Big Run Militia Focus Of Program

April 02, 2002 at 8:43 PM

       Laura Lynn Yohe will present the unique history of the Big Run Militia at the April 18 meeting of the DuBois Area Historical Society. The meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the E. D. Reitz Museum, 30 West Long Ave., DuBois, is free and open to the public,

       Dressed in historical uniforms and carrying black powder rifles, the Big Run Militia is quite popular in parades throughout the area in the summertime. The background of the militia is more complicated.

       Yohe has the rank of Lieutenant Adjutant in the Big Run Militia, established as a free militia under the military laws of Pennsylvania and incorporated in 1975. It is subject to being called to active duty. She will discuss the historical and legal background of the Militia, which traces its heritage back to Swedish settlers in Pennsylvania, predating William Penn.

      “This type of unit is the whole basis for the citizen soldier,” she says. “All ages, from anywhere are eligible to join. I will talk about the historical background, uniforms, and firearms of the militia.”

       Sarah Rishel of DuBois was the guest speaker at the March meeting. The DuBois High School freshman described her job shadowing opportunity at Colonial Williamsburg.

       DuBois Area Historical Society membership dues for 2002 are currently being accepted.  Dues are single adult, $10; family $15; student up to 18, $2; student 18 and over, $5; and senior  $5. Make checks payable to the DuBois Area Historical Society and mailed to DuBois Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 401, DuBois, PA 15801.

        The Society is still accepting donations for the installation of the final roof at the museum. An anonymous donor has offered to match donations of up to $3,000 for the replacement of the roof. Donations for this project may be sent to the DuBois Area Historical Society, P. O. Box 401, DuBois, PA 15801. All donations to the Society are tax deductible.

        The DuBois Area Historical Society’s 2001-02 program year will concluded on May 23. Galen Kilmer, a history teacher at DuBois Area High School, will present the annual program on “DuBois Area High School Local History Projects.”



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