Ellwood City Historical Society Presents “From Flappers to the Front: Jazz, Jalopies, and Hard Times”

Step back into the sights, sounds, and spirit of America between the World Wars as the Ellwood City Area Historical Society proudly presents its exciting summer historical celebration:

• From Flappers to the Front: Jazz, Jalopies, and Hard Times
• Sunday, June 14, 2026, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
• Historic Ellwood City, Pennsylvania

This lively community event will transport visitors back to the unforgettable years between the Roaring Twenties and the beginning of World War II — a time of jazz music, rumble-seat automobiles, Prohibition, economic hardship, and remarkable American resilience.

The event will feature a variety of attractions designed to entertain the entire family while bringing history to life in a fun and engaging way.

Among the featured attractions will be vintage Model A and Model T automobiles presented by the Beaver Valley Model A Ford Club. Visitors will have the opportunity to see beautifully restored pre-World War II vehicles up close and experience the craftsmanship and style of America’s early automotive age.

Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere will be period music and at 2:00, live music from the acclaimed Swingin’ BopCats Big Band, whose energetic big-band sound will fill the air with the unforgettable music of the swing era. Guests are encouraged to wear period attire including flapper dresses, fedoras, suspenders, and vintage fashions to fully embrace the spirit of the day.
Additional attractions will include:

• A fascinating Hobo Camp display highlighting Depression-era America
• Food trucks and refreshments throughout the day
• A special “Great Shootout in Ellwood City” historical slideshow presentation
• Display of the actual Tommy Gun associated with the famous 1941 incident
• An exhibit of authentic World War I artifacts and memorabilia
• Historical displays exploring the Lincoln High School Centennial Time Capsule, the history of local industry, and life in Western Pennsylvania between the wars

The event reflects the Ellwood City Area Historical Society’s continuing mission to preserve and share the rich heritage of Ellwood City and the surrounding region through engaging, educational, and family-friendly programming.

“This event is designed to be both educational and tremendously fun,” organizers noted. “We want people to experience history — to hear the music, see the cars, explore the stories, and feel the atmosphere of an era that shaped both Ellwood City and America itself.”

From jazz melodies and gleaming jalopies to stories of hardship, resilience, and community spirit, From Flappers to the Front promises to be one of the region’s most unique and entertaining historical events of the summer.

Admission is free and open to the public. Cars and displays will be located on 5th Street between Lawrence Avenue and Crescent Avenue. Cars will be on display from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Swingin” BopCats will play from 2:00- 4:00. Fifty-Fifty raffles will be picked at Noon, 2:00 and 4:00. The car that wins the “Best of Show” will be chosen by popular vote of attendees for a $1.00 per- vote fee, proceeds will be split between the winner and the Historical Society. The displays in Historical Society Museum are free of charge.

Come spend a fun day reliving the age of swing, steel, and survival — right here in Ellwood City.