Historical Society Updates From First Meeting Of 2022

The Ellwood City Area Historical Society held their first general meeting for the year 2022 on Monday January 10th.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag led by Guy Prestia, a World War II veteran.

The first order of business was the installation of officers elected in November, led by past president Al Kocher. The new officers, Everett Bleakney, President; Andy Kindle, 1st Vice President; Bob Morabito, 2nd Vice President; Lois Liebendorfer, Secretary; and Charles as Treasurer. Dana Baker and Alexis Estabrook were elected as Board Members for a three year period. Al described the duties of each office as he performed the installation. Other Board Members remaining are Charles Means and Blanche Novak, for two years and Mary May and Dom Viccari for one more year.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Lois Liebendorfer, and The treasury report was presented by Charles Brown. Andy Kindle gave the Ways and Means committee report. He stressed that we were entering into a new year, and the committee was preparing the Annual Fund Drive and other events to be planned. Program Chairman, Bob Morabito presented the slate of programs designated. David Gavis, Lincoln High School teacher will present a program Monday, February 14. Mr. Gavis is very active with his classes, involving history.

The Accessioning Committee has received a book, The Liberator, written by Alex Kershaw.

This book has been donated to the Society by a member, Tom Woodske. It is the story of one World War II soldier’s 500 day odyssey from the beaches of Sicily to the gates of Dachau. Though not named, the story monitors the paths of Guy Prestia. Bob Morabito then asked Guy to sign the book, which he did, including other information like his military serial number. Bob then publicly saluted Guy, who is 99 years old, for his services.

The guest speaker, Andrew Henley, was introduced by Bob Morabito.

Andres lives in Edinburg, in a Bicentennial home, which mean the house has remained in the present family for over two hundred years.

His talk was entitled “The Foundations of Lawrence County.”

Andrew related to the political atmosphere in the early 1800’s before Lawrence County was formed. He explained how the politicians of the day worked to see that the county was formed from Beaver and Mercer Counties as of March 20, 1849. Everett presented Andrew with a membership to the Society and an 1896 pencil drawn map of Ellwood City.

Members and guests were reminded that the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center were again working on the replica Pittsburgh, Harmony, Butler and New Castle Railway car, They were told that the annual Robert and Janice Barensfeld scholarships would be available for graduating seniors pursuing higher education in May.

Door prizes were won by Andrew Henley and Dianne Neyman and refreshments were presented and served by Dana Baker.