Recent Stories

ellwood city historical society

February 17, 2026

Language, Legacy, and Relocation: The Story of a German Church in Ellwood City

During February’s meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society, the gathered 35 members and guests were treated to a presentation on some local history that began just after the end of the Civil War. Also during the meeting, Linda Ritter Zapadka and Rosemary Morgan were recognized with Certificates of Appreciation for their steadfast service as ECAHS volunteers. Bill Johnston, historian for the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ellwood City, discussed the history of the church and the cemetery that was associated with the congregation. “In 1885, three Siebenburg Saxons decided to leave their homeland and seek their fortune in…

February 6, 2026

2026 Historical Society Scholarship Notice

The Ellwood City Area Historical Society will award four (4) fifteen hundred dollar($1,500.00) scholarships this year. All graduating seniors living in the Ellwood City Area School District or the Riverside School District are eligible. Applications and requirements may be obtained from either high school Guidance Counselor, or from the Ellwood City Area Historical Society. The History Center at 310 5th Street is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am until 2 pm. Scholarship competitors may make appointments to use the History Center’s research facilities by calling 724-752-2021. There will be two (2) $1500.00 Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarships awarded and…

January 20, 2026

Historical Society Enjoys a Berry Exciting Story

When some people look for something to make their lives more fulfilling, they turn to various endeavors. Some try new hobbies such as fishing, eBay, or collecting antiques. Some just buy a blueberry farm. The 31 guests at the January meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society learned that that’s just what Myron and Lauren Chappell did. The Chappells are preparing for their first season as the new owners of the Duck Run Blueberry Farm. The couple bought the blueberry plants from the former Blueberry Hill Farm in Enon Valley, and they were quick to begin the extensive learning…

December 8, 2025

Ride Ellsworth The Trolley To Christmas In The Park This Weekend

The Ellwood City Area Historical Society is sponsoring trolley rides to Christmas in the Park from 6:30 to 8:30 on Friday and Saturday evenings December 12th and 13th. Ellsworth the Trolley will load at the History Center, 310 5th Street for the narrated round trip. The museum will be open for those waiting between tours. Donations will be accepted with equal shares of the proceeds going to the Chamber of Commerce selected recipients for each evening and the Historical Society. Ellsworth will be towed by Shawn Plassmeyer of Plassmeyer Towing who is donating his services for this event.

November 19, 2025

Dr Brad Brown’s Magic leaves Historical Society Spellbound

Members and guests were entertained by the magic and stories of local magician and dentist, Dr. Brad Brown at the November meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society on November 10th. The near-capacity crowd at the Bob and Janice Barensfeld Meeting Room learned how Dr. Brown became interested in magic at an early age thanks to weekly magician guests on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. It was these performances that drove him to pursue the art for himself because as he said, “I just couldn’t stand not knowing how the tricks were done.” This led to countless hours…

November 5, 2025

Magic Man Dr. Brad Brown To Highlight ECAHS Meeting On Monday

He can make a toothache disappear, but will be on on display at Ellwood City Historical Society on Monday, November 10th. Local Dentist, Dr. Bradley Brown, DDS, will demonstrate the magic that helped him get through Columbia University with a degree in Biochemistry and Dental School at the Ohio State University as a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Dr. Brown began his Family Dental Practice in Ellwood City in 1989 and has also demonstrated his lifelong passion for magic as a featured magician at many local venues. His office is currently located at the corner of Fifth Street and Fountain Avenue…

October 9, 2025

Monastery Sister To Speak To Historical Society On Monday

Nestled in the hills of Wayne Township is a peaceful place of prayer and service. The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration is a monastery for women under the auspices of the Orthodox Church in America. It was founded in 1967 by Mother Alexandra (the former Princess Ileana of Romania) whose dream was to provide a place where American Orthodox women from all ethnic backgrounds could come to live the monastic life and benefit from a liturgical cycle in English. Since that time, Mother Alexandra’s vision has been fulfilled. The nuns, many of whom are converts to Orthodoxy, as well as…

September 12, 2025

Tony Barge A Bit Hit At Historical Society Dinner

Those who attended the Ellwood City Area Historical Society’s 38th season kick-off dinner held at the Connoquenessing Country Club on September 8th were treated to a toe-tapping music session by the incomparable Tony Barge. The meeting, the first of the 2025-26 season for the Society, was a great beginning as Barge not only entertained with some country music classics, but also gave an interesting background of the country music genre in the Ellwood City area. Names like Leroy Cortez and “Dave Mac” Dave McCandless were mentioned as two of several talented performers from this area. Barge noted that his parent’s,…

August 20, 2025

Historical Society Annual Fund Drive Reaches $10,650.00

The Historical Society received a total of $10,650.00 toward its goal of $12,000.00 for its annual fund drive. The Historical Society receives no state or federal funds to maintain a Center where it collects, preserves, and promotes the history of Ellwood City. “We are very grateful for the support and encouragement we received in the past from friends and members of the society, and community,” said Andy Kindle. “Your donations will help us to complete our goals and help to provide for future projects.” THANK YOU: Mary Koszela Shawn & Joylyn Plassmyer Lucretia M. Elson Terry & Karen Kiesling Joe…

August 15, 2025

Tony Barge Headlines Historical Society Kick-Off Dinner

He has performed in the bands of, and shared the stage with, country music stars from Kitty Wells, to Merle Haggard, to Brad Paisley. Ellwood City’s legendary Country star, Tony Barge, has spent the majority of his life as a performer of classic-style country music. Tony will be the featured guest and entertainer at the Ellwood City Area Historical Society’s 2025-2026 season kick-off dinner to be held at the Connoquenessing Country Club on September 8th. The event starts with a cash bar at 6:00. Dinner will be served at 6:30. Door prizes and a 50/50 raffle will also be offered….