Ellwood Historical Society Monthly Meeting Recap

The Ellwood City Area Historical Society monthly membership meeting was held last Monday, March 12, 2018.

Guy Prestia, a World War II Veteran led the Pledge to the American flag.

Those in attendance were reminded of the annual Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarships.  Two (2) $1500.00 scholarships will be awarded at the May meeting.  Graduating students from Lincoln High and Riverside High Schools are eligible.  Applications may be obtained from the Guidance Counselors of the schools.  The scholarships have been awarded through the Historical Society since the year 1999.

W.Ryan Kegel was introduced  as the speaker for the evening.  Ryan spoke on the history of the Ellwood City Ledger, and the process involved in the printing thru the years, and how it has changed.  The first edition of the newspaper was printed in 1923 by Ryan’s great-grandfather William Kegel.  Ryan’s grandfather William F., followed him and then Ryan’s father, William C. Kegel became publisher upon the death of his father.  Ryan joined the firm in 1977 and became publisher in 1989 when his father retired.  The Ellwood City Ledger was in the Kegel family from 1923 until July 7, 2005.

Ryan donated to the Historical Society a Press Plate for the Goss Rotary Press that was originally built for the Chicago Foreign Language Newspaper, Staats Zeitung.

Phylis Leviere, a member, donated an Ellwood City Ledger delivery bag from the 1960’s that her son used on his paper route.

It was announced that Louise Carroll would be the speaker the guest speaker at the April 9 membership meeting.  She will portray Martha Greene, wife of Merritt Green,  who came here in 1889, to help establish the town, as a future resort town.

Louise was born and raised in Ellwood City, graduated from Lincoln High School and attended Geneva College and Providence School of Nursing.  She was employed at the New Castle News for 18 years, and has been with the Ellwood City Ledger for 14 years.  Louise has written National Magazines including Woman’s Day, Pennsylvania Magazine and several Christian magazines.   She has taught creative writing and has presented writing seminars at Westminster College.

Door prizes were given to Bob Morabito, Ken Liebendorfer and Dom Viccari.

Refreshments were served and supplied by Audrey Borison and Pat Dici.