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Cincinnati Reds’ Devin Mesoraco Boasts Homegrown Bats

On the cover: Friends Pam Miller Creighton and Patti Lellock Photo by Courtney Katherine Photography

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By C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer evin Mesoraco’s bat is a model DM 814, but it might as well say “Wonderboy.”

This past offseason, Mesoraco had a dozen bats especially made for him by Marucci Sports from trees from his home in Pennsylvania. None of the trees were felled by lightning like they were in “The Natural,” but they’re still as close as you’ll get in the big leagues to Roy Hobbs’ mythical bat.

“I don’t think it’s ever been done,” said Jack Marucci, who owns Marucci Sports.

“I’m from the same area, I’m from Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and there’s not too many people from the western side of Pennsylvania. Seems like a perfect storm.”

On Opening Day, Mesoraco used his usual DM 39 (his initials and jersey number), waiting for that to break before he switches to a new bat, made from one of two maple trees at his house in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where he owns 40 acres, 39 of them covered by trees.

Mesoraco has always used Marucci bats, and last year Marucci came to Arizona to check on some of his clients, including Mesoraco. The two had never met and they started talking, about their backgrounds, Pennsylvania, baseball and, of course, bats.

“He’s from Pennsylvania, also. I told him where I was from and he told me they get

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“He thought about it for a second and said, ‘let’s do it.’ He said he’d get in touch with me in the offseason and we’ll come up and make sure we get some good wood, that’s usable. He had his logger come out and said we’d see if we can find something.”

This past w i n t e r, Marucci and his logger went out to look at Mesoraco’s property and the trees. Out of about 100 maples on the property, they found three Marucci Sports has stringent requirements for the wood it harvests for the baseball bats that carry the company’s they thought name; however, the manufacturer’s representatives would work found enough quality maple trees – like this one on and took Devin Mesoraco’s Punxsy property – to handcraft the down two. custom-made DM-814 bat for the Cincinnati Reds Marucci catcher. (photo courtesy of Jack Marucci) said they look wood from that area,” Mesoraco said. “I said for many different things. They look at how I always thought it would be cool – that’s the bark grows and whether there are any how I said it – I always thought it’d be cool limbs coming off, because that can create if I could use a bat from my property. knots. They also look at the trunk, to see how

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Punxsutawney native son and Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco points the way to trees on his Punxsy property – trees used to manufacture his custom-made, and homegrown – baseball bats. (photo courtesy of Jack Marucci)

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the wood starts there. They want the tree to be between 40 and 80 years old, which they can tell by the height. He wants the tree to be between 15 to 18 inches in girth.

There’s a lot of little boxes to tick off, so it’s literally finding a single tree in a forest.

And, after agreeing to try it, that’s what worried Marucci.

“The worry was, that since our standards are so high, we didn’t know how many billets we were going to get, you could maybe only get – you could get maybe only 125 billets, which sounds like a lot, but it’s not really a lot,” Marucci said. “Then you have to go through the process of weighing and grading it. I was expecting we’d get three bats – hoping, really. Because you have to have the right weight, right quality.”

Funny thing, when they started looking at it, Marucci’s logger said it may have been the best wood they’d seen in five years. And they ended up getting a dozen bats for Mesoraco, plus more they made for his younger brother, Jordan.

The entire Mesoraco family kept tabs on the process, and they were lucky because one of the facilities that Marucci uses is a mill in the region. From there it was sent to Baton - Continued on page 10

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My Mom and the Three B’s

By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine ow did my mother love me? Let me count the ways.

She loved me to the depth and breadth and height of working and saving to make my life better. I always had the perfect gift under the Christmas tree – especially that special Tressy Millinery Shoppe or the Spirograph that I desperately wanted when I was a kid.

She sewed and crocheted fancy clothes for my Barbie doll when we couldn’t afford to buy them.

She paid for my whole college education.

She loved me to the level of every day’s meal. We never had a frozen or box dinner on the table; she always cooked a homemade supper and forced me to eat my vegetables. She cooked my favorite dinner on my birthday (stuffed pork chops) and made me Sloppy Joes on Saturday.

She loved me, and strove for Right – never accepting less than she knew I could accomplish. She is the reason I balance my checkbook to the penny and know how to do my own income tax. She is the reason I got A’s in school. She is the reason that I got a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. She is the reason I got a job.

She loved me with a passion put to use; she taught me to cook and clean and work hard. She taught me how to plant beans, how to tie up garden tomatoes, and how to can my own food. She taught me to remove spots on clothing with Fels-Naptha soap and how to hang laun-

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dry outside on a clothes line.

My mother loved me with a love I hope to never lose. She loved me through the breath, smiles, and tears of all my life. Nevertheless, there are three things on this earth that Mom treasured almost as much as she treasured me: baking, building and bingo – the three B’s.

Yes, her passion for each was practically as limitless as the love for her only child.

and to make the pies – homemade coconut cream (made with the pet cow’s milk), apple, and blueberry pies were her specialty.

When I was a little girl, my mother continued her tradition of baking everything; we never bought any bread or sweets from the store. I can still see her kneading a huge wad of dough in a large, yellow enamel pan that later sat on our

lizing perfume of baked goods actually crept through our backyard, through Mrs. Corey’s alley, and up the Highway Barn road to Route 36.

Mom even bought me a little kid’s Easy-Bake Oven so I could practice my baking skills along with her. Snatching a blob of dough from her big enamel pan, I rolled it and twirled it in my grimy kid hands until the finished product was a slightly gray color. Didn’t matter one bit.

When it was baked, my dad ate the finished product and acted like it was the best bread he had ever sampled.

Even today at 92, my mother continues the baking tradition and can whip up the most delectable cinnamon buns, Easter bread, and pie crust in the world.

She continues to use the same old, yellow enamel bowl, although it has a few chips and blemishes in the side of it. In addition, Mom won’t use anything but the traditional cake of wet yeast that she has always used – often requesting that the local grocery store special-order it - Continued on next page

Mary Ellen with her mom, Lucy Pollock. (submitted photo)

My mother grew up in an Italian household of nine children during the Great Depression. Naturally, they grew their own food, milked their own cow, killed chickens for Sunday dinner, and, of course, baked all their own bread, pies, cakes, and cookies from scratch.

Grandma had an outdoor bread oven and baked 20 loaves or so every week; Mom’s job was to help with the bread

Lucy Pollock, Mary Ellen’s mom. (submitted photo)

gas stove. The flour and yeast mixture basked in the warmth of the kitchen and rose like a huge fluffy cloud about the metal rim of that bowl. The dough morphed into about anything she wanted: loaves of tasty bread, pizza pie crust, or even sticky cinnamon buns. Stepping off the school bus at the top of the hill near our house, I could smell the delightful aroma of fresh buns and rolls; the tanta-

Inspiration Mary Ellen drew inspiration for her story, “My Mom and the Three B’s,” from Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43 with its famous opening line. How many of the poem’s other lines, or allusions to lines, can you find in Mary Ellen’s story?

Sonnet 43 How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

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My Mom and the Three B’s

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Continued from previous page for her. The result of her labor is still amazing as crusty, brown rolls, bread, and pie crusts emerge from the oven. Although we now live in Latrobe, folks can probably still smell her baking back in Fairview!

Mom’s second love was a little unusual; however, she learned most of the trade from her father and her brother.

She loved to build stuff out of wood. I can still recall her standing in our old basement as she held a hammer and a level. You see, she paneled the entire room. Yes, my mom the carpenter has constructed tables and shelving, repaired steps, installed countertops, constructed her own sawhorses, and even built the little chicken coop for my pet rooster, Yankee Doodle.

I particularly remember the sad occasion when our dog, Heidi, took her journey to the Rainbow Bridge many years ago. My mother immediately strode into the garage and examined her supply of wood that sat tucked away in a corner.

Grabbing her trusty hammer, nails, and a tape measure, Mom made a little casket for our pet and even lined it with Heidi’s favorite blanket. Then, we laid the pup to rest in her favorite place – under the shade of the old plum tree in our backyard.

Mom continues to have a flair for carpentry even today. A few weeks ago, a couple of my kitchen chairs broke – the spindles on the backrest loosened and detached from the seat. Enter my mother who saved the day with tiny nails, a hammer, and some wood glue. They say that it’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks; however, who would want to? It’s nice having Bob Vila in the family.

Building and baking sure took a lot of effort, but my mother knew how to have fun too – especially when she played bingo, her favorite game. Time after time, Mom loved to reminisce about the Punxsutawney carnival that used to be held in the street – right front of the old Kroger store and across from the current Barkley Square. I guess one night, she was particularly successful in her gambling efforts, and she cleaned up with a lot of loot that included a brown Indianprint blanket, a cast-iron skillet, and a small beige valise that she still uses.

Years ago, the local radio station, WPME, didn’t play a lot of rock all day; the channel had stuff like the Paul Har-

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vey farm report and Jackpot Bingo. See, a few of the local supermarkets gave out flimsy paper bingo sheets with purchases at those stores. Usually in the summer afternoons of my adolescence, my mom retrieved our jar of bingo markers that included raisins and chocolate chips, and we played bingo along with the WPME radio caller.

“Spread out the cards on the table,” Mom directed as we prepared for the 2 p.m. game.

The best time was “Blackout Bingo,” a game where the whole card was covered; the first to call into the station won the big jackpot, which couldn’t have been more than 10 or 20 dollars. I can’t ever recall that Mom or I won; I guess we were losers! But, heck! The game was the most fun in town – and it cost nothing – and my mother loved playing it.

Nowadays, Mom cruises summer festivals for quarter bingo games in church parking lots under the shade of a tent.

Typically, she will play two or three cards and hope that the kernels of corn on her card line up in just the right position, so she can win a prize. Occasionally, too, she may spend a gray winter afternoon with a Pennsylvania Lottery scratch-off bingo. Of course, she scratches the numbers one by one, which is a quite a tedious job. She has never won the big bingo jackpot yet; however, I’m sure that someday, my mom will have the four-corner grand prize.

How does my mom love me? There are too many ways to count, even if I tried. In a final nod to Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous sonnet, my mom loves me further than my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight. She loves me with a passion put to use and with my childhood’s faith. Nonetheless, baking, building, and bingo continue to tempt her and win her affection. They wink at her and coax her to enjoy their company from time to time, and she is a willing partner. This May 10th, it is quite obvious what plans I have for my mother.

First, I will encourage her to whip up a big pan of dough; later, we can decide if we want to make buns, bread, or a pastry.

Next, I will help her fix yet another one of my kitchen chairs that recently fell apart. Then, in the afternoon, we will search for a church festival with a bingo tent. I hope we can find a spot on the picnic bench there at the game; Mom will probably win. After all – it’s Mother’s Day! She deserves it.

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Ladies Share a Friendship for the Ages

By Jennifer Skarbek Smith for Hometown magazine The following story is the first in a series that will feature people who have made a difference in the lives of others. Whether it be in the role of a mentor, friend, relative, co-worker, teacher, or acquaintance, some of us have had the awesome opportunity to have our lives changed forever by the caring or intervention of another human being. Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” There are individuals who take this word to heart, living by action and example. Theirs are stories that touch the heart and the soul; theirs are stories worthy of sharing. or friends Patti Lellock and Pam Miller Creighton, their meeting, almost 20 years ago, was the magnificent handiwork of serendipity – an amazing opportunity to find a valuable treasure just by the event of chance. From that moment of good fortune forward, the two grew close, finding in one another love and trust, care and compassion, each complementing and enhancing the other, yet each giving the credit to her counterpart for the possibility of such an incredible relationship.

According to the ladies, their lives were changed the instant that Patti arrived at the Make-A-Wish office in Punxsutawney in search of a job. Pam, who was then the director of the regional office of the foundation, had been given Patti’s name as a recommendation for an opening, and she didn’t hesitate to call Patti for an interview.

“I was so nervous,” Patti said of the initial

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encounter with Pam. “I had just worked in factories and had no college education. I never even wore a suit.”

However, Patti’s inexperience was no deterrent; rather, Pam said that she immediately noticed the goodness that exuded from Patti and offered her the chance to join the team at Make-A-Wish, the foundation that “helps to strengthen and empower children battling lifethreatening medical conditions.”

Pam added, “You have to have a kind spirit to work at that job; anybody knows that.”

The two women worked as a team at the foundation for a period of 10 years granting about 600 wishes to children in this area of western Pennsylvania.

“We had a lot of wonderful experiences with a lot of wonderful people,” Pam added.

Perhaps it was the nature of the work – dealing with children and families facing heartwrenching illnesses and disabilities – that makes one’s emotions run so deep and allows for extreme openness and compassion; but, whatever the reason, Patti and Pam became more than co-workers. Their friendship developed and blossomed like a plant rooted in the hardiest of soils.

When Patti started her employment at Make-A-Wish, she admits that she was very shy and reserved, not exactly the type of person to work so in depth with the public on fundraising and wish-granting.

“I had to learn everything,” Patti said, “I became much more outgoing.”

Patti attributes this affirmative metamorphosis in her personality to the fact that Pam believed in her and offered her the chance to be part of a truly extraordinary organization.

But in the remarkable manner by which his or her wish.” these two friends each assign the positives of With the friends accomplishing so much the relationship to the doings of the other, Pam through their work and both thoroughly eninsists that Patti was already an incredible per- joying this calling in life, it came as a shock son whom she only helped to see her self- and disappointment when Patti’s health was worth. threatened in the summer of 2007.

Pam remarked, “I gave her the confidence Patti explained that after having the necesthat I knew she already had.”

Patti recalls numerous times of being in the limelight for Make-A-Wish doing interviews or making appearances on a broadcast when she would get so anxious that she would sweat bullets. Luckily, all was eased when Pam showed her support by speaking words of encouragement to her colleague and friend.

“All she would have to say to me is ‘it’s for the kids, it’s for the kids,’” Patti said.

“And then I just did it.”

For the friends, working at the Make-A-Wish office was an awesome highlight in their lives. There was Patti Lellock and Pam Miller Creighton have shared many never a day when either felt Friends smiles and much laughter during their nearly 20 years of friendlike calling off or staying ship. (submitted photo) home. It was simply a joy to go to work because they were sure that they sary surgery, she began having some neurowere making a difference for children and their logical problems similar to those that people families and making the world a better place. with multiple sclerosis experience. She was “We had the passion,” Pam commented of certain that this called for further medical atherself and Patti, “We just had to find a way to tention. Thus, in August, she saw a specialist do it; the end result being the child would get - Continued on next page

Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 5

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Ladies Share Continued from previous page

who performed some testing on her in his office to see how well Patti’s nervous system was functioning. With the testing completed, Patti said that she was making her way back to the waiting room when something went terribly wrong.

Patti recalled the horrible events of that day by saying, “I totally went blind just walking from the exam room to the waiting room.”

Alarmed by her loss of vision, Patti consulted with local optometrist Dr. Nathan Stebbins. She credits Stebbins for discovering a problem with her optic nerve, which led him to believe that Patti did not have MS, but some other disorder.

“He (Stebbins) sent me right to Pittsburgh,” Patti said.

At Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Patti saw neurologist Dr. Scott. The doctor treated her symptoms with steroids and plasmapheresis, a treatment that filters antibodies from the blood. Thankful for the medical intervention of Dr. Scott, Patti slowly began to recover, eventually regaining her eyesight. This episode, along with additional testing, revealed to Scott that Patti had a rare autoimmune disease called neuromyelitis optica (NMO), or Devic’s Disease.

The Mayo Clinic website defines NMO as “a demyelinating disease that affects the optic nerves and the spinal cord. It can lead to blindness, paraplegia, bladder and bowel dysfunction, respiratory failure, and death.”

Pam explained that her friend’s illness is very rare and has commonly been misdiagnosed in the past as MS because the two conditions share similar symptoms. In addition, there was not even a reliable test for NMO until very recently.

“Now that the disease is becoming wellknown,” she said, “they just came out with a test to positively identify it.”

Once diagnosed, Patti began to receive regular treatments but was unable to keep up with her full responsibilities at the office. Therefore, she had to take some time off and finally resign from her position at Make-A-Wish despite her wanting to stay.

Of her time at the foundation Patti said, “It was the best chapter of my life.”

Through all of this, Patti said that even though she and Pam were not working together anymore, Pam stuck beside her like the true friend that she is. Although Pam did continue in her role at Make-A-Wish for a few years while she took on the management position at Miller Brothers Furniture, she admits that the job was not the same with Patti’s absence.

“It was hard to go in without her,” Pam said.

Not working and being confined to the house because of her declining health, it is not surprising that Patti began to slip into a state of depression. Likewise, Patti was used to spending time indoors – spring cleaning multiple times throughout the year – or outdoors – gardening or watching her beloved birds; however, the illness prevented these activities as well. Pam said that she could see that her friend was going through a very rough time and wanted to help her. So, to Patti’s surprise, Pam paid her friend an unexpected but much-appreciated visit.

“I looked out the window and there was a line of cars coming up my driveway!” Patti exclaimed.

She said that Pam had rounded up a crew of her employees who came out and graciously spent the day cleaning her home from top to bottom and landscaping her yard into a beautiful oasis. Patti was so moved by this act of kindness that she shed tears of joy throughout the day and then crafted a poem about the experience that she then bestowed on the volunteers as a token of thanks.

Pam marvels at the fact that even though she and her crew offered their help to Patti so that they might lift her spirits, it is they who were rewarded by Patti’s joy and appreciation.

“With everything that she has been through she is such an inspiration,” Pam said. “She has so much to offer people.”

As part of the prognosis from her doctor, Patti was told that she could expect to live for five years at the most. Now, eight years later, she looks back with a sense of victory in having survived nearly twice as long, defying the odds. In fact, Patti has come close to death a couple of times and has lived to tell about it.

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6 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

- Continued on page 10

(left to right) Nick Kernich, Bernie Westover, Kiersten Wasicki, Taylor Grusky, Savanna Hallman, Norma Runk, Diane Alexander, Gary Bowers.

Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 7

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The family of Michael and Mary Churilla Petrick was typical of the immigrants to the Punxsutawney area. This photo was taken at their home in Anita about 1920. Michael and Mary, natives of Austria, arrived in this country in 1885 and 1892 respectively. Michael worked in the mines. Mary kept the home. Like most new arrivals they lived in company housing at the Helvetia mine, Clearfield County. When they moved to Anita in 1909 they were able to purchase their home. Their two sons also worked in the mines – Michael J. Petrick was a motorman and John Petrick a cutter. Michael passed away in 1929, leaving Mary and the younger children secure in their own home. The expression on Mary Petrick’s face shows the pride she has in her family. The American flag displayed on their house indicates that this family was proud to be an American family. The family members include the gentlemen (l-r) Michael Hudock, John Petrick, Michael J. Petrick, and Michael Petrick, Sr., and the ladies (l-r) Anna M. Petrick Hudock, Margaret Petrick, Margaret Petrick, and Pauline Petrick. (photo courtesy of Bernadette Chverchko in the collection of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)

Motherhood in a Mining Community

Mothers Nurtured Future Citizens

By PRIDE for Hometown magazine otherhood is one of the most challenging responsibilities of the human endeavor. Mothers, in extended family groups, have traditionally been aided in this task by sisters, aunts, in-laws, and their older children.

During the late 19th and early 20th century, a new type of family evolved. This new family was a “nuclear family,” consisting of parents and their children, often living a long distance from their extended family.

The Punxsutawney area experienced the influx of a large number of nuclear families when the coal mines opened. The nature of work at that time enabled the nuclear family to function fairly efficiently. The father could find work in one of the coal indus-

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tries such as mining, coking, and railroading. The mother worked at home tending to the more personal needs of the family by maintaining the home, garden, and livestock, while feeding, clothing, and nurturing the children.

In addition to the normal challenges of family life, these new families faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture.

Many of the families came from countries where tradition governed their daily lives and the future of their children. These families faced the double task of raising children, who, although strongly influenced by their traditions, would need to fit into their new society.

Fathers, through the workplace, learned how to get along in their new community.

- Continued on page 14

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O

By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine

ur last writing in Hometown presented a history of 19th-century rafting days in the Punxsutawney area. Information from early weekly Punxsutawney newspapers was

pioneer years went into the forests in the wintertime, felled trees, cut them into logs, and took the logs to sawmills for sawing into lumber. Large quantities of the logs were hewed on four sides for squared board timber and then bound into rafts to be floated downstream on the

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Rafting adventures were shared with younger generations through oral stories, handwritten notes, diaries, newspaper accounts, and books. Red Silk Pantalettes was written in 1946 about the Campbell and St. Clair families, early settlers in the area. (photo by S. Thomas Curry)

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Ladies Share Continued from page 6 After living with the diagnosis of NMO for a short while, Patti suffered complete kidney failure. This in turn made it necessary for Patti to regularly get dialysis in order to remove waste from her body. Because dialysis can take a toll on a patient by making them nauseated or tired, Patti began to question if she wanted to live the remainder of her life in this physical pain.

“I told my husband that I was done,” Patti said. “I was coming off dialysis.”

As she was driving herself to her appointment one day and praying as she traveled along the road, Patti said that the song “Calling All Angels” came on the radio which she thought was both a blessing and a strange coincidence.

Patti started to feel sick but proceeded into the hospital. She recalled that she began to feel very ill and lose awareness of her surroundings.

“I told them to call the ambulance and to call my mother,” Patti remembers, believing at the time that it was the end, before falling to the floor and losing consciousness. What happened next was a blur; however, Pam said that Patti had to be resuscitated to bring her back.

Miraculously, Patti bounced back from the episode, even regaining full function of her kidneys.

Pam said of Patti, “She rallied and came back; she’s a walking miracle.”

Reflecting on everything that she has endured over the past eight years, Patti believes that it is her opportunity to have worked at Make-A-Wish that has given her courage and persistence. Whether it is blood tests or spinal taps or invasive treatments, Patti said that she thinks of the kids she has served and is comforted.

“Everything I have to do, I think of those children,” Patti said. “If they can do it, then I can too.”

She elaborated by saying that during her time working with these children and their families, she thought that she understood what they were going through.

“I didn’t get it,” she admitted. “I didn’t get it until it happened to me.”

According to Pam, even though NMO has taken away Patti’s ability to go to work or leave the house, it has not stolen her friend’s kindness, sweetness, and soul. Rather, Patti has found a way to connect to others from her home.

Pam said, “Anytime that Patti hears that someone is in need or there are people on the brink of despair she does something for them.

She crafts jewelry, or sends a gift, or writes them a note. She has been able to reach out.”

Pam said that a great example of Patti’s ability to touch people’s lives has been through her artistic ability and creative nature. Patti is always taking photographs of scenes that inspire her, as well as writing poetry and prose to express her connection to the image. Pam and Patti’s circle of friends was amazed by this and prompted Patti to compile her work into a published book. With their assistance, Illuminated was printed, and several copies were sold with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, of course. This moving gesture is typical of Patti’s nature and Pam has seen that not only locals have been moved by her friend’s compassion.

As a way to show Patti how much she values their friendship, a few years ago Pam decided to take her friend to see her favorite band, Blue October, when they played at a venue outside Pittsburgh. Although Pam admits that the music genre is not her cup of tea, she knew that Patti would be overjoyed to spend an evening hearing her best loved tunes and stuck

10 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

it out anyway. In fact, Pam said that instead of joining the crowd during the show she channeled her energy into connecting with the security guards with hopes of their getting Patti a personal meet and greet with the members of the band. Fortunately, it paid off, and after the show Patti and Pam were directed outside the facility where Blue October came out to talk to them. As Patti conversed with band members Justin Furstenfeld, Ryan Delahoussaye, and Jeremy Furstenfeld, they were moved by her presence and her story, even to the point of tears. And, in Patti’s gift-giving nature, she bestowed on the guys small treasures called fairy stones while telling them the Native American legend of the staurolite rocks, which bear the semblance of a cross and can only be found in Fairy Stone State Park in Virginia and a location in Switzerland. Patti reported that the rocks are supposed to protect the person from harm as well as remind them of Jesus’ dying for them.

When Patti returned to Punxsutawney after the concert she was still high-spirited and wanted to share that delight with her closest companions. Thus, she and her friends decided to hold “Full Moon Parties” as a way to spend time together and connect, almost a healing process, despite Patti’s health problems.

Pam said, “When they get together it is more than friendship.”

“It is fellowship,” Patti added. “I’ve not kept myself alive. They have.”

For Patti and Pam, they feel that God has brought them together and they are thankful for each moment they can spend in each other’s company.

Pam summed it up by saying, “It’s not about work, wealth or health; it is whatever God has destined. It’s all about how many people you can impact during the journey. And if you’re lucky, you find a friend.”

•••

Homegrown Bats Continued from page 2 Rouge, Louisiana, where Marucci carves the bats, and even there a bat could get rejected.

“That was a big fear because you don’t know, you can look at a tree, you can read the grain pattern, but you don’t know until you get in,” Marucci said. “Or even when we cut them on the lathe, there’s defects inside.

We’re so particular, we’ll cut 40-some bats to get a dozen. It worked out perfectly, we picked out the perfect trees. We were fortunate and it was some of the best quality wood we’ve seen.”

In the end, there were 12 bats Mesoraco will use throughout this season – the DM 814 models are the ones from his house, the 814 representing his area code.

Marucci noted he may shed a tear each time one of those 12 bats breaks throughout the season, because each one seems so special. Mesoraco said he’s excited to use them, as they were shipped straight from Baton Rouge to Cincinnati, ready for Opening Day. And the Reds’ catcher also knows much more about his bats now, sharing a closer bond than maybe any other professional athlete and his equipment. He also knows where to go to maybe find more.

“He knew the parts of his property where to go to get the trees,” Marucci said. “When he’s done playing, we may hire him as a consultant up there for our logger up there.”

Mesoraco said he could do it – but after signing a new contract during the offseason, it may be off in the distance a bit.

“Maybe it could be a hobby,” he said.

Story used with permission of The Enquirer.

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Follow us on Facebook for Daily specials Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 11

Your Center for Quality, Advice and Value

MAHONiNG HiLLS SOCiAL CENTER VOLuNTEER RECOGNiTiON DiNNER AND AWARD CEREMONy (l. to r.) Mary Beth Wilson, Center Manager, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Volunteers Kay Young and Alice Sprankle, as Center Aide Arlene Mack assists with the presentation of special lunch certificates. (submitted photo)

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ditorium. n May 2: PAHS Prom Procession, 6:30 p.m., Barclay Square. If it rains, it will be held at the high school auditorium. n May 4: Beautiful Birdhouse Contest deadline, Punxsy Weather Discovery Center, call 938-1000 for information or e-mail info@weatherdiscovery.org. n May 5: Community Dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., at First United Methodist Church.

Free & open to the public. n May 5: Senior Citizen Law Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Kovalchick Convention Center, Indiana. Only 500 can attend; call (724) 349-4500 for information. n May 6: First Tuesday Community Dinner, 5 to 7 p.m., at Punxsy Presbyterian Church. Free & open to the public. n May 6: PAHS Band & Jazz Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., at Punxsy Area High School auditorium.

May 10: n Mother’s Day. Remember your mother in a special way. n May 17: Concert, Johnstown Orchestra Community Strings, 4 p.m, at First English Lutheran Church, open the public. Donations appreciated. n May 18: Punxsy Writer’s Club, 7 p.m., at Jefferson Street Social Hall. n May 22: Blood Drive, noon to 5:30 p.m., Assumption of GRAND OPENiNG CELEBRATiON the Blessed Virgin The ribbon-cutting for the grand opening of Frank’s Star Lunch was held Church, Sykesville, Saturday, April 18, in front of the restaurant. Brothers Chuck and Frank Hetrick opened Frank’s Star Lunch to continue the legacy of their grand- sponsored by Amerifather Frank Mamolito, who operated the Original Star Lunch for 42 can Red Cross. years. Participating in the event were (front row, l-r) Katie Laska (Punxsy n May 25: MemoChamber of Commerce), Senovia Roberts, Chuck and Frank Hetrick rial Day. (eatery owners), Chervyl Hetrick, Carol Marasco, Jeff Curtis (Chamber of n May 26: Blood Commerce), and (second row) Sean Hetrick, Ryan Hetrick, Matt Baumgartner, Jan Hallman, Michelle Hetrick, Kathy Cox, Tom Pisker (con- Drive, 1 to 6 p.m., St. tractor), and Paula Charles. (submitted photo) Mary’s Church, Reynoldsville, by American Red Cross. n The Mahoning Hills Social Center held a special Volunteer Recognition Dinn May 29: Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Punxsutawney Area Hospital, by ner and award ceremony at the center on American Red Cross.

Wednesday, April 22 Following the volunteer dinner, Elvis n May 29: PAHS Graduation. Congratulations to all the graduating seniors!

Impersonator, Kelly Hylton entertained in true ELVIS style. n June 2: Last day of school for Punxsutawney Area School District. n April 29: Hymn Sing, Mahoning Hills Social Center. Call (724) 254-9820 n June 3: Blood Drive, noon to 5:30 p.m., First Church of God, by American for information.

Red Cross. n April 29: PAHS Chorus Concert, ••• 7:30 p.m., at Punxsy Area High School auBy the staff of Hometown magazine rom the staff of Hometown magazine and the Chamber of Commerce and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events and happenings coming up in our area: n Frank’s Star Lunch celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting in front of the restaurant on Saturday, April 18. In opening the hot dog eatery, brothers Chuck and Frank Hetrick fulfilled their dream of continuing the legacy of their grandfather Frank Mamolito, who served thousands of patrons as operator of the Original Star Lunch for 42 years. Frank’s Star Lunch is located at 115 W. Mahoning Street, Punxsy. For more information about hours and offerings, give the restaurant a call at (814) 618-5816.

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12 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

Punxsutawney Concert Vote Tuesday, May 19th Association Begins 2015-16 Aaron L. Hendricks Subscription Campaign Punxsutawney FOR

F

ollowing the conclusion of another successful concert season with the “Good Company” performance on April 21, the Punxsutawney Concert Association has begun its annual subscription campaign to gain community support for its schedule of performances for the 2015-16 concert year.

memberships. After June 1, an annual subscription is available at $45 for an individual. The subscription is for a season of three concerts. The annual campaign for subscriptions / memberships will continue through August when the association begins preparing for the opening of the new season.

Ethan Bortnick

Kevin Johnson and friends

Members of Vivace strike a pose.

With its budgetary resources provided by individual subscribers – at levels of patrons, benefactors, and donors – the concert association is challenged by the diverse interests of area residents.

“Looking back over the many years since the local concert association was organized in the early 1940s, it is recognized that tastes and preferences for entertainment have changed,” said subscription chairperson Bessie Depp, “and the definition of ‘concert’ is further defined by a new generation of folk with entertainment interests.”

“We always have that in mind while booking a season of live stage and musical experiences,” she concluded.

In the early weeks of the campaign, the “Early Bird Special” – available until June 1 – is offered to subscribers who wish to support the association with reduced annual

“The challenge of maintaining a reasonable price for a season of three concerts continues through a time of depressed economy for the area,” said association president S. Thomas Curry, “and increased costs for the selection and staging of the talented performers is not overlooked by the concert association volunteers.”

“It’s the committed support of some special people who have a spirit and vision towards such an annual series of live concerts – and remain excited and committed – that ensures the continuation of a concert season each year,” he continued, “and we welcome new people to the experiences.”

“Our mission is still the same – to provide a concert season of highlevel talent in the performing arts in a suitable venue for stage performances,” Curry concluded.

In the 1940s, when the Von Trapp Family Singers were a part of the association’s first years, the organization was named the Punxsutawney Community Concert Association. “Though we have shortened the name to a simpler ‘Punxsutawney Concert Association,’ the concept of ‘community’ is still what has supported the effort for these many years,” Curry said.

The mission also includes encouraging the arts in the Punxsutawney Area School District. The season’s three concerts will be held in the Punxsutawney Area High School auditorium. Two of the visiting performers will provide special matinee programs for

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Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 13

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14 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

Motherhood Continued from page 8

Mothers found support in understanding their new society through the church, which provided a bridge between tradition and the norms of their new community.

The community also had its concerns about the ability of the new families to assimilate. In an article in the Punxsutawney Spirit on February 18, 1908, the writer opined: “Only a few years ago it was conceded by most persons and predicted by many, that the Italians, unlike the Swede, Slav and the earlier emigrants, would never become cosmopolitan or diversified in the choice of their avocations as the other emigrants were doing and would do. It was pointed out that the subject of King Humbert who migrated to our shores had no higher ambition than to dig coal, build railroads, shovel coke, accumulate a competence, and return to his native land, there to spend his reclining years in comparative ease. True, it was admitted, that some of the more shrewd had developed adeptness as green grocer merchants, small shop keepers, and the like, but it was pointed out that the number who would probably adopt merchandising would always be small in comparison to the number of emigrants from Sunny Italy.”

Although the writer spoke particularly about the Italian immigrants, every mother who came from another country worked diligently to raise her children as citizens of their new country. She did this while knowing that each day when her husband went to work, he might not come home.

She used skills from her life in the old country to make a home for her family. She planted a garden to provide food and to tide them over during slack times in the work at the mines. She dried and canned the fruits and vegetables she raised. She was frugal, handing down outgrown clothing from older to younger children and often recycling the good parts of the parents’ clothes into clothing for the young ones. She made quilts and haps out of the leftover pieces of cloth to keep the family warm during cold winter nights. She saved the family’s money, and, when she’d saved enough, the family could buy a lot or several acres of their own and built a house. Owning land enabled her to keep chickens and sometimes a goat or cow. The animals provided a source of protein for the family and at times an additional source of income. She would make and sell butter and cheese. If there were eggs in excess of the family’s need, they could be sold. Through example,

mothers taught their children to be frugal, to invest in ways that would bring a profit, and to work hard. Mothers made sure their children attended school, knowing that education was the key to having a better life.

The success of the family would be the mother’s legacy.

Some mothers in mining communities faced even harder lives; those whose husbands were tragically killed while at work were often left destitute. Insurance and death benefits had not become part of the social fabric to help a family through such a tragedy. The mother who had sons old enough to work for the mine was fortunate.

She would have some income to help the family through challenging times. Such was the case when an immigrant from Scotland, Richard Graham, aged 52, died in August 1887, of a lingering illness at Walston, leaving a wife and seven children, the youngest seven years of age. It was reported that two of the sons were young men and could provide well for the mother. Fortunately, Mr. Graham had been a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, who took responsibility to see that he had a proper funeral and burial.

When Jacob Strouse was killed in an accident at a mine of Bell Lewis and Yates in 1890, his young widow was left struggling to support and keep her family of three small children. She struggled for two years before it occurred to Mr. Elliott, the general manager, that it would be a graceful act to aid her struggle for bread, which he did by placing Mrs. Strouse on the mine’s payroll for one year at $20 per month – an act of kindness noted in the September 17, 1890, edition of the Punxsutawney Spirit: “While this is nothing more than the common sentiment of humanity should dictate, yet how rare, and consequently how beautiful, such an act appears when performed by a corporation – a thing supposed to be utterly void of soul. We have no doubt the Recording Angel takes great pleasure in jotting down items like this to the credit of corporations, but the probability is that this one will be placed to the individual account of Mr. Elliott.”

According to the Reynoldsville Star on December 20, 1893, Mr. Peter Trunzo, a native of Italy, was killed on December 18 by a rockfall at the Florence mine. Mrs. Trunzo was left to care for four small children, the eldest age nine. Two of the children had been in the Adrian hospital for several weeks with typhoid fever. The Roman Catholic Church at Anita provided for the funeral and interment. There was no mention in the newspaper of how this fam- Continued on page 16

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Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 15

Motherhood Continued from page 14

ily would survive.

On February 7, 1899, an Irish immigrant, Patrick Madden lost his arm in an accident at the Big Soldier Mine. He was carried to his home and doctors were summoned; however he died before 24 hours had passed. He left his wife and nine children and another child that was about to be born.

St. Mary’s Catholic took responsibility for his funeral and burial in the Catholic cemetery at Reynoldsville. Sixty members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians attended his funeral in a body to show their respect and esteem for their departed brother. John, the oldest son, age 16, was working as a driver, and Patrick, aged about 13, was a trapper in the Big Soldier Mine. The boys provided the only support for this large family.

The tragic situations these mothers faced were common for the day. These mothers continued their work of nurturing the generation which would be their future.

In the 25 years from 1883 to 1908, mothers in mining communities raised individuals who were able to become members of the mainstream society in the Punxsutawney area. The Punxsutawney Spirit in the February 18, 1908, article mentioned earlier, continued the discourse by listing some of the achievements of this new generation, which included a number of workers in businesses, professions, and trades in Punxsutawney: four green grocers, one wholesale grocer, four shoemakers, two physicians, three barbers, one notary public and banker, one restauranteur, five teamsters, one policeman, two engineers, one

law student, one medical student, one machinist, two lumbers, one tailor, two bartenders, and several clerks. Sons of the first-generation miners, who chose to stay in mining, were taking and passing the mining examinations for boss and supervisor positions and advancing to higher positions of responsibility within the mining industry.

More than a hundred years after the 1908 article appeared in the Punxsutawney Spirit, area residents can say that they live in a community that has embraced the diversity brought to it by those who came from distant lands, and they can thank the mothers who persevered in their work to raise their children to be good citizens of their new country.

Resources used in the preparation of this article are available at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library; in the Mengle Memorial Library: Jefferson County Punxsutawney Spirit Collection, A Collection of POWER Library: Pennsylvania’s Electronic Library; and the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society This article has been prepared by PRIDE – Punxsutawney Revitalization: Investing, Developing, Enhancing. PRIDE is a nonprofit organization that brings together residents, business people, community leaders, and civic organizations in order to improve the business districts in Punxsutawney.

PRIDE is working to develop a Coal Memorial for the Punxsutawney area. Forms for ordering memorial tiles are available at the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society and online at punxsycoal.org. Comments on this article may be directed to PRIDE, P.O. Box 298, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

• • •

Concert Association Continued from page 13 high school students. Also, students are given free admission to an evening concert when accompanied by an adult subscribing member.

The 2015-16 season will begin on Monday, September 21, with the appearance of Ethan Bortnick. The talented 15-year-old pianist and vocalist has appeared on two PBS specials and on major network television programs. With a three-member backup band, he presents an unparalleled program of classical, jazz, and popular music favorites. Through a special outreach arrangement with young Bortnick, a matinee concert will be performed for the student body during the afternoon of his visit to Punxsutawney.

An innovative performance in ventriloquism will be presented as the second event of the season. On Sunday, March 13, 2016, in the first Sunday afternoon matinee for the association, Kevin Johnson and his company of puppet characters will visit Punxsutawney, bringing family-friendly fun with them. Johnson, now recognized as one of the world’s top 10 ventriloquists, was a semifinalist on the 2006 TV show America’s Got Talent. With his voice and the voices of his puppets, he will present an astounding performance.

“I can assure our local supporters that this show is ‘clean comedy’ for all ages,” said Curry. “I saw him perform at the annual conference of Live On Stage. At one time he had two things going on at once – his lips didn’t move.”

“He is unique,” Curry added, describing Johnson’s special style of ventriloquism.

Johnson will present his student outreach in an assembly on Monday, March 14.

In May 2016, Vivace’s crowd-pleasing concert will conclude the Punxsutawney Concert Association’s season. Vivace is a group of four powerful male and female voices, which have joined together to create classical and modern music for the 21st century. Natives of Canada, they merged their individual talents in 2010 while performing at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

“The word ‘Vivace’ in music is Italian for ‘lively,’ and Punxsutawney area residents will have experienced that with this season’s finale,” Curry said, with more than a hint of enthusiasm for the third selection of the 2015-16 season.

Each concert subscription card is transferable, which means that a person who subscribes to the season can share his or her ticket with a friend or other family member when he or she is unable to attend. Allowing such “transfers” guarantees an appreciative audience and a full house.

The value of the local subscription is expanded by the reciprocal agreement that the Punxsutawney Concert Association has with the DuBois and Lewistown concert associations, whereby Punxsutawney residents have free admission to their seasons of concerts.

For more information about the Punxsutawney Concert Association’s upcoming season, please contact subscription chairperson Bessie Depp at 938-5333 or association president Tom Curry at 938-8628.

Brochures with applications have been mailed to subscribers of the recently concluded season. For others who might be interested in subscribing to the three-concert season, brochures are also available at Trailhead Gallery in downtown Punxsutawney.

•••

ELEcT

DAn LEonARD JEFFERSON COuNtY COMMiSSiONER

Honest H Dedicated H Accessible

Dan is the Best Choice for Jefferson County Government Experience, Marketing Background, Leadership, Veteran, SFC E-7 USAR 10 Years, Business Background, Dan has a “100 Mile Plan” and is a good listener, Health Twp. Board Chairman, Only candidate who LOWERED taxes.

Vice President of the Jefferson County Township Officers Associations Executive Board, Auditor of the Jefferson County EIT Committee.

This election is not about me, it is about your family’s future.

Let’s do it together. Vote Dan on Election Day.

i Respectfully Ask for Your Vote. paid for by the candidate

16 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

From Our Our From Distinguished Past Past Distinguished

Comes An Even Brighter Future!

Christ The King Manor For almost a half-century, Christ The King Manor has set the standard for professional caring in DuBois. What has been the “past" is merely a "prologue" for the future at Christ The King.

The high standards of detail to medical and health care will continue to always improve as the caring staff and management seek better and more efficient ways of servicing all those who come through its doors.

See for yourself how Christ the King is preparing for the future and building on the past.

Call 814-371-3180 for a guided tour of the past, present and future at Christ the King.

Christ The King Manor 1100 West Long Ave • DuBois, Pennsylvania

814-371-3180 www.christthekingmanor.org Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 17

Mother’s Day Baskets Available

BrinG The faMily to the new anchor inn a Menu to Serve every Taste Open 7 Days a Week

Est. 1990

Outlet Store located at 551 E. Mahoning St., Punx’y

800-849-4599

www.stellofoods.com

Shipping Available

Christian Book & Gift Shop

Books • Bibles • Cards • Music • Gifts Jewelry • Precious Moments Collection Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation, Wedding Gifts 191 Main St. BROOkviLLE

Punxy’s family favorite always Was, always Will Be! Rt. 310 • Elk Ave. Punx’y 938-8060

Musser’s Garden Center

849-7800

Enter Mom on the coupon below to win one of the great gifts listed on page 19.

REGISTER BY MONDAY, MAY 4

The Place Where greAt MealS BeGin

• PackaGe DealS • Daily SPecialS

Punx’y Hometown magazine’s Mother’s Day Giveaway.

Register to win the great gifts on next page. One winner per participating listing on next page.

Visa, Mastercard and access Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fri. 8 a.m. -7 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

427-2363

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Route 36 N, Stanton

849-6396

Mon, Tues 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wed, Thurs & Fri 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sat 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sun 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Contest rules: 1. no purchase necessary. clip and complete coupon on this page and mail to: Mother’s Day giveaway, Punxsutawney Hometown magazine, 129 aspen road, Punxsutawney, Pa 15767.

2. all entries must be received

by Monday, May 4, 2015.

3. one entry will be selected for each participating business through a random drawing from all entries to be held in our Hometown office on Monday, May 4, 2015.

4. By participating in the contest, all entries are subject to contest rules.

5. one entry per envelope please.

6. Winners will be announced on our website and facebook page after May 7.

No purchase necessary to enter the contest.

Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Punxsutawney Phil’s

“Official” SOuvenir ShOP 102 W. Mahoning Street Punxsutawney

The way banking should be.

559 W. Mahoning St., Punx’y

938-2615

Roseman’s Mark & Bobbi Young

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We offer MORE than just flowers!

We have all kinds of special gifts for Mom's Special Day

126 W. Mahoning St. Downtown Punxsutawney

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located in chamber of commerce

t-ShirtS • mugS • collectibleS

tuff.com www.groundhogs (814) 938-7700 Great Gift Ideas for Mom! 1-800-752-Phil

20459 119 South, Punx’y

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All you have to do to register to win is clip, or photocopy, and complete the coupon and mail to:

Mother’s Day Giveaway Punxsutawney Hometown magazine 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767 Punxsutawney Hometown magazine’s ‘Mother’s Day Giveaway.’

Mother’s name____________________________________ entered by________________________________________ address___________________________________________ city______________________ state_______Zip_________ Your Phone #______________________________________ e-Mail___________________________________________ Winners will be announced on our website & facebook page after May 7.

windgate

CRW

vineyards & winery

Home Center, inc.

313 Martha St., Punx’y

938-3850

www.crw.doitbest.com Mon. - Fri. 7-5:30; Sat. 7-1

GRouNdhoG Instant lube and oil

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527 E. Mahoning St., PuNx’y 814-618-5248 Thur.-Fri.-Sat., 10-6

18 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

36 E. Long Ave., DuBois 814-618-5248

Gift baskets • Wine-making supplies • Books • Gift Certificates 4 LOCATiONS TO SERVE yOu: THE SHOp AT THE WINERy OpEN DAILy 12-5 1998 Hemlock Acres Rd., Smicksburg • (814) 257-8797 THE COuNTRy CupbOARD, SMICkSbuRG INDIANA MALL • pITTSbuRGH MILLS www.windgatevineyards.com

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call Us for All Your catering needs - Big oR smALL serving Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

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Giveaway MOTHER’S DAY IS MAY 10

724-465-5684 Rt. 119 S. 6 Miles North of Indiana

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Mother’s Day

Fresh Flowers, Trees & More Happy Mother's Day!

The finest quality Beef, Pork, chicken & Smoked Meats

Walmart Plaza rt. 119 north Punx’y

and more can be found at:

www.punxsutawneymagazine.com

reSTauranT

Some of the Finest Food Around

Ridge Ave. • 938-7100 Open 7 Days a Week Punxsutawney area Community Center • Movies Weekly

• Fitness Center

• FaCility rentals 220 n. Jefferson St.

938-1008

gently  B’s Books, etc. Used Books

Thistle & Pine Celtic & Country Collectibles

122 E. Mahoning St., Punx’y

Distinctive home Decor Celtic accents & Jewelry Authentic Celtic Merchandise

Fiction • Non-Fiction • Biography • Inspirational Mystery • Romance • Science Fiction • Literature

See Us for Your Registration Needs.

Auto, Boat & ATV

INCOME TAX PREPARATION We now issue over the counter registration cards and stickers.

Hours: Mon. 9:30-1:30, Wed.-Thur. 12-5,  Fri. 10-4, Sat. 10-2 Mothers buy 1 paperback, get 1 paperback FREE, Sat. May 9

7570 Rt. 119, Marion Center Tues. - Fri. 10-5, Sat. 9-3

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Reagle's NOTARY

Gift Cards

www.ThistleAndPine.com

203 E. Main St., Big Run

KATHY D. WYMER

814-427-2361

ENTER MOM TO WIN ONE OF THESE GREAT GIFTS $10 Gift Certificate B’s Books 122 E. Mahoning, Punx’y

$10 Gift Certificate Country Cone Rt. 36N, Punx’y • 938-2058

$15 Gift Card Biggie’s Meats 6036 Rt. 119, Punx’y 814-427-2363

$25 Gift Certificate CRW Home Center 313 Martha St., Punx’y 814-938-3850

$25 Gift Certificate Christian Book & Gift Shop 191 Main St., Brookville 814-849-7800

Vehicle Safety kit Delaney Honda 115 Lenz Rd., Indiana 724-7171500

$25 Neko’s Gift Card CNB Bank 559 W. Mahoning St., Punx’y 814-938-2615 $10 Gift Certificate to Greenhouse County Market Groundhog Plaza, Punx’y 814-938-2820 $25 Gift Certificate for the Grocery Store of Your Choice Christ the king West Long Ave., DuBois 814-371-3180 $30 Community Center Gift Certificate Community Center 220 N. Jefferson St. 814- 938-1008

Hanging Basket Hanzely’s Garden Center Rt. 119 South of DuBois 814-375-0305

Body Care kit Made By Hempz Distributed by: Supre Tan

$40 Gift Certificate Pasquale’s 20459 Rt. 119 S. Punx’y 814-938-2570

Birdhouse (Value $20.00) Roseman’s Florist & Gifts 126 W. Mahoning St., Punx’y • 814-938-7364

Retail Value $50.00 Hot Spot Family Tanning Salon Indiana St., Punx’y 814-938-3800

Coffee Mug and a Package of Coffee Phil's Official Souvenir Shop 102 West Mahoning St. Punx’y • 814-938-7700

$25 Gift Card Fairlady & Company 100 W. Mahoning St. Punx’y • 814-938-1255

Emergency Roadside Safety kit kengersky Nationwide Insurance 52 Notary Lane, Punx’y 814-938-3092

$25 Gift Certificate Pizza Hut Rt. 119, Punx’y 814-938-2400

Dinner for Two Gimmicks Restaurant 208 Ridge Ave., Punx’y 814-938-7100

Ladies Watch and Two Extra Value Meals McDonald’s Downtown Punx’y

$20 Gift Card Pizza Town Punxsy Plaza 814-938-2380

$20 Gift Certificate Grandma’s kitchen Rt. 36 North, Stanton 814-849-6396

Gift Certificate Musser’s Garden Center 6 mi. N. of Indiana 724-465-5684

Nail Polish Gift Bag Grace Place 814-938-3008 $25 Gift Certificate Groundhog Instant Lube & Oil Rt. 36 South in Cloe 814-849-3449

$25 Gift Certificate The New Anchor Inn Rt. 310 Elk Ave., Punx’y 814-938-8060 $20 Gift Certificate Obsessive Apparel 527 E. Mahoning St. Punx’y • 814-618-5248

+DPSWRQ $YHQXH ‡ 0DKRQLQJ ‡ VWEDQN FRP ‡ Member FDIC

Solid Oak & Cherry Furniture made

by Amish Craftsmen “Quality Doesn’t Cost...It Pays!�

Rt. 119 Between Big Run & Sykesville Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 427-2720

S&T Blanket S&T Bank 2 Locations: Hampton Ave. & Mahoning Office Stello Food Gift Basket Stello Foods 551 E. Mahoning St. Punx’y • 814-938-8611 $25 Gift Certificate Thistle & Pine 7570 Rt. 119, Marion Center 724-397-2442 (2) $20 Gift Certificates Tres Amigo’s Punx’y • 814-938-3111 Lovely Gift Basket Wal-Mart Supercenter 21920 Rt. 119, Punx’y

Punxsy Phil Bank Punxsutawney Hometown magazine 201 North Penn Street, Punx’y • 938-9141 Hanging Basket Gift Certificate ($25 value) Reagle’s Notary 203 E. Main St., Big Run 814-427-2361

Personal Care at Christ The King Manor is always personal!

For more information, call 814-371-3180 and request more information on PERSONAL CARE as performed by the professionals at Christ The King Manor.

Christ the King Manor www.christthekingmanor.org

814-371-3180

$25 Gift Certificate Yoder's Furniture Paradise Road, Punx’y

1100 West Long Ave., DuBois

2 Bottles of Wine redeemable at Windgate Winery 1998 Hemlock Acres Rd., Smicksburg, PA 814-257-8797

hanZely’S Nursery and Garden Center

Trees, Fruit Trees, Shrubs, Bulbs, Bagged Mulches, Garden Supplies, Silk Flowers & Much More!

Rt. 119 South of DuBois

• 375-0305

Mon.-Sat. 9 to 8; Sun. Noon-5

ChRISTINE’S TaNNINg SalON, INC. ChRISTINE’S TaNNINg SalON, INC.

Indiana Street, Punx’y Gift Certificates Available

Happy Mother’s Day!

Honda Generators!

Neko’s

FAMILy RESTAURANT

TakE OuT avaIlaBlEâ€ˆâ€˘â€ˆFull MEnuâ€ˆâ€˘â€ˆPIzza  HOMEMaDE FOODâ€ˆâ€˘â€ˆFREsH BakED GOODs HoURS: mon-Sat 11am-9pm closed Sundays

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We Have All Your Favorite Treats!

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Daily Specials • hot Sandwiches • combo Meals Side Orders • Shakes • floats • cones • Beverages ice cream cakes • fruit Smoothies & More!

coUnTRY conE Rt. 36n 938-2058

Pizza Town fresh homemade Dough & Sauce Made Onsite Daily for all Our Dinners & Pizza!

Sun. - Thurs. 11am - 11pm; Fri. & Sat.11am - Midnight W. Mahoning St., Punxsy Plaza 938-2380

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(724) 717-1500

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GrAce plAce Senior ApArtmentS • 1 & 2 bedroom apartments • For those 62 Years & older • Section 8 vouchers welcome • Income Limits Apply

814-938-3008

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Auto Home Life Business kengersky Insurance Agency Matthew E kengersky kengerm@nationwide.com • (814) 938-3092 52 Notary Lane, Punx’y, PA 15767

She is loved. Show her...

mother's day trollbead event! may 4-9 every Story has a bead

Preselect your beads now. call for more information on promotions.

100 West mahoning St. downtown Punx’y

814-938-1255

www.fairladycompany.com hours: mon-Sat 10-5

Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 19

3Vote May 19, 2015

Paul A. Bishop Jefferson County CoMMissioner

3

#

On the Ballot • 36 years in family Business

Old, rare photographs provide valuable information about the rafting of timber in the 19th century.

This 1897 photo shows how rafts were constructed to move them around curves in area creeks, such as Stump Creek, Canoe Creek, and Mahoning Creek. This group of men was from the Cloe area, seen on Canoe Creek, before the rafts entered Mahoning Creek. (photo courtesy of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)

Rafting History

• 20 years Coaching Little League & teener League Baseball • 20 years Board of Directors and Counselor for youth for Christ • Currently a Make-A-Wish Volunteer • supporter of 4-H for Many years Paid for by the candidate.

Give Mom a special gift this year! fRee Vein Screening thursday, May 21, 2015

appointments fill fast!

Call to Make Your appointment todaY!

724-349-6677

Over 20 Years Experience in Treating Varicose Veins Certified by The American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine; Certified General Surgeon; Member American College of Phlebology

Minimally invasive Office Procedures: • Vnus Vein Closure • Laser Closure • Sclerotherapy (vein injection)

Continued from page 9 legheny River near Kittanning.

For these rafters, their firsthand experiences of long days of strenuous work, exposure to winter’s frost and snow, floating on dangerous miles of creek water during the spring floods (called freshets) provided parts of stories to be told to a younger generation at the end of the 19th century.

Mahoning Creek during those rafting days was not the Mahoning Creek we moderns have experienced, especially from the time when the massive construction work of the federal flood control project through town was completed in 1949. That project began as a result of devastating and costly flooding from the St. Patrick’s Day flood of March 1936.

The channel-improvement design of the project called for major changes in the channel of Mahoning Creek.

A summer 1909 news article in the Punxsutawney Spirit presented a description of the Mahoning Creek at that time.

The article began with “Greater Punxsutawney is situated in Big Mahoning Valley and the greater portion of it is on low, flat land.” Following that introduction Mahoning Creek was described as it entered the town from the east: “After a very zig-zag course, it leaves the borough at about the center of the western limits.

This stream divides the town into equal parts territorially.”

The following information in that article forms the history of the creek as it was

used as a major highway for transporting the vast quantity of prepared timber rafts to the Pittsburgh market: “Mahoning Creek is formed by the East Branch and Stump Creek, so called, which united about six miles east of the borough and immediately above the borough of Big Run. In the interval, before Punxsutawney is reached, the creek is reinforced by Canoe Creek from the south east at a point two miles east of the borough line [at Cloe] and by Elk Run from the north in the borough near the said borough line. Saw Mill enters the main stream from the north in that part of the borough known as the West End, originally Clayville.

“Below Punxsutawney Mahoning Creek follows a westerly course of fortyfive miles through Jefferson, Indiana, and Armstrong counties, to the Allegheny River, which it enters at a point ten miles above Kittanning borough.”

For the old-timers at the beginning of the 20th century, the moving water of the creek through Punxsutawney created memories that they shared.

Mahoning Creek meandered through the area in its most natural – and roughest – form. To control – and improve – Mahoning Creek for the navigation required for logs, rafts, and boats, the Mahoning Navigation Company was organized in April 1858 by a group of local men with lumbering interests.

The powers given to the company were described as “to clean and clear the Mahoning, Canoe, Big Run, Stump, and East branch creeks from all rocks, bars and other obstructions; to erect dams and - Continued on page 24

Providing: • assistance in Daily living • short & long term care • 24 Hour care • activities • Physician on call • special Diets • safety Bells in each room • Physical, occupational & speech therapy available • Independent apartments available

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Happy Mother’s Day

M.D., F.A.C.S., ABPh., RPhs the finest in living for the golden years

20 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

one Park ave., Punx'y

• 938-3100

Weather Discovery Center Seeks Entries for Beautiful Birdhouse Contest

By Marlene Lellock (a gift yet to be announced). The children’s for Hometown magazine People’s Choice prize will also be a gift to o you like to create birdhouses and be announced, along with a ribbon. birdfeeders? Do all of your friends The birdhouses and birdfeeders exhibit marvel at your creations and ask you will open on June 6. People’s Choice voting to make one for them? If so, you’ll will run from June 6 through July 1. The want to enter the Beautiful Birdhouse Conannouncement of the winners and the auctest being sponsored by the Punxsutawney tion will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, July 3.

Weather Discovery Center.

The birdhouses / birdfeeders entered in the The Beautiful Birdhouse Contest chalcontest will be become an exhibition at the lenges adults and Punxsutawney children from Weather Discovacross the region ery Center when to use their imagthe contest coninations to create cludes. In addibirdhouses or tion, entrants birdfeeders that may choose to are unusual, donate their birdwhimsical, or just house / birdplain beautiful. feeder for a Entries can be in silent auction to one of two diviraise funds for sions: children the Center. The ages 6 through 16 silent auction or adults ages 17 will begin after and older. The the announceadult entries will ment of the winbe judged on creners on July 3 ativity of design, and continue quality of conthrough 4 p.m. struction, and July 18. uniqueness of The deadline materials used. to submit a conThe children’s entest entry form is tries will be May 4 with birdjudged on creativ- Linda Juliette of Valier submitted the winning bird- houses / birdhouse – a seaside-themed gourd covered in mosaic ity of design, and driftwood – in the Punxsutawney Weather Discov- feeders being uniqueness of ery Center’s 2014 Beautiful Birdhouse Contest. (sub- submitted no materials, and mitted photo). later than May overall look.

30.

Cash prizes awarded in the adult contest Get the complete contest rules and inforare: Grand Prize ($200), Runner Up ($100), mation by visiting Weatherdiscovery.org, and Honorable Mention ($50). A fourthby calling (814) 938-1000, by sending an prize winner – for the People’s Choice e-mail to info@weatherdiscovery.org, or by award – will receive a ribbon and an as- stopping at the Weather Discovery Center sortment of birdseed. Prizes in the chilat 201 N. Findley Street in Punxsutawney. dren’s division are: Grand Prize ($50), Marlene Lellock is the director of the Runner Up ($25), and Honorable Mention Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center.

•••

D

Family Dentistry 203 CLEARFIELD AVE., PUNX’Y

938-8554 938-5800 New Patients Welcome!

Amy Peace Gigliotti, DMD ronald j. walker III, DMD

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Stop & Visit Our Spring

Lawn & Garden Center 21920 Route 119, Punxsutawney

Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 21

Dunlap Lawn & garden of Brookville

TrOyErS Saw ShOP North of Big Run on Rt. 119

Sales & Service and Small Engine Repair

LOGGING SUPPLIES Authorized STIHL® Dealer 4365 Rt. 119, Punx’y

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Quality Window & Door Products …with installation Done rigHt!

kurtz lawn furniture 30 Rowley Cemetery Rd., Cherry Tree, PA

FREE Estimates 938-7303

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Monday thru Friday 8 to 6, Saturday 8 to 4, Closed Sundays

Plumbing • Heating • Electrical

Your small, hometown-attitude company Water Pumps, Pressure Tanks, Plastic Storage Tanks, Well Supplies, Drain Pipe, Culvert, Plastic Water & Gas Line, Steel Pipe, Wire, Conduit, Electric Panels & Breakers See our website for stock & current prices

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tues.-Wed.-Fri. 11am - 5pm thurs. 11am - 7pm, Sat. 11am - 3pm judysstudio350@gmail.com Judy Hicks, owner

22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

Certified in Testing & Installation of Backflow Prevention Assembly

(814) 938-9207 or (814) 939-9999 PA#039563

Whistle’s midstate metal sales f post frame f roofing

Supplied by Everlast

814.427.2989 Office 814.427.5123 Fax delivery available

Is Your Yard Wildlife-Friendly?

B

eing a good neighbor means more than being friendly to the humans across the street, it also means being friendly to the animals in your yard.

Making your yard a safe place for local wildlife should be a top lawn care priority.

With that in mind, here are some tips for creating a healthy habitat for local critters.

Be a Valuable Rest Stop Stock your garden with small native species of trees, shrubs and flowers to give wildlife needed nourishment, as well as cover from predators.

A source of water can also be a great resource for visiting fauna.

Whether it’s a pond or a bird bath, be sure this zone is well-maintained so you don’t inadvertently create a haven for unwanted species. In the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active, you should change the bird bath water even more often.

Promote Safety A bird feeder in your backyard, full of water and seeds, will be the perfect invitation for beautiful migrating and local birds to stop by.

Just be sure your property is safe for birds. Unfortunately, birds don’t see clear glass. As a result, millions of birds die every year by striking glass. Don’t let your slid-

ing glass doors or other windows become a death trap for birds.

To protect birds, apply special decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight. For example, those from WindowAlert have the appearance of frosted glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds, so you don’t have to compromise your own view out your window. The brand also makes a high-tech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid, which

should be applied between decals.

“Wildlife can beautify your garden and be a sign that your yard is healthy” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert.

“But birds and other wildlife need food, shelter, and safety.”

Get out the binoculars! With a few small actions, you can make your yard or garden a wildlife refuge.

(StatePoint) • • •

John "Jack" Matson Running for Jefferson County Commissioner

T

o all of my friends and neighbors of Jefferson County: I am running for Jefferson County Commissioner and asking for your support and vote. To those of you that I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, my name is John “Jack” Matson. I am a 9th generation Jefferson County resident. I have been fortunate in my career to travel the world for business.

There is no place that I have found that compares to our area. We are hard working, generous, neighborly people that look out for one another. We have coal, natural gas, and timber reserves that are the envy of others.

We have direct access to global markets via Highway, Rail, and Air. We have clean water, rolling hills, and 4 distinct seasons.

The architecture and character of our “downtown areas” have a magical quality.

We have great churches and civic organi-

zations that are always there when one of us needs help. We have entrepreneurs that have built and grown unique and diverse businesses. These businesses have protected our region from major economic swings that have plagued single industry areas. We have a workforce that is unparallelled globally.

We take pride in the jobs that we do, offer unique solutions when problems arise, work together for common goals, and learn new skills when given the opportunity.

Our school systems are solid and consistently develop and educate great young men and women. I believe that Jefferson County is a great place to live and work, and I also believe that there is always room for improvement.

Best regards, Jack Matson

this edition can be seen online all the time...

www.punxsutawneymagazine.com

As a 9th generation resident, husband, father and taxpayer, Jack is running for commissioner to ensure Jefferson County remains a great place to live, work, raise our families and retire.

And he has a plan to keep it that way…

Make our families, schools, natural resources, and jobs priority #1 Pass balanced budgets that do not put future generations further into debt Control county spending and hold the line on taxes Promote our homegrown manufacturers to ensure our county is job-friendly Support Support safe, responsible development of the Marcellus Shale so it benefits all residents

Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 23

WRITe-In TO Re-eLeCT Carl Gotwald Sr. for Jefferson County Sheriff TUeSDAY, MAY 19TH

i promise to stand against violence in our area. i promise to help fight our areas drug problems. i promise to stay focused on success of every mission.

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The rumble of logging trucks over our highways today tells us that the lumbering industry has again become a profitable business in the Punxsutawney area. Memories of logging trucks on our streets have replaced the memories of the Mahoning Creek used as a “highway” for timber and log rafting. (Hometown file photo)

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Rafting History

Continued from page 20 locks, to bracket and regulate and alter the dams that were then and to be thereafter erected in these streams, so that no injury be done to the water power of the owners; to control their waters by bracket or otherwise for the purpose of navigation; to levy tolls not exceeding one and onefourth cent for each five miles run upon the Mahoning.”

The tolls were to be collected at the mouths of the creeks “and at such other points along these streams as may be necessary.” The amount of the toll was set to be “only sufficient for the improvement of these streams.” Any person who ran his rafts, or logs, or boat past a collector’s point without paying the toll was subject to a fine of five dollars.

The number of rafts that “ran out of the Mahoning” was reported on a regular schedule. In the Punxsutawney Plaindealer of April 15, 1869, it was reported that the number of rafts during “the late freshet” was 369. And the total number of rafts for the spring of 1869 had been 421.

Another report for June 3 listed 175 rafts reaching the mouth of the creek during the latest flood. A year later, in April 1870, the navigation report from the company stated that “468 rafts and boats were run out of the Mahoning.”

One of the toll collectors of the Mahoning Navigation Company was William D. Dunlap. He came to Punxsutawney in 1840 and began business as a wagon maker on the corner of North Findley Street and Mahoning Street [where McDonald’s is now located]. In 1888, he moved to property on East Mahoning Street near the Mahoning Creek. He collected tolls for the use of the waterway above the bridge, which was located over the creek on East Mahoning Street. His residence fronted the street now given his name in East End. The number of rafts sent to Pittsburgh was subject to market fluctuations for timber. The raftmen who piloted and steered their rafts on the waters would stay at various “hotels” along the way.

The complete trip could take days, and the return was usually on foot.

In the archives of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society is a letter written by William Campbell, one of Punxsutawney’s prominent earliest settlers who came to town in 1833 with his young family. Early in his life here, he was involved in lumbering and the rafting

of squared timber to market. The letter of March 1842 was written to his wife, Martha, from Allegheny City [now the North Side of Pittsburgh] and told of his struggles with the uncertainty of market demands.

He wrote “I have been dissappointed [sic] in my expectations that Mr. Patterson would take the timber he contracted for. He as well as most of the other buyers are disposed to purchase only a Small Stack – he has taken only two fleets 7 or 8 thousand feet and refuses to receive any more which put me to a great dale [sic] of trouble to find sale for what I have. When I will be able to return home is very uncertain. I expect to be about two weeks down.”

Thirty years later, in March 1871, the Punxsutawney Plaindealer reported market conditions. News from local lumbermen in Pittsburgh informed residents that “A ready sale was found for all the lumber got to market. The prices are unsteady. It is reported that pine timber sold from 8 to 16 cents per foot; hemlock from 4 to 6 cents; and boards from $16 to $20 per thousand feet.”

Contracts, or agreements, between lumbermen and raftmen were written. An August 1858 Article of Agreement between Jacob Zeitler of Punxsutawney and Joseph Keller and William Bowers of Gaskill Township spelled out the terms: “... Joseph Keller and William Bowers agree to deliver ... the first freshet after the ice has thawed off said creek [Mahoning], in the spring of 1859, one raft of good merchantable white pine timber, well rafted, and in all respects ready to run down said creek ... And for and in consideration of the same ... agrees to pay four cents per foot for said timber....”

By the end of the 19th century the experience of rafting timber to market by young men had been replaced by the railroads in the area. And with no more land left to be cleared of timber, the large lumber industry disappeared from the local scene, moving on to nearby states to the south. Men of those years accumulated much wealth from the lumber business and had many memories to share about their youthful energy and experiences in rafting.

The sharing of these rafting adventures was oral, though sometimes written.

Some hand-written notes can be found in older diaries and journals. In the Punxsutawney Memorial Library are papers transcribed from the Abraham Rudolph diaries. Rudolph, with sons and some - Continued on page 34

house was built on what was, at first, named Station Street, but later renamed State Street. For many years that area south of the Mahoning Creek had been referred to as the Bubeck Addition.]

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

April 23, 1902 — The refuse dumping ground at the rear of the East End public school building has spread out considerably this spring, while the pile of refuse is growing to be almost as high as the base ball ground’s fence. It is a very unsightly sight, and among the mass is brica-brac that no doubt in time will create a very unpleasant odor. The place should be fenced in, so that when the hot summer days come the mass will not crawl away. (Punxsutawney News) [Built in 1890, the “East End public school building” would be named The Mary A. Wilson School in 1913, to remember the popular elementary school teacher who had died in December 1908.]

April 27, 1887 — Albert Bubeck’s new residence south of town is growing into shape. It commands a fine view of the town. (The Valley News) [Mr. Bubeck’s

May 6, 1869 — Mr. Jas. E. Mitchell will build a fine brick residence in the western part of the borough, the material for which is on the ground and we believe that work has already commenced.

The location is a fine one as could be desired for a pleasant home. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) [The “brick residence” is on West Mahoning Street, and is now the Lattimer House of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society.]

May 6, 1891 — The air is filled with odor of burning rubbish. The smell of soap suds is mingled with the gentle breezes and the dust from the beaten carpet is being inhaled by the beater. All these signs indicate that spring has come with all her accompanying trials and pleasures. (Punxsutawney Spirit) May 7, 1902 — A. C. Robinson, J. W. Osterhout, Dr. W. F. Beyer and George W. Porter are the champion roque players of this community. They attended the international roque tournament at Washington, D.C. last fall and won considerable fame, but at the coming tournament they expect to do even better.

(Punxsutawney Spirit) [According to the dictionary, “roque” is a variation of croquet played with short-handled mallets “on a hard court that is bounded by a concrete wall against which a ball may rebound and be retrieved.”]

•••

Groundhog Club Announces Hogtoberfest T he Punxsutawney Groundhog Club is pleased to announce Hogtoberfest, a craft beer tasting festival scheduled for Saturday, May 23. Hogtoberfest will be held at Gobbler’s Knob. The festival will feature two separate sessions: the first from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the second from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come and enjoy a unique beer-tasting experience! The price of a regular admission ticket is $30, an amount that includes live entertainment, appetizers, and a commemorative tasting glass! The cost of a designated driver ticket is $10, which includes live entertainment and appetizers! A limited number of tickets are available for each session; tickets can be purchased at the Groundhog Club website (www.groundhog.org) or at GHC Headquarters.

The participating breweries are Woodchuck Hard Cider, Yuengling, Penn Brewery, Noble Stein Brewing, and Lavery Brewing – with additional participants to be announced!

The first session will include a Homebrew Competition. This event is sanctioned by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), and entries will be evaluated by certified judges. There is a fee of $5 per entry, and all brewers must be at least 21 years of age or older. There are 28 categories to enter, including multiple subcate-

gories. The competition committee reserves the right to combine categories based on the number of entries. Every possible effort will be made to combine similar styles. All brews in combined categories will be judged according to the style in which they were originally entered. First, second, and third place will be awarded in each category. In addition, a best-of-show award will be given. For complete competition information, please visit www.groundhog.org, send an e-mail to director@ghogclub.com, call (814) 618-5591, or visit Groundhog Club Headquarters at 200 W. Mahoning Street, Suite 1.

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Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 25

THAnK YOU from Proceeds benefit Arc of Jefferson & Clearfield Counties and Camp Friendship

We would like to thank all the local businesses who contribute donations, and all the volunteers who help make this event possible.

Three Wedding Trends Likely to Last

W

ho hasn’t seen a lineup of baby blue tuxedoed groomsmen on the mantle of an older relative?

While some matrimonial trends thankfully expire, there are some newer ones that may be here to stay.

Here are three worthwhile developments in the world of wedding planning that have taken hold in the past few years: • Personal training: Many fitness clubs offer personal training packages for engaged couples. Working out together is a great way to get in shape for your big day and beyond, de-stress during a stressful period, and start your marriage off on a healthful foot.

• Wedding websites: Want to communicate fluctuating information about accom-

modations, your registry and more to your guests? The best way to give your friends and family all the pertinent details they need to help you celebrate is through a wedding website. User-friendly hosting sites can make creating your site easy, no matter the extent of your design skills.

• Photojournalism: While posed photography likely will never go out of style, many couples are opting for a more photojournalistic feel to their wedding album.

Whether sepia-toned, black and white, or full color, wedding photos are taking on a more kinetic feel that can truly showcase a couple’s personality.

(SPM Wire) • • •

How to Throw the Sweetest Party Ever

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H

ow do you put a twist on your entertaining traditions? To add new flavor and excitement to your parties, consider incorporating a series of sweet surprises to delight your guests.

The Perfect Pairing You’re probably familiar with the concept of pairing appetizers and entrées with the perfect wines, but you may not realize

that it’s just as important for your sweet treats!

If you’re serving a particularly sweet candy such as peanut brittle, pair it with a stout beer for the perfect complement. And if you’ve chosen a rich, indulgent chocolate for your guests, consider pairing with an equally bold Cabernet Sauvignon so the wine can stand up to the flavor of the chocolate.

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Always serve sweet treats made with high-quality ingredients. See’s Candies is one of the few remaining candy makers that ages its chocolate -- a process that takes longer, but imparts a smooth, mellow flavor. See’s candies have no added preservatives and are also gluten free.

Sweets for the Road If you’re not sure your guests will save room for dessert, consider sending them home with a goodie bag to enjoy later.

See’s Candies offers treats in a variety of sizes and price ranges, sure to fit within your budget and please each of your guests.

You can find See’s Candies at shop locations nationwide or at www.Sees.com.

With these simple twists, your guests are sure to have only “sweet” things to say!

(Statepoint) •••

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26 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

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www.punxsutawneymagazine.com Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 27

On May 19th vote to Re-Elect

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Area Youth to Compete in Pitch, Hit & Run Competition

P

unxsutawney Groundhog Little League will host a free Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition – presented by Scotts – for area youth, beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Punxsy Boys’ Little League Field.

Pitch, Hit & Run is the official skills competition of Major League Baseball.

This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters an opportunity to compete – free of charge – in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball and softball skills.

Boys and girls are divided into four age divisions – 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14 – and have the chance to advance through four levels of competition, including team

championships at Major League ballparks and the national finals at the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.

The individual pitching, hitting, and running champions, along with the all-around champion, in each age and gender group at the local competition will be awarded and will advance to the sectional-level competition.

All participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate and have their parents or guardians fill out a registration-waiver form prior to the start of the competition.

For questions about the competition, please contact local coordinator Tim Fezell at 9529077 (cell), 938-4788 (home), or at TimFezell@svharbor.com.

•••

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Brookville’s John Blazosky Announces Candidacy for Jefferson County Commissioner

T

o my fellow Jefferson County voters: I have lived in Brookville for the past 23years. My wife Barb and I have been married for 37 years, and we have two great children and four wonderful grandsons.

I have served on Brookville Borough Council for 11 years, and I have been the elected President of Council for the past six years. As a councilor, I have years of experience in overseeing a multi-million dollar budget. I have worked with issues that directly affect taxpayers and their families, and I have served on numerous committees such as those dealing with public safety, finance, property, and personnel. I have also worked with our court system, our police department, and our municipal services.

My work has given me the opportunity and the experience to supervise and coordinate large scale, multi-million dollar projects. I have many years’ experience in the industry sector, starting as a young worker and advancing into supervisory and management positions. I have earned numerous state and federal certifications and for years have worked closely with state and federal agencies. I understand, from hands-on experience, what is involved when discussing our current industries and the need for industrial growth in our county.

As commissioner, it is important to work on developing and attracting new industry. I also believe that a part of the job is to both work with and support the existing industries that are – and have been – supporting our local economy for so long. As commissioner, I plan to visit any industry in Jefferson County that would want to invite me to its facility. I want to see their operations and listen to their concerns. I believe that if a commissioner has a good idea of what is working in our county, that knowledge can only help our county.

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I believe the practical knowledge and know-how that I have gained in my years of public service and in my working career align very well with the responsibilities and requirements of the Jefferson County Commissioner position.

I believe that it will take a tested, proven, experienced commissioner to

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take on the challenges that face our county. I have devoted more than a decade of my life to public service, and I have a 40-year career in major industry. I stand on my record of being a proven, fiscally responsible, community leader. I hope you agree with me that my life and work experience and the fact that I will serve as a full-time commissioner will prove to be major assets to the taxpayers of Jefferson County as your next commissioner.

I hope you will trust me with your vote in the upcoming primary and general elections. Thank you.

•••

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Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175 – 29

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30 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

Sheriff Gotwald Seeks Re-election

C

arl J. Gotwald Sr., of Punxsutawney, has announced his intent to seek reelection for the Office of Sheriff of Jefferson County.

Sheriff Gotwald currently resides in Oliveburg, just north of Punxsutawney, with his wife, Nancy. Mr. Gotwald has two sons: Eric Gotwald (along with his wife and two children) of Rossiter, Pennsylvania, and Carl Gotwald Jr. (along with his wife and three children), of Brookville. His stepson, Ronald Cielo, lives in Punxsutawney with his two children.

Sheriff Gotwald has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1992 when he was hired by former sheriff, Harry “Ed” Dunkle.

He continued as deputy under past Sheriff Thomas Demko, until Demko’s retirement in 2007. Following Demko’s retirement, Mr. Gotwald was successful in being elected as sheriff of Jefferson County. During his time as a deputy, he traveled across Pennsylvania and the United States, aiding in the apprehension and the return of wanted individuals. He was involved in all aspects of the duties of sheriff, making certain that the Sheriff’s Office served the citizens of Jefferson County. In 2004, he asked the businesses of Jefferson County to help bring the first K9 dog to the county and the Sheriff’s Office. In 2006, he was promoted to chief deputy. His duties included the following: maintaining the integrity of the office, performing daily scheduling, addressing personnel issues and needs, and budgeting for the requirements of the department. In 2008, he began serving the citizens of Jefferson County as sheriff by continuing the great work of the past sheriffs of Jefferson County. As sheriff, he has forged a working relationship with all county row offices and law enforcement departments within Jefferson County.

Sheriff Gotwald is dedicated to serving and protecting his communities and citi-

zens. He has worked with many police departments, as well as with county fair and community functions within the county. He pledges to operate the office in an effective and cost-efficient manner. Sheriff Gotwald continues his training as sheriff through the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association and the National Sheriff’s Association. He has also trained through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, NIMS for multi- agency preparedness, Homeland Security, and required annual updates.

Sheriff Gotwald remains the firearms instructor for the Sheriff’s Office in handgun, shotgun, and patrol rifle. He was instrumental in starting the first multiagency firearm qualification. He brought the members of local police departments – those who wished to participate – to train and qualify together. Within the community, he is involved with the Pennsylvania Game Commission as a Hunter Education Instructor; he is a member of the Executive Committee for the Boy Scouts of America; and he serves as a member of the Occupational Advisors Committee for Jeff Tech. In addition, he has been a co-sponsor with Clarion County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana Regional Highway Safety Project, which promotes the Clarion-Jefferson Safe Teen Driving Competition and helps in raising funds for Big Brother and Sisters.

Sheriff Gotwald is a member of John W. Jenks Lodge 534, Coudersport Consistory, Royal Arch Masons, Holy Root Commandery, and Knight Companion St. Johns Conclave of Erie. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Farmers Union, Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Eagles, Elks, and Lions. He is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Pennsylvania Gun Collectors and the Ohio Gun Collectors Association.

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(814) 856-2232 Members of the John Orsich team gather for a “Kodak moment” at the 36th annual Run or Walk for Someone Special. This year’s Run or Walk was held in memory of the late John Orsich, who was a loyal supporter of the event. (submitted photo)

Run or Walk Celebrates Someone Special

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escribing the 36th annual Run or Walk for Someone Special as successful is an understatement.

This year’s Run or Walk – held in Sykesville, on Sunday, April 12 – raised more than $68,000. The event celebrated the memory, and the life, of the late John Orsich, who was a loyal supporter of the Run or Walk and year after year was one of

Bank’s Moola Moola, Punxsutawney Phil, and the Pirate Parrot, all of whom delighted youngsters – and, if the truth be told, more than a few “oldsters” as well.

Since 1979, the local event has raised more than $900,000 for Run or Walk for Someone Special. The top money collector for this year’s event was Will Cuba, who raised more than $12,000. Fittingly, follow-

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And they’re off! Participants in the Run or Walk for Someone Special begin their walk for a good cause. (submitted photos)

its top fundraisers. During his years of participating in the event, he raised approximately $33,000.

Six hundred and four runners and walkers covered the course – either a The Run or Walk for Some- two-mile or a one Special exists to help five-mile course special boys like Will Cuba – during the (left) whose team, Will’s beautiful spring Walkers, was the top moneycollecting team for the event. afternoon. Age groups ranged from younger than 13 years old to 80-plus years old. Age-group winners can find their names and their times at the website of the Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties (www.jcarc.org/runwalk.html). The times of all participants are also available at the site.

Special guests at the event included S&T

ing the race, he was presented with the John Orsich Award. The top money-collecting team was Will’s Walkers, whose members raised more than $14,000.

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Coffee-Break Fun Crossword

CLUES ACROSS 1. William the Conquerer’s birth city 5. Expired 9. Muslim greeting 11. Hangs cloth in loose folds 13. -__, denotes past 14. Jog 16. Ocean shore 17. Promotion of a product 18. The Constitution State 20. Russian space station 22. Paper mulberry bark cloth 23. Fiddler crabs 24. Drunkards 27. Domestic hog 28. Before 29. Papua New Guinea monetary unit 31. Existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul

33. V.P. Quayle 34. Expression of surprise 35. Declares untrue 38. Corn dough 40. Ocean 41. Supply with men 42. Spring tides 44. Spooky month 45. To tie in Spanish 47. Possessed 49. Br. Architect Wren 54. Prosecutor for a district 55. Tribal chieftains 56. Fulfill a command 58. Location of White House 59. Happy facial gestures 60. Cheap showy jewelry or ornament 62. Over again 63. Inhabitants of ancient Media CLUES DOWN 1. Coarse woolen braid 2. Gangster Capone 3. Ingest 4. Drug enforcement officer (slang) 5. Expression of annoyance 6. Romanian capital until 1861 7. A person who enjoys good food & drink 8. A way to reason 9. Sewing junction 10. Sound of bovines 11. Metric weight unit 12. Stalk of a moss capsule 15. Explosive 16. Reddish brown 19. Short sleeps 21. Decay 25. Crepe fern genus 26. Actor Connery 28. Wipe out recorded information 30. Imparts motion to 32. Compared to 35. Alight from train 36. N.H. 03832 37. 2 piece clothing fastener 39. Express pleasure 40. A plan, outline or model 43. Give a spanking to 44. NY Times publisher Adolph Simon 46. 17th Greek letter 48. Small, stout cyprinid fish 50. Lazy 51. Merganser 52. Fall back from 53. Enlarge hole 57. Hong Kong dialect 61. Initials of “10” actress Answers On Next Page

32 – Punxsutawney Hometown – May 2015 - Issue #175

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through his website, Facebook page, and ocal businessman Herb Bullers Jr. newspaper articles, Herb will answer announced his candidacy for the these questions; however, if anyone has a Republican nomination for Jefferquestion that needs an answer, he or she son County Commissioner in early should not hesitate to get in touch with January. He wants to build on the founthe campaign at its website (www.herbdations that the current group of combullersjr.com), by missioners has sending an e-mail to already laid. There campaign@herbhas been an outpourbullersjr.com, or on ing of support so far Facebook (www.facefor the campaign. As book.com/herbbullerMay 19 approaches, sjr).

Herb looks forward to One of the quesmeeting the voters of tions that Herb has Jefferson County. been asked is: “HavHerb has been a ing the businesses that lifelong resident of you do, will you have Jefferson County, time to be a commiswhere he and his sioner?â€? wife, Mary, have Herb says every raised their family time, “I have talented alongside other resipeople that I employ. dents in the commuThis affords me the nity. Herb is a 1972 time it will take to be graduate of the FULL-TIME comBrookville Area High missioner that this School. He is an outcounty needs.â€? door enthusiast who “Good commissionloves hunting, fishers are willing not only to find flaws,â€? he ing, and other outdoor activities. This enconcluded, “but also to roll up their thusiasm is also shown by the sleeves and go to work every day to find organizations to which he volunteers his real solutions to the problems that face time. He is involved with many groups, the county.â€? including Pheasants Forever, NWTF, ••• Hunt of a Lifetime, and the NRA, of which Herb is a lifetime member.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTION Working with the Jefferson County Redevelopment Commission and the Brookville and Punxsutawney Chambers of Commerce has been a priority for Herb. “I want to make Jefferson County a destination county that draws businesses and families to an environment that spurs job creation and economic growth,� he said.

Herb has almost 40 years of business experience. His companies have always been centered in Jefferson County. These businesses have offered Herb the skills and experience that will be crucial in moving the county into the future.

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Continued from page 24 neighbors, cut and hauled timber to the creek where Rock Run enters the Mahoning. Excerpts from pages covering the period of January to April 1855 are exciting and colorful.

On March 31, 1855, he wrote “All as well as common. I saw some this morning then PSR [his sons] and I go to the creek to raft in. Abraham and Jeremiah Varner help us get another raft finished.

Then we come home. I seen some wild geese flying. Roads muddy. Pretty good day for the sugar to run. I tire. I enjoy myself middling.”

A diary entry on April 6 included “All as well as common. SR and I go to the creek this morning to work at my raft.

Water raised rafts running. We about the creek most all day. Got done rafting in my three rafts....”

Rafting on Sunday, April 22, created a trying situation for Mr. Rudolph, a devout Methodist. He expressed it in these words: “Got both of my rafts to the mouth of creek today. I did not like to go on the creek today, but the water had fell considerable and if I would lay by till tomorrow, my rafts would not go therefore I concluded to run them out ... My position is a very peculiar one. Still I am opposed to running timber on the Sabbath day and I hope I may never have to run again on the Lord’s day. I got to the mouth safe....”

On April 3, he wrote: “[I] had to jump into the water today up to my waist. A stick of timber turned with me.” And on April 10 his notes included the following: “I from home to Jenks mill then to Punxsutawney, then to Daniel Graffius. I sold one of my rafts to G. S. Campbell for seventy five dollars. The roads are very bad.”

In 1919, at age 75, John Bair, a local merchant, wrote his Early Recollections of Punxsutawney. From his years as a young man in the 1860s, he recalled his few rafting experiences. “Nearly everybody rafted and I thought that I had to do the same,” he remembered. “Punxsutawney was the starting point and the Creek was divided into three sections – 1st to the big dam; 2nd to Putneys, and 3rd to the mouth [above Kittanning]. The hands were hiared [sic] for the trips according to these sections. I went down the Creek rafting several times myself but did not follow it up very long as it was too hard work walking back through the mud.

“I went one time with John K. North as far as Pittsburg. He was a good and easy pilot both on the Creek and River. I went down another time and Wm. J. Drum was pilot. [At one time] I was pushing hard going through Gillespies dam. There was another raft just ahead of us and our front oar blade lapped on their hind one. The man that had holt [sic] of it gave it a quick push which jerked our oar Stern out of Campbell’s hands, and it slid under my arms and threw me into the creek about a rod from our raft up to the neck in the ice cold water. I could not reach the bottom but hung onto the oar stern until they pulled it and me back onto the raft when I was all right except I was rather wet.”

In 1946, Martha Barnhart Bowen wrote a book – Red Silk Pantalettes. It was based upon her visits to her grandparents George and Martha (St. Clair) Campbell, who lived in Punxsutawney in the late 1800s. Her first chapter was titled “Home to Punxsutawney.” Her Chapter 13 was

“George Campbell, Raftsman” and was about the courtship years of George and Martha. [The St. Clairs and Campbells were neighbors around the Public Park, now named Barclay Square.]

In her account of George Campbell’s rafting, she described some of the treacherous moments associated with rafting on the area’s creeks. To describe one such moment, she used the words below to describe a time when George piloted a fleet with his father, William Campbell, beside him. It was a moment when the fleet of rafts had traveled 14 miles west of Punxsutawney, downstream to “the Big Dam” near Loop in Indiana County. During the night the water had risen, which was considered a favorable time for rafting.

“The going was smooth for perhaps two hundred feet,” Martha Bowen wrote.

“Then, suddenly, the raft was thrown to the left, and for a second hung poised in the air. At George’s command, the weight was shifted to the front, and the raft swung slowly down to the left and with a lurch cleared the obstruction. A few miles farther on, George suddenly realized his raft was headed for something – it must be stones and earth washed down from the shore by the turbulent waters. He might swerve quickly, he knew, but that very movement might wreck not only his own craft, but cause the whole fleet to pile up behind him.”

When viewed through the memories of the old men (and women) who expended youthful energies in lumbering and rafting in the 19th century, we see that their times were clearly exciting and colorful ones.

Such memories include those that local druggist H. L. Young shared with young children in 1899. As reported in the Spirit’s story “A Raft of Youngsters See the Rafts,” the gentleman had taken a “flock of toddlers” to the old iron bridge on Mahoning Street to look at the flood.

His trip with the little children “reminds one of a mother hen and her brood of chickens,” the editor wrote. While they were looking at the high water flowing under the bridge two square timber rafts went by – “a somewhat rare sight in this vicinity now, although once exceedingly familiar,” the article recalled for the reader. The children obviously had never seen a raft floating down the Mahoning before. The newspaper reported the children’s reaction: “The little folks were delighted, and clapped their hands with glee.” One can wonder what exciting stories Mr. Young must have told the children.

By the end of the 19th century, rafting timber to market was replaced with transporting it by railroad. By the summer of 1903, news stories were predicting that each raft seen on the Mahoning was the last raft heading to Pittsburgh.

The rumble of logging trucks over our highways today tells us that the lumbering industry has again become a profitable business in the Punxsutawney area.

It is now Mahoning Street (or Pa. Route 36 and U. S. Route 119) that has replaced Mahoning Creek as the major thoroughfare through town for delivering logs to nearby sawmills.

I wonder if our memories of the daily experience of passing log trucks will be as interesting – and colorful – as those shared by raftmen from an earlier century?

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