News from the Greater Monessen Historical Society

Last Updated on Saturday, 01 October 2016 14:10

The Greater Monessen Historical Society makes the following announcements.

Roaring Twenties Banquet Sells Out

The Greater Monessen Historical Society wishes to thank everyone who supported the fundraising event on September 17, 2016, which commemorated the 95^th anniversary of Monessen becoming a city in 1921.

The Roaring Twenties Banquet, which was held in Jozwiak Hall, was a complete sellout! Daniel Zyglowicz, GMHS President, spoke on “Monessen in the 1920s” and included information on the visits of William Howard Taft and Warren Harding. Matt Shorraw, GMHS Volunteer, read an excerpt from a speech written by H. Dallas McCabe, of the East Side Land Company, that was originally delivered in 1923 at the dedication of the new junior high school during the celebration for Monessen’s Silver Jubilee. Emerita Professor, Marsha Nolf, of California University of Pennsylvania, presented “History of the Roaring Twenties.”

The meal, catered by Bruno and Sons Catering, consisted of foods popular in the 1920s, and in part, replicated some of the meals served to Presidents Taft and Harding on their visits.

The DJ, Dennis Wince, lead a sing a long of songs from the Jazz Age. Paul Tobacco and his dance troupe demonstrated the Charleston, Putting on the Ritz, and Turkey Trot dances. Many of the guests dressed in period clothing reminiscent of the ‘20s.

Autumn Exhibit

The autumn exhibit at the Heritage Museum is on the five former ethnic Roman Catholic churches of the city, which were consolidated together to form the Epiphany of the Lord Church 25 years ago. Monessen’s Catholic heritage goes back to 1900 with the founding of St. Leonard’s Church, which was built to serve the Irish Catholic population of the new borough. The other churches were: Most Holy Name of Jesus (Slovak), St. Cajetan (Italian), St. Hyacinth (Polish) and St. Anthony (Croatian).The exhibit can be viewed through the end of the year on Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Annual Fund Drive

The annual fund drive and membership renewal will commence in late October. Be on the lookout for a mailing containing the necessary forms and information. The donations are used to run the museum and provide for the historic preservation of Monessen’s past. Membership and donation forms can also be picked up at the Museum.

Family History Month

October is Family History Month. The Historical Society will be collecting copies of family genealogies and photos for the archival collection. Photo scans can also be sent to: monessen@verizon.net . During the month, historic memorabilia and items that tell the story of local businesses, schools, events, churches and ethnic groups can be donated. This is a chance to check the cellars and attics for items that tell the story of the Greater Monessen area and share them with future generations.

Keep Updated!

Keep abreast of events and see photos of previous ones. Become a fan of our Facebook page! Additionally, the Museum Shoppe has unique holiday gifts. Stop in and shop locally! There are local history books, ethnic cookbooks, furniture throws, and many other items for that hard to buy for person on your list.