Historical Society Monthly Meeting Recap

The March meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society was called to order on March 13th at 7:00 p.m. by its President, Bob Morabito, reminding those present of the mission of the Society. Morabito then asked WWII Veteran Guy Prestia to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of the February meeting were read with a motion to approve as written by Everett Bleakney. Andy Kindle seconded the motion and motion carried.

Treasurer Dana Baker advised the group of the Ledger balance. It was presented for all to review. Ray Santillo made a motion to approve the report and Jim Houk seconded the motion. Motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ways & Means: Andy Kindle, head of the committee working on the histories of area churches, thanked Dylan Baney for the large binder containing historical information of the Wiley Hill Baptist Church that he has donated. Andy advised the group that he is in need of volunteers to help with clerical work for the church histories he is compiling as well as other projects. Anyone who can help is asked to contact him or call the office at 724-752-2021. Additionally, if anyone feels there is an individual within the Society who has donated their time and energy for the betterment of the society and should be recommended to receive the Historian Award, please contact him. At present, Helen Powell is the sole person to receive this recognition.

Programs & Publicity: April 10 the guest speaker will be Mark Freed from the Civic Chorale. May will be the presentation of two scholarships for $1,500 and one for $10,000. Information is available from the office or Guidance Counselors from Lincoln or Riverside High School.

Building: The roof of the building will be repaired by Umbrella Roofing Systems and two commercial size dehumidifiers will be installed in the basement.

Old Business: A dedication ceremony will take place at 11:00 August 25 near the baseball outfield in Ewing Park for the Hack Wilson Historical Marker.

Show & Tell: Guy Prestia brought a picture of a 17 year old Guy attending a Keystone Boys Camp. Guy will be 101 years old on April 26! Kay Houk brought a handkerchief from England in the WWII era, embroidered with “to my sweetheart”, a Mathews Conveyer Co. card and a wooden nickel from the Elks Lodge.

Everett Bleakney then introduced the speaker for the evening, Vaughn Hudspath who, among many other accomplishments, is a teacher at Riverside School. Vaughn told how he tried a few other occupations before realizing his true calling was teaching young people which he has been doing for 30 years. He regaled the group with many stories of how he keeps his students engaged and involved. Vaughn is also involved in an Environmental Science Program associated with National Geographic. He has traveled the world testing the water in numerous countries in association with this program.

Following his presentation, Bob Morabito presented Vaughn with a membership to the Society and an 1896 map of Ellwood City.

Door prizes were awarded to Dylan Baney and Vaughn Hudspath. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned and refreshments provided by Dana Baker were enjoyed.