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The Greater Monessen Historical Society will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Colonel James Schoonmaker's cavalry charge on Fort Star during the Third Battle of Winchester on Friday, September 19.

Treasurer Vito Beneccio with GMHS President Daniel Zyglowicz and Shirley Beneccio during the dedication of Monessen's Brown Street Clock.

 To commemorate the anniversary, free cake will be available to visitors to the Monessen Heritage Museum on that day. Colonel Schoonmaker, who organized the East Side Land Company, which founded and developed Monessen, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry during the battle.

The Historical Society was asked to dedicate the newly refurbished Brown Street Clock, which was placed in front of the Public Safety Building on Donner Ave. Society President Daniel Zyglowicz delivered the dedication address, in which he gave the history of the clock company and dedicated the clock as a symbol of Monessen's industrial heritage. He asked that it be a reminder of the many immigrants, with their rich traditions and customs, who traveled across oceans to build the Valley.

The Brown Street Clock Company of Monessen began in a small jewelry store at 532 Donner Ave. in 1906 with sales also conducted through the Brown Jewelry Store in Donora. A Brown Street Clock was installed in Monessen in 1909, at the corner of Fifth and Donner, in front of the Monessen Savings and Trust Company Building, where it remained for many years.

Fulvia Chitester was given the honor of cutting the ribbon during this dedication, assisted by Shirley Beneccio and her son, Vito. The Beneccios came dressed in the high fashion of the Edwardian Era to symbolize the time the Brown Street Clock Company began operation.

Monessen will host the 2014 Mon Valley Veterans Parade on November 8. During autumn, the Heritage Museum is hosting an exhibit dedicated to the veterans of the Mon Valley. Operating hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Come in and see the new carpeting, too!

The Greater Monessen Historical Society now has a presence on You Tube. Log in to: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9FUZsueocHd4_ByCdf_T7Q. At present, we have a documentary video of George Essey narrating the history of the Syrians through our Syrian Exhibit panels. Check it out! Other videos will soon be added!

We are also on Facebook under "Greater Monessen Historical Society".

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