#243 CHRISTMAS 2020

2 – Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243

Gram’s Table

On the cover: Merry Christmas!

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By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine t was just a rectangular oak table that my grandmother bought secondhand from a friend, with three matching chairs. My grandmother always sat in her chair. It was a big Captain’s chair that had wooden arms, and Grandma usually plopped down on two or three pillows mounded up on the seat. Sometimes, when lots of people came over on Sundays or on a big fancy occasion, we pulled Gram’s table apart to make it a little bigger (with an extra leaf hidden under the top), but usually, everyone just crowded around it and sat on whatever chairs we could scape together. If there weren’t an extra seat – you leaned against the kitchen counter or hung out in a doorway.

The edges of her table always felt like there was some kind of waxy build-up on it from years of furniture polish, I guess.

I remember digging my fingernails in some of the etched parts of the wood and it seemed soft there. And, years later, underneath the table, I found a big secret hiding place. With nine kids in the family who all lived through the Great De-

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pression, I guess they all stuck chewing gum underneath it – to save for another chewing: Waste not-want not. After almost 100 years, some of that gum is still there, hardened and glued to the wood.

Now, I know it sounds weird, but I can’t bring myself to pry if off– it’s like it belongs to the table, and I don’t want to remove any memories, not even of the chewing gum.

Gram always had a table cloth on it, well, sort of - oil cloth, something to protect it. Then, a fancy table cloth went on top of that oil cloth protection.

Different holidays hosted different table toppings and food, but you could always find Gram’s sugar bowl that looked like an ear of corn displayed there on the top of the table.

Christmas time was a busy place for Gram’s table. I remember pages and pages of discarded newspaper covering the whole top of it on Christmas Eve while my aunt fried fish on the nearby gas range. She stood there, wearing an old flowered apron, her hand on one hip and a big smile on her face as she held a big spatula. Fishing out the fried smelts from a deep pot filled with bubbling hot oil, my aunt offered every Christmas Eve visitor a sample. Speaking of fish, the table was covered with the spiny carcasses of the fried smelts that had already been devoured. I remember staring at the delicate boney skeletons and the silver flecks of skin that piled up there on grease-stained newsprint - a holiday graveyard of the Italian delicacy.

Usually, that night, we all crowded around Gram’s table in her little yellow kitchen in the dim light of the overhead florescent ring. No matter how many people dropped by, we always seemed to fit somehow. We dug into the aluminum pie tins filled with her Christ-

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Gram’s Table Continued from previous page

mas cookies, but there were also a few fancy paper plates filled with goodies that the neighbors sent over for the holidays. Gram’s cookies were typically zeppoli, pizzelle, Italian wedding cookies and biscotti.

The neighbors, on the other hand, usually sent over chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter blossoms.

Sometimes, there was even a stray pecan tassie or a snowball cookie rolled in extra powdered sugar.

Me, I was always fascinated by cookies that were different than what we had at Gram’s, and I dove right for the cut-out and fancy iced sugar cookies that a lady friend had gifted to her.

I always had the job of replenishing the troops – that is, going down to the coal cellar to get more goodies. Gram kept them down there because it was chilly on the broken cement. Big bushel baskets lined with old pieces of discarded table clothes held mounds and mounds of her golden honey twisters. Other baskets were stuffed with pizzelle and biscotti. I could smell

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almond and anise and the coal furnace as I shoved some more cookies into a couple baskets and hauled them up the uneven steps to the kitchen.

So, with a fresh stash of cookies, we all sat around Gram’s oak table, drinking coffee from her aluminum drip coffee pot that was boiling on the white gas stove.

We didn’t have any fancy caramel or vanilla creamers or anything – just whole milk right out of the glass milk jug. I liked my coffee with lots of sugar from Gram’s cornshaped sugar bowl. Most of the conversation was in Italian, and there was a lot of yelling and hand waving and fist banging – but that was just the way we were: excited for the holiday and happy to be family.

If a genie could grant me a wish, it would be to sit at the old table again and drink coffee and eat cookies with all my relatives in the little yellow kitchen.

We could talk and talk and talk until we heard Dad impatiently blow the car horn because he was tired warming up the car and he wanted to begin the journey back home. And, I would kiss my grandmother goodbye and give her a hug, until we were together again– at Gram’s table.

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A Farewell to Former Punxsutawney Resident and Facebook Baking Sensation Lucy Pollock

By Madasyn Lee Tribune-Review

L

ucy Pollock loved her fans.

As star of the popular “Baking With Lucy” Facebook page, the 98-yearold from Latrobe would spend hours reading and re-reading messages from her supporters.

Because her eyesight wasn’t the best, her daughter would sometimes have to read stuff to her.

“She would read it and then she would call me over and she’d say, ‘Mary, you got to read this,’ ” her daughter, Mary Ellen Raneri, said. “And I’d read it again. I’d read it just like I read it the first time.”

Lucy Pollock died unexpectedly over the weekend from lung infections. She also had tested positive for covid-19, her daughter said.

“It’s quite an eye-opener for us and for everybody, and so ironic that what she struggled so hard to help people with eventually ended up hurting her,” Mary Ellen Raneri said.

“Baking With Lucy” began in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Mary Ellen Raneri started sharing Pollock’s baking skills on live Facebook sessions as a way to offer connection and encouragement to others during quarantine.

Since then the page has taken off — with close to 40,000 followers — earning Pol-

lock worldwide recognition, an upcoming cookbook and a national television appearance on NBC’s “Today” show on Nov. 18.

The baking sessions were normally held on Sundays.

Mary Ellen’s husband, Phil Raneri, would capture the lessons on his cellphone.

Mary Ellen Raneri said her mom was by no means camera shy, and told her daughter not worry if she ever made a mistake on camera.

Once, when canning sandwich spread during a show, Mary Ellen Raneri realized she had forgotten to add an ingredient before sealing the cans. Her mother good-naturedly said, “Well, take it out. We’ll do it again.”

Lucy Pollock, the 98-year-old Latrobe woman who became a “That was my mom — she Facebook sensation for her Sunday baking lessons died Sunday, could fix anything,” she Nov. 22, 2020. Photos courtesy of Mary Ellen Raneri. said. “Build anything, fix It begins with a display of photos of Polanything, sew anything, make anything.” lock from when she was younger before The Raneris shared the news about Polswitching to the Raneris. lock’s passing in a video posted to the “I can’t believe that I’m sitting here on a Facebook page on Sunday.

Sunday morning doing this,” Mary Ellen The roughly 10-minute long video had Raneri said. “Because at this point we’d all more than 3,000 likes, more than 2,500 be scurrying around, yelling at each other comments and close to 40,000 views as of - Continued on next page early Sunday afternoon.

My Mother's Love of Our Hometown

By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine My mom loved Punxsutawney. Her years living there were probably some of the happiest days of her life. She loved every part of it, from shopping at the Quaker Market, to the A&P and the Comet Market, to visiting the fruit market that was up by the Dairy Queen.

Mom adored browsing in the 5 and 10 cent store and J.C. Penney’s. She gabbed with the folks at the drug store, and she belonged to Saints Cosmas and Damian church. She walked to town from Fairview sometimes, just to window shop at Harl’s Shoe Store, Montgomery Wards or Polly’s Fashion Shop. She liked to go to the Jefferson Theatre with Daddy and me, and she loved to eat at Ruth and Harry’s – especially fish on Fridays.

Lucy worked as a manager at the Kroger store in town for a while. Later, she was employed by the Bureau of Employment Security when it was located on Pine Street. She enjoyed her job, her fellow co-workers and helping other people.

My mother cherished her home in Fairview, a house that she and my father built in the ‘50s. Everyone was welcome at our house for some fresh baked cookies or to sample some of her cinnamon buns.

Originally from Homer City, PA, Mom and Dad moved to Punxsutawney when my father was stationed at Troop C Headquarters.

Mom lived there until they moved in 2003; however, my parents’ hearts will always remain in our hometown.

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family right now and I can tell you how I feel, and you can understand that she ‘s a wonderful, remarkable person and she went out with a blast.”

Mary Ellen Raneri said she is grateful to her mother’s fans, who she said made a huge impact on her mother’s life.

After Mary Ellen’s father died, Pollock was in a dark place for a while.

The baking page changed all that.

“You guys gave her a second chance to feel useful and to feel like a contributing person to society,” Mary Ellen Raneri said.

Pollock was admitted to the hospital on Friday, Nov. 20, for a lung infection, according to a post on the Facebook page. On Saturday, Nov. 21, they received a call that Pollock was doing better, and they thought she would be coming home.

Then, later Saturday, the hospital called again.

Mary Ellen Raneri said she was able to go to the hospital in order to say goodbye.

She sang the song “You Are My Sunshine” to her mother. She seemed happy and at peace, Mary Ellen Raneri said. She died at 3 a.m. Sunday.

“I feel like my heart is breaking right now,” Mary Ellen Raneri said. “But I wanted to tell everybody that I think right now she’s in a really good place, and I’m

going to go with that.”

The Raneris will go ahead with the cookbook, as planned.

“They’re actually coming tomorrow, but unfortunately it’s going to be delayed a little bit longer,” Phil Raneri said.

Mary Ellen Raneri said she and her mother would go back and forth, sometimes for up to 10 hours a day, about what should go in the cookbook.

They would argue about every recipe. Sometimes it would be over something as simple as adding nutmeg, or what a baking time should be.

After her mother would storm off, she would come back and tell her daughter they needed to make whatever it was they had been arguing about, even if it was late at night. So at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. they’d be getting out ingredients for pumpkin rolls or sugar cookies.

“My mother was true to whatever she was committed to,” Mary Ellen Raneri said.

Mary Ellen Raneri said she never really knew how much she admired her mom until they started working together on the cookbook.

“I don’t think I knew how much I loved my mom until we started to do this project together,” she said. “I loved her, but I don’t think I knew how much I admired her. She

was an amazing person.”

Mary Ellen Raneri said she will continue to post her mother’s recipes on the page, but she acknowledged that she’s not her mother and will not try to be.

“We’re going to do everything that Lucy wanted,” Mary Ellen Raneri said.

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Rural School Christmas Past: Personal Windows

By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine hile searching for a particular piece of childhood art, several items turned up among the many, many memories preserved for me by my mother. They begin with kindergarten. This is more unusual than most

W

Perry Township. Our teacher the first three years was Miss Louise Bish; the fourth year, Mrs. Hazel McGee was our teacher. Shilling was closed in 1957 and we students in grades 1-6 were bussed to Hamilton; older students went to Valier.

At Hamilton, Miss Nancy Sprankle presided over grades one through four in the first classroom; Mrs. Esther Powell taught grades five through eight in the second classroom.

In the one-room school experience, individual grades, or sometimes two grades together, had their separate classes in all subjects while other grades worked quietly at their seats, able to see and hear everyone’s instruction. Some classes, however, were held with all students par-

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From the early 1950s, this “imaginary tree” is paint on construction paper. The unwrapped present in the upper left was meant to represent a doll-sized bunk bed.

will imagine. Kindergarten classes were not taught in the rural schools surrounding Punxsutawney in the early 1950s.

Nevertheless, my cousin Bob Roderick and I both had the kindergarten experience. Bob was able to go to Mary A. Wilson Elementary School because his parents temporarily rented a place in town while their new home was under construction. They had been living in Grange with our grandparents. In my case, my mother undertook the task of driving me to town each day to attend kindergarten at Jenks Hill. Like all my early school years, however, I was out sick much of the time. My kindergarten experience ended by Christmas. I remember well attending the Christmas program presented by older students. I do not remember receiving Mrs. Shick’s Christmas gift, a tiny calendar inside a tiny construction paper Christmas tree card, but there it was in my box of school papers.

For grades one through four, Bob and I attended the Shilling school at Grange in

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Miss Bish.

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1944 Punxsutawney High School Mirror, PAHGS Mirror collection.

ticipating—music, art—even parliamentary procedure. Songbooks and group singing were regular activities. Art often featured holiday projects, and many were individual creative works of beginning artists. Other projects allowed students to

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Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243 – 7

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paste on a paper towel or in a paper cup at his or her desk. Beyond paper chains, Continued from previous page however, there were all sorts of other use techniques to improve the look of the things to create—ornaments in the form finished piece, something appreciated by of Christmas balls, stars, angels, candy those who felt themselves to be artisticanes, Christmas bells. Many remember stringing popcorn.

Fran Hinderliter Kennedy remembers one of her teachers at Snyder school in Ringgold Township, Max Graham, creating wreaths and bringing in crepe paper for decorations. A household cleaning product, Glass Wax®, sold sets of Christmas stencils, and these were fun to use for school windows. The liquid, intended to be used for cleaning windows and mirwithout A package of Christmas-themed stencils, such as candles, trees, angels, rors reindeer, Holy Family, Santa, snowflakes and ornaments, was to be used streaks, could be with the Glass Wax® liquid on mirrors or windowpanes. Popular in the daubed on the 1950s, it is similar to those used at Shilling school for window decorations stencil as it was and very likely the stenciled program cover. held up to the wincally challenged. We did a lot of tracing dowpane. It dried white, creating the look at the many schoolroom windows. We did of artificial snow, and could easily be a lot of drawing while looking at sample washed away after the holidays. No one pictures. We did a lot of cutting out of patmentioned having any sort of electric tern shapes. All of these were then emChristmas lights. In fact, some schools bellished with crayon, watercolor or did not have electricity until later. colored chalk and shiny stars or glitter.

Programs Lois Mauk Hollis remembers making Not everyone specifically remembers construction paper Santas with moveable there being special programs. However, eyes using brass tacks. The most memoat least one program took place at Shilling rable Christmas school experience for in spite of my having no memory of it. It Shirley Sharp of Henderson Township is likely that there were usually special was the one she and her siblings were Christmas programs, some scheduled in forced to miss because they were quaranthe afternoon, others in the evening, but tined with measles; their creativity took all designed so that parents could attend. place at home.

All such remembered programs included As the 2020 holiday season approaches, Christmas musical selections, with or persons who attended the area’s rural without piano. A good number of schools schools in eight townships shared some had no piano as that would have been wintertime and Christmas memories. something locally provided. UnexpectMany of these memories mirror, of edly, one school, the Snyder school in course, the memories of students who atRinggold Township, had a pump organ, tended elementary school in town. A few, according to Carol Young Blose. Bill though, might be unique to the rural Postlewaite, remembers that the Snyder school experience.

Hill school in Young Township had a Decorations piano in the side room reserved for workWell in advance of Christmas, everyone ing on special projects and displays, but, must have created lengthy chains of colfor the three years he was there, it was ored construction paper. Nearly everyone never played. Hamilton in Perry Townquestioned mentioned doing so and havship had a piano in each of the two ing to put the loops together with that schoolrooms, used regularly, but the thick white paste which came in big jars.

Christmas program was held in the nearby Each student would have a dollop of this - Continued on page 10

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Hometown Community Happenings By the staff of Hometown magazine rom the staff of Hometown magazine and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events coming up in our area: At press time, some events were being cancelled or postponed due to the Coronavirus restrictions. Please check with the host organization, website, or Facebook page for up-to-date information. n Merry Christmas! Sign up to win a $25 gift card when you follow our Instagram account @punxsutawneymagazine.

Last date to "follow" is December 24 at midnight. n Hometown Steeler Football Contest winner for December 13th game will be announced on Hometown's Facebook page. n Dec. 14-18: Make A Wish Light Up A Child’s Life Campaign, various locations around Punxsutawney. n Dec. 21: First Day of Winter. n Dec. 24: Christmas Eve. Check with your local churches to see if worship services are being held in-person or online. n Dec. 25: Christmas Day! The staff & management of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine wish our readers a very Merry Christmas. n Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve. Celebrate safely & responsibly. n Jan. 1, 2021: Welcome the New Year! n Jan. 12: Blood Drive, 1 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Reynoldsville.

Benefits the American Red Cross. n Jan. 15: Blood Drive, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.

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Benefits the American Red Cross. n Jan. 21: Blood Drive, noon to 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion, Sykesville.

Benefits the American Red Cross. n Dog licenses for 2021 are available at local merchants and online. Visit www.agriculture.pa.gov for more information. n The Punxsutawney Memorial Library curtailed some of its services recently. Please call the library at 814-938-5020 or view its website or Facebook page for information on what services are available. n Grange’s Helping Hands free clothing can be contacted at 814-938-2050 or through its Facebook page. n Groundhog Day 2021 is going virtual. Watch local media for more information. n Email your hometown community happenings items to hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com.

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Rural School Continued from page 8 community center where there was also a piano. The program there in 1958 was one I remember particularly because my

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Christmas Trees Many remember having Christmas trees in the classroom; others do not. Among those who do not are those who specifically remember that there definitely was no Christmas tree. This was probably a decision made by each school’s teacher.

For most of the township schools, trees could be found and cut nearby. It was something the older boys did, and the younger ones looked forward to being big enough to carry out this assignment.

Richard Knox, who attended the Covode school in North Mahoning Township, recalls going out to an area behind the school to find a tree. Lorrain Raybuck, who attended the Sprankle Mills School in Oliver Township, says that the boys went to the hillside nearby to search for a tree. Often, there was snow on the branches, and they would get some down their collars in the process of cutting a tree. The Sprankle Mills school had two stories, but, in all his years there, Lorrain says that all the students, grades one through eight, used the first floor for classes and that was where the tree was set up. The second floor WAS utilized in later years as students from closed schools in other parts of the township were bussed to Sprankle Mills. Shirley Rake Sharp, whose father attended McCreight school in Winslow Township, recalls her father, Ted, saying that when cutting the tree, it always seemed so small until they got it into the school where it looked very large. Pat Blose Forrest remembers when students at Hamilton in Perry Township created tree ornaments of all sorts, the very best angel ornament was placed on top.

Gift Exchanges Gift exchanges were pretty common, everyone drawing a name to have one person for whom to provide a gift. This could be made or bought. No big amounts were spent on gifts as many students and their families had little to spend. LaDawn Justice Wampler, who attended the Zion school in Porter Township, relates that her mother, who was paid on Fridays, would take LaDawn and

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piano teacher in Punxsutawney, Monabel Hamilton, had started working with me on Christmas songs from my church’s hymnbook, and I debuted “Joy to the World” while wearing my mother’s beautiful forest green corduroy dress. These were dress up occasions, and some teachers masterminded pageants and plays with costumes, even dressing up themselves to play a role as needed according to Elaine Smathers Raybuck in recalling her teacher Forrest Maurer at the Dinger school in Ringgold Township. She also remembers the Hepler sisters, Marilyn and Stacy, singing “White Christmas.” It was the first time Elaine had ever heard that song. Even without a piano, music was provided for the 1956 Shilling event because a recording of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” was played. Music often was a mix of secular and church pieces. Bible reading was frequently a

part of the celebration, and, in at least two instances, the program itself took place in a nearby church. Lorrain Raybuck says that Pearl Burkett, the teacher at Sprankle Mills, arranged to have the program in nearby Barton Chapel. In Oliver Township, one former Oliveburg school student recounted how the Olive Presbyterian church, was used at least once for an evening program, illuminated by automobile headlights directed into the sanctuary.

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How to Host Virtual Holiday Celebrations

he 2020 holiday season figures to be vastly different than seasons past.

The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has transformed daily life in many ways.

The public has become accustomed to wearing masks while shopping, limiting the number of people in public venues and keeping their distance from friends and loved ones. Many events have been reimagined as virtual celebrations because of social distancing protocols. For those with large families or people with inherent risk factors that make them more susceptible to illness, sharing the holidays over video conferencing apps may be the safest way to go in 2020.

The following tips can help holiday hosts make the most of a virtual holiday experience.

Pick a bright, festive spot Set up your tablet, smartphone or computer in a bright area with a festive backdrop. You’ll want others who join the virtual hangout to be able to see you clearly. A Christmas tree or a decorated fireplace in the background can set the scene.

Choose the right conferencing app Certain programs may work better than others depending on your needs. For example, if everyone has the same operating system platform (iOS or Android), you may be able to use an app inherent to that system, which won’t require a separate download or login.

Apps also may be chosen depending on how many people can be invited in, as some set limits. Do your homework and conduct a test run prior to the holidays.

Keep props nearby If the goal is to open gifts virtually, be sure

to have everyone gathered and gifts nearby so no one is scrambling in and out of view.

Position the camera at eye level Try to set up the camera so you’re not looking up or down. Practice looking straight into the camera instead of at yourself in the minimized window or even others on the screen. This way you’ll appear engaged.

Use mute when not speaking Muting yourself (and encouraging others to do the same) when you are not speaking will limit the amount of background noise.

As the host, serve as the moderator and encourage everyone to speak one at a time. Choose a visual cue to signal when someone has the floor to speak, such as raising a hand or even showing a festive picture.

Tune into virtual worship While some places of worship have reopened to some capacity, others may still be offering hybrid services. If your place of worship offers services via YouTube or another video platform, gather around and watch together and participate just as if you were there in person. Better yet, share the link with other family and friends so they can tune in as well.

Share dinner ‘together’ Set up your camera source so it captures the holiday table. All parties gathering virtually can then sit down to the holiday meal as one and enjoy one of the season’s more endearing traditions.

Virtual celebrations may continue through the holiday season. Adapting with some video conferencing tips can ensure everyone enjoys the festivities.

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Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243 – 11

The familiar house, in a circa 1940s family photo (left) and in 2020 on North Main Street (right), is seen by many local residents and travelers who are unaware that the house was residence of dentist Dr. J.P. Vancheri. Dr. Vancheri (far right) was considered a pioneer of radio in the 1930s, and he built early television sets from his home in the 1940s. (Black and white photo and photo of Dr. Vancheri at shortwave set courtesy of Dr. Michael Vancheri, grandson of Dr. J.P. Vancheri)

‘Firsts’ About Conveniences in Punxsutawney Area History

A

By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine

s we live these days and weeks of the 21st Century, there continues to be announcements about new “firsts” that need to be recorded somewhere for the sake of history.

Early in November of 2020, citizens were informed that the first female general manager (GM) of a major league baseball team was hired by the Miami Marlins. Thus, Kim Ng became the highest-ranking woman in baseball when she was hired as GM. It was in 2017 that the Marlins hired Derek Jeter as baseball’s first black CEO among the four baseball leagues of profes-

sional sports.

In the recent general election, we were made aware that Kamala Harris was the first woman U.S. Vice President-elect and also the first woman of color as Vice President-Elect. In Pennsylvania political history, Kim Ward of Westmoreland County was elected in Harrisburg as the first PA Senate Majority Leader.

In Punxsutawney history, it was only a couple of years ago that local residents were made aware that Punxsy Pizza, on North Findley Street, became the first business in Jefferson County to offer home delivery of beer.

Somewhere, these “firsts,” and others, will be a historical note to be remembered. Of

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Included are “firsts” that a generation of Punxsutawney people might remember from that era while growing up and maturing into adulthood.

Though it’s the 21st Century and, in the midst of many new electronic entertain-

ment gimmicks, there are still a large number of listeners of radio broadcasts between AM and FM stations and the new satellite radio for travelers to many regions.

Hometown readers with memories of the 1950s will recall the exciting experiences when WPME became an AM radio station in Punxsutawney. When it went on the air in 1953, the headline story in the local newspaper claimed its dawn-to-dusk operation was Punxsutawney’s (and Jefferson County’s) first radio station. Shortly after came WPXY as a local AM radio station.

While WPME was “the first” in the memories of one generation, research found that WPME was not the first radio station in - Continued on next page

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When Punxsutawney’s AM radio station WPME went on the air in 1953, it was considered the first radio station in Punxsutawney. However, in the 1920s and 1930s, Punxsutawney had earlier “broadcasting” stations that included Dr. J.P. Vancheri’s shortwave broadcasting that went nationwide with W8BWH. (Photo of displayed WPME items at Bennis House Museum courtesy of S. Thomas Curry. Shortwave items courtesy Dr. Michael Vancheri)

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‘Firsts’ About

Continued from previous page Punxsutawney.

A “local” radio station could, of course, enhance a sense of community through its programming. To cope with the poor reception on the crowded airwaves, a radio broadcasting station in Punxsutawney came into existence in 1925. Station WHBX went on the air for the first time on April 8, 1925, over a 50-watt amplifier from the home of Paul Bowser in Punxsutawney’s east end. (The Punxsutawney Spirit, April 9, 1925) Its first program consisted of a concert by the Fairyland Serenaders, a popular local dance orchestra.

When WHBX first went on the air, the brief news story relayed, “Punxsutawney’s own broadcasting station will cope with the best in the land.” A week later, a threehour program, from 8:30-11:30 PM, added vocal numbers from the musical talent of Kenneth Carr, piano selections and selections by the Punxsutawney Ladies’ Quartet.

Within a month, the new radio station was looking for more room in a more central location and for a soundproof studio.

A plan “using the best of talent for its programs” was promoted and a number of local businesses offered donations to sup-

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port Mr. Bowser who owned and operated this first radio station in Punxsutawney on “212.6 meters” on the dial.

The advent of the radio in the early 1920s was a spectacular event in the lives of Americans, altering the daily habits of many. A growing radio craze followed the entrance of Pittsburgh’s KDKA, on the air November 2, 1920, as the first commercial radio station. By 1922 there were many radio stations across the country transmitting programs of popular music, community events and news, stories and sports.

Crystal radios were the first receivers to be made (and boys could make their own by following step-by-step instructions in magazines) and reception could be heard with headphones.

In 1923, for Punxsutawney residents, the news about President Warren Harding’s death was heard shortly after 11 o’clock p.m. by local folk who gathered over the radio set in the Kandy Kitchen on North Findley Street (in the block of buildings that was demolished and where now stands the new ATA bus terminal). The radio news was passed along to the municipal building nearby on Torrence Street from where the municipal bell was tolled.

From that arousing sound shortly after midnight, the news was spread around the town. (The Punxsutawney Spirit, August 3, 1923) Herbert Hoover, when he was U.S. Secretary of Commerce, had remarked about

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Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243 – 13

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During the March 1936 Punxsutawney flood, Dr. Vancheri, with his shortwave broadcasting, kept the world apprised of flood conditions in Punxsutawney and portions of western Pennsylvania.

In June 1936, he was presented a medal by Pennsylvania Governor George Earle (left,) for his state-wide broadcasting during the height of the devastating flood. (photo courtesy Dr. Michael Vancheri)

‘Firsts’ About

Continued from previous page

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radio, “Radio is one great influence to keep the American home together. Father smokes his pipe, mother knits and the children play with the dials. They don’t all go ‘gadding’ about,” he said. (The Punxsutawney Spirit, October 22, 1925) As many readers might recall, the obsession for this newest of fads led to a concern by theater owners. And, attendance at many stage productions and concerts became smaller as people chose to gather around their radios for night-time entertainment.

Dr. J.P. Vancheri and Early Radio in Punxsutawney One of Punxsutawney’s early pioneers in radio, who gained nation-wide acclaim for his radio broadcasting, was Dr. Joseph P. Vancheri, a dentist who began his practice in Punxsutawney in 1926. Dr. J.P. Vancheri, grandfather of Punxsutawney’s Dr. Michael Vancheri on West Mahoning Street, began his dental practice here immediately following his graduation from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School.

Dr. Vancheri had made radio a hobby as a young man. On his first experimental radio sets at his home in Cambria County, he was listening to the returns for the election of

Warren G. Harding as U.S. President in 1920.

In the 1930s, local people were talking about Dr. Vancheri’s new broadcasting station, WBH, operating on a state permit on 1525 kilocycles. On a state permit he had to limit his experimental broadcasting range to the confines of the state as he presented his programming at various hours.

In early January of 1933, The Punxsutawney Spirit editor W.O. Smith experienced listening to Station WBH for the first time on the evening of Sunday, January 15.

For his readers he shared: “The program came in admirably, was clear and distinct.”

On weekdays, Dr. Vancheri broadcast for short periods of time, at 12:30 and at 6 p.m.

Whether or not the broadcast would continue depended upon the interest shown by listeners. Editor Smith informed his readers, “If interest is sufficient a Federal license will be asked for and the station’s power will be stepped up to 500 watts.“ This could have been, then, Punxsutawney’s first broadcasting station.

Another generation of Punxsutawney residents, many of our parents’ and grandparents’ time, remembered the March 1936 flood in Punxsutawney and other sections of Western Pennsylvania. Dr. J.P. Vancheri was remembered for his sleepless, non-stop - Continued on page 16

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14 – Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243

Rural School Continued from page 10

her sister to Murphy’s 5 & 10 in Punxsy or to McCrory’s next door. Each would be given a dime to purchase a school gift, typically some kind of school-related item. Sometimes, teachers’ names would be included in the drawing so that in addition to providing something small for each student, something special would be given to the student whose name was drawn. When he was in fifth grade at Shilling in Perry Township, Lee Blose was the lucky recipient of a book from the teacher, Miss Bish. This was fortunate for Lee because he was an avid reader and was thrilled to get a book.

Elmer Reed, when attending school at Pine Valley in Ringgold Township, remembers the popcorn balls everyone got, a happy gift, a specialty at Christmastime, and, yet, a thrifty gift.

Pot-bellied Stoves Before, during and after the Christmas season, one thing common to each school and deeply imprinted in each student’s memory was the pot-bellied stove, strategically located in the schoolroom to provide comforting heat in the wintertime.

Several brought it up in conversation, mentioning the placing of food brought from home on top to warm up for lunch or how the stoves got red hot. If students sat near the stove on the coldest days, they could experience the heat on one side of their bodies and extreme cold on the other side. One person mentioned, when discussing how teachers decided how small or large the Christmas activities would be, that one young teacher had her hands full with several difficult older fellows who would, when no one was looking, toss objects into the stove which were guaranteed to make loud, explosive noises.

Sledding Another memory pretty pervasive among former students is the joy of sled riding near their schools. Given the topography of the region, nearly every school had a hill nearby suitable for sledding. Living just across the road from the Snyder Hill school in Young Township, Bill Postlewaite was among those boys who had the task of getting the fire started before school, after which they would sled on the hill nearby. Over in

Ringgold Township, Snyder school students Denny Snyder and Carol Young Blose recall that sledding took place on a nearby township road and out onto Route 536. Traffic then is not what it is now but was still of consequence, so watchers were stationed to stop traffic while the kids were sledding. Once they were done, traffic was allowed to proceed. At Shilling, the township road has a steep curve just above and around the front of the school, usually ice covered. That was a favorite spot for skating without skates. Perhaps this should be described as “sliding.” One took a little run, put both feet down and slid down the sloped sheet of ice while trying to remain upright. As cousin Bob lived just below the school, his mother was sometimes on hand to participate in this activity. She was good.

Many thanks to all who pulled out special Christmastime memories. In addition to those persons cited, Lois Ann Hetrick Bish (Porter Township), Gene McKee (Gaskill Township), Janet Shields Billett (North Mahoning Township), Lyle Kennedy (Perry Township), John Wampler (Porter Township) and Don Armstrong (Bell Township) contributed to the discussion.

•••

Did You Know?

The holiday season is rife with tradition. Christmas Day is the most popular day to get engaged. According to the 2020 WeddingWire Newlywed Report, more couples who were married in 2019 got engaged on Christmas Day than any other day during the year. Christmas Eve was the second most popular day to pop the question, while the Sunday before Christmas Eve came in fourth (New Year’s Day rounded out the top three). The appeal of Christmastime proposals helped make December the most popular month to get engaged, as more than 19 percent of couples who married in 2019 got engaged in the final month of the year. July proved the second most popular month to pop the question, as 9 percent of couples who wed in 2019 reported getting engaged in July. Tradition still has a place in wedding proposals, as 84 percent of proposers reported asking on bended knee, while 65 percent acknowledged asking parents’ permission prior to popping the question.

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Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243 – 15

‘Firsts’ About

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broadcasting to the outside world during that flood. Over his amateur short wave radio set, with the call letters of W8BWH, he kept the world informed of the progress of the flood in the Punxsutawney area from his home on Park Avenue. His station was the only one broadcasting continuously during the two-day flood to inform other parts of the country, including Washington D.C., about local conditions and was largely responsible for enlisting help to the counties of this area.

When all other means of communication had failed, Dr. Vancheri kept the world apprised of flood conditions in Punxsutawney and at Johnstown, relieving the anxiety of thousands who had friends and relatives here. He also started a campaign for much needed supplies to the cities of Clearfield and Johnstown from unaffected areas.

Reaching all parts of the country, and faroff countries, people around the globe heard the name “Punxsutawney” as they listened to his broadcasts. Hearing is one thing, spelling “Punxsutawney” was different. And that was evident from the mail to reach him. The editor of The Spirit commented, “... some decidedly weird looking ‘Punxsutawney’s’ came through the mail.”

(The Punxsutawney Spirit, March 25, 1936) For all that, he was signally honored in June 1936 at Punxsutawney’s Jefferson Theatre. Governor George H. Earle presented a medal to him for his flood experience and service on several state-wide hookups during the height of the flood here.

His information to the world about the flood in March 1936 was from his residence on Park Avenue, at the corner with Beyer Avenue. From there he operated his W8BWH “broadcasting station,” safe and secure from Punxsutawney’s floodwaters in the low land along the Mahoning Creek.

A few years later, in 1941, Dr. Vancheri had his “modern” house built at 517 North Main Street. The house design was a Sears Roebuck “catalog kit house,” ordered from the retail company and built locally. Building materials were shipped by railroad to various locations in the United States. The selection of the architectural style was when Dr. and Mrs. Vancheri saw a similar house in Armagh, Pennsylvania.

Upon visits to his grandparents, local orthodontist Dr. Michael Vancheri remembers his grandfather being in the basement

short-wave studio at North Main Street and loud screeching noises came from there when he was broadcasting. A son, Dr. Jack Vancheri, (Michael’s father) recalls the huge antenna above the roof of the house, “The antenna was turned by a dial in the

Dr. Vancheri’s interest in early shortwave broadcasting led to his exploring early television in the 1920s. Courtesy of the Vancheri family, an exhibit at the Bennis House of the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society is Punxsutawney’s first TV set in the area (circa 1948), a small TV set encased in a beautiful wood cabinet. (photo by S. Thomas Curry)

basement in order to reach and talk to people at many locations around the world.”

Dr. J.P. Vancheri was considered to be “the best known amateur radio broadcaster in America.” (The Punxsutawney Spirit, March 25, 1936) And Then Came Television “Firsts” At the age of 20, Dr. J.P. Vancheri was one of the youngest men to graduate from Pitt’s Dental School in 1926. Since 1917, at the age of 12, he developed an interest in electronics and made radio his hobby. His experiments branched out into audio and high fidelity experiments. That led to short wave and television. Beyond his national recognition in early shortwave broadcasting, family records will note that Dr. Vancheri built his first TV set in 1928 when more and more Americans were getting their news from radio, newspapers and newsreels in movie theaters. Two years after - Continued on page 21

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3-9x40 SPORTSMAN

TAST3940

World Class Wide MATTE Angle

• 30/30 Reticle • Fast Focus WAS Eyepiece $79.95 • Fully Coated

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59

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50” Reg. $ 95 ALN190

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ALN5309

95

Reg. $ $ 29.95

57” 95

23

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M&P 9 SHIELD

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Whitetail Classic® Scopes

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Contains: • M&P® Branded Bug Out Bag • Total Of Five Mags (4-8rd & 1-7rd) • First Aid Kit • M&P® Branded Face Mask

& M&P®9 SHIELD™: • Slim, Compact • 3.1” • White Dot Sights • Striker Fired

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& PLEASE SANITIZE YOUR HANDS WHEN YOU ENTER

SMW13383

44995

• Truplex Reticle • Black Granite Finish • Capped Turrets • Large field of view • Fully Multi-Coated

SIMWTC432 SIMWTC2732 SIMWTC3940 SIMWTC41240

TCR12501 TCR12503 TCR12504 TCR12506 TCR12508 TCR12509 TCR12510

223 243 6.5CM 308 30-06 7MM REM 300WIN

NEW...

COMPACT TCR12534 TCR12535 TCR12536 TCR12538

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Made in the U.S.A.

223 243 6.5CM 308

34995

• Detachable rotary mag.

• Gen I Trigger • Ergonomic, lightweight stock • Button-rifled barrel, 5R rifling

TCR12513 TCR12514

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HTG50030 Limited

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6.5CM 308

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50CAL • Blued Barrel • Black Synthetic Stock • Hand removeable triple lead thread breech plug • 26” Barrel w/1:28 twist

29995

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9MM

• 7RD magazine • Black rubber grips • Black serrated sights

GSMCYCS150012VR

1995

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19995

MICRO 9

Seeker Pro1500 Lumen 12V Spotlight

814-765-9273

• Break open sliding hood • Quick Load Accurizor® (QLA) • Fiber optic sights • 1” removable buttstock spacer

Reg. $239.95 TCR12065

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4x32MM 2-7X32MM 3-9X40MM 4-12X40MM

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KIM3700635 Black KIM3700636 Stainless

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51995

DECEMBER HOURS: Mon-Sat 9-5 • Sun 11-4 Dec. 24, Christmas Eve 8-2 Dec. 25, Christmas Day — CLOSED Dec. 31, New Years Eve 9-3 Jan. 1, New Years Day — CLOSED

Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243 – 17

Betty Jane Cowan June 2, 1946 - November 16, 2020 She is survived by three sons, Alan, Jeffrey and Thomas Cowan of Punxsutawney; a sister, Bonnie Edwards and a brother, Timothy Charles.

She is also survived by granddaughter Samantha Cowan and numerous nephews and nieces.

In addition to her parents, Clifton and Alberta “Dixon” Charles, she was preceded in death by her husband Charles Cowan, whom she married in Jan. 1968, as well as two brothers, Clifton Charles Jr. and James Charles and one sister, Susan Donahue.

Richard L. Fait Funeral Home www.faitfuneralhome.com u Martha Belle Johnston of Punxsutawney August 8, 1934 - November 18, 2020 On March 1, 1957, she married the love of her life, Jack LeRoy Johnston; he survives.

Martha and her husband, Jack, started DuSan Ambulance in 1979. She worked as the dispatcher for the business for many years. She was also a supervisor for Goodwill Industries.

Martha enjoyed traveling to Yuma, Arizona, with her husband for the winter months. She also enjoyed making crafts.

In addition to Jack, she is survived by three children, William (Connie) Johnston, Brenda Cyphert, and Raymond A. (Janet) Johnston; five grandchildren, Mitchell (Jen) Johnston, Jessica Cochran, Tiffany Cyphert, Ryan and Sheena Patricelli; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Clair (Fran) Smith; two sisters, Emma Smith and Carol Ann Jeskey.

Preceded in death by her parents, Harold Addison and Mildred (Shaffer) Smith; daughter, Linda Lee Johnston; four brothers, Harold and his infant twin, Joseph and George Smith.

Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc. www.shumakerfh.com u Reverend Fr. John C. Horosky of Punxsutawney April 17, 1939 - November 18, 2020 He served his priesthood at Ss. Peter & Paul in Moundsville, WV., The Nativity of St. John in Philipsburg and St. John the Divine in Monesson for 22 years. He was the treasurer of the Mon Valley Deanery and secretary of the Pittsburgh Orthodox Clergy Association.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary (Jim) Crites and Teresa (Bradley) McGill; grandchildren, James (Kaitlin) Crites, Nicole (James) Smith, Austin Crites, Thomas McGill, Alexandria McGill and Noah McGill; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Harry Horosky; two sisters, Susan Horosky and Janet Horosky; and Anna (Mark) Cook.

In addition to his parents, John Horosky and Josephine (Zennay) Horosky, he was preceded in death by his wife Matushka Judith Horosky.

McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Dr. Richard Thames March 6, 1938 - November 20, 2020 After graduating from high school, he worked for the Bell Telephone Co. then attended the California State Teachers College and then Mount Union College.

Dr. Thames earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering then earned his Doctorate at Kansas State

Osteopathic College in Missouri and interned in Cuyahoga Falls in Ohio. Dr. Thames then came to the Punxsutawney area where he worked with Dr. Frank Bizousky, Sr. until he started his own practice. He loved working in the emergency rooms and rotated between six hospitals. In the mid ‘90s, he closed his practice but continued to work in the hospital’s emergency room until his retirement in 2007.

Dr. Thames loved God, his family, practicing medicine, fishing, hunting and flying. He was a member of the Elks, NRA, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and a member of the Charleroi Mountain Club. He also fished as an amateur in PWT. In addition to his wife, Joyce (Mitchell), who survives, he is survived by three children, Richard (Leslie) Thames, Jr., Michele (Rodney) Villiger and Cary (Kelli) Thames; eight grandchildren, Misty and Alissa Thames, Rebecca, Brady and Reese Villiger, and Neal, Lindsey and Anna Thames; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Lucille (Twardek) and John C. Thames, he was preceded in death by his siblings, John Thames, Jr., Edward Thames, Theresa Selvoski, Donald Thames and an infant sister Anna Thames.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Dorothy Louise (Sprankle) Gaul of Henderson Township December 1, 1933 - November 22, 2020 She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Melzena Sprankle.

Early in her life Dorothy worked at Pramco.

She was an active member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Troutville, and member of its Ladies Aid and St. Paul Auxiliary. She participated in the Friendly Dozen Homemakers and the Punxsutawney Grandmothers Club.

Dorothy enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible School. She helped raise money for Cancer Support and participated in Relay for Life.

Dorothy loved reading, making note cards, sewing and playing scrabble. Most of all, she loved her family, friends and neighbors.

Dot is survived by her husband, Everett H. Gaul, daughters Linda (Steve) Carrithers and Lisa (Richard) Griffin, grandson Trevor Carrithers, brother Ronald (Emma) Sprankle and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by sister Sandra Sprankle, brother Leroy (Alice) and sister Pat (Bill) Neville.

The family wishes to express thanks to Sr. Assist Caregivers for their many years of care and to Mulberry Healthcare staff and caregivers.

Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc. www.shumakerfh.com u Almeda (Wolfgang) Bowers of Punxsutawney February 22, 1930 - November 24, 2020 She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she was involved with many church functions.

Almeda worked for over 21 years at Comet Market in Punxsutawney before her retirement. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Elk Run Fire Hall. She loved reading and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Diana) Bowers; grandchildren, Nathan (Lisa) Bowers, Michael Bowers, Daniel Bowers; and great-grandchildren, Luca Bowers,

18 – Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243

Rowan Bowers and Ayla Bowers. She is also survived by a brother, James (Linda) Wolfgang, sister, Lois Williams and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, James and Ethlyn (Heitzer) Wolfgang, she was preceded in death by her husband Dale Bowers, a grandson, Matthew Bowers and two sisters, Ima Jean VanDyke and Janet Fry. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Dorothy L. Pluchinsky of DeLancey August 5, 1928 - November 26, 2020 She was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church of Punxsutawney.

She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, watching soap operas, cooking pierogis and Pugach, and she was involved with the church picnic.

She is survived by three children, Dennis (Cathy) Pluchinsky, Michael (Janet) Pluchinsky Cheryl Petreeko; six grandchildren, Jon Petreeko, Michael Petreeko, Kate (Chris) Ball, Jenna Pluchinsky, Jennifer Pluchinsky and Brian Pluchinsky; two great-grandchildren, Ava Petreeko and Brielle Ball; a brother, Bill (Betty) Dubensky; and numerous nieces and nephews.

On June 24, 1954, she married Andrew J. Pluchinsky. He preceded her in death on December 23, 2007.

In addition to her husband and parents, Martha (Meterko) and John Dubensky, she was preceded in death by seven siblings, Martha Gresock, Helen Anderson, Dolores Midock, Ann Prezestrzelski and John, George, and Fred Dubensky.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Doris J. “Jean” Kaza of Punxsutawney December 30, 1934 - November 26, 2020 Jean was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Church of Punxsutawney. She worked for Cameron Manufacturing and was also a homemaker.

She enjoyed camping, knitting, ceramics, cooking, puzzles and crocheting.

Jean is survived by her three children, son Richard (Deborah) E. Kaza, son Kenneth J. Kaza and son Jeffrey (Janice) S. Kaza; seven grandchildren, Chad (Jenny) Kaza, Kelly Jo Kaza and John, Derk Kaza, Jeremey (Jen) Kaza, Jason (Laurissa) Kaza, Julina Kaza and Mike Himes and Justine Kaza and Tyler Rushnok; three great-grandchildren, Brylie and Wyatt Kaza and Logan Kaza; sisters-inlaw, Isabelle Aul, Alice Orsich, Virginia Frano, Janie Pokerjack, Marie Aikens and Jan Aul; and brothers-in-law Monsignor Charles Kaza and George Pokerjack.

In addition to her husband, James Edward Kaza and parents Elsie G. (Nichols) and Glenn F. Aul, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward, Ernest and Earl Aul; sisters-in-law, Peg Kaza and Anna Shaffer; brothers-in-law, George Kaza, Richard Shaffer and Frank Orsich; a nephew, John Orsich; and a niece, Susie Shaffer.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Terry L. Moyer October 1, 1958 - November 27, 2020 McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Gary Lee Stahlman of Punxsutawney March 9, 1953 - November 28, 2020 Gary was a 1972 graduate of Jeff Tech,

where he studied Auto Mechanics. On July 10, 1976, he married Patricia Ann Boston who survives. Gary worked at Treasure Lake for eighteen years. He faithfully attended Punxsutawney Alliance Church. He was excellent at long range shooting and won several competitions and awards. He enjoyed reloading shot gun shells, being outside, watching NASCAR and wrestling. Gary was a very devoted son to his elderly parents.

In addition to his wife Patty and mother Arlie, he is survived by daughter Bridget Frantz; granddaughter Jezabel Frantz; sister Marilyn (Denny) Heitzenrater; two nieces, Karen (Chris) and Heather (Chris Boring) Heitzenrater; and a great-niece and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Carl Stahlman and sister Karen Diane Stahlman.

Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc. www.shumakerfh.com u Mervin A. Reed of Punxsutawney July 14, 1940 - November 28, 2020 Mervin was a member of the Grange Church of God. He enjoyed going to dirt track races, hunting, fishing, working outdoors, animals, going out to eat and being with his family.

He worked as an equipment operator for PennDot. In addition to his wife Diana J. (Whitesell) Reed, surviving relatives include children Clinton Reed and Brenda (Charles) Van Der Eems; seven grandchildren, Christopher Reed, Jessica (Thomas) Kotula, Whitney Reed, Lindsey (Federico) Fonseca, Hannah (Adam) Rish, Noah Van Der Eems and Julie Van Der Eems; two greatgrandchildren, Lennon Reed and Amelia Fonseca; siblings William Reed, Gilbert “Muck” Reed, Dolores Burkett and Helen Hazlett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Helen V. (Palmer) and Glenn E. Reed, he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Reed and an infant brother, Carl Reed.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Howard McQuown July 15, 1940 - November 30, 2020 He is survived by his wife Janet (Deshong), sons Howard (Kristin) McQuown, Jr. and Bill (Kelly) McQuown and daughters Peggy (Doug) Griffith and Brenda (Jim) Shipley.

Additionally, he is survived by step-daughters Rhonda (Dana) Neely, Lois (Dave) Tomb and Karen (Dwayne) Everson, and brothers Wilmer McQuown and Dale (Rosita(Mickie)) McQuown.

His loving family also includes sisters Betty (Barry) Blood and Louise Winchell. He also has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Anna (States) McQuown and his brother Dwight McQuown.

Howard loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and watching boxing on television. He enjoyed volunteering at church, helping his neighbors and taking a missions trip to the Dominican Republic.

- Continued on next page

- Continued from previous page

He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard and retired as a maintenance worker from Carbide Graphite.

Richard L. Fait Funeral Home www.faitfuneralhome.com u Roy “Buck” Fetterman of Rossiter June 27, 1943- November 30, 2020 Buck served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was a heavy equipment operator for numerous coal companies. He retired from Northern Cambria Fuel in 2005. After retirement, Buck served as a Banks Township Supervisor.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, working on projects in his garage and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, June (Fisher) Fetterman, two sons and a daughter, Larry (Pam) “Chip” Fetterman, Rodney (Teri) “Rock” Fetterman and Carol (Ken) “Candy” Wetzel; three grandchildren, Kalyn (Seth) Everett, Becca Strong and Quenton Strong,; and close friends of the family, Chloe, Adam and Ethan Wright; a sister, Jean (Clark) Williams; two brothers, Sam (Sis) Fetterman Sr. and Ted (Brenda) Fetterman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Edna Belle (Spencer) Fetterman.

McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Betty Jean (Troutman) Gaston of Youngstown, Ohio formerly of Punxsutawney July 13, 1934 - December 3, 2020 Jean took great pride in raising her family. She enjoyed bingo, car shows and spending time with family and friends. She hugged everyone she met.

She is survived by a son Dennis (Marlene) Gaston; three grandsons, Christopher, Matthew and Jason Gaston; two brothers, Ken (Sandy) Troutman Bill (Robin) Troutman; two sisters Twila Baun and Marian Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by parents, Boyd and Blanche (Blose) Troutman, Arthur “Butts” Gaston, a brother Bob Troutman, and four sisters Katherine Lake, Viola Christian, Ruth Kaylor, Joyce Loretta Troutman.

McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Ethel M. Davis formerly of Punxsutawney June 1, 1927 - December 5, 2020 Ethel worked for the former Loree Footwear in Big Run and later became a CNA and worked many years at the former Blose McGreggor Nursing Home.

She is survived by her children, Adda (Jim) A. Sutter, Irvin (Sandee) C. Davis, Robert (Tammy) L. Davis, Harry C. Davis, 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Irvin Smith and Ada (Whitsell) Smith, she was preceded in death by her husband Leroy C. Davis, six sisters and two brothers.

McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u

David L. Johnson, of Punxsutawney August 12, 1950 - December 6, 2020 On September 30, 1978, he married Cindy I. (Deahl) Johnson, who survives.

David served in the United States Army Reserves for thirty-three years. He worked as a Parts and Tool Keeper for the ARMY Maintenance Repair Shop in Punxsutawney till the facility was moved to Johnstown and continued working at the Johnstown location till his retirement..

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Punxsutawney and was a graduate of the Punxsutawney High School Class of ’69. He enjoyed watching sports, bowling, and golf. He ran the Senior League at White Oak Golf Course.

In addition to his wife Cindy I. (Deahl) Johnson, Dave is survived by three sons, Brent (Karina) Johnson, Kevin (Katie) Johnson, and Scott Johnson; three grandchildren, Vincent, Zach, and Rhys Johnson; and three sisters, Donna (Dick) Lorelli, Darlene (Dallas “Burch”) Milliron and Debbie (Bob) Means.

In addition to his parents, Ruth (Brown) Johnson Mannerberg and Daniel Johnson, he was preceded in death by a brother Danny Johnson and stepfather Robert “Mandy” Mannerberg.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Genevieve M. Harriger of Punxsutawney May 3, 1933 - December 7, 2020 Genevieve was a member of the Oliveburg Presbyterian Church. She was a 1951 graduate of Punxsutawney High School.

She loved her family, grandchildren, her dog Max, and helping her friends. She enjoyed working on and flipping houses and meeting with her classmates. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a member and volunteer at the Punxsutawney Historical and Genealogical Society.

Genevieve was a retired real estate broker.

She owned and operated Genevieve Harriger Real Estate for nearly twenty years.

She is survived by three children, son William L. Harriger, son Bradley (Alka) C. Harriger, and daughter Karen (Jerry) Markovich; six grandchildren, Joshua, Logan, and Amber Harriger, Jenna and Jeffery Markovich, and Tammy Heckendorn; a sister Maxine Depp, and a sister-in-law Peggy Horner.

In addition to her parents, Nellie F. (Burkett) and William T. Horner, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald “Guy” Horner and Bill Horner; a brother-inlaw William L. Depp; and a sister-in-law Patricia Horner.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Please visit the website of the funeral homes listed to view complete obituary, sign their guestbook, plant a tree and offer your condolences. uuu

ACME M ACHINE 46 Anchor Inn Road Punxsutawney

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May Joy Be Your Gift At Christmas, And May Faith, Hope & Love Be Your Treasures In The New Year.

Alex J. Park Owner, Funeral Director Supervisor William C. Deeley Funeral Director Douglas A. Deeley Funeral Director

33 Hillcrest Dr., Punxsutawney

(814) 938-5400

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RN Supervisor Penn Highlands Healthcare has opportunities to become part of the Leadership team at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor in Brookville, Pennsylvania.

Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor, a 160 bed, Long Term Care facility, has an RN Supervisor opportunity with direct care responsibilities as well as supervisor of LPNs, CNAs and Nursing Aides. Coordinate resident care activities and monitor nursing staff, 7P - 7A (nights), twelve (12) hour period. Responsible for the continuing operation of the facility including resident care, staffing, and providing direction to all personnel on duty.

Education: Current RN license in Pennsylvania and CPR. Required skills: Organizational, communication, assignment flexibility including weekends, holidays, shifts, departments, etc., pass a criminal background check.

Preferred Skills: Previous Long Term Care experience not required

Benefits

Healthcare, dental, vision, 403(b) with 3.5% match, PTO, night pay differential, learning, growth, and training opportunities.

Katelyn Lutz Nurse Recruiter Penn Highlands Healthcare krlutz@phhelathcare.org 814-299-7549

Telephone

For more information on our system and community please visit The Healthcare System Penn Highlands Healthcare is a 378-licensed bed, not-for-profit healthcare system serving more than 410,000 residents in an eight county service area.

Penn Highlands healthcare is a comprehensive network of care that includes four hospitals; Penn Highlands DuBois; Penn Highlands Brookville; Penn Highlands Elk; and Penn Highlands Clearfield; as well as The Hahne Regional Cancer Center; The Maternal and Child Centers of Penn Highlands DuBois and Elk; The Heart Center of Penn Highlands DuBois; and The Lung Center of Penn Highlands DuBois.

Outpatient services are provided at more than 100 locations throughout the region as well as seven QCare Urgent Care facilities. Penn Highlands Healthcare is a growing healthcare system with a network of more than 360 primary care and specialty physicians and more than 130 advanced practice providers.

Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243 – 19

LESLIE MALBURG 814-715-7319 10 Pickering Street Brookville, PA 15825

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20 – Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243

The Olive Church of the Cumberland Presbyterian Presbytery was built in 1883. Reverend Harry Grant Teagarden served the congregation at this church for ten years, from 1891 through 1901.

Photo courtesy of PAHGS.

A Coal Town Evangelist

R

By Coal Memorial Committee for Hometown magazine

everend Harry Grant Teagarden, accompanied by his wife Nettie Burson Teagarden, came to the Punxsutawney area in July 1891. He was just beginning his career and had been chosen to serve as the new pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Charge at the Olive, Zion and Eleanora churches. At that time, it was geographically one of the largest pastorates in Jefferson County. On Sunday he held services in the morning at Oliveburg and alternated between the Zion Church at Shamoka, now known as Panic, and the Eleanora Church in the afternoon.

He also ministered to developing congregations at Adrian and Anita. In 1891, travel between rural communities in warm weather was by horse and buggy and midwinter by sleigh. Early in December 1891, Rev. Teagarden traveled from Oliveburg to Anita, where a group meeting was being held at the school house. At the end of this meeting he learned how much his service was appreciated. He, in turn, expressed his gratitude in this item published in the Punxsutawney News of December 16, 1891: “Oliveburg, PA., Dec 7, 1891. Messrs. Editors: Dear Sirs and Brothers: I beg to have a few lines in your valuable paper at this time to express my heartfelt thanks to the people of Anita for a valuable gift from their hands which consisted of a beautiful as well as valuable knee robe of wolf’s fur, lined with plush. I say but dimly in commencing because, I know that formal words stamped by printer ink come far short of expressing what my heart felt, when I left the school house to get into my buggy last Sunday afternoon and found that beautiful present, neatly placed in my buggy by the hands of

some friend while I was trying to talk to the folks in the school room. If the good people would do such a thing in broad daylight, what would they not do if it had been in the night time. The best thing that was said on the occasion was offered by Father McDill, after I had composed my thoughts enough to say to the people that I was grateful to them; he stepped forward and said, ‘My Brother, the Bible says, “Eat whatsoever is set before thee, asking no questions.”’ May God’s blessing rest upon the good people of Anita and the surrounding community. With Gratitude. Harry G. Teagarden.”

Anita was a new and expanding community, established by the Berwind-White Coal Company. The early church services and meetings were held in the school house. The McCalmont Township School Board had recently informed the public that it would no longer be permissible to use school buildings for meetings. This policy would leave the Presbyterian congregation without a meeting place. Rev. Teagarden negotiated an arrangement to continue to use the school room for five bi-weekly church services during day-light hours. The fledgling congregation would have ten weeks to find a new place for their church services.

On Sunday, May 5, 1892, the Anita Cumberland Presbyterian Church was formally organized and began to raise funds for the purpose of constructing a building which could be used for church services of all denominations. On October 5, the Punxsutawney News reported that the Anita Presbyterian Church building was nearing completion. Anita was continuing to grow.

In the same issue of the paper it was reported that a contract had been awarded to James Thompson to erect twenty additional - Continued on page 22

We wish you peace, joy and enlightenment throughout this holy season & beyond.

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‘Firsts’ About Continued from page 16

coming to Punxsutawney with his dental practice, Vancheri was experimenting in early “television,” and people would be able to sit at home and look at pictures in a little box. (The Punxsutawney Spirit, March 1, 1952) Punxsutawney’s “first” TV set is on display at the Bennis House of the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society on West Mahoning Street. The small TV screen, encased in a beautiful wood cabinet, was donated by Dr. Vancheri’s son Dr. Jack Vancheri.

In early February 1952, Dr. Vancheri made Punxsutawney history in another way.The headline in The Punxsutawney Spirit read: “TV ‘First’ Scored Here Last Night.” His latest TV experiment was to produce a big five-foot image that was blown up and projected onto a large screen. On the night of February 11, 1952, at the Punxsutawney Country Club, Dr. J.P. Vancheri accomplished his “first” on a television set he had constructed himself. More than 400 basketball fans jammed the Punxsutawney Country Club.

Among them, to see a sample of Dr. Vancheri’s work, were members of the PHS and SSCD basketball teams. All in the gathering were treated to a unique entertainment. Through the doctor’s television set he was able to project on a 4 x 5-foot screen the important NIT play-off game between St. Bonaventure and Duquesne basketball teams.

Each team had won 16 consecutive games and Duquesne, the Catholic university on the bluff in the Pittsburgh Oakland neighborhood, was favored to win. In 1952 Duquesne was one of the top 10 teams in the nation and, at the time of the game, was the only undefeated college basketball team. The game at “the Duquesne Gardens” in Pittsburgh was televised over Pittsburgh’s WDTV station.

That game was promoted as “the first time in Pittsburgh history a complete basketball game will be televised over Station WDTV ...” (The Punxsutawney Spirit, February 11, 1952) Coached by Clarence “Perk” Binney, Punxsutawney’s 1951-52 high school basketball team of Sutton Tait, Tom Hester, Bud VanDyke, Ralph Yenzi and Bill Zito was gaining attention from Pennsylvania basketball sports writers. Across Pennsylvania sports writers requested information about the Punxsutawney Chucks basketball team. In Pittsburgh newspapers, other regional newspapers and over the mountain, too, to Harrisburg in the east, Punxsutawney’s 1951-52 team drew attention to its season. On that February nigh,t Punxsutawney High School was sporting an undefeated season, facing DuBois for its 15th win. When the season ended, Punxsutawney basketball fans and the PHS team were celebrating 17 straight wins and the first undefeated basketball season in PHS history (The Punxsutawney Spirit, February 29, 1952).

During that undefeated basketball season there was another first to be recognized.

Two faculty members were the first “technical coaches” to be functioning on the sidelines. Marv Clark and Phil Jack manned a tape recorder and a movie camera to record and film the games as play-

by-play technical aids for the coaches and players to view and improve their offense and defense plans.

In the early 1950s, almost no one could afford the new television (or TV) sets.

Many families in Punxsutawney purchased a TV to be the first in their neighborhoods to own one.

While many area residents were watching the PHS basketball squad make history in 1952, young people might have watched black and white TV shows of “Howdy Doody,” “Lassie,” “Captain Video,” “The Lone Ranger” and “The Roy Rogers Show” on limited area stations in Johnstown, Altoona and Pittsburgh.

Adults, before the test pattern came on at midnight to end the daily schedule, were watching “The Today Show,” “Search for

Tomorrow,” “I Love Lucy,” “Ernie Kovacs,” “Hallmark Hall of Fame” and Edward R. Murrow’s news show “See It Now.” Remember?

Thanks to the ingenuity and skill of Dr. Joseph P. Vancheri, television history was being made in Punxsutawney. When he died in 1981, his obituary recognized the he was born in Sicily on December 13, 1905, graduated from Pitt’s Dental School in 1926, married in November 1928 and had three grandchildren. However, according to the details of genealogy, there was no mention of his accomplishments in short wave broadcasting during the 1936 flood or his contribution to local history with Punxsutawney’s first television and use.

•••

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Downtown Punx’y 22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243

The Blocks at Anita. The white building on the hill is believed to be the Cumberland Presbyterian Church built in 1892 during the pastorate of Rev. Teagarden. This building was later removed to the central part of Anita. Photo courtesy of PAHGS.

A Coal Town

Continued from page 20 houses in Anita during the fall.

Rev. Harry Teagarden continued his work with the four congregations and also preached at the Adrian Protestant Church.

In September of 1891, he and James M. Morris, ruling elder of the Olive Church, attended the Allegheny Presbytery meeting.

Word was received in October that Rev. Teagarden would remain at the Oliveburg Charge for another year. He continued his work, and in December 1892, the Eleanora congregation officially dedicated its new church.

The Teagardens were honored on March 7, 1893 by 200 members of their congregations, who held a donation party at the parsonage in Oliveburg. In December of that year the mines were not doing well and many miners were out of work. The Anita congregation made plans to have a Church Christmas Tree and to host entertainment on Christmas night, however, on December 21 at the close of their Thursday evening service, Hunter and Archie Anderson came forward and surprised the congregation by removing the pulpit stand and announcing that Santa Claus was coming a little early.

Four young men appeared carrying a handsome Barnes cutter (sleigh) which they presented to Rev. Teagarden and a set of beautiful furs for Nettie Teagarden. Although Christmas Day 1893 was one of the warmest on record, reportedly to have been as warm as the middle of June, the Teagardens would enjoy the sleigh for a number of winters as they attended church.

The church, in the days of Rev. Teagarden, was the entertainment hub for a community.

In December 1897, the Zion Presbyterian Church provided an entertainment worth attending. It was described in this article from the December 29 issue of the Punxsutawney News: “Christmas at Panic We are not behind the age, in this tele-

phonic center. Our people, feeling the importance of keeping abreast with the march of improvement, arranged an entertainment which reached its culmination on Christmas Eve. It was given in the Cumberland Presbyterian church and consisted of music, both vocal and instrumental, recitations, colloquies, &c. It was opened with prayer

by Rev. Harry G. Teagarden, pastor, and an address by Miss Mary Hopkins, and for more than two hours the audience, which crowded the house, was entertained with the best and most completely arranged amusement ever held in this vicinity. Among the prominent features was the Pifer orchestra consisting of father, three sons and two daughters. The bass Viol was masterly handled by Tommy, a lad of only six years of age, and was heartily cheered. One of the selections entitled the ‘Merry Farmer Boys,’ with whistling chorus, was a striking feature. The whistlers were Reuben Burkhous, accompanying with the hoe, Edgar Shreckengost with the scythe, Burt North with the rake. The whole affair was pronounced a success, and reveals the fact that the dramatic talent is not all confined to the city.”

With five churches under his care, Rev. Teagarden was kept busy ministering to the members of his congregations. He officiated at the funerals of early settlers and new immigrants. He consoled grieving parents during the scarlet fever epidemic of 1901, when in one week he officiated at the funerals of six children, five of whom died of the fever.

He rejoiced in the marriage of young couples. During the holiday season - from Christmas 1899 to the new century’s New Year’s Day 1900, he officiated at five weddings: on Christmas day one at Eleanora and another at Anita, on December 28th one at Oliveburg and on January 1st one at Anita and another at Big Run. He enjoyed his people. The Punxsutawney Spirit, of February 8, 1899, recorded this amusing story of one event: “Gave Grandpa Away - Continued on page 24

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Churches on the hill at Adrian. The building on the left was built and used as a place of worship by various denominations. The church building on the right is the Catholic Church building. The ground for the churches was provided by the Rochester & Pittsburg Coal and Iron Company. The religious groups were responsible for constructing and maintaining the buildings. Rev. Teagarden served as a supply pastor to the Presbyterians of the Adrian Community who worshiped in the church on the left. Photo courtesy of PAHGS

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24 – Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243

Continued from page 22 Rev H.G. Teagarden, the popular pastor of the Oliveburg, Anita and Eleanora C.P. churches, was called upon to perform a wedding ceremony the other evening at the house of one of his parishioners. Preparations had been made for a good time, but the conviviality was not to begin until the minister had performed the ceremony and gone.

When Rev. Teagarden, who is always beaming with good nature, arrived, a little boy about five years old, immediately made friends with him, and was elevated to the pastor’s knee. After a few preliminary observations, the little fellow said in tones distinctly audible to the whole company— ‘Mr. Teagarden, my Grandpa has a lot of beer in the cellar.’

The ladies blushed violently and the men laughed heartily.

‘Grandpa, you might as well own up,’ said Rev. Teagarden laughing, ‘and hereafter you should post the boy not to be so communicative.’

Grandpa owned up.”

While attending to his pastoral duties, Rev. H.G. Teagarden continued his studies. He was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree by Waynesburg College in July 1899.

His Sunday schedule expanded. He preached at the Olive Church at 10:30 a.m., the Anita Church at 3:15 p.m. and on alternate Sundays at Eleanora or the Panic Zion Church at 7:30 p.m.

In January 1901, Rev. Teagarden accepted a call to form a Cumberland Presbyterian Congregation at the new mining community of Yatesboro. The town had only been in existence for about a year and had a population of 500, among them were forty professed Presbyterians. He accepted the call. By April 1902, realizing he was overcommitted and after much prayer, he submitted his letter of resignation to the Olive

church, where he had served for ten years.

At their April 23 meeting, the Olive congregation gave a unanimous call to Rev. Teagarden to continue his labors with them.

However, after hearing his convictions about his calling to develop missions into self-sustaining congregations, they relented and wished him well in his new field of endeavor. He continued to serve the churches at Eleanora until 1903, and in 1905 when the Eleanora congregation was without a pastor, they petitioned the Allegheny Presbytery for the return of their former pastor.

Their request was granted, and Rev. Teagarden returned. He continued to serve at the Eleanora and the Zion Church until 1907.

It was while on the way home to Punxsutawney from an evangelistic service at the Zion church on November 7, 1910, that his horse made a misstep along the public road near Adrian and toppled over a three-foot embankment, pulling the buggy and occupants along. Mrs. Teagarden was somewhat injured and the harnesses were badly broken, however, Rev. Teagarden and the horse were spared. It was theorized that the lights from the coke ovens had blinded the horse.

About 1904, Rev. Teagarden became involved with the State Grange, serving the organization first as chaplain. He continued with the organization for the rest of his life and served on the legislative committee as secretary and state lecturer for the organization. He assisted in organizing many local Granges in Jefferson and adjacent counties.

He also took an interest in lumbering and coal and participated as an investor and sometimes as a partner in a number of small operations.

The Teagardens moved to Punxsutawney in 1910, and, in November of that year, he was appointed as the Postmaster at Punxsutawney. He took over the position from Sidney Smith. The Punxsutawney Post Of- Continued on page 26

Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc.

Merry Christmas Please note: Our facilities are closed to the public until further notice.

Gift Shop items may be purchased online and Genealogy searches may be requested by e-mail.

Find us at: www.punxsyhistory.org Email: punxsyhistory@outlook.com 400 & 401 W. Mahoning St.

938-2555

(“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.)

December 16, 1888 — This town is expanding and filling up. It has its face to the dawn. Its prospects are brilliant. In a short time it will have one or two more railroads. That ought to bring manufactories. Manufactories will bring people, and the people will build houses, and our largest cities are nothing but collections of houses. Yes, this town has a future before it, a future that is as long and high up and wide out as the future of New York City or Chicago. So far as the future is concerned, there is no trouble about that. (The Punxsutawney Spirit) December 21, 1906 — Farmers telephones are becoming quite numerous in this section of the country. The rural community surrounding Big Run is soon to be connected up with one of the instruments. In communities where they have the rural telephone service they would not think of doing without it and Big Run, after the line to the Paradise settlement is installed, will wonder how the town ever got along without the service. (Big Run Tribune) December 31, 1901 — A young hurricane struck this place Monday night and for a couple of hours made life miserable for pedestrians. Rain fell in torrents and the air was full of flying missiles, making it dangerous for those who had to be out of doors. The waters of Mahoning creek were swelled to the high water mark. Before morning, however, a decided change took place. The rain ceased and it grew very cold and has remained so ever since.

(Punxsutawney Republican) January 1, 1896 — Our readers will be surprised to learn that Mr. Michael Stepkopiskee and Miss Terezie Brienkoski, both of Adrian, were in town the other day to get a marriage license through ’Squire Lowry. They secured the papers, too, but not without the aid of two interpreters and divers attempts at spelling the names properly before the right way was found. If Justice Lowry has any more trials like the above to go through there might be a case of paralysis of the arm or lock-jaw to report. (Punxsutawney News) January 5, 1871 — On Christmas morning between 3 and 4 o’clock, a fire was discovered in the building owned and occupied as a Drug Store by J. B. Wilson. The building is a one-story brick, and the fire had got such a headway before the citizens gathered that the upper portion of the building and roof were entirely destroyed and the contents of the store were either destroyed or badly damaged before it was extinguished. There being considerable snow on the roof and the walks being of brick, our citizens by their faithful exertions were enabled to save the adjoining buildings.

The fire is supposed to have originated in a rat’s nest in the loft. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) [Note: At that time there was no fire company or water company. “Citizens gathered” referred to a volunteer group of men who arrived to fight fires with a “bucket brigade,” water from a town pump.]

•••

First Christmas Baby Contest We at Hometown – and the sponsors of the First Christmas Baby of 2020 will welcome the first baby of the Christmas season to the Punxsutawney Area Hospital in a very special way! In addition to wishing one and all the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years, Hometown will recognize the first baby born on Christmas or the closest date after Christmas. The “winning” newborn will be the first baby born after 12 p.m. midnight on December 24, 2020 and must be a resident of the Hometown delivery area. The first baby will be announced on our facebook page and in the next issue of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine.

•••

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Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243 – 25

In this photo is the Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church and its adjoining cemetery where Rev. Teagarden was a pastor for over 15 years. The two grave markers in the foreground are for Gustav and Albert Hilbig, a father and son. The one on the left is for Albert, son of G. & Ella Hilbig, who died in 1889 at age six. The one on the right is for Gustav Hilbig, who was born in Germany in 1846, immigrated to America in 1867, worked in Massachusetts and southern Pennsylvania before coming to Jefferson County. He married Ella Dickey in 1879, and they had 11 children. He was a blacksmith by trade. Mr. Hilbig died in 1905. Rev. Teagarden officiated at his funeral. Photo courtesy of S.J. Sharp

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Continued from page 24 fice was located in one of the store rooms in the Pantall Hotel Block. The increase in the postal service in the community had outstripped the capacity of this facility to accommodate it efficiently. Plans had been made and land purchased by the Federal Government on North Findley Street for a new federal building. The new building, which would house the Punxsutawney Post Office, was constructed during the time he served as Postmaster. He yielded the position of postmaster to William Carter in 1916.

In 1918, Nettie Burson Teagarden, who had been ill for three months, passed away on May 4, at the age of 51 years. On November 25, 1819, Rev. H.G. Teagarden married a second time to Florence Sadler, the daughter of Nancy McKee and Thomas M. Sadler and granddaughter of Hugh McKee, veteran of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 and who was the first adult buried in the North Findley Street Cemetery.

Although few residents of Punxsutawney are familiar with his name, Rev. H.G. Teagarden lived during interesting times. He was born April 28, 1863, when the American Civil War was raging. He came to the Punxsutawney area in 1891 when he was 28 and lived through epidemics of measles, cholera, typhoid fever, and the Spanish Flu and comforted those who lost family members in mine disasters, floods and other tragedies of life. He left this life on January 12, 1921, as a relatively young man of 58 years. He began preaching in the Waynesburg area of Greene County while attending school. He received the call to serve the Cumberland Presbyterian charge based at the Olive Church in 1892. He was instru-

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mental in the advancement of the churches at the mining communities of Adrian and Eleanora and the development of churches at Anita and Yatesboro. He ministered equally to the children of the early settlers in the Punxsutawney area and the new immigrants who came to work in the coal industry. He embraced the work of the State Grange of Pennsylvania and served the organization for nearly twenty years. He was a public servant from 1910 through 1916 as the Postmaster of Punxsutawney. He was a 32nd degree member of the Masonic Fraternity, a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Brotherhood of the Paternal Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) and the International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F). He was known as one of the best extemporaneous speakers in Pennsylvania. His final resting place is at Circle Hill Cemetery. He found that his calling to evangelize was the most satisfying, whether organizing new churches or Grange chapters, and through it he served all of God’s people.

This article has been prepared by the Coal Memorial Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society.

Resources used in preparing this article are from PAHGS, The Punxsutawney Spirit, and Newspapers.com. Comments may be directed to PAHGS, P.O. Box 186, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Individuals desiring to honor a coal or coal industry related worker are encouraged to purchase their tile by June 30, 2021. A Coal Memorial tile may honor persons who worked in any aspect of the coal industry including railroads and ancillary services. Additional information and from may be found online at www.punxsyhistory.org , or may be requested by email to: punxsyhistory@outlook.com, or calling 814-938-2555 and leaving a message.

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4. Clip and forward the coupon to:‘Steelers Football Contest,’ c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. PLEASE MARK YOUR TEAM PICK & TOTAL POINTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE. ONLY ONE ENTRY PER ENVELOPE. 5. Entries must be received by 4 p.m. Thur., Dec. 24 6. No purchase necessary to participate. All entries must be original magazine coupon (no photocopies).

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STEELERS 2020 SCHEDULE 9/14 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8 11/15 11/ 22 11/26 12/ 6 12/13 12/ 21 12/27 1/3

DINE IN, CALL TO PLACE YOUR ORDER, OR ORDER ONLINE 814-938-2380

@ Giants BRONCOS TEXANS @ Titans EAGLES BROWNS @ Ravens BYE @ Cowboys BENGALS @ Jaguars RAVENS REDSKINS @ Bills @ Bengals COLTS @ Browns

STOP IN

7:15 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 4:25 pm 1 pm 1 pm 8:20 pm 1 pm 8:20 pm 8:15 pm 1 pm 1 pm

Steelers vs. Colts

Sun., Dec. 27 • 1 p.m.

Hometown magazine ‘Steelers Football Contest’: Complete, Clip, Drop off or Mail to: Steelers Football Contest c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767

TO QUALIFY FOR Name __________________________________ CONTEST YOU THE ST MARK YOUR TEAMU Address ________________________________ M PICK & TOTAL POINTS ON THE OU TSI DE OF THE Zip __________________________________ ENVELOPE. ONLY ON ENTRY PER ENVELO E PE. Phone ________________________________

Coupon for Game of Sun., Dec. 27 Step 1: Guess the Winning Team: __ Steelers vs. __ Colts Step 2: Guess the Total Points that will be Scored in that Game: _______ Total Points Step 3: Should I win, I would like to redeem my merchandise certificate at: (List business from this page) _____________________

Located along Rt. 36 N. Halfway between Punx’y and Brookville

849-6396

HOURS: Sun. 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Mon. & Tues. 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Wed.-Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sat 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Laska’s Pizza 405 N. Main St. Punxsutawney

938-4647 COLD 6-PACKS TO GO

LARGE SELECTION OF SPECIALTY AND CRAFT BEERS

HOLIDAY BEER IN STOCK GLUTEN FREE CUPCAKES

Red velvet peppermint, White chocolate, Gingerbread and Chocolate covered cherries

HERE THRU DECEMBER:

CHRISTMAS PIZZA

Garlic, Spinach, Mozzarella, Roasted Red peppers, topped with Feta Cheese

Gift Cards Available

STAY PUNX’Y STRONG

PUNXSY

Total Discount Foods

FULL SERVICE SUPER MARKET

938-2821

Groundhog Plaza, Punx’y Fresh Bakery, Deli & Fruits We Sell Only U.S.D.A. Choice Beef, Pork, Lamb and Veal

www.shopnsavefood.com

938-9584

588 W. Mahoning St. Punxsutawney

CARULLI AUTO SALES & SERVICE Let us take care of your vehicle We offer a full line of

Auto Repairs

WE'VE GOT TIRES!

We now carry all the Schluter shower components — in stock now.

Pick up everything you need to get started today on a custom tiled shower.

HAVE IT READY TO GO WHEN YOUR TILE ARRIVES.

Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243 – 27

At a time when loved ones lost are especially missed, we wish all of our friends and neighbors comfort and peace.

Providing Families the Best Care at Their Worst Time

McCabe

Waldron

Andrew R. Philliber, Supervisor

Lisa J. Waldron, Supervisor

FUNERAL HOME INC. Lisa J. Waldron, Funeral Director

FUNERAL HOME

114 Maple Ave., Punxsutawney

Andrew R. Philliber, Funeral Director 125 Market St., Mahaffey

814-938-0400

814-277-9911

Joe Buterbaugh, Funeral Associate

www.mccabewaldronfh.com 28 – Punxsutawney Hometown – Christmas 2020 - Issue #243