- Last Updated on Thursday, 01 August 2013 05:13
Founder's Day Celebration Activities Planned
The Greater Monessen Historical Society (GMHS) will celebrate Founders Day with a Living History Weekend at Monessen City Park on August 17 and 18, 2013. To honor Monessen Founder, Colonel James M. Schoonmaker and the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, re-enactors from the 11th P. V. I Co. K, Inc. and the 11th Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry Co. F. will set up authentic Civil War camps to showcase the living conditions of troops during the war years.
There will be food booths, vendors, local authors, displays, photo opportunities and fun for the entire family. The festival will run from 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
There will be food booths, vendors, local authors, displays, photo opportunities and fun for the entire family. The festival will run from 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
For older children and teens, there will be an overnight camp-out with the Monessen Boy Scout troop. Tom Wilson, Boy Scout Leader, invites young people to learn about the Boy Scouts and participate in a unique Civil War history lesson. See how new army recruits were enlisted and lived in the camps of the Civil War. Participate in camp life and join in various activities. Contact Tom, at 724-797-1185, for reservations and more information.
Meet Mrs. Abraham Lincoln and Clara Barton, along with other Civil War personalities, who will be touring the encampment during the weekend. Free admittance to the park and festival, which is located on Grand Boulevard in the Park Plan area of the city.
Roaring 20's Dinner Dance
On September 21, GMHS will host a Roaring Twenties Dinner/ Dance at St. Spyridon’s Greek Orthodox Church hall at 1207 Grand Boulevard, Monessen from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Travel back to the time of Calvin Coolidge and the Charleston. Historic dress welcomed but optional. Tickets are $40 and available at the Monessen Heritage Museum, 505 Donner Avenue or by calling 724-684-8460. Seating is limited. Buffet meal of 1920’s favorites. Live entertainment by the popular group, “Ortner Roberts”. Beer and wine included. There will be games of chance, raffles and drawings.
Heritage Museum
The current exhibit at the Heritage Museum showcases Monessen schools. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or other times by appointment. View photos from the beginning of the School District in 1899 with the construction of the McKinley Elementary School during the time William Henry Donner sat on the first school board down through the years.