Fall News from the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum

Last Updated on Friday, 28 August 2015 16:37

If you have additional questions about the Donora Historical Society or events, the museum, meetings, or possibly volunteering, feel free to stop by or email us at DonoraHistoricalSociety@gmail.com or by calling 724-823-0364 and leaving a message. Or visit us on the web at www.DonoraHistoricalSociety.org.

Donora-Webster Bridge Display

For those that already miss the Donora-Webster Bridge after its implosion in July, please stop by the Smog Museum to see the rotating display dedicated to the history of the bridge since 1908. Old photos, blueprints and souvenir mementos that span the past century of its existence will be on display.

Private Stan “The Man” Musial Presentations

It’s not uncommon for us to receive visitors from Alaska to the Smog Museum, as we’ve had visitors from Alaska and 41 other states in the past. It’s also not uncommon for Stan Musial fans to visit Donora and the Historical Society from around the U.S. In July, we hosted a couple who were originally from the St. Louis area, but currently make their home in Kenai, Alaska, and were visiting Pittsburgh for a convention. As lifelong Cardinals fans, they requested a private Stan “The Man” Musial presentation as well as a Stan Musial driving tour around Donora. A good time was had by all and they were able to cross one more item off of their “bucket list.” If you would like to have your own personal Stan Musial presentation for your group, please contact the Historical Society.

Cement City Walking Tours

We are still adding people to our next Cement City Home and Walking Tours to be held on Saturday, October 3^rd and then again on Sunday, October 4^th, both at 1 p.m. No Steelers games are scheduled on those days. The tours start at the museum with a photo presentation on Donora’s National Historic District as well as the showing of artifacts and original blueprints during the construction from 1916 and 1917. The presenter is Smog Museum curator and Cement City resident Brian Charlton, who authored an article in the fall 2013 edition of the Western Pennsylvania History magazine titled "Cement City: Thomas Edison's Experiment with Worker's Housing In Donora." A walking tour follows in the Historic District to point out various architectural details. The walk concludes by touring the interior of two homes that have a couple of rooms restored to period. If you have any questions about Cement City or one of our Home and Walking Tours, please consult our website and click the “Cement City” tab, or call or email the historical society. If you would like to RSVP for either tour, please contact the historical society by phone or email to be added to the list as they are filling up fast.

Ralph E. Stone Book Signing

On Saturday, October 10^th at 1 pm, the Donora Historical Society will welcome Monessen native and author Ralph E. Stone, who will do a reading and book signing of his book, Diary of a First Street Rambler. Books will be for sale and the proceeds will benefit the Donora Historical Society. Stone’s discussion will feature stories about his experiences of growing up in Monessen as a youth, as well as stories about Donora and Stan “The Man” Musial.

Christmas Decorations Orders Now Being Taken

The Donora Historical Society is now taking orders for Christmas wreaths, garland or roping, candy canes and crosses. The wreaths, candy canes and crosses are made of Frasier fir, come with a waterproof red velvet bow, and are dipped in an anti-transparent to preserve needle retention. The wreaths measure two feet in diameter and sell for $15. The candy canes and crosses are very full and sturdy and sell for $17. The garland or roping is made of long needle white pine, measure 30 feet and sell for $12. Call 724-379-5693 or 724-379-6999 to place your order by October 31. Pickup will be at the Donora Smog Museum and Historical Society during Thanksgiving week – November 25th, 27th and 28.