March 201 7 Newsletter

Connellsville Historical Society Newsletter

by Karen Hechler, President

An Update of the Gibson House"Very soon scaffolding will be seen around the Gibson House asMatthew Humes of Humes Masonry will begin a major project ofrepointing and cleaning the exterior walls of the historic GibsonHouse. This project has been a long time in the process of getting itunderway The Gibson House was originally built in 1818, making itone of the oldest structures if not the oldest structure in the city ofConnellsville. Many repairs have been made to the building since2002 when two major fires did great damage to the building. Butnothing has been done to the exterior under our tenure of owningthe building. Earlier repairs over the years to the exterior had beenmakeshift and not in keeping with the magnificent cut stone used inthe construction. Experts on cut stone buildings are impressed withthe workmanship displayed in the construction of the GibsonHouse. But in some cases, cement was used to make repairs ratherthan mortar which should have been used. There are areas where themortar has fallen out and not been replaced at all.

In 2016, the Connellsville Area Historical Society applied for aFayette County Hotel Tax Grant to repair the Gibson House. Be-cause of the cost to do the job completely (estimates ranged from$60,000 to $100.000), the Society decided to ask for a grant to do a

March 201? Newsletter

portion of the exterior instead of the entire job. We were granted$14,400 for the job with the specification that the entire exteriorhad to be completed. None of the money could be released until allthe money was acquired for the entire job.

Not having nearly enough money for the entire job, I wentto the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority Director, Michael

Edwards, to see what grants were available for such a project.Michael found a possible match with the Allegheny Foundation.Michael brought Matthew Groll of the Allegheny Foundation toview the Gibson House. He toured the building and was very im-pressed with the craftsmanship displayed in this historic building.Then we had to wait and see if the project would be funded.

The Connellsville Redevelopment Authority received a letterdated December 21, 2016, stating that the Trustees of the AlleghenyFoundation approved a grant in the amount of $56,000 to be usedfor the repointing/restoration of the Historic Gibson House. Of thatamount $45,600 will be joined with the match of $14,400 from theLaurel Highlands Visitors Bureau Tourist Grant Program to makethe $60,000 needed for the restoration expenses.

I informed Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau that the match-ing funds were in place, and the first of two checks in the amount of$7,200 was released to the Historical Society. Once this amount isspent on the project, the second check will be released.

Matt Humes is anxious to begin this project. This is thelargest project that Matt, an up and coming young businessman,has taken on. I am sure that he will do a great job because this job,hopefully, will lead to additional work for Humes Masonry. Socome to the Gibson House this spring and watch the tremendousrevitalization of this magnificent historical building in Con-nellsville which marks the important place that the iron industryhas played in Connellsville history. This home was the iron mas-ters home, and it has survived all these years and now will be re-turned to its former glory. The Connellsville Area Historical Soci-ety is so proud to have saved and restored this vital part of ourcity's heritage.

The repointing of the Gibson House joins other projects inthe restoration of the Gibson House. In Fall 2016, the shed in therear of the Gibson House was repaired and painted. Over the

March

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years, the shed had sustained damage and the paint had began tochip. The Connellsville Area Historical Society was contacted byJacob Hutchinson who wanted to help. Hutchinson is a Boy Scoutin Troop 101, which is based out of Otterbein United MethodistChurch and is the oldest troop in Fayette County. The repaintingof the shed was part of his project to become an Eagle Scout, thehighest ranking in the Boy Scouts of America. Before paintingcould begin on the shed, Bill Sechler, Connellsville Area Histori-cal Society member, repaired damages and prepped the structurefor painting. The Connellsville Historical Society would like tothank Jacob Hutchinson, Bill Sechler for restoring the shed andMargaret Molinaro for paint and materials!

Up Coming EventsAPRIL 19, 2017 - The Annual Meeting were we elect officers for

the coming year. The meeting has been moved to the 3rd Wednesdaydue to Holy Week. We will meet at 7:00 PM at the Gibson House.

Refreshments will be served. We will welcome Brian Reedy, Chief ofInterpretation from Fort Necessity National Battlefield, as a guest

speaker. He will present a program on the history of Fort Necessity,

1754-2017.

MAY 10, 2017 - We will welcome Ed Lybarger from the Pennsylva-

nia Trolley Museum, Washington PA to be our guest speaker. Mem-bers of the Trolley Museum have visited the Gibson House twice to

study our West Penn Collection from Bill Balsley. The have also

shared their wealth of material with us. So come out at 7:00 PM tolearn much about the trolleys. Refreshments will be served.

JUNE 14, 2017 - This is our Flag Day Picnic which falls on Flag Daythis year. So bring a covered dish, table service, and join us at 6:00

PM at the Balsley Pavilion for good food and fellowship.

JULY, 2017 - We are considering a field trip to the PennsylvaniaTrolley Museum in Washington, PA. Think about it, and come with

ideas at the Picnic as to how we can make this into a day trip.

AUGUST 9, 2017 - This is our Annual Corn Roast. You don't even

have to bring a covered dish. For a small fee, corn, hot dogs and

sauerkraut, fresh vegetables, dessert and beverages will be served.

or pnone SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 - TBA

March 2017 News!*

OCTOBER ii, 2017 - TEA

NOVEMBER 9 , 2017 - Veterans Day- Pride in Connellsville Re-ception at the Connellsville Presbyterian Church at 6:00 PM. Re-r /freshments will be served.

DECEMBER 6, 2017 - Annual Christmas Party at the Cochran

House in Dawson at 6:00 PM.

Recent Grants, Cash Contributions,and Improvements to the HistoricalSociety

by Karen Hechler, President In the spring of 2016, the Connellsville Area Historical Soci-ety was awarded an Operational grant of $6,487.50 from the Fayette

County Tourism Grant Program. The grant specifically listed howL 1 J 1_ T > r ' /-> • T -1_the money could be spent. Kent tor our room at Carnegie Library

i • - t - i • rwas approved, insurance costs, utility costs, and certain furnitureitems were approved, No money could be used for the BraddockCrossing event. We acquired several major items including: a printerscanner, a large screen television, a projector, lap top computer, andscreen. Thanks to Michael Edwards and Dan Cocks for shopping forthese items. We were also allowed to purchase four chairs for the

media room. Thanks to Susan Lewis those chairs were purchased,and Susan and Sarah assembled them.., The Historical Society must

provide 25% of the cost of the items that were approved.

This year, the Historical Society was granted an OperationalGrant from the Fayette County Hotel Tourism Grant in the amountof $4,837.50. That money can be spent only for rent, utilities and in-surance. We asked for shelving and display cases, but they were notapproved.

The Connellsville Rotary Club awarded the Historical Soci-jety $500.00 which helped in our expenses to host the Braddock's

Crossing of the Ifough. The Society also received a generous gift of$1,000.00 from William LaFranjchi of Verona, PA.

Last summer, Tony Keefer saw to it that a pressing issue wascorrected. We had no hot water at the Gibson House. So Tony

arranged to have a hot water tank that the Society purchased in-

March 2017 Newsletter

stalled. It is wonderful to have hot water to wash your hands and

clean up after serving refreshments.

We will soon be receiving our mail at the Gibson House. For

years, our mail has gone to the Carnegie Library, and someone had topick it up. Now thanks to Susan Lewis, the mail will go to us directly.

But we needed a safe way to have our mail delivered. So Ralph Shupp

and Mary Lou Bell have purchased the equipment for the mail slotand arranged for the mail slot to be installed in the wooden door on

the back porch of the Gibson House. Thans to Susan, Ralph andMary Lou.

The I4th Annual Braddock's Crossingby Karen Hechier, President of the

Originally, the Connellsville Area Historical Society wasseeking a special and unique way to commemorate the 25Oth an-

niversary of General Edward Braddock's march to Fort Duquesne in1755 during the French and Indian War which was known in Europe

as the Seven Ifears1 War. This early world war would determine, here

in America, whether England or France would dominate NorthAmerica.

My mentor, Bill Balsley, had often told me that he would liketo recreate Braddock's army's march across the Youghiogheny here

at Stewart's Crossing (now Connellsville). By the time of the 25<Dth

anniversary of the War for Empire here in the United States, Bill'shealth did not allow him to take a part in planning this event inConnellsville. But he lived long enough to know that we were goingto have the first crossing in 2005 as Connellsville's contribution to

this celebration that ran from 2003 to 2013.

Our event is quite unique. River crossings at the site of theoriginal crossing are rare. Having French, British, Colonial and Na-

tive Americans interacting with the public has been great. Actuallycrossing the Ifough behind the British Union Jack with the assistance

of New Haven Hose Company is a sight to see. The British, French

and American flags flying over Memorial Bridge takes my breathaway each year.

March 2017 Newsletter

The last two years, the weather and the river conditions have

made the actual crossing impossible, It is also difficult to find aBritish or Colonial soldier willing to lead the soldiers and civilians

across the river while carrying a flag.

Another problem is the expense of the event.; The re-enac-

tors expect to be paid for their time. The first few years, we had

money from the Bicentennial Committee. Then for 5 or 6 years, wewere able to get a grant from the Fayette County Hotel Tax to pay

the re-enactors and pay for some publicity. But the last two years,the committee which awards the hotel grants refuses to fund what it

calls salaries. These are not salaries but stipends for the re-enactors

for the two days of the event. Without the re-enactors there is noevent. The event costs about $3,000, and has always been free to the

public. The Historical Society cannot afford this expense withouthelp..

We will continue with this event for our i4th year, but theJ

future beyond that is unclear. If the county wants such events whichbring in tourists, then the Fayette County Tourism Hotel Grants

must help organizations with some of the expenses. New sources offinancing need to be found. The only money the Historical Society

makes comes from selling refreshments. Also we need volunteers to

help carry the event off and keep it a successful, enjoyable celebra-tion of Connellsville's varied and fascinating history I always re-

member Mr. W L. Lewis, history teacher at Connellsville HighSchool, saying, "We have more history here in southwestern Penn-

sylvania than anywhere else in the United States." If Mr. Lewis said

it, it must be true. And we need to tell our history to our children.Help us do this job!T T 1 J ^L- • _ t _ IHelp us do this job!

Deeds of ValorThe following transcription was "For six days we had been pounding at the rebels and for six daystaken from Deeds of Valor: How they had been pounding at us," says Sergeant Francis Marion Cun-America's Civil War Heroes won ningham of Co. H., First West Virginia Cavalry "In fact, the pound-the Congressional Medal of Hon- mg seemed to be one of the most popular pastimes. It was on theor, Beyer and Keydel (1903). afternoon of April 6th that we again came up with them in a strong

Transcription by Susan Lewis position on the thickly wooded banks of Sailor's Creek. They werebehind rude fortifications and the thick growth of underbrush kepttheir numbers concealed from us. We didn't know how many rebels

kirr.h 2017 Newsletter

FRANCIS M CUNNINGHAM.

First SfWHiU, (>». H. 1st \V. Vrt-Vet. Cav,

Burn in .Snin^rwt Co., I'**..

Portrait of Sergeant Francis Cunningham.

Image from Deeds of Valor.

were in those ditches until we charged. Then we got the informationin the most convincing manner all along our line. I was one of themen lowered to terra firma swiftly, my fine black charger being killedunder me. We were repulsed, and as we fell back over logs and inter-leaving vines, the rebel volleys continued thinning out the ranks.Men and beasts were floundering together in the dense thicket.

"I groped about with my eyes blinded with the smoke and fortunate-ly bumped squarely into a phlegmatic mule with a Confederate sad-dle on. He was taking in the scenery in the most nonchalant mannerand modifying the ennui of the situation by actually grazing there inthat screaming pandemonium of exploding shells.

"His saddle was slippery with the life-blood of some luckless "reb"who had fallen beneath one of our scattering volleys. There wasn'tmuch time to talk the thing over with the mule. I mounted him andhurried back through the woods to the clearing, where our forceswere rallying.

"In going back through the woods I made several observations per-tinent to the disposition and qualifications of that mule. Of all hisshining attainments two stood out as conspicuously as his ears. Hecould run very fast and I think he must have broken his own recordwhile I rode him.

Drawing of Sergeant Cunningham and his

donkey leaping over Confederate lines.

Image from Deeds oi Valor,

"He could jump like a steeplechaser and he seemed rather to prefertaking a four-foot stump to passing around it.

"Just as I reached the rallying troops the bugle sounded 'Charge'again and back we went at those breastworks over stumps andthrough drooping branches. It took my mule just about four jumpsto show that in an obstacle race he could outckss all others. He laidback his ears and frisked over logs and flattened out like a jackrabbit,when he had a chance to sprint. Soon I was ahead, far ahead of therest of the boys. That mule never even stopped when he came to thebreastworks. He switched his tail and sailed right over among therebs, landing near a rebel color-bearer of the Twelfth Virginia In-fantry.

'About all that I can remember of what followed was thatthe mule and I went after him. The color-bearer was a big brawnychap and he put up a game fight. But that mule had some new sidesteps and posterior upper-cuts that put the reb out of the game.

"A. sabre slash across the right arm made him drop his colors and I

grabbed them before they touched the ground."

The foregoing incident, humorously told by Sergeant Cun-ningham, was witnessed by General Custer, who was so delightedwith the plucky cavalryman's valorous deed that he at once placedhim on his own staff, and later recommended him for the Medal ofHonor. During his encounter with the color-bearer, Sergeant Cun-ningham was severely dealt with by rebels in the immediate vicinity,

who succeeded in wounding him twice before he captured the rebelcolors.

"Connellsviile Canteen Contribu-tion" Box donated to the Con-

nellsville Historical Society.

Collect, Protect & ShareWelcome to the Connellsviile Area Historical Society (CAHS) Ar-chive! My name is Sarah Reedy and I am the archivist for CAHS. Ithas been my great privilege to work for the CAHS for the past two

years. During that time, I have worked to organize the Society's(constantly growing) collection. The CAHS's collection ranges from

the papers of Zachariah Connell to the latest newspaper article onthe apple dumpling sales.

For this issue of the newsletter, I will be bringing youinto the archive and highlighting one of the items in ourcollection. One of the many items the CAHS has ac-

cepted into its collection this year is a collection box.

This box was donated to the CAHS in December 2016by Rim Wagner. This unassuming box measuring 51/4"

X 8" X 3 1/2" holds a very special place in Connellsville'shistory. This contribution box collected donations for

Connellsville's Canteen and was mounted in Con-nellsville's street cars during World War II.

The Connellsviile Canteen was established on

February 27,1944 by Mrs. John J. Brady and other resi-dents of Connellsviile. The men and women involved in the runningthe Canteen were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and wives of

soldiers. Their common desire was to show kindness and serve afresh meal to service members traveling though Connellsviile on

their way to training or war. Unlike other canteens across the coun-try, Connellsville's Canteen provided FREE food and drink to ser-vice men and women. From the letters of service members and their

rfamilies, we know that this free service was greatly appreciated.

March 2017 Newsletter

The collection of donations was critical to the running of the

Canteen. Donations were collected through several different av-enues. The ladies who worked at the Canteen made donations to a"Cleaning Fund," which helped keep the Canteen clean and hos-pitable to visitors. Donations also came from local businesses, who

donated kitchen equipment and other items. For those individuals

unable to donate supplies or volunteer, monetary donations weremore than welcome. The street car contribution box enabled men

and women to support their service members and keep the Con-nellsville Canteen free. In a time of war, the Connellsville communi-

ty chose to unite instead of fracture.

Meet Edward H. Lybarger

Ed Lybarger is the Archives Manager at Pennsylvania Trolley Muse-um, where he has been a member since 1969. He oversees a collec-

tion that occupies over 10,000 square feet of space and dates fromthe 18705; it contains photographs, documents, ephemera and mis-

cellaneous artifacts from trolley companies throughout Pennsylvania

(and West Virginia and Ohio, as well).

Ed is well versed in electric railway history in general, but his special

interest is West Penn Railways. For more than 30 years he has beenaccumulating photographs and studying the history of this large in-

terurban railway, with the intent of writing a detailed company his-

tory He has located resources across the country as well as here inWestern Pennsylvania, and has brought these together for the May10 program.

Ed is a retired hearing aid specialist who continues to be active in hisindustry, most recently having chaired a working group that pro-

duced three books which provide the basic educational material re-quired by newcomers to the field. Although his degree is in Business

Administration from Thiel College in Greenville PA, his first inter-est is industrial history, confirmed by his work at the Trolley Muse-

um and his research.

Along with others from the trolley museum, Ed has utilized theholdings here at the Historical Society in his research, and has

shared with the Society material from the museum archive that willbe of interest locally.

Remember that a gift from the Historical Society would be welcomed by friends and family who nolonger live in the Connellsville Area. Our Donna Campbell Allen prints of the Carnegie Library, thetwo trolley prints, or the Gibson House would be great gifts. Check out our many books likeCentennial History of Connellsville, 1906 Centennial booklet, 2006 Bicentennial booklet, AroundConnellsville, Colonel Crawford t-shirts, historic Connellsville throw blanket, etc. These items can bepurchased at the Appalachian Creativity Center in Connellsville.

Don't Forget to Pay Your Dues!

Individual —$15.00 Family — $25.00 Lifetime (55+$ —$150.00

The Gibson House is open for research and visiting on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00AM to3:OOPM. To make an appointment to research, please call (724) 628-5640.