Society publishes history booklet

September 1, 2010

The story of how the Sisters of St. Agnes came to Nanty Glo to occupy the St. Mary's Church convent and become the faculty of the adjacent parochial school, serialized in former editions of the NTAMHS Newsletter, is now available as a single publication, complete in 12 pages. It is now at sale at the Nanty Glo Public Library and the Historical Society for $2. Contact ngtamhs@itxbb.net to order or for additional information.

Raffle winners picked at spaghetti dinner

June 23, 2010

Nanty Glo Mayor Steve Szymusiak, left, was pressed into service to pick the winning tickets at the NTAMHS fund-raising spaghetti dinner at St. Mary's Hall on June 20. Historical Society president Helen Dropcho called out the winning names.

Meat Raffle, Grand Prize: James Ellis, Nanty Glo.

Second Prize: Emilie Bowman Nanty Glo.

Third Prize: Tom Kuhar, Vintondale.

Fourth Prize: Donna Stephen, Nanty Glo.

Door Prize: Madeline Martinazzi, Nanty Glo.

Pirate tickets basket: Leona Shuty, Munster.

A financial report on the fundraiser will be sent separately.

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

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

Quilt winner

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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).

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.

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

• NTAMHS hosts local Appraisal Day for antiques, collectables
• NTAMHS hosts Nantyglo, Wales, exhibit in Nanty Glo
  (includes 8 pages of photos)
• Nant-Y-Glo Tri-Area Museum & Historical Society Logo
• Historical Society inaugural successful
• Nanty Glo Historical Society inaugural meeting set
• A call for a Nanty Glo historical society and museum
• Creating an accurate Nanty Glo 'myth'