Everett Bleakney welcomed guests attending the March general meeting, advising the purpose of the Historical Society is to collect, protect and promote the area history and make it accessible to all.
Joe Fisher, Commander of American Legion Post 157, lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Minutes of the February meeting were read by the Secretary Lois Liebendorfer, and Treasurer, Charles Brown presented the financial report. Committee Reports were given. The Ways and Means stated that a number of plans for the calendar year are being finalized. It was noted that the birthday celebration for Donnie Iris in February was enjoyed by many.
Dom Viccari, Program Chairman, stated the April meeting will be presented by the McElwain Family and held at the McElwain Museum which is located at 811 Beaver Avenue. The May meeting will be the presentation of scholarships. There will be no meetings during the summer months, June, July, and August. Guest speaker for September will be Debra Todd, Justice of the Supreme Court of PA. Dr. Robert “Kip” Jones will speak in October and the November program will be given by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Jane Kocher announces the Accessioning Committee is looking for volunteers to help with displays in the museum. Building Chairman, Al Kocher noted the repairs to the outside door to the meeting room has recently been completed. Robert and Janice Barensfeld scholarships of $1500 will be available again this year to eligible graduating seniors from both Riverside and Lincoln High Schools. Applications may be obtained through high school guidance councilors, or at the History Center.
Louise Carroll then explained to the group that she would be recording the program which will be broadcast over radio station WXED 107.3.
Everett then introduced the guest speaker for the evening Mr. Bob Morabito, a member of American Legion Post 157 and the Veteran’s Honor Guard. Bob spoke on the origin of the local post which is the J. Wilbur Randolph Post whose Charter was opened on June 27, 1919. His very interesting program outlined the numerous services they provide to the community some of which include placing flags on veterans graves with the help of the local scout troop, retiring worn out flags once a year, Memorial Day parade participation with a ceremony held at Legion Park where they have erected memorials for those who lost their lives in each of the wars. Winners of a Legion sponsored essay contest for 8th graders which began in 1922 read their winning essays at this ceremony. With 2019 being the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion, they will present $2500 scholarships to four students from Lincoln and/or Riverside High School.
Following his presentation, Everett presented Bob with an 1896 map of Ellwood City. Door prizes were awarded to Al Kocher, Ken Liebendorfer, Curt Peffer, Dom Viccari and Blanch Novak. After the meeting refreshments provided by Helen Bowers were served.
Monday April 8, Program to be held at McElwain Motors Family Museum, 811 Beaver Avenue, Ellwood City, PA @ 7:00 pm.
The McElwain Family – Keeping Lawrence County on Wheels since 1927
Hard to believe that the McElwain Family has been selling cars in Ellwood City since 1927, but it has. Located in downtown Ellwood City, McElwains has been serving Lawrence, Beaver, Butler, and Mercer Counties for over 81 years! The new car dealership boasts the largest selection of new Chevrolet and Cadillac cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.
The business was founded by Roy McElwain in 1927, employed three and initially sold the Durant. Roy’s nephew, Harold McElwain and his three sons followed Roy and ran the company for 50 years. During that time they acquired other dealerships and expanded to offer the full range of General Motors products – including Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac and Cadillac, carrying every GM line except GMC. Today’s McElwain Motors has narrowed its focus to the Chevrolet and Cadillac lines.
Throughout the years, the McElwain Family expanded services to include a full service body shop, that is now owned by long-time manager, Paul Boehm, and the Car Wash of Ellwood City, now owned by Floyd McElwain, Jr. and Rick MacMurdo.
Celebrating 30 years in business is an independent pre-owned sales lot -Good Wheels, owned by Kevin and Frank McElwain, which has expanded to 2 locations – Ellwood City and Calcutta, OH. The company recently added a division, Mac’s Motorcycles, also located on Lawrence Ave. Management of the Good Wheels operations now includes Leslie and Kathleen McElwain as fourth generation family ownership and Sean Meyers and Jared Meyers who focus on the Ellwood City operation.
Since 2007, another fourth generation of McElwains, Floyd McElwain, Jr. and his business partner, Richard W. MacMurdo, own and operate McElwain Motor Car Company.
When McElwain Motor Car Company moved the sales area to 911 Lawrence Avenue, the previous showroom at 811 Beaver Avenue became the perfect spot to chronicle and preserve the history of the McElwain Family. Housed in the building are photos, memorabilia and automobiles that tell the McElwain story and an Ellwood City story at the same time.
The McElwain name has been an important part of the greater Lawrence County community for over 81 years, and continues to be an important economic contributor. Posted throughout the facility is Harold McElwain’s favorite saying, “Be good to your customers, your community, and your employees, and everything else will take care of itself.” Four generations of successful family leadership demonstrate the wisdom of that guidance.
The company has long played an active part of the community – in economic development, supporting charities, the local schools and athletics.
The McElwain Family is as focused on its future as it is proud of the past.
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