Ellwood City Historical Society January Meeting Recap

The January meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society was called to order by Everett Bleakney, who welcomed the 27 people attending, after which WWII veteran Guy Prestia led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

Everett then introduced the Society officers and board of directors for the year 2020.

Minutes of the previous November meeting were read by Secretary Lois Liebendorfer and the Treasurer’s report was given by Charles Brown.

Ways & Means Chairman, Andy Kindle advised the new tee shirts can be purchased at the low cost of $12.00.  He will have meetings to brainstorm ideas for possible activities for the coming year.  These meetings are open to anyone wishing to attend or, if you have any ideas but cannot attend, please let him know.

Programs Chairman,  Bob Morabito advised that since February is Boy Scout month, Doug Smith who is a current scoutmaster in Ellwood will present the program.  March is Girl Scout month and Janet Kelly will speak.   In April Jeff Bales whose website is Lawrence County Memories will attend.  The annual scholarships will be awarded in May.

Accessioning Chair Jane Kocher announced that Boy Scout memorabilia from our archives will be on display for National Boy Scout month.  She explained that a Decorating Team should be made to change the displays in the museum.

Building Chairman, Al Kocher advised the necessary repairs to two of the outside doors were put on hold until weather permits.  As warmer dryer weather approaches, the exterior door and windows are in need of protective painting,

The trolley report was presented. Because of the deplorable condition of the original trolley,    Lawrence County Career and Technical Center (LCCTC) is in the process of building a completely new trolley replica, which will be street legal, and contain many safety features.  The Historical Society will pay for the necessary materials and the students will build the trolley.  Any donations are welcome to help with the material expense.

Sam Palowski from the Ellwood City Christmas in the Park committee presented the Historical Society with a $1,000 check from the committee to be used for trolley renovations.  He also advised that the Moving Wall that was in Ellwood 10 years ago will again be on display in Ellwood August 20-24.  It will be located in Ewing Park off Washington Avenue,  near the    Folino Stage area.

Louise Carroll then advised the group she would be recording the evening’s program to be broadcast over Ellwood’s WXED 107.3 radio station at a later date.

Everett then introduced Lynda McKinney Lambert, a local author, and artist known for her artistic ability. She spoke of her journeys and recited some of her poetry.  Lynda, a lifetime  resident of the Wurtemburg area, was employed as a Professor of Fine Arts, at Geneva College. in Beaver Falls.    She has made many trips with her students to Europe to study.  In the year 2007, she was abruptly stricken with blindness.  This, of course, affected her artistic abilities to draw, paint and do craftwork.  After feeling sorry for herself for a little while, she decided that with help from her family, and modern technology, she would continue her artistic dreams, but now in writing, especially poetry.  Lynda has several published books, both paperback and hardcover.  Much of her writings came from the trips with students, and her memories, and visions while there.  Many are writings of growing up in the Ellwood City area, including family.  Lynda read two poems, depicting her two grandmothers.  The one she knew, and had a very close relationship with, while the other, had passed away when Lynda’s father was only three years old.   As she recited these poems, you could feel the difference between the two ladies’ lives.  Lynda’s latest venture is titled first snow.  Yes, in all lower case letters.  A collection of 30 original writings, compiled into one booklet, that will be released the month of January 2020.

Following her program, Everett presented her with a map drawing of Pittsburgh from 1902 and a year membership to the Ellwood City Area  Historical Society.

The Show and Tell portion of the meeting, Guy Prestia presented to the Society a wall hanging honoring his WWII service which he received during Veterans Week at the Pitt campus in Greensburg.

Door prizes were then awarded to David Mastropietro, Melissa Pistachio, Linda Lambert, Diane Neyman and Beverly Young.

Refreshments provided by Barbara and David Mastropietro were then served.