Ellwood City Area Historical Monthly Meeting Recap

The April 10, 2023 meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Meeting was called to order at 7:00PM by Bob Morabito, President, reminding those present of the mission of the Society.

He then asked WWII Veteran Guy Prestia to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Morabito announced that Guy will celebrate his 101st birthday on Tuesday, April 25! The group sang Happy Birthday to Guy and he was given an apple pie with a 101 candle.

Minutes of the March 13 meeting were given by Secretary Lois Liebendorfer. Dana Baker, treasurer, gave the financial report. She stated the fincial ledger balanced, and open to be reviewed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ways & Means: Andy Kindle advised the group that this is the 35th year for the Society which was organized in 1988. In 1994 the current building was purchased and we are now finding it necessary to make some costly repairs. This year’s capital campaign along with donations, dues and fundraisers will hopefully help offset these expenditures. The Annual Fund Raising program will be June 15-August 15.

Church Program – Volunteers are still needed to help with many of the clerical jobs for this program. Anyone willing to work on this, please contact Andy.

The Board voted to institute an awards program as follows: (1) Henry Waters Hartman Historian Award. This is a lifetime achievement award given to someone for outstanding vision, dedication and commitment. It would be given out every 20-30 years. (2) President’s Award. This will be given annually or when an individual has shown contributions to the advancement and awareness of local history. (3) Historian’s Award. This award will be given to recognize someone for leadership, special projects, exhibits, publications and actions over and above the ordinary call of duty.

Programs & Publicity: This evening’s speakers are here from the Civic Chorale. In May we will honor Ellwood City area students who won this year’s scholarships. Friday, August 25 at 11:00 the Hack Wilson Marker will be dedicated in Ewing Park. September will be our Baseball Banquet at the Country Club and the Wolves Club will be here in October celebrating their 75th anniversary.

Accessioning: We continue to receive and process items that are donated.

Building: The roof repairs have been completed and the humidifiers will hopefully be installed soon.

Old Business: Volunteers are welcome and needed to help in various capacities including the museum, providing refreshments, etc.

New Business: The Board would like to recognize Bob and Janice Barensfeld and felt it would be appropriate to name the meeting room The Robert and Janice Barensfeld Meeting Room. An appropriate plaque will be placed in the room. David Barensfeld expressed his appreciation on behalf of his parents and knows they would be happy the Board is taking the Historical Society forward.

Show & Tell: Kay Houk donated an Ellwood City Federal Savings & Loan Key Chain with an attacked pen knife and also a barbed wire plaque.

Everett Bleakney then introduced speakers for the evening, Mark Freed and Bruce Thalman from the Ellwood City Civic Chorale. Mr. Freed told the group that the Chorale began in 1954 with a group of Lincoln High School graduates. They were known as the Alumni Choir and were led by Mr. Paul Gehm. As others joined the group from the Ellwood Area, the name changed to the Ellwood City Area Civic Chorale. They have continued to this day performing Spring and Christmas concerts at many venues. Their 50th anniversary performance was at Disney and their 60th anniversary was on the Gateway Clipper. Next year will be their 70th year. Their schedule can be found on Facebook and online.

Following their presentation, Bob Morabito presented them with memberships to the Historical Society and also an 1896 map of Ellwood City.

Door prizes were then awarded to Mark Freed, Charles Brown, Louise Carroll and Dylan Baney. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned and refreshments provided by Cindy Morabito were enjoyed.