Leech, Beer Persons Of Year
September 17, 2003 at 9:12 PM
Dave Beer and Judy Leech
Judy Leech of Falls Creek and Dave Beer of DuBois were named the “Persons of the Year” during the DuBois Area Historical Society’s 21st Annual Dinner. Leech, currently the Society’s first vice president, has served in several other capacities including curator and Falls Creek Area Representative.
“This award goes to someone who spends hours each week at the historical society, giving freely of her time and talents,” said Audrey Lott, during her presentation to Leech. “She has served and continues to serve in various capacities. “Besides her years of service as a member of the executive board, she is the artist who now creates the window displays for the Society. She also helps in genealogical research, cleaning and rearranging displays, and in countless other ways.”
Beer joined the DuBois Area Historical Society in 1985 and became a life member in 1988. He has helped the Society in various capacities, many related to evaluating needed repairs and mechanical know how, including the restoration of an original Studebaker flatbed wagon on display in the Society museum. He has often provided his antique cars to represent the Society in various parades. He also has great knowledge of local history and individuals.
Beecher Klingensmith, who presented the award, listed Beer’s other achievements including 52 years as a member of the Garfield Masonic Lodge, 51 years as a member of the Williamsport Consistory, 49 years as a member of the Lions Club, and charter membership in the Antique Car Club.
DuBois Area Historical Society President Evo Facchine was the master of ceremonies for the evening. He gave some highlights from the previous year’s activities, including increasing the work area in the Society’s buildings, condensing the storage area, changing the display at the museum entrance to feature the DuBois family, new building signage, the establishment of the “Looking Back” column in The Courier-Express by members Ken Wiser and Barb Emmer, the change of the Society’s operation to a fiscal year, reactivating the Society’s newsletter, updating computer programs, participation in the first Board Christmas party.
Special reports were given by genealogist Audrey Lott and curator Beecher Klingensmith.
Lott reported that genealogy inquires were received from Pennsylvania, eight additional states, and Canada. Many e-mail inquires are also received each week. A new microfilm reader/printer was purchased thanks to a donation by Dr. George Nye. Nellie and Dave Beer donated 21 books of obituary clippings to the Society’s genealogical library.
Klingensmith reported that 250 items have been donated to the Society since January. Acquisitions range from photos to a vintage sewing machine to a large trunk once belonging to Mrs. John E. DuBois. All of the items are itemized and catalogued with the help of Judy Leech, Audrey Lott, and Ann Facchine.
Todd Thompson was the guest speaker. His topic was the Great DuBois Fire of 1888.
Historical Society members Pastor Pat Ramsey and Pastor Chris Ramsey delivered the invocation and benediction respectively. Both are from the DuBois Area Combined Lutheran Ministry.
2003-04 programs will continue on Oct. 15 with Jim Sterrett presenting a genealogy workshop at the E.D. Reitz Museum, 30 West Long Ave., DuBois. The November 16 program will feature historical society president Evo Facchine, who will present a World War II program about local war heroes, Charles and Donald McDonald, in honor of Veteran’s Day.
The 2004 programs include Eric Rensel, “Parker Dam Tea & Talk,” Feb. 12; March 16, Women’s History Month, Sue Raspatello, the history of the Red Hat Society; April 21, Tom Schott, “The Washington, D.C., World War II Memorial: A Personal Connection”; and May 26, Galen Kilmer, “DuBois Area High School Local History Projects.”
Previous Person of the Year recipients are: Todd Thompson, 1993-94; E.D. Reitz, 1994-95; Gail King and Marv Bloom, 1995-96; Diane Bernardo, 1996-97; Tom and Virginia Schott, 1997-98; Nellie Beer and Dr. George Nye, 1998-99; Audrey Lott, 1999-00; Carol Johnson and Beecher Klingensmith, 2000-01.