DuBois Observes 150th Anniversary

June 08, 2022 at 2:07 AM

society_1.jpeg

            Elected officials from the federal, state, county, and local level, along with a citizen from the DuBois area gathered at the Edward Cherry Amphitheater in the DuBois City Park, Friday, June 3, opening the two-day celebration of the City of DuBois’ 150th anniversary.

            Kathleen Clement from the Sesquicentennial Committee served as mistress of ceremony for the kick-off celebration. She provided a brief history of DuBois’ earliest pioneers:  George Shaffer, John Rumbarger, and John DuBois.

            The DuBois Honor Guard presented the colors and DuBois High School student Charlie Nixon sang the “National Anthem”. It was noted that the 16-year-old Nixon would be available to perform again at the city’s 200th anniversary in 2072.

            Sandy Township Supervisor Sam Mollica was the first to speak commenting that, “it is a good thing to happen,” with the township and city approaching consolidation in four years that will create a much larger city.

            DuBois Mayor Ed Walsh said that the City Park, “a tradition of the City of DuBois,” was the perfect site to open the 150th birthday celebration. He reflected on the park’s facilities for sporting events, the swimming pool, and the monuments to the military and the fire department now exist on what once was the city dump providing economic stimulus for the community. He also commented on the Penn State DuBois campus, on land donated by the DuBois family, and the nearby facelift of the landscaping at the top of Liberty Boulevard. He said he was looking forward to the “new beginning” when the consolidation of the City and Sandy Township is completed.

            John Sobol, Clearfield County Commissioner, congratulated DuBois on the anniversary and compared the consolidation of Rumbarger and DuBois into the current City of DuBois with the upcoming consolidation of DuBois and Sandy Township.

            Fellow Clearfield County Commissioner Dave Glass, called DuBois the preeminent economic center in Clearfield County and is looking for even greater things over the next fifty years as a result of consolidation.

            DuBois resident and State Representative Mark Armanini, declared that DuBois has so much to be proud of – growing industry and a bright future. He presented a citation of recognition from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

            State Senator Chris Dush noted the growth of DuBois. He declared it had been an honor to represent DuBois in Congress, but he will no longer do so because of the recent redistricting. He presented a citation from the House of Representatives honoring the 150th anniversary.

            A street dance in front of the Cherry Amphitheater with music provided by “Mad Maxx” followed the opening ceremonies.

            On Saturday, June 4, Long Avenue was closed off to host a gathering of vendors and old-time automobiles during a Wheels of Yesteryear Cruise In. ATA also had a bus on hand for visitors to inspect and learn about. “Freedom” performed in front of the E. D. Reitz Museum, which was open attracting numerous visitors. The Society also moved the recently restored John DuBois carriages outdoors so they could be viewed by more people.

FRIDAY NIGHT PHOTOS

honor_guard.jpeg

DuBois Honor Guard

kathleen_clement.jpeg

Kathleen Clement

charlie_nixon_national_anthem.jpeg

Charlie Nixon

sam_mollica.jpeg

Sam Mollica

ed_walsh.jpeg

Ed Walsh

john_sobol.jpeg

John Sobol

dave_glass.jpeg

Dave Glass

mark_armanini.jpeg

Mark Armanini

chris_dush.jpeg

Chris Dush

PHOTOS FROM SATURDAY

freedom_1.jpeg

freedom_2.jpeg

Freedom outside the DuBois Area Historical Society

dubois_carriages.jpeg

John DuBois' carriages on display

ata_bus.jpeg

ATA Bus

downtown_1.jpeg

Vendors on Long Avenue

car_show_1.jpeg

car_show_2.jpeg

car_show_3.jpeg

car_show_4.jpeg

car_show_5.jpeg

Wheels of Yesterday Cruise In




Tags:
Category: News