The Ellwood City Area Historical Society met Monday March 14. President Everett Bleakney opened and welcomed those in attendance.
Guy Prestia, a WWII veteran led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. A moment of silence in memory of four past presidents was observed. They were Glen Koach and Robert Barensfeld in 2021 and Jim Hockenberry and Karen Guy in 2022.
Lous Liebendorfer, secretary and Charles Brown, treasurer gave their monthly reports which were approved as given.
Andy Kindle, Ways and Means committee chairman reported the History Center is diligently progressing on updating the church histories of over 45 area churches. Andy stressed these records help in family and genealogy researches. He stated the churches will be contacted to meet and help by prviding photos and documents. The History will copy the material and return the originals provided.
Robert Morabito, Program and Publicity chairman presents the future programs and agendas. Jeff Bales of Culpepper, Virginia, a former Lawrence County resident will be the guest speaker April 11. His topic will focus on “Lawrence County Memoires.” The annual Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarships will be awarded May 99. Two $1,500.00 scholarships are available. Applications may be obtained at the senior guidance councilor’s office at Lincoln High School and Riverside High School, or at the History Center. Two former recipients of the scholarships, Gabriella Gretch and Joshua Cantanzariti were in attendance.
Everett reported the Lawrence County Technical School hopes to have the trolley finished by the end of May although they are in need of additional metal to accomplish this. Following completion, the plan is to use the trolley for tours of Ellwood.
Bob then introduced Tom Woodske as the Evening’s guest speaker. Tom Woodske was born and raised in New Brighton, Pa, now resides in Franklin Township. He had a long career leading economic and community development projects for Duquesne Light Company, with the State of Pennsylvania, Beaver County, and the Gateway Rehabilitation Center.
Tom, now retired, is able to focus his strong interest in history. In addition to his membership in the Ellwood City Area Historical Society, he is also a member of the New Brighton Historical Society. He has participated in New Brighton’s annual Underground Railroad Tour as a “conductor” telling the story of how brave freedom searchers were supported by courageous local residents who risked so much in the quest for freedom from slavery.
Tom spoke on the History of the Underground Railroad’s historical origin as well as its existence in our immediate area. Following the program Everett presented Mr. Woodske with an 1896 map of Ellwood City.
For the Show & Tell portion of the meeting, Charles Brown brought a book on the History of Abolitionists in Lawrence County, Alice Gretch had an employee book from the Garrett Company and a metal bank and Helen Bowers a picture of an area church group.
Door prizes were awarded to Joshua Cantanzariti, Guy Prestia, Linda Ritter and Beverly Young.
The meeting was adjourned and refreshments served by Cindy Morabito and Lois Liebendorfer.
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