Discovering hidden historical and cultural gems in Manhattan & Beyond
Tag: warren george watrel
The Solar Eclipse at its full extent from our location in Brooklyn.
Daffodil Hill at its peak of blooming.
The Children’s Garden in bloom during the Eclipse.
The Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County
621 Wayne Avenue
Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 463-9600
Open: Sunday-Monday Closed/Tuesday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm/Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm
Admission: Free but accepts donations.
My review on TripAdvisor:
The Society from the front of the building at 621 Wayne Street.
The Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County displays the story of the founding and the development of Indiana County, PA from its origins as a stop on the path of the Native American Lenape tribe at their crossroads to the Midwestern part of the country to its development as a coal mining and timber town to its modern day development as the County seat of Indiana County and where the crossroads once again passed with the railroads and shipping and transportation. Now serving as the County Seat and a prosperous College town, home to the University of Indiana Pennsylvania.
The inside gallery of the Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County open with the history of the local tribes that once lived here and then continue on with displays of the coal mining and timber industries.
The galleries open with the history of the Native Lenape tribes that lived here before colonization.
The Coal Mining display
The Mining Industry
The History of the Mining Unions and their role in life in the mines for their workers.
The Logging Industry display of items.
The Logging Industry display on the first floor.
Everyday life in Indiana, PA for townspeople.
The Sports Hall of Fame for the Town of Indiana, PA.
The “Miss Evergreen” pageant winners from the last fifty years.
The Metal works industry
The town’s Medical industry and background display.
An early doctor’s office display at the museum.
The Military Museum on the Second Floor of the building:
(From the Society website)
The second floor of the Armory holds our military exhibits which cover various engagements from the Revolutionary War to the recent wars of Afghanistan and Iraq. Almost every branch of the military is represented with an assortment of clothing, weaponry, and objects from the warfront and at home. This area honors the men and women who made the highest sacrifice for county and country.
The Society’s Military Gallery on the second floor.
The Military displays on the second floor of the Society.
The Revolutionary War display of local items used during the war.
The local display of Civil War uniforms from the Union Army and rifles.
The Veteran’s display on the first floor.
The WWI and WWII uniform display on the second floor.
The Clark House:
(From the Society website)
The Clark House is closed with the exception of special events.
The final exhibit area is inside the Clark House. This 1870 mansion showcases Indiana County at its peak — the Gilded Age (c.1860-1901). Viewing the architecture, furniture, décor, and possessions of the Clark Family – as well as other local families – allows us to reflect on our history so we may better understand the people of the past.
The Society’s Mission:
(From the Society website)
Through a broad range of activities, The Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County seeks to promote a greater appreciation of the Indiana community’s rich heritage and a better understanding of life today.
The side entrance to the museum.
The History of the Society:
(From the Society website)
The entrance to the Historical Society.
Dedicated to preserving the history of Indiana County, this multi-faceted non-profit has operated continuously since 1938. In addition to running the Historical Museum and Helman Library, the HGSIC conducts educational tours for local school and scouting groups, works with other community organizations, and provides research services for personal and professional needs. The HGSIC is also steward of the Clark House and the Armory, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On November 16, 1938, the Society was founded as a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization by six friends in the living room of Frances and Blaine Helman. Frances Helman was a genealogist, and her extensive collection of reference materials and research formed the foundation for the Helman Library. Volunteers and researchers alike have added to it through the decades by clipping newspapers and donating their own research and materials.
On April 1, 1939, with a membership of twenty-six, the Indiana Evening Gazette announced that the Society had been formed and a request to move their materials to the Indiana Free Library was granted. At that time, the Society’s holdings included fourteen books, several pamphlets, and tombstone inscriptions from a number of local cemeteries. This would be the first of several homes for the library.
A year later in May 1940, membership reached 134 and the Society was officially incorporated. Soon after, they moved to Wilson Hall on the IUP campus, where they shared a room on the first floor and stored newspaper files in the basement.
The Indiana Free Library, the second home of the Historical Society in 1939.
The third home of the Historical Society was Wilson Hall in May 1940.
In the winter of 1951, the Society moved into the Clark House, previously known as Memorial Hall. To move the contents of the library, the books were piled onto a sled at Wilson Hall then pulled to a parking lot and loaded into a car. The process had to be repeated in reverse once they arrived at the Victorian mansion on South 6th Street. At the time, the library collection didn’t even fill the bookshelves in the former study of Judge Silas M. Clark. Once occupied by the HGSIC, the name of the building soon changed to the History House and finally to its present name, The Clark House. The library grew quickly, and by the 1960s, the library held over 2000 surname folders. These were busy decades for the Society. Under the editorship of Frances Helman, the Society produced a genealogical quarterly titled Your Family Tree from 1948-1966. Society members wrote history articles for local newspapers, pamphlets and booklets such as fair guides, and county history books. Original scholarly works were published as well as reprints of primary reference materials.
In November 1957, the Society received the deed to the Buena Vista Furnace, and throughout 1965-1967 undertook a project to stabilize and open the site for public access. The HGSIC eventually outgrew The Clark House – the library spilled out of the parlor to the entire first floor, the second floor held artifacts and offices, and the basement had a less-than-functional museum. In 1999, through the generous support of the Indiana County Commissioners and the hard work of numerous volunteers, the HGSIC purchased the Armory, the former home of the Indiana County National Guard and Company “F”. After replacing the roof and figuring out how to open the ammunition locker, the HGSIC established the Historical Museum and the Memorial to the Veterans, a condition of their purchase of the building.
A move in the winter of 1951 to the Silas M. Clark House, one of the current buildings owned by the Historical Society.
The former Indiana County National Guard Armory is the current home for the Historical Society.
Once the renovations were complete, it was once again time to move. With this move, the materials only had to go across the parking lot, it was still a major undertaking. Heavy wooden shelving units, then hundreds of volumes, dozens of filing cabinets full of surname and subject folders, and and the whole Helman Collection soon rolled across the lot with the help of volunteers. Artifacts soon followed, including agricultural equipment, textiles, iron furnaces, and art.
Today, the library houses over 26,000 surname files, over 1000 family histories, thousands of subject files, numerous county histories, and hundreds of other reference and subject books. The Society continues to reprint important reference books as well as new works exploring Indiana County’s past. Keeping up with technological advancements, the Society is scanning collections for easier searching. Classes and workshops on genealogy are still offered, and
several volunteers carry on the work of expanding the surname and subject files. Not only is the library named after Frances Helman, but so is the HGSIC’s most prestigious award. The Helman Award is given to those individuals whose contributions add greatly to the society’s ability to serve our members, researchers, and community.
The HGSIC is proud to partner with other community organizations to help keep history alive through programs held on site and in the community. Each December, the Indiana Art Association holds their Open Arts Exhibit, showcasing art from local artists. The IUP Paranormal Society has conducted a number investigations in October and dependent on scheduling, these investigations are open to the public. During the spring and summer, the Evergreen Garden Club plants bursts of color in our gardens and continues to help make the point look inviting for all of our visitors. Local schools come here for tours, in particular we have partnered with the Fifth Grade Class at Horace Mann and present a Civil War Encampment, which the thoroughly enjoy.
Our volunteers give periodic programs at the Indiana Free Library, neighboring historical societies, local schools, and Friends of the Indiana County Parks. In 2016, the HGSIC was active in the planning and celebration of Indiana Borough’s Bicentennial, and now displays the time capsule to be opened in 2066. The grounds also hold the Indiana Borough Sesquicentennial time capsule buried in Clark House lawn in 1966. The Historical Society continues to explore new opportunities to partner with local, state and national organizations to continue to bring programs about Indiana County’s history to our residents.
The Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County is about more than just the past. With a vibrant volunteer base and a growing number of visitors, we continue to offer programs and events, tours and classes, far into the future.
The Society’s Gift Shop near the entrance of the museum.
Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial Located in Girard Park, at Washington & Main Streets, Shenandoah, PA
570-622-7700
https://schuylkill.org/business/pennsylvania-anthracite-miners-memorial
https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=86761
Open: 24 Hours in the park
Admission: Free
My review on TripAdvisor:
The memorial in Girard Park in Shenandoah, PA just off the edge of downtown.
Plaque One
Plaque Two
Plaque Three
When I was visiting Downtown Shenandoah, PA I had read about this memorial dedicated to miners in the area and to stop by to see it. It is a very touching memorial dedicated to the hard working men and women who work in the mines in the area and the sacrifices they have made so that we could have heat and energy over the last 150 years. This is dangerous work and they do not get enough credit for it.
The Miner’s Prayer plaque
The memorial sits on the very edge of the northern part of downtown Shenandoah and the sad part is the condition of the both the park and the memorial like forgotten souls. Downtown Shenandoah has seen better days and with the mines not in production they way they once were, it is almost like a forgotten relic of the past. Still it is very touching to see this dedication to that hard work and determination of people who have performed this hard job and not given the credit for it.
Take time to read the names and see the inscriptions. It is a very moving place.
A piece of coal donated and dedicated to the monument
History of the Memorial (Zenos Frudakis website):
Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial relief bronze by Zenos Frudakis honors the thousands of hardworking and courageous coal miners who lived and worked in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania.
Comprised of three large bronze plaques, the monument’s left panel, titled “Life Underground,” tells the story of deep miners at work in coal pits. “The Passageway,” largest and central panel, illustrates four miners exiting a mine shaft. “Life Above Ground,” the right panel, shows row homes in Shenandoah in 1891. The monument is surrounded by bricks featuring the names of many of the miners, and benches where visitors can rest and reflect on the hardworking residents of the Upper Schuylkill Region who helped to build America.
The inscription on the Memorial (HBdg.org):
Their coal oil lamps dimly lighted the dismal tunnels while silhouetting their blackened faces that portrayed their exhausting labors and dedication to their families from sunrise to sunset. Only God knew their fate. As you walk this brick pathway toward the Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial. You will become a part of the miners’ world and the history they so painstakingly created with picks and shovels. Do not shed tears for them, but carry on the pride they chiseled with the sweat from their brows and each beat of their hearts. By Roseann Hall. Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial-Steven Souchuck, Joseph Baronowsky, Edward S. Kramer, Neil Delance, Albert James Sands Sr., John Lauritis, Bartholemew “Patsy” Swies, Stanley Rakowsky Sr., George Luscavage, David J. Roberts, Frank M. Twardzik, Gulden-Thompson Family, John J. “Jada” Grutza, John Bisco, Stanley Glinski, Christopher F. Casula, Thomas and Blanche Dower, John S. and Pauline G. Karlavage, Robert K. Ramsey, Adam Morris, Dyszel-Andrew, Barbara and Sons, Procuda-Steve, Nick, Russel, Albert Ritzo, B. Lewis and Shustack Family.
Artist Zenos Frudakis
https://cher-skoubo.squarespace.com/about
An interesting visit to the Memorial by “Exploring with a Coal Cracker” on YouTube.
The full memorial at the very end of Downtown Shenandoah, PA.
The Jimmy Stewart Museum
835 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 349-6112
Open: Sunday 12:00pm-4:00pm/Monday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
Admission: Adults $12.00/Seniors $11.00/Children 7-17 $9.00/Children Under 7 and members Free
My review on TripAdvisor:
The historic marker in front of the museum.
The entrance to the museum.
The Jimmy Stewart Museum is part of the Indiana Library. The museum is located on the second floor of the building.
The entrance to the museum:
The museum is a chronological story of not just Jimmy Stewart’s life and legacy but the contributions of his family going back almost five generations on both sides of his family.
The Stewart family on both his mother and father’s sides have been part of this part of Pennsylvania since the area was opened up during colonial times.
The Indiana Gallery:
The Indiana Gallery highlights the history of Jimmy Stewart’s hometown, Indiana, Pennsylvania along with Stewart’s early ancestors, a look at his early childhood, and his schooling through Princeton University. Highlights include a recreation of Stewart’s father Alex’s local hardware store, Jimmy’s Princeton jacket, and a life-size replica of the Jimmy Stewart statue (Museum website).
Both sides of the family participated in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Mexican-American conflict and WWI and WWII including Jimmy Stewart’s contribution as a Navy pilot. His father and grandfather had been part of the business community owning a hardware business that spanned three generations until it closed in the 1960’s.
The family’s contribution to the Indiana business community was well noted. The Stewart’s “Big Warehouse” hardware store was prominent in Indiana for many years.
Jimmy Stewart’s Bedroom:
This gallery is a recreation of Jimmy’s boyhood bedroom from his home in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Jimmy’s boyhood bed is showcased along with family photos and his history with the Boy Scout of America. Another feature highlights Jimmy’s childhood hero, Charles Lindbergh, and his historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include his childhood bed, the Silver Buffalo Award from the BSA and an original painting of his childhood home (from the Museum website).
Jimmy Stewart’s boyhood bedroom.
The story of Jimmy Stewart starts here with his grandparents on both sides and their shaping of his future life. The museum continues with his life at Princeton University after his schooling in high school in Indiana, PA.
Jimmy Stewart’s college and post graduate years.
His Military Career:
The Military Gallery shines a light on the history of aviation and Jimmy’s early interest in flying. It continues with Stewart’s enlistment in WWII and showcases his highly decorated military career. There is also a special tribute to Stewart’s stepson who died in Vietnam. Highlights include 4 of his military uniforms, his military medals (including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Croix de Guerre)(The Museum website).
Jimmy Stewart continued the long line of military service his family had served since the Revolutionary War and his step-son continued until his death in Vietnam.
The Military Gallery with many of Jimmy Stewart’s uniforms and awards and accolades.
Jimmy Stewart’s WWII uniforms
Awards and Military films that he was in plus pictures of his time in the armed forces.
The Hollywood Gallery:
The Hollywood Gallery wraps around our theatre and takes you through Stewart’s film career of over 80 films (1935-1991). Original movie posters, still pictures, costumes, props, movie summaries, and stories behind the scenes take you on a journey through the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond. We shine the light on Stewarts’ collaborations with Frank Capra, Alfred Hitchcock, and westerns with Anthony Mann. The exhibit wraps up with a section featuring Stewart’s awards and accolades. Highlights include a western uniform and rifle from Winchester ’73, Stewart’s cowboy hat he wore in most of his westerns, the hat he wore in the movie Harvey and a plane propeller signed by the cast of Flight of the Phoenix and much more! (From the Museum website).
I had read on one of the signs that his family was not too sure what the Academy Award was and asked him to send it home so that he could display it in the store window which he promptly did. It was nice to see that he was humble enough to share this win with the community.
His booth at Chazen’s where he courted his wife and they frequently went to dinner.
The gallery of much deserved awards and accolades.
Movie posters of all of his films.
His Academy Award that he presented to his father who put it proudly in the family business window.
The display on the movie “Harvey”.
Jimmy Stewart’s Office in California:
This gallery is a recreation of Jimmy Stewart’s office from his home in California. It includes Jimmy Stewart’s desk, grandfather clock, his tweed hat, office memorabilia, and family photos. Highlights include letters from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, a personal letter from Frank Capra and his Autopen machine (from the Museum website).
Recreation of Jimmy Stewart’s office in California.
In the middle of the museum is a movie theater showing Mr. Stewart’s films during the day. When I was there they were showing “Dear Brigette”:
It was a fun film.
The Movie Theater:
The museum has a 50-seat vintage theater that shows a matinee movie every day at 1:00 pm. The movie that’s shown changes each week and showcases the over 80 films that Jimmy Stewart starred in. More classic movie posters adorn the walls of the theater and Jimmy Stewart biographies are available to be viewed upon request. Highlights include the screening of It’s A Wonderful Life from mid-November through December and the showing of all 4 Alfred Hitchcock/Jimmy Stewart films throughout the month of October (from the Museum website).
The museum is a tribute not just to a movie star but to someone who lived a life well lived. Jimmy Stewart’s contributions were more than just movies. It was a citizen who got involved and tried to make things better. The museum takes us through his world. It may have not been perfect but it was a life that many of us would like to live.
It gives a glimpse into his world.
Visiting a Museum: The Unique, Unusual, Obscure and Historical 