EC Historical Society Monthly Meeting Recap

The regular monthly meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society was held Monday, October 14.

Everett Bleakney, president welcomed those present and announced the Historical Society mission is to collect, protect, preserve and make the Ellwood City Area History accessible.

Lois Liebendorfer, secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting, and Charles Brown presented the financial report.

Andy Kindle, ways and means chairman,  reported on the Ellwood City Fall Fest program.  He explained that the program was a huge success.  Many youth entered the coloring page contest.  The trolley was exhibited and drew much attention.

Dom Viccari, program chairman stated that Raylene Boots would be the guest speaker at the November 11 general meeting.  Raylene will speak about the history of the Festival. She has served on the committee for 25 years and has also researched the history of the Festival for its website and for the Hall of Fame books.

Jane Kocher spoke about accessioning.  That is the collection and recording of the artifacts of the Ellwood City Area.  She expressed the need for volunteers to assist this.  Other volunteers are needed to help maintain and change the displays.

Al Kocher and Ken Liebendorfer were acknowledged for the maintenance of the building and groundwork.

Everett then explained various photos of the  Harmony LInetrolley replica the Society has owned for several years.  He stated that the only function of the trolley the past few years was to be placed at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts and Food Festival, and decorated at the Christmas in the Park program.  The board has decided to have it renovated by Lawrence County Career and Technical Center.  Then it will be used for historical tours of Ellwood City, parades and possibly used for parties.  He noted the Society is now accepting donations to have these renovations done.

The guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Robert “Kip” Jones.  Kip is a graduate of Ellwood Lincoln High School.  He has been a regular speaker at the Society for 15 years.  His topics are various, and always maintains the interest of the audience.  His topic was “Killing the good Earth, What’s Love got to do with it”.  Kip began with the beginning of the electric service beginning in the 1890’s, and even the Ellwood City hydro plant located on the Connoquennessing Creek at Ewing Park.  He spoke of the dangers of progression and pollution.

Helen Bowers presented items for Show and Tell to be discussed

Fall decoration door prizes were awarded. Refreshments were made and presented by Audrey and Rich Borison.