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By Jill Brown

Founders Day of Living History was held by the Greater Monessen Historical Society at the Monessen City Park on Saturday, August 13, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 14, 12 – 6 p.m. The festival is in celebration of Monessen Founder Colonel James Schoonmaker, who is honored for his services during the Civil War.

Monessen Historical Society

The annual festival is usually full of more exhibits and attendance, however, extreme heat and two bouts of rain showers kept many away.

This is the sixth year for Founders Day in the park. They started it out downtown on the main street where it has been since 1995, before moving it to the City Park. The Greater Historical Society has about 500 members across the United States.

According to President of Greater Monessen Historical Society Daniel Zyglowicz, “We really enjoy doing this. The Monessen Park is a beautiful park. [The Festival] is a chance for people to come out to learn about the historical society, its mission statement and what we do.”

New to the event this year was a rock climbing wall, provided by the National Guard Unit. Also new was Wine in the Woods. Both were set up on the walking track. ChristianW. Klay Winery, of Chalkhill, and Plum Run Winery, Inc., of Brownsville offered a sampling of wine for a $5 donation.

The festival was great despite a lesser crowd. Included in the event were food vendors, refreshments, a gift raffle, and firing of arms with children getting involved, too. Food cooked by volunteers featured hot dogs and sauerkraut, halushki, and kielbasa.

In the photo above right:  Monessen Historical Society: First row: Dr. Martin Dudas, Madeline Dudas, Ginny Fisfis, Daniel Zyglowicz (president). Second row: Gerry Manko, Magdelin Franceschi, Karen Cosner, Gary Strelick. Third row: Candis Kelley, Carol Waterhouse, Denive Sebesta.

Bob Dowler of Latrobe is shown cooking ham over a fire as in the 1860s, quartermaster camp life.

A Civil War re-enactment crew showed living history and Joyce Dowler, a part of it, said they were “doing it to the best of our ability in the heat.” They showed camp life, tents, cooking, and replicas from the 1860s.

For further information about the Greater Monessen Historical Society, follow them on Facebook.