Six of Seven Living Presidents Attend Dinner
September 27, 2012 at 10:45 PM
DuBois Area Historical Society Presidents – front from left: Audrey Lott and Ruth Gregori. Back from left: Evo Facchine, Dr. John Furlow, Tom Schott, and Ginny Schott.
Six of the DuBois Area Historical Society’s seven living presidents were in attendance when the organization held its 30th annual dinner at the American Legion in DuBois.
Returning from Lancaster, Ohio, was the Society’s first president Dr. John Furlow. Joining him at the dinner were Tom Schott (number four), Virginia Schott (number five), Audrey Lott (number eight), immediate past-president Evo Facchine (number 10 and the president who had the longest tenure), and current president Ruth Gregori. Unable to attend was Mike Mowery, the sixth president.
Four of the Society’s presidents are deceased: Dr. George Nye (number two), Shirley Clark (number three), E. D. Reitz (number six), and Bob DuBois (number seven).
During the business meeting the budget for 2013 was approved and elections were held to fill positions on the Society’s board. Those elected for a two year term include:
Tom Schott, second vice president; Gene Aravich, secretary; Jerry Watson, treasurer; Carol Johnson, director of genealogy; Beecher Klingensmith, director of museum and curator; Ken Wiser, Falls Creek representative; Jean Hayes, Brady/Bloom Township representative; and Linda Riccadonna, Huston Township representative.
Summerville’s Russ Hoenig (left) was the guest speaker presenting his findings during research for his book, “Rockton’s 43-9228 Details of a World War II Plane Crash.” He examined the Nov. 18, 1943, crash of a twin-engine attack bomber on its delivery flight from Douglas’ Long Beach, Calif., factory to Newark, N.J., where it would depart the United States for service overseas. It left Youngstown, Ohio, on the day of the crash near Rockton.
President Ruth Gregori gave the welcome and wrap-up. Carolyn Rhoades, chaired the nominating committee and presided over that portion of the program. Rev. Kenneth Sherwood, Penfield Christian Fellowship Church, provided the invocation and the benediction. Tom Rubritz introduced the past presidents. Tom Schott introduced the guest speaker. Martin’s donated the cake for dessert.
Providing music prior to the dinner was Mountain Dulcimer Gathering. The group included Ginny Schott, Sue Stapleton of Reynoldsville, Louise Bem of Indiana, and Mary Ellen Van Pelt of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., formerly of Clearfield.
Mountain Dulcimer Gathering from left: Ginny Schott, Mary Ellen Van Pelt, Louise Bem, and Sue Stapleton.
The DuBois Area Historical Society’s 30th anniversary will continue with events in October and November.
The 5th Annual “Spirit of DuBois” Lantern Walk is Saturday, Oct. 13. The first tour leaving the YMCA, 6 p.m., with additional tours every 20 minutes. Tours will focus on the flood of 1972 and its affect on an adjoining neighborhood, encountering many “Spirits” from DuBois’ past. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students; children sixth grade and younger free if accompanied by an adult. All proceeds benefit the DuBois Area Historical Society. For a specific walk time, telephone 814-371-4627 between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Tour groups limited to 20 people. Walk-ins are welcome and will be assigned to the next available tour.
November 13 Scott Shaffer will speak about “Archeological Findings in the DuBois Area.” His program will begin at 7 p.m. at the E. D. Reitz Museum, 28 W. Long Ave., DuBois, and is free and open to the public.