ellwood city historical society

Ellwood City Historical Society Scholarship Winners

On Wednesday June 3, the Ellwood City Area Historical Society awarded the Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarships.  Under adverse conditions due to the Covid 19, the awards had been delayed.  Two graduating students attending higher education were selected from several entries Gabrielle Louise Gretch, Riverside High School and is the daughter of Dan and Alice Gretch; essay was titled “The Selfless War Hero.”  Gabrielle will attend Shadyside School of Nursing this fall. It is a 16 month program and she will acquire a position at a UPMC hospital after graduation..   On June 22 she will start a Certified Nurse Assistant classes, then…


Ellwood City Area Historical Society Extended Scholarship Deadline

Attention Lincoln and Riverside High School Seniors: The annual Ellwood City Area Historical Society Scholarship submission is quickly approaching. However, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the entry deadline has been extended, and is now due Thursday May 14, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. The Ellwood City Area Historical Society will award two $1500.00 scholarships to two (2) graduating seniors. Graduating seniors from Lincoln High School and Riverside High School who have been accepted to attend a college, Trade School or Performing Arts are eligible. Applications may be received from the High School Student Guidance Counselor or from the Ellwood City…


EC Historical Society: March Is National Girl Scout Mounth

The March meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society was called to order and WWII veteran Guy Prestia led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the February meeting were read by Secretary Lois Liebendorfer, and the Treasurer’s report was given by Charles Brown. In the absence of Andy Kindle, Ways and Means Chairman, the group was informed that the Board has agreed to have a PeWee’s replica set up in the meeting room during this year’s Ellwood City’s Fall Fest in September.  Plans are to have hot dogs, chili and chocolate milk, PeWee’s basic menu. Bob…


Historical Society To Award The Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarships

The Ellwood City Area Historical Society will award the Robert and Janice Barensfeld scholarships of $1,500.00 each to two graduating seniors in 2020 who have been accepted into an institution of higher learning. ( i.e., 4 year, Trade School or Performing Arts) The society asks applications to please note the following requirements. 2020 graduating students from Lincoln High School and Riverside High School are eligible.  One (1) scholarship will be available to both Lincoln and Riverside High Schools, providing all requirements are met, with the approval of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society’s scholarship committee.  In case no student entries…


Ellwood City Historical Society January Meeting Recap

The January meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society was called to order by Everett Bleakney, who welcomed the 27 people attending, after which WWII veteran Guy Prestia led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Everett then introduced the Society officers and board of directors for the year 2020. Minutes of the previous November meeting were read by Secretary Lois Liebendorfer and the Treasurer’s report was given by Charles Brown. Ways & Means Chairman, Andy Kindle advised the new tee shirts can be purchased at the low cost of $12.00.  He will have meetings…


EC Historical Society Monthly Meeting Recap

The regular monthly meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society was held Monday, October 14. Everett Bleakney, president welcomed those present and announced the Historical Society mission is to collect, protect, preserve and make the Ellwood City Area History accessible. Lois Liebendorfer, secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting, and Charles Brown presented the financial report. Andy Kindle, ways and means chairman,  reported on the Ellwood City Fall Fest program.  He explained that the program was a huge success.  Many youth entered the coloring page contest.  The trolley was exhibited and drew much attention. Dom Viccari, program chairman…


Ellwood City Historical Society Monthly Meeting & Advance Info of April Program

Everett Bleakney welcomed guests attending the March general meeting, advising the purpose of the Historical Society is to collect, protect and promote the area history and make it accessible to all. Joe Fisher, Commander of American Legion Post 157, lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Minutes of the February meeting were read by the Secretary Lois Liebendorfer, and Treasurer, Charles Brown presented the financial report. Committee Reports were given. The Ways and Means stated that a number of plans for the calendar year are being finalized. It was noted that the birthday celebration for Donnie Iris in…


VIDEO: Official Donnie Iris Day Celebration

“As of February 28, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., every 28th of February shall be known as Donnie Iris Day here in the small town of Ellwood City,” Ellwood City Mayor Tony Court proclaimed as part of the presentation during the Ellwood City Historical Society birthday party event on Thursday recognizing the local rock star. Donnie Iris is mostly known for his time in the popular 1970s band the “Jaggerz” or his gold record for writing and singing the No. 1 song “The Rapper.” Iris originally learned to sing from his mother and other popular singers like Tony Bennett and Marvin…


Thursday Will Be ‘Donnie Iris Day’ In Ellwood

Thursday Will be ‘Donnie Iris Day’ in Ellwood City. The Ellwood City Historical Society will be entertaining a celebration on Thursday, February 28, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.  Ellwood City Mayor Tony Court will present a proclamation to the popular local singer, who grew up in Ellwood City, during the celebration of his 76th birthday. The event is free and open to the public. A cake will be provided.  Bring any memorabilia of Donnie you may have! The historical society is located at 310 5th St, Ellwood City, PA 16117. Donnie Iris has two booked concerts in March with shows in Canton,…


Barensfeld Will Be Guest Speaker At Historical Society.

The regular monthly meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society will be held Monday, February 11 at 7:00 pm. Acknowledging one of Ellwood City’s industries that have been in existence for over 100 years, David Barensfeld will be the guest speaker. In August of 1910, two brothers, David and Jonathan Evans opened the doors of a steel manufacturing company in Ellwood City, PA, the Ellwood City Forge. Its name is as simple and straight forward as their approach to business:  Maximizing their profits to reinvest in their business, their operations, and their people, to ensure they have the best…