*** ONLINE AS OF AUGUST 5, 2011 ***
    



Comments (2012)

Dec 27, 2012 From: Camelia Stelter
COMMENT: Hello Jeff, Concerning the Wampum Volunteer Fire Department photo (c1960). The third gentlemen pictured on the right, is my grandfather Ralph L. Barber. He was a volunteer of the Wampum Fire Department for many years and also lived in the apartment above the fire department, with his wife Mildred Barber for many years. Thanks for the memories!!!!!
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Dec 19, 2012 From: Robert Cody
COMMENT: Thank you for posting the Roundhouse picture (at New Castle Junction Rail Yard). I have been looking for quite some time for a photo of it. I would say this painting shows the west side of the roundhouse looking to the east.
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Dec 18, 2012 From: Dave Johns
COMMENT: I grew up in New Castle and played basketball there (JV, we moved after my soph year). A few years ago, my wife and I made a trip to visit the old neighborhood, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to see the old Wampum HS gym. What a treat. Butler Hennon’s legacy has deep roots for anyone who lived in the area in the 50s and 60s. I also remember seeing Don play at Pitt. He was a great player and All-America.
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Dec 16, 2012 From: Don French
COMMENT: Hello, Like many others I have stumbled upon your very outstanding website concerning the Locust Grove Cemetery. I am wondering if you can advise if (Dr.) James Larimer GARDNER, Sr. (1915-1999) & his wife Margaret (EWING) GARDNER (1914-1982) are buried there and if so, where in the cemetery are they buried and how would I go about obtaining their obit’s from, I believe, the New Castle News? Don French.
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Dec 14, 2012 From: Don Latimer
COMMENT: My Grandfather Elon A. Horchler retired from here in the early 1960’s. He was a shop foreman.
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Dec 12, 2012 From: Jade Passmore
COMMENT: My gr-gr-gr grandparents were Jacob and Jane Lucy (Young) Bear. Their son, William Bear married Mary Clark and together they had 6 children. Thank you for posting such an interesting and informative website. I would like to post your story and link to your website on my Ancestry.com page for Jacob Bear along with some of your pictures.
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Dec 15, 2012 From: Mabel Johnston DeLong
COMMENT: I also have relatives buried in this cemetery (Clinton Cemetery). Can you give me any info on the T.D. Wilson who donated the plot of land next to the church? My great great grandfather was a Wilson, but unfortunately I do not know his first name. His daughter Maria married my great grandfather Morris Patrick Reynolds. Both Maria (Mary) and Patrick as well as their daughter Emma Irwin are buried there. My brother Norman Johnston and wife Margaret are also buried there. Are you related to the Doutt family that lived on River Road in the 1940’s?
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Nov 29, 2012 From: Patti
COMMENT: I was standing in my backyard with my children when I heard an awful sound. I immediately knew what it was (explosion at Burton Powder plant in Edinburg). My mother worked there during the war while my dad was in service as did many women at that time. My friend, Joe Niglio, was working at the plant that day. Took a long time to get through to his wife, but we received wonderful news. He was alive. When I think of that day, I can almost feel the earth shaking under my feet, just as it did that day.
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Nov 27, 2012 From: Marlene McCormick Stoddard
COMMENT: I also graduated from Providence Hospital in 1962. Enjoyed my three years there and had many nice memories. I know some of those in the pictures.
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Nov 26, 2012 From: Eileen Harkins Darrah
COMMENT: What a pleasant surprise to find my Alma Mater (Providence Hospital School of Nursing)! Class of 1962! Now retired! Many, many memories!… I really enjoy and appreciate your site! I am a New Castle native and will keep you in mind when going through old photos… I also go to this cemetery (Hoytdale/St. Teresa’s Cemetery) every year put flowers on the graves of Anna Hubbard and her sister Mary Robinson. My grandparents, Bridget and Henry Harkins, are also supposed to be buried there but I have never found the stones. Henry died in 1906. I agree that the cemetery is quiet solitude at best. For years it was terribly overgrown with weeds and poison ivy! My father, Lawrence Harkins, was hospitalized after cleaning out the area around his mother’s stone. In the past number of years a priest hired a parishioner and with his son, really made the cemetery nice. I walk around there always hunting names I may know. My Dad had a number of cousins, the Laughlin’s, if you knew any of them. How I would love to have photos! So good to know someone else loves this cemetery! Eileen Harkins Darrah.
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Nov 26, 2012 From: Janice Main
COMMENT: Thank you for your site! I am very interested in finding birth and death dates for Charles & Laura (Johnston) Weimer. I believe they are buried in Locust Grove Cemetery. I found in the New Castle News a death notice for Laura ‘Wimer’, and even though the name is spelled differently, I think she is our Laura. The article is dated December 17, 1918, and states Laura died the day before. The article also says Charles died some years earlier. I have found it impossible to track this family, and if this is indeed Laura buried at Locust Grove, then I feel Charles is there as well. Any help you can give me is really appreciated. Thank you so much! Janice.
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Nov 21, 2012 From: James Myers
COMMENT: C.W. Myers and Daisy were my great-grandparents. I have a correction for you. Daisy Myers was formerly Daisy Shaffer not Daisy Frew. Daisy Shaffer’s mother was a Frew; maybe this is where you found this name. Thanks for the write-up (about Princeton Station); well done. Jim.
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Nov 17, 2012 From: Gratia C Hursey
COMMENT: I am trying to find the grave of one of the first preachers at the old Harlansburg Baptist Church, John McConahy. Would appreciate any info or leads. My grandson Jesse McConahy is a direct descendant. Thank you, Gratia Hursey.
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Nov 16, 2012 From: Dennis Holtz
COMMENT: My father Elmer M. Holtz worked for Johnson Bronze Company in the Chicago office in sales all his life until his retirement. He always told me about the great respect he had for the company. I am now 70years old and still have the liberty bell ash tray and a bronze light that looks like a bird. Those were the days your worked hard and stayed with one company until retirement. Thank you, Dennis Holtz.
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Nov 9, 2012 From: D.D. Norman
COMMENT: I recently learned that my grandmother is buried in Fair Oaks Cemetery. Her name was Opal Irene (Michaels) Drish. Her obituary states her name was Dresch. It appears her husband changed the spelling to Dresch for a few years. Opal was born 4-24-1892 and died 12-29-1926. She died in childbirth and reportedly the baby boy (Paul) was buried with her. She also had a son who may be buried nearby named Clare Eugene Drish, 1915-1926. He died four months prior on 8-23-1926. I am trying to locate any funeral records or plot number sites for these two people. Thank you for your help.
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Nov 6, 2012 From: Bill Gaffey
COMMENT: Hello, I am writing a book about Pennsylvania basketball and I found your Lawrence County info on the internet. I would like to quote some of your material and use one or two of your photos – I would of course give you credit for anything used. What is your full name? Thanks. Bill Gaffey, Editor www.pahoops.org.
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Nov 1, 2012 From: VellaRuth Punzell Alberth
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, My father, who was from Ellport, used to tell a story about some unsolved murders in a place called Dewberry Swamp near West Pittsburg. He was born in 1925 and this probably happened when he was quite young or even before he was born. Supposedly, bodies carved up with surgical precision were found there, but the culprit (called the Mad Butcher of Dewberry Swamp) was never found. Have you ever heard this story, or was my dad just repeating an old tale? VellaRuth Punzell Alberth. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Great inquiry! VellaRuth’s father was referring to the Cleveland Torso Murderer – aka the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run – a serial killer who operated in the Cleveland area in the latter half of the 1930’s. A headless body was found in the West Pittsburg swamp in October 1939 and prompted authorities in Cleveland to travel down to New Castle to see if the unidentified victim might be connected to their case.)
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Oct 30, 2012 From: Grace Di Thomas-Di Virgilio
COMMENT: Ran across your Lawrence County Memoirs page. Well done. Thank you for all your efforts at preserving memories of a wonderful area. I enjoyed looking at the photos. I can send a link to some historic postcards of New Castle that I have. Feel free to copy or I can scan for you if the quality is not good enough. (EDITOR’S NOTE: I will be posting a few of Grace’s old postcards of Cascade Park. Can never have enough of those! Thanks Grace.)
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Oct 27, 2012 From: Dan Shields
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, My name is Dan Shields. I am an amateur photographer. I have enjoyed reading and viewing your site. I recently took pictures of the old New Castle Notions Company building and was searching for information on the architect Andrew Schuehle when I came across your site. I would like to trade some photos and use some of the old postcard images on a page on my website. Thanks, Dan Shields
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Oct 24, 2012 From: Dave Bean
COMMENT: I am in procession of what may be a bronze ashtray in the shape of a housefly 5” long, 2.5” wide. The wing tilts up revealing a cavity possibly for cigarette ash. Under the wing it’s labeled “Johnson Bronze Co. New Castle.” Was it common for them to also make household products and novelties? Would you know when the housefly was made? Thank you. Dave. (EDITOR’S NOTE: David, I have seen a handful of these well-crafted bronze novelty items made by Johnson Bronze. All the ones I’ve seen have been ashtrays with statues, figures, etc… attached. One was a miniature Liberty Bell ashtray. I have never seen any evidence that JB sold these items commercially, so I’m thinking they were probably made exclusively for employees as achievement-milestone-retirement gifts. I’ll try to do some more reasearch on this matter.)
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Oct 20, 2012 From: Ron Porterfield
COMMENT: Bobby Wilson (Hack Wilson’s father) was my teacher in grade school at Winchester Avenue School, located in Martinsburg, WV.
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Oct 16, 2012 From: Arnold “Tom” Altman
COMMENT: Love your site. Wish I could find pictures of the old Castlewood School. I went there 1st thru 4th. 4th was a one-room school with a pot belly stove.
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Oct 15, 2012 From: Paul Modliszewski
COMMENT: Jeff, Enjoy your site. I found… my dad (Ray Modliszewski) in the St. Monica’s choir picture. Didn’t know that he was in the choir. As for the Slovak Club, it was at the corner of Henry Street and one of the Katherine Streets – Google shows two Katherine Streets on its map… I can remember going to the club in the early 50s to watch movies. Sometime in the late 50s or early 60s I believe the building was converted to apartments. It may be an individual residence now. My Aunt and Uncle, Mary and Walter Kubinski, owned and operated Kubinski’s store. Lou Modliszewski.

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Oct 11, 2012 From: Tom Gibbs
COMMENT: Thanks for the postcards of the Western Allegheny Railroad (WARR) trestle bridge. My parents have had a campsite at Rose Point Campground for 25+ years. I have hiked, fished and even hunted all around there and always wondered what the trestle looked like. I can’t wait to show them to my folks!
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Oct 8, 2012 From: Missie Kelley
COMMENT: Hi, I love this website. I also read two other sites – 1 Smalltown Noir and 2 New Castle PA Is My Hometown. They both are good sites that might help you. Also I saw that you had no picture of Pollack Elementary School. There is a picture of the outside of the school and a picture of a classroom from when I was a student there. They were taken the year President Kennedy was killed. It was a bad year for me. Our great President was killed. My mom had twins and one of them died. A family that lived there had a fire in their house and all five children died. It was a bad year for me. But they are great pics! Hope you can find them. If you don’t let me know and I will try to send them to you.
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Oct 7, 2012 From: Jack Graham
COMMENT: This message concerns the photo of the cast iron “WAMPUM” town marker shown on your website. Can you give me a street address (which intersection or is it at the town hall, etc…). I represent the Keystone Marker Trust, a volunteer group that works to document and preserve as many of these historic town name signs as we can. We always seek current photos of any of these markers. Thank you. Jack Graham for the Keystone Marker Trust.
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Oct 3, 2012 From: John James
COMMENT: My Father took me to see John F. Kennedy at his presidential rally in New Castle. He addressed the crowd from behind the building (old City Hall) in the parking lot. I remember being held up so I could see him.
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Oct 2, 2012 From: Ivan Jagersky
COMMENT: Hello, Mr. Bales. Thank you for all the work you’ve done on your site. I enjoy the depth and breadth of reportage very much. I wanted to suggest adding the Islamic Society of New Castle to your site. I’ve attached a thesis regarding the Alawite community of New Castle. While it only tells part of the story of New Castle’s Muslim population, it is noteworthy in and of itself, considering the unique status of the Alawite community in town. If you’d like further information or anyone to contact from the Islamic Society who could provide you more information, do let me know. Ivan. (EDITOR’S NOTE: I had previously planned a page for the unique Muslim community in New Castle and the detailed information Ivan sent will prove to be extremely useful. Thanks Ivan!)
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Sep 30, 2012 From: Camelia Butchelle Stelter
COMMENT: Hello Jeff, Looking over the Lawrence County Memoirs and I am so impressed about the history and the information that is so well preserved. What a great job. I thought you would be interested in two photos of the Hennon Farm located in Wayne Township. The photos are pics from 1895 during the Hennon yearly family reunion. My great-grandmother was Abbey Ola Hennon, born 1870. I am confident that she is in this picture, somewhere. She was married to Kirt Barber and their son Ralph L. Barber was my grandfather. My name is Camelia (Butchelle) Stelter, daughter of the late Nick and Janice (Barber) Butchelle from Chewton. Let me know if you received this email without any problems! Hope you enjoy these photos as much as my family and friends do. What a great part of history… Today, two Hennon sisters, descendants of Abbey Ola Hennon, still reside on this homestead. Thank you, Camelia (Butchelle) Stelter.
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Sep 28, 2012 From: Charlene Key Sokal
COMMENT: Mr. Bales, Thank you for all your efforts putting the history of the JB and other Lawrence County sites online. My mother Olive Key worked as a nurse at the JB for forty years. My grandfather Fred Brundert worked in the pattern shop as did my uncle Fred Brundert Jr. The JB published a magazine called “Your Company – Monthly Magazine of the Johnson Bronze Company.” Some of the issues are at the Lawrence County Historical Society, but I’m trying to find the company records which I understand were given to a business school in Sharon after the company folded. Do have any idea if the records still exist and where they might be?…. Thanks to the person who put up this site. I’ve been looking for the collection of yearbooks for Eastbrook if one exists. If you have any ideas I would appreciate it. Many Thanks. Charlene Key Sokal.
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Sep 27, 2012 From: Mitch Tannehill
COMMENT: Hello Jeff. Great Job. My great grandfather was PJ Flaherty. What an outstanding job you have done. I have many old photos of PJ Flaherty and of JB. Plus a very large collection of bronzes made by the company. Would love to share… Thank You. Mitch.
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Sep 27, 2012 From: Betty DiRisio
COMMENT: Jeff, my husband and I read with interest the article in the Ellwood City Ledger about you and your family. My husband was also a crypto-logic tech and worked with the Naval Security Group for twenty-four years active duty. He retired and went to work for NCIS at the Washington Navy Yard where he spent 17 years. He retired in 1999 as the Head of Policy Division, Code 24, Physical Security and Anti-Terrorism. He feels he must have known your Dad or your Mom or both. Could you send me a photo of them so he can jog his memory? We lived in various places in Northern Virginia until his retirement. Living in Stafford, VA, at the time we moved back to New Castle in 2001 where I was raised. I worked for the Navy and the Justice Department for nearly 30 years. What a small world! Betty DiRisio. (EDITOR’S NOTE: It is a small world. My mom remembers working with her husband at NCIS. Betty is also a fellow historian, a particularly useful reference to me regarding the Princeton area, and graciously volunteers with the Lawrence County Historical Society. Thanks Betty!)
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Sep 21, 2012 From: Bill Croach
COMMENT: Hello, I recently was riding my four wheeler along Route 224 near the OH/PA border. I followed a few mile stretch of an old railroad bed. I told my girlfriend that they seem to be from the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. It is very unusual and different. Trees are grown over and it’s different from a wide open train path. Just curious if you knew what I was talking about. Would like a little history on the tracks. Bill Croach. (EDITOR’S NOTE. This is part of my reply to Bill’s inquiry, “The main Pennsylvania & Lake Erie (P&LE) line runs along the south bank of the Mahoning River. It was completed up to Youngstown by 1879. In 1894 a single-track branch (which you discovered) was built off the main P&LE at Bently (just east of Lowellsville OH) and into PA. It went east by Quakertown Falls, then dipped south thru Hillsville and into Bessemer. It’s a total of about 5.5 miles long and was utilized to handle freight to and from the industries (limestone, brick, cement) in the Hillsville-Bessemer area. It was originally built and owned by the Mahoning State Line Railroad Company (MSL), but was soon taken over by the P&LE. It was in use for many decades until the line was phased out – as the industries in the area closed up – in the late 1970’s.”)
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Sep 17, 2012 From: VellaRuth Alberth
COMMENT: The Harmony Line track ran through my grandparents’ farm on the Chewton-Wurtemburg Road in Wayne Township, paralleling Duck Run. A bridge abutment is still there. For many years their address was Slippery Rock Stop, Ellwood City, PA; I never could understand what that meant. Now I know that you could board the street car there. VellaRuth
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Sep 10, 2012 From: Russell Rangel
COMMENT: I talked to the people that run the Lawrence County Historical Society. They said Rocco Racco is buried in St. Lawrence Cemetery in Hillsville, but he’s in an unmarked grave. They’re not sure if he ever had a stone or not. Same with Frank Jongrass another man who was executed in New Castle, is buried at St. Josephs in New Castle in an unmarked grave. Information was obtained from Dr. Dwight Copper, a volunteer at the Society. Just thought I’d share this info with you.
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Aug 28, 2012 From: Russell Rangel
COMMENT: Hi, my name is Russ Rangel. You met my dad a few weeks ago at a wedding or a party? Anyway, I was wondering if you could help guide me on where to look for my deceased ancestors. My mom’s side first settled in Hillsville in the early 1890’s. I’m almost positive that a few of the children died before 1900. This part is a little tricky, because they were Italian and I’m assuming they were also catholic. During that time I don’t think there was a Catholic cemetery until after 1900. The last name I am researching is Buccelli or Buccella. The family later changed it to Butchelle and another family changed it to Butchelli. If you could help by giving me some advice on which cemeteries to look, that would be great. Thank you.
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Aug 26, 2012 From: Jim Keil
COMMENT: My mother went to this school (Hickory Heights) briefly, and my grandparents owned the farm and the orchards next to the ball field. I spent many a summer there, playing ball by day and eating apples while climbing trees in the evening. The stars were incredible from that hill!
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Aug 22, 2012 From: Kathy McNerney Darlington
COMMENT: It is so exciting to read about Johnson Bronze. I have looked for information occasionally and it was great to read such a thorough history of the company. My grandfather was Joseph F. Flaherty. I grew up hearing about the company. I was thrilled to read about it!
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Aug 21, 2012 From: Boni Perl
COMMENT: Hi, My name is Boni Perl. My mother-in-law’s mother is buried in Tiphereth Israel (Cemetery). I was wondering if you could take a picture of her headstone if she has one. My mother-in-law is ninety-three. She is unable to walk and her memory takes a little jogging but she would love to see her mom’s grave site. Anna Losman – Born around 1894 – Died in 1955. Your web site of the cemetery is great. The cemetery looks so peaceful. Boni
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Aug 16, 2012 From: Dan Reynolds
COMMENT: Good morning Jeff, I came across your website while searching for some info about Oak Park Cemetery. Many of my family members are buried there, dating from 1892 up to 1998. Your pictures and the info you have included about the cemetery are great. Thank you for posting it to your website. Do you know if Oak Park has a website? Or do you know a contact number for their admin office? I’m wondering if they have a map of the cemetery so that I can physically locate some graves. Any guidance you could give would be greatly appreciated. Have you heard of findagrave.com? It’s a great website I’ve discovered where the community helps each other out by taking and posting pictures of grave sites. Great job on your website! Thanks, Dan Reynolds
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Aug 16, 2012 From: Robert “Bob” McCraken
COMMENT: Dear Jeff, I am the Lawrence County Chamber director. Would it be OK to put link on our website to yours? Also would you be willing to write a short article (less than 500 words) about the site for the chamber’s monthly newsletter? Bob.
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Aug 7, 2012 From: Barbara Gentile
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, It was nice to see you and your mom and sister at the reunion. Your mom and I have been friends since 9th grade. Anyway, I was out looking at your website on Lawrence County Memoirs and it is really nice. I’ll have to take more time to read through everything. But what I did find interesting is that you are related to Mike Perry Sr….and my aunt (my mother’s sister-in-law) was also Mike Perry’s aunt. His mother and my aunt (through marriage) were sisters. Their last name was Beatrice and their mother owned Beatrice Flower Shop on 2nd Street between Franklin and Division Ave. Anyway, I thought it was interesting that although I was not related to Mike Perry myself, my parents knew him very well, and like I said we had an aunt in common. I also wanted to tell you that boxing champ Emmett Rocco was born and raised here in Ellwood, he was my uncle, my mother’s brother. I don’t know much about him, as he moved to California before I was born… I’ll check with my cousin, she was a nurse, and she might know something about the Shelby Hospital that was mentioned on your site. She also lived in New Castle when she got married, she may have other information about the area… Barb. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Barbara is longtime friend of my mom’s – and fellow classmate of Leslie Sabo Jr. Thanks Barb!)
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Aug 6, 2012 From: Jeanne Hall
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, My name is Jeanne Hall. Some time back I came across your site, Lawrence County Memoirs. I am very impressed with it and I come back to it often. I love genealogy and local history and your site seems to cover most all of it. I am the host for Lawrence County, PA, Genealogy Trails. I live in New Castle, PA, and have been hosting Lawrence County for about four years now. While I was doing some online research for Holy Family Children’s Home (which later became Margaret L. Henry Children’s Home) I came across your site. I have not yet added the history for the home, I did add the census for a few decades, it includes the names of many of the children who resided there. There is quite an interest of many people who are stilling living and had resided there or who had family or friends there. I wish to extend my offer to share information from my site to yours… I would like permission to be able to link back to your site with a description provided by you (if you choose). I also want to thank you for all the work you have put in your site. It is truly amazing. So please look over my site and feel free to use anything on it. My whole goal for hosting is to freely share genealogy and history. Thank you. Jeanne Hall.
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Aug 5, 2012 From: Linda Lyons
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, I have a question about finding a grave at St. Joseph Cemetery. My Great Grandmother Mollie Mayer is buried there DOD Aug 26, 1924. The cemetery confirms she is buried there but cannot give me an exact location of her grave. I will be in New Castle on Aug 20, 2012, and I am planning to just find the older sections and just search for her grave. Any other suggestions? Thank you. Linda Lyons.
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Aug 3, 2012 From: Rose Marie Muennich
COMMENT: Dear Mr. Bales, I am trying to find school pictures from approximately 1922 to spring 1925 for North Edenburg [Edinburg] School. My two aunts, Barbara and Annie (Anna) PENICH, ages 13 and 7 respectively, were listed as being absent or tardy for the month of December in a New Castle News article from December 28, 1925. Their sister, Angelina (Angeline) died in May of 1925 at the age of eight. The family has no picture of her. She was 1 and 1/2 years older than Anna. Consequently, there is a good chance she would be in a school picture from the time frame 1923-1925. They also have a brother, Peter, that would have been in school at the same time too. Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Sincerely, Rose Marie Muennich.
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Aug 2, 2012 From: Lyn Flaherty Goekel.
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, you are Superman. I am over the moon and have posted the info on my status today for my family. I do have the photo of my grandfather. My sister said she will try to help me locate a good image of my dad. I am still on a search here. Thank you so much. The website is flawless. I am so glad that I found you. I will keep in touch regarding the photos. Thank you from very grateful me.
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Jul 26, 2012 From: Dee Dee Laird
COMMENT: Hello! I stumbled across your website Lawrence County Memoirs a few days ago and as a history buff I am completely fascinated. My family is from Lawrence County (specifically New Castle) which is where I was raised. My grandma and great uncle still have farms in the Princeton and Volant areas. I have a lot of old pictures from the various schools, churches, cemeteries, etc… that I would like to send you. Is this the best address to send it to? Thanks! Dee Dee Laird.
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Jul 24, 2012 From: Lyn Flaherty Goekel
COMMENT: Hi, I am so thrilled to find this website today. I am awestruck by the amount of time and effort that you have put into this site. My father Edward Flaherty was president of the Johnson Bronze until it was sold in 1968. Prior to that he worked for my grandfather Patrick Joseph Flaherty whom was president until his death in 1948. Thank you so much for sharing all of our hometown history. I am so tickled to find all things New Castle today. All the best, Lyn.
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Jul 23, 2012 From: Jason Peffer
COMMENT: Hi. My name is Jason Peffer. I own the Pizza Joe’s in Portersville. We are planning on doing a remodel and I was looking for old photos of Portersville and I was guided to your site by a friend. Is there any way I can get or purchase copies of the Portersville photos??? Thanks. Jason.
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Jul 19, 2012 From: David Johns
COMMENT: I went to kindergarten and 1st grade here (Hickory Heights School). I remember the teacher ringing the old bell! I think the old bell is now on display in the Laurel Elementary School. Good memories!
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Jul 15, 2012 From: Cindy Annabell
COMMENT: Hi Jeff. I live in Ohio by the PA border in Cortland, Ohio. My Maiden name was Cynthia Annabell. I was hunting for more information on William Annable, married to Susan Mathers. They are my my great great grandparents. The Annable spelling got changed with Frank Orville Annable (my great grandfather) which was William’s son. I found Susan Mathers Annable’s obituary which led me to Fair Oaks in New Willington PA. I went to Fair Oaks and took pictures of their grave stone. I was wondering about the stone by their grave that says William Annable PV Co B 1861. You have a picture on your website of that. Who put the stone there? It looks newer than their Annable stone. Also Susan’s grandfather is there, William Mathers and there is a stone that says War of 1812. Do have information on him? I would love any information on them. I love you web site! It is wonderful! Cindy.
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Jul 9, 2012 From: Bill Veon
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, I happened upon your site while researching the Newport Cemetery regarding the interment of a great-grandfather, Edward Doherty. You are to be commended for your selfless effort to promote local history. Your site is impressive. Another great-grandfather, Joseph Veon [Jr], is correctly identified in your Newport Cemetery article as one of the “founders” of the Newport Cemetery Association. Edward Doherty was elected to the treasurer position of this association in 1937, per the New Castle News. Thus, the reason for my assumption of his potential interment therein. Also, Joseph was married to Mary Helen Freed. So I have a number of ancestors reportedly buried at Newport. Although I was born in Beaver Falls and was raised in New Brighton, I have resided in Florida for the last 29 years. I have never visited the Newport Cemetery (but hope to do so soon), and did not even know I had any Lawrence County ancestors until I joined ancestry.com almost two years ago. Now I know my 2nd great-grandfather, Joseph Veon Sr, was one of Lawrence County’s first residents/land-owners – without having to move. He had bought and resided on a farm (with his family) in northern Beaver County prior to Lawrence County being carved out of northern Beaver and southern Mercer counties. I also noticed one of the headstone pictures on your Newport Cemetery page is for Cynthia French. She is my 2nd great-grand-aunt – her parents are my 3rd great-grandparents. Her surname is Hall, and she was married to David Miller then Calvin Cook prior to marrying William French in 1879. Cynthia had 7 children with Miller and 2 with Cook. She outlived all of her husbands. (I hope you do not mind my brief history of the person associated with the headstone.) Anyway, keep up the good work, and please let me know if you have ever run across an Edward Doherty headstone in the Newport Cemetery. Thanks,
Bill Veon, Tampa, FL.
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Jul 2, 2012 From: Mike Armstrong
COMMENT: This was my first school (Glenkirk School) before being sent to Mt. Jackson 1965-1966. Thanks for the memories.
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Jun 30, 2012 From: Vera “June” (McAnany) Ono
COMMENT: I went to Hickory Heights School back in 1946 or 1947. I attended that school until my father passed away in 1951 when I was 10yrs. old. Is there any way I could get a list of the kids that went there at the same time as I did? I am 72yrs. old now & I really can’t remember their names. I live in Illinois now, but still have family back in New Castle, Pa. which I will be returning to visit this July. Please advise.
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Jun 29, 2012 From: Chris Pavkovich
COMMENT: Graduated in 1997 (from Geneva College). Great campus; despite being next to Route 18, the layout made Route 18 non-existent. My older sister swears Old Main’s basement was haunted.
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Jun 28, 2012 From: Billy Roberts
COMMENT: I was born in New Castle and attended Lockley Elementary school in 1970-1976. That school touched a lot of young people’s lives because if we didnt go there where would we be? I also worked at Lockley Machine (Lockley Manufacturing) the school and the machine shop looked identical. The same design the Forman’s office mirrored the school same tile same design. Everyone was touched by this Mentor “Harry W. Lockley” one way or another I was not the only one in New Castle who reaped the harvest that Mr. Lockley sewed. Not to mention the Lawrence County Vocational Technical School was built to help serve the community in the mid 70’s. The Lawrence County Vocational Technical School has a Machine Shop Tech class there just to keep Mr. Lockley’s dream continuing. He touched a lot of young people’s lives one way or another that’s the main idea here.
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Jun 19, 2012 From: Richard Kovacs
COMMENT: Thank you for this tremendous site. I was born in Jameson Hospital in 1951 and attended St. Nicholas with my parents George and Mary (Flyak) Kovacs and grandparents Peter and Susan (Duda) Kovacs and Michael and Martha (Lison) Flyak. Peter, who died in 1926, made the wooden knocker used in Good Friday services. My relatives are buried in the St. Nicholas Cemetery on Copper Road off of Route 422. Martha Lison was born and raised in Nizne Repase, Slovakia, and Michael Flyak lived nearby. There’s a great website (www.cisarik.com/cemetery-niznerepase.htm) that shows pictures of Nizne Repase including the cemetery with its rather elaborate markers for Lisons, Teplicas, and many others. I moved to Cleveland with my parents and sister Marilyn in 1966 but remain interested in Lawrence County. We lived on Cascade Street across from Blair Strip Steel and as kids used to explore the old cement factory behind Blairs. I recently discovered from aerial views that there were two more cement factories north of County Line Road by the limestone quarries. I found out that Lehigh Cement bought them from their New Castle owners and abandoned them in the depression. I’d love to know more about these impressive structures and how cement was made there. Our house and neighboring houses were originally cement company houses – there were even cement curbs marking the boundaries. Memories, memories…
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June 17, 2012 From: Dortheia J. Laughlin
COMMENT: What a great job you did on this site. My dad and mom and we kids mowed this cemetery (Battery B Cemetery in Mount Jackson) when we were growing up. Then my brothers Glenn Laughlin and Lewis Laughlin continued to take care of the cemetery including the grave digging. Our plot is on the left side of driveway on the west side of the cemetery. My sister Katherine, age 5, was the first to be buried on our plots. She died of leukemia. Dad and Mom (R. Glenn and Dortheia Helen Kerr Laughlin) are beside Katherine. Grandma Kerr and granddad Kerr are buried next to them and the plot in front of these graves is where Glenn H. and wife, Gail Laughlin’s ashes are buried. I have already purchased and placed by tombstone by the drive. I missed the civil war cannon being there. Growing up, people traveling thru would stop and view the cannon and take pictures. I am proud I grew up in Mt. Jackson. My grandparents Herman B. and Estella McClymond lived across the street from Mt. Jackson UP Church. Herman’s mom and dad lived in white house across from church. Herman built the brown house and Joe Gibson and wife and family lived here after. The next small house Herman built for him, my dad, and Aunt Ruth, after Estella and children Mabel and Hermie died of the influenza in 1913. Estella was one of the prettiest ladies in Mt. Jackson. She was 33 when she died. Then granddad Laughlin built a house across from the entrance to Knolls and lived there until he passed away. Herman’s parents were Robert Laughlin and Emmaretta Wilson Laughlin. Keep up the good work on this website that I just discovered a little while ago June 16, 2012. Thank you. Dortheia J. Laughlin.
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June 16, 2012 From: Robert Williams
COMMENT: Hi, I am located in California. My wife’s grandfather was born in a cabin in Cascade Park in 1874. His name was Henry Bert. Do you know of any records that were kept at that time?? I am looking for his mother’s name. Could you possible point me in the right direction to obtain any info. Thank you, Robert Williams.
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June 13, 2012 From: Josh Drespling
COMMENT: Jeff, I stumbled across your site and saw and interesting picture in the Graceland Cemetery section. The photo linked above (on the page) is of the grave of my son. My wife and I anticipated his arrival in the summer of 1998. My wife went to full term and expected that he might even be born on my father’s birthday of August 22nd. My wife went to the doctors on August 18th. She heard the heart beat and everything was fine. The following day she went into labor and we sped off to St. Francis Hospital in New Castle. The nurses quickly called the doctors in and something seemed amiss. They were unable to find a heartbeat. After several hours of trying different things the staff broke the news that it appeared that as he dropped into the birthing canal that the umbilical cord had wrapped around his neck and he had suffocated. To add insult to injury my wife was too far along in the labor process to do anything. She had to give birth to a lifeless baby boy. The nurses cleaned him up as usual and presented him to myself and my wife. We had a funeral at DeCarbo’s and they donated their services and some family members purchased an infant sized casket. My relationship between myself and my wife never recovered from such a tragic loss and we divorced less than 2 years later. His full name was Austin Clark Drespling. Clark was after my wife’s father. Austin had one half- sister, Danyelle Nicole Jones, via a previous relationship of my wife’s and I later remarried and have a happy and healthy girl named Autumn Drespling (same initials as her half-brother to match the tattoo that I have on my forearm of his initials). Thought that might interest you. Thank you, Josh Drespling. (EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one of the more powerful emails I have received concerning my site. Thanks so much for sharing such a personal memory Josh. It’s greatly appreciated.)
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Jun 10, 2012 From: Doug McNeill
COMMENT: I was wondering if in your historical records you had any information regarding my great grandmother, Mrs. Sarah McNeill (wife of Evan McNeill), who was a YWCA member dating back to 1908 and before. She’s referenced on page 947 of the 1908 edition of “20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens.” I’m doing a historical search and haven’t been able to find much information on my great grandmother during her residence in New Castle. Any information that you may be able to provide would be much appreciated. Thank you.
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Jun 7, 2012 From: Kirk Savage
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, I am an art historian at Pitt with a particular interest in Civil War memorials and found your site on Lawrence Co., and the entry on the public square in New Castle with the Union soldier monument. I love the website and particularly the old photos. I’m wondering about a couple of things. First you mention some links to newspaper articles on the monument committee and its work… I can’t find these links and was wondering if they were somewhere else on your website. My second question is whether there are any other Civil war memorials in the county besides this main one in New Castle. Any Union soldier monuments in cemeteries for example (not to individuals but to communities of soldiers). Thanks! Kirk.
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May 31, 2012 From: Patrick Lindner
COMMENT: I am a lifelong Enon Valley resident with a family history of the Pennsylvania railroad. I remember playing at the old station and watching the wrecking ball tear it down in the mid 1950s. The Enon sign, from the station at the time of demolition, has been in my family for many years. I have several other pictures of the station. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Patrick also sent me some great photos of the Enon Valley train station.)
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May 30, 2012 From: Richard Householder
COMMENT: I went to the Newport School the last year it was open. Mrs. Jane Kowlek was the teacher, fourth grade . In the other room Mrs. Idora Hairhoger was the fifth grade teacher. The school had a coal furnace. It did have outhouses!!!
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May 23, 2012 From: Marilou Simon
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, I just ran across your site and love it. I’m originally from Wampum and love looking at those photos. Is there any way to get prints of them? Or even a scanned image without the website name? I’m into scrapbooking, too, and will make a family heritage album at some point. I’ll add some memories at some point, too. My mother used to rent a farm in Shenango Township that used to have a cemetery on it—I don’t think it’s the Tindall one—but I do have relatives that are Tindall’s (I think). I’ll try to get a picture when I visit next week – pretty sure all the stones are there. I also took some slides of the stones 30 years ago. Hope they still print slides… Thanks for doing this. I already sent a link to my Aunt who keeps the family memory books, so she should be able to add something too. Great job! Marilou Simon.
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May 21, 2012 From: John
COMMENT: What happened to the Western Allegheny Railroad Company? Was it bought out by another company? I can’t seem to find anything on what it became. Thank you for your help.
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May 20, 2012 From: Don Jenkins
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, my name is Don Jenkins. I found your website yesterday, what a fantastic site! I was born in New Castle in 1963 at Jameson Hospital. I am a big New Castle history buff, my main interest is in the Fire Department and the architecture of the old city buildings. And pretty much anything New Castle. LOL. I am a firefighter in York County, VA, it’s in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area. I have a lot of photos of New Castle from around 1981 to 1982, that I would like to share if you are interested. Some are of the NCFD, stations and equipment. And the rest are of numerous buildings around the city that I photographed. I know that they are not real old, but the 80’s are 30 years past now. Time flies. I enjoyed the webpage on the Oak Street School, as my Aunt and Uncle and cousins lived right across the street from it. In fact one of the pictures on the page shows their house and the laundromat that was on the corner of Oak and Ray Streets. One thing that wasn’t in the story about the school was a major fire in the mid to late 60’s. I remember going to my relatives’ house one night with my parents and brother, and the school was on fire. We had to get to their house through back alleys because the streets were blocked with fire trucks and hoses. I called my cousin this evening and asked if he remembered the year, but he did not. He is gonna see if his parents remember. We sat on their porch and watched the fire for hours. Guess I have bent your ear long enough. I have more to tell about other pages on your site. Let me know if you may be interested in any of the photos and I will scan them and e-mail them to you. Thanks for the great website. Don Jenkins (EDITOR’S NOTE: Don sent me some great photos of the New Castle Fire Department from the 1980’s. They are much appreciated!)
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May 14, 2012 From: Sam Houk
COMMENT: I remember the opening of St. Joseph’s Church on Cascade Street in the early 60s well, as I was in grade school there. Fr. Anthony Wehrle was pastor. Until the new church opened I believe we attended mass in a large room over at the school across the parking lot from where the new church was being built. This room was later converted into a gym.
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May 13, 2012 From: Merabeth Moore
COMMENT: Good morning – I came across the website about the Harmony Line as part of a genealogical search after I saw mention of a family reunion [Aug. 26, 1910] in an old New Castle News article. The families Newton & Houk held the reunion at a spot called “Boiling Springs near the Harmony Line” according to the article and this was supposedly a half mile from the site of the original Houk-Newton marriage in 1793. Is there a map of the old Harmony Line? And, would you have any clue as to a possible location that would match the newspaper article’s statement. I think this may be in or near Shenango Twp. I would love to find if there is a local church or other place with records pertaining to the marriage in 1793. Thank you for any help you might offer. I expect to visit Lawrence & Beaver counties at the end of May to pursue this clue. Merabeth Newton Moore.
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May 12, 2012 From: Anthony
COMMENT: In the picture of the Harmony Street Car on the bridge at Cascade Park you can see what appears to be a station towards the end of the bridge. Is that still standing today? Also, did the line extend past Cascade? Lastly, the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh line visible in the picture. Did those tracks run through Cascade Park as well? (EDITOR’S NOTE: Find out the answer in the comments section on the page of LAWRENCE COUNTY – Harmony Streetcar Line.)
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May 12, 2012 From: Linda Hansen
COMMENT: Hi, Jeff. I wanted to say that you did a great job on your site. There is a lot of history there. I happened to stumble upon a site called “Small Town Noir.” It contains several stories of some of the residents of the area and the stories that surround them. Very interesting. Also, there are a lot of women from Lawrence County who kept the steel mills running during WWII. My grandmother is one of them. I’m glad that someone mentioned Rock Point Park and Princeton school. Your site is basically a history of my life. Thanks for your hard work. Linda Hansen.
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May 11, 2012 From: Betsy Fee
COMMENT: Jeff, It’s Betsy Fee again. I also saw a comment from Diane Hulick on Oct 27, 2011. She called it the Terrace street School. I’ve lived on the South side of New Castle all my life. Actually I live on Terrace Ave. The school I attended from 1st to 8th grade was SS Phillip & James School and it was located on Terrace Ave. After it was vacant for a few years, the Head Start program was there. After they left, it stood vacant for many years. It finally started falling apart and was claimed dangerous. It was torn down a couple of years ago. I hope this helps. Betsy.
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May 7, 2012 From: Loren DiGiorgi
COMMENT: Hello there! I’d like to ask permission to use the picture of the old St. Vitus Church for a Facebook page called “I went to St. Vitus School in the 60’s and 70’s.” I know the members there would love to see pictures of the old church. Would that be ok? If so, how shall I credit the photo? Thanks. Oh by the way, one correction: the old church was not torn down in 1962. It was still standing when I started school there in 1965, and was torn down when I was in third grade, which would have been around 1968. Thanks again, Loren.
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Apr 26, 2012 From: Kyli Yerse
COMMENT: Good morning, I am contacting you on behalf of The Larry Bruno Foundation, a non-profit which is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the attributes of Coach Larry Bruno of Beaver Falls, PA. The board is in the process of expanding the foundation website and would like permission to use some of the photos on the Lawrence County Memoirs website. At this point we aren’t sure which images we would like to use, but we will link back to yourwebsite on whichever ones we do decide on. Is there are particular procedure you’d like us to follow to give attribution to your site? Thank you, Kyli Yerse. Webmaster, Larry Bruno Foundation.
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Apr 25, 2012 From: Cody B. Magill
COMMENT: Jeff, I just came across your site today, approximately four hours ago, and I haven’t left my desk since. I love local history, but most especially old, abandoned places. I stumbled upon your site after searching the internet to prove to a friend that the piers south of the Koppel Bridge never actually supported a bridge. Anyway, I thought I would bring your attention to a little bit of Lawrence County history that I am currently researching, the Homewood Iron Furnace. It was located across the river from Homewood, south of Rock Point, near the present-day Copart Auto Salvage Yard. If you’re ever interested in hiking back there to see if anything remains, get in touch with me, as I would love to go with you. Judging by some of the pictures on your site, you’re pretty fearless, lol. Cody Magill.
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Apr 25, 2012 From: Margaret Henry
Hi, Jeff! I was looking at the Lawrence County website and am in need of information on old oil/gas wells in the Bessemer Mt Jackson area. I live about 4 miles from that Battery B Cemetery. Thanks! Maggie Henry. (EDITOR’S NOTE: I’ll dig up a few articles I have and email them to you. One of them is from 1914 and mentions a few facts: Drilling the expansive oil field centered in Bessemer began in 1909 – In 1914 there were are 800-900 wells in the Bessemer field that were owned/operated by five different companies – The oil was apparently pumped to Bessemer and loaded onto tanker cars of the P&LE Railroad – In April 1914 the Bessemer field produced 13,000 barrels – There were wells in other locations such as on the Raub farm in Edinburg. Thanks. Jeff) Jeff, Oh, absolutely AWESOME! This is the first real lead I have had! I found your site looking for some info on a meeting that was being held about organizing the 200 year celebration of the area at the Westfield Grange Hall. Eventually just went over there (only a mile away ) last night and was told it was my husband’s grandfather, Warren Henry, that “brought oil drilling to the area” which surprised me. Now I know why the pipes run under the road! So excited! Thanks! Maggie Henry.
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Apr 23, 2012 From: Glenda Kelly
COMMENT: You know I think I have a few photos of his (Anton Nagy of Chewton) burnt trailer. My Mother lived in the trailer in front of him when it burnt and had taken photos of the burnt one and of the blue one shown in the photo you have being moved in. I had forgotten he had killed himself. I know your grandmother lived in a trailer closer to service station building, but not sure when she moved in there. My Mother moved her trailer in in 1973. Also another note, Irene’s brother, Shorty, rode with my Dad to work at times. He would walk down to our house and ride into Ellwood to tube mill. Glenda Kelly.
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Apr 20, 2012 From: Dianne McMillan Lawson
COMMENT: Jeff, This is very interesting. I’ve enjoyed looking and reminiscing about my home town. I do have some information and one correction to make regarding information in the Wampum Public Schools link. Regarding the picture of the 7th & 8th grade classes taught by Miss Marie J. McKim. The caption notes that you are not sure what she did after leaving the teaching position. Marie McKim married William McMillin and lived in Chewton on the family farm. She is buried in Graceland. Marie McKim McMillin was my great-aunt. She still has children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren living in Lawrence County… I have a great interest in the community since my ancestors have a long history in Lawrence County. I’ve been fortunate in that some of my early ancestors were professional photographers. Therefore my ancestry has been well documented. Hopefully this will help. Sincerely, Dianne McMillan Lawson
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Apr 20, 2012 From: Linda Jemmett
COMMENT: Thank you for putting info on about the Overlook. My beloved great grandmother went there in Feb. 1946, but I still do not know why, nor do any other surviving family members. Nor do I know how long she was there. It looks like just the sort of beautiful place she would have liked. Does the medical center retain all the old records from the Overlook? Thank you again.
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Apr 5, 2012 From: Robbie Wilson
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, I was looking for some more info about Nancy’s Island. Do you have any photo’s of it or know exactly where it was located? I read it was about a ½ mile north of Pulaski but I couldn’t figure out where it was. Thank you, Robbie Wilson.
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Apr 4, 2012 From: Don Howard
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, Really great website you have created! I am from Mt. Jackson and really enjoyed looking at the various photos around the area! I have a photo of my mother in a country school in the mid-20’s on 551 outside of Enon Valley, as well photos of men’s and women’s basketball teams from 1928-29 at the Mt. Jackson HS if you would be interested – please let me know. I have been trying to do some research myself on a building in downtown New Castle that used to house the Bill Fray Chevrolet dealership at 27 West Grant St. I know that the building is still there but I have not been able to locate a picture showing the dealership in that location. My 1964 Corvette was purchased new there and I still have it! I have contacted a number of City departments, the newspaper, historical society, etc. to no avail. Anything that you would be able to tell me or any photo would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Don Howard.
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Apr 2, 2012 From: Ellen Michaud
COMMENT: Hi Jeff, My family comes from this church (Croton ME Church) and was very active in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. I was wondering when you might have some documents from this church? Also, if there is anything I can do to help with that? Unfortunately I do not live in the area but I am willing to help with anything I can. Thanks, Ellen Michaud (Family name AEY).
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Apr 1, 2012 From: Jackie Tulumello
COMMENT: Question: I am going nuts trying to find my Robinson ancestors. My great grandmother said they came from Homewood, Lawrence County, PA. My first question is: Was the Homewood that is now Beaver County once part of Lawrence County? Or was there another Homewood in Lawrence County? I love your pictures. This is a very nice website. If you could answer my questions, I would be very grateful. Thanks! Jackie Tulumello.
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Mar 30, 2012 From: Kurt Luther
COMMENT: Hi Jeff! I’ve been working on researching my family history and in the Ellwood City 1930 census it lists my great grandmother, Mary Knauff, as being a Forelady at Mathews Conveyer. While searching for the company I came across your site. I wanted to thank you for what you are doing. I have include a copy of the census page she is on. In the scheme of things it is a small thing but I wanted to know that you helped give me context to a relative I had never known. The census probably will not help you in any way but it is the least I can do. Kurt Luther. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Kurt. Thanks for the great email, the census page, and the compliments. It is much appreciated! I love doing the research and it’s emails like yours that keeps me motivated. I have more pics that should be posted on the Mathews Conveyer page in the near future. Keep checking! I’ll try to email you when they are up. I had a aunt that worked there as well for quite a few years. Thanks again. Jeff)
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Mar 28, 2012 From: Betty McKay
COMMENT: I would appreciate any help locating George Dice b. 1806, d 1882 New Wilmington, Pa. His wife Catherine Phillips b. 1806 & d. 1883 in New Wilmington Pa. I have wondered if they might be in this cemetery (Fair Oaks). Thank You for your help. Betty McKay.
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Mar 27, 2012 From: Cole Malone
COMMENT: Hey, I was wandering if I could ghost hunt/investigate the North Beaver Twnp High School. If I can that would be great, E-Mail a message to me with your answer. Thanks.
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Mar 27, 2012 From: Denise Fournier
COMMENT: I have a ancestor named Ferdinand Fournier. I found records for a Ferdinand Fournier and his wife (Mary) in the 1910 and 1912 Beaver Falls city directories. His occupation is listed as “Propr Grand Hotel, cor 8th ave and 11th st B F” and his residence is listed as same. I believe “B F” stands for Beaver Falls. I also see listings for a Eulalia Fournier who’s listed as a student with a residence of the Grand Hotel B F. I have no idea what “Propr” indicates but if you happen to run across anything related to the Fournier family I’d appreciate it if you could let me know what it says. Thanks. Denise. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Denise, I found a John F. & Mary Fournier living in Pittsburgh when the census was taken in April 1910. They have three children named Stella T., Carl Frederick, and Hilda E. Does this sound like them? Stella E. is age 12 in 1910. Looking at census records father John F. is a laborer in the steel industry in 1910 – and again in 1930. Perhaps they moved to Beaver Falls for a time just after April 1910 to run the Grand Hotel? Seems odd. “Propr” would be proprietor – the actual manager (but not owner) of the hotel. Jeff )
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Mar 20, 2012 From: Bob Babick
COMMENT: Under one of the pics you mention how you are unsure if the Madonna School was used again following the fire of 1970. I actually attended several CCD classes there in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. My family and I were members of Ss. Philip and James Church. There was a period of time, before that church became part of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, that Madonna and Ss. Philip and James shared a priest. During those few years the sacraments of first Holy Communion and first Pennance were combined with children from both parishes.
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Mar 8, 2012 From: Denise Yoho Guthery
COMMENT: I just discovered your web page and would like to share some pictures of the area with you – if you want to use them. They may not be the specific areas you want, but I enjoy just driving around and finding out of the way places, local things, whatever – photography has become a passion! My families have been here for several generations and my dad, especially, loved finding out about this area’s history as well as his family roots. He name was Wayne R. Yoho – he grew up in Ellwood (he was one of 2 Wayne Yohos in New Castle). I’m also related to the Ellwood and Castlewood Houks. My great-grandfather was Eugene L. Houk who had the large farm right behind the old Harmony Baptist Church. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of written history about any of them – just some old photos and some memories of things I’ve heard. I know there are some other relatives out there who know the stories, but I’m not very close to them. My mom’s dad came here in the early 1900s from the pottery areas of England and we have recently made contact with family that are still there. My grandfather died when my mom was just 4 months old, but his siblings left me some historical facts about their life – like working in the potteries here and England as well as the trip over. He is buried behind the mausoleum in Oak Park along with many other family members. My grandmother was Mae Blossom Riley (so Victorian!), grandfather was Horace Garner. My grandmother’s second husband was Ralph Mitchell. They all lived on the east side of New Castle, mostly near Croton. My one aunt is 79 and has a terrific memory and is a great story-teller. I am fascinated by her stories about living during the depression. If you ever want to talk to her, let me know! I know she has written a lot of memories down. My parents bought a house in that area, too, and I went to Lockley and Ben Franklin until 9th grade and then moved to Neshannock. What I have to offer you mostly, are the photos – old ones and new ones I’ve taken of the area… You might be able to use some of the area churches and cemeteries. Lately, I have been going out specifically to find cemeteries and more churches in Lawrence, Butler, Mercer, and Beaver Counties and I’ll be updating them as often as I can… I have several photos of my dad’s class pictures when he was in grade school, some very old tin-type of who knows who (but they are interesting), and even some group pictures of local people at the Heinz plant in Pittsburgh from the early 1900s. I am happy to share and if you need photos of anything specific feel free to contact me! Like I said, I enjoy just going out to take pictures. This area has spectacular beauty! Thanks for sharing your efforts and results – I just scanned a few of your articles and can’t wait to read some more! Denise Yoho Guthery.
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Mar 2, 2012 From: George R. Stefaniak
COMMENT: Jeff, My Mother’s cousin’s obit is attached. I live in Westmoreland Co. Pa. and live near Apollo, PA. Is there any history of the drowning of Myrtle Bevan or information on this particular area of the Neshannock River. Sounds as if it were a popular beach with life guards. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you for your time. George R. Stefaniak. (EDITOR’S NOTE: George, Well here is what I know. As I suspected she drowned at what became known as El Rio Beach. The swimming spot (at the Paper Mill dam) along the Neshannock River was always popular, but became more so when William “Bill” Hill leased the property and opened up a bathing house and concession stand at the area in 1917. It was then called Hill’s Beach. It was a very popular spot during the 1920’s and Hill opened a dance pavilion at the site in 1925… .It was sold a few years later and became Castle Beach in 1931. A local businessman bought the place in c1939 and rebranded it as El Rio Beach. I will have a page up for El Rio Beach in the coming weeks – and it will mention Myrtle. Any chance you have a photo of her? Thanks. Jeff)
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Mar 1 & 6, 2012 From: Carol McVicker
COMMENT: The picture of Angelia’s headstone brought chills (on page of SLIPPERY ROCK TWNP- Mt. Hermon Cemetery). She was a foster daughter to my daughter… I’ve never seen this picture. Thanks for including it… I’m sure you’ve been bombarded with comments etc. on your website. Another treasure trove of pictures you may be interested in, appears each year at the Princeton HS reunion held at the Harlansburg Fire Hall. I believe the official name is the Slippery Rock Twp. HS, but most of us refer to it as PHS. I’m not certain who has control of the images but there are tables displaying the pictures of the graduating classes back to the 1930’s. I’m there in 1952 picture and plan to be at the reunion in early September . We graduated 17 in our class and even after 60 years, there are still a few of us around. If you are interested in seeing them, I can certainly find out who currently has them. You have many ties to the Wampum school. I was fortunate to be invited to attend the 50 year reunion of the 1960 graduating class. They were in the 10th grade when I taught there. Bill Jones, a member of that class tracked me down (through my daughter who is also a teacher) and it was a real pleasure joining them for their celebration. Was amazed to learn that Ron Allen lives just up the road here in Upper Marlboro, MD. Keep up the good work. You may have to retire from your day job in order to work on the memoirs. Carol McVicker.
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Feb 29, 2012 From: Carol McVicker
COMMENT: I’m a native of Lawrence Co… Princeton to be exact. I now live in Southern MD. Came across your site and it is fantastic. I was involved in Ancestry.com playing with the Bauder and Kennedy families and looking for information on Mose Wharton at McConnell’s Mill. My grandfather spoke of him often. I don’t remember ever seeing him myself. There are a couple of cousins (several times removed ) that I plan to send your site to them and I’m sure it will be of great interest to them also. Do you have the memories in book form yet. I’ll have to spend some time reading the pages on line. Keep up the good work. I don’t know that I have any pictures that would be of interest to you. You say you work in D.C. can you be a bit more specific since I live in ‘the neighborhood’. Just curious. Carol McVicker.
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Feb 26, 2012 From: Todd Clark
COMMENT: Hello, I ran across your website in looking up covered bridge information for Lawrence County. I made a comment that one of the images (a 2-span bridge reportedly at New Castle) could not have been from there. The river is far too narrow for such a long bridge, but I am not sure where that one would have been located. The main reason I am contacting you is to offer several images I own of covered bridges in Lawrence County. Let me know if interested. Todd Clark.
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Feb 19, 2012 From: Mark Barnes
COMMENT: Jeff, The Oread (or Oriad… Pronounced “Or-ee-ad”) School in New Beaver Boro is still standing. The building was turned into a house after they stopped using it as a school… The house was owned by Wilbur & Mabel Vance for as long as I can remember, but they’re both passed now. My grandmother had two brothers who went to Oriad School, but she didn’t… she went to Glenkirk School. Wilbur & Mabel Vance were the first owners of the Oriad School after classes were stopped. They are the ones who remodeled the school into a home. The house is now owned by Mike Vance, Wilbur & Mabel’s grandson. Mike is a pretty nice guy, he may or may not know the history of the building. I have a handful of my Grandmothers old class photos from the area… some from Glenkirk School, some from Pine Swamp (the original one-room school that sat on the location of the Glenkirk two-room school, some from Wampum School… and I think maybe one or two from Oread School. I grew up a couple miles away from the school over on Glenkirk Road. I’ll see if I can dig up any history of the building. Thanks…. Mark Barnes.
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Feb 18, 2012 From: Anne Krulikowski
COMMENT: Hello Jeff, I came upon your Lawrence county site while searching for buildings designed by C. C. Thayer. I am researching the serpentine stone quarry in West Chester, PA, and trying to track down buildings around PA and in other states that were built of stone from this quarry. One of the postcards of the T. Stevens school looks green but I can’t be sure. Was this of green stone? Have you come across any green buildings there? I know C. C. Thayer used it because some of his correspondence is in what remains of the quarry documents. I see you are in D.C. – there is a great house on Logan Circle fronted in serpentine from the West Chester quarry. Any info you can give me would be helpful Best, Anne Krulikowski – History Department, University of Delaware.
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Feb 17, 2012 From: Al Spizzo
First of all, thank you for taking the effort and time to set up these sites. I attended the grade school (in Bessemer) from 1938 thru 1943; then transferred to the high school building for junior high and high school, graduating in 1950. We were at this high school building along with the Hillsville, PA, students. The grade school was located on the NW corner of where Main St. And Poland Ave. meet. The city police station was on the NW corner of that intersection. The high school was north of that intersection on the east side of Main St., just before you reach the lake (called Lake #5). The football and baseball fields were located behind the school. During World War II, there was a board of honor listing all the servicemen across from the police station; all the living servicemen’s names were printed in black with a white background and whenever they were killed in the service of their country, the background was changed to gold. We were a town of about 1200 people. It was amazing how many of the population served, the majority being first generation Americans. It was also sad regarding the inordinate percentage lost in the war relative to other cities and towns in our nation. I worked at the brick and cement plants during my high school and college years. I’ve always loved this town. I would like to be buried at St. Anthony’s, but my wife will not allow this to happen. Whenever I get back to the area, the highlight of the trip is visiting the cemetery to visit with my wonderful family and old friends. Dr. Campbell was one of the many fine and memorable people in this town. I’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have, if I can. Thanks for the memories, Al.
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Feb 16, 2012 From: Tim Wilcox
COMMENT: Hello, my name is Tim Wilcox and came across your website while doing research for a paper that a I’m writing for college. My topic is the Metropolitan Brick Co. and I’m not having the best of luck finding much information about it. I currently live in Minneapolis MN, but I grew up in Bessemer. I read your article about the Bessemer public schools and found it very interesting, especially the part about how the name Mohawk came to be. I was part of the first class to go through the new elementary school in 1983. As I read the names in the pictures of the football teams, I could recognize many of the names. The reason I’m sending this email is to ask if you have found any information about the Metropolitan Brick Co. that you could pass along to me. I have found little bits of info here and there, but nothing specifically on the brick plant that operated in Bessemer. If you have anything to pass along I would greatly appreciate it.
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Jan 23, 2012 From: Christine Gilboy
Hi. Jeff. Greatly enjoyed your website. I didn’t grow up in NC but visited there summers. I’m 100% Irish. I have a tree on Ancestry.com. It’s McCormick Family Tree–New Castle, Lawrence Co. Pa. There you will see what I know of my family history. I can summarize a few highlights: I named it for the McCormick’s as a cousin paid to have research done to locate where the McCormick’s immigrated from in Ireland. They left Ireland, went to Scotland, then immigrated at the end of the Civil War to Hoytdale/Clinton/Possum Hollow area to work in the mines. Family lore has it that they chose this area because they knew the Vallelys, a large family who had a farm in the area. They worked in the mines for years and saved up enough to buy a farm in Slippery Rock Township (now located on Route 19 – they had a picnic on the road when it was built through their farm but not yet opened). The oldest son had 15 children and was reported to live to 100 years old [he was interviewed by the NCN on his 100th birthday]. Some of his sons took work putting in the gas lines across the country, but returned to buy farms in the area. One took a job working as a carriage driver for John D. Rockefeller’s brother in Cleveland, Ohio. He married Mrs. Rockefeller’s traveling maid and returned to Pittsburgh and worked building the Clairton steel works, then returned to New Castle. Later he built a dance hall named “Ellhurst,” which later became a rollerskating rink and the building, I believe, is still standing. The 4 girls in the family went to NC to find work. All married there. My grandmother worked as a laundress in a large house and in a hotel kitchen. She attended street dances and met a blacksmith named Fee and married. She had 13 children, the youngest of which is my mother. For a few years they operated a grocery store, but he mainly worked as a blacksmith, having his own shop until the advent of automobiles and the depression, when he died. After he died my grandmother and later my mother cleaned a bank on the Diamond to keep paying the mortgage. Two of their sons each had 13 children: Edward operated a North American Van Lines franchise and owned a home directly across from the Scottish Rite Cathedral, I used to play there in the summers; and Thomas, who lived on Croton Avenue and whose son Tom is known by about everybody, as he was elected as the state representative for many years (when he retired, I think he was the congressman with the most seniority). The Fee grandparents were mill workers and boarding-house keepers on Beaver Street. One of their other sons, John E. Fee, was a fruit merchant and ran for Sheriff several times. The Sullivan grandparents were mill workers also and lived on Croton Avenue. My mother went to St. Mary’s school, New Castle High School, worked at Shenango China for a time before marrying a schoolmate, William Gilboy. His parents operated a small gas station and candy store on Grant Street at Elm. I had a picture of his father building a little footbridge to replace the Grant St. Bridge after the flood [unfortunately, don’t have it anymore]. And he was a census taker for the 1910 census. His father’s uncle, Larry Gilboy, was a locally well-known baseball player for regional teams until he got hit by one-too-many baseballs and had to be institutionalized. His Gilboy grandparents were the first couple married in the newly built (original) St. Mary’s Church in 1870 (I have the original marriage certificate). I am finding many unknown Gilboy relatives, as the rest of the family remained in Youngstown) His Mack grandfather was the RR crossing guard at Harbor Bridge for many years. He was also interviewed by NCN when he retired. My cousin’s husband operated a bar in Mahoningtown for many years. Through marriage, we are related to many people in NC. However, Amy’s mother and three siblings were born in NC; then my parents moved to Pittsburgh and one sister and I were born in Pittsburgh, so I am interested in NC but not necessarily as familiar with it as you are. Anyway, just love your site and wish you well with it. Christine Gilboy – Amy Mallik’s aunt. (Wow! Awesome email and I appreciate the compliments. Too bad you don’t have the footbridge photo any more. Thanks again.)
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Jan 23, 2012 From: Claudette Confer
This article (about boxer George Chip) was published in the Globe Leader newspaper dated 17 Jul 2003. My husband Bill Confer is 87 years old. He was born and raised in New Castle and was well acquainted with the Chip family who lived very near Bill’s family home on Grant Street. (We don’t know the couple (Mr. and Mrs. Newton) to whom George autographed the photo.) The newspaper clipping was sent to us by Helen Thompson, wife of John Thompson. Bill’s sister Charlotte was married to John’s brother Dick Thompson. Helen knows that Bill was friends with the Chip children, even though they were a bit older than him. I hope you enjoy reading the article. Claudette Confer.
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Jan 21, 2012 From: Terri Anastasia
Hi Jeff, I just came across you web site. A few people at work were talking about Taggart Stadium and Lindy Lauro (the longtime New Castle High School football coach who recently passed away). Someone said the Stadium was named Taggart because of some special meaning to Lindy. I googled it and found your web site. I see that there was a man by the name of John Cannon Taggart, Sr. that the stadium was named for. I tried to google his name and nothing came up. I was wondering if you had any information regarding Mr. Taggart or where I might find it. Thank you, Terri Anastasia New Castle, Pa. (EDITOR’S NOTE: I sent Terri a copy of Taggart’s Dec 5, 1929, obituary and another article detailing the name change to Taggart Field. Hope she enjoyed the info. Thanks for Terri’s inquiry both articles will soon be posted on the page of NEW CASTLE – Ben Franklin Junior High School.)
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Jan 17, 2012 From: Phyllis Mann
COMMENT: Hi Jeff. My husband Bob and I are enjoying your site very much, thank you for it. Having lived most of our lives in Lawrence County your site brings back many memories. Bob is on the New Castle Forum and though he is over 80 yrs young he has a good mind and puts bits of information on the forum. He goes by the name of Rascal there. God has blessed us with much beauty and it is good to take time to view what you put online. We do not have any pics to send to you that I can think of, but if you were to write to him asking about some of the sites, he might enjoy telling you things he remembers. Thanks again for your work. Sincerely, Phyllis Mann.
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Jan 16, 2012 From: Beverly Senchak Reich
COMMENT: Thanks for the memories. I clearly remember sitting in church that Sunday morning (Holy Cross) and the priest made the announcement that the school (West Pittsburg Public School) was on fire and darn if we kids didn’t let up a cheer. As an afterthought I really didn’t like being bused to another school and missed the old school at the Burg.
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Jan 16, 2012 From: Ron Teck
COMMENT: Talked to Ray (Ray Robinson aka The Green Man) many times on his nightly walks. He would take a daytime walk behind his house on some hills which were an old strip mine and myself and some childhood friends would run into him once in awhile and would talk to him. One time he was roughed up on his nightly walk so my dad (George Teck) gave him one of his spare police pistols to carry for protection. Remember my dad and some other guys from Koppel would bring him into Carangi’s bar to drink once in awhile. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Ronnie Teck is my cousin and he grew up in Koppel.)
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Jan 15, 2012 From: Jay Barton
COMMENT: Great website and great work Jeff. Thanks for doing it. born and lived in Ellwood City and moved to North Carolina over 30 years ago. I was wondering if you have any plans to write about all the race tracks that used to be in Lawrence and Beaver County. My Dad told me he used to race cars on Route 18 between Koppel and Wampum in the 1930’s. Also I worked with John Blin at B&W in the early 1960’s and he told me his father had a board track for motorcycle racing in New Brighton. Where Lawrence Village Plaza is on Route 65 just before New Castle I remember a very nice stockcar track opened there some time in the early 1960’s. Lots of racing history around there. Again thanks Jeff for your hard work. Jay (EDITOR’S NOTE: Great idea Jay. I have heard of a track in Chewton as well and thought that it would make a good story. Look for a racing page in the future.)
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Jan 14-16, 2012 From: Marty (Condell) Turner
COMMENT: My name is Marty [Condell] Turner, Lincoln High School, class of 1965. A picture of this team (Chewton All-Stars c1936) was published on Saturday, January 14, 2012 (in the Ellwood City Ledger). My Mother, Susie Fidell, is sitting in the first row, 4th from left. Her sister Camilla is standing directly behind her…I will look through my photos when we return home. I think I have one of the old train station in Wampum that I will send to you. As a child we walked from my grandparents’ home in Lower Chewton to Charley Repman’s store in Wampum for ice cream & fresh roasted peanuts. If we timed it right we would see a train passing through. Thank you very much for the photo. I will add it to my family album.
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Jan 14, 2012 From: Bruce Draganjac
Hi Jeff, I found your website and wanted to send kudos for a job well done. I hope you don’t mind, but I placed a link to your site from mine (rockpointpark.com). Feel free to link back if you like. Let me know next time you’re in town. We should get together! Bruce. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Bruce has done a lot of great work researching old Rock Point Park and has the premier site on that subject. Check out rockpointpark.com.)
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Jan 12, 2012 From: Jomarie Craft
Enjoyed your website as shown in today’s Ellwood city Ledger. You would be interested in Bruce Draganjac’s two places telling about Rock Point Park. One is Facebook Friends of Rock Point Park, Ellwood City, PA, and the other is linked on the Facebook page. Thanks for doing the research for us to enjoy.
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Jan 5, 2012 From: Glenda Kelly
I lived in Chewton until 1961. Went to school there. Did you? I think the date of the closure of the school district and merge with Ellwood is incorrect. Of course I may be wrong, but I graduated from Ellwood City in 1961 and I only rode a district school bus for one year (1960-1961). Before that we had to ride the public bus, Smeel (sp) Bus out of New Castle. We rode it at 8am and rode home on either the 3:15 or the 4pm one. Steel workers usually rode the bus home with us after school. I never had Edith Badger as a teacher, she was a neighbor and I played with her kids. She later taught at Newport School. There is a Lawrence County book we have it here, but don’t remember seeing these photos in it. Glenda Kelly.
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Jan 1, 2012 From: Grace Fabich
COMMENT: My grandmother, grandfather, and two of my sisters who died in infancy are buried in the Hoytdale Cemetery. We visited the cemetery very often when I was growing up near Wampum and played in the ruins of the church (when my parents were not looking). My parents often spoke of walking the tracks to and from Koppel for Sunday Mass. I love to visit now even though it is not often. The sounds of water and the fragrance of wild flowers in the spring are my favorite. Thank you.

Comments

  1. My name is Faye e. Moore Gibson. I am just starting to do my family line, I was born in the Mary Evans Hospital in 1947, My Mother was a McQuiston, my father was a Moore, The Moores were related to the Brandons and I am looking for help if Possible. My parents lived in Wampum, Later we moved to Buttlar. If anyone has any info please contact me at fayegibson4@msn.com

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