Museum electrical milestone reached

January 26, 2010

The predesigned estimate for the new electrical service called for:

This is now complete!

And the best news is we passed the inspection today! Only two minor defects were pointed out to Rich and myself.

1. a cap/cover plate on trough to food pantry
2. a nut was not put on. (and no not me)

The actual cost was just around $2500, thanks to electrician John Hines, part owner of Commons Hardware and the fact that the materials were purchased at cost at Commons. A huge thank you to Bill and John Hines for this. We have two new breaker panels, a master shut off, a new distribution trough, and 20 breakers to start us off in the wiring of the building, new grounding rods, and new grounding wires, TO CODE !

Inspection fees will be billed to us.

I hope that everyone is as happy as I with this milestone.

James S. Toth
Projects Manager/Treasurer
Nant-Y-Glo Tri Area Museum & Historical Society

Notes of December 3, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted upon:

1. 10 members present: Ron Weekes, Rob Port, Jim Toth, Rich McDowell, Bob Ford, Nancy Debiase, Helena Dropcho, John Dropcho, Janet Toth, Judy Rose. Amanda Dieble (Journal)

2. Pledge of allegiance by all present with invocation given by Rich McDowell.

3. November meeting minutes reviewed and accepted.

4.Jim Toth

  • Treasurer's report reviewed and accepted.

  • Security camera system purchased from Sam's Club for Liberty Museum is installed and operational.

  • Liberty Museum construction progress update: 2nd floor flooring is now completely installed, surround for first-floor platform is nearly complete, blown-in insulation is nearly complete, donations from letter drive continue to arrive.

  • Internet access for Liberty Museum via Cambria Connect was approved.

5. Nancy Debiase: Motion to present Christmas gifts to Library Staff was approved.

6. Dan Hoover serviced the Liberty Museum furnace. A card will be sent thanking him for his services.

7. A get-well card was approved to send to Rodney Paul of Jackson Township.

8. Rob Port and Renee' Barosky will set up an accessions schedule.

9. Nanty Glo High School class of 1957 presented the Liberty Museum a $275.00 donation. Barbara Leidy presenting.

10. Helen Dropcho suggested outgoing Society President John Dropcho be elected as a board member. Approved.

11. John Dropcho:

  • Nanty Glo native and current Mundys Corner resident Mike Paskowski donated two additional hand-carved statues (a steelworker and a moose) to the Museum archives.

Statues carved and donated by Mundys Corner resident Mike Paskowski are a moose, left, and a steelworker, right.

  • Attended lecture on Pennsylvania Post Office Murals and is in the process of obtaining copies of two mining murals, each 12'x18" for Liberty Museum. Dave Lumbeck, a Penn State graphics designer, will give his assistance.

  • Presented a final draft of the Nanty Glo fundraising license plate.

  • Is in the process of obtaining photos of ration stamp images.

12. A hardcover book, Portrait of a Town, Portage, Pennsylvania 1890 - 1990 was donated by Roxanne Vogatsky (residence unknown).

13. Pullover-style hooded sweatshirts, "hoodies" are now available through the Nanty Glo Library and the Liberty Museum Gift Store (http://www.nantyglo.com/libertymuseum/) or phone: Jim Toth, 814-937-3009. The 50/50 cotton - polyester blend medium-weight hoodies are available in navy blue, burgandy, black, dark green, and dark gray in sizes small to 4x. Lettering is available in color of choice and only on the front of the hoodie. Price is $35. Members will be given their choice of either 15% discount or free shipping. Knitted caps are available as well. Available in black with silver/gray embroidered miner. One size fits all. $12 each + $2.00 shipping or 15% off. The hoodies are modeled in the photo below by three of the members at December's meeting.

13. A book of Jackson Twp. Schools and students was donated by the Jackson Township Historical Preservation Committee.

— J. Rose, NTAMHS

Society announces 2010 scholarship essay contest

The Society has announced a $200 scholarship contest open to all valley high school seniors.

Contestants:

1. Must graduate in 2010
2. Must reside in the Tri-Area Historical Society area
3. May attend a school outside the area or be home-schooled
4. Must submit entry no later then April 15, 2010. No entries received or postmarked past this date will be considered.
5. Essays must be at least 250 words and may not exceed 500 words

The essay may be on any topic related to the history of Jackson Township, Nanty Glo, Vintondale, or Blacklick Township, or all four municipalities.

Essays must be typed, double-spaced, using "Times New Roman" font size 12. One page of illustrations or photos may be added but is not required. Entries should be sent to the above address. Entries become the property of the Society and the winner(s) will be published on its website.

See the complete announcement, rules, and details about the contest here.

NTAMHS Christmas tree ties for 5th place in Jackson Twp.

This year's NTAMHS entry in the fourth annual Jackson Township Christmas Light Up Night tied for a fifth place prize. Our entry was decorated with red silk poinsettias, white branches, pine cones, raffia bows, and lumps of coal wrapped in see-through paper which tied the theme to our coal heritage. "Presents" piled beneath the tree completed our decorating theme. There were some very clever entries in this year's event, which took place Sunday, November 29, at the Jackson Township Veterans Memorial Park in Vinco. See a video presentation of all of the trees on GloTube.

Historical Society members give local
Girl Scouts a history lesson on coal

Click here for photo report

Jackson Township officials tour Liberty Museum

Jackson Township Manager Dave Hirko and Supervisor Bruce Baker were given a walking tour of the Liberty Museum and Miners Community Food Pantry by Liberty Museum Projects Manager Jim Toth and Historical Society officers and members on November 8. Jackson Township has been part of the Nant-Y-Glo Tri-Area Museum and Historical Society since its formation and regular updates are offered to officials to keep them current on the ever evolving and expensive construction process.

Museum construction progress	Food pantry operations

Notes of November 5, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted upon:

1. Present: John Dropcho, Helena Dropcho, James Toth, Nancy DeBiase, Janet Toth, Rob Port, Renee' Barosky, Rich McDowell, Ron Weekes, Anetta Toth, Judy Rose. No media personnel present.

2. Pledge of Allegiance said by those attending with invocation presented by Rich McDowell.

3. October meeting minutes reviewed and approved.

4. Jim Toth:
  • Treasurer's report reviewed and approved.
  • Tour of Liberty museum by Jackson Township officials to be held November 7.

5. Helena Dropcho, on behalf of the NTAMHS, presented Jim Toth a Lifetime Membership card and certificate of appreciation.

6. Generous donation from California residents Robert and Jon Kennedy presented to NTAMHS (update to follow).

7. John Dropcho:
  • Mike Paskowski of Mundys Corner donated a hand-carved wooden UMWA Local 1386 sign, coalminer statue and several historical photographs to the NTAMHS/Liberty Museum. An interview with Mr. Paskowski will be published in a future NTAMHS newsletter.

Miner statue, left, hand-carved UMWA sign, below, given to NTAMHS by Mike Paskowski of Mundys Corner

8. Lettering and image for fundraising T-shirts was discussed.

9. Patricia Jackens of Nanty Glo is the winner of the bath/gift basket.

10. Insurance coverage and security system for the Liberty museum was discussed.

— J. Rose, NTAMHS

Notes of October 1, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted upon:

1. Pledge of Allegiance with invocation was led by Jim Lauffer.

2. September meeting minutes were reviewed and minor corrections made.

3. Nine members, along with Jim Lauffer, were present: John Dropcho, Helena Dropcho, Janet Toth, Anetta Toth, Renee' Barosky, Ron Weekes, Nancy Dibaise, Bob Ford, Judy Rose.

4. Election for 2010 was held.

   Officers for 2010 elected:

  • President - Helena Dropcho
  • Vice President - Janet Toth
  • Treasurer - Jim Toth
  • Secretary - Renee' Barosky

  Board members for 2010 elected:

  • Rich McDowell
  • Rob Port
  • Bob Ford
  • Ron Weekes
  • Judy Rose

5. Photos and short bios from officers and board members will be added to the staff page on the Liberty Museum website. Officers only will be added for the remaining months of 2009. After January 1, newly elected board members' photos and bios will be added as well.

6. A concert will be held next spring to benefit the Liberty Museum Project, location and date pending. Renee' Barosky will be in charge of planning. Other members will assist as needed.

7. A discussion was held regarding selling a key chain as an additional fundraising item. Further discussions are planned on this matter.

8. It was decided to award complimentary 12-month NTAMHS memberships to Brenda Bracken and Tiffany Cressley.

9. John Dropcho presented his final design(s) for the new Nanty Glo License plate.

10. Renee' Barosky was delegated to be in charge of planning the decorating theme for the NTAMHS Christmas tree entry in the Jackson Township tree decorating project. Other members will assist as needed.

12. A thank you letter written by John Dropcho has been sent to Terry Jones of Nantyglo, Wales, regarding his interest in Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania.

— J. Rose, NTAMHS
October 2, 2009

Quilt winner

Gloria Green, winner of the NTAMHS quilt fundraiser shows off her new quilt.
Gloria and her family live in Mundys Corner.

Notes of September 3, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted upon:

1. 12 members were present: Renee' Barosky, Jim Toth, Ron Weekes, Rob Port, Rich McDowell, Bob Ford, Nancy DeBiase, Janet Toth, John Dropcho, Helena Dropcho, Judy Rose, and Jim Lauffer.

2. Pledge of allegiance with invocation given by Jim lauffer.

3. Jim Toth... Treasurer's report presented and discussed.

4. Jim Toth... Museum construction work continues as funds permit.

5. Ron Weeks... Four Life in the Valley CDs have been sold on Ebay.

6. Nomination of Officers for 2010:
      • President, Helena Dropcho
      • Vice President, Janet Toth
      • Secretary, Renee' Barosky
      • Treasurer, Jim Toth

Nominations for Board members:
      • Rich McDowell
      • Rob Port
      • Bob Ford
      • Judy Rose
      • Ron Weekes

Elections for officers and board members will be held at the regular NTAMHS October meeting.

7. NTAMHS will decorate a Christmas tree at Jackson Twp Veteran's Park. Theme to be decided.

8. The second annual essay scholarship award for the 2009-2010 school year sponsored by the NTAMHS has been approved. Jon Kennedy and Jim Lauffer will collaborate on the choice of essay topics and criteria for judging and share judging responsibilities.

9. Letter drive: Work will be done by Community Volunteers with supervision as needed by NTAMHS personnel.

10. A metal mining plaque has been approved as a future fundraiser.

11. A life membership was approved for Ebensburg resident Kermit Thomas.

12. The current Nanty Glo Beautification Committee has been dissolved. Until a new Beautification Committee is formed, Community Service Volunteers will assume those duties.

13.A retaining wall is being built at the Liberty Museum parking lot out of donated materials. Work is being done by Community Service Volunteers.

14. Indiana University of Pennsylvania has donated to the Liberty Museum Project seven computers (some reusable), items for recycling, a TV with VCR, and filing cabinets.

15. IUP Coal Mining Exhibition, "A Walk Through Time," will debut September 19, 2009.

16. Review and discussion of a new Nanty Glo license plate design.

17. A fundraising letter written by NTAMHS President John Dropcho was approved for presentation to Ameri-serve Bank.

— J. Rose, NTAMHS

Visitors to Liberty Museum

While in the area for his high school reunion and annual visit to the Vintondale Homecoming, Robert "Bob" Kennedy of California and fellow Ebensburg-Cambria High School graduate Dick McCoy and his wife Roberta of Ebensburg enjoyed a walking tour of the Liberty Museum. Left to right: Bob Kennedy, Judy Rose, Roberta McCoy, Dick McCoy.

 

Nant-Y-Glo Tri Area Museum & Historical Society
James S. Toth, Projects Manager/Treasurer
1053 Shoemaker St., Po Box 219, Nanty Glo, PA 15943
814-472-7271 www.thelibertymuseum.com

Notes of August 6, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted upon:

1. Meeting was held in the Liberty Museum building. Eleven members present: Anetta Toth, Ron Weekes, Renee' Barosky, Rich McDowell, John Dropcho, Helena Dropcho, Nancy Debaise, Janet Toth, Rob Port, James Toth, Judy Rose.

2. July meeting minutes were reviewed and approved.

3. Photos for next puzzle were discussed.

4. Treasurer's report reviewed and approved. $544 in quilt raffle ticket sales to date.

5. The NTAMHS will not have a presence at this year's Vintondale Homecoming. There has been no response to phone calls and emails requesting information regarding the NTAMHS presence at this year's event.

6. The planting of Bradford Pear trees on the grassy lot next to the Liberty Museum building has been postponed until it is discussed with Nanty Glo Borough officials. A letter has been sent to B. Leidy of the Beautification Committee regarding same.

7. Honor Wall: Hobe and Judy Rose have purchased a $300 section of the wall in memory of all Blacklick Valley miners killed in the mines. Rich McDowell reports six Honor Wall spaces have been sold to date.

8. Letter drive: Volunteers will be used to assist in the preparation. Mailing date to be determined. Helena Dropcho will co-ordinate.

9. A fall garage sale will not be held. Nonauthorized persons are not permitted in the Museum building during its current state of construction.

10. A car wash sponsored by the NTAMHS is scheduled for Saturday, August 15. Judy Rose to co-ordinate.

11. John Dropcho has referred questions about Nanty Glo, Pa. from Terry Jones, Nantyglo, Wales, to Barb Hakanen who has visited the area. She is corresponding.

12. John Dropcho is in the process of creating a board game related to the arrival and acclimation of immigrants into the local area. A lengthy discussion about the game was held. The game will be used as a fundraiser.

13. A discussion related to lengthy interviews by WWII area veterans John Kupchella, Tom Watson, and Mike Paskowski was held. It is hoped that the interviews will eventually be published in booklet form and sold to benefit the museum fund. A liaison between the NTAMHS and Jon Kennedy to be chosen at a later date.

14. The Liberty Museum website: It was decided to send a proposal to Jon Kennedy to investigate the possibility of having the Liberty Museum website affiliated with www.nantyglo.com. Where it will benefit from Mr. Kennedy's professional webmaster's skills on a regular and timely basis.

— J. Rose, NTAMHS

Museum construction progress
		Museum wall studding looking toward lobby, which will contain handicapped- accessible restrooms for museum patrons, ticket booth, gift shop, and media room.
		Museum Wall studding. Note the openings on the stud walls. Windows will be inserted into these openings so Museum patrons can view the displays inside the rooms. Planned are a military display, a mock coal mine, home settings, etc. Look for future update photos as work progresses. Jim Toth , Liberty Museum Projects Manager, will lead a guided tour of the museum at 1 p.m., September 20.

Notes of July 16, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted on:

1. 10 members present

2. Pledge of allegiance

3. Invocation by Rich McDowell

4. June meeting minutes reviewed and approved

5. Jim Toth's report:
  * Liberty Museum work continues as available funds permit.
  * Treasurer's report reviewed
  * Commemorative knives are selling well. The Vintondale knife is the most popular.

6. Helen Dropcho's report:
  * NTAMHS Life membership gold cards have been mailed
  * The membership fee for a couple has been increased from $200 to $300.
  * A The Nanty Glo Borough Beautification committee has expressed a desire to plant Bradford pear trees near the Liberty museum parking area.

7. Festivals:
  * NTAMHS will have a presence at the Jackson Township Heritage Festival July 18, 19 and Duman's Park Arts and Crafts Event August 2, 9a.m-5p.m.
  *NTAMHS presence at Vintondale Homecoming in September has not yet been confirmed.

8. Brody Simmons won the digital video camera.Winning ticket was drawn by Helena Dropcho

9. A general discussion was held related to methods to increase revenue for the Liberty Museum fund. Items discussed were a car wash, bake sales, board games and a new puzzle.

10. In the future, a link to the museum update s will be sent to all NTAMHS members.

11. Jim Toth has been designated as Festival contact person.

— Judy Rose

Nanty Glo Library gets a facelift

The Nanty Glo Library received a bit of a facelift this week. Jim Toth, Project Manager for the Tri-area Museum and Historical Society plus a work crew of seven volunteers, sanded, scraped loose paint, repointed concrete and gave the cinder block portion of the Library's exterior walls a new coat of paint.

The materials, which consisted of several gallons of Glidden semi-gloss exterior acrylic paint, brushes, paint trays and rollers, were donated by Commons Hardware at an estimated cost between $150 and $200. The new chocolate brown paint resists fading, dirt, and provides mildew protection and complements the siding.

The 1600-square-foot job was expected to take two days and save the Library an estimated $4,800. "We are very grateful to the Historical Society and Commons Hardware for their generosity," said Librarian Sharon Gallaher. According to Jim Toth, "The only expense to the Historical Society was the cost of lunch to feed the work crew. This project is giving back to the community and improving the look of the Library."

Librarian Sharon Gallaher gives her approval to the painting project

Volunteers apply a coat of new paint to the Library

— Judy Rose

Notes of June 18, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted on:

1. Eleven members plus one guest were present.
    * Pledge of Allegiance.
    * Invocation by Rich McDowell.

2. Minutes from the May meeting were reviewed and approved.

3. Jim Toth:
    *Treasurer's report reviewed and approved.
    * NAPA building demolition has been completed.
    * Liberty Museum update: Interior construction continues without incident as funding permits. Electrical panels and equipment for the Liberty Museum will be purchased according to code.

4. Nanty Glo Borough presented the NTAMHS a $100 check in honor of Bill Martin. It was suggested that all funds donated in Bill Martin's name be used to help finance the completion of the Liberty Museum's media room. It was also suggested that the media room be called the Bill Martin Media Room.

6. Newsletter: Extra newsletters will be offered for sale at various area locations at a cost of .50 each.

7. Rich McDowell: Presented the winning bid on a painting by artist Tara Deetscreek at the recent Pike Grace Brethren Spring Craft Festival. The painting was then donated to the NTAMHS/Liberty Museum.

8. Auction recap: A review and discussion was held with suggestions for the next flea market/auction considered.

9. Brian and Stephanie Haupt donated a plaque in honor of Helena Dropcho. The plaque will be placed on the NTAMHS Memorial Wall at the Nanty Glo Library.

10. Jackson Twp. Heritage Festival: The NTAMHS will have a presence at the two-day event held July 18 and 19.

11. Black Diamond Jubilee: September 11- December. The University Museum at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania celebrates Indiana County's coal heritage. John Dropcho will write a 500-word essay for the catalogue about Nanty Glo's mining industry.
    * NTAMHS photos will be on loan and displayed.
    * The cost of the catalogue from the photo exhibit has been increased from $5 per copy to $10 per copy.

12. Quilt raffle update.
    * A small 36' x 36" sample quilt has been made and will be on display at the Nanty Glo Library.
    *Tickets will be available at various local establishments and from NTAMHS members.
    * The raffle quilt will be displayed at the Jackson Township festival with tickets available for purchase.

13. A thank you card will be sent to Rodney Paul for his auction services, and a sympathy card sent regarding the recent death of his father.

— Judy Rose

Blake Michaels named winner of
first historical essay contest

June 13, 2009

The NTAMHS has announced that the winner of its first historical essay contest is Blake Michaels, a 2009 graduate of Blacklick Valley Junior-Senior High School. His prize, a $200 scholarship, was awarded during graduation ceremonies by Janet Toth, representing the Historical Society. Michaels wrote about the Southern Cambria Trolley System, one of three topics selected by the Society. First runner-up was Nathan Paul, whose essay was on a One-Room Schoolhouse.

The contest, announced last fall, was open to all graduating students within the Tri-Area, regardless of the school the student attended. Jon Kennedy of San Jose, Calif.,, an author, editor, longtime college writing teacher and founder-webmaster of the Nanty Glo Home Page, was the contest judge.

Blake, shown above in a Tribune-Democrat photograph, graduated from Blacklick Valley High School with a GPA of 101.40. His achievements include: Class Valedictorian; National Merit Scholar; National Honor Society and senior class presidents; student of the month; Elks most valuable student national finalist; McKelvey Foundation and National Wild Turkey Federation scholarships; and Upward Bound ambassador. Blake plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in mathematics. A Vintondale resident, he is the son of Carl and Melissa Michaels.

Below is the essay by Blake Michaels as it appeared in the latest NTAMHS Newsletter.

J. Rose

The Southern Cambria Trolley System

As I was doing preliminary research, I was pleasantly surprised with the wealth and richness of the information available. The more I read, the more interested I became. The trolley system was pivotal for the development of the county. From being a fascination and cause of excitement, to gaining its reputation as the "Fabulous Southern Cambria, dread of the timid traveler." The trolley line changed the county in a marked way.

The line opened in 1908 with the goal of connecting Johnstown, the most populous city in the county and Ebensburg. Ebensburg, even after repeated attempts by the southern parts remained the county seat. The main reason was its central location: if Johnstown were the seat, it would be over 50 miles to reach the seat when the only form of transportation was walking. For the first four years, the Southern Cambria line operated trolleys around the city of Johnstown. Then, in 1912 a line was finally connected to Ebensburg. Two years later, in 1914, lines were added to Nanty Glo and Jackson. The cost was the major reason for the delay in constructing the lines.

It is interesting to note how the trolleys operated. They used stereotypical trolley cars. These operated by electricity. The cars were connected to the electrical lines above the tracts. This provided the energy to cause the wheels to turn. If the power was removed, which was easily done, the trolley would no longer have force acting on forward. The engineers could slow the car using this as well as the airbrakes equipped.

The trolley lines were used to counter the steam locomotives. Trolleys can stop more often, as well as overcome hills better than their steam counterparts. The trolleys of the Southern Cambria line were in competition with the much more powerful Pennsylvania Railroad. The Pennsylvania railroad tried to overrun the Southern Cambria line.

Because of the designs of the trolley lines, they could be constructed quickly. However this fact actually created a terrible scenario in the county. The residential areas could not afford to support the project and safety precautions were often the cost cutting measure. Due to the lack of safety, the Southern Cambria experienced several terrible accidents.

The worst of these accidents occurred on August 12, 1916. According to a newspaper clipping at the time, the car was on a course to Echo from Johnstown. The motorman, Angus Varner of Johnstown lost control of the trolley. The car raced on into an oncoming trolley car; trolleys often operated on the same line in opposite directions. The other conductor tried to avoid the collision by disconnecting the electricity, but did not do so in time.

Mrs. Janet Toth of the Nant-Y-Glo Tri-Area Museum and Historical Society awards the $200 scholarship to Blake Michaels

At the scene 14 people were found dead. Another seven were to die that day from injuries in the hospital. After a few weeks the death toll was set at 27. Although this proved to be a tragic accident the newspaper did record some good news. It showed the human spirit and camaraderie of small town America and Johnstown. Hundreds of people turned out to help the injured and to clean up the accident.

The accident further solidified the public's distrust in the trolley system. The line continued to lose customers and eventually folded. In 1928 the Southern Cambria line was officially sold it was a matter of practicality. Buses could now do what the trolley line was but for far cheaper, more efficiently and safer.

The rail lines of the Southern Cambria are now trails and areas through the county. Some wind through treacherous mountainsides while others move secretly in town streets. Whether by walking or biking one can visit these places of history.

The Southern Cambria trolleys were an important part of our history. They helped travelers more quickly make the trek between not only Johnstown and Ebensburg but also the surrounding communities. Through its misfortunes it also helped to modernize transportation; the passing of the trolley line is not all negative. Without it to better methods, this area would not have grown technologically as it has.

Liberty Museum announces Wall of Honor

May 2009

If you have a special place in your heart for your parents, your place of business, your graduating class, etc. . . . maybe even your favorite pet, the Liberty Museum has a place to honor them. It's called the Wall of Honor and it's the brainchild of Liberty Museum project manager Jim Toth and co-manager Rich McDowell. Walls in the Liberty Museum have been divided up into various-sized sections that range from 3 feet to 15 feet and in price from $300 for a 3-foot section to $1500 for a whopping 15-foot place of honor. A special commemorative plaque, engraved with the name or title of your choice will be permanently attached to your section of the wall. The Honor Wall sections are available on a first-come, first-served basis to private individuals, businesses, and organizations. The money collected from the sales of the Honor Wall sections is used to buy building materials for the on-going Liberty Museum Project. Acording to Jim Toth, "The plaques are manufactured by a local company; 90 percent of the time, I try to keep all business transactions local."

If you, your organization, or family is interested in purchasing a Wall of Honor, Rich McDowell is in charge of this project: remac@atlanticbb.net.

Commemorative Plaque

Honor Wall Locations

Below is a diagram of the Liberty Museum's floor plan and the location of the Honor Wall segments.

J. Rose

Notes of May 7, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted on:

1. Blake Michaels of Nanty Glo was the winner of the recent NTAMHS essay contest. The prize was a $200 scholarship (more on this item will be released in the near future).

2. Clarification of lifetime memberships fees.

3. A discussion was held regarding the possibility of a co-operative venture between the Nanty Glo Historical group and the Jackson Township Historical Commission during the Jackson Township Heritage Festival in July.

4. The Johnstown Postcard Club presented the NTAMHS a $25 donation in memory of Bill Martin. A thank-you card was approved and sent.

5. The Historical Society has obtained possession of a vintage bedroom vanity from the estate of Augusta Lamantia. The vanity was purchased in 1913 from Edelstein's Department Store.

6. The sign from Bethlehem Mine #31 has been obtained by the NTAMHS. The sign, refurbished by MEC Chemicals of Nanty Glo, will be permanently attached to the outside of the Liberty Museum building (more details on this item will be released in the near future)

     NTAMHS president John Dropcho accepts the newly refurbished Mine 31 sign
     from Betty Jean McKinstry, MEC Chemicals representative.

7. New steel doors have been installed at the Food Pantry entrance at the rear of the Liberty Museum. The new doors are more secure against unauthorized access to the Food Pantry (more details on this item will be released in the near future).

     NTAMHS President John Dropcho presents Janet Reese, Food Pantry Director,
     the keys to the new Food Pantry doors.

8. Judy Rose has completed the fundraising quilt that will be on display throughout the summer at various festivals.

9. A digital video camera is the current NTAMHS raffle item.

10. Richard McDowell is in charge of the Liberty Museum Honor Wall (more details on this item will be released in the near future).

11. The NTAMHS was outbid in its efforts to obtain the old Sheetz building adjacent to the Liberty Museum. The Sheetz building is now for sale.

12. Demolition of the Napa building in Mundys Corner is expected to be be completed next week.

13. A pocket knife has been approved as a fundraising item to be sold for $15 each. The knife has rosewood panels inscribed with the words "The Liberty Museum" on one side and a location such as Jackson Township, Nanty Glo, etc. on the other. A miner's helmet will be engraved on the blade.

14. The building permit from Nanty Glo Borough was obtained with an added bonus of reduced cost.

15. A painting by Tara Deetscreek will be auctioned May 16th at the Christian School affiliated with Pike Grace Brethren Church.

— Judy Rose

Liberty Museum Auction photos by Judy Rose Photos 1-5: NTAMHS members John and Helena Dropcho, Janet Toth, Bob Ford, Anetta Toth, and Barb Hakanen, prepare for the auction by doing some last minute cleaning. The auction was on May 16. Click any photo to see larger version
Photos 6: Left to right: Auctioneer Rodney Paul, Jim Toth, Rob Port and Ron Weekes

FUNDRAISING AUCTION MAY 16

http://www.auctionzip.com/cgi-bin/auctionview.cgi?lid=613703&kwd=&zip=15943&category=0

Above is a link to the Historical Society Charity Auction scheduled for May 16.

If you have any items you would like to donate for the auction, please call and leave message on my office phone. I will return your call and make arrangements for pick up.

See our poster below for more information.

Please consider donating or making a cash donation for our "Cash Tree Raffle."

Thank you for all your help and consideration.

Nant-Y-Glo Tri Area Museum & Historical Society
James S. Toth Projects Manager/Treasurer
1053 Shoemaker St Po Box 219
Nanty Glo, Pa 15943

814-472-7271

www.thelibertymuseum.com

BENEFIT

AUCTION

RODNEY PAUL AUCTIONEER

LICENSE# AU-003700L

Saturday May 16, 2009

Liberty Museum

1053 Shoemaker Street

Nanty Glo, Pa.

814-472-7271

Auction Items;

Gift baskets, gift certificates from
local business sponsors

Household Furnishings

Dressers . Knick Knacks

Pictures . Bathroom fixtures

Holiday Decorations . Folding chairs

8-ft folding tables . Dining room chairs

Small kitchen appliances . Kitchenware

Entertainment

Exercise equipment . Computer monitors

Television sets . Basketball hoop

Kid’s toys

Construction material

Lumber . Cement mixer

Rolled insulation . Peg board

Drop ceiling . Lights

Oil furnace . Windows

Baseboard water heat

Doors . Tools. Floor tiles with adhesive

Oil Tanks

Registration starts at 9 AM Auction to start at 10 AM

The Liberty Museum is a division of
Nanty Glo Tri-Area Museum
& Historical Society

Notes of April 2, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted on:

1. 15 members present including Kelly Lundgren from Mainline Publications.

2. Ray Dodson, Jackson Township resident and former Bethlehem Mines Corporation Mine Superintendent donated vintage aerial photos of Nanty Glo Heisley Mine complex and the Leidy Portal in Jackson Township.

3. Rich McDowell: NAPA building demolition report: Demolition continues with good progress.

4. Jim Toth absent: No treasurer's report given.

5. Helena Dropcho: $500 dollar donation from Polish Club and $500 from Kermit Thomas. Mr. Thomas is a direct descendent of the Evans family who named the town of Nanty Glo.

6. Metal membership cards for lifetime NTAMHS members approved.

7. Rene' Barowsky of Nanty Glo will assist the newsletter committee.

8. John Dropcho:
* Accessions form/donation thank you letter. Approved
* History timeline of lot #57, site of the Liberty Museum building, in a letter to be presented to Nanty Glo Borough. Approved.
* NTAHMS now has possession of antique firehose reel donated by Nanty Glo Fire Company.
* Possible future joint media venture with Nanty Glo Fire Company discussed.

9. Janet Toth:
*Sports memorabilia donated to NTAMHS by WWII veteran Paul Lonergran. Mr. Lonergran played baseball in the Cambria County Industrial League.
* Assured members, funds are available for research needs.

10. Donna Davis: NTAMHS website costs and need for a budget discussed. Need for accessions person discussed.

11. Judy Rose:
* Fundraiser quilt progress report.
* WWII photos and posters donated for museum WWII display.

12. April 16 work night meeting will deal with auction items.

13. NTAMHS will have no presence at Pork -n- Pool 2009.

14. The Cambria Country Historical Society will hold a fundraising tea Saturday, May 2, 2009. Admission is 15.00/person. Contact AWBuck@verizon.net for reservations and details.

— Judy Rose

Notes of March 5, 2009 meeting

Agenda items acted on:

1. Auctioneer Rodney Paul offered services and presented suggestions pertaining to pending fundraiser auction for 2009. Time and place of auction to be determined at later date.

2.Jim Toth: Treasurer's report (approved)

3. NTAMS presence at 2009 Jackson Township Heritage Festival, July 18 and 19 (approved). Volunteers needed.

4. Jim Toth: Insurance policy (approved)

5. Jim Toth: Jackson Township NAPA building progress report

6. Museum building permit.

7. NTAMHS photos on loan to IUP Museum exhibition Sep.-Dec. 2009 (approved)

8. Jim Toth: Agreed to do Liberty Museum Tour 1:00 p.m. September 20, 2009.

9. Letter drive for July 2009 (approved)

10. The mine hopper car project for Nanty Glo has been abandoned.

11. Jim Toth: Community service personnel will be provided to assist as needed to sort photos etc.

12. Judy Rose: Agreed to send NTAMHS business meeting reports to Jon Kennedy for publication on www.nantyglo.com.

13. A work night was scheduled for March 19, 7-9 p.m.

14. Fundraiser quilt project initiated by Judy Rose and Donna Davis (approved)

15. Procurement and storage of items stored at Nanty Glo Fire Hall discussed. The items donated by Nanty Glo Fire Company must be removed ASAP.

16. Use of NTAMHS newsletter articles on www.nantyglo.com was approved.

—J. Rose

Tri-Area Historical Society
CALL TO ACTION

December 10, 2008

The Tri-Area Historical Society needs your valuable skills, talents, and interests for an exciting and important project, the development and opening of a coal mining / heritage museum—The Liberty Museum—in the former Liberty Theater, Nanty Glo (b.1920-21). To accomplish this vital goal, we are actively seeking dedicated, active members who will contribute time, talents, and energy to bring this museum about.

Through permanent and changing exhibitions, the Liberty Museum will preserve and showcase: our area's diverse ethnic cultures, their life/ work/ religious experiences, and extraordinary work ethic. Featured themes and artifacts will include lumbering, farming, area businesses, and coal mining as the major focus. Additional themes are working and living conditions/ family issues, recreation, UMWA activities, unrest of The Great Depression, WWII and the home front, and movie/ film artifacts. Additional offerings will be educational, cultural, and aesthetic programs presented in partnership with area communities, schools, churches, and civic groups.

The museum will attract new businesses, tourists, and visitors (who can also enjoy the nearby Ghost Town Trail), renew a sense of area pride, and energize growth in the Tri-Area communities and beyond.

The Historical Society members are excited and optimistic about The Historical Society and Liberty Museum. However, we need you to join us and help achieve this important goal! Business meetings are the first Thursday of each month. A work night meeting (for clerical, restoration, and other tasks) is held at the Nanty Glo Library. Both meetings begin at 7 p.m. and last approximately two hours. (The meetings for December through February are held or not, weather permitting ). Contact us by completing a Call To Action form, available at the library desk, or e-mail to antoycho@comcast.net.

Can you help in any of these interests or skills?

Interests...Local / national history, Native Americans, The Great Depression, WWII and home front, war veterans, lumbering, farming, businesses, coal mining, things that are not here anymore, genealogy, movie/ film history, schools, churches, Industrial League baseball, oral / written life histories, adolescent, teen, adult activities / games, transportation, others.

Skills, talents...carpentry, electrical, plumbing, research, grant writing, organizing / cataloging, photography, visual / performing arts, exhibition / display, workshops, lectures, interviews, newsletter articles / layout, computer skills, small exhibition model construction, restoration of artifacts, condensing book/ magazine material, museum guide, others.

Won’t you please join us in this venture? By contacting us we can collectively make this important project a reality, the opening of The Liberty Museum!...Thank you for your interest.

John Dropcho...President, Historical Society

Society announces scholarship essay contest

The Society has announced a $200 scholarship contest open to all valley high school seniors.

Contest rules and details follow:

Contestants:

1. Must graduate in 2009
2. Must reside in the Tri-Area Historical Society area
3. May attend a school outside the area
4. Must submit entry no later then April 15, 2009. No entries received or postmarked past this date will be considered.

The essay is reserved to the following subjects (contestants select one):

1. One- or Two-Room School Houses
2. The Southern Cambria Railroad Trolley
3. The Baseball Industrial League

Essays must be typed, double-spaced, using "Times New Roman" font size 12. Text is limited to four single sheets. One page of illustrations or photos may be added but is not required. Entries may be sent to the above address or dropped off to the Nanty Glo Public Library Attn: Historical Society Scholarship.

Reports on Society meetings in January-February 2008

The Society tried to have a Christmas Party in December but the weather would not cooperate.

OVERVIEW of the January 3rd 2008 meeting

Officers for 2008 are John Dropcho, president; Helena Dropcho, v. president; Nancy DeBiase, secretary; Jim Toth, treasurer. Reading of the minutes and treasurer's report was followed by a discussion of the Liberty Museum building project. George Heit reported that Construction Supply had donated 375 cinder blocks to finish the stair area of the building. Value of the blocks was $638. Jim Toth is getting bids on all phases of construction and material for the Museum.

Activities:

The Nanty Glo Freedom Fest, Saturday, July 5th, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Jackson Twp. Heritage Festival Saturday July 19, noon to 9; Sunday, July 20, noon to 6
The Vintondale Homecoming will be in September.

Helena Dropcho presented two checks to the Society. The first was from the Carl S. and Wanda M. Weyandt Foundation and was for $2,000. The second was from the G C U Lodge 401 and was for $1,500.

There was a well-deserved thank you from the members to past president Janet Toth and also to Barbara Teeter, who worked as Secretary.

OVERVIEW of the February 7th 2008 meeting

President John Dropcho obtained donations of items useful to the Society and the Museum from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and these were delivered to the Society by Jim Toth and the volunteer workers from the Museum. The donation from IUP is for nonprofit organizations and will greatly help the Society.

Discussion followed on "The Wall of Honor." This opportunity will be sent out to our members along with the letter for the renewal of yearly dues in June.

Work Night on February 21st

Donna Davis had jobs lined up for all who wanted to work and it was a well-attended and enjoyable evening. Before getting busy on the work for the evening, several members looked at one of the latest accessions. Mr. Ron Rozsi from the Chickaree Union Church, better known as the "Jesus Saves" church, donated on "permanent loan" an orange and white quilt made by the Church Sunday School and given as a Christmas gift to Pastor Herbert Rager and his wife in 1938. The names of the church members are embroidered onto the quilt and the Pastor's name and date are in the center of the quilt. Mr. Herb Rager, a descendant of the Rev. Herbert Rager, had given the quilt to the church but the members felt they did not have the space to display it properly and wanted it to be preserved for future generations. Many of the Society members found names of their own ancestors on the quilt.

— Barb Hakanen

Nant-Y-Glo Tri Area Museum and Historical Society
Overview of the Meetings of August 2 and August 16, 2007

Our August 2nd business meeting was held at the Fellowship Hall of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church due to the Nanty Glo Library's yearly Book Sale.

BASKET PARTY: Mr. Mike Soyka, a former teacher at Nanty Glo, joined us to explain a little more about the basket party we will be holding on Sept. 16th at St. Nick's Church Hall. There is a $5.00 donation at the door and with that the person will get a total of 25 tickets, plus one for the door prize. The GCU Lodge 401 has agreed to sponsor us for this event and we are hoping to be well supported by the community.

BUILDING: Jim Toth, our treasurer but also our project manager for the Liberty Museum, gave the report on the building and things are happening fast right now. The board voted to hire Keller Engineers Inc. and Kasun Architects Inc. both of Hollidaysburg. Kasun Architects Inc. will be responsible for getting the building's blueprints approved by Nick Bailey, the chief building code official for the Cambria-Somerset Council of Government. We are most blessed to have Rich McDowell on our board of Directors with his background as a draftsman. Rich has been working very hard on the many changes that have to be made in the plans of the building. John Dropcho is also involved in designing the inside layout of the museum.

Several Nanty Glo residents are asking whether the society had or needed a permit for the work being done in the theater. With no structural changes being made yet, there is no need for a permit. Removing of paneling, drywall and the old dropped ceiling is nearly 75 percent completed. We are also 75 percent done with the outside mortoring of the building and the paint on the front of the building has been removed.

The building has also passed the asbestos inspection by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Our fund raising "thermometer" sign now hangs in one of the front windows of the future museum for all to see.

The August 16th meeting was our "work" meeting with several members getting things ready to take to the Vintondale Homecoming on September 1st. and 2nd. We will once again be using our tent for the event and last two days of selling of the raffle tickets with the drawing being on Sunday afternoon.

Included are some photos (above and below) … The Nanty Glo Homecoming exhibit (top and bottom) and the display of woodcarvings done by the late Frank Weight, Jr. (below). These were displayed at the Jackson Twp. Heritage Festival.

Barb Hakanen
NGTAMHS

Nant-Y-Glo Tri Area Museum and Historical Society
Overview of the Meeting of June 7, 2007,
7 p.m. at the Nanty Glo Library building

Most of the time at this meeting was given over to discussion and making decisions on our building. At this time all the contents of the building have been removed, with leftover sale items going to St. Vincent DePaul's and St. Mary's Church for their sale later this summer.

We are now in the process of getting the outside of the building acid cleaned, tuck-pointed, and sealed before winter. This is a big undertaking and may be a very expensive one. All the old signs that were on the building have been taken down and that alone has given it much a cleaner look.

The parking lot was also discussed at the meeting. The lot to the north (toward the traffic light) has been leased to us from Nanty Glo Borough and we will fill in, grade, and spread shale for this rear entry/exit parking area.

Other happenings:

Several old photos were donated to the Society from Ron Rozsi of the Heisley and Webster Mine area and also of a local fire. Other donated photos from one of our newest members, Rita McGuire, were of several Teeter school classes, along with a very old family photo.

July will be a busy month for all of us with the Nanty Glo Homecoming at the Park and Pool on July 7th and the Jackson Heritage Festival on July 21 and 22.

Raffle Tickets are going well and this drawing will be at the Vintondale Homecoming on Labor day weekend with the drawing on Sunday, September 2 at 3 p.m. (Scroll down to the May report to see the list of prizes.)

The basket party will be held on September 16th at St. Nicholas Church Hall in Nanty Glo.

Memberships for 2007-08 are now coming in and the funds are being thankfully received and prudently used by the Society.

The above information is only an overview of the happenings at the meeting and not the official minutes of the meeting. —Barb Hakanen

Remember the Nanty Glo Polka? Click here for a report about NTAMHS participation at Nanty Glo Homecoming on July 7.

Overview of the Meeting of the NGTAMHS on May 3, 2007,
7 p.m. at the Nanty Glo Library, 14 in attendance

Officers for 2007: Janet Toth, President; Barb Hakanen Vice President; Barbara Teeter, Secretary, and Jim Toth Treasurer.

Minutes read - Treasurer's Report given

Letter Drive Report: So far it is very encouraging. Address list for the next mailing in process of finalization. Next mailing will be the Nanty Glo area, Vintondale, and Blacklick Township. Meeting with Steve from Municipal Marketing Services set for Mon. May 7th.

Puzzles: The second puzzle is going very well thanks to Jim Lauffer's article in the Journal. Mail orders also coming in.

Indoor Yard Sale: To be held on Saturday, May 19, from 9 to 3 at our new building. Jim and the boys went in and scrubbed floors and got things in order. We will be at the building to price and set up on May 17th, a Thursday, from 9:30 AM to ? Everything must go!

The Nanty Glo Homecoming: We have purchased an 18 x 20 enclosed canopy that we will use at this event. The date is July 7th and the location will be the Park and Pool in Nanty Glo.

Raffle Tickets: Jim Toth met with the Vintondale Council and we have permission to do the drawing for the raffle ticket at the Vintondale Homecoming on Sept 2nd at 3 p.m. The value of the tickets' 34 prizes is $1,015 (see copy above). The top prize is $250 and the Vintondale Homecoming committee has also donated $100 for the "last winner present" at the time of the drawing. Cost of the ticket is $5 each and can be purchased from the members of the NGTAMHS or at the Nanty Glo Library.

Jackson Township Heritage Festival: July 21 and 22nd. This year we will have our photo contest at the festival instead of the Nanty Glo Homecoming because of the indoor location in Jackson. Entry requirement forms are at the Nanty Glo Library and can be picked up there. Prizes are as follows:

1st Prize a Ritz Camera Card
2nd Prize $30
3rd Prize $20 and
Two honorable mentions each receiving a $10 prize.
All five winners will receive a one year membership to the Society.

Basket Party: The date is set for September 16th at St. Nicholas Church Hall on Second Street.

The above information is only an overview of the happenings at the meeting and not the official minutes.

Barb Hakanen

The Nant-Y-Glo Tri Area Museum and Historical Society is presenting the second in a series of puzzles featuring local historic scenes. This time the Society is offering Jackson Township's Eight-Sided Esso Station in Mundy's Corner. This station was located at the intersection of then Routes 219 and 22 at Mundy's Corner and in front of Luther's Restaurant. This should bring back memories to many from the area.

The cost of the puzzle is $25 and may be purchased at the Nanty Glo Library or orders cab be sent to NGTAMHS at 942 Roberts Street, Nanty Glo, PA 15943. Please add $5 for shipping and handling. Checks should be made out to NGTAMHS. Please allow three to four weeks for delivery.

Money made from the sale of the puzzles will go toward the establishing of our new home on Shoemaker Street (scroll down for more information).

Overview of the Meeting of the NGTAMHS on February 3, 2007,
Saturday 10 a.m. in Nanty Glo Library

This was our second Saturday morning meeting. There will be another on March 3 and then we'll return to our regular schedule of the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Nanty Glo Library.

Present: Janet Toth, Barb Teeter, Jim Toth, Nancy DeBiase, Rich McDowell, Jim Lauffer. Dennis and Cindy Dixon, and Barb Hakanen.

Deed & Survey: We have received both the deed for our building and the survey of the property. 

Insurance: The insurance on volunteers (as well as board members and active members of the society) while working on the building, or at an event, went into effect on February 1.

Building: The furnace has been serviced and checked out. Rich McDowell will arrange to have the oil delivered on Monday, February 5. A new thermostat has also been installed.  A meeting has been set up for February 15 at 8:30 a.m. to meet with a man from Green, to talk to us about the improvements and changes in the building and how we may do it all in an "earth friendly" way.

Packet for the PA Historical Commission: Jim Toth reported that the packet has been sent to the Historical Commission with all the requirements needed. We may not hear anything on this for two or three months. Our next step will be an Organizational Grant.

Fund Raising:

Sale: A sale will be happening in our building come spring. Items from the contents of the building, along with items donated, will be sold.

Raffle Tickets: We will again be selling raffle tickets this year with prizes to be given out at the Nanty Glo Homecoming in July.

Two additional events were discussed for fund raising and more information will come on these ideas at a later date.

Please note: The above is only an overview of the happenings at the meeting and not the official minutes done by our Secretary Barbara Teeter.      

Sincerely,  
Barb Hakanen

Overview of the Meeting of the NGTAMHS on January 13, 2007

ONLY TWO PUZZLES LEFT!

Officers for 2007: are Janet Toth, president;  Barb Hakanen, vice president;  Barbara Teeter, secretary; and Jim Toth, treasurer.

Meetings for January, February and March will be held on the first Saturday of the month in the Nanty Glo Library at 10 a.m. This will be done so those who must drive long distances at night will have a safer environment.

Committee Reports:

Insurance Options: It was voted on and passed to buy insurance on our volunteers. This would cover all volunteers and also us, while working on the building or at different functions during the next year. Jim Toth will keep a log of all work done and this will be given to the insurance company each month. The number of volunteers and hours worked will determine our total premium for the year. The base premium is $175. We will try this and see if it will work with our limited finances. 

Building Report: Right now most of the work on the furnace is completed.

Rich H. will contact Danny Hoover to have the furnace checked out and serviced. Rich McDowell will call for oil prices. Currently, we have one-quarter tank of oil. Most of the old stage has been removed and new lighting has been put in the basement for the food pantry.

Letter Fund Drive Report:  Steve, from Municipal Marketing Services, will be sending the packet soon with all the addresses and the committee will set up a meeting to be sure we don’t have doubles listed.

Post Card Book: Bill wants to include more than just postcards. Donna, John and Bill will be the committee on this book.

Puzzles: We have only two left and they will be gone soon. It was decided to do the second one of something in Jackson Township and have it ready for the Jackson Township Festival by July 20-22.

2007 Events to be planned

Events include:

Spring Sale at our new home. Date not yet set.

Nanty Glo Homecoming Days   July 4^th weekend.

      Jackson Twp. Festival                          July 20-22     

Projects include:

            Three or four items for sale were discussed.

December 3, 2002

The Nant-Y-Glo Tri-Area Museum and Historical Society (NTAMHS) has released a long-awaited CD-ROM multimedia program dynamically recreating and illustrating aspects of Blacklick Valley's history, commerce, and daily life. Playable on Windows-operating-system personal computers equipped with CD drives, it is available now and can make an excellent holiday gift for anyone with roots in the Valley.

Self-paced interactive viewing of the dozens of topics dealt with on the CD is estimated by project director John Dropcho to take about three hours, but the time spent on a particular photo, poem, or historical account is entirely at the discretion of each viewer. The presentations, accompanied by music, are organized under the major topics "At Work," "Daily Life," "History," "Memorabilia," and "Then and Now," as shown in the title slide shown above. Under history, it includes photographs and brief notes on each of 57 casualties of World War II from Blacklick Valley, which were garnered from newspapers' coverage and are shown as slides, for example.

Specifically, "the CD contains approximately 545 old photographs, 30 informative essays on local topics," with original music for each item, all woven together to form the content of the CD, an NTAMHS promotional release says.

The CD is available for a $15 donation to the Nant-Y-Glo Tri-Area Museum and Historical Society, a nonprofit educational and tax-exempt entity established to preserve the area's history and historical artifacts and promote them through such projects. John Dropcho, a retired art instructor at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania whose background is in Nanty Glo, is one of the founders of the NTAMHS and its current vice president. Credits for contributions to the project list several dozen individuals.

The CD is available at the Nanty Glo Public Library, 942 Roberts Street, Nanty Glo, PA 15943, which is also the address of NTAMHS. Requests for mailed copies should include an additional $2 for shipping and handling.

Ann Louise (Little) Jensen gives Society historic NHS yearbook, WWII scrapbook

Report of meeting of December 6 2001

(Reported by Barbara Hakanen)

Nanty Glo, December 6, 2001—The meeting of the Nant-Y-Glo Tri-Area Museum and Historical Society on December 6, 2001, resulted in a decision being made about our newsletter being done twice a year, a spring edition and fall edition.

The CD being prepared about Nanty Glo on behalf of the Society is coming along nicely, but we do not yet know when it will be completed. Lots of work has gone into this, and John Dropcho is the one carrying most of the workload for this project.

We were pleased to accept a gift from Ann Louise (Little) Jensen, who taught school at the Wagner building for many years. She gave the Society her 1938 yearbook from Nanty Glo High School. This, she said, was the first year there was a yearbook. She also gave us every photo of the many class reunions held over the years. But perhaps the greatest gift she gave the Society was a large black Scrapbook she kept during the years of World War II. The Scrapbook contains poems, photos, and postcards she saved over this time period. She would cut out the many photos of the local men and women who went to fight that war and there are pages and pages of photos.

The Society has taken the book apart (and put it back together again) and photocopied the pictures. We have put them in alphabetical order, into a 3-ring binder that is now in the NTAMHS bookcase at the Nanty Glo Public Library. The Post Cards, most sent to her father, Elmer Little, have also been photocopied front and back and are also in the binder. We invite the public to stop in and take a look...

After the meeting we had a small Christmas party... BLH

Report of meeting of June 22, 2000

(Reported by Barbara Hakanen)

Nanty Glo, June 23, 2000—In the meeting last night we discussed mostly fund raising. We are considering sweatshirts/T-shirts, etc., with the Logo on. We have a great little shop here in town owned by O'Farrell's (located on Lloyd Street across from the Methodist Church). They do embroidery work (computers can do almost anything) and they are beautiful. Jennifer will be working up some colors for us. John Dropcho was absent (couldn't be helped) so he was not there when we were talking about the colors of the Logo and doesn't even know about it yet (being away for several days). The colors will not be like the one you have. I believe Jennifer will do a completely new one. We hope to be able to offer them soon but LOTS of details to be worked out.

We are also in the process of becoming incorporated.

Bill Martin gave us a great item in the Journal. Front page with the picture of the Logo... Great.

Report of meeting of May 25, 2000

Nanty Glo, May 26, 2000—Bylaws, membership, mission statements, accession papers, and tax forms were among the items considered at last night's meeting.

The eleven attendees included two new participants, Nancy Bracken Debiase and Dez Warzel, both of the Blacklick Township.

The NTAMHS logo was reported to be delayed a bit because of an accident involving John Dropcho, codirector and artist in charge of the project, who hopes to have it done by next meeting.

An organization email address has been set up at libertyproject1@verizon.net. The possibility of having Denise Duzsa Weber coming to speak to the group about her Vintondale history book was discussed but tabled on a report that she is in Europe.

Next meeting will be June 8, 7 p.m., at the Nanty Glo Public Library. All interested members of the community are welcome. By that meeting, codirector Barbara Hakanen reported, she and Donna Davis hope to have prepared a space in the upper floor of the Library for a “historical corner.”

Report of organizational meeting, May 11 2000

Nanty Glo, May 12, 2000—Twelve community members met last night at the Nanty Glo Public Library to formally organize a community museum and historical society.

Barbara Hakanen reported that those attending included John & Helena Dropcho, Donna Davis, Dennis Dixon, Theresa Golias, Rich Ondriezek, Greg O'Farrell, Bill Martin, Zelda Dugan, Bob Mulvehill, Rich Hakanen and herself. The name chosen for the group is The Nant-Y-Glo Tri-Area Museum and Historical Society. A Logo of an open mine entrance with farming on one side to represent Jackson Township and lumbering on the other for Blacklick Valley.

They decided that the names of Jackson Township and Blacklick Township will be on the Logo but not on the address, as it would be too long. John Dropcho is working on the logo

Officers chosen at the meeting are: codirectors, John Dropcho and Barbara Hakanen; secretary, Donna Davis; treasurer, Theresa Golias. The group agreed to meet biweekly until the forming process and paper work is mostly accomplished. The next meeting will be Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m., at the Library, with all interested members of the community invited to participate.

They agreed to set up email accounts for the organization and its officers through Hotmail. The society web page will be added to the Nanty Glo Home Page Internet site, and its proprietor, Jon Kennedy, volunteered and was asked to set it up and maintain it. The Logo will be added to it as soon as it is completed.

The society's mailing address will be:
          Nant-Y-Glo Tri-Area Museum & Historical Society
          942 Roberts Street
          Nanty Glo, PA 15943

Mrs. Hakanen predicted the project "is going to be a long time coming, but how can you have anything unless you start toward the goal?" She said suggestions are welcome.

Appraisal Day May 19, 2001 (click here for photos)
The Nant-Y-Glo Tri Area Museum & Historical Society held a small version of the “Antiques Road Show” APPRAISAL DAY with Professional Appraiser Jeffery Rouse of New Alexandria.

OTHER RELATED ARTICLES

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• Historical Society inaugural successful
• Nanty Glo Historical Society inaugural meeting set
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