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February 05, 2005 at 9:07 PM

       Eileen Anthony, vice president of the Bilger’s Rocks Association, is the guest speaker for the Feb. 17 meeting of the DuBois Area Historical Society.  The first historical society program for 2005 begins at 7:30 p.m. in the E.D. Reitz Museum, 28 W. Long Ave., DuBois. The program is free and open to the public.

       Anthony will speak about the history of the geological formation and the organizing of the Bilger’s Rock Association Inc. The co-founders Harry Fred and June Bigler, Dr. Richard Lines, Debra Thomas, and John Sobel held their initial meeting in Anthony’s home. Their intentions were to acquire, protect, promote, and preserve the natural beauty of this unique site that has attracted visitors for decades. The organization succeeded in purchasing the property and saving it from further vandalism and destruction.

       Bilger's Rocks is a geological phenomenon of massive sandstone formations four miles north of Grampian. Called "rock city" by geologists, this ancient rock formation covers some 20 acres and has been preserved as a public park.  Some of these giant sandstone formations tower 30-50 feet and weigh hundreds of tons.  Visitors can wander around, through, over and under these massive boulders.

       A slate of nominees for DuBois Area Historical Society board of directors will be submitted for a vote at the meeting. All dues paying members may vote at that time.

       Memberships for 2005 are currently being accepted. Memberships are:  $15 for a family, $10 single adult; $5 senior citizen, $5 student 18 and over, $2 student up to 18, and $100 for a life membership. Checks may be made payable to the DuBois Area Historical Society and sent to P.O. Box 401, DuBois, Pa. 15801.

       The last 2004 meeting of DuBois Area Historical Society was Nov. 11, 2004, with Tom Schott presenting, “The Washington, D.C., World War II Memorial, A Personal Connection.”

       Upcoming programs include:  March 31 – Evo Facchine, “History of the Anderson Creek Reservoir.” April (date to be announced) – John Sobel, “Civil War Re-enactor.”  May 25 - Galen Kilmer, “DuBois Area High School Local History Projects.” All are free, at 7:30 p.m. in the E.D. Reitz Museum, 30 W. Long Ave., DuBois.