boats and submarines in the Atlantic. (submitted photo)
home and pick up my diploma.” His class of 1945 of about thirty students had only five males; Gene enlisted, three of the others were eventually drafted, and the fifth was not as he was needed on the family farm. As McKee turned eighteen in January 1945, he was sworn in to the United States Navy in Pittsburgh and then sent to the United States Naval Training Station Sampson (USNTS) on the shores of Lake Seneca
in New York. Constructed in 1942 in 270 days, the station’s mission was basic training for large numbers of new recruits. During the war, over 411,000 recruits were trained there. By 1945, “there were between sixteen and seventeen million of us in uniform; at that time our civilian clothes were sent home when we entered boot camp, and we were in uniform from that time on.” Ironically, McKee couldn’t swim when he joined the navy, and he recalls that he almost drowned in the first qualifying test. Naval trainers had 150 young recruits dive sixteen feet into a nine-foot deep pool, all at one time, to demonstrate swimming skills in three different positions. “In the second up over and down loop, I got swamped under a crowd of other guys. I fought to the surface and finished the course. But I spit a lot of water,” he chuckles as he finishes that anecdote, one of so many experiences he vividly recalls. Completing basic training, yeoman McKee was assigned to the USS Portsmouth (CL-102), a newly launched Cleveland class light cruiser; the crew’s charge was to protect the task force in the Atlantic. Deployed from Newport News,
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Virginia, McKee says, “We were replacing those killed in action. McKee’s wealth of photos and scrapbooks record the important peoThe ship was armed with ple and events in his long life. Niece and nephew Miranda and Tucker Hill, deceased wife Marion, and his visit to the WW II Veterans Memodepth charges and anti- rial in D.C. are pictured in this collection. (Hometown staff photo) aircraft guns: nine 6-inch guns that could hurl ten As a fuse setter, he “plotted the shell trajecrounds per minute, ten 5-inch guns, and tory for all the 10-inch guns to explode on other smaller guns.” Speaking over the impact, or just before impact to create years at many local Veterans Day obsershrapnel, or to explode as star shells (in the vances, McKee has fielded lots of elemenair) to light up the night.” tary schoolers’ questions. One Banks Canoe The USS Portsmouth was responsible for student asked him about his war experispying on German naval activity. About ences, “How many men did you kill?” eight hundred sailors manned the ship, and Gene McKee’s answer typifies his comthey were trained to be battle-station ready mon sense, factual approach to any probin two minutes. At various times, yeoman lematic situation: “Well, in the ship I was McKee also tested gun firing controls or five decks down in the plotting room. I was radar equipment. in a helmet with earphones. I could hear the Asked how many engagements he was inairplane pilot and the admiral talking, and volved in, McKee answered, “Boy, I don’t the pilot sent coordinates for shell destrucknow. We were following and trying to lotion. We were eight to twelve miles from cate all the German U-boats and submarines our target; we could shoot reliably from in the North Atlantic. ...The days ran toeight miles.” He was a “fuse setter” whose gether. We’d be at sea for four to six months job was to set gun coordinates communiat a time. ...We refueled from tankers at sea. cated to him by a lieutenant commander Only went back to port for ammunition and standing beside him who was receiving that - Continued on page 6 information from a gunnery director on top.
• Allow small children to draw the face of the pumpkin and have an adult carve it out • Jack-o-lanterns with candles should be kept out of the way of trick-or-treaters so their costumes won’t accidentally catch on fire • Remind kids not to get into cars or talk to strangers, look both ways before crossing streets and follow traffic lights that tell you when to cross • Make sure an adult accompanies your young children • If your older kids are responsible enough to go out without an adult, plan a safe route and set a time for them to be home • Explain the difference between tricks and vandalism to your children • Remind your children to stay in groups and well lit, populated areas • Do not let your kids eat any treats until they are examined by you at home • Have your child carry a flashlight, glow stick or reflective gear so they are more visible for cars
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Michael Horner, Kim Horner Joe Presloid & Jennifer Moore 4 – Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217
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Tricks and Treats from the Past and Present
By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine love Halloween. My whole family loves Halloween. When I was a kid, my mom always dressed up in some homemade outfit and trotted down to the community center at the bottom of the hill in Fairview for the Halloween contest. I can remember my dad as dressing up like a sailor girl with high heels. And, me – I had the best costumes that my mom and I planned for weeks. Clown, Amish girl, Oriental girl, cowgirl, Scottish girl – I still have them all. Last year, I went as Winifred Sanderson and my husband was Billy Butcherson from Hocus Pocus. I spent a couple of months making the outfits, and I even constructed a rolling grave for Billy. We won a prize! Now, before you accuse me of being a braggart, I am trying to establish something here: I like to carry on this autumn tradition. I have boxes of awesome Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri Halloween decorations – even a grave yard, a steaming skull and a laughing evil clown that hangs from the maple tree in our yard. The front of my house looks like Kennywood Park come Trick or Treat night. My candy bowls are huge coffers filled with delectable goodies. Adults are welcome to have a beer in the garage while we play music. See? I like to spread the wealth. I want everyone to relish the joy of glad tidings of the season; but, the season sure has changed. It’s just not the same as the Halloweens of days gone by. Sometimes it saddens me. Sometimes I chuckle. Sometimes I just have to shake my head. To begin, I was raised only to Trick or Treat at the homes of people I knew. Of course it limited your candy supply – we all knew that - but it was the 60s’ thing to do. So, I started out on one side of Fairview and made my way up the other street that led to the highway department. Ah! The cold chilly fall air wasn’t too bad back then because the neighbors actually invited us into their homes. I guess, by today’s standards, it was a huge time management loss because we lollygagged in the living rooms while the neighbors tried to guess our identities. I’m thinking that our basic goal was to baffle the neighbors. The longer it took them to figure out who we were, the more we could boast about the coolness of our costumes. When we took off those masks, it was sheer victory. Today’s participants would not be caught dead in my living room. They can barely force themselves to walk up to the porch to procure a snack. I have actually watched them run to the candy bowl, (which I put on the sidewalk to make it easier for them) then, dash down the street to another home in about three seconds flat. Sometimes, one of them comes to fetch treats for the whole
wants to start carding people and suggests an age limit. I, on the other hand, am a good sport and offer the 60-year-olds something without nuts so the treats don’t interfere with their digestive systems. Now, I’m all about candy - don’t get me wrong. In fact, there have been evenings in any month where I personally have considered going door to door to find a piece of chocolate. That’s how desperate I have been with a candy attack. Really, I get the idea. And, I give candy, lots of it, to everyone and anyone who comes to my door. The point of the matter is that back in “The Day,” we all knew our treat givers, and the neighbors all knew their tricksters…plain and simple. That was just the way it was. Taking off the mask today simply isn’t going to happen. Forget it! It takes too much time and cuts into efficient candy re-
group – better logistical planning. Saves time and energy. Trick or Treating today reminds me of the famous line from Jerry McGuire, only it’s changed to, “Show me the Candy.” Me? Guess who they are? Good luck! I usually don’t know who they are or from where they’ve come. I have seen vans pull up from neighboring towns and drop off the tots so they can fill their treat bags. I’m surprised there is no public bussing. Oh, I almost forgot; we also get adults just in regular clothes – no costume. My husband
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trieval. The whole process has been streamlined and fine-tuned. Think of it like automatic bill paying. We all can pay our bills now at the push of a phone button or a swipe of a computer key – no more trip to the water company or the electric company with our checks in hand. Hey! There’s an idea: automatic Trick or Treat. Kids can just get some kind of an app on their Smart phones that sends you their candy requests in advance. Their personal treat is ready at the door. No more unwanted popcorn balls or unwelcome stuff like that. They get what they want. I think I’m on to something here, but I digress. Back in my day, you knew who was giving out the “good stuff.” By the good stuff, I am talking about a big ol’ Hershey bar or - Continued on page 10
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6 – Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217
Eugene McKee
cleaned and greased torpedo tubes. McKee had enlisted in 1944 “for the duration plus six months.” He was discharged Continued from page 4 by a point system that awarded sailors two points per month for shore duty and three food. Ate a lot of beans, dried eggs, dried points per month for sea duty; all of milk.” He recalls one young sailor who was McKee’s service was at sea, so he had lots driven mad by the long months at sea; he of points and was discharged in August was stopped from jumping into the ship’s 1946. He recalls coming back to shore from screw, what naval veterans call the ship’s long months at sea and feeling his “sea propeller. legs,” that is, the sensation of expecting the “Were you ever wounded while in the land to move like the sea moves when on navy?” is another question youngsters often ship. In all, McKee served for one and a half asked. McKee answers, “ I had two years before his discharge in 1946. Offiscratches in the war, one on my head and cially, the navy could one on my arm” that have called him back required stitches or to duty with a thirtyclamps. The head day notice for the “wound” occurred next eight years, but when a bunk bed it never did. bracket broke loose Looking back, from the bulkhead in McKee says that he his quarters and the and his mates were bed above swung glad when the United down and banged his States dropped head. The arm wound atomic bombs on occurred during a batJapanese cities. Their tle station alert that philosophy was that, came over the ship’s since Japan might public address system have had its own summoning all sailors atomic bomb within to duty immediately. five to six months Moving quickly while after the bombing of jumping through a Hiroshima and Nahatch, or ship’s doorgasaki, the United way, he caught his arm on a latch as the Married two months after McKee’s navy dis- States’ bombing acship rolled about sev- charge in 1946, Marion and Gene McKee tually saved lives. sixty years together before her passing The men in his comenty degrees sideways shared in 2007. (submitted photo) mand, he says, had as its 600-foot bow “received orders to assemble in the Pacific would go under and fantail back up. He says for the invasion of Japan; one invasion was the sensation was “like a bucking horse.” To planned for November 1945 and one for stave off seasickness before a storm in the March 1946.” The Pacific was a deadly theforecast, the sailors tried to have a doughater of the war, and they figured that less nut and a cup of coffee. than fifty percent of them would survive. The USS Portsmouth also carried five airWhile 250,000 died in the Enola Gay’s craft: four active duty planes and a fifth one atomic bombing, hundreds of thousands for parts. To launch them on the relatively more were saved by the war’s ending when short deck runway, the ship’s crew shot it did. them off with a catapult. On return, the After the War planes pontooned on the sea surface near Coming back to his family’s Gaskill the ship and a crane picked them up from Township farm after the war, McKee says the water. McKee says, “We could lose the changes were amazing, largely because some planes, but we usually brought them of the Works Progress Administration, the back,” for the ship had radar equipment and WPA. Partly because he was earning twenty a big radar screen to look for downed planes percent hazardous duty pay all the time he When not in battle mode, McKee’s job as was aboard the USS Portsmouth, he’d been a yeoman, a non-commissioned officer, was able to save about fifty dollars a month, so serving as secretary for about a dozen ship he bought a 1938 Chrysler, his first car. He officers. Intelligent, efficient, and quick to notes that “United States auto makers— learn, he had security clearances. One day Dodge, Ford, Jeep, GM—had stopped a week he’d type all kinds of top-secret rebuilding cars during the war for all their reports for eighteen to twenty hours and send sources went to making war machines.” them off to high-level destinations. He Two months after his discharge, routed the mails, answered the phones, carhe also married Marion Ethel Reed, who ried and handed out liberty cards when the was a friend in high school but not a girl ship was in port, and kept track of sections friend, on November 22, 1946. The couple on duty and those with liberty on land, a bit was married for sixty years before she like today’s version of the designated driver. passed away in 2007. Since McKee was alHe is still that man with a strong moral ways a busy man with a full calendar, Marcompass who can be trusted to get the job ion asked him one day, “Could I put me on done. your calendar so I get some of your time?” After spending one and a half years on the Although they had no children, the couple USS Portsmouth, a surface ship, McKee came to be like grandparents to Marion’s was transferred to the USS Cabrilla (SS niece’s children, Miranda and Tucker Hill. 288), a submarine, for the last few months Over the years the McKees have supported of his enlistment when the war was over. their second niece and nephew both emo(The official documents ending the war had tionally and financially. Miranda now works been signed on September 2, 1945.) To his in Pittsburgh. This past year, she arranged surprise, he was given a 45 pistol (although for McKee to visit her office in Pittsburgh he had trained on a 22 rifle) and named “ofwhere he was invited to speak about his life ficer of the deck” on the day of his arrival, experiences. He is very proud of the badge but he maintained his equilibrium. Soon, and cap they presented him. however, he returned to his yeoman secreA month later Miranda arranged for him to tarial duties, writing reports and dealing with liberty cards on the submarine. He also - Continued on page 8
Clark Street and Punxsutawney Street Car History
A 1910 view, looking west from the old East End bridge, captures the morning activity and buildings of the business district. Street car rails began at the car barn in East End and continued on to the West End. The familiar view in 2018 compares the area’s progress in transportation and community life a century later. (1910 photo is courtesy of Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society; color photo by S. Thomas Curry)
P
By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine unxsutawney’s telephone/street directories during the early 1900s identified Clark Street as from “230 N. Penn Street east to Jenks Avenue.” The street ran parallel to what was then the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railroad (BR&P). In the early years of transportation, by foot, horse, wagon or automobile, area residents traveled east from North Findley Street to Front Street by way of Railroad Street to North Penn Street at the base of Record Avenue; then, farther on by using Clark Street to reach Front Street at the foot of Jenks Avenue. For travelers in Punxsutawney today, Clark Street is a convenient short-cut from North Findley Street to reach Hampton Avenue and traffic on US Route 119. That convenience
was made possible after 1927, when the trolley service provided by the Jefferson Traction Company was discontinued in Punxsutawney history. It was because of this that Clark Street was then opened from North Findley Street to North Penn Street and beyond to US Route 119. Folks who travel the street today pass over and by some of Punxsutawney’s street car history. Clark Street was named for Daniel H. Clark. About the year 1893, Clark moved into this area from eastern Pennsylvania. With partners E. F. Kizer and George W. Kipp, he conducted a large lumbering operation near Anita under the name Clark, Kizer and Kipp Lumber Co. Electric trolley transportation was introduced to area residents a few years after Punxsutawney had its first electricity when
the Punxsutawney Electric and Power Company was organized in 1889. Clark became involved with the street railway business through the Punxsutawney Street Passenger Railway Company that began operation in 1892. The Punxsutawney street car line was a “city line” service that ran from the East End section of town, from Elk Street near the P&NW Railroad passenger station (the site of the U.S. Post Office today). Street cars moved west on Mahoning Street a mile and a half to Grace Way in the West End (in 1892, that area was Clayville). When the street car company began its service, The Punxsutawney Spirit celebrated with the words, “(trolley service) adds considerable to the dignity and importance of our little city. It is an evidence to the outside world that Punx-
sutawney is a progressive, up-to-date town.” In 1902, the Punxsutawney line was extended to Walston by way of Foundry Street. When the Punxsutawney Street Railway Company experienced financial problems in the late 1890s, the company reorganized and was renamed The Jefferson Traction Company. In 1900, as the business climate in the nation improved, Dan Clark and others offered new money to permit the extension of trolley service to Anita, Adrian, Eleanora, Florence and that area that followed the Elk Run valley toward Reynoldsville. Trolley transportation and freight service connected the area’s small villages and mining towns to Punxsutawney. Its businesses, activities of sports, cultural life and entertainment would benefit from the influx of people from these communities. The exten- Continued on page 12
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agricultural classes in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, to earn a certificate in agriculture, while wife Marion was employed at the Continued from page 6 Standard Pennant Company in Big Run travel to Washington, D.C., where he spent where she had started working upon gradone day at her office, and the next day at uation from high school. McKee tried dairy naval offices where he met with Rear Adfarming for a while on the Hartzfeld propmiral John B. Nowell, USN, Director of erty, but the price of milk was so low and Military Personnel Plans and Policy for the he “owed too much money,” so he quit that Chief of Naval Operations. The next day, endeavor. He tried growing beef cows for a on Saturday, April 14, 2018, he was a guest year, but that didn’t work for him either beat the Blessing of the Fleet, a centuries-old cause, he says, “After I came home from traditional ceremony held annually around the war, I didn’t want to kill anything anythe time of the Cherry Blossom Festival more.” So he worked at Charlie Bertinini’s that protects sailors from the dangers of the tipple and hauled coal for Paul London out sea. of Oliveburg and Valier for a while. McKee cherishes these experiences that When farming didn’t pan out, McKee have kept him in touch with the naval comtook a job as a railroad clerk at Rikers and munity. Over the years, Cloe stations. After he quit he’s attended a number of the railroad, he worked as U.S. Navy veterans’ gatha machinist for Star Iron erings, including the 1995 that was owned then by Naval Reunion in Norfolk, the Means Brothers and Virginia; a visit to the site Stockdales. There he was of the Sampson New York a machinist, a lathe operatraining center on Seneca tor, a welder, a truck Lake; a moving trip to see driver, phone operator, and the World War II Veterans assistant manager at variMemorial in Washington, ous times. When that comD.C.; and a USS Samuel pany sold out to Keystone Eliot Morison event on in Titusville, McKee, Lake Erie with fellow vetalong with his boss Don eran Jim Soliday that was Hawk, went there to work a thank-you event for reto reset machines and train cruiters like them. McKee new crews, but the pay worked with local navy rewasn’t worth his living cruiters for years to pro- Loyally serving veterans’ organiza- away so he returned home tions for decades, McKee was commote naval enlistments, to Gaskill Township. mander of American Legion John speaking in schools and at Jacob Fisher Post #62 and then Meanwhile, Gene’s farecruitment events. A cer- served as chaplain for years. (sub- ther Clyde McKee was a tificate dated March 1995 mitted photo) director in the Patrons’ hangs on the wall behind Mutual Fire Insurance Company based in his desk in his basement for his “OutstandIndiana, Pennsylvania, and Gene became ing Recruiting Support.” He also organized an insurance agent for the company. In the monthly Sampson Navy breakfasts in Indiearly 1960s, Gene and Marion McKee left ana, Punxsutawney, and Johnstown, Pennthe farm and moved into Big Run where sylvania, for years. Asked how long he McKee set up his insurance business and hosted these breakfasts for U.S. Navy vetworked out of his home on Main Street. erans, McKee answered, “Until they all Wanting to know and to do more, he went died off.” back to Penn State DuBois for two years to Miranda Hill’s brother is McKee’s second get his property and casualty limited insurnephew Tucker, who just turned twentyance licenses. Then he became a broker one. Tucker has a job assembling refrigerwho could deal with other insurance comation units that keeps him on the road a lot, panies, like Nationwide or State Farm. traveling as far as North Dakota and reNext he got licensed as an adjuster and was quiring him to stay away from home often. by this time a company director himself. But when he is home, he’s checking in with When his father died in 1962, the Patrons’ McKee, helping him with his projects like Mutual board asked him to take a directorrepairing roads or moving equipment, not ship. By 1974, McKee was a vice president just little jobs. Asked if he is as amazed by of the company, and today he is company his ninety-plus-year-old “almost grandpa” president. He takes pride in having perGene McKee’s agility, abilities, and acsuaded the company’s board of thirteen and complishments as most people are, he anits officers to expand their original coverswered fervently, “More so! He’s seventy age from just fire and extended coverage to years older than me. He helped raise my broader homeowners and liability policies grandpa Jim Fox!” Jim Fox and his brother so that Patrons’ Mutual can compete in the Chuck were the sons of McKee’s wife Marinsurance market. ion’s sister; the boys came to live with In the 1980s, McKee became very acGene and Marion for a number of years tively involved with the Big Run Veterans while “they were in high school,” McKee of Foreign Wars Post 9044, taking over the says, “because of parent problems.” quartermaster job in 1986. As a recruiter Wearing Many Hats and spokesman for the U. S. Navy and vetEugene McKee’s return to civilian life in erans, he enjoyed talking to elementary 1946 marked his embarking on a myriad of school groups at November 11 Veterans life choices and jobs that have led him to Day celebrations. Smiling, he recalls wear many different hats, so to speak. First, speaking to a Big Run Elementary School newly weds Gene and Marion McKee group at the War Memorial building when bought the Hartzfeld farm on Bowers Road a little girl asked him, “How old are you?” outside Big Run. A testament to McKee’s He cryptically answered, “Well, twenty trustworthiness, friend Russ Shepler trusted years ago I was sixty.” He says the room Gene enough to loan him $4,000 to buy got really quiet as the students tried to do that farm. Throughout the 1950s, in addithe math and determine his age, while the tion to his own farm work, McKee worked school superintendent walked over to him part-time for his father-in-law on his farm. and said, “I really liked that answer.” Meanwhile, at night he attended Penn State - Continued on page 10
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Eugene McKee
Continued from page 8 The Nonagenarian Now McKee’s major occupation as a nonagenarian, a word for someone in his nineties, is serving as a Gaskill Township supervisor. He had held the job in the 1950s and early 1960s but had to quit when he and his wife moved to Big Run where he had his insurance office; he sold that business to Amy Haponsky in the mid-1980s. At that time he also sold all but seven acres of the family farm, built a house in 1986 on the acreage he kept, and moved back to Gaskill Township. In 1992, Colonel Sam McNeil asked McKee, then sixty-five years old, to become either a township supervisor or a member of the planning commission. Man of action that he is, McKee chose to be a supervisor whose job title is “road master.” He still spends at least half of each day at the township building or on the road, making calls, tarring and chipping in summer, doing culvert and road repairs, and snowplowing in winter. In the last decade, McKee has turned over some of his other “hats” to others. In 2010, he asked Bob Lott to take his place as quartermaster and adjutant for Big Run’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9044, a position he held for twenty-six years. That post has since merged with the Punxsutawney VFW to become Post 2076. However, McKee still does attend memorial programs and veterans’ funerals as part of an honor guard. He also stepped down as commander of the local American Legion John Jacob post a number of years ago and as president of Big Run’s Fairview Cemetery Association. Still, Eugene McKee relishes operating the Gaskill Township heavy equipment that includes a loader, grader, boom mower, brush hog, eight-foot sweeper, and an eight-ton Peterbilt dump truck. That red Peterbilt is his favorite truck that McKee drives in the summer to tar and chip with his buddy Phil Strawcutter and in the winter to plow town-
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ship roads with a ten-foot blade. He’s a virtual encyclopedia of information about Department of Environmental Protection rules, culvert sizes, road drainage, truck tires and chains, emergency permits, and how to deal with township issues. When snowstorms hit, he has no problem getting up at midnight to plow snow from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. when he calls out other drivers to take over and clear school bus routes. Eugene McKee’s name won’t be on the Gaskill Township ballot this November because he’s already served consecutive sixyear terms and won’t be eligible to run for the supervisor office again until 2022 when he’ll be ninety-six. But if his name were on the ballot, he’d be a shoo-in for the supervisor job. He’s a good guy, able and honest through and through. He is one of what journalist Tom Brokaw has declared is “the greatest generation” because of those World War II veterans’ selfless service to this nation. •••
Tricks and Treats Continued from page 5
some other regular-sized candy bar that weighed about a pound (in kids’ measurement). You avoided the houses with oranges and apples or the dreaded nickel. Nowadays, you aren’t allowed to give fruit. No one gives money. And, what’s with these “Midgies”? You know – the one-bite piece of candy that fills your back tooth (as my dad used to say). It’s an embarrassment to the holiday. Unfortunately, we are pretty much forced into buying them, so I purchase at least four or five huge bags of assorted goodies. I try to give the kids about two or three that they stash in their designer, electrically-wired treat containers. Speaking of these newfangled goodie-collectors, what ever happened to the trusty paper sack? You know the kind: the brown one from the Quaker Market – paper, not plastic. We didn’t have plastic bags. My
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seven letters. Now, while you are all counting on your fingers and looking in a biology book, let me agree that scaring little kids is probably not the best thing to do in our litigious culture today. I know this; but, do you remember back to when the scariest, most wonderful thing in the world was Chiller Theatre, or the things that went bump in the night, or the ghoul who hid under the bed, or even that scary skeleton hanging on your neighbor’s door? I recall a neighbor putting on a mask and tapping on the window on Halloween night and frightening the bejeebers out of me. I talked about it for weeks and relived my fright with friends and relatives. Yeah, we liked to get scared. However, in this day and age, kids aren’t supposed to get frightened. “Hey! It’s Halloween. Please don’t scare me.” should be the new mantra. Lately, our beloved fall holiday has been so washed out, de-toxified, de-witched, despooked, sanitized and sugarcoated for kids; it makes me weep. I guess my husband just wanted to go back to those days of innocent, spooky tricks. I sure hope that the poor little guy recovered; his language sounded like he could handle it. I’m sure if he can tolerate most of today’s action films with blood-thirsty dinosaurs, giant sharks, action figures who morph into wolves, monsters and insects, and Michael Myers with a big knife, someone yelling, “Boo,” shall pale in comparison. So there you have it—a thorough compare/contrast of Halloween customs straight from the skulls of the “Ghost of Halloween Past” and the “Ghost of Halloween Present.” Time marches on and things sure change; but, no matter how old we are, most of us relish the fond memories of the spooky holiday and try to hold on to a few tarnished traditions. Here’s to ringing doorbells in the dark, paper bags filled with big candy bars, toilet paper in the trees and jack-o-lanterns with real candles burning inside them on the front porch. Live a little this Halloween and wait up with Charlie Brown for the Great Pumpkin. You might just see it. •••
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husband remembers dragging his little paper sack on the damp evening grass as he meandered his way through the neighborhood unaware that the entire bottom of it had disintegrated, and all of the candy had fallen out. Knowing what a candy aficionado he has always been, with a sweet tooth the size of the Tetons, I’m sure he flung himself on the ground and wept uncontrollably when he realized his plight. Ah, the good ol’ days! These were the old times when there was respect for the holiday and respect for the treat giver, even if they gave out lousy snacks or liked to pull some pranks, too. I can’t really remember our candy hosts dressing up for the holiday. The process was as follows: knock or ring doorbell, enter home, wait for guessing identity game, procure treat, leave, go to next house. Nowadays, though, many homeowners like to enjoy the holiday also – some, a little too much. I’m particularly remembering one Halloween when my husband dressed up like the evil Joker – the Jack Nicholson one from Batman. He was quite the sight with a scary white-face, red lipsticked crooked lips, wild hair and a big fedora on top of his head. He stuffed his shirt cuffs and his high-topped boots with straw. Motionless on a lawn chair near the candy bowl, my husband sat and waited for some unsuspecting youngster to reach for a treat. Then, he would shout, “Boo!” I know – it’s juvenile and silly; but, for some reason, it was fun. It was like payback for taking the spooky out of the Halloween, for making Trick or Treating during daylight hours, and for decreeing the time you can go door to door – not unexpected visits like when we went way back when. I suppose he decided to add a little touch of surprise to the moment, a little dab of unanticipated, seasonal excitement. Unfortunately, one 10-year-old boy did not find it amusing. When my husband yelled, “Boo!” the little boy yelled something back. It was a wash-out-your-mouth word that starts with the first letter of the alphabet, is a body part and has exactly
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Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217 – 11
Clark Street in 1909, as seen in a rare photo of Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh (BR&P) railroad activity, had houses only between Jenks St. to North Penn St. where street car buildings continued to North Findley St. On Clark St., street cars traveled from a car barn to mining towns in the Anita and Delancey (Adrian mines) area. (photo copy from booklet “Punxsutawney 1909”)
Clark Street Continued from page 7
way between Findley Street and Front Street (now Hampton Avenue) he could observe the activity of the trolley company at the street sion of trolley service into an interurban line car passenger station near Findley Street was just the thing for country towns in the below and the street car barn built parallel to area. The local electric trolley company Railroad Street at North Penn Street, near sparked a transportation boom that coincided where the German Lutheran Church is located and the length of stairs that are now “The called Monkey Steps.” The superintendent of the Jefferson Traction Company, Irvin Barry, had his family’s residence at 117 Railroad Street, a short distance east of the North A 1980 publication by Richard C. Albert - Trolleys from the Mines - features a Findley Street track map of trolley lines and buildings of the Jefferson Traction Company, including major streets and railroads. It locates the trolley passenger station and Cemetery. From car barns of the trolley system in and out of Punxsutawney. Also noted are the that location he, passenger stations of the two railroads that served the area. (Photo copy is too, could see from “Trolleys From the Mines,” 1980.) the street car with a period of major industrial and compassenger station below. The small woodmercial growth in Punxsutawney between frame building was built in 1900. A second 1900 and 1910. story was added in September 1903 as a busiIn 1902, Daniel Clark built his “fine brick ness office for the company. The first floor residence” on Record Avenue, an area idenwas remodeled for the traveling convenience tified as “North Punxsutawney.” From halfof passengers. A news stand and lunch stand 24 HOUR ROAD SERVICE & TOWING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
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were also included in the upgrade. The trolley company’s passenger station was located along the rail lines of the BR&P Railroad, across the tracks from where the company’s red brick passenger station was built on Findley Street. On the “city line” of East End to Clayville (West End), a spur of trolley rails was laid to connect Mahoning Street to the two passenger stations at the railroad crossing on North Findley Street. Gradually, over two decades, trolley service to various parts was discontinued in the Punxsutawney area. All of the property and holdings of the Jefferson Traction Company were purchased in September 1927, by the Light Coal Company, operated by Oscar and Sam Light. The passenger station was moved from its Findley Street site to an empty lot between the Merris Beef Company building and the car barn. For 35 years it sat on that spot with little attention paid to its history. Its sign, “Street Car Station,” became weather-worn and barely readable. In 1964, the station was demolished, lost to history and the memories of those who had used it. Also in 1900, the Jefferson Traction Company built a “car barn.” It was east of the station and extended to North Penn Street. The announcement in The Spirit explained: “The barn is being built of brick and stone and is to accommodate the rolling stock of the Adrian branch.” Street cars entered the car barn into a long shop area for maintenance. Beside the shop area there were offices and storage spaces. Trolley cars exited the car barn and traveled east on tracks to Front Street and on to the Adrian/Anita area. That car barn that
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At North Findley Street, near the railroad crossing of the BR&P Railroad, the Jefferson Traction Company operated a passenger station that included seating for passengers, as well as offices and news and lunch stands. The station was built in 1900. (photos courtesy of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)
was constructed was in addition to a car barn built in East End when the Punxsutawney Street Railway Company began operation in 1892. In 1929, the Punxsutawney Electric Repair Company bought the car barn on Clark Street. The Kurtz Coal Lumber & Supply Company purchased the East End car barn. Oscar Light was treasurer in the newly formed business. The local electric repair company was in operation in the former trolley barn until about 1970. Operating within a 100-mile radius of Punxsutawney, it handled contract work for many large industries and electric construction jobs. In its early years, the firm’s work had to do with the repair and rebuilding of mine motors. After the decline of the mining industry in the Punxsy area, it turned to other fields that included electric motor work for the local Buffalo Division of the B&O Railroad. Its workers’ pride was, “Electric motors that burn out, struck by lightning or quit because of ‘old age,’ repaired and reinstalled in plants overnight.” Since the 1980s, the street car barn has housed many industrial operations. At one time it was used as a depot for gas well trucks of the SM Jack Drilling Company, a large oil
- Continued on page 18
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By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine n keeping with the overall gallery’s theme of “Childhood,” Griffiths Gallery Four is all about the area’s education — from early days to the twenty-first century and from a child’s earliest years to adulthood. A central display puts an early one-room school desk in a circular group with newer and newer desks. With the desks are the painted black boards which preceded slate chalkboards, slate and green chalkboards and a white markerboard. Tools at the desks range from quill pens and slate pencils to chalk, dry erase markers and a laptop computer.The small bookcase in one corner reflects the fact that schools in the early twentieth century, before consolidation, had varying quantities of reading materials and other supplies — all dependent upon what the township could afford to provide. Annually, schools reported certain statistics to the county, such as how many library books each school had. Graded arithmetic books for elementary students are shown on the bookcase while geometry papers cover a high school desk. Reading, writing and arithmetic are only the beginning. Books, papers and equipment from the Snyder Hill Schoolhouse collection and other materials on loan from society volunteers reveal that instruction in spelling, geography, history, science and civics was included in students’ courses of study. Music and art were taught as well. Many examples of student art are included in the stair and landing area which leads to the Griffiths Galleries, while evidence of musical instruction appears in Galleries Two and Three. Science instruction was facilitated in some
Over time, the school year’s length increased and the number of years students could attend school locally increased as well. Rural students thinking about higher education did, at times, extend their studies in the one-room common schools until such time as they could go on at age 16, 17, or 18 to one of several academies (such as the Covode Academy) or a normal school like the predecessor to I.U.P. in Indiana to prepare for teaching. Some others, seeking a high school education, were able to attend one of several area high schools, boarding in the communities which had such institutions, public or parochial. In “A Com-
A sampling of high school yearbooks is drawn from the society’s larger collection that is housed in the Tibby Library, and a recent - Continued on page 22
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elementary schools with a special science cabinet. Each drawer in the cabinet contained a covered display of materials and text about the nature and use of plants and minerals. The science cabinet on display is part of the Snyder Hill Schoolhouse collection and was one of many such cabinets available for purchase by schools. One wall in the gallery is devoted to a graphic display of the entirety of the Punxsutawney Area School District, one of the largest in Pennsylvania in terms of square miles. Small images denote many of the 120plus schools which once dotted the townships surrounding the Borough of Punxsutawney. Built to serve the region’s communities and farms, many of these schools were closed prior to the district’s consolidation in the 1950s.
piled History of Big Run,” published in 2017, lists of Big Run High School graduates indicate that the school had opened its doors prior to 1900.
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Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217 – 17
Clark Street Continued from page 12
and gas company based in Indiana, PA, and founded in 1918. From the mid-1990s, it has been used by Original Fuels, Inc. as a shop and warehouse, according to David Osikowicz, owner and president of the company. Located in Coolspring, PA, the company operates within the coal mining industry in the area. Its business interests also include the Grange Lime & Stone Company. The street car was a “modern” and popular form of transportation. As compared to other forms of transportation in history, the trolley era lasted only a short time. At its prime, country residents came to town by trolley to shop and took home many goods for meals and parties. In the baggage compartments of the trolleys, customers placed a variety of goods that included meat and beer. People rode the trolley to Punxsutawney to go to dinners, to attend live stage
A trolley car barn was located east of the passenger station. After trolley service in the Punxsutawney area was discontinued, property of the Jefferson Traction Company was sold in an auction in September 1927. The Punxsutawney Electric Repair Company was organized in 1929, and it bought the car barn on Clark Street. The company was in business for nearly 50 years (photo copy from 1949 Punxsutawney Centennial book).
company took the precaution of issuing pistols and black jacks to its crew. Trolleys were chartered by high school and other athletic teams and their fans in order to get to away games. Students in rural areas around Punxsutawney used the trolley serv-
tion Co. trolley at the Conway Station near Highland Park Station, about halfway between Anita and Eleanora. The station was about a mile from my farm home.” Memory-making entertainment, amusement and recreation in the area were provided by the trolley company through its “trolley parks.” The Jefferson Traction Company owned and operated two parks near Punxsutawney along its Adrian/Anita route The Jefferson Park on its line near the village of Harmony (along PA Route 310) and Highland Park above As seen in recent years, the former car barn of the Jefferson Traction Company is used as a shop and warehouse by Orig- Eleanora. inal Fuels, Inc., owned and operated locally with an office in Coolspring, PA. (photos by S. Thomas Curry) Highland Park mostly consisted of shows and silent movies at the Jefferson Theice to attend the Punxsutawney High School picnic tables and pavilions and often held ater and to visit the Punxsutawney Fair and on North Jefferson Street. In a series of perspecial events in the quiet wooded area, such other special events. sonal letters in 1980, Walter Hogan shared his as dances and concerts, to draw people away Mail, newspapers and payrolls were hauled trolley experience as a student, writing, “I from their congested, noisy, and smoky by the trolley cars to neighboring towns. Durgraduated from the two-year McCalmont neighborhoods. Jefferson Park, however, had ing the peak of mining in Jefferson County, Township High School at Anita in 1920, and the added allure of being an amusement park up to $100,000 in cash was carried on the Punxsutawney High School in 1922. The two with such attractions as “electric theatre movtrolleys that headed to the mines on a pay-day years I attended P.H.S. I traveled to school ing picture gallery, vaudeville, photo cottage, at Walston, Anita, Adrian, Florence and daily by trolley, boarding the Jefferson Tracmerry-go-round, roller coaster, swings and Eleanora. On these payroll days, the trolley
restaurants,” as described by The Spirit in the spring of 1906, before the park opened. While the trolley company provided many useful services to area residents, the Jefferson Traction Company had expressed one limitation in its service. A Notice was published in The Punxsutawney Spirit in February 1904 to alert the public. It read: “The Jefferson Traction Street Railway Company, of Punxsutawney, will refuse to carry any sick person or invalid, unless accompanied by a physician, or a physician’s certificate stating that the disease with which they are afflicted is not contagious. The company will also refuse to carry a corpse unless accompanied by a physician, or a physician’s certificate stating that the person did not die from an infectious or contagious disease.” There were a number of factors which doomed the trolley as public transportation. One point for the Punxsutawney area was that the booming coal and industrial development that began in the 1880s was declining. Mines were worked out and closed. The population in area’s mining towns was declining as workers sought employment elsewhere. The economic base of the region faced a depression. Also, the arrival of the automobile shifted personal travel from “mass transportation” to
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time there he earned the title of master tailor, and he became interested in politics. He was influenced by German Socialist pioneer Ferdinand Lassalle. In time, Palm became one n September 29, 2018, Lisa and Leif of the most prominent socialists in HadersCarlsson, TV journalists from Sweley. In 1881, the Palm family moved to Sweden, made a stop at the Punxsutawney den, where Palm became a spokesperson for Area Historical & Genealogical Society so socialism. that they could get a glimpse of the places Scandinavians had participated in the exthat August Teodor Palm visited in 1900 and ploration of the North American continent chronicled in his book “Snapshots from One and were among the early settlers. However, Trip to America,” published in Stockholm in the largest emigrations of Swedes occurred 1901. Palm’s visit to America was sponsored during the three decades between 1870 and in part by the Scandinavian Club Socialist 1900. It is estimated that there were about Labor Party of Providence, Rhode Island. 25,000 Swedes in America in 1865, and the The Carlssons were seeking information 1890 census reported a Swedish-born population of nearly 800,000. Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, had 19 residents in 1880, who had been born in Sweden, 10 of whom were listed as miners. In 1900, there were 795 Swedish-born individuals living in Jefferson County and 424 - over half of them - were living in McCalmont Township, primarily in the Anita precinct. Most of these people were engaged in some aspect of coal minGust and Sarah Anderson and their four older sons, Carl, Axel, John ing. On his 1900 visit, Palm, and Emil, emigrated from Sweden in 1890. The couple’s three younger children, Oscar, Esther and Agnes, were born in McCalmont Town- who had been a labor ship. The family arrived in America in the midst of the largest Swedish leader for 25 years, travemigration and were living in Anita when August Palm, the Swedish Socialist, visited in 1900. This photo was taken circa 1901. Photo cour- eled by railroad and troltesy of PAHGS. ley to places in the United States where the Socialists Workers Party had an established a presabout the places Palm had visited in order to ence. In Pennsylvania he visited Kane, document the changes in the area since which he described as being the center of the Palm’s visit at the start of the twentieth cenoil district, where 2,000 tury. One location the of the population of about renown socialist visited was 8,000 persons were of Anita, Jefferson County, Swedish origin. Pennsylvania. On October 25, 1900, August Palm was a leader Palm visited Warren, in the Social Democracy where a small Socialist Movement in Sweden. He Workers Party Club was the son of Nicholas hosted him. He gave a Palm, a tailor who became a speech urging the auditeacher, and Anna Andersence to fight for socialdotter (Anderson). Palm’s ism. The Warren Evening father died when the boy Democrat identified him was 10-years-old, and the as the Swedish labor young August Palm was champion and described placed in a foster home in him as a middle-aged East Kattarp. He was then man, somewhat small in apprenticed to A.G. stature but a powerful Lindgvist, a tailor in the speaker and born leader. town of Malmo. In 1867, when Palm came of age, he At the Northern Railway Square in From Warren Palm travset out in search of a place in Stockholm, Sweden, stands the Mas- eled to DuBois, which he Sweden or Denmark where ter Palm Statue by Ture Johansson described as a city of he could practice his trade. which commemorates the work of 12,000. He noted the August Palm, Social Democrat In 1871, Palm arrived in Leader. The memorial is located in mines at DuBois were loHadersley, which was in front of the LO headquarters, along cated on the meadows, northern Germany, later be- with other monuments which honor one to two miles from the working class leaders. Photo cour- city. This, Palm noted, coming part of Jutland, Den- tesy of Wikipedia. made the city clean and mark. It was there he met tidy. There was not a Soand married Johanna Hemmingsdotter; the cialist Labor Club in DuBois; however, couple had six children. In his professional some Scandinavian workers who lived there life, Palm had progressed from being an apprentice to a journeyman tailor. During his - Continued on next page By the Coal Memorial Committee for Hometown magazine
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Swedish Journalist Continued from previous page
and the animosity between the Italians and the other workers. He reasoned that what was happening was the same as was true everywhere: the less compensation employjoined as individual members of the Socialees asked for in wages for their hard, unist Labor Party. pleasant work, the less they were respected. From DuBois Palm traveled to Anita, This situation was a reality because lower which he described as a big mining field. labor costs increased the profits for employIn1900, he would have been able to take a ers and investors. Individuals who devalued passenger car from DuBois to Punxtheir labor kept wages down for those worksutawney. From his description of coking he ers seeking a fair wage for their work. As Palm saw it, the Italian workers were being used by the corporation to lower the wages of all employees. His recommendation for a remedy to the situation The Blocks at Anita - mining company housing – lined the horizon of the small was for leaders town and were occupied primarily by Italian miners in 1900. Photo courtesy of in the Italian PAHGS. community to understand the importance of the humanimost likely visited the Walston area. A Jeftarian aspirations of the International Workferson Traction Company’s trolley was ers Movement. Palm felt it was important available and he could have traveled through that such leaders be sent to the mines and Punxsutawney and Clayville to Walston. At workplaces where Italians were to educate that time the coking works at Walston was and inform them about how important solipublicized as the “longest continuous line of darity was if long hours of work and starvacoke ovens in the world”. Palm described tion wages, along with ill treatment by the scenery as being anything but beautiful. employers, was to be overcome. He was appalled that the forests which once On Monday, Palm left Anita and traveled covered the hills in the area had been rethrough Mahaffey to Patton where he spoke moved, and Palm attributed that removal to at a meeting in a gymnasium. The meeting forest fires. He complained of the oily was attended by 50 local Swedish people, smoke from the mines and the countless some American workers from the surroundamount of coke “incinerators”. ing area and about 10 other participants, inPalm described them as double rows of cluding a trader and several Swedish coke incinerators, ovens located next to businessmen. He was pleased when, after his ovens, over which there were railways. speech, several attendees expressed interest These railways were used to fill the ovens in developing a division of the Socialist with coal. Trains traveled over the railway Labor Party in that community. with collapsible trams that could easily and Palm continued his travels throughout the quickly dump coal into the furnaces. These United States, visiting communities in the incinerators burned uninterrupted and were Pittsburgh area, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. turned off only for repair. He described a Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth before rethick, grayish, impenetrable fog which enturning home to Sweden by way of Boston veloped the area in a frightening smoke and and New York. Back in Sweden he wrote a stated that, “One who has not been there and book in which he recorded his observations seen it cannot imagine how untidy it is.” It is on coal mining in 1900 in the Punxsutawney clear from this description that he must have area. Lisa and Leif Carlsson hope to make a been observing the mile-long bank of coke television documentary about Palm’s visit to ovens in Walston. America. Palm arrived in Anita on a Saturday and This article has been prepared by the Coal stayed over Sunday, which gave him an opMemorial Committee of the Punxsutawney portunity to make observations and comparArea Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. isons. At Anita he found many Swedes who Information used in the preparation of this worked at the mines and described the article is available at the Punxsutawney Meneighborhood occupied by them as “nice morial Library, the Punxsutawney Area Hisand pleasant”. Its residents and workers torical & Genealogical Society and on-line were clean and well-dressed. He met several resources including Wikipedia and people who were successful in improving Ögonblicksbilder från en tripp till Amerika their lives. Some had acquired their own (1901) Author: August Palm - Theme: houses and Palm wondered if this was the Americana. Comments on this article may reason they could not leave the place. He be directed to PAHGS, P.O. Box 286, Punxspoke with others who wished to move sutawney, PA 15767. Individuals desiring to away, however, their financial situation was honor a coal or coal related industry worker such that they had to stay until they managed in 2019 are encouraged to purchase their to get the means to travel. While in Anita he tile by June 30, 2019. Forms for purchasing met several workers who had come from a Coal Memorial tile to honor any person Falun, a cooper mine in Sweden. These forwho worked in any aspect of the coal indusmer copper miners hadn’t been at Anita for try including railroads may be found online a year and they were already becoming at www.punxsyhistory.org or may be picked Americanized, despite the fact that where up at the Lattimer House, 400 West Mahonthey had lived in Falun, Sweden boasted ing Street, Punxsutawney. Forms may also beautiful surroundings on three sides. be requested by e-mailing: punxsyhisOne of Palm’s critical observations was the tory@outlook.com, or calling 814-938large number of Italian workers at the mines 2555. •••
Hometown Community Happenings
F
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: n The Pittsburgh Steelers crushed the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 7, with a score of 41-17. John Niver of Big Run guessed the closest winning game score of 54 points in Hometown’s football contest. He will redeem his gift certificate at Pizza Town. n Tickets are available for the Punxsy Memorial Library’s quilt raffle. The winner will be chosen on Nov. 16. Call or visit the library for tickets and to view the quilt. n Oct. 24: PAHS Powderpuff football game, 6:30 p.m., at the stadium. Girls’ game that benefits charity. n Oct. 26: Youth Praise, 7 p.m., at One Life Church. Hosted by The Salvation Army. n Oct. 27: Linda Stahlman will present special program on her research into her family’s Amish/Anabaptist roots in Switzerland, 10 a.m., at the Punxsy Area Historical & Genealogical Society’s Bennis House. Program is free & open to the public. n Oct. 27: Phil’s Trick or Trot 5k Run, 10 a.m. to noon, at Gobbler’s Knob. n Oct. 27: Halloween Fest, noon to 6 p.m., at Barclay Square. n Oct. 27: Fall Craft Show, 9 a.m., at Corsica Fire Hall. n Oct. 29: Leaf collection in the Borough begins this week. Rake them to the curb. n Oct. 31: Halloween! n Nov. 1, 2 & 3: “Gravy Anxiety,” presented by the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild. 7:30 p.m. at Punxsy Area High School auditorium. 2 p.m. show on Nov. 4. n Nov. 2 & 3: Grange’s Helping Hands free clothing, at Grange Church of God. Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. n Nov. 2 & 3: A Bazaar for All Seasons at Woodland Ave. United Methodist Church. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafts, baked goods, lunch available. n Nov. 2, 3 & 4: Smicksburg Old Fashioned Country Christmas Open House, at various locations around town. n Nov. 2 – 4: Cook Forest Gingerbread Tour, various locations between Brookville & Cook Forest. n Nov. 3: Ornament Workshop, 9 a.m., at Bennis House, $5 fee. Call 938-2555 to register. n Nov. 3: Bazaar, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Grange Church of God. Vendors & baked goods. n Nov. 3: Girl Scout Brownies program, “For the Love of Water,” 10 a.m. to noon, at the Punxsy Weather Discovery Center. $7 per person. Register at 938-1000 or info@weatherdiscovery.org n Nov. 4: Daylight Savings Time ends. Turn your clocks back one hour. n Nov. 4: All Saints Sunday at many area churches. Remember those who have passed away in the last year. n Nov. 4 – 6: Seek His Presence Prayer Gathering, at Mahaffey Camp. Call 2775544 or visit www.mahaffeycamp.com for information. n Nov. 5: Toys for Tots registration, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Jefferson-Clarion Community Action in Punxsy. There will be registration days in other communities in Jefferson County.
n Nov. 6: General Election. Go & Vote! Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. n Nov. 6: First Tuesday Community Meal, 5 p.m., Punxsy Presbyterian Church. Free & open to the public. n Nov. 9: Blood Drive, noon to 4:30 p.m., at Scotland Ave. Church of God. Benefits American Red Cross. n Nov. 9: Community Dinner, 5 p.m., First United Methodist Church. Free & open to the public. n Nov. 10 & 11: Smicksburg Old Fashioned Country Christmas Open House, at various locations around town. n Nov. 10: Casino Night, 7 to 11 p.m., at Punxsy Country Club. Sponsored by the Punxsy Chamber of Commerce. Tickets available at the chamber, the country club & Laska’s Pizza. n Nov. 11: Veterans Day. Honor America’s veterans. n Nov. 11: Veterans’ Breakfast, 8 to 11 a.m., at Gobbler’s Knob. Free for veterans & spouses. Sponsored by Punxsy Groundhog Club. n Nov. 15: Chamber of Commerce Mixer, hosted by First Commonwealth Bank. n Nov. 15: Bad Art Night, 6 p.m. at The Burrow. Fundraiser for the Punxsy Memorial Library. Tickets available at the library. n Nov. 17: Christmas bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at SSCD Church auditorium. n Nov. 17: Make A Mess! 10 a.m. to noon at the Punxsy Weather Discovery Center, for ages kindergarten through 6th grade. $7 per person. Pre-registration appreciated by November 14 to 938-1000 or info@weatherdiscovery.org. Walk-ins welcome. n Nov. 17: Community Thanksgiving Dinner, 3 to 5 p.m., at The Salvation Army. Free & open to the public. n Nov. 17: Benefit spaghetti dinner & basket raffle, 3 to 7 p.m., at CMA Church. Benefits Lisa Catalano. n Nov. 18: Community Thanksgiving Worship service, 7 p.m., at First Church of God. A project of the Punxsy Area Ministerial Association. n Nov. 18: Coping with Loss Support Group, 7 p.m., at First Church of God. n Nov. 22: Thanksgiving! n Nov. 23: Black Friday. Traditional start of the holiday shopping season. Shop local & check out Hometown magazine’s advertisers! n Nov. 23, 24 & 25: Small Business Weekend in Smicksburg. Various locations around town. n Nov. 24: Fall Diva Day, 10 a.m., at Gobbler’s Knob. n Nov. 23 & 24: “The Nutcracker,” presented by Van Dyke & Co. and The Mahoning Valley Ballet at the Punxsy Community Center. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit the James M. Van Dyke Scholarship Award. Tickets information at the Van Dyke & Co. Facebook page. n Nov. 24: Home for the Holidays Parade, 6 p.m., starting at the Punxsy Plaza, ending at Barclay Square. Followed by the Tree Lighting at Barclay Square. n Parking in downtown Punxsy will be free from Nov. 24 through Dec. 31. n The Salvation Army is taking applications for its Treasures for Children Christmas assistance program, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring current proof of income & photo ID. - Continued on page 26
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T
Great War Interrupts Education For Many
By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine he focus of the PAHGS Gallery Four Education Exhibit and the recent inclusion of a 1918 Big Run High School banner suggests that an examination of BRHS graduates in 1918 and 1917 is in order to see if any played a part in the Great War now known as World War I. In the 2017 publication, “A Compiled History of Big Run,” the lists of graduates include five and four young men - 1918 and 1917, respectively. Neverthe-
suggesting that John was a VFW member. His gravesite is shown in Patricia Steele’s “Tombstone Hoppin’” at McClure Cemetery, where he is described as a WWI veteran. Going to several military records, Bitters’ September 1918 draft registration reveals that the brown-eyed, brown-haired young man of medium height and build was employed as a carpenter’s helper for the BR&P Railway at Rikers Yard. His veteran service and compensation record states that he was inducted into the military in October of 1918, as part of the Student Army Training Corps at Indiana Normal School, Indiana, Pennsylvania, with the grade of Private. Bitters’ veteran burial card notes his surviving spouse, Margaret. The couple had married in 1928. As seen before with Homer Mottarn, profiled in Hometown No. 211 and who attended the University of Pittsburgh, college students across the country were organized to be mobilized as needed for the war effort. In “The Students Students participating in military drill. Photograph from Indiana Army Training Corps Descriptive Circular,” pubState Normal School Catalog 1918. lished in October 1918, less, none of their names appear in the Punx- several points are noted as follows: The primary purpose of the Students Army sutawney Centennial as having served during Training Corps is to utilize the executive and WWI. This is not surprising. Punxsutawney teaching personnel and the physical equipment then was not seen as the larger region we now of the educational institutions to assist in the consider it to be. A look at the surname files — training of our new armies…This training is which do include Big Run names — does not conducted in about 600 colleges, universities, reveal that any of the men served during professional, technical and trade schools of the WWI. However, in the Bitters folder, which country… The Corps is divided into two sections, the contains the obituary of John Lorenzo Bitters (1899-1972), son of Albert and Laverne Kun- Collegiate or “A” Section and the Vocational or Section. The units of the “B” Section were selman Bitters of Reynoldsville, there is “B” formerly known as National Army Training Denearby the obituary of his wife, Margaret tachments…As the program for vocational Lento Bitters. She is described as having been training is now virtually completed, few, if any, a member of the Big Run VFW Auxiliary,
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22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217
Big Run High School banner from 1918. Collection of PAHGS. Photograph courtesy of PAHGS.
new units of this type will for the present be added…The “A,” or Collegiate Section, which was inaugurated October 1st, is open to registrants who are members of some authorized college, university or professional school… Students of authorized institutions join the Students Army Training Corps by voluntary induction into the service. They then become members of the Army on active duty, receiving pay and subsistence, subject to military orders, and living in barracks under military discipline in exactly the same manner as any other soldier. The housing, subsistence and instruction of soldiers in both branches of the Students Army Training Corps is provided by educational institutions under contract with the Government. A list of such institutions will be found at
PAHGS Griffiths Continued from page 17
addition to Gallery Four (a continuing work in progress) includes photograph albums from many of the recently closed elementary schools in the district. Visitors enjoy looking through these albums and the yearbook collection for pictures of family members. Gallery Four ties together the three stages of childhood interpreted in Galleries One — Entering The Family, Two — Exploring The World, and Three — Emerging Adults. The Griffiths Galleries are free and open to visitors from 1 to 4 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays.
the end of this circular… (Indiana Normal School is included in the list) Members of the Students Army Training Corps, having already been inducted into the service, will thereafter not be subject to call by their Local Boards. It is expected that the members of Collegiate Sections will be transferred from institutions every three months in age groups, the twenty-year-old men going first, the nineteen-year-old men going next, and the eighteen-year-old men last, roughly corresponding to the periods at which men of these ages will be called under the Selective Service Law.
With the war’s effective end November 11, 1918, such units were part of the army’s demobilization on December 13, 1918. Education was important to the Bitters family as John’s older brother became a minister while his son, Jack, a navy veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict, earned degrees in banking. John himself returned to Big Run and established himself as the owner/manager of a well-known pool hall and meeting place. Maggie, his wife, continued in the same location after his death with Bitters Candy Store. •••
Visitors may want to come in often to take in all four. Group tours for family, friends and organizations may also be scheduled by calling the society at 938-2555 or emailing punxsyhistory@outlook.com. •••
Walston School Room Three--1905. Photograph courtesy of PAHGS.
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years or perhaps even thought that they would never view again, and place them on an accessible platform. Sherry explained that he can relate firsthand to this experience; for, he was his own first client. According to Sherry, as part of his growing up in the 60s and 70s, he and his family would spend countless weekends watching old slides and 8 mm films projected onto a wall. These were cherished times for Sherry, ones that were sorely missed when a bulb would burn out or when the projector finally spun its last reel before breaking. Not being able to easily find replacement parts for equipment that had become obsolete, Sherry’s family packed away the treasured footage into boxes that were then tucked away safely into the attic. Over the years, Sherry had longed to watch his family’s memories again and to preserve them for future generations. Therefore, he searched for options to do so. Unfortunately, the companies that specialized in such services were far from Punxsutawney which translated to three problems: a hefty price tag; the risk of losing your items and a processing time that exceeded three months in length – all deterrents for Sherry. It was at that time that Sherry decided to invest in the equipment himself and get the job done and done properly. With his attempts proving fruitful, Sherry was able to restore his familial archive of memories and share them with his loved ones
FULL C
and friends. Likewise, he would also fill requests from those close to him to transfer their files as well. However, only a few years ago, Sherry’s hobby remarkably became his second profession. Sherry said that a good friend asked how much he would charge to transfer files, a question to which he replied at the time, “It’s not a business.” Sherry’s friend then pointed out the obvious to his comrade in commenting that he already had a sort of business and wasn’t even aware of it. This conversation spurred Sherry to pursue his venture as he began advertising through print and word of mouth for his new business, Digital Transfer Solutions. Since that foundation, Digital Transfer Solutions has continued to grow with Sherry now in the process of opening a satellite office in Michigan and future possible locations in Reading, Lancaster and Houston. These branches will replicate the key elements of Sherry’s local establishment by producing the highest quality products at the lowest prices and with the quickest turnaround time. Sherry also prides himself in the fact that he devotes utmost attention to the requests of each customer by sitting down one-on-one with them, discussing their wishes and tailoring a product to their specific needs. Sherry believes this type of personable service is almost always missing when dealing with larger businesses who treat their customers as just a number, adding, “This is what sets us apart from bigger companies.” In addition to transferring already existent images and video for customers and even the local historical society, Sherry has also branched out his services to include recording special events such as parties, weddings and conventions at affordable prices. Even though no appointment is needed to speak with Digital Transfer Solutions about restoring and transferring your memories, Sherry operates from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, year-round. The services provided by Sherry’s business include the following: Transfer of any analog media to digital format Transfer of any VHS tape to DVD and digital format Transfer of any 8 mm and Super 8 mm films to DVD and digital format Transfer of 35 mm slides black and white and color negatives, old photographs and more to jpeg. digital files and DVD Transfer of old records, audio cassettes and reel to reel tapes to MP3 digital format. Digital Transfer Solutions can be found on the web at www.digitaltransfersolutions.com. Customers may also reach Sherry to discuss services by calling 814-952-2526. •••
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Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217 – 23
Punxsutawney Native Assigned Operations Officer at Ellsworth Air Force Base
C
aptain Cory A. Cook is assigned as the Operations Officer of the 28th Security Forces Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. He is responsible for leading 230 security forces and Department of the Air Force police, 8 Military Working
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24 – Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217
Dog teams, a Level I confinement facility, and unit training to provide a ground threat free work environment for over 7,000 base personnel. Captain Cook directs the force protection mission in securing 27 B-1B aircraft and support equipment valued at over $10.2 billion. Captain Cook is from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and commissioned from the United States Air Force Academy in May of 2011 and has since held a variety of Security Forces positions. He has also served in Kuwait in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, Yokota AB, Japan, and Minot AFB, North Dakota. EDUCATION 2011 Bachelor of Science, Military and Strategic Studies, USAFA, Colorado 2011 Security Forces Basic Officer Course, Camp Bullis, Texas 2015 Security Forces Advanced Officer Course, Lackland AFB, Texas 2015 Integrated Defense Command and Control Course, Lackland AFB, Texas 2018 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell
AFB, Alabama ASSIGNMENTS 1. Jul 07 – May 11, Cadet, USAFA, Colorado 2. Jul 11 – Sep 14, Flight Commander, 91 MSFS, Minot AFB, North Dakota 3. Oct 14 – May 16, OIC, Logistics and Supply, 374 SFS, Yokota AB, Japan 4. May 16 – Jan 17, Operations Officer, 374 SFS, Yokota AB, Japan 5. Jan 17 – Jan 18, Operations Officer, 386 ESFS, Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait 6. Mar 18 – Present, Operations Officer, 28 SFS, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS Air Force Meritorious Service Medal Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 2013 - 91 Security Forces Group Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, Minot AFB 2015 - 374 Mission Support Group Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, Yokota AB 2015 – Pacific Air Forces Security Forces Company Grade Officer of the Year 2016 - 374 Security Forces Company Grade Officer of the Year, Yokota AB 2017 - 386 Expeditionary Mission Support Group Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, Ali Al Salem AB 2017 - 386 Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year, Ali Al Salem AB 2018 - 28 Mission Support Group Lance P. Sijan AF Leadership Award Recipient, Ellsworth AFB EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION 2d Lieutenant – 25 May 11 1st Lieutenant – 25 May 13 Captain – 25 May 15 Cory married Jenna Merrell of Punxsutawney in February 2018. They are stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD with their two dogs Winnie and Magni. ••• To submit a veteran feature to Hometown magazine, please email hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com
Hometown Magazine Receives Award H ometown Magazine received the 2018 Historic Preservation Commendation from the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society at its annual awards banquet held on September 22, 2018, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mahoning Valley Chapter, Post 2978, 121 Maple Avenue, Punxsutawney. Presenting the award was Nancy Anthony, society president, who noted that, through this accolade, the society recognizes individuals and/or organizations which have engaged in historic preservation activities during the past year. In making the presentation Anthony cited the continued editorial focus of Hometown Magazine on local history, past and present, and on the monthly covers of the magazine which capture the vitality of the community. In her remarks, Anthony cited a number of articles which illustrate Hometown Magazine’s commit-
ment to preserving the history of the community and educating residents on it. •••
Nancy Anthony (left), society president, presenting the award to Hometown magazine. Representing Hometown Magazine were staff members Tracey Young (middle) and Melissa Salsgiver (right). Missing from photo is Mary Roberts.
(“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.) October 14, 1903 — Mike Thomas, a Polish dauber employed on the coke ovens at Adrian, and Carman Vanglish, an Italian coke drawer, engaged in a quarrel Monday forenoon when Vanglish struck his antagonist on the top of the head with a brick causing a fracture of the skull. Thomas who was knocked senseless by the force of the blow, was brought to the Punxsutawney hospital where his injury was properly attended to. Soon after the quarrel Vanglish disappeared and has not been heard of since. The hospital physicians believe that Thomas will soon recover. [NOTE: A “dauber,” or daub boy, plastered between bricks and door of a coke oven with a mixture of clay and coke dust to seal the oven.] (Punxsutawney Spirit)
October 20, 1886 — Peter Briner is fitting up rooms in the Greene building on Union Street, fronting the public square, where he will open up a first class restaurant. [NOTE:: The “Greene building” refers to a duplex structure that was the photograph gallery of John Greene and a grocery store. It was located where is now the First Baptist Church on East Union Street.] (Punxsutawney News)
November 1, 1893 — Rev. George Reeser, who preached in this circuit nearly half a century ago, will be here next Sunday and preach a sermon in the Methodist church for the old people. The services will be conducted exactly as they were
forty years ago, the preacher reading one or two lines of a hymn at a time and the congregation singing it as he procedes. Everybody is invited. [NOTE: The Methodist Church was located where is now the The Salvation Army building. (Punxsutawney Spirit)
November 3, 1870 — HORSE FAIR. - A Horse Fair will be held at Perrysville, this county, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 17th, 18th and 19th. The object of this fair will be for the purpose of trading, buying and selling stock. [NOTE: When a post office was established in 1852 the village of Perrysville was renamed Hamilton, for Robert Hamilton, the first postmaster.] (Punxsutawney Plaindealer)
November 4, 1903 — As a reminder to parents and guardians it cannot be too often repeated that the school law requires the regular attendance of all children between the age of eight and sixteen years unless excused on account of sickness; provided however, that children between the ages of thirteen and sixteen years may be excused from attendance if regularly employed at useful labor and able to read and write English intelligently. (Punxsutawney News)
November 16, 1904 — A mush factory has been started in Punxsutawney. This is certainly a new enterprise and is managed by Mr. Finnin, in a building on North Findley street near the B., R. & P. railroad station. (Punxsutawney Spirit) •••
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Spectacular “Nutcracker” Returns to Kick Off Holiday Season
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he 2018 holiday season officially gets underway in this area at 7 p.m. Friday November 23 and 2 p.m. Saturday November 24, when Van Dyke and Company and the Mahoning Valley Ballet present the perennial favorite, “The Nutcracker,” on the stage of the Punxsutawney Area High School. Directed by Joan E. Van Dyke, the elaborate production features more than 80 dancers performing to the music of Tchaikovsky. The performers, ranging in age from preschoolers to senior citizens, come from Punxsutawney, Clearfield, Clarion, DuBois, Brookville, Indiana and the surrounding area. Commenting on the show, Joan E. Van Dyke, artistic director and choreographer, noted that “The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition around the world, especially in America and Canada. Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music and the story itself combine all the elements of beauty and fantasy. When you add the gracefulness of the dancers and the impact of special effects and lighting, there are so many things to please the audience. People can see the show several times and still pick up details they had never noticed before.”
Brimming over with familiar characters, the ballet revolves around Clara, a young girl who receives the gift of an enchanted nutcracker. Soon, the stage is filled with mechanical dolls, marching toy soldiers, battling mice led by King Philippe, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger and all her youngsters. Adding to the spectacle and the fun are angels, parrots, a Christmas tree that magically grows, the Snow Queen and the colorfullyclad residents of the Land of Sweets. Principal characters and dancers include Ava Bodenhorn, Briea Heckler, Julia McAdoo, Lydia McBee, Elizabeth Sikora, Addason Wachob and Lydia Zuccolotto, with special guest artist Bryce Jache and professional Brian Murphy. “The Nutcracker involves a great deal of work on the part of many, many dedicated people both on stage and behind the scenes,” said Van Dyke. “Yet, when the performers hear the audience’s reaction and see the sparkle in the eyes of the children who attend, all the time and the effort are worth it.” Ticket information is available by calling (814) 938-8434. Proceeds benefit the James Merritt Van Dyke Scholarship Award. •••
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ometown magazine’s fall coloring pages, inserted in today's magazine , are a great way to help your kids welcome fall. They will need some inside projects to work on as the days get shorter and cooler. These fall coloring pages are a great start with their fun fall pictures. Color fall leaves, trees, scarecrows, forest creatures, pumpkins and more. Looking for some fun fall decorations for your home? Have your kids color these pages and hang them up for a dose of fall fun in any room! •••
26 – Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217
Theatre Arts Guild Show Ladles Up Fun with “Gravy Anxiety�
W
ith the approach of November, many families are already planning for holiday get-togethers with a big turkey dinner and all the trimmings. Thoughts of Thanksgiving have been occupying the minds of the busy members of the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild as they continue preparations and rehearsals for their fall show. Up next is “Gravy Anxiety,� a two-act play by Rosemary Frisino Toohey. Performances have been slated for 7:30 p.m. November 1, 2, and 3 and at 2:00 p.m. November 4 at the auditorium of the Punxsutawney Area Senior High School. Tickets will be sold at the door prior to each show. The cast of characters includes Sandy Gearhart, Tracey Young, Tim Cooper, Sue Ann Smith, Chris Snyder, Doug Fye, Timmy Simmons and Ilona Fye. The production also marks the local stage debut of three actresses, Drinda Smith, Kelly Wilbur and Olivia Fyock. Matthew Dinsmore, stage manager, will be in charge of lights and sound. Charlotte Fye, production assistant, will also coordinate lobby activities. Jeff Kuntz will supervise ticket sales. The Guild will welcome more than a dozen student volunteers from the Punxsutawney Campus of IUP who will serve in the lobby and assist with lighting. Set on Thanksgiving Day, “Gravy Anxiety� focuses upon a group of people trying to get through the holiday while everything that could go wrong does go wrong. In the small, crowded apartment of a mother who has offered to host the family’s annual festivities because her daughter and son-in-law are try-
ing to sell their home, one mishap after another leads to bewilderment and tension among the characters, while offering a generous helping of merriment for the audience. Before the meal can be served, all kinds of amusing situations develop. One couple announces plans that stun their relatives; a perfectly healthy fellow outlines the details for his spectacular funeral when the need arises; a teenage girl denounces the day’s “barbaricâ€? menu since she has become a vegan; and two strangers looking for a house to buy drop in and wrangle themselves an invitation to stay for dinner. The meal itself may not happen; the stove is acting up; and only a few snacks are on hand. Worse yet, all the guests may have to spend the entire day (or longer) together when a potential environmental threat brings a halt to everyone’s departure plans. Veteran director Terry A. Fye said, “Rosemary Frisino Toohey’s play is a great way to kick off ‘Turkey Day.’ When the Guild staged the author’s ‘Gladys in Wonderland’ several years ago, our audiences thoroughly enjoyed her wit and her colorful characters. When I first read ‘Gravy Anxiety,’ I wanted to share the fun with our local theater-goers. This fast moving play, with its large cast and zany situations, should make everyone feel thankful that they haven’t had to endure a holiday like the one in this story. PTAG invites everyone to share a light-hearted visit with Mary and her guests.â€? For additional information, telephone the director at 814-938-6928. •••
Call 938-5530 or visit the Salvation Army Punxsutawney Facebook page for information. n If you’d like to volunteer at the Jackson Theater, call the Punxsy Area Community Center at 938-1008. n The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign begins Nov. 1. Funds raised help support programs and services year-round. Kettle volunteers are needed. Call 938-5530 for information. n Jeff Tech offers several Adult Education classes. Visit www.jefftech.info for information on what courses are available and starting dates. n Classic Car Cruise Ins, 5 p.m. Sundays, at Punxsy Advance Auto. n Hunting licenses for the various seasons in PA are available. Visit the PA Game Commission website for more information. n The First English Lutheran Church is holding worship services at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays. n The First United Methodist Church holds a prayer service at 7 p.m. Thursdays. n The Punxsutawney Memorial Library offers several programs, including computer classes, Teen Club, ‘Tween Group, Book Club for adults, and activities for children. n The Punxsutawney Area Community Center offers indoor cycling, batting cage, Fifty & Fit, SilverSneakers, AM men’s basketball, Pilates/yoga, and gymnastics. Call 938-1008 for more information. •••
the convenience of personal freedom with regard to travel time and the selection of destinations. The limits of published schedules to communities and the travel times of the trolley company (and railroad) were sacrificed in favor of the freedom of travel for the early “automobilists.â€? The property of the Jefferson Traction Company was sold in 1927 for $30,000. Included in the sale of trolley lines, equipment, land and buildings were the two car shops in Punxsutawney and the acres of land that once were active amusement and leisure parks. From the trolley history in the Punxsutawney area there remains one building, the former trolley car barn on Clark Street, and the street name that honors Daniel H. Clark, the energetic, hard-working man who believed “in spending his money at home where he earned itâ€? (obituary, Punxsutawney Spirit, June 1, 1933) and invested in the street railway business in the area. Mr. Clark also bought land on North Findley Street and invested in the construction of the Jefferson Theatre on the site. He built a three-story business block on the street. That building was demolished a decade ago for the construction of the new ATA bus terminal near Torrence Street at Pine Street. It is all Punxsutawney area history available through print and photo resources of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. •••
Hometown Community Continued from page 21
Clark Street Continued from page 18
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GREAT
ORDER ONLINE AT
Festival FoxsPizzaPunxsy.com HOURS: Mon.-Thur. 10:30-9 Fri. & Sat. 10:30-10; Sun. 11-9
Stop by
and See
PENNY 99 N. Gilpin St. & Punxsutawney HALEY 938-3502
Massages
2. Guess the winning team and the total number of points you think will be scored in the Steelers vs. Ravens Game and enter the guesses in the spaces provided on the coupon.
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:‘Steelers Football Contest,’ c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. PLEASE MARK YOUR TEAM PICK & TOTAL POINTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE.
Mon.-Thur. 5 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Fri. 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sat. 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.
(next to dairy Queen)
938-2570
1100 West Long Ave., DuBois, PA
christthekingmanor.org
5. All entries must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday, November 1. 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.
Sunday, Nov. 4 • 1 p.m. Hometown magazine ‘Steelers Football Contest’:
Complete, Clip, Drop off or Mail to: Steelers Football Contest c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767
Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ Zip __________________________________ Phone ______________________________ Coupon for Game of Sun., Nov. 4 Step 1: Guess the Winning Team: __ Steelers vs. __ Ravens 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) _____________________
Honda Generators!
DELANEY HONDA 115 Lenz Rd. Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 717-1500
@ Browns 1 pm CHIEFS 1 pm @ Buccaneers 8:15 pm RAVENS 8:20 pm FALCONS 1 pm @ Bengals 1 pm BROWNS 1 pm @ Ravens 1 pm PANTHERS 8:20 pm @ Jaguars 8:20 pm @ Broncos 4:25 pm CHARGERS 1 pm @ Raiders 8:20 pm PATRIOTS 4:25 pm @ Saints 4:25 pm BENGALS 1 pm
Steelers vs. Ravens
CONTEST RULES
1. Complete the coupon on this page.
119 South, Punxsy
814-371-3180
Christ the King At Home
09/09 09/16 09/24 09/30 10/07 10/14 10/28 11/04 11/08 11/18 11/25 12/02 12/09 12/16 12/23 12/30
Affordable Fun Family Haircare & More
Full Menu • New Menu Catering • Six Packs to Go • Remodeled Dining Room
Call us and we can give YOU a break!
STEELERS 2018 SCHEDULE
Wild Hair Salon
Now taking appts for
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LuiGi’S PiZZA & SuBS punxsy’s Finest pizza Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt! 535 East Mahoning St., Punxsutawney
938-3020
hOuRS: tues.-thur. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 8 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday 3 to 9 p.m. • Sunday 3 to 8 p.m.
Pizza Town Fresh Homemade Dough & Sauce Made Onsite Daily For All Our Dinners & Pizza!
GREAT QUALITY LARGE PORTIONS REASONABLE PRICES We treat you like one of the family with fast, friendly service. W. Mahoning St., Punxsy Plaza
938-2380
BRING THE FAMILY to the new Anchor Inn
new
A Menu to Serve Every Taste
FRESH, DELICIOUS PIZZA & WINGS Route 310, elk Run Ave.
938-8060
Punxsy’s Family Favorite Always Was, Always Will Be! OPen 7 DAYS A WeeK
NEW! Available in 4, 6 or 10 piece
Downtown Punxsutawney
938-9584
588 W. Mahoning St. Punxsutawney
CARULLI AUTO SALES & SERVICE
Let us take care of your vehicle We offer a full line of
Auto Repairs
WE'VE GOT TIRES!
Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217 – 27
New Hours: Monday & Thursday Noon-7pm, Tuesday & Friday 10-4pm; Saturday 10-2 closed Wednesday and Sunday Rt. 536 North Freedom between Ringgold & Mayport
28 – Punxsutawney Hometown – November 2018 - Issue #217