Copyright 1979

THE UPPER BURRELL TOWNSHIP LIO S CLUB

Printed in the United States of America

All Rights Reserved

UPPER BURRELL TOWNSHIP

The First One Hundred Years

1879 -1979

Preface

The Upper Burrell Lions in February, 1977, decided to publish an Upper Burrell
History Book in observance of the One Hundredth year of the Township. The book
was proposed by Lion Michael Takosky as a Lions Club community project with an
invitation to all interested residents to join in the effort. The Township's Board of
Supervisors endorsed the project and contributed financial support, as have all of the
other township organizations. Thus, from the very beginning the book has received
wide-spread interest and support, drawing many people together in fond reminiscing
through their combined efforts.
Much information and many precious family photographs have been volunteered,
more in fact than could be used. Our aim has been to make the book accurate and
colorful, with a bit of nostalgia - a book that will be a treasured keepsake for
residents and friends of Upper Burrell, young and old. Where error has crept in, we
ask the readers' indulgence, and welcome corrections and additional information for
possible use in the future. We suggest also that individuals and organizations keep
records of activities and new developments in the township, so that at future
appropriate occasions some group can readily update this book - perhaps after
twenty-five or fifty years, the bicentennial, and so on.
We dedicate this book to the early settlers and their spirit of independence and
determination that was required to open up this corner of Penn's Woods; and also to
more recent leaders and their vision of the potentialities of this area as a site for
industrial research and higher education. The selection of our township for these
developments has nurtured new growth and a challenge to the leadership of the
present and future. We believe that Upper Burrell is now on the move, and we
recommend for a guideline the "spirit of service to others" - which is the spirit of
Lionism that inspired the production of this book.
D. O. Sprowls and M. J. Takosky
Co-editors

A group of elderly citizens, born in Upper Burrell Township prior to 1900, gathered to reminisce over
old times. [Left to Right: Mrs. Oral [Rowe] Weaver, 89 years; Mr. C. Roy Fryer, 85 years; Mrs. Abbie
[Kunkle] Hischemellor, 86 years; and Mr. H. Tom McKeever, 92 years.

..

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
HISTORICAL BEGINNINGS (Before Upper Burrell)
, . . . . . . . . .. 1

Penn's Woods and The Indians. ,

,
,
, . , . . . . . . . . .. 2

Erection of Westmoreland County

, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Pioneers and Early Life Style

,
' .. , . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3

THEN THERE WAS UPPER BURRELL

' .. , , ,
,. 7

Division of Burrell Township

,
,,.,
, . . . . . .. 7

Villages and Population Centers:

Alcoa Center, Milligantown, Drennen, Lincoln Beach .. ,

, . . . . . . . . .. 8

The First Census, Occupations

, , .. , . '
, . . . . . . . . .. 15

Population Growth in One Hundred Years,

'
,.,
'
,. 19

BUSINESSES AND SERVICES ,

, .. ,
,
,
,
' 20

History and Accounts of Grist Mills

,
,,
,
" 20

Saw Mills. , .. , .. ,
',
,. 23

Blacksmiths' Shops .,., .. ,

'
,
,
,".,. 24

Farming
,
, .. ' .. , .. ' . , .. , ,
,
,
, . ,. 24

Grain Cradle Manufacturing

',,
,
,
,
,,
, . . .. 26

Grain Threshing Service

'
'
,,.,
, . , , .. , . .. 28

General Stores
' .. '
,
' .. ,
,
,
, .. ,.... 29

Coal Mining
,.,
,.,
,.,,,.,
',
, .. ,
,,
, ., 30

Hauling, Excavating and Transportation .. , . ,

,
,
, .. , 32

Natural Gas .. , ,
,
,
,.,,
,,.,
" 33

Taverns and Restaurants

, .. , , ,
,
, .. ,
, 33

Other Old Time Businesses

,,
,
,
, . , .. , 34

Several Recent and Present Day Businesses. , , . , . ,

,
, . , . , . .. 36

Commercial Recreation .. , . , , . , .. ,
,.,
,
, ,. 38

CHURCHES .. , ,
,,,
,
, .. ,
,
,
, , . , . . . . . . . . . . .. 39

SCHOOLS .. " .. " .. ".,., .. ,

,
, .. ,
45

LANDMARK HOMES .. ,
,,
, , . ,. 66

SERVICE AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS, . ' , ,

,
,,
76

TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT
, , . , .. , . , , . , . ,
,,
, .. 88

ALCOA TECHNICAL CENTER

, . .. 98

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

, , , . , , , .. , ,
100

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
, , , .. , , , ,
, .. , ,102

LEST WE FORGET, , . ' , . , , , , . , . , , , , ,

,
, .. 104

PATRONS, . , . , , , , . ' . , . ,
,,
'
,
107

MEMORIALS, ,
, . , .. , . , , , , , . , , , , , , , , , . ' .. , .. ,
,
'
, , ,115

BIBLIOGRAPHY, . , ,
,
,.,,,,
,
, , .. , . ,
,
' . ' ,117

TOWNSHIP MAPS, , . ' , , , , , , , .. ' . ' .. , , , . , , , , . , , , , . , , , ... ' , .. ' , .. , . , , ... ,118

II

Acknowledgments
Searching out information from the past is an endless
pursuit as each new find indicates a direction for further quest.
The limitations on this book, however, required that research
be halted, and the book issued, even though there is much
Upper Burrell history that has not been touched.
We are grateful to the many persons who have pitched in to
make the book a successful community project: however, the
high level of interest and effort of the following persons
deserves special mention: Lela Baxter, Merle Baxter, Barbara
Bentley, Tom and Connie Best, Elizabeth Coulson, Willie and
Pearl Crooks, Sid Elston, Edythe Ewing, Bob Fullerton, Alice
Harkins, John and Elnora Hecker, EI Howarth, Annie Laurie
Irwin, Hank Keller, Chester and Nancy Lockwood, Margie
Luffy, Frances McAllister, Peg and Arlene McCutcheon, Ann
Morrow, Jackie Oliver, Helen Pierce, Shirley Richey, Marilyn
Schreckengost, Dotty Smith, Audrey Spiering, Barb Sprowls,
Ralph and Gladys Stewart, Dan Sullivan, Theresa Takosky, Ed
Taylor, Bill Testa, Alice Treser, Bob Venter, Cecil and Marion
Yates, Tom Yetter, Mel Yohe and Jane Zadai.
We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Carl
Meyerhuber, professor of history at Penn State, and a number
of his students who assisted with research and preliminary
write-ups, particularly the following: Tim Clark, Paul Gelorme,
Mark Maszgay, Shawn O'Malley, Beth Patton, Kelly Robinson
and Keith Williams.
We thank the many persons who trusted us with their
treasured photographs, school souvenirs, etc., so that we
could share them with the readers.
Finally, success was assured by the enthusiastic support of
the many patrons whose names are printed elsewhere in the
book.

III

t.

HI

RI At BEGINNINGS (Before Upper Burrell)

The history of a community is made not only by its buildings and its people but also by the
circumstances which brought it into existence and contributed to its continuation. Therefore, it is
appropriate to begin the history of Upper Burrell Township by considering briefly the life in this area in
the early days before the township was established.
Volumes have been written about the history of western Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County
(1-7), but none of these published histories contain more than a few statistical details about Upper BurrelL
The first historical account written specifically about our township, entitled "History and Development of
pper Burrell," was written in 1965, by four Junior High students as a term paper in civics class (8). This
was a commendable article but limited in purpose. Therefore, to obtain the extensive information desired
for the present book, it was necessary to start from the beginning and gather material from any and all
sources.

Thefamity bible often contains marginal notations of family births, weddings, deaths and other family
mementos. Searching for information here are [Left to Right]: book committee members Arlene
McCutcheon; Michael Takosky, Co-editor; and Margie Luffy.
Photo by Valley News Dispatch

[1] The numbers in parentheses denote sources of information listed in the Bibliography.
1

Penn 's Woods

and

The Indians
Many centuries before Columbus discovered
America, the Alligewi Indians occupied this
general area. It was from this tribe that the
Allegheny River later received its name (3).
During the 1500's and 1600's, while the original
thirteen colonies were becoming established
along the Atlantic seaboard, however, our region
was unoccupied except for roving hunting parties
of Indians. The powerful Iroquois Confederation
of Indians had set aside this territory as a hunting
ground. Then in the early 1700's, the Delawares,
Shawnees, and other organized clans moved in,
erecting villages at various sites such as present
day Ligonier, Kittanning and Tarentum.
The first white man to come through western
Pennsylvania was the French explorer, Robert
LaSalle. Around the year 1670, he sailed down
the Allegheny River looking for a passageway
from Lake Erie to the Pacific Ocean. After con
siderable exploration of the Ohio River valley, he
eventually sailed to the mouth of the Mississippi,
where in 1682, he claimed in the name of the French
crown ... the entire territory drained by that

river system (2), But the British had already

extended their territorial claims westward from
the Atlantic Coast when King Charles II in 1681,
"gave" the land of Pennsylvania (Penn's Woods)
to William Penn. Although/the western boundary
of Pennsylvania was clearly defined on paper,
nearly a hundred years passed before the actual
location of the boundary was established. During
that time, the ownership of the lands west of the
Appalachians was disputed by the French,
English, and the Indians. The French, who were
aided by the Indians in the French and Indian
Wars, eventually lost, and in the 1763 Treaty of
Paris, gave up all of their claims east of the
Mississippi River,
Pennsylvania authorities then in 1769, en
couraged settlement of this region by opening a
new office to sell land warrants. Also, during the
1750's and '60's, the Ohio Land Company from
Virginia, had started settlements in this region,
which their governor hoped to establjsh as an
extension of Virginia.

Erection of Westmoreland County

With encouragement from both Pennsylvania

and Virginia authorities, settlers of Irish, Scotch
Irish, German and Pennsylvania Dutch extrac
tion came into western Pennsylvania in increasing
numbers. Settlements sprang up along the Forbes
and Braddock's roads, and in the valleys of the
major streams. It was not long before Arthur St.
Clair, a representative of the Penn heirs who
lived near Ligonier, successfully petitioned the
Pennsylvania authorities to form a new county.
Although he had emphasized the need for law and
order in these growing frontier settlements, the
most persuasive argument presented by St. Clair
was that there was a heavy migration under way
from Virginia, and the district needed some
governmental check on the claims of Virginia for
Western Pennsylvania (3). Thus, by Act of
Assembly on February 26, 1773, Westmoreland
County was erected out of Bedford County, with
Hanna's Town designated as temporary county
seat. The new county included the whole south
western corner of the state west of Laurel Ridge
Mountain and south of the Allegheny and Ohio

Rivers. The beginning of the American Revolu

tion overshadowed the Pennsylvania-Virginia
territorial dispute, and in 1779, they agreed on
the boundary described in the original grant to
William Penn,
Formation of the Eighth Pennsylvania
regiment, which was dispatched to the east to
help General Washington, left the frontier at the
mercy of the Indians, many of whom had been
bribed by the British to stage scalping parties.
This region west of the Appalachians had it~
darkest hours in 1777-78. Forts were constructed
throughout the district as places of refuge for the
harassed settlers. The forts located in our region
of northwestern Westmoreland County are indi
cated on the map on page 3. Each has its story of
Indian attack and often death or captivity (11,
19). The most woeful day was July 13, 1782, when
a band of British Tories and Seneca Indians
burned Hanna's Town in the last hostile act of the
Revolutionary War. The county seat was then
moved to Newtown (Greensburg).
2

THE FN_ TOv.JHSHIPS OUT~\""" HE:llE

CON'ST\'TUTED THE: OR:IG.INAL WASHIN'ToN

TOWNSHIP FORMED IN t'l89.

ARMSTRONG

ce.

C.ARI'I"lI-HIN's

6LOCK'ti0 <J5

I NDIAlIlA

CO.

NEWTOWN
(GREENSBURG)

This map shows the out-of-the-way location of Upper Burrell Township relative to the major streams in the area and the routes of the

historical Braddock's and Forbes roads to Fort Pitt.

Locations of the forts erected for the protection of settlers in the years of the American Revolution also are shown.

Pioneers

and

Early Life Style

The purpose of this effort is to present

insight into a way of life that spanned a century
and a half, starting at the time (1770's-80's) when
the settlers got a foothold in this area and con
tinuing up to the final years (1920's-30's) of this
era when the buildings on the old farmsteads
began to degenerate, and the once productive
croplands were left idle. When we review this
period, we find that it is marked by hardship and
tragedy; however, it is best remembered for its
romance and the life style that it created
much of which was brought about by necessity

It is approximately two hundred years since

the first white settlers came to the area that is now
known as Upper Burrell. This time period in our
history was established by referring to date.s on
original grants of tracts of land that were within
our township's present boundaries; so, in this
way, we pretty well know when the community in
which we live got its start. While in the process of
searching out this vital bit of information in the
courthouse, other pertinent and interesting facts
were discovered, some of which will be dealt with
as we proceed.
3

and circumstances. Today many refer to most of

this period as "the good old days. " Despite the
passing of time and the advances that we've
become accustomed to in recent decades, there is
little reason to believe that "the good old days"
will ever be anything else - but good. Some
indications of this are borne out constantly by
commodities we buy - be it the "hearth baked
bread," the "jam like grandma made," or the
"early American" furnishings we use in our
homes ... There are many, many more and the
list gets longer each year - at least that is, how
it seems.
Anytime we try to search out the early years
of our history, we find ourselves wanting, particu
larly when we try to focus on our first settlers.
Every now and then, down through the
years, we've heard some of the residents of our
township say that they were descendants of a
pioneer family that came here. at the time when
this area was a wilderness. And, of course, while
on this subject some overall matters of this
by-gone period are touched upon. Nostalgia runs
high, and it gets quite interesting. These discus
sions have a familiar pattern: they're fascinating;
everyone gets lost in time, and they end up with
more questions than answers. At this point just
about everyone agrees that if old Aunt "So and
So" were still around, she could have quickly
told us all about anything we wanted to know.
Now, after something like 200 years it's a long
journey "down memory lane" and it keeps getting
longer and longer. There are some of us around
today who can go back to the "horse and buggy
days," but to find out something about the
pioneers, we have to go back much further.
Down through the years there have been
stories about our area's pioneers; two names
seem to stand out in this respect. They are John
Wiley (Wylie) and Joseph Byerly (Bierly). These
men have long been legendary figures in our
history.
Some of Wiley's descendants still live in this
area; Mrs. Merle (Helen Borland) Bayle of the
Markle vicinity, and her brother, Calvin G.
Borland, who lives in Lower Burrell. Wiley's
Run, which is named for John Wiley, flows from a
spring head on Nelson Watson's farm and on into
Pine Run in vVashington Township.
Joseph Byerly's descendants are: Jacob
McCutcheon, Max J. McCutcheon and Mrs Paul
Hughan of the Vandergrift and Oklahoma aFeas;
also, Nelson McCutcheon of Clearwater, Florida.
It has long been said that these men at one
time had large tracts of land - the combined
total amounted to 1500 acres.
There are legends about these pioneers that
tie in with the Indians. One of these has it that
the Indians had a camp on a part of the 800 acre
tract that John Wiley owned. This could well be

so. Adam Troutman (a former resident) has a

collection of arrow heads found on Wiley's land.
As for Byerly's story ... well, if you're the
kind that believes anything is possible, here goes
... even at this point it doesn't seem too clear.
Joseph Byerly got his land from an Indian for a
"silk shirL" It was supposed to have stretched
from the Upper Burrell Fire Hall area all the way
to Parnassus. (Note: It was the land that stretched
that far, not the silk shirt!) ...
Now then, according to historians (1, 2),
the first white men to penetrate this wilderness
were traders and trappers who were venturing
over the mountains in the 1740's and 50's, follow
ing trails to Indian villages along the Kiski and
Allegheny Rivers. We are Dot aware that any of
those pioneers built cabins and settled here. If
there were any that did so, they would have been
regarded as squatters with no legal right to claim
ownership of the land. The heirs of William Penn
still held the land, and they forbade settlements
west of the mountains until after the Treaty of
1768 was negotiated with the Indians. Then on
April 3, 1769, a new Land Office was opened in
Pittsburgh to handle the sale of these western
lands. Many individuals desiring to obtain prop
erty and make a home on this frontier joined the
rush to apply for warrants. Speculation also was
common, and there were various agents gather
ing up as many tracts as they could. William
Jenkins was one ofthe agents who acquired large
acreages in the Upper Burrell area.
Land Warrants dated in the middle 1770's
show that properties had been acquired in this
area, and one might assume that there were
settlers here as well. Note, for example, the
dates on the MANCHESTER and FOX HOLE
tracts in the sketches shown below.
-

- --

~L..EGHE~Y
-

- -

..,.....

----
..., ..

_ -!OWNSHIP

~--""."'
"

"ST.

.,.. ~

'" !JI1~n

J'OHNS
;,2:0 A.c.

J('\II',

-Nll~'f.

"8':-'11,

(
"'NI~SlER"
230 At
Wl

.~./ I(lio< N

Sketches of oriqi'TUl-1 land grants in the Milliqantown-Merwin corner of the

townsh1:p. Dates are shown for the survey warrant and the subsequent
issue uf the patent. The approximate positions of the township briundaries
and the present roads also are shown.

Certainly, soldiers and others traveled

through this area, as attested by the account of
the massacre of Captain Miller's detachment in
1778 (see the article on Merwin). Here again, our
search left us wanting ... because we have no
way of knowing whether men such as Thomas
Dinwood or Michael Hufnagle ever actually
lived here.
It is likely that pioneer settlers pushed into
this area from settlements along Pine Run (branch
of Kiski River), or Pucketos Creek (branch of the
Allegheny), and by overland trail north from the
Forbes Road. That early route, which came from
Hanna's Town to New Salem (Delmont), Poke
Run (Mamont), North Washington, and on to
ward Kittanning later became known as the
Greensburg-Kittanning Pike, and still later as
Pennsylvania Highway No. 66.
The first U.S. Census was not taken until
1790. It was helpful, but it presented a problem
because at this time the Upper Burrell area was
still a part of Washington Township, which in
cluded the whole northwestern end of the county
(see map on page 3). Ten of '~he one hundred
thirty-four heads of families listed were recog
nized as land owners in our area by virtue of their
names being mentioned in some old land warrants,
and are presumed to have lived here: John
Anderson, J ames Bear, William Beatty, Frances
McGinness, John McGinness, William McLaugh
lin, Hugh Mellon, James Scott and John Wiley.
Probably there were others that simply have not
come to our attention. Five other names were
obtained by similar reasoning from the Tax
Assessor's descriptions of properties in October,
1798, (10): Robert Cowan, John Crooks, Hugh
Donnely, John Fox and Robert Wiley. Additional
tracing of land deeds back to the original land
grants would no doubt reveal still more names of
pioneer settlers in "Old Upper Burrell."
Early historians of Westmoreland County
mention the name of John Anderson as having
brought his family here in 1782, from Lancaster
County (4), and the John Crooks family coming
from the Antietam Creek district in Virginia, to
settle near Pucketos Creek (1) in the Myers
Drive-Menk Road area. Although Alberts (1) and
Boucher (2) mention additional names of early
settlers in this region, there are problems with
such lists: they do not deal with our specific area
and they do not give any dates of settlement.
There is further discussion of some of the pioneer
settlers in later articles on the Villages and
Population Centers.
Going back to the original land grants, when
a person desired to purchase a tract of land he
applied at the Land Office for a warrant to have
the desired property surveyed. A small deposit
was required. After the survey was completed
and acreage established, the warrant was reo-

corded at the Land Office, and served as a

temporary title to the land until the full price was
paid. After the final payment, a full title was then
conveyed to the applicant as a formalized docu- .
ment called a patent (or deed), under the seal of
Pennsylvania and the signature of the governor.
Many years often elapsed between the warrant
issue and patent, and frequently a man owning a
warrant sold it to another who eventually secured
the patent. There are stories, for example, of
discouraged warrant owners who swapped the
"piece of paper" for a horse to carry him back to
civilization. Later surveys often showed the early
surveys to be inaccurate and land boundaries
were a cause of disputes for many years. (Among
the problems was the practice of identifying
points on the boundary by reference to a particu
lar tree, initials carved into a tree, a large rock,
etc.).

This patent for a 349 acre tract named "FRUITFUL" was

issued on April 6, 1787, to Hugh Mellon. Witnessed by the
President of the Supreme Executive Council of the Common
wealth of Pennsylvania, Benjam1:n Franklin [See arrow]. This
document is owned by John Willyard who owns and lives on
part of the land. [See Landmark Homes].

Always in the minds of the early explorers

and settlers of our country was the hope for
riches to be found in the new land. The following
familiar clause found in the land patents shows
that such thoughts were also kept in mind by the
heads of the Pennsylvania Government" . . .
reserving the fifth part of all gold and silver ore
for the Commonwealth ..." History has shown,
however, that the wealth found in this district
was not that of precious metals. Rather, the gold
was in the grain fields at harvest time and in coal
and other natural resources to be converted into
riches by later generations.
The large size of the original land grants
makes quite a contrast with the relatively small
tracts held by most land owners in the township
today. No less amazing was the low money value
5

of the land at that time . . . For example, Mr.

Joseph Bierly obtained the 221 acre WARSAW
patent on April 19, 1788, for 3 lb. 9 shillings
(approximately $191). Payment at that time was
in British money because the U.S. monetary
system was not established until 1794. Few of us
today could afford to purchase 200 acres of land in
Upper Burrell at the current price around $1,000
per acre; small parcels go for $4,000 to $5,000 per
acre.
Although the land was quickly snapped up in
the 1770's and 80's, some of the original owners
evidently did not immediately come here to live
and develop the land. Rather, they let it stand
and later divided it among members of the family
or sold sizeable tracts to other settlers and in
vestors. Additional settlers gradually moved in
and built their log cabins at widely scattered
sites. There were about 85 homes pinpointed in
the Upper Burrell area on a Westmoreland
County map published in 1857 (6). This number
had increased to about 130 when our township
was established in 1879. The property map of the
township on page 120 shows the large sized farms
and scattering of homes that still existed in the
year 1911.

Much has been written about the life style of

the pioneers of Westmoreland County, and such
accounts apply to the Upper Burrell area as well.
The early settlers were home makers. and after
the acquisition of land, the settler built his cabin
with the materials at hand. The circumstances of
the time required that people help each other. If
one had a skill in a certain thing, he helped his
neighbor. The pioneers were compelled to be the
tanner, shoemaker, the weaver - you name it.
It was with these neighbors that the settlers
worked and lived and suffered and died while
taming the frontier. The women and children also
helped in the fields, in addition to caring for the
log house. It was the fortitude of the women as
much as the determination and endurance of the
men that made the developing of this land pos
sible. Many aspects of the life style of the settlers
have been woven into later sections of this book,
particularly those on the early businesses,
churches and schools.
The spirit of cooperation that was so essen
tial in the beginning became a way of life and has
persisted for generations in our township. This is
an endowment that we have today and must
strive to maintain through the present changes in
life style.

--

---------- -'-- ------

.- -- --._~-

---

"You can take the boy away from the farm, but you can't take the farm away from the boy. " - how true.'
Just what does anyune mean when they speak of the "Days of Yore "? Some of us like to think it makes reference to the old fal'mslewls
and the way of Me surrounding them.
There was a time when farms were the make-up of our township - this was a way of life. Every inch of tillable land was plou.qh('d, I'iqhl
up to the fence lines, and in some cases the back porches were crowded by cornfields, or whatever.
The farms were scattered about our hills and valleys, they were "nestled in" at just about every turn uf the road . .. F;al'h 01!" fwd II
distinct characteristic ~ all its own. There never were two of them alike.
Here 071. these farms they rrwde a good living, there was always a lot of elbow T()om. A t times they dl:d have to use (l littll' dbo//' qrl'(/s" 10
get the daily chores and seasunaljobs done. Much of this was a/amily effort. You sort of started out doing things early in l>fe - as soon
as you could put your clothes on and bul.l.on up, you were no longer a baby.

Learning to do things was quite important - Farm folks always prided themselves in being self sufficient. Some of the I hings I hili I hl'll

did in a daily or seasonal route, are now considered crafts that many people nowadays learn by attending classes,

All in all farm folks had a good life - sort of busy, but good. Now and then, they went to town - Here they couu1 b" spoiled WIIS il
because of the way they dressed, talked ur walleI'd?

The CIIuntry/illks and the "City Slickers" often kidded each other. Anyone living in the country was often ('ailed (l "sod liusl"I', .. "slump

,jumper, " "plow jockey, "etc. However, it always seemed that the farmers got the best and last ul'Uqh whi!n they kidded I flf' ('/111 sl;"!r" I'

about not knowing which end uf the horse the bridle went on.

Being a country boy, this view came about quite naturally.

HE

THERE WAS UPPER BURRELL

by - D. O. Sprowls

Division ofBurrell Township

With the organization of Westmoreland County in 1773, there were eleven townships, two of which
extended into the Upper Burrell area. These were Pitt and Hempfield, separated by a line extending south
from the mouth of the Kiski River. In the years 1785-88, these two townships were divided, with the
formation of Salem Township from the northern part of Hempfield, and the part of Pitt Township south of
Pucketos Creek being included in the newly formed Allegheny County. Then in 1789, Washington
Township was formed out of Pitt and Salem Townships, including land bounded by the Pucketos Creeek,
Allegheny River and the Kiski River south to Delmont. Seven years later in 1796, Washington Township
was divided and the northern part named Allegheny Township. This process was repeated in 1852, when
Allegheny Township was in turn divided, with the southern half named Burrell Township, in honor of J.
Murry Burrell who was President Judge of the Court at that time.
Petition and Court Order for the Division of Burrell Township [Ii

To the Honorable Judge of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Westmoreland County, November Session,

1877:
"The petition of divers citizens, inhabitants of tjle township of Burrell, respectfully represent that
they labor under great inconvenience and ~~advantage for want of ~ division of said township into two
townships by a proposed line commencing at a marked rock on the right bank of Pucketos Creek,
near a walnut tree, about twenty-five rods above the residence of William Parks, and running thence
north forty-two degrees east until it intersects thp line dividing the townships of Allegheny and
Burrell, near the residence now or late of Matthew Young, it being the same line which divides said
Burrell Township into two election districts.
Therefore, your petitioners pray the court to appoint three impartial men commissioners to inquire
into the propriety of granting a division of said township."

December 22, 1877, the Court of Quarter Sessions appointed commissioners James B. McFarland, John
Steel and Robert S. Sproul.
September 21, 1878, the Court decreed that a vote of the qualified electors of Burrell Township be taken
November 5,1878, on the question of division.
Returns from the election: Votes for division 114; against, 6.
"And now, to wit, January 18, 1879, it appearing to the court that at an election directed to be held by
the qualified electors of the township of Burrell, in the county of Westmoreland, on the 5th day of
November, A.D. 1878, by the order of said court, and agreeably to the act of Assembly in such case
made and provided, a majority of the qualified electors of said township of Burrell voted in favor of a
division of said township; therefore, it is ordered and decreeil that the said township of Burrell be, and
the same is, hereby divided into two townships, agreeably to the lines marked out and returned by the
commissioners appointed to view and make report as to the propriety of granting the prayer of the
petitioners for a division; the eastern or upper division to be known hereafter as 'Upper Burrell
Township,' and the western or lower division to be known as 'Lower Burrell Township,' and John
Ingram appointed constable of Lower Burrell." Per Curiam.
Township Maps of 1876 and 1979
A map from the 1876 Atlas of Westmoreland County (8), is reproduced on page 118 to show the
locations of roads and houses that existed in Upper Burrell Township at the time of its beginning. The map
also includes other things of historical interest, such as schoolhouses. churches, grist mills, saw mills,
tanneries, coal mines, and the name of the family occupying each house. The number with each name
denotes the acreage owned by that individual. Compare the old map with the 1979 map shown on the
following page and note the changes in the road system and the increase in the number of homes that has
occurred in a little over 100 years.
7

the neighborhood to a fort called Fort Hand,

about fourteen miles north of Hanna's Town, on
the seventh of last month. and on their return
were surprised by a party of Indians, who lay in
wait for them, and killed the Captain and seven
others ... " According to an account by Gresham
(4), the names of two of the others were Wilson
and Bennett, and the eight casualties were buried
at the site. This occurrence was on the northeast
corner of the patent acquired a few years later by
John Anderson. The information in this para
graph was supplied by Mrs. Anderson's great
great-great grandson, Tom Yetter, who has lived
most of his life in the vicinity and now owns a
piece of the original patent located at the top of
Hunter Hill Road. The road was named after
Tom's grandfather, Robert Hunter, who once
owned a 130 acre farm in that area.

Villages

and

Population Centers

Although Upper Burrell Township has re

mained a rural community, there have been four
small population centers emerge over the years;
three of these had rural post offices in years gone
by and were recognized on the maps of West
moreland County.

ALCOA CENTER
[MERWIN, McLAUGHLINSVILLE, - TOWN]

~.D:trN:cJFi/liLvns

~ .:E. C'hn:rr 7t

lITFreexe-

McLaughlinstown and the surrounding area,

later known as McLaughlinsville, then Merwin
until 1973, when it was renamed Alcoa Center,
has long been a site of activity and interest. One
of the earliest settlements in Upper Burrell, this
vicinity witnessed Indian attacks, prosperous
farmir{g, the emergence of a thriving village, and
finally, the development of a modern research
center.
Even before the development of the village,
however, there was a great deal of activity at this
crossroads. Although it is not situated on one of
the well-known Indian paths, such as the one
along nearby Pucketos Creek, it was the junction
of vital roads linking the frontier places of refu 6 e
at Fort Hand, Fort Crawford and Reed's Station
during the years of the Revolutionary War.
Captain Samuel Miller was close to the cross
roads when his detachment was ambushed by
Indians. This story is told in a letter August 1,
1778, from Thomas Scott to T. Matlack (9):
"... The Indians ha ve made several breaches
on the inhabitants of late in different parts of this
county. Captain Miller of the 8th Pennsylvania
Regiment, with a party of nine men, chiefly
continental soldiers, were bringing grain from

Some time prior to the 1798 tax assessment

of the properties in this area, the William
McLaughlin family became situated at the cross
roads. The tax record for that year showed that
he had a weaver's shop and a smith shop, and a
250 acre farm adjacent to the Robert Wiley farm
(10). He must have had a fair-sized house too,
because according to the 1790 U. S. Census he had
a wife, four sons (one over 15 yrs.), and four
daughters. Presumably this is the same William
McLaughlin who lived in the McKibben cabin
adjacent to Fort Hand when the Indians in April
1779, made a strong attack on the fort and burned
the cabin (11). He may have relocated in Upper
Burrell around that time, because in the preced
ing year (February 26, 1778), he had obtained a
warrant for the 407 acre tract for which he
eventually received a patent on February 28,
1828 (Patent Book H, Vol. 22, p. 179).
We could find very little additional informa
tion about the activities of the McLaughlin family
in those times. From other community history
books we note that one of the first houses in
Apollo was built in 1820, by an Isaac McLaughlin,
who became postmaster when the first post office
in Washington Township was established at
8

North Washington, in 1827 (12). The Census of

1790 also lists a Samuel McLaughlin family of
nine. Thus, it is not surprising that in later years
the McLaughlin name shows up in many places.
William McLaughlin died June 6, 1829, aged
88, and was buried in the cemetery at the Poke
Run Presbyterian Church beside his wife Eliza
beth. Because there was no will, his land was
divided among seven children: Isaac, James,
Matt.hew , William, Elizabeth (Means), Esther
(Boner), and Nancy (Lyon). James negotiated a
deed of partition with some of the heirs February
26,1835, (Deed Bool Vol. 21, p. 444), by which he
acquired a one hundred forty-five acre tract that
included the crossroads, known at that time as
McLaughlinstown. He laid out a plan of lots at the
crossroads, and sold nineteen lots and parcels in
the years 1842 to 1850. A lot 4 perches by 8
perches (66 ft. x 132 ft.), sold for $26.00! Early
deeds indicated that the plan was laid out for the
beginning of a town with alleys behind the lots
and one unnamed cross-street. He renamed the
village McLaughlinsville, and the five intersect
ing roads were given names according to places to
which they would take you.
J ames McLaughlin died in 1855, and the real
estate "boom" was over. Only a few homes were
built in the village, but people continued to come
into the area, and by the year 1879, there were
one hundred seventy-five inhabitants. McLaugh
linsville then boasted a blacksmith shop, a store

and a post office, a Methodist Episcopal Church

and two doctors. After a few years, a school
house was built. However, McLaughlinsville
never did develop into the town envisioned by
James McLaughlin.
The small building lots changed hands a
number of times, and eventually were recom
bined into farms, as shown in the 1911 map (page
120).
Lot No.1, which was purchased in 1842 for
$40, by Rudolph and Mary Wcister, had five
other owners before being purchased in 1874 by
Philip and Mary Love for $400. The Loves lived
there and operated a blacksmith shop for many
years, and then sold the property in 1911 to
William and Julia Swank for $625.
Bill Swank operated the blacksmith shop
until his death in 1948, after which his son-in-law
George Lange kept the shop going on a part-time
basis until the property was purchased by Alcoa
in 1957.
Some time around 1880, the village became
known as Merwin, but the origin ofTtie new name
is a mystery. It can be speculated that it was
changed at the request of the U.S. Postal Service
to avoid duplication of names of post offices in
Pennsylvania. The name Merwin may have been
selected by a process similar to that of Drennen
(see the section on Drennen), but a considerable
amount of searching has not turned up any asso-

This 1912 photo shows Bill Swank beside his Model-T Ford, and his wife, Julia, standing in front of
their home with new baby, Gladys, l:n her arms and daughter Pearl beside her. Today the blacksmith
shop is gone but the house is one of the "Landmark Homes" still in use today.

Ray A. McCutcheon - #1
John C. Miller - #2

Roy C. Fryer #4

MERWIN
1955

Elizabe th D. McCutcheon, est. - #5

RaymondA. Ziegler - #7

10

ciation of this area or the residents with the name

Merwin.
Merwin remained predominantly a farming
community with very little change for many
years. The church and the shops and the school
gradually disappeared, and by 1960 there was not
much left of the village. Residents of the area
became excited in the 1940's by the new; that the
Westmoreland County Airport Authority had
purchased 335 acres of land lying between the
Merwin crossroads and the new Elementary
School. This area was chosen by the Authority
b cause it could provide convenient air service to
the northern end of Westmoreland County. Five
municipalities in the immediate vicinity became
members of the Authority, and plans for an
airport were drafted by a consulting engineering
firm. Then after several years, the plans were
dropped as the project turned out to be not
economically feasible at the time.
In the late 1950's, rumors again buzzed as
residents questioned each other about the mys
terious agencies that were picking up options on
various properties in the area. Nobody knew who
was behind the quiet real estate activity until
plans for the new Alcoa Technical Center were
announced in 1959. Ground was broken in 1962 on
the site previously considered for the airport.
Further information about the Alcoa Labora
tories is presented in a separate article.
Today, there is no trace of the village that
once existed at this crossroads, as most of the old
buildings in the area were torn down after Alcoa
acquired the property. Some of these are shown
in the photographs on page 10. A number of other
dwellings in the area are being maintained as
rental housing. Even the crossroads has changed,
as the Markle Road was re-routed around-the
Alcoa Laboratories. The one remaining building at
the old intersection was formerly the site of
Farneth's Tavern. Only one Landmark Home re
mains in this district.
\HLLIGANTOWN

Samuel Milligan, Jr., and his sons, in about

1820, built a grist mill along Little Pucketos
Creek at the place where it was crossed by the
Tarentum-Greensburg road. A county road map
dated 1818, showed this as a major road across
the Upper Burrell area connecting North Wash
ington with Chartiers Station (Edgecliff), and the
ford across the river to Tarentum. Judging from
references to this road in early property deeds, it
came along the present Pennsylvania Route 780
through McLaughlinstown, down Manchester
Hill, across the creek and up along the hillside
above the present location of Baxter Drive, on
past the Puckety United Presbyterian Church to
Chartiers Station. Other roads later converged at
this crossing which became known as Milligans
Mills and then Milligantown.
The Milligan family could have been the first
settlers in this vicinity although we suspect that
others may have preceded them. On December
26, 1804, Mr. Milligan acquired a 245 acre patent
named "Manchester" (Patent Book 55, p. 221), for
which a warrant had been granted to Thomas
Dunwoody (or Dinwoody) on June 24, 1773. It
would be very interesting to know more about
Mr. Dunwoody ... how at such an early date he
came to carve this particular tract out of vacant
land. Was he a squatter proceeding to obtain title
to the land that he had improved? Could he have
passed through this area while serving in the
militia and returned to purchase this tract?
Possibly he was a land speculator from Pittsburg
(just as John Little applied for a warrant in 1769
for a 300 acre tract in the Logans Ferry -Parnassus
region, and then sold it to John Wood who in turn
conveyed it to Alexander Logan (18). What vision
did he have for the development of this land when
he marked off an area approximately the same as
that shown in the small map of Milligan's Mills?
All we know is that he deeded the tract on March
26,1788, to William Waddel who on June 7, 180l.
deeded it to Samuel Milligan, Jr., in Perry
County. As none of these names appear on the
1790 census, it is assumed that when the Milligan
family came to this area and built their cabin in
about 1802, they were the first residents of
"downtown Milligantown."
Samuel Milligan, Jr., was born near Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, in 1769, and married Mary
Margaret Jamieson, born 1777. The young couple
with their small children no doubt packed a
wagon and headed westward across the moun
tains as soon as possible, after purchasing their
property in the spring of 1801. It surely must
have been a big adventure for the young family to
move into the western frontier to build a new
home and a new life. One wonders about the
route they took to find the remote spot along the
Little Pucketos Creek that they chose for a cabin
site. Did they cross the mountains on the Forbes

N
)

I
MILLIGANS
MILLS~1876

11

Road, head north at Hanna's Town, proceed on

through New Salem and Poke Run to North
Washington, turn left on the Tarentum road,
proceed through McLaughlinstown and finally
come down the (Manchester) hill into their two
hundred forty-five acre tract ... possibly to have
their wagon stick in the mud at the crossing of the
creek? And, after all of this, Mary Margaret may
have said, "Sam, I'm not going one step farther;
there is water here and the woods are beautiful!"
More than likely, Sam had made the journey
earlier without the family, explored the area and
found it to his liking, and started construction of
their cabin.

DRENNEN

Around the time that Upper Burrell Town

ship was established, a neighborhood along Big
Pucketos Creek became known as Drennen ...
after the name of the post office located there.
Although the building was owned by James
Hamilton and the surrounding property belonged
to his father, John Hamilton, the family name
was not acceptable for the post office because an
office with that name already existed in the
central part ofthe state. Therefore, it was named
after the grandparents of James on his mother's
side, a family by the name of Drennen that lived
in West Newton. Pennsylvania.
Drennen was a center of rural business activ
ity over a period of a hundred years. Various
businessses were located in the vicinity at differ
ent periods and served families on both sides of
the creek which is the boundary between Upper
Burrell and Franklin Township, or Plum Borough.
The first businesses were the saw mill and
grist mill shown on Westmoreland County map
printed in 1857. We don't know whether they were

During the early 1800's additional settlers

purchased land and moved into the area. Other
property owners in that period besides Samuel
Milligan and his sons James, Robert Jamieson
and Samuel; were Robert Baxter, James Ander
son, John Frederick, James Irwin, Thomas Blair
and David McLean.
The village continued to grow, and it was a
thriving community with several small busi
nesses, a church and a school, when the township
of Upper Burrell was established. It existed as an
active community center for several generations
with the name being changed to Milligantown
sometime around the 1880's. Later, there was
added a telephone exchange and a blacksmith
shop.
Samuel Milligan, Jr., died in 1862, twelve
years after his wife, and both are buried in the old
Manchester Church graveyard. Most of the de
tailed information about the Milligan family was
supplied by Mrs. Elizabeth Coulson of Lower
Burrell, who is a descendant of Mary Jane, the
only daughter of Samuel and Mary Margaret
Milligan.
Today, Milligantown is the largest popula
tion center in the township, but all of the former
businesses are gone. The only present business
establishment is Carol's Hotel. There remains
only the Manchester Reformed Presbyterian
Church from of old. For more information about
Milligantown refer to other articles in this book
about the businesses and churches.

~\

DONNEL

DRENNEN
1/4 MILE

1880 -

1920

built by John Hamilton or whether they were on

the property when he acquired it. They may have
existed as early as 1803, judging from a deed in
that year whereby William and Samuel Maginnis
sold to their brother David a grist mill and a
150-acre tract lying on the waters of Puckety
Creek in Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties,
adjacent to the land of John Crooks and Hugh
Donaley; this property was again sold by David
Maginnis in 1808 to David McLean.
The tannery may have come next, as George
Thompson purchased land from John Hamilton in
1854. More information about the tannery and the
Thompson home, now owned by Willie Crooks, is
given in the sections on Business and Landmark
Homes. According to Willie, neither the tannery,
the Hamilton mills or the Donnel mills were open
for business after 1900.
12

'"

7""

. ~ ,~

'

__

o;jj1';:"

Pictured in th-is 1914 photo of the Drennen Store and Post Office built a?'ound the year 186'0 by James
H. Hamilton, are a number of his nieces and nephews [Left to Right]: Emma Hamilton: Florence
Hamilton; Ma'ry [Hamilton] Bullman; Tom Wilson, husband of Ellen Hamilton; and John Hamilton, Jr,
This photo was lent by a daughter of James Hamilton, Miss Lyda Hamilton, who lives with her sl:sters,
Nancy and Mary, in their family home on Miller Hill in Plum Borough.

Some time around the turn of the century

Henry P. Arb started a blacksmith shop and his
brother "L.Z." got into the grain threshing busi
ness (see businesses). The blacksmith service at
Drennen came to a tragic conclusion in about 1925
when Henry Arb and his Model- T Ford were
caught in a flash flood of Pucketos Creek, and
Henry was swept to his death in the flood waters.
Soon afterward, Snowden Beacom who with his
wife, Bessie, and family were living In the Dren
nen Store, built a shop across the township road
and took up blacksrrilthing with equipment pur
chased from the widow of James Martin, former
blacksmith in Milligantown. This business also
came to an untimely ending when in May of 1937,
the store burned down and the Beacom family
was forced to use the blacksmith shop for a
residence.
Some time in the 1920's, John and Sara (Bess)
Porter acquired the old Hamilton house in Upper
Burrell. John was a son of Johnston Porter, and

migrated from his father's farm on Rich Hill Road

in the other end of the township to Drennen,
where he lived and served as tax collector. He
died in the 1930's, and Bess lived on there for a
number of years, and eventually sold the house
and farm to Robert C. McVey, Attorney, in New
Kensington, the present owner.
John Hamilton may be considered the founder
of Drennen. At one time or another he owned
about 280-acres of land in the area, chiefly in
Franklin Township. Born in Export, Penn
sylvania, in the year 1800, he and his wife,
Esther, resided in Upper Burrell for a few years
in the early 1840's. They lived in the "Porter"
house until their new house across the creek
above the Greensburg Road overlooking the
valley, was completed in 1845. This house is still
standing today and has been occupied over the
years by three generations of John Hamilton
families. His son, John, and wife, Rachael, also
lived in the "Porter" house, as shown by the 1876
13

map and the 1880 Census. When the elder John

died in 1881, John and Rachael moved their family
into the Hamilton homestead.
Today the only sign of a village at Drennen is
a scattering of homes along a portion of the Old
Greensburg Road and Pennsylvania Route 366.
The businesses are gone and roads have changed.
All that remains of Drennen in Upper Burrell are
two roads, named Upper Drennen and Lower
Drennen, connecting Routes 366 and 780 ... and
memories!

directly infront ofthe bridge. The next ten homes

were built for the following: Ishmael Fitzpatrick,
The Reverend Guy H. Johnson, Peter Vest,
Annie Davis, Mrs. Lora K. Cook (Williams), The
Reverend Paul S. Woods, Reid M. White, Sr.,
William Lundy, John Carroll and Mrs. Viola
Taylor (Gray). These houses were built by Peter
Vest and Reid White during the years 1926-30.
Early growth in Lincoln Beach was stimulated by
the recreational facilities which featured the New
Kensington area's first colored swimming, picnic,
boating and camping. The dancing featured some
of the more prominent bands of the day . . .
"Gertie Long and Her Nite Hawks," "The Sunset

LINCOLN BEACH

~1 healthy

An exclusive city for

recreation
at

Colored Folks

LINCOLN

BEACH

SUB

DIVISION
~.

F.J. BROAD
(9wner and CVelJeloper

BROAD BLDG.

NEW KENSINGTON

PENN.

COTITAGES
FACING LAKE

FOR RENT

In the year 1925, Mr. Fred J. Broad pur

chased a portion of the Earl Stewart farm along
the Greensburg Road, laid out a large resi
dential subdivision, and advertised building lots
for sale. The chief salesman was the Reverend
Guy Johnson, a minister, and coal miner at Bark
ing. This "exclusive city for colored folks" was
located along Pucketos Creek near the western
boundary of Upper Burrell Township, three miles
from Parnassus. The total layout shown above
included about two hundred eighty twenty-five
foot lots and a large recreation area with a
swimming pool, lake, dance hall and playground
facilities.
The first home in Lincoln Beach was built for
John and Anna Ludy on Lincoln Boulevard,

OR

SALE

Royal Entertainers," and "Earl Fatha Hines," to

name a few. Daniel Broad and Edward Taylor ran
the concessions where you knocked down milk
bottles, etc. for prizes. There was a dining area
where full course meals were available; also carry
out orders. The Lincoln Beach development grew
rapidly under the auspices of Mr. Broad until
1936 when the American Reduction picnic ended
in a fatality! The recreation area subsequently
was sold to the Christian Missionary Alliance
Church which organized the John D. Bell Camp
(see churches).
Growth continued in the years following the
depression and World War II. From time to time
little stores handling confectioneries and conven
ience items were operated in various homes to

14

serve the neighborhood. The first of these was

opened by Paul Woods in 1934. Others were
operated by Nathaniel Vining, Bill and Lucille
Johnson, the Leslie Gray family and John Carroll.
Gray's store has been providing service to the
neighborhood ever since 1937; Viola Gray and her
daughter, Evelyn Pitts, still keep a supply of pop
and candy. The Gray's home had another attrac
tion, which was one of the first television sets in
the Lincoln Beach area. Friends and neighbors
would come in to watch news programs and
. Howdy Doody." Mason's Hotel and Tavern was
opened in 1947, by conversion of P.O. (Pop)
Mason's home, former residence of Annie Davis,
on Washington Boulevard. After Pop's death in
1973, business as usual was continued by his
daughter, Mrs. Evelyn (Harry) Manley, and
nephew, John M. Mason, until 1979, when the
Hotel was closed and the property sold.
Many of the residents in the early years of
Lincoln Beach were self-employed. A number
were in the business of general hauling and truck
ing (see Businesses). A sanitation business for
pumping septic tanks has been operated by var
ious individuals over the years: Reid White, Sr.,
John Carroll, Kelly Williams, John Oliver, and at
present Arthur Oliver.
As Lincoln Beach became more populous,
residents who felt the need for better living
conditions organized the Lincoln Beach Progres
sive League in 1948. The objectives of the league
were to promote community development and
improvements by working with township and
county officials. The first officers were: Edward
Taylor, President; Clarence Chambers, 1st Vice
President; Myrtle Oliver, Recording Secretary;
Mary Clements, Corresponding Secretary; and
Georgia Green, Treasurer. Evelyn Manley and
Mildred Taylor subsequently have served as
officers. The league has been influential in stimu
lating the following accomplishments: Mail de
livery to individual homes, street name signs,
water lines, a new bridge over Pucketos Creek,
playground facilities and paved streets. Edward
Taylor has continued as the leader of this group
with various other individuals giving assistance
from time to time. F'or instance, it was through
the personal contact of Dewey Oliver with Mr.
Sullivan, the Postmaster, that the home delivery
was arranged. Residents of Lincoln Beach have
served on the several boards of the township
government: Recreation Committee, Lucille
Johnson; Planning and Zoning Commission, Morn
Craig, Osie Taylor and Edward Taylor; General
(water) Authority, Dewey Oliver and Henry
Williams; Police Department, Osie Taylor.
Lincoln Beach today is not the attractive
place that it once was. No new houses have been
built in recent years, and six of the fifty dwellings
now stand vacant. Many have been damaged to
some extent by subsidence of the ground due to

coal mines underneath. While there still are

children riding their bicycles and wagons on the
paved streets, many of the young adults have left
this area to find employment. Some former resi
dents have moved to different neighborhoods.
For example, Edward Oliver, grandson of Reid
White, Sr., one of the builders and first residents
of "The Beach," is employed as a state policeman
and lives in a new house on Upper Drennen Road.
His uncle, Reid White, Jr., lives in Whitten Hol
low, while mother, Myrtle Jones, still lives in
Lincoln Beach. These trends are signs of the age
in which we live today.
The detailed information for this article was
supplied by members of the families of Reid
White and Mrs. Viola (Taylor) Gray. Incidentally,
two of the oldest residents in Upper Burrell
Township today are: Mrs. Les (Viola) Gray and
Mrs. P. O. (Carolyn) Mason, although neither will
admit to other than being octogenerians.

The First Census,

Occupations

by - Peg and Arlene McCutcheon

The United States Census of 1880 provides a

complete listing of the names and ages of all of the
714 residents of the new township just a year
after its beginning. This list is reproduced on the
following pages in the same order as it was
recorded by the census enumerator as he jour
neyed from house to house. By comparing the
names in the list with those on the map, one can
trace the route that Mr. Logan took with his
horse and buggy (Or did he walk?). The original
hand-written census record is available for in
spection at the University of Pittsburgh's Hill
man Library. Also, this 1880 census and other
census enumerations may be viewed on microfilm
at the Carnegie Library in Oakland.
A number of interesting things may be
noticed in this census record in comparison with
Upper Burrell today. For instance, note the rela
tively large sized families at that time . . . the
largest being that ofIsaac and Susanna McElfresh,
with seven sons and five daughters. It may be
surprising that six of the 131 households had
domestic servants. Although farming was by far
the major occupation in those days (67% of those
listed) there were a number of other occupations
recorded: 7 carpenters; 3 blacksmiths, grain
cradle makers, school teachers, 2 coopers, coal
miners, physicians, painters, 1 miller, tanner,
horse dealer, wagonmaker, stone mason, fruit
tree salesman, grocer, butcher, peddler, shoe
maker and minister.
A summary of the most recent U.S. Census
shows that there has been a pronounced change

15

in the occupations of Upper Burrell residents

over the years. The occupation classifications in
1970 for all employed persons 14 years old and
over was: clerical, sales and services combined,
27%; craftsmen and foremen 19%; operatives
19%; professional and technical 17%; transporta
tion equipment operators 6%; laborers 6%;
managers and administrators 4 %; farm and
private household laborers 2%. Most workers
today are employed outside the township in var
ious industries: 44% in manufacturing and con
struction, 32% in professional and business ser
vices, 15% in sales, 6% in transportation, and 2%
in agriculture and mining.

10

Residents of
Upper Burrell Township
U.S. Census, June 1880

14

A. A. Logan, Enumerator

16

House in
Order of
Visitation
1

Name and Age

11

12

13

15

17

Occupation

Younkins, Daniel (48) & Martha (46)

Horse Dealer
Irvin (12), son
Howard, Ida (13), cousin (boarder)
Sylvis, Dan (25) ....
.. Servant
Borlin, James (32) & Maria (27) ...
. .. Carpenter
Harry C. (9) & Samuel B. (4), sons
Maud M. (6) & Lida F. (1), daughters
Carney, WilliamG. (21) & LizzieB. (15).
. Servants
Ashbaugh, Henry (56) & Nancy J. (42) .
. .. Farmer
Mary Ashbaugh (87), mother
Louis K. (21), Elmer (19),
SamuelF. (11), RobertH. (9),
HerbertM. (8~, WilbertC. (3), &
HenryJ. (1 mo.), sons
Minnie M. (13) & Anna F. (6), daughters
Spiker, Hannah (65)
..... Housekeeper
Christena (45), daughter &
George F. (36), son
McKee, Alex (36) & Mary A. (39)
.. Farmer
James (17), David (8) &
William (3), sons
Emma (10), daughter
.. Housekeeper
Isernan,Margaret(76)
... Farmer
Daniel(59), son
Lucinda (37), daughter
... Housekeeper
Fink, Sarah (60) . .
.
.
Samuel (30), son
Carpenter
Levi (26) & Dan (27), sons ..
............ Farmers
Maria (28), daughter
Anna (19), sister-in-law (boarder)
Bair, Henry (39) ..
.. Farmer
Lula(13), daughter
WaItenbaugh, Susan (41), sister. . . ..... Housekeeper
Frank (9), nephew (boarder)

Bair, Jacob (30). brother (boarder)

Heck, Lizzie (42), sister-in-law (boarder)

McElfresh, Thompson (50) & Catherine (42) ... Farmer

Mary (20) & Lou ill a (17), daughters

18

19

20

21

22

23

24
25

26

27

16

Philips, William (54) & Margaret (33)

Farmer
James B. (9), Joseph C. (5). &
William (1), sons
Mary (13), Catharine (11). &
JaneC. (7). daughters
Barr, Elizabeth (78), grandmother
McKilip, Sarah (70) . .
. .. Housekeeper
David H. (30), son.
.........
. .. Farmer
Martha C. A. (28) & Mary S. (41),
daughters
RobertC. (1) son
Douglas, William R. (54) & Nancy (36)
... Farmer
William. Jr. (18). John (7)
Harry (5). & Shaffer (3). sons
Jennie (10). daughter
Laughlin, Robert (15). . . .
. Servant
Slonaker, Abraham (47) & Mary E. (42)
Farmer
William L. (16), son
Elmira (12), daughter
Ross, William (31) & Margaret A. (31)
.. Farmer
Robert J. (4) & William (2), sons
Margaret (62). mother
Barnett, Hezekia (39), brother-in-law
McLaughlin, C. (35) & Adaline (29)
Farmer
Stanley F. (4) & Charles M. (2). sons
Blair, James (35)
.FarmWorker
Scott, John (52) . . . .
.
Farmer
James (16). son
Margaret (32) & Mary (23), daughters
Mary, sister (boarder)
Anderson, John (30) & Mary (29)
.. Farmer
Robert H. (5), William R. (3) &
John R. (2 mo.), sons
Annie L. (I), daug-hter
Porter, Johnston (45) & Louisa (45)
.. Farmer
William (19). John (7), & Burt (5), sons
Maggie (14) & Mary (10), daughters
Spiker, Elizabeth (50) .
. .Housekeeper
Wesley (22), John (20) & Harvey (12),
sons
Mary M. (25), Caroline (17) &
Clara (12), daughters
Anderson, Robert (66) & Anna (65) ..... Retired Farmer
Cameron (30). son.
. Farm Worker
Amanda (27) & Mary (25), daughters
Willery, Jacob (.54) & Sarah (55)
Farmer
George W. (25), son
Ann E. (23) & Sarah M. (18), daughters
Barbara (53), sister (boarder)
Fryer, David (40) & Eliza (32) . . . . . . . .
. .. Farmer
Abraham (9), son
Minnie (6) & Julia (5), daughters
Eliza (45), sister (boarder)
Byerly, Jacob (58) & Mary (54)
... Cradle Maker
ThomasP. (30), Peter (27) &
Francis (19), sons
Mary E. (21), daughter
McAnally, Lizzie (40)
..... Housekeeper
Mary (31), sister
Cupps, Jacob (48) & Mary B. (41) . . .
. .Grocer Peddler
Henry (25), JohnB. (13) &
Willie (9), sons
Lucy E. (21), Laura B. (16),
Clara (11), Nancy J. (6) &
Ella M. (4) daug-hters
Milligan, Robert J. (73) & Sara (68)
.. Miller
Samuel (34), son.
. .... Farm Worker
Esther (36), daughter-in-law
Nesbit, James (60) & Mary (54)
Farmer
John (17) & William (16), sons

28

29

30
31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39
40

41

42
43
44

45

46

48

McKeever, Hugh (77) & Sarah (72)

Farmer
Hamilton (29), son
Polly (36), daughter
Hall, Maggie P. (18), niece
Knappenberger, Joseph (70) & Anna (65)
Farmer
Jacob (42) & March (34), sons
Mary A. (25) & Caroline (23), daughters
Ross, John (40) & Martha M. (43)
. . Farmer
Kate (17) & Sarah A. (2), daughters
Sargent, Walter (43) & Margaret (27) . . . . .
. . Cooper
Joseph (6), Edward (2) &
William (8 mo.), sons
Vera, Minerva (38)
Housekeeper
Walter (13) & Adams (11), sons
Sargent, Anna (14), niece
Baxter, John (42) & Elizabeth (38)
Farmer
Archy (11), Frank (6), sons
Lfltta (15) & Nelly (13), daughters
Robert (75) & Elizabeth (87), parents
Wagarman, Jacob (46) & Sarah (40) . . .
. . Carpenter
John (15), son
Shearer, Sady (3), niece (boarder)
Hill, Levi (51) & Christena (51) ...
. . Farmer
Hiram B. (24) & William J. (13). sons
Susanna (17) & Kesiah (15), daughters
Murry, Maude (6), grandchild
BeighIy, Emanuel (28) & Catherine (29) . .
. . Farmer
Franklin (8) & Elmer (2), sons
Ridenour, Mary (65), mother (boarder)
Milligan, William L. (24) . . . . . . . . . .
. .Farmer
Susanna (66), mother. . . . .
. Keeping House
Ross, Elizabeth (IB), niece (boarder)
Woolslayer, George W. (38) & Margaret (36) .... Farmer
William (13), GeorgeB. (5) &
Bright (1), sons
IdaM. (10) & Martha (1), daughters
James (69), father (boarder)
Weber, Hannah (26), sister-in-law (boarder)
Farmer
Michaels, Christ (35) & Eliza (41)
Henry (17), son
Morehead, Till (4B) & Susanna (46)
Blacksmith
William C. (13) & RobertM. (11), sons
Elizabeth (18) & Matilda (16), daughters
Willery, Henry (57) & Mary (54)
Farmer
Ames (27), son . .
. . Selling Fruit Trees
George (23), son . . .
. ... Farm Worker
Munson, Christ (48) & Louisa (50) .
. .... Painter
LouisaA. (15), daughter
Hamilton, John (30) & Mary (29) .
. .Farmer
Stout, James (14), servant ..
. .. Farm Worker
Knappenberger, Levi (45) & Jane (44) . . . .
. .. Farmer
RobertJ. (17). & JohnP. (12), sons
Sarah A. (15), Elizabeth C. (14),
EmmaJ. (10), Margaret C. (B) &
Mary B. (3), daughters
Lindsay, William (55) & Susan E. (51) .
. Farmer
Robert (26), Lincoln (17), AlfredB. (13)
Edwin S. (7) & Marcus (4), sons
AnnaJ. (24), Elvira!. (19) &
Emma (11), daughters
Sands, Rebecca (64). . .
. ... Housekeeper
Jackson (24), son. . . .
. . Farm Worker
HummeD, Samuel (24) & Eliza A. (28)
son-in-law & daughter (boarders)
McClain, John (63).
. Farmer
Anderson (27), son
Luticia (22) & Louisa (20), daughters
Stewart, Frank (12) & John N. (12),
grandsons
Anderson, George W. (33), nephew (boarder)

49

50

51
52

53

54
55

56
57

58
59

60
61

62

63
64
65

66
67
68
69

70

17

Patterson, John (81) . .

.
Farmer
Sarah (47), MargaretJ. (45) &
Esther (40), daughters
Emma (18), granddaughter
Baxter, Andrew (44) & Susanna (45)
Farmer
Calvin (20), Elmer (18) &
JamesN. (13), sons
Harriet (19), Nancy J. (14),
Margaret S. (9), Elizabeth L. (7) &
IdaF. (5), daughters
Iseman, James (31) & Mary (35).
. . Coal Miner
Lyman (9) & James W. (3), sons
. .Farmer
Crooks, Bennett (36) & Martha E. (26) . .
WilliamL. (3), son
EvaM. (7), Sarah C. (5) &
MaggieF. (4), daughters
Crooks, Sarah A. (62)
.... Housekeeper
William (30), James (29) &
SamuelH. (18), sons.
. . (J) School Teacher
Mary (34), Sarah J. (32) &
Elizabeth (31), daughters
Delman H. (2), grandson
Taylor, William (43) & Margaret (31) .
.
Carpenter
Eyler, Cyrus (47) & Rachel (41) . .
.
Farmer
Charles W. (19), Andrew C. (15) &
CyrusB. (10), sons
Harriet C. (20), Alice M. (17) &
Melissa (12), daughters
Daniel (85) & Elizabeth (85). parents
Michaels, Adam (30) & Mary (37) .
Cooper
Herman (5), son
Baxter, William (37) & Harriet (38).
. ..... Farmer
Edwin (13) & RobertH. (11), sons
Anna M. (9) & Olive (5), daughters
Crooks, John (70) .
. Stone Mason
Williard, John (45) & ,Tane (59)
..... Carpenter
John C. (22) & William J. (18), sons
Farm Workers
Jane M. (16), daughter
Crooks, William (70) . . . . . . . . .
. ..... Farmer
Elinor (60), sister.
..........
Housekeeper
Crooks, Robert (58) .
. ... Farmer
James (22), WilliamF. (20),
David A. (17) &
RobertM. (13), sons .
Farm Workers
Brisbin, Elizabeth (90) (boarder)
Gamel, Robert (63) & Sarah (56)
Shoemaker
SamuelA. (18) & George R. (13), sons
Mary A. (23) & Barbara J. (21), daughters
Hamilton, John (38) & Rachel (34)
Farmer
Ada H. (5) & Mary M. (I), daughters
Daugherty, George (81) & Mary (26) .
. . Laborer
Ida (1), daughter
Donnell, Andrew (41) & Catherine (30)
..... Farmer
William A. (10) & Mathew C. (2), sons
AnnaL. (9), RebeccaM. (7),
JuliaA. (5) & Ruth E. (4), daughters
Kelsey, Jane (44) . . . .
. Housekeeper
Martha (46), sister (boarder)
Thompson, George (65) & Elizabeth (67)
.Tanner
Love, Elizabeth (17) .
.
Servant
Patterson, William (25) & Anna (22) .
.
Farmer
Beacomb, Jerry (42) & Sarah (35)
Farmer
William J. (13), Frank (9), Henry C. (8),
Archy (3) & Louis (I), sons
Maggie E. (14) & Mary C. (5), daughters
McLaughlin, James (68) & Esther (63)
Laborer
Mary C. (21), daughter

71

72
73

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82

83
84

85

8fi

87

Eyler, Henry A. (33) & Lizzie M. (25)

. Farmer
George D. (2), son
Lena L. (10 mo.), daughter
Beacom, Margaret (49), mother (boarder)
Saltzgiver, William (55) & Julian (50) ..
. .... Farmer
Gibbon (13), son
Menk, Louis (61) & Mena (52)
.. Farmer
Charles (26), Louis (23),
Henry (19) & John F. (14), sons
Farm Workers
Mena (17) & Mary E. (10), daughters
Armstrong, Jacob (41) & Rose A. (37)
, Farmer
.John E. (11), Robert E. (4) &
Lawrence (2), sons
Nannie E. (16), Alice M. (14),
Maud (9) & Sadie M. (6), daughters
Fryer, James (56) & Rachael (39)
, . , . Farmer
Calvin W. (12), son
Emma (11), Elizabeth (6), Ida (3)
Laura (2), daughters
Daugherty, Fulton (35), nephew
.. Farm Worker
Kunkle, Simon (45) & Sibby (42) .
Farmer
Ellsworth (17), John A. (14) &
Harry C. (6), sons
Alice (15), Luella M. (11),
Florence B. (9) & Blanch (2), daughters
. .Farmer
McElfresh, Isaac (47) & Susanna (34) .
John M. (23), Wilkins (20), Isaiah (18),
William H. (16), George C. (14),
Franklin (8) & Smith F. (6), sons
Sarah N. (22), Susanna C. (12),
Eliza A. (11), Emaline (5) &
Nora M. (3), daughters
Morrow,JamesW. (25) & Nancy ,I. (27),
. Farmer
William C. (5), Jacob B. (3) &
Jeremia (9 mo.), sons
Cochran, Robert (23) & Alice M. (20) ........ , . Farmer
Anna M. (1), daughter
Martha (25), sister in-law (boarder)
Walsmith, Henry (58) & Margaret (52).
, , . Farmer
John (31), Henry (27), William (23), sons
Margaret (14), daughter
Zimmerman, William (61) & Mary (45) ,
Farmer
Peter (30), son
Mary A. (6) & Gertrude B, (3), daughters
McCutcheon, Sam (18), nephew
Farm Worker
Elizabeth (73), mother(boarder)
Wylie, John (59) ,
Farmer
James (27) & John K. (15), sons
Farm Workers
MariaA. (30) & Rebecca.I. (19),
daughters
Farm Worker
Bear, Wilhert S. 120)
Swank, John (54)
Farmer
Joseph M. (29), William W. (21) &
Samuel J. (14), sons
Sarah (l 0), daughter
Farmer
Watson, James (63) & Maria E. (63)
Sarah J. (35), daughter
. , , ,Farm Worker
McCorkle, Joseph (40)
James (10), Samuel (8) & Harrie (3), sons
Maria L. (6) & Nannie (5), daughters
Farmer
Wyley, .John C. (56) & Martha A. (53).
.John C. (23), William H. (20),
Rohert H. (16) & Chambers Orr(13),
(John)SrhooITeacher
sons
George, Catherine 119)
Servant
Sproull, Robert E. (32) & Mary J. (24)
Butcher
William W. (3) & Arthur B. (1), sons
William H. (19), nephew
SchoolTeacher
Nelson, James (72) & Nancy (60)
. Cradle Maker
Leech, Ada (22)
Servant

88

89

90
91

92

93
94

95

96

97

98
99

100

101
102

103

104

105

106

107
108

109

18

Nelson, Samuel M. (38) & Nancy E. (33)

. Cradle Maker
JamesN. (6), & William N. (4), sons
Netta (7) & Blanch (2), daughters
George, Josiah T. (52) & Rehecca (45)
... Farmer
Lawrence H. (8) & David F. (6), sons
Sarah E.(26), Annie M. (19),
Mary E. (16), Alice S. (14), Emma B. (10),
& Martha A. (3), daughters
Sylvis, Michael (60) & Susanna (50) .
. . Laborer
Porter, John (56) & Sarah (48)
Farmer
James (22), William (11) &
Elmer(8), sons
J osaphine (16) & Malissa (14), daughters
Kunkle, Israel (35) & Agness (32) .
Farmer
ElmerL. (15) & Hughs (4), sons
LydiaJ. (11) & Sada B. (7), daughters
Swank, Lydia (19) (hoarder) ,
Servant
Yank, Samuel (51) & Elizabeth (43) .
. Coal Miner
Samuel (16) & Franklin (12), sons
Bush, Dr. Altheus (30) & Sarah (31)
Physician
Merchant (8), son
Jessie (3), daughter
McWilliams, Dr. William (58) & Sarah (47)
Physician
Willie M. (14), son
RebeccaJ. (18), MaggieO. (11) &
Lizzie (9), daughters
Love, Philip (31) & Mary.J. (26) ,
Rlacksmith
(Merwin)
Mary E. (4). Maggie E. (2) &
Baby (3 mo.), daughters
Borlin, Leslie L. (24), brother in-law
. App. Rlacksmith
Free, Elizabeth (72) ,
Keeping House
Nancy (52), daughter
Elizabeth (15) & William (13),
grandchildren
Warren, Elizabeth (66) .
. .. House Keeper
Dotterer, John W. (36) & Mary C. (32)
, . Minister
William (4), son
Elizabeth M. (2), daughter
Gumbert, Levi (38) & Rebecca (35)
Wagon Maker
Chalmer(12) & Henry S. (4), sons
Ella C. (10), Catherine (7) &
Anna (4), daughters
Wigle, Fred (51) & Rachael (45)
Laborer
.James (20), son
. Apprentice
Barnett, Emma (33) .
Keeping House
Charles (22), brother
Anna (24) & Aliee (16), sisters
McElroy, Thomas (50) & Mary (48)
, Farmer
Calvin M. (10l, son
Lizzie (24), Malinrla 120), Alice R. (16),
Jennie A. (14) & Mary M. (12), daughtprs
Whitten, Alex (52) & Elizabeth (49)
Farmer
WilliamJ. (24), Alexander(17},
Thomas (14) & Charles (12), sons
Ellen E. (9) & Sarah Jane (3), rlaughtl'l's
Peterson, Paul (37) 8.: Ann (37)
Farmer
WilliE:' (1:1), John (10) 8.: Melvin (31, sons
Alice (14), Oliv(' (6) &: Gertie (1), daughtl'l's
Hunter, .John (61) 8.: Mary A. (55)
Farmer
Robert A. (20). son
Margaret.J. (21), daughter
Barr, Rohert (G21 8.: Margaret (661
Carpenter
Rubright, Jeremiah (:13)
Farmer
Renjamin IS) 8.: William (11 mo.), sons
Hannah (7), Rosa (01) &: Minerva (3).
daughters
Greer, Samuel (liS) 8.: Ha('hel i017)
, . Farmer
SarahA. (34), AmandaJ. (14) &:
Maurl R.(8), rlaughters

110
111
112
113

114

115

116
117

118
119

120
121

122

123

124

125
126
127

128
129

]30

Greer, Samuel (29) & Elizabeth (28) .

. ..... Farmer
:VIary B. (8), Rosabella (7) &
Baby (3 mo.), daughters
Gill, Isaac S. (24) & Melisse (26)
Farmer
Minnie (2), daughter
Rowan, John (24) & Hannah (21)
.. Farmer
James (1), son
Cochran, Elizabeth (78) (boarder)
Farmer
Dickson, George (40) & Phoebe (35)
Thomas (13), William (11) &
George (2), sons
Mary (15), Anna (8), Ada (5) &
Maggie (2), daughters
Borland, Mary (60) .
. . . . . . . . . . . .. Keeping House
(S) Carpenter
Samuel (38), John (30),
Robert (28) & Leslie (23), sons
(R) Painter
Hazlett, Margaret (84), mother
(L) Apprentice
Farm Worker
Beighly, Daniel (26) & Catherine (27)
AndrewB. (2), son
Maggie (1), daughter
Barnett, William (38) & Elizabeth (31)
Farmer
Newton (9) & Frank (7), sons
Jennie (5) & Mary (1), daughters
... Farmer
Barnett, John (31) & Minerva J. (26)
James(3),son
Anna E. (3) & Carrie M. (6 mo.), daughters
Bacomb, John (48) . .
.
Farmer
Catherine (72), mother
Borland, Thomas (60) & Eliza E. (57)
Farmer
John C. (28), son
Farm Worker
Maggie E. (20), daughter
Stamats, James (21) .
. . Farm Worker
Moody, Joseph (45) & Martha (44)
........ Farmer
Maggie E. (2), daughter
Crawford, Frederick (76) & Sarah (64) . .
. Farmer
John (36), son
Farm Worker
Sarah (34), Susan (28) & Mattie (26), daughters
Erb, Samuel (66) & Marg-aret (66) .
. .. Farmer
Joseph (29) & Henry (27). . . . . . . . . .. Farm Workers
David (23) & John (21), sons
. Laborers
Maggie (25), daughter
.Farmer
Beighly, Emanuel (56) & Lavina (55)
... (W) Laborer
William (32), Peter (13) &
Henry (8), sons
.J ane (18) & Caroline (16). daughters
Erb, Lewis (32) & Mary A. (40).
Laborer
Arlington (3), son
Murtil (2), daughter
Kepple, George (12), son
Beacomb, William (27) & Harriet (23) .
. Laborer
J amesC. (3) & John K. (1), sons
Long, Elizabeth (71). .
Keeping House
Martha E, (28), daughter
.. Farmer
Long, James Y. (44) & Elizabeth (39)
William T. (15), Burta (10),
Charles J. (6) & John Newton (3), sons
Mary E. (16), Ida (12), Bessie (8) &
Lydia B. (10 mo.)" daughters
.... Farmer
Gill, Lafayette (44) & Sarah A. (27) .
Samuel B. (3), son
AnnaB. (7), daughter
Baxter, Andrew (77) & Jane (50) .
Retired Farmer
John (30), son
Farm Worker
Sarah (33), daughter
Walker, Margaret (20), niece (boarder)
Sproul, James (32) & Rachael (37)
Farm Worker
James C. (2), son
Anna (4), daughter
Margaret (50), mother

131

McKeever, James (46) & Sarah (35)

Lizzie (8), daughter

Farmer

Number omtted to correct for earlier omission ofNo.4 7.

Population
Growth

~n

One Hundred Years

The population in Upper Burrell did not
change appreciably during its first fifty years,
although there was spectacular growth in certain
nearby towns. At the turn of the century rapid
growth started in riverside communities, such as
New Kensington and Vandergrift, where various
factories sprang up. Growth was slow in both
Upper and Lower Burrell until about 1930, when
people with automobiles began a movement back
to the country. This movement continued as
roads were improved and electricity became
available in the rural areas. Growth was especial
ly rapid in Lower Burrell, which became a city in
1959. During the last twenty years the population
has leveled off in both Upper and Lower Burrell
and actually decreased in New Kensington and
Arnold. Preliminary figures from the 1980 census
showed a 12.7% increase in Upper Burrell since
1970, and continued growth can be anticipated as
the availability of public utilities is extended.
14

12

NEW KENSINGTON

10

AND ARNOLD

if>

LOWER BURRELL

if>

0:
W
Cl.

...0

if>

"
if>

:::>

I
0

UPPER BURRELL

j
0

IB80

1900

1920

POPULATION GROWTH

19

1940

1960

IUS. CENSUS DATA)

1980

BUSINESSES AND SERVICES

by - M. J. Takosky

Upper Burrell was like most other rural areas in Westmoreland County in the post-revolutionary
days. As more people came into the area, winding dirt roads took the place of paths and wagon trails that
connected settlers' cabins with the grist mill and the church. Crossroad locations hecame centers of activity
where small businesses were established. First among these usually were a general store, and blacksmith
shop. Most of the residents, however, were self-employed, as they eked out a living on their farms or
performed the various kinds of services needed by their neighbors.
It is surprising to learn about the wide variety of businesses that existed in this area at one time or
another. Most of these are gone and forgotten except in the memories of the "old timers." We have tried to
recall as many of these as possible by talking with a number of our senior citizens. Clues about some of the
very early businesses also were obtained from early township maps, Tax Assessors records, The U.S.
Census of 1880, and old property deeds.

History and Accounts of Grist Mills

a long, long time. Historians give some accounts
on the many methods that have been used to
make flour from grain. Some form of flour or mea!
was produced when hand pounding stones were
used by early man. This stone pounding method
was at times done by slaves being driven to
produce a large enough quantity to feed an army
of men. In the not too distant past, explorers of
backward countries have found tribes still using
pounding stones to make flour. As man progres
sed, the hand pounding stones were slowly re
placed with heavier stones that were rotated by
hand; this led to the use of still heavier stones
that were rotated by animal power, such as a
horse or ox. In due time, man discovered the
power that flowing water can produce. This prin
ciple was then applied to the turning of a wheel to
turn still heavier millstones. Man with his ability
to t,hink, soon was building dams to harness a
supply of water to turn the heavy millstones. Man
with his advanced ability and progressiveness
improved the big water wheels. The building of
dams to provide power soon became widespread.
This principle was used for many, many years
before our pioneers built the first water power
mills in this area.
The millstones were made from a very hard
or granite-like rock that could withstand a lot of
grinding. There were two millstones to a set.
Some Grist Mills had two sets of stones, one large
set to do the flour making and a small set that was
used for small quantities of corn meal or buck
wheat flour. The millstones had grooves that
were chiseled to a particular depth, and they also
had a particular design that was done with precis
ion to make them effective and efficient in their

The history of Grist Mills in Upper Burrell

Township goes back to the time of early settlers
getting established in this area. Within the
present day boundaries of the township there
were four Grist Mills. For a span of approxi
mately one hundred years these mills ground
much of the grain that was grown in the area,
turning it into flour and meal. At this time these
mills exist only in the memories of some of the
township's oldest folks. Three of these four Grist
Mills can be located by referring to the old maps
of the township. The location of the fourth mill
came to my attention while talking to Robert
George about a distillery that was once located on
the Georges' farm.
It is quite reasonable to assume that the
milling of grain to produce flour must have been
one of the earliest types of business to get started
in this newly settled land. Throughout the history
of mankind he has been using flour or meal for
nourishment, be it for mere existence, or to the
extent of being able to work hard. It has long
been established that man has two basic needs in
life - "Food and Shelter." When the early set
tlers came here, they soon built log cabins that
provided for their shelter. Some land was later
cleared and planted. The fertile land produced
good crops of grain. Some of this grain was
ground into flour using a hand type mill. These
hand mills were a vital part of most households of
that time. The hand mills were hard to operate,
so in most cases everybody in the household was
counted on to take their turn at this task. So,
when the miller got his mill built nearby, he was
given this job of milling the flour.
Flour has been a major part of man's diet for

20

performance. A set of millstones consisted of two

stones, one called a bedder and the other a
runner. This combination was made by a crafts
man who knew how to work with the hard
material that the millstones were made of, which
along with the precision workmanship needed,
made the cost of a set of millstones quite high.
Sometimes the cost of the millstones was mor:e
than what it cost to build the millhouse structure.
Of the four Grist Mills that once served the
people of this community, three were of the big
water wheel design; one was driven by the power
of a steam boiler. Two of these mills were built on
Big Pucketos Creek, one on Little Pucketos
Creek, and the other on Wiley's Run. The three
Grist Mills that were driven by water power had
to be located along the streams of water that
could support a dam. Sometimes called a "Mill
pond," the dam was a very important part of a
milling operation. The reserve of water in the
dam allowed the miller to operate during dry
weather periods. The dam or millpond was built
up-stream from the mill. The water from the
pond flowed down the millrace toward the mill.
Here it was controlled by a gate which channeled
it into the big power wheel filling the troughs
in a successive manner causing the wheel to
rotate, thereby creating the power needed to
drive the heavy millstones. This power was also
used to drive elevators, screens and sieves.
These improvements were conceived and devel
oped in the later years.
The millhouse, with a big water wheeel, was
always an eyecatcher that passersby couldn't
resist viewing. The mill with its millrace and the
pond always had a lot of appeal. It didn't matter
how often you went by this operation, it always
caught your attention.
Many people have seen the outside of a Grist
Mill, but not too many have ever been inside of
one. The first thing that caught my eye inside a
mill was the shiny floor. I should say the very
shiny floor. The next thing was the accumulation
of dust on items that were only used periodically,
like some empty bags that were folded over a
bannister. These had a very heavy layer of dust
on them. But like most any country boy I was able
to make out this dusty heap as to what it was.
The next thing that comes to my mind quickly
were the shafts that had wooden pegs studded
into them. These pegs meshed into another set of
pegs that were fitted into another shaft going at a
right angle direction. These shafts and gears
made of wood were crude in appearance, but
were effective in their performance.
The big millstones were the next thing that
impressed me. Here, before me, was the heart of
the milling operation. I had seen old millstones
lying along the wayside, but now I was looking at
a set in the mill. Here I was able to get an insight

as to how flour was ground with these big stones.

After spending some time checking out the
mechanical application, I began to appreciate as
well as marvel at the amount of skill and hard
work that was combined in this concept of milling.
The following is a brief or available account of
the four Grist Mills that were once in Upper
Burrell:

MILLIGAN'S MILL
This Grist Mill was built in 1820, by Samuel
Milligan, Jr., and his sons. It was operated by the
Milligan family until 1912, or maybe 1915. This
mill was located in Milligantown along the Little
Pucketos Creek, the stream that supplied the
water to power the big water wheel.
At the present time there are no Milligan
families in the township, and only a few descend
ants in the area. Some of the Baxters, including:
Lela, Merle and Archie are related to the Milli
gans thru their maternal grandmother, Elizabeth
Milligan, the granddaughter of Samuel Milligan,
Jr., (see photo in Lest We Forget). Other de
scendants include Samuel Milligan Frederick and
Elizabeth Menter Coulson, residents of Lower
Burrell.
Two men living in the area recall working in
this mill. They are Tom McKeever and Mike
Evans. Many more remember skating- on the

A.t one time this mill was the main-stay of the area that
surrounds Milligantown. It was built in 1826 by Samuel
Milligan and his sons. This picture was taken in 1935. A.t this
time it was owned by John Graham. In 1952 it was torn down
by Clyde Patterson, its last owner.

21

millpond, and of course down the long stretch of

the millrace.
Mr. and Mrs. John Graham acquired the
Milligan homestead with the "Old Mill" in the
early nineteen hundreds. At a later date it passed
into ownership of Clyde and Elizabeth Patterson,
Mrs. Patterson being the daughter of the
Graham's. By this time the Old Mill was showing
its age, the big wheel broke away from its mount
ing and had sunk into the ground. The overall
condition of the structure was falling into a run
down state.

side of the road on which the Trzeciaks recently

built their new home. They acquired this plot of
land from Louis Trzeciak, Sr.
This big Grist Mill, as it was referred to, was
powered by a big water wheel. Since there is no
evidence of an elevated millrace, an undershot
type of wheel must have been used. John Will
yard recalls seeing the remains of a big millpond
that was about 100 feet up stream from the
millhouse. He remembers people fishing in this
pond and said some of the fish caught were 4 feet
long.
Some of the history of Donnell's Mill has
been borne out in this effort. The answers to a
few more details aren't known. Two of the big
gest questions remain; when was this mill built,
and who built it? It may be well to assume that it
may have been built by some member of the
Donnell Family. Time may reveal the date, etc. A
rock pile and old timbers reveal the exact spot of
the mill. This pile of rocks and timbers was
pointed out to me by Louis Trzeciak, Jr., after I
showed him the old map and copy of a deed that
was recorded in 1877. Needless to say, he soon
became interested.

In 1952, or near that time, Clyde Patterson

started to tear it apart, salvaging some of the
best lumber and using it to build a slaughterhouse
on his property. The sandstone foundation was
sold to someone building a house. At the present
time there is still strong evidence of the millrace
and the millpond that served the Milligan's Mill.
Although the remains of Milligan's Mill are
completely gone, there does exist a set of draw
ings of the structure along with the machinery, so
that it could be reconstructed at some future
time. These can be obtained from the William
Helburn Inc., Publishing Co., of New York City,
N.Y. (13).

McCUTCHEON'S MILL
This Grist Mill was built by William
McCutcheon in 1849. It was located along Big
Pucketos Creek in the area of what is now known
as Camp Jo-Ann. Mr. McCutcheon built this mill
when he was in his middle twenties. He probably
was the youngest miller of the time.
Most mills of that time were driven by water
power. McCutcheon's Mill was powered by a
steam boiler. By using this method, it was not
necessary to build a big millpond such as needed
by the big water wheel mills. A much smaller
pond held a supply of water for this type of
operation. However, it was necessary to have a
quantity of wood or coal at hand to keep the boiler
fired. In the case of McCutcheon's Mill we know
when it was built and who built it. Some other
details about this mill need to be sought out. How
long was this mill in operation, were there other
owners, etc.?
The land on which this mill was built is now
owned by Lloyd Cable, operator of a trucking
business. It is believed that the mill was on the
spot where his garage stands today.
THE MILL ON ROBERT GEORGE'S FARM
This Grist Mill doesn't show up on any of the
old maps. Its existence was brought to my atten
tion by Bob George. The point of our discussion
was about the distillery that was on this farm a
long time ago. I used to hear his Uncle Harvey
George talk about it when he lived on this farm.
However, when Bob said that many years ago
there was a Grist Mill on this farm, our conversa
tion about the distillery quickly changed to the

DONNELL'S MILL
The Donnell Grist Mill was located on the Big
Pucketos' Creek. A map in the 1867 Atlas of
Westmoreland County shows where this mill
stood. The name M. Donnell also appears at this
location, this pretty much indicates who the
owner was at the time the map was made.
With this bit of information to start with,
many people were contacted, especially the ones
9aving the name Donnell. They could shed no
light on the history of the mill as they settled here
in a more recent time. Some of the longtime
residents were next contacted: John Willyard,
Willie Crooks and Layton Wilson. These men
were quite sure that the mill never operated in
this century. However, they remembered the
building and also, that a family lived in a part of it
around the 1920's. It was soon thereafter that the
building fell into ruin.
A check into the Court House Records (Deed
Book No. 95, pages 57, 58, 59) produced some
information. A transaction of property in 1877,
brought out the following names: Hugh Donnell,
J. J. Hazlett and Mathew Donnell. This property
consisted of 22 acres of land with improvem~nts
that included a Saw Mill and a large frame Grist
Mill. This land was checked back to 1851, listing
Mathew Donnell as the owner.
A portion of the former Donnell tract of land
is now owned by the Louis Trzeciak, Jr., family.
This being the site on which Donnell's Mill once
stood. The lower end of Menk Road divides
Trzeciak's property. The mill was on the opposite

22

143. Robert Steward (sheriff), Charles Kenly (or

Kinley), and James Murry were the principals in
this record. Some of the preceding mayor may
not be correct. However, these accounts are
meant to be referred to only as a possible means
of finding out who built the mill and possibly the
distillery. The names of Joseph Swift and John
Roberts may also be of some help in this effort.
Time has a way of making changes, usually
for the better, at least it seems that we should
essentially feel that it does. However, with the
passing of the water powered Grist Mill Era,
something was lost. The millhouse with its big
water wheel along with the long millrace and
pond had a charm and fascination that still hasn't
been forgotten. This is borne out in a number of
ways. It inspired poets and song writers, their
beauty was captured in the imagination of artists
for many years. In this way these quaint stuc
tures live on. As for the miller that carved out
these master pieces with his own hands, using
materials that were at hand, he continues to be in
our presence to this day, as many towns have
been named for the miller, in this way his identity
is still carried on. The miller was always respec
ted in his community. His life style was often
envied by Kings. Stories relate that many Kings
would have traded their golden crowns for a
miller's dusty cap.

history of the mill.

We were standing near the barn when Bob
pointed across the road to where the mill had
been. We soon crossed Woodland Road and im
mediately we came to the spot where the mill
once stood. Some rocks that must have been part
of this structure still remain there.
The millrace that was part of this operation
now has sizeable trees growing in it.

Bob George [Leftl. and Mike Takosky [Right], in a section of

the three hundred foot long millrace that was once a part of a
milling operation on George's farm. many years ago. Its been
said that tfn:s mill was built abo'ut 1800. This picture was taken
in the spring of 1979.

The race extends up Wiley's Run for about

300 feet, to the place where the dam was. The
water in this dam must have covered some of the
land that is now owned by Jay Radaker and John
Hrivnak. This land where the mill was has been in
the George Family since the early 1850's. Bob
said that its existence had to be prior to that
time. It was never operated by any of the
George's.
(At this point it seemed that by talking to
some of the old-timers of the area, and maybe a
trip to the library would bear out the year it was
built and who built it). I was told by Bob George
that it wouldn't be easy to find out much about
the mill. For the most part he only knew that it
was there a long time ago.
A trip to the Courthouse was the next move
to check out the former owners of this land. In
Deed Book No. 15, page 465, reference is made of
this mill and distillery in a transfer of property:
namely, Robert Donnelly and his wife Nancy to
Henry Donnelly, with a reservation of four acres
on which there was a distillery and mill that
would include the water facility for its operation.
This was in 1824.
Robert Donnelly bought all, or parts of this
land in 1819, from James Murry (a son of J eri
miah Murry). James Murry bought this property
and probably adjoining land in a court action sale
listed in Deed Book No. 10, pages 142-142 11z and

SawMills
Another one of the earliest businesses was
the Saw Mill, often located close to a Grist Mill.
Old maps of Westmoreland County show loca
tions of Saw Mills near streams of water, and for
this reason it is. well to assume that they were run
by water power. In searching out Saw Mills it
was found that the early ones used a multiple of
straight saw blades set in vertical position. The
cutting was done by an up and down motion.
Some old folks used to refer to them as the kind
that "went up in the morning and came down in
the afternoon," pretty much meaning that they
operated in a slow fashion.
One of our first Saw Mills was located along
the Pucketos Creek on the farm of James Hamil
ton; it was operated by Robert Cowan in 1798,
according to the Tax Assessor's record.
In the middle 1800's there were several Saw
Mills in operation, as shown on the 1876 map.
Hugh and Matthew Donnell and J. J. Hazlet had a
Saw Mill adjacent to their Grist Mill, located at
the lower end of Menk Road, opposite Louis
Trzeciak, Jr.'s residence. M. Stamates' Mill was
up-stream from Mrs. Ralph Morrow's farm and
also pretty much along the lower part of Lower
Drennen Road. William McCutcheon's Mill was
23

located on Pucketos Creek, near the place where

Lloyd Cable's truck garage now stands. McCutch
eon's Grist Mill was also at this place. This Saw
Mill was run by steam power around the 1850's
and on. J. Nesbit's Saw Mill was in Milligantown
along the Little Pucketos Creek.
Charles Bair had a Saw Mill along Little
Pucketos Creek located below Milligantown just
across the valley from Harry Marsh's house. This
Saw Mill was powered by a steam boiler in the
early 1900's. It is likely that most of the mills
mentioned above were of the vertical saw blade
type although this may not be so in the case of the
Bair and McCutcheon Mills.
In 1908 Yetter and Grover Keibler bought a
used steam powered Saw Mill for $1,000 and went
into business near the town of Timblin, Penn
sylvania. They came to Upper Burrell in 1912 and
located along Pucketos Creek in the district that
came to be known as Keibler's Beach. The broth
ers operated their Sa w Mill for over fifty years at
many locations in the Allegheny-Kiski Valley up
until 1964 when Yetter retired. Their biggest
operations in Upper Burrell were along Myers
Drive and Rich Hill Road near the Beagle Club in
the 1940's and 50's.

out all of the days of Blacksmithing. If this trade

was followed through to its beginning it would
reveal that there wasn't such a thing as a horse
shoe! Blacksmithing like any other trade had to
be developed by making improvements on some
thing that had already been improved. Many
tradesmen had their secrets that quite often were
only passed on to those serving an apprentice
ship. In the beginning the young apprentice had
difficulty hammering out nails that were uniform.
In some years later on he could make a plow with
his hammer. So whether it was a broken chain, a
worn part on the old plow or maybe it was a hinge
giving way on the barn door, these men could fix
it. The Blacksmith had much to do with the
progress of this community in the early years.
To get back to the Blacksmiths of this area
here is the available list of names and locations: in
Milligantown; Till Morehead, W. \\-. I Bill) Swank,
Miller Artman and Jim Martin; in }Ierwin, Philip
Love, W. W. (Bill) Swank follo\\ed by George
Lange; John Baxter on Turkey Ridge and Henry
Arb at the lower end of Menk Road. Although the
township- map of 1876 indicates a Blacksmith
Shop along Seventh Street Road close to the
boundary with Lower Burrell, we could find no
information about this shop except that it was
located on the Sand's farm at a site now owned by
Eugene Shavensky.
In the days of the local Blacksmith Shops it
was hard for the men folks to resist opping for a
spell. It was a good place to find out what was
going on in the neighborhood. Here you could find
out who was painting their barn (e en the color)
or who was putting their farm up for sale. Yes,
you could find out if someone bought a new team
of horses or whether a cow owned b ' someone
five or ten miles away gave birth to t~\'in calves.
While getting the news of the community one
could easily be fascinated by watching the
"Smitty" perform his skill. When he completed
the job, no one could deny that the job was well
done and the part was better than the day that it
was bought.

Standing at the Kiebler Saw Mill are several family members.

[Left to Right I: Yetter; daughter, Dorothy [Mrs. Ronald Eiler];
Catherine [Evans I, wife of Grover; and Grover.

Ed Yurkins has been in the Saw Mill business

for about forty years. During this period he has
operated mills in two locations in the areas of
Camp Jo-Ann and Turkey Ridge. Even though he
is at retirement age he continues to operate the
mill to fill customer's orders. His Saw Mill is run
by a combustion engine.

Farming
Farming in the earliest days was done on
small plots of land niched in total wilderness. Life
was carried on in a simple way, and time plus
hard work was needed to change this. Change
came gradually as the wilderness was trans
formed into crop-producing and grazing land; now
the farmer could produce more than he and his
family needed. All the tillable land came under
cultivation and productive farms were well
stocked with cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry.
Cattle buyers came to the farms periodically and
drove herds of cattle to the stock yards in Pitts

Blacksmith Shops

Blacksmiths have for many years been

thought of as men shoeing horses and nothing
more. This, however, was not the case through
24

burgh. Vegetable and fruit crops and eggs were

taken to markets in nearby communities. For
many decades most of the people obtained their
livelihood from their farm products without ever
thinking about it as a business. Nevertheless, at
the time when the township was created two
thirds of the families were supported by farming.
Some of the better known farms in the early days
of the township were operated by: John K. Wylie,
Jeremiah Rubright, John Hunter, Israel Kunkle,
Robert Wylie, John Baxter, Josiah Tommy
George, Robert Baxter, Andrew Iseman, Andrew
Baxter, Harry Walker, James Watson, Joseph
McCorkle,
Joseph
Klingensmith,
Harry
McCutcheon, Clyde Wills, Samuel Borland and
Martin McElroy. There were many others.
This pattern of life on the farms continued
until just after the turn of the century when
industries boomed in some of the neighboring
towns. New generations of young people moved
into town to work in factories and coal mines. The
old farmers passed away and once prosperous
farms were neglected. Later, however, when the
Upper Burrell population began to increase after
the "great depression," the people who started
the movement back to the country were not
aspiring to become farmers. They were looking
for a decent sized lot where they could have a
lawn, a vegetable garden and perhaps a few fruit
trees. Most of all they wanted a clean place to
live, away from the dirt and congestion of the
cities. Many farms were subdivided into smaller
tracts and building lots. Thus, farming in Upper
Burrell has become an occupation of the past, as
today only a handful of the six hundred families
are su pported by farming.
Not too many years ago agriculture was vis
ihle on t his land near Merwin (Alcoa Lab site).

the only signs of farming to be seen are a few

scattered fields of corn, hayfields, and an occa
sional pasture with cattle or horses. A few
weatherbeaten old barns remain from by-gone
days. Small herds of beef cattle ranging up to
about twenty-five head are presently being main
tained by a few individuals in various parts of the
township, including: Sam Crider, Bill Dunn, Bill
Hartge, Kahle Johnson, Nick Laurito, Harold
Morrow, Jay Radaker and Nelson Watson. At the
farm of Dr. Kahle Johnson located along Baxter
Drive and Guyer Road, a bit of the old past has
been revived. If you happen to drive by at the
right moment you might see their thoroughbred
Belgian horses doing things the old way.

Another "gentleman farmer" in recent years

was Gus Haser, who in 1936 purchased an old
farm on Oak Lake Road where he planted an
apple orchard and raised ponies. He also kept a
few select riding horses.

vus and Marie Hase1'

Farnwrs were busy cultivating thE'sC fields.

and their aim was quality and production. Today

on this land scientific men are busy cultivating
their ideas - their aim. too. is quality and
produ<:tion.
When traveling in the township today about

An avid collector of antiques. he had popular

auction sales in the ranch-style barn yard. A
photograph of the I-Iaser's beautifully remodeled
home is shown in the section on Landmark
Homes.

25

A new type of farming came to rural areas

such as Upper Burrell around 1930. This was the
hog farm, where pigs were raised on garbage
hauled to the farm from towns and cities. Such a
farm was profitable in several ways provided the
health of the animals was maintained; there was
only a minor expense to provide supplemental
grain and immunization against the hog cholera
disease. Income was derived from the fee col
lected for each load of garbage dumped, the sale
of the mature hogs fattened on the garbage, and
finally from the sale of junk glass and metal
received with the garbage.
The largest of these farms was started by
Robert C. Wilson around 1930 in a secluded valley
along the former road from Merwin to Washing
ton Township (Wilson Road). Wilson succeeded in
this business despite objections to the odors by
his immediate neighbors who often referred to
him as "Piggy" or "Hog" Wilson. As the business
prospered over a twenty-five year period, Wilson
continued to purchase additional real estate until
he had acquired around 600 acres of land when he
sold all of his holdings to Alcoa in 1959.
Mr. Wilson was an unusual man. He and his
family lived in plain circumstances on the farm.
His trademark was his mild manner, the "overall
type" work clothes, and a chaw of tobacco. A
number of township families well remember this
man for his kindness in lending them mortgage
money with no interest charge.
Other smaller hog farms were operated in
Upper Burrell during the same period. There was
one on the John Verner farm on Turkey Ridge
from 1938-43, and some years later, from 1951-65,
on the adjacent farm belonging to Edward
Trzeciak. Mr. Trzeciak was obliged to discontinue
his business in 1965 because of objections from
the neighbors.
The Leeman Dairy Farm was started in 1922
by George and Sarah Leeman at the far end of
Schafer Drive. and George carried a raw milk
delivery route until his death in 1934. Sarah
managed the business until it was purchased by
their son, George Pular Leeman, in 1943. He
discontinued the route in 1948 and sold the milk
wholesale to the Meadowgold and Menzie Dairies.
He continued to sell raw milk at the house until
1970.

Mathias Slahtovsky, Clyde Wills, Mike Pran

iewicz, SY'., Henry Schafer and some other farm
ers ofthe township had similar milk routes in New
Kensington and Arnold around about the same
time. This type of business took a lot of work;
everyone in the family had to start the work day
early, as there was milking to be done every
morning and evening.
Harold Schafer's Fruit Farm on Schafer
Drive at the end of Michael Drive is widely
known. Growing fruit and vegetables has long
been a way of life for this family. Their van loaded
with members of the family and all types of farm
produce has been a familiar sight in farmers'
markets for many years. Townspeople from all
around have learned to enjoy the drive into the
country to pick up apples, cider, pumpkins, etc.,
at the farm. Schafer's Roadside Market on Sev
enth Street Road now is a convenience for the
country shoppers and Sunday drivers.
Several individuals in recent years have
operated small nurseries and greenhouses.
William Goldinger had a greenhouse on Seventh
Streed Road one-half mile west of the firehall for
about ten years in 1950's and 60's. A large selec
tion of vegetable and flower plants were started
in flats and pots to meet customers' needs.
Mrs. David Fink (Lois Coulson) operated a
greenhouse around 1960 in the vicinity of their
home on the Milligantown Road.
Mr. and Mrs. M. Takosky have been growing
a variety of landscape shrubs and trees since
1949. Through the years this operation has been
carried on a a hobby and a business. It is located
at the intersection of Oak Lake Road and Mil
ligantown Road.
William Wise's Nursery has two locations
one in Lower Burrell, and the other in Upper
Burrell on the Upper Drennen Road, where
shrubs and trees are grown to be used for land
scaping projects. The Upper Burrell nursery was
started in 1970.
In the 1880 Census of Upper Burrell, Amos
Willery was listed as a fruit tree salesman.

Grain Cradle

Manufacturing

The once popular UN Ison Grain Cradle" was

manufactured in Upper Burrell during the period
from about 1832 to 1909. This was done in a
two-story building that tood on the left side of
Oak Lake Road, one-quarter of a mile east of the
Merwin-Markle and Oak Lake Road intersection.
(See Map). The land on which it was located is
now owned by Michael Korenowski.

This cap is typical of the ones used when milk was sold in gloss
bottles.

26

use none but the best material, and made

in the best style, making the best and
lightest, most durable, and most easily
operated Cradle in the market."
Mr. William Wishart Swank, who was for
many years an employee in the Nelson factory,
related to the author much of this history of the
making of grain cradles. He started working for
the Nelsons when he was a boy; to stress the
point he always said that he was raised by "this
family." In the later years of this grain cradle
~usiness, Mr. Swank was the operator; at this
time there was no production, but repairs were
made to broken or worn cradles. In the early
1900's he became the owner of the Nelson's farm
and factory. Gragill John Swank, a nephew of Mr.
Swank, took pride in the fact that he once
worked in this cradle factory. This was brought
out during a conversation in 1975. He has since
passed away.
As has been said, the Nelson's Grain Cradles
were made in Upper Burrell and shipped to
distant points. However, during the course of this
business, the area residents often called upon
these skilled craftsmen to make other items. So,
whether it was wooden pitch forks, or a hay
wagon ladder, that someone was in need of, it
would be reasonable to assume that it was made
here. Some of these craftsmen revealed their skill
in woodworking by making spinning wheels.
In the hey-day of this business, there were
eight to ten men working in this place - some of
the available names were: James Nelson (owner);
and son, Samuel M., William Wishart Swank,
Jacob Byerly and Cragill Swank. These men
produced the grain cradle that was "second to
none." It, like other grain cradles, gave way to
the horse-drawn machine called a "grain binder."
The names of James Nelson and his son,
Samuel M. Nelson, should be included in the list
Upper Burrell's prominent citizens. The Nelsons
were active in the civic and social affairs of this
community. They were instrumental in founding
the original Manchester Covenanter Presbyterian
Church. The Nelsons helped in bringing about the
formation of Upper Burrell Township in the
1870's.
Some of Samuel M. Nelson's experience in
his father's grain cradle business may have been
what it took to get him started in the business
world. For a time, he was part-owner of a store in
Markle; his partner was Joseph (Little Joe)
McLaughlin. Later he became a stockholder in
the Apollo Savings Bank, later to become the
Apollo Trust Bank. His career in banking was
very successful; he rose from stockholder to
cashier in this organization, and during the latter
part of his life, he became its President.
More accounts relative to the Nelsons can be
found in the book "Apollo People." It was copy

Thl' home uf the Nelson Grain Cradle sketched by tne write1'

from 111I!m/Jl'lj.

Few people in this present day have ever

seen a grain cradle. This scythe-like tool was
hand operated and was used by farmers for
cutting grain crops at harvest time. The cut grain
was next tied into sheaves. The hand cutting and
tying of grain was not an easy part of farming. It
was something that had to be done during the
hottest days of the summer. To make this chore
easier, a farmer often got an early start in the
morning, well before the sun got too hot. Getting
the harvest into the barn without much grain loss
was a major part of farming that depended on the
man of the farm and the grain cradle he used.
How did James Nelson get into the grain
cradle business? To do this it may be necessary to
go back to his early life. When James was about
fourteen, he started an apprenticeship incarpen
try and wood working. After spending several
years working with craftsmen, he became a quali
fied carpenter. He knew how to use tools of the
trade and also how to choose the right kind of
wood to do a job well.
At the time when lVIr. Nelson was still quite
young he found work building frame structures.
Up to then, houses and barns had been built out
of logs. Work was plentiful except for periods
during the cold winter months; it was at this time
that Mr. Nelson started making grain cradles in a
small way. To be sure, these were near copies to
ones in use universally. However, experience on
the farm helped him to develop an improved grain
cradle that became famous for its durability and
ease of handling. The Nelson Grain Cradle must
have had some unusual quality, for in the begin
ning it was sold locally, but at one time during the
course of this business, some of the cradles were
shipped Lo as far away as Sacramento, California.
Stencils found in the old building gave indication
that they were sold and used in far-off places.
The following advertisement appeared in the
Patron's Directory of the 1876 Atlas of West
moreland County:
"Nelson, James & Son - Manufacturers
of Superior Grain Cradles; Orders
.olicited and promptly attended to. We

27

righted by Phyllis Nelson, the wife of Robert

Nelson, Sr., great-grandson of James Nelson.
There are many descendants of this family in the
Apollo, Avonmore and Indiana areas.

men needed for most jobs. Once this operation

got started, most of the men were kept quite
busy forking the sheaves of grain out of a mow
and into the machine. Others were busy carrying
bags full of grain coming out of the machine. It
wasn't too long after this noisy operation got
started, that the air grew thick with dust. Work
ing under this condition was not new to farm
workers.
As for the operator . . . he mostly played
things kind of by-ear, or maybe it seemed that
way. To a novice in this effort, it certainly would
seem that the thresher simply stoked the fire
once in a while, and at times sort of went around
the machinery with an oil can. Well, playing it
by-ear was very important when it was done by a
veteran in this business; his ears could quickly
pick up an off-beat, or discordant sound in this
rhythmic pattern that the steam engine and
threshing machine were making. His oil can was
used to fill the oil cups on working parts. What
seemed to be a casual stoking of the engine was a
routine check on the fire to make sure that the
steam pressure would be kept at a desirable
level. Much credit is due to the men who per
formed this service; they were the first ones on
the job each morning. Long before the others
came, the steam engine was being stoked and
readied to chug-away for a long hard day's work.
The steam engine that was used in the early
days was powerful and efficient. Its basic require
ments were quite simple - water and fuel
which, in most instances, were right at hand. The
water was usually taken from the nearest stream;
a water wagon was used for hauling it to the job.
As for fuel, it used wood or coal. Twenty-five
bushels of coal were needed to do a full day's
threshing ... that is from early morning to dark.

Grain Threshing Service

L. Z. Arb operated a threshing machine
service in the early 1900's. Mr. Arb had a farm at
the lower end of Menk Road on land now owned
by Louis Trzeciak, Sr. It was at this location that
his machinery was kept, up to the time of the
year when threshing operations began. Thresh
ing grain was a seasonal business; it would begin
sometime after the grain was harvested in the
fields and continue into late fall, or up to the time
when all the grain was threshed out.
Many of the older folks in the rural areas still
like to review the many good things that farm life
provided. However, when the old-timers get onto
the subject of threshing, there is little time for
anything else. Not too much is said about the
hard work that was needed to get this job done.
On "threshing day" the whole family got up
extra early, in order to get the usual chores done.
As the morning went on, everyone in the house
hold got keyed-up. At the breakfast table there
was little time for small-talk . . . no one would
listen. Everyone had a quick or light breakfast
except the woman of the household; she didn't
have time for any because there was so much to
be done in the kitchen on "threshing day." The
men folks had their work cut-out for the day; they
would be kept quite busy keeping up with a
machine that could devour much in a day.
The threshing machine was a sizeable piece
of equipment with a lot of complex mechanism
built into it. This heavy portable machine was
built on steel wheels. Back in the by-gone days, it
was moved from one farm to another, by a steam
engine. It also powered the threshing machine, or
"Separator," as it was sometimes called. Quite
often, when a threshing rig left its home location,
it would not return to this site until the time that
everyone's grain was threshed out.
Most "threshmen" had an established route
or circuit, which covered many miles into the
surrounding areas. When a job was finished, the
rig was moved to another farm, where it wovld be
set-up and left over night for the next day's
operation. This routine was favorable to the
farmer and operator.
The threshing of grain was not done by the
machine alone; there was a lot of manpower
needed! Most of this help came in a neighborly
fashion; they helped each other in an exchange
manner. Usually there were about eight to ten

While the men were going about the chores

ofthreshing, the women were busy in the kitchen
cooking and baking up a storm. When it was
nearly dinner time and the meal was just about
ready, a couple of the women would come out to
let the thresher know. He soon got this message
to the workmen with a shrill steam whistle. One
long pull on the cord was a signal to come in for

28

dinner. In a short time the men were washed up;

they used a lot of soap and water, but most of the
dirt came off on the towels. Some of the men used
brooms to get the chaff and dust off of each
other's backs, before entering the house. This
was particularly necessary for the person who
had been building the straw stacks.
By this time the table was set with such a
variety of food that words can only begin to
describe - there was chicken and roast beef, and
plenty of fixings from apple sauce to fresh baked
rolls, creamed potatoes ... and much more. All of
this in quantities for second helpings. The food
was always so good that the women folks were
kept busy filling up the serving dishes. Well,
what about dessert ... there was fresh peach pie
and apple cake! Lots of good food and laughter
kind of delayed the afternoon starting time. By
this time the women and children were starving
hungry; it was their turn at the table.
It's been many years since the last steam
engine ch ugged through a routine season of
threshing in Upper Burrell ... probably in about
the 1920's. Threshing grain on the farm has left
some fond memories, and some of us old-timers
like to relive the days when neighbors got to
gether for a hard day's work and a lot of fun doing
it. The dust hasn't totally cleared away, and the
sound of the steam engine continues ... mixed in
with fine food and fun along with the friendliness
of those days . . . it kind of brings a nostalgic
feeling.
It may never happen again ... being able to
watch a threshing rig going down the roadside at
twilight. They moved slowly with a steady clang
ing and chugging sound, periodically interrupted
by a short ring of the bell which was followed by a
few blasts of the shrill steam whistle. This was
usually repeated after the rig traveled a distance
down the road ... it was worthwhile waiting for.
One of these relics stood on the left side of the
highway when traveling south from State College,
Pennsylvania. There is a growing interest and
sentiment for these marvels of the past; some
hobbyists have been impressed and fascinated to
the extent of restoring them. Somewhere along
the way it has been brought out that there are
places where "threshing bees" are held in the
latter part of summer; this could be interesting.
Reviewing this was a pleasant journey into
the past. It also refreshed some of the memories
that were becoming hazy. Now it's time to ring
the bell, and get hold of the whistle cord for a long
blast of the steam whistle . . . it's just about
dinner time.

General Stores

In the early days of Merwin (or McLaughlins

ville) there were two stores. Some names of the
storekeepers of that period were: Phillip Love,
Bear & Hine, George Reiger, S. Yank, John K.
Wylie, Lee Gumbert and F. Wigle. In the early
1900's Tom Clements started a store in their
family home and later moved his business into a
newly built storeroom on the opposite side of the
road. For some of the many years of this success
ful business Mr. Clements was assisted by his
daughters.

Tom Clements and daughters

The store handled groceries, notions and

gasoline. During the course of operating his store,
Mr. Clements held two public offices. He was for
a while a Justice of the Peace, then at another
time he was a Tax Collector. In each case the
store was used as a headquarters in the perform
ance of these duties.
In the early 1900's Miller Artman operated a
store and Post Office in the two story log house
that stood at the intersection of Oak Lake Road
and Milligantown Road. Mike Praniewicz tore
this old building down around 1955, and then built
a brick house on the same spot. A map in the 1867
Atlas of Westmoreland. County reveals that a
store and Post Office in the two-story log house
owned by a Mrs. Borlin. Mr. Jacob Cupps listed
in the 1880 Census as a grocer living in the
Milligantown area may have worked in this store.
In 1941 Mr. and Mrs. Fred Evans started a
store in a small building that was transported to a
location on the Milligantown Road.
It soon became evident that a larger building

29

and novelties. This family business started in

1945. Later it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Clyde
Johnson in the early 1950's.
Near the top of Manchester Hill, Harry
Heidrich had a store named the "Hill and Hollow"
in the early 1950's. Mr. Heidrich was also a
Justice of the Peace.
Mr. and Mrs. Sid Hollier's Store was on
Schafer Drive. This was around 1965.
Schafer's Roadside Market is on Seventh
Street Road near the intersection with Stoney
Hill and Menk Roads. This is a branch of Schafer's
Fruit Farm, long known for its apples and
vegetables.

Coal Mining
The business of coal mining in Upper Burrell
came about quite naturally, as many of the hills in
the township were underlaid with coal. This coal
was of a good quality and ranged from four to
eight feet in thickness. At elevations of 1200 to
1300, it was found "cropping out" or sometimes
called "blossoming out." Through the years it has
been referred to as the "Pittsburgh Vein of Coa!."
There is no direct reference as to which one
of the early settlers found this coal. By looking at
an old map which shows land owners of areas
where this coal was, several names appear . . .
Hamilton, Crooks, Beacom, Hunter, Wallace and
Beare. Much of this coal was on the right side of
the Merwin Road above Drennen. For many
years this road was called "Coal Hill Road," very
likely because of the coal. In another part of
Upper Burrell along Myer's Drive, there was also
a large quantity of coal. Smaller amounts of coal
were mined in Merwin (not too far from where
the Merwin School stood) and Markle. The Markle
Hill Mine (near the Ross Plan) was for many years
referred to as the "Burning Mine." There were
two other locations with small amounts of coal: one
on the Upper Drennen near the intersection of 7th
Street Road, and the other about one mile west of
this point at or near where the Walnut Hill School
once stood.
In the early days, coal was mined by using a
few simple tools. John Willyard, a long-time coal
miner, and one of the township's residents, ex
plained much about how coal was mined in these
"country mines," as they were called. He said "a
good miner" generally had about six picks, two
shovels, some wedges, a sledge hammer, a breast
drill, a needle rod, a miner's cap and a lamp. In
addition to this he had a small keg of explosive
powder.
After the coal was dug, the miner loaded it
into a cart that he pulled out of the mine. The cart
had two wheels that ran on a board track. These

Betty [Evans] Markovich, daughter, in front of the old store

[1942J.

was needed to carryon their flourishing business,

this was built around 1945. For about thirty years
this well stocked store had a variety of merchan
dise that met the needs of the young and old,
including gasoline for the family automobile. The
success of this store was due to three major
commodities: groceries, meats and bubble gum.
It's been said that Fred often made two trips to
the wholesale house in a single day to meet the
demands of the youngsters in this area. Mrs.
Libby Evans and other members of the family
helped in the store. The business was discontin
ued after Fred's death in 1973.
Jack and Katie Trissler in 1953 opened a
store and gas station in their home on Seventh
Street Road near the Upper Burrell schoo!. When
the road was relocated in 1959, the business
moved into a new building at the corner of Dewey
Drive and the New Seventh Street Road.
For twenty years the Trisslers served the
local residents and school children. During the
1970's the business was operated for short periods
by various individuals, including: Mr. and Mrs.
Nick Venturella, Art and Jean Keating, Mae
Keilar, and Art and Ethel Russo, the present
lessees. It is now called Russo's Country Fare,
Inc.
Various other stores have served the public
at different times over the years. William Vas
binder had a store on Merwin Road around-1945.
In the same time period Reid White, Sr., manu
factured and distributed his famous "Plantation
Sausage." It was produced on a farm at the top of
Coal Hill (Merwin Road) near the junction with
old Crawford Hill (Whitten Hollow Road).
George Myers' Store was on the Seventh
Street Road near Easy Street. The store handled
a complete line of groceries, fresh meats, notions
30

loaded carts were quite heavy. To pull this cart,

most miners fashioned a leather harness to suit his
need.
For many years the coal was mined by using
hand tools in these country mines. However, in
about the middle 1930's, a rural electrification
movement was made. This brought about many
changes in many ways. At this time many of these
smaller mines were soon using modern type
machinery for mining coal. Bill Venter was prob
ably the first to make this change in the local
mines. This too gave way to another method
known as strip mining.
Today, mining of the Pittsburgh Vein of Coal,
in Upper Burrell, is no more. The reason is quite
simple. The last of the coal has been mined out in
whatever manner. It is nearly two hundrea years
since the first shovel of coal was lifted by some
man who needed it.
At the present time, some small quantities of
coal are being removed, while land reclamation
projects are being carried out in the areas where
the coal was mined. Many of the pillars or stumps
of coal that once held the overhead burden, have
been only slowing down the leveling of the top
surface. These stumps, along with whatever
amount of coal that may have been left behind for
any reason, turn up some coal that is needed
today. Tbis project is being done by The Gold
Builders Company of Murrysville. A similar pro
ject was recently completed along the Coal Hill
Road by the Jacobs Contracting Corporation of
Delmont.
Coal has played an important part in much of
man's history, much more than we begin to
realize. During the course of each day, we touch
articles that have been made by energy which coal
has produced. Coal has been instrumental in
making the lawn mower we use, or the bicycle and
car we ride. When we go shopping, we drive on a
street or road which was built with material
derived from coal. Later we return to the house
we live in. Here we relax in comfort. It doesn't
matter how violent the weather may be, we're
protected by shingles which are composed with
material that was derived from coal. It would take
a lot of effort to find out the many ways that coal
serves man's needs. In recent years coal has been
given a new name "Black Gold."
Surface mining of coal in Upper Burrell is now
passing into history, but a review of the many
years of its existence may be interesting. Some
names connected with this operation are to be
brought out in the next couple of paragraphs.
Some of the names of early pit coal mine
operators are: Andy and Isaac Bear, J. Borlin,
Wm. Crooks, Frank Eiler, John Graham, John
Hamilton, Moe Hunter, Tony Myers, Pickerel, R.
Wallace and J. Willyard. After 1935 some of these
mines were run by Roy and Lewis Johns, O. King,

Bill Venter and others.

The following is a list of some of the men who
worked in these mines: Jim Barnes, Jar! Bartels,
Walt Bentley, Jim Colvin, Jim Daugherty, J.
Doverspike, Mike Evans, Bert Francis, John
Gromley, George Lambert, Ralph Oyler, George
Pritts, John Slonaker, Bob Smith, J. C. Swank,
Perry Warren, John Willyard, Tom Yetter, Al
Yurkin and Ed Yurkin. Many more names of the
men who worked in the mines could be recalled by
talking to some of the men named.
What sort of people were the miners? For the
most part they were considered honest. The miner
and his family always made good neighbors. The
miner usually went to bed early. When morning
came, he was well rested and ready to do another
day's work. No matter how often a miner was
asked why is it that you don't go out and get a job
that is easier, his answer was, "It isn't so bad."
Most miners have been known to have spent their
entire life working in coal mines. As some of them
said, "It gets into your blood." That may be so, but
I think they had muscles made of steel.
Some of the strip mine operators were: Bill
Garlow, Dick Harris, George Love, Bill Venter,
Ira Wood and Langenfelter from Baltimore, and
Flynn and Bunett from North Carolina.
The preceding account of coal mining in
Upper Burrell relates to the mining of the Pitts
burgh Vein of Coal, and of course this was done to
bear out that this operation was one of a variety of
businesses in the township.
However, it must be pointed out that there is
still a large quantity of coal below the surface of
the township. This coal is known as the "Upper
and Lower Freeport Veins" of coal which lie
about 200 feet below the low lying areas of the
township. Some of this coal has been mined by coal
companies located in adjoining municipalities that
are equipped for deep coal mining. These mines
have shaft or slope entrances and have up-to-date
machines for digging the coal, as well as transport
ing coal underground.
Some of the companies that are mining or
have mined the Freeport coal within the bound
aries of Upper Burrell are: Renton, Logans Ferry
West Penn Power and Valley Camp-Kinloch.
Some of the men who have worked or are
working in these mines are: Ted Bauman, Dan
Baxter, Andy Burkshire, Joe Burkshire, Fred
Evans, Mike Evans, Bill Hecker, Nick Ilnicki, Guy
Johnson, Rev. Johnson, Bill Jones, Charley
Kowalchik, George Myers, Chester Pietryka, Sr.,
Chester Pietryka, Jr., John Pietryka, Stanley
Pietryka, Milt Pitts, Herman Pitts, John Zediak,
and Frank Chovanec.

31

Hauling, Excavating

and

Transportation

Names of some individual Upper Burrell haulers

are: Ron Palmer, John Richey, Fred Mazur, Ray
Bauman, Paul Bentley, Jim Keiser, John Dohnem,
Jr., and Albert Glenn. Also, located on the Old
Greensburg Road is Gille Trucking, Inc., a
broker's service for independent haulers.
Local hauling also is done by men who are in
the excavating business as well - with bull
dozers, hi-lifts, and back-hoes. Included in this
category are Merle Clements, Sr., and his son,
Merle, Jr., Raymond Lester and Ted Praniewicz.
The Clements father and son have about forty
years experience in this service. Although now
retired, William Venter and son, Robert, were in
this business starting back in the 1920's.
Up to the time that the Township bought
similar equipment, these men and other farmers
with tractors and trucks did most of the work for
the municipality. In the by-gone days the road
grading was Qone with a horse-drawn grader;
four horses or mules were needed to do the
pulling. The township hired men with good
teams. A couple of such owners were: Harry
Walker and Clyde Wills, Sr.
- Around the beginning of the century, when
the first gas wells were being drilled, local farmers
often were hired to do work with their teams.
This consisted of hauling the heavy steam boilers
and drilling rigs over hill and dale at just about
any time of the year. The hauling of pipe for gas
lines was done in about the same way. This often
gave farmers an opportunity to earn some extra
money.' Quite often it took more than one team of
horses to pull the heavy loads into the fields; a lot
of horse power and a good teamster were
required.
Before the days of good roads and motor
vehicles, school children were taken to school in
wagons. Some of the names connected with this
method were: Carl McCutcheon, Charley Hartge
and George Myers. On rainy days these vehicles
had canvas covers. Gib Beestrice for a while used
a passenger car, and later Steve Stein converted
a truck into what resembled a school bus (the talk
of the community) for transporting students.
Steve started this about 1930.
Although the only motor buses to be seen on
township roads at the present time are the yellow
school buses. there once was a bus service for the
general public. In 1950 Ted Barkhoff of Logans
Ferry started "Ted's Bus Service" with three
buses operating over a route that included:
Logans Ferry, Barking, New Kensington, Merwin
and Milligantown. Four times a day, buses
traveled from New Kensington out Seventh Stret
Road to Merwin, back to Manchester Hill arid
down through Milligantown and return to New
Kensington. After about twelve years, Barkhoff
sold the franchise to Bill Penman who contined it
for another year or two and then discontinued the

Hauling in the early days of Upper Burrell

was done by horses and wagons. It is reasonable
to believe that hauling coal and transporting
building materials made up some of this type of
.business. A good sturdy wagon and a better than
average team of horses was surely needed when
it came to moving material. Logs had to be hauled
to the saw mills, and when they were cut into
building material it would be hauled to a building
site or maybe to a lumber yard in town. Horses
and wagons were used for hauling coal from the
mines until about the middle 1920's. John Wilr:
yard recalls making two trips per day from his
father's mine into the New Kensington area.
John Willyard's family got their first motor
truck in 1923; John recalls going to Ohio to get it.
With the truck it was possible to more than
double the trips and carry heavier loads. How
ever, when there was snow on the roads his truck
with solid tires would often get "hung-up" at
times during the winter period, making it neces
sary to go back to the horses and wagon.
From the middle twenties and on, things
began to change; the roads were being paved and
also the trucks were improved. In the days that
followed, several other men got trucks. These
truckers were kept busy hauling lime for the
farmers during the spring and fall seasons. How
ever, most of their business was hauling coal for
heating houses. This was also a time when people
started getting their lanes and driveways cin
dered; up to this time most people didn't bother
about fixing their lanes as the public roads hadn't
been paved. In many cases boney was used for
the driveways and lanes. The farmers were now
getting out of the mud! A driver could get a four
or five ton load of cinders loaded into his truck for
twenty-five cents. The cinders came from the
West Penn or Duquesne Power plants, and boney
was loaded free at some of the mines. The trucker
got three dollars per delivered truck load. Some
of the early truckers that did local hauling were:
John Willyard, Reid White, Sr., Bill Swank, Mike
Takosky, Ed Yetka, Floyd Britton, Bill Venter,
James Austin, Jim Vernam and Leslie Gray.
Some of the later truckers were: Gilbert Bees
trice, Merle Baxter, Calvin McElroy, Bob Venter
and Jay Radaker, Sr. Jay has continued for the
longest period and still is in the business.
Long distance or over the road hauling pres
ently is done by Cable Trucking and Leasing,
located on the Old Greensburg Road near Camp
Jo-Ann, and the Zeffiro Trucking and Storage
Company near the bottom of Whitten Hollow.
32

service.
Public busing may come again in Upper
Burrell with the present increase in car-pooling of
employees at the Alcoa Laboratories and stu
dents at Penn State New Kensington Campus
located in Upper Burrell. This trend is a result of
the "energy crunch" in the United States and the
continuous increase in cost to operate automobiles.

the wells of the Merwin area was pumped into

many homes; however, the biggest single cus
tomer was quite some distance away. This was
the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Company's plants in
Brackenridge and Leechburg, Pennsylvania.
Like many pump stations, this one pumped
gas day and night, seven days per week. The
thump, thump sound made by the six large
pumps could be heard a couple of miles away,
and, at certain times when the weather was going
to change, the sound carried further. The change
of this sound was an indication that rain was on
its way.
Some of the workers from the 1920's: John
Stuchell, William Troutman, Sr., Kenneth (Ted)
Heckman, Floyd Foster, Roy Fulton and Roy
Fryer. These men of fine character were a credit
to their community; they were always ready to
help in any situation. One of their services to the
community goes back to the days when radios
were something new to the world. This was
charging the 6-volt batteries that the nearby
farmers used for operating their radios. This was
done at the pump station, during spare time, for
the price of 25 cents. In 1937-38, electric power
line service came to the area and the 6-volt radios
became something of the past.

Natural Gas
Within the area of Upper Burrell, there are
many gas wells, most of which are owned by
major companies that supply gas to customers in
nearby cities and town. Two such companies are
Phillips Natural Gas and Peoples Natural Gas. A
few of the wells are owned by individuals; two
such owners are Dwight McKeever and Paul
Klingensmith. At one time the Pittsburgh Plate
Glass Company had a number of gas wells in this
area to furnish gas for the operation of their
plants in Creighton and Ford City.
Owners of land with gas wells receive pay
ments of royalties depending upon the number of
wells and the amount of production. A producing
well in the early 1900's would average about
three hundred dollars per year in royalties,
usually more than enough to pay the property
taxes. In addition to the cash income, many land
owners had leases with free gas privileges for
their household use. This was, and still is, in a
number of properties throughout the township, a
convenience that is appreciated by the home
owners. In may instances gas companies have
leases on farm land with the option of drilling for
gas at a future date; such leases used to be worth
about a dollar per acre, per year.
There are many miles of gas pipe lines be
neath the surface in Upper Burrell. For this
privilege the gas companies must, of course,
negotiate rights-of-way with the land owners.
Gas from outlying areas was piped in to what is
called a "pump station" where it was pressurized;
this made it possible to serve distant customers.
Such a pump station was built in 1894, near
Merwin, along the road to Markle. It was oper
ated until the late 1950's, when it was torn down
due to a new method of operation. Today, not
only the pump station is gone, but that portion of
the road is now a service road in the Alcoa
Technical Center.
Throughout the history of this pump station,
there were three owners - American Gas,
Columbia Gas and People's Gas. When this opera
tion started, the pumps were powered by a gas
fired steam boiler, but for much of its duration
the pumps were operated by natural gas com
bustion engines. The gas that was produced by

Taverns
and
Restaurants
The oldest tavern that we could find record of
was that of Jacob Harmon Byerly on the corner of
Manchester Hill and Seventh Street Road some
time in the late 1800's ... no other information.
In 1946, Ray Myers opened the Tall Daks
Restaurant and Bar on the corner of Seventh
Street Road and Myer Drive. It was noted for its
good food, especially "Chicken-in-the-Basket."
Many times a phone call to Ray for a given
number of take-out "Chicken-in-the-Basket"
saved a tired homemaker from having to prepare
a meal or to feed, quickly, unexpected guests
who arrived at dinner time.

33

There was a large dining room with space for

dancing and dinner parties. Music was supplied
by a "juke box," if you didn't have someone in
your group to play the piano, and live musical
groups were brought in to provide music needed
for square dancing. After twenty years with this
successful business, Ray sold to Joe and Millie
Lesho. The new owners kept up the tradition
until 1971 when they sold to Carl Vilsak, who
after seven years sold to Mary J. Nichols, the
present owner. In recent years, the bar and
lunches for Penn State students have been given
most emphasis. Now dinners are available at the
dinner hour.
Mason's Hotel and Tavern was opened in
Lincoln Beach in 1947. This was a lively place with
a "juke box" and dancing on Saturday nights.
People came from all around the New Kensington
area to this widely known meeting place. Mr.
Mason died in 1973, and the business was closed
in 1979. "Pop" Mason was a notable personality
and widely known in the New Kensington area.

near Camp JoAnn. Now known as Adam's Inn,

the business was sold in 1970 to Howard Adams.
the present owner.

Other

Old- Time Businesses

WEAVING
There were two weaving shops in this area
before the township was established. Women of
that period spent a lot of time at their spinning
wheels spinning yarn. Some of this was used to
knit various garments, but much of it was woven
into cloth. This was sometimes done on family
owned looms; however, when professional-like
quality was desired it was best to take the skeins
of yarn to a weaving shop. The weaver with his
experience and some trained help made a differ
ence. Color could be produced in the vat dying
process, and the nimble fingers of the trained
worker produced a desirable texture. At this
stage there wasn't the slightest trace of the wool
that was clipped back on the farm.
One of these weaving shops was owned by
John Crooks in the vicinity of Drennen. William
McLaughlin was the owner of the other shop
located in McLaughlinstown. An old map of the
town points to the place where it stood. (See
arti('le on Aleoa Center).
DISTILLERIES
In the early 1800's there were two distilleries
in the area (probably more!), One of these was
owned hy William Hill, hut the exad location is
not known. It may have heen in the Merwin area
along Camp Nancy Road, as this is a location
where Mr. IIill ownerlland.
In 1824 Rohert Donnelly owned a distillery
on land that is now owned hy Robert George
along Woodland Road. In the Deed Book 15, page

"Pop "Mason

In 1948 Joe Engler started a hotel and tavern

in Milligantown. Alice Ayers became the next
owner in 1955, and Ayer's Hotel was a landmark
for about twenty years. A few years ago the
property changed hands and is presently known
as Carol's Hotel.
The dining room has been redecorated and
features Italian foods prepared by Jack Vilella.
Farneth's Tavern was operated by Ted and
Ethel Farneth at the Merwin crossroads during
the 1950's. The two-story block building was
purchased by Alcoa and is presently rented as a
residence.
After being bought out by Alcoa, Farneth
relocated his tavern on Pennsylvania Route 366
34

456, there is evidence of its existence. It is

believed that it was built by someone prior to Mr.
Donnelly's ownership. The land on which this
distillery once stood has been in Robert George's
family since 1853. Some members of the George
family used to refer to the distillery as a sizeable
operation. It has been said that some of the
whiskey made here was hauled by wagon to
Apollo and shipped via the canal to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.

McLaughlinstown (page 8), shows a building

located with L. Gumbert's name; this may have
been his residence or workshop, or both.
DOCTORS

A descendant of some of the earliest settlers

in Westmoreland County, William MeWilliams
began the "reading of medicine" in 1848, and was
graduated by the Western Reserve Medical
College, Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. McWilliams' prac
tice in McLaughlinsville (Merwin) began in 1851,
and was described forty years later as " . . .
remarkably successful." Depicted as a man of" ..
. . . sagacity, integrity and uprightness," Dr.
McWilliams also owned" ... three good farms
and various other valuable properties ... (4).
For six years, around 1880, Dr. Altheus
Bush practiced here and by 1911, Dr. C. G. Oyler
had also located in Merwin. Some people still
recall that whenever Dr. Oyler traveled from
house to house, if he encountered anyone with a
toothache, he would stop his buggy on the road
and pull the troublesome tooth right then and
there.

COOPERAGE

Barrels were made in Upper Burrell Town

ship one hundred or more years ago by men such
as Adam Michaels and Walter Sargent. They
were listed as "Coopers" in the Census of 1880. It
took men with special training to do this type of
work, and men with this ability were regarded
highly; they were classified with men of extreme
skill. Maps of 1867 and 1876 show a Cooperage
Shop with the name Byerly at the corner of
Seventh Street Road and Manchester Hill. It is
presumed that Michaels and Sargent worked in
this shop located in the vicinity of the Joe Kanko
and John Schrecengost residences.

CIGAR FACTORY

TANNERIES

Some of the residents on Menk Road (Peg

McCutcheon and Ralph Stewart) recall that there
once was a Cigar Factory on the property now
owned by Wilbur Gallagher. They can point to
the spot where the tobacco drying building once
stood. Nothing else could be learned about the
business except that it was allegedly owned by a
group of Jewish men, and the area was known as
"Jew Hollow" for a number of years in the early
1900's.

There were two tanneries in the early days

of Upper Burrell Township; one was owned by
George Thompson and the other by Henry
Willery. Willery's Tannery was near Milligan
town, in the valley that parallels Stoney Hill
Road. George Thompson's Tannery was in, the
Drennen area at the foot of Merwin Road on the
property where Willie and Pearl Crooks now liv~.
The Crooks have two stones that were once used ill
this operation; one is a flat slab-type stone that
was set-up in a table-like manner and used for
scraping raw animal hides. The other stone was
round with gear teeth and was used in preparing
tree bark needed for the tanning.
The two stones that were vital to George
Thompson's tanning business now serve other
purposes. The long flat stone is part of a stone
walk. The round stone, long treasured by the
Crooks family, has for some time been mounted
on their lawn where passers-by can see this
reminder of man's ingenuity in the era before the
modern machines of today.

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE

For a time during the early 1900's there was

a Telephone Exchange in Milligantown owned
and maintained by a group of local residents in
Miller Artman's Store. This was a convenience
during the period when this was a farming com
munity. The business boasted as to the good
service it performed. It was governed by strict
rules such as - no long conversations, no bugs
were permitted, and of course, gossip was not
allowed; however, there were times when its
interpretation was debated. It was just about
that simple, as there wasn't such a thing as
profanity at that time. Some of the operators
were Hannah Fundus, Minnie Miller, Helen
Palsgrove and Mrs. James Pendleton.

CANE MILL

The 1867 map of Westmoreland County indi

cates that there was a Cane Mill along Milligan
town Road at the intersecLion with Hartge Road,
near the house in which Walter Makara and
family now reside. It is believed that Levi Hill
was the owner of this business around 1870. It is
very likely that a product of the mill was made
from sorghum grown in the vicinity.

STONE QUARRY

During the depression of the 1930's there

was much stone removed from a quarry on John
Ray's farm on the Markle Road. The stone was
quarried by W.P.A. (Work Progress Administra
tion - under President F. D. Roosevelt) workers
for use as a base on the Manchester Hill Road.

WAGON MAKING

Levi (Lee) Gumbert is listed in the 1880

Census as a Wagon Maker, and a map of
35

Plowman in 1979, along the Old Greensburg Road

at the junction with the new four-lane road.
Former auto services were provided by
Homer Bell on the Greensburg Road, Gerald
Myers on Whitten Hollow Road, and William
Hecker on Manchester Hill. From the early 1940's
to the early 60's, Homer Bell operated the gas
station presently located beside Adams Tavern;
then he moved out the road to a site just across
the boundary in Washington Township, where for
about ten years he not only pumped gas, but also
did general auto repair work including State
Inspections, and had a small neighborhood con
venience store. After Bell retired, the property
was acquired by Ralph Santoro, Jr., who set up
the Saro Company Machine Shop which is still in
business there. Gerry Myers specialized in body
and fender repair in his shop from about 1955 to
1972. Bill Hecker did general auto repairs from
1960 to 1972, and he also provided State Inspec
tion and towing services. The first gas station
owned by Homer Bell, was purchased by Eugene
and Patricia Roselle who used it in the 1960's for a
quick food restaurant and then for Gene's office
as Justice of the Peace. During the 1970's it was
operated as a Texaco gas station with a fruit
stand, part of that time. Presently, it is standing
idle.
Two auto sales dealerships formerly were
located in the township. Back in the 1920's, Bill
Swank sold Fords at his blacksmith shop in
Merwin. In the late 1960's, Joseph Mitchell had
an establishment along the Greensburg Road
(Mecco Motors) where he sold Renaults. His
business was eliminated when the four-lane
stretch of Route 366 was extended from Camp
Jo-Ann into Upper Burrell.
MACHINE SHOP AND FABRICATING
H. R. Edgar Machining and Fabricating,
Inc., is located on the Merwin Road mid-way
between Merwin and Drennen. The machining
and welding done here goes into the making of
specialty machines that a customer designs.
Sometimes these machines are "one of a kind."
This business was started in April 1977 and
presently employs twenty skilled machinists and
welders. During the two years of operation in
Upper Burrell it has built machines for customers
as far away as South America. The building that
houses this shop was erected in 1971 by Jomar
Realty, and in the years prior to Edgar Machining
it was occupied by a small metal fabricating shop
and then a warehouse for F. R. Jones, Steel
Distributors.
Bill Stanley has a welding shop in the small
building on Breezewood Lane, formerly occupied
by Zaleski's well drilling equipment. Stanley is a
certified commercial welder with eighteen years
of experience and does small jobs here on the
side.

SUNDAY NEWS
Snowden Beacom and his son, Leonard, de
livered the Sunday paper back in 1930, and on, for
about twenty years; this was "a first" for this
service. Leonard Beacom now lives near Markle
on the Melwood-Markle Road. Many others have
done this since the Beacoms discontinued their
service.

Several Recent

and

Present-Day Businesses

WELL DRILLING AND PUMP SERVICE

Jules Langlois III of Milligantown has been
in the water well drilling business four years. He
drills new wells, cleans out old ones, sells and
services water pumps. His equipment includes a
modern portable drilling machine and a long
wheel-base truck that makes it possible to serve
customers in distant areas. This successful young
businessman possesses an unusual ability - he is
a "Dowser." That is, he can locate water beneath
the ground by using a divining rod.
During the late 1950's and early 1960's Mr.
Ed Zaleski had a similar service located in a small
building at the corner of Breezewood Lane and
Milligantown Road.
Also, during the 1950's and 60's, water pumps
were sold and serviced by Robert J. Vanetta, Sr.,
who lived on Oak Lake Road. Although this was
only a part-time job for Bob, he could be counted
on to respond promptly to any call from some
body with a water emergency. He was very civic
minded and was active in many community activi
ties until his regular job took him to another city
to live.
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR

AND

SALES SERVICES

The Bartells-Thomas Garage is on the

Greensburg Road at the bottom of Whitten Hol
low. This is an old established business that is run
by Vic Thomas and members of his family. In
addition to overall mechanical repairs, this shop
does body work and welding.
Richard's Auto Center, Inc., located along
the Old Greensburg Road near Camp Jo-Ann, also
offers complete auto repairs and service, includ
ing State Inspection. Prior to 1978, it was Falo's
Service Station and before that, Moose's Garage.
The newest business in the township is Gate
way Diesel, specializing in sales and service of
Diesel fuel injection equipment and supply of a
complete line of hydraulic hose and fittings. An
attractive new building was erected by Dwight
36

shop featuring Toro mowers operated by Albert

and Larry Miller, is located on the Greensburg
Road, midway between Whitten Hollow and
Camp Jo-Ann.
Hobbies have grown into small businesses in
two township homes, where persons interested in
ceramics can obtain instructions and materials for
doing their own handiwork, or purchase finished
ceramics. Marg and Dick Wendell's home is
located on Woodridge Lane, just off Rich Hill
Road not far from where the Milligantown School
once stood. The other ceramics place is at the
home of Mrs. Emily (Ray) Bauman on Richard
Street, just behind the Upper Burrell Fire Hall.
"Helen's Hide-away of Gifts" is a small gift
shop where you can purchase hand-made tole and
decorative paintings, dolls, toys, etc. This little
shop is located in the home of Kenneth and Helen
Lawton on Merwin Road, near the intersection
with Seventh Street Road. Their daughter, Mrs.
Patty (Howard) Stone, who lives on the Markle
Road, close to the site of the former Chestnut Hill
School, is a specialist in making party cakes,
cookies and favors for all occasions. For many
years, Mrs. Roy Wills on Myers Drive, baked and
decorated beautiful cakes for parties and special
occasions.
Individual instruction in playing the piano
was taught during the 1950's and 60's by Mrs.
Lorraine (Frederick) Hartge in Milligantown, and
Mr. Fred Ewing on Seventh Street Road.
Recordings for Recovery is a non-profit
organization originated in 1958 by Ralph and
Gretchen Hoy, formerly of Oakmont, to bring the
therapeutic value of music to shut-ins. Through
out the world, in veterans' and children's hos
pitals, in sanitariums and in hundreds of private
homes, the sick and lonely have come under the
healing influence of music of "R4R." No charges
are made. Special programs of music are selected
for the individual patient and put on tape by
Ralph Hoy in his winter studio in Upper Burrell
or in his summer studio in the Adirondack Moun
tains. Since retirement from Alcoa twelve ye rs
ago, Mr. and Mrs. Hoy have made their home in
an apartment attached to the residence of their
son, Malcolm Hoy, on Myers Drive.
Player pianos are sold and repaired by Ronald
Eiler in his horne in Keibler's Beach. He also sells
n:usic rolls for player pianos and repairs regular
planos.
Also, in Kiebler's Beach are the Kiebler
Kennels. Horner Kiebler raises and sells regis
tered poodles, yorki~s and toy terriers.
MOBILE HOME PARKS
Vincent Flotta started the first Upper Burrell
Mobile Home Park along the Greensburg Road in
1950, and Harold Morrow started another near
the lower end of the Merwin Road, in 1970. Both
parks are in operation today.

PROFESSIONAL HOME

OCCUPATIONS, SERVICES

In 1959, Mrs. Peggy Ann (Rennie) Rametta

started The Peggy Ann Dance School on Man
chester Hill, which for nineteen years was a
popular community institution. She taught clas
ses of young people three-years of age and up in
tap, ballet and acrobatic dancing, and tumbling;
students came from all around the Alle-Kiski
Valley. Some students continued to study and
help with the classes, and graduated as dancing
teachers, including Upper Burrell girls: Mary
Eileen (Crowell) Andre, Deanna Marsh, Elaine
(Sprowls) Spana, and Patty Ann (Taylor)
Wagner. "Miss Peggy" arranged for the dancers
to obtain experience in performing by holding an
annual dance revue and by arranging dancing
entertainment for many organizations in the
area.
Starting in 1957, the new home of Louis and
Mary Petrigni at the lower end of Myers Drive,
became a hub of family business activity for a
period of fifteen years. Mary started a food
catering business, a new kind of service in this
district. She has served as many as three wed
ding receptions on a single Saturday, and picnic
crowds as large as two-thousand. Over the same
period of time Louis was active in the collection
and selling of antiques. After some bad experi
ence with flood waters in 1972, Louis moved his
antique business to a shop in New Kensington
and Mary discontinued the catering service.
Louis specializes in books, paintings and furni
ture, and presently is an advisor for the newly
formed Greater New Kensington Antique Dealer
Association.
There are two licensed beauticians operating
home beauty shops. Mrs. Dorothy (Ronald) Eiler's
shop is located on Alta Drive in Keibler's Beach,
and Mrs. Mary Lou (Jack) Reynold's shop is at
the corner of Seventh Street and Lower Drennen
Roads.
Rennie Rametta of Manchester Hill has forty
years of experience doing electrical wiring and
has had his own business since 1958. He does both
residential and commercial wiring and has many
satisfied customers throughout the Alle-Kiski
area. In the 1960's Joseph Mitchell had an elec
trical contracting business on the Old Greensburg
Road near Camp Jo-Ann, until the building- was
destroyed by fire in 1969.
T. G. Howard and Associates, specializing in
lot- farm surveys and subdivision plans, is oper
ated by Tom Howard, a registered surveyor, of
Merwin Road, and his son, Kenneth. E. C. Kirk
wood and Associates, also specializing in sub
division plans, is operated by Edward C. Kirk
wood, registered professional engineer of Hill
view Drive.
The ALACO Lawn Mower Sales and Service

37

Commercial Recreation

In 1972, Bernie Conley became the owner of

this nine-hole golf course that provides golfers, as
well as would-be golfers, of the area many hours
of relaxation and entertainment.
There "always" have been horses at the
Ralph McIntyre Farm on Seventh Street Road
across from the end of Myers Drive. In the late
1930's and early '40's Ralph operated the Country
Estate Riding Club, had riding horses for rent
and also kept horses for others. Again, for sev
eral years in the late 1950's, James Brown from
Arnold, leased the McIntyre facilities and oper
ated a riding stable. And, from time to time,
according to the season, Ralph would hitch-up his
team and take groups on hayrides and bobsled
rides.
In the late 1950's and early 60's, there was
the William Brown riding stable on the lower part
of Myers Drive.

Keibler's Beach was a popular place on hot

summer days. This was one of the first public
swimming pools in the New Kensington area.
Yetter Keibler opened it to the public in 1927.
Nineteen years later it was closed due to the
water being polluted by a nearby coal mining
operation. This section of Upper Burrell along the
Greensburg Road is still called "Keibler's Beach."

F"om
THE KENSINGTON KEYSTONE
February 24, 1898
MILLlO"NTOW~

. ,USINO!!.

:lliss Della WoHunl is a suffer Irom

chicken pox.
Henry :llichels. of Waluut 11 ill , has
mond to the (alll\\'el1 larm.
Jacou '.\'illeT\, who has been sid" for
seyeral wed~s. 'is cou,alescelJl.
:lli!>S :llan' Warrell. \\ho is cOllfined 10
her ued "iti! typhoi,1 fenr, fails to iUl'
pro"e
:\la~Rie .-I.u.lerson "\isitinjZ her grand'
fa:her. :\Ir. :\Ilclldtrre. ne.1r Sllearer's X
Roads
:\Irs Sarah )Iilli;:an walke,1 about the
hou:>e last FriJ3\'. tlle tirst Sluce she haJ
her arU! brokeu .
\\'01. Heyer is 1I0t altending literar~
just now. \\'llile choppiog woou a sticl<.
flew up aoJ hil him io the nose.
. ,\ comparalively small \ote ....... 5 polled
io l'pper Burrell township. Here are
tbe results Town Clerk. S. C. ~lc,
Corkle 27. B. C. Porter 53. School Di,
. rec~or:). M. Swanl<. n. W. H, Wylie 41,
J. ~. Gill 44. John :lllIler 53. John Buter
I; Super\'lsor: D. P. FrY'er 43. John Ross
Ii. L. Wolford 65. J, T Ge<>rjZe 35. An
dltor: John :llenk .33. S E Cochran 41;
Judjo(e of Election. C. :II. :\IcElroy 3-1.
W. C. :lloorhead 43. R. "I. 1I1oorhead I.
\\" R. Andersoo i; Inspector: R. ~.
Amlerson .\9. W. T. Borlaod 44: As~ist_
allt Assessor: \\'. H. \\')'jie 46. J. J.
Porte, 32, \\'. J. Ross 3. J. T. George I.

Keibler's Beach ona busy day in 1932.

George and Gladys Lange built a lake and

stocked it with fish. This was a convenience for
the local fisherman; they could try their luck here
while munching on some of the goodies sold at the
snack bar. It was located in the heart of Merwin
during the 1950's.
The Oak Lake Public Golf Course was built in
the early 1950's. It took four men - Dick Myers,
Ike Finn, Jud Dunbar and Jim Dunbar to convert
a cow pasture and a couple of adjoining cornfields
into this beautiful and challenging golf course on
Oak Lake Road.

l\Iiilingatown literarv society is now

in tronhle. Aholltth,ee weeks "Ko two
younK men of that cOlnnlllllity broke one
of the school house seats. The school
directors and the societv requested the
young Ulell to replace the broken seat
with a new Dill'. aile of them a;:reed to
bear 1115 share of the expense of a new
seat but the other flatly refuseu.
Tlle
society at ils Ineelill/: Friday evelling
nOllfied these YOUIlJo[ mellthat the broken
seat tIlust be replacelj with a new one
before its next' Uleeting or prosecutioD
will follow.

38

CHURCHE

Many of the early American settlers were individuals seeking religious freedom. Presbyterians from
Scotland and Ireland, in particular, were attracted by William Penn's views favoring religious independ
ence with complete separation of the church and civil government, and they migrated in great numbers to
Pennsylvania. Many of these found their way into Westmoreland County and consequently there were a
number of Presbyterian churches already in existence in this part of the country long before Upper Burrell
Township was established. Therefore, early residents of Upper Burrell often attended church in
neighboring townships. For example, there were convenient Presbyterian churches at Poke Run, Markle,
Puckety (Lower Burrell), Parnassus, and Union (Rt. 380 near Camp Jo-Ann).
Nevertheless, a number of small churches were organized in Upper Burrell, at one time or another,
and these are described in the following pages. Today the residents of the township represent a wide
variety of religious preferences, and for the most part, travel to neighboring communities to go to church .
. . except, of course, the members of our own Manchester R.P. Church and The Community Baptist
Church.

Manchester Reformed
Presbyterian Church

his farm around 1820, and in 1844, Mr. and Mrs.

Milligan deeded two acres of land, including
"building improvements, woods, ways, water
courses, rights and liberties" to the "Reformed
Presbyterian Church or Old Side Covenanters ...
to be used, kept and held as a church yard and
place of religious worship ... forever." Thus, the
church came to be known as Manchester instead
of Puckety.

Rev. Robert R. Fullerton

The present Manchester Reformed Presbyterian Church is

located on Manchester Hill [road named for the church]. at the
same site as the original log building erected over one hundred
thirty years ago.

The register of members in full communion

in the Manchester Society in June 1851, included
the following names: Elders: John Ross and
Samuel Milligan; Margaret Ross, Jane Ross,
James Stuart, Mrs. Stuart, Thomas Rowan,
Elizabeth Rowan, Robert Rowan, Anna Rowan,
John Hunter, Mary Ann Hunter, Mary Hunter,
Sarah Hunter, Robert Anderson, Anna Anderson,
James Nelson, Nancy Nelson, John Reed, Martha
Reed, Alexander Miller, Elizabeth Miller, John
Dunn, Sarah Dunn, John Crooks, Katharine
Crooks, Eleanor McLaughlin, Elizabeth McLaugh
lin, Jane Hill, Margaret Rowan and Mrs. Ann
Marshall. The Pastor at the time was the Rev.
Oliver Wylie who also served the Brookland
Society near Freeport.

The Manchester Congregation of the

Reformed Presbyterian Church (Covenanter)
began as a "society," a part of the Ohio Congrega
tion. This group first met around 1795, in the
home of John Anderson who lived near Little
Puckety Creek. It was known as the Puckety
Society. Samuel Milligan moved into the area
about 1802, and in 1804, received a land patent
from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania known
as Manchester. These two families were among
the earliest settlers in the area to become known
as Milligantown. Mr. Milligan, an Elder in the
R.P. Church, had a church built on the corner of
39

Mr. Milligan died in 1862, and was buried in

the cemetery alongside the Manchester Church.

Another cemetery was started in about 1899,

when one of the church members was offended by
some church actions and removed the bodies of
his friends from the church cemetery to his own
farm on Hunter Hill. Gravestones are present in
both cemeteries, but neither is being used today.

Tombstones in the Hunter Hill Cemetery for John Hunter; and

his parents, Alexander and Elizabeth Hunter; Elizabeth being a
daughter of John and Elizabeth Anderson.

After the Civil War, with farm families be

ginning a movement to new urban communities,
many of the Manchester members moved to the
Borough of Parnassus and built their own place of
worship in 1871. In 1889, the new Parnassus
Congregation was organized, most of the charter
members coming from the roll of the Manchester
Congregation. The Rev. James C. McFeeters
came to the Manchester-Parnassus Congregation
and was installed in a service at the Manchester
Church on June 19,1874. Church, Sabbath" School
and the Women's Missionary Society flourished
under his leadership until he resigned in 1888.
Dr. McFeeters preached in both churches each
Lord's Day, riding horseback between them.
From 1886 until 1888, he also preached in the
Brookland Church, extending his horse ride each
week. In 1889, Parnassus was given separate
existence, and Manchester was united with the
Brookland Society. This new Congregation
gradually declined, until Manchester was dis
organized in 1904, and Brookland united with
Parnassus in 1933. Around about 1904, the old
Manchester building was razed and the timbers
used in the construction of a local barn.
In the early 1940's, religious classes were
sponsored by the Parnassus Congregation in the
new Upper Burrell Elementary School, when
40

Bethesda

Evangelical Lutheran

Church

the Pastor of the Parnassus Congregation, Rev.

Phillip Martin, lived at Merwin. When Alcoa an
nounced plans to build a new research center in
the Upper Burrell Township there was no church
activity in the vicinity. Because of the expected
development, and because the church still owned
the old Manchester property, the Parnassus Con
gregation began a renewal of church work in
Upper Burrell. Worship services were held
weekly in the Upper Burrell Elementary School,
starting December 1, 1957. The next spring a
Chapel was begun on the old church site, on
Manchester Hill, and was dedicated September
27, 1958. For the next two and one-half years
worship services were held both in the Parnassus
building and in the Manchester Chapel. On June
4, 1961, the last service was held in Parnassus
and the Congregation officially moved to the
Manchester site. In 1962, a parsonage was built
beside the Chapel. In 1963, a classroom addition
was added, and in 1969, an attractive Sanctuary
was completed over the classroom area. The
original Chapel now serves as a fellowship hall.
The Rev. Robert R. Fullerton, called to be
the Pastor of the Parnassus Congregation in
1956, has led in this renewal of the Manchester
Church and Congregation. It is of historical in
terest that in February, 1872, Mrs. Cannon, wife
of the first Pastor of the New Alexandria R.P.
Congregation wrote in the REFORMED PRES
BYTERIAN: "New Alexandria became a regular
place of preaching in 1819. The field was a prom
ising one, and in order to cultivate it, Mr. Cannon
gave up the Thompson Run and Puckety Branches,
they being the strongest and most wealthy." It is
interesting to note, that in the Providence of God,
Mr. Fullerton, born and raised in the New Alex
andria Congregation, should be the one to lead in
this renewal of old Puckety, now Manchester.
The present membership of the congregation
numbers about 90. The membership includes the
Lowell Zadai family. Mrs. Zadai is a great-great
granddaughter of John Hunter, listed on the
Manchester roll in 1851. She is also a great-great
great-great grandaughter of John Anderson in
whose home the first Covenanter Society meet
ings were held.
The present members of the Session are:
Elders: James Blair, William Swank and Michael
Mastorovich. Lowell Zadai is Chairman of the
Congregation and Laura Berdyck is the Secretary.
The congregation holds an annual Vacation Bible
School and summer camp program that serves
many in the community, not members of the
Congregation. The church building use is increas
ing by groups in the community.
As the Manchester Congregation looks to its
early days in Upper Burrell Township, it also
looks to the future with the desire of service to its
Lord and its community for many, many more
years.

This church, now located in the city of Lower

Burrell, was for many years (1864 to 1939) situ
ated high on a hill along Guyer Road in Upper
Burrell Township. It had its beginning, however,
in Allegheny Township, and its original name was
the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church. It
was organized in 1850, by the Rev. David Earhart
of Leechburg, two years before Burrell Township
was created. The small congregation of 19 mem
bers built a frame church along the old Glade
Road (Leechburg Road) across from the present
site of Jim WoUe's garage. The building was
dedicated on November 1, 1852, under the new
name of Bethesda (meaning House of Mercy).
Ten years later the congregation decided to
move to a new location on Guyer Road near the
Yetter schoolhouse where they worshipped until
the new church building was completed. A lot
was purchased from Mr. William Ashbaugh at the
intersection of Guyer Road and another township
road that was later named after the church
(Bethesda Drive).
The new church building was built at a cost
of only $800! This low cost was made possible be
cause most of the labor was provided by the
parishioners. It is told that lumber used in the
building was sawed from logs floated in rafts
down the Allegheny River to Chartiers Station
(Edgecliff). When the building was dismantled in
1940, white pine boards one inch thick by twenty
four inches wide were found in the structure. The
new building was dedicated on June 25, 1864.
The movement into the country was precipi
tated by the construction of a new Lutheran
church in Tarentum, thereby providing a more
convenient place of worship for Allegheny County
Lutherans who had been in the habit of crossing
the river on Sundays to come to the Bethesda
Church. For these people this meant crossing the
river by ferry to Chartiers Station, and then
riding by horse and buggy up the hill to the Glade
Road, and then to the church. The new location
on Guyer Road placed the church close to the
village of Markle on the one side and close to the
Yetter schoolhouse on the other side. This site
was closer to the farms of a number of the mem
bers and closer to regions of anticipated develop
ment of the population.
After many years of growth and service at
this location, the building was renovated during
the summer of 1920, at a cost of $1735. It was
rededicated by Pastor Oscar Woods on October
10, 1920, with many of the sons and daughters of
Bethesda returning to do honor to their mother
church.
41

,
church building in Upper Burrell and information
about its history. Mr. and Mrs. Bair reside in a
very old farm house on Bair Road just across th.e
boundary in Lower Burrell, but much of their
farm land lies in Upper Burrell.

The

Methodist Episcopal

Church

The church as it looked in 1925.

The Methodist Church of Merwin no longer

exists, but it was formerly located on the grounds
presently owned by the Alcoa Technical Center.
A small wooden church was built in McLaughlins
ville (See map) around about 1870, on a lot deeded
by Samuel Greer and his wife on April 22, 1874,
to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church
at McLaughlinsville, "to hold the said lot ... so
long as the same shall be occupied as a Christian
Church." The Trustees were: Jacob A. Arm
strong, John S. Baxter, Frederick Bear, Samuel
Greer, and Joseph Springer. The McLaughlins
ville Church, along with the three neighboring
Methodist churches of Bethel in Lower Burrell,
New Hope in Allegheny Township and Parnassus,
comprised a circuit served by one pastor. Early
pastors serving this circuit were J. T. Riley, A.
H. Norcross, Robert Cartwright, Robert Hamil
ton, Alexander Scott and J. B. Gray.
No records could be found of the membership
or activities of the church, but according to
accounts of senior citizens, worship services were
held right along into the first part of this century.
Mrs. Abbie (Kunkle) Hischemellor recalls that
during her youth up to the year 1916, she would
accompany her parents to the Pine Run Presby
terian Church in Markle on Sunday morning and
the Methodist Church in Merwin in the afternoon.
There were the good oyster dinners on Sunday
evenings. The last two pastors serving this
church were the Reverends Wood and Baldridge.
The church membership dwindled and the
building was finally torn down around the time of
the First World War. The property was returned
to the tax rolls of Westmoreland County in 1934,
and assessed to the Greer heirs.

During the 1920's and 30's, however, the

membership dwindled as the agricultural activity
in Upper Burrell decreased and the c?,:mtry
people moved into Lower Burrell and the Cities of
New Kensington and Arnold. In 1939, under the
leadership of Pastor Theodore Althof (1936 to
1940) the congregation, by that time dow~ to
nineteen members, decided to move back mto
Lower Burrell, where the population was rapidly
increasing. A new brick building was built along
Leechburg Road, (between the Stewart School
and the Hillcrest Shopping Center). It was dedi
cated March 31,1940.
A cemetery remains on the old church lot in
Upper Burrell and a monument marks the site
where the church stood.

Looking out over the cemeter~ on~ sees a

beautiful panorama of PennsylvanIa hills. The
oldest gravestone dates back to 1852, with the
name of Henry Ashbaugh. Other stones bear
family names which appeared on the U.S. Census
of 1880, such as, Slonaker, Bair, Spiker, Fink,
Porter, Cupps, Knappenberger, Willery, Rupp,
Hamilton and Eyler.
Bethesda parishioners keep the cemetery
looking well, as it is still used as the final resting
place for members of the Bethesda family.
Vernon and Ella (Frederick) Bair have been
very helpful in furnishing the photograph of the

Community Baptist
Church
This Lincoln Beach church got its start dur
ing the middle 1930's, with worship services held
in the living room of the Reverend Mr. P.au! S.
Woods. The fellowship soon outgrew the hmited
42

space in their pastor's home, and they built a

church. The building was erected by Mr. Peter
Vest in 1938, on a lot at the corner of Washington
Boulevard and Johnson Street, given for that
purpose by Mr. Fred Broad. The congregation
welcomed worshippers from various denomina
tions and it took the appropriate name of the
"Community Church." The Reverend Guy John
son was the first pastor to preach in their new
worship center.
The congregation, in 1952, elected to join the
Baptist Union, and the name of the church then
became the Community Baptist Church. The
present membership is about thirty, consisting
principally of residents of Lincoln Beach, and
the pastor is the Reverend Vincent Ponder, a
resident of Wilkinsburg.

Route 366. The property was purchased in 1943

from Fred Broad, the New Kensington realtor
who had previously developed the site into a
recreation area for the adjacent Lincoln Beach
residents.
The camp bears the name of the founder, the
Rev. John D. Bell, who served as superintendent
of the camp from its beginning until his death in
1957. The Rev. Bell had a vision for the camp and
he wrote, in part: "It is the desire of my heart
that this camp remain in the hands of my colored
brethren forever. This shall be for their advance
ment in their work . . ." He organized camp
meetings every summer during the last two
weeks of July and the first week of August.
Church people came from all parts of Western
Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, to participate in
the evangelistic and musical services. Crowds as
large as 400 to 500 would be in attendance during
the late 1940's and early fifties.

The Bethlehem Temple

Faith Church
The Bethlehem Temple Faith Curch, now
located in Arnold, began in the early 1940's, when
evangelist Sallie Duncan of Chicago came to hold
services at the Community Church in Lincoln
Beach. She held prayer meetings and made visits
here from Chicago as often as she could to keep
up the faith.
Later on, Mrs. Marcy donated her home to
serve as the first church building for the parish
ioners. The men of the church remodeled the
house to serve as their temple. The church pros
pered here, and even started plans to build a
home for the aged in Lincoln Beach. However,
the idea never became a reality, and the church
fell upon hard times. In the early 1960's, the home
that served as their church was condemned be
cause of mine subsidence. The congregation then
rented a small store across the Greensburg Road
(route 366) in Plum Borough. Josephine Jennings
and Pastor Stewart served as heads of the con
gregation of ten during these troubled times for
the church.
In 1969, the congregation moved to 1374
Fourth Avenue in Arnold, and still is at that
location. The present pastor is the Reverend
Almond Bailey, and John Oliver of Lincoln Beach
is Assistant Pastor.

1954
Lincoln Beach Tabernacle with new book store front

During the inspirational camp meetings,

many souls were saved and a number of the
participants went on from these camp experi
ences to become nationally known evangelists
and singers. Among these were evangelist Rev.
Howard Jones, Rev. Tom Skinner and Rev.
Charles Williams, and singers Jimmie McDonald
and the Jones Sister.
In 1956 the Rev. Virginia E. Blair was
brought to the camp by Mr. Bell, where she built a
house, took up residence and became camp direc
tor in 1960. The adult attendance at the camp
meetings has declined somewhat, but Mrs. Blair
has developed an active three-month summer
period of camping for children aged three to ten
years. Camp Joy, as it is called by Sister Blair, is
non-denominational and draws children from all
around. Workers from various churches in near
by communities assist with programs. In addition
to the tabernacle, the camp facilities include a
modern kitchen, shower facilities and a dormitory
that sleeps forty campers. The camp is a member
of the Christian Camping International Organiza
tion and is registered by the Pennsylvania De

The John D. Bell Camp

The John D. Bell Camp is a church camp
owned and operated by Branch No. 2 of the
Christian Missionary and Alliance Church. It con
sists of a twenty-three acre tract nestled in a
valley between the residential areas of Lincoln
Beach and Keibler's Beach along Pennsylvania
43

partment of Environmental Resources.

Sister Blair is active in Upper Burrell relig
ious life in other ways, as she is an ordained
minister for the Church of the Brethren. She has
established a "Dial-A-Devotion" program, so that
when you dial her number (See the page of
Business Patrons), a recording of her voice brings
a bit of scripture and a thought for the day.
Although she has an injury to one leg which
forces her to walk with the aid of crutches, she
presses further with God's work than most of us

with sound limbs. She makes an annual two to

four-month missionary visit - (1979 was the
fourth trip) - to Nigeria, Africa, at a location
about sixty to one hundred miles from the coast.
Living in the bush with the natives, she teaches
Bible, treats them in a medical clinic which she
helped to build, and shows them how to raise
improved vegetable gardens. The people love
their "Mumma" Blair from Upper Burrell Town
ship.

Dispatch - March 29, 1961

Our Readers' Opinions

Plea for Manchester in Verse

To The Editor:
This isn't a tale of fraud and
connivers
It concerns a decision of the
supervisors
To change the name of Man
chester Hill.
The people who live there want
it "Manchester" still.
If you lived on a street and
loved its name
Would you fight to keep the
name the same?
Or would you sit back and twid
dle your thumbs,
And sigh, "We'll just have to
take what comes.
The people who live on Man
chester Hill.
Petitioned to' keep the name
"Manchester" still.
But the planning board mem
bers don't agree
(And not one of them Jives on
the Hill, you see.)
The board recommends that
Milligantown Road

Should end at the Hil! then be

come "Oak Lake".
Make the Hill the tail end of
Milligantown Road,
All this to be done for "conven
ience sake."
-because drivers on Seventh
Street won't know the way.
To get to Milligantown Road,
these sages say.
But we say, "put a sign at lh~
intersection;
Let an arrow point in that di
rection; "
"Milligantown Road one - half
mile." We wouldn't object '0
that, you see;
We just want our own idenlity.
They can change "Milligantown
Road" to "Oak Lake."
But let's keep "Manchester"
for sentiment's sake.
For untold Y"ars it has been the
same.

44

The old church that burned W~

of that name.
One stone reads, "BuriEd, 1 31."
And in years, that's over a hun
dred and some.
Now this tale goes deeper than
just getting our choice.
It's rather a test of how much
of a voice.
We have in our government.
(The government who believe5
in the "consent of the govern
ed")
The supervisors have the final
say:
Do they believe in the American
way?
Will they honor the petition, and
the people's claim?
Will Manchester Hill keep its
name?
M. HEIDRICH
RD 1, Manchester Hill

HO

This history of our schools is the combination of two articles researched and prepared by Mrs. Edythe
Ewing, retired teacher; and Mr. Mark Maszgay, student at Penn State New Kensington Campus.

The Neighborhood

One-Room Schools

township and Willie Crooks wired the schools

which were still being used. Finally, there was
adequate light, even on cloudy days.
The one teacher in each school was respon
sible for teaching all subjects to all grades ... a
practice much like the "new open classrooms" of
today. Reading and arithmetic were considered
the most essential subjects, but students also
received instruction in spelling, grammar,
American history, geography, physiology, civil
government, mental arithmetic and penmanship.
Later, music and art became part of the curricu
lum. In addition to these duties, the teacher was
expected to handle the custodial chores._ Al
though someone else would clean the outhouses,
cut the grass and weeds and make the schoolroom
ready for the beginning of the fall term, the
teacher had to bring in the coal for the stove,
keep the room as comfortable as possible, remove
the ashes every day and keep the room clean.
Regarding teacher qualifications, applicants
had to be; at least 18 years of age, of good moral
character, sound physical and mental health, and
not in the habit of using drugs or narcotics. It was
also essential that the application had been prop
erly completed at the County Superintendent's
Office. As was already described, the teachers
were expected to handle quite a few teaching and
custodial duties; however, in 1880, they earned
only about $24 per month. In 1885, their salaries
had increased to approximately $35 per month,
but in 1914, they were still only receiving around
$50 per month. Today the starting salary for an
elementary grade teacher is about $861 per
month ($7,750 for a nine-month school year).

The earliest schools, which came into being

in the region of our township around the middle
1800's, were one-room structures with a simple
little porch and a bell on the roof. There was a
drilled well for water and two outhouses ... one
for the boys and the other for the girls.
As you entered the only doorway at the back
of the room, there was a small cupboard for
storing books and supplies, a bench which held
the bucket of drinking water, a dipper and a
basin. Some children brought their own drinking
cup, others used the common tin cup. Since
distance prevented most children from going
home for lunch, the teacher supplied soap and
towels to encourage the clean hand habit. In the
center of the room, to provide the only source of
heat, there was a pot-bellied stove with a pipe
extending through the ceiling. On either side of
the central aisle, the desks were arranged in rows
facing the front of the room and fastened securely
to the wooden floor. As you approached the front,
there were recitation benches where classes, by
grades, would sit to recite, perform their skills
and do oral reading. Blackboards extended across
the front of the room. On each side of the room
were the three large windows which provided the
only source of light. Shades were raised to admit
light, but during dull gloomy days, reading and
preparing assignments was very difficult. This
changed in 1938, when electricity came to the

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45

-r I I JllI: E -r I e ... " "

In these early days the school year was only

five months in length and attendance was option
al. As a result, in 1880, with 209 students en
rolled, the attendance averaged about eighty-five
per cent, and in 1884 the 197 students averaged
only about seventy-nine per cent. In 1895, the
Compulsory Attendance Act was passed and chil
dren aged eight to sixteen were required to
attend classes.
Although the law required that there be a
sufficient number of schools so that every child
could attend, it was not mandatory to provide
transportation for any child within a two-mile
radius. Most students walked to school, but when
transportation was first provided it was very
different from the familiar bright yellow buses of
today. The earliest transportation provided was
by sled or a horse-drawn wagon, with benches on
each side. George Myers took the children from
Seventh Street to the Milligantown School in just
this manner. A little later (in the 1920's), a
secondhand Model-T truck was transformed into
a fine vehicle with seats on both sides, a door in
the back and temporary steps to make entrance
easy. Because this provided a welcome change
from walking, school transportation was con
sidered special, and there were never any be
havior problems. However, on Gilbert Beestrice's
route from Merwin to Chestnut Hill School, some
times the deep mud caused the wheels to sink
down almost to the axle. In case of breakdown,
Tom Clements would make the run in his private
car. Steve Stein took care of the Coal Hill route.
Drivers were paid $50 per month and were re
sponsible for fuel and repairs (almost as much pay
as the teachers received)!
In early schools, examination questions were
made by the teacher and written on the black
board. Students were required to write their
answers on a sheet of paper and return it to the
teacher for grading as soon as they had completed
the examination. Correct answers were import
ant, but the teacher also made note of the time
required to answer the questions.
A good teacher was always willing to help
every student, especially in the one-room
schools. The teacher usually paid closer attention
to students finishing the eighth grade, however,
since more often than not, the teacher had a hope
or dream that one of the students might someday
become successful. This special interest in some
students was generally brought about because of
the students' ability to lear-n. In such cases, the

teacher encouraged these knowledgable students

to take the County Examination and further their
education. The County Examination, given on
two different dates in the spring, tested accom
plishments in reading, writing, spelling, arith
metic, grammar, geography, history and civil
government.
For those who planned to teach in public
schools or go on to college, the next step was a
private academy, usually church affiliated. The
Poke Run Presbyterian Church had such an
academy, and the Rev. John Moulton Jones,
Pastor of the Pine Run Presbyterian Church in
nearby Markle, organized the Markle Normal
Academy in 1875. Academies were the forerun
ners of present day high schools, and after the
opening of Parnassus High School in 1896, and
New Kensington High School in 1898, Upper
Burrell students attended these schools for
further education. In later years, students could
attend any of the local high schools.
When Upper Burrell Township was created
in 1879, there were four one-room schools in the
township, as shown by the Westmoreland County
Atlas published in 1876 (see map on page 118). The
four original schools were named: Chestnut Hill
(No. 1), Milligantown (No.2), Walnut Hill (No.3),
and Crawford-Whitten (No.4). We could find no
record of the date of construction of these
schools. However, judging from earlier published
maps of Burrell Township, the school houses were
built prior to 1857, probably after the Penn
sy lvania General Assembly passed the Free
Public School Act in 1834. Later, as the popula
tion growth concentrated in various neighbor
hoods, four more schools were added: Menk (No.
5), Joint (No.6), Merwin (No.7), and Black or
Oakwood (No.8). All of these did not operate
continuously because of the variable number of
school age children available from time to time.
This also meant that a teacher might one year
teach in one school, but be required to teach at a
different school the following year.
All of the one-room schools were closed per
manently in 1939, and there is scarcely a trace of
anyone of them to be found today. The old
buildings usually were auctioned by the School
Board for about $100 to $200, dismantled and
hauled away. As part of the lease agreements,
the land reverted to the land owners.
The following presents some additional infor
mation about each school, photographs of the
schoolhouses and groups of pupils.

CHESTNUT HILL SCHOOL [No.1]

This school, located on the west side of the Markle Road on the top of a ridge about one milE' from
Merwin was named for the chestnut trees that once covered the hill. In 1879, the property belonged to
John C. Wiley and later to William J. and Hazel Troutman. It is now part of the Alcoa property.
46

1913
[Left to Right - First Row]: Jesse Miller, Lloyd Hartman, Hugh

Porter, John Miller, Claude Kunkle.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Unidentified, Orr Porter, Earl

Klingensmith, Hazel Kunkle, Ruth Porter, Minnie Miller, Erma

Ray, Unidentified, Unidentified.

[Left to Right - Third Row]: Unidentified, Calvin Borland,

Lillian Wylie, Hazel Porter; Myrtle Wylie, Teacher; Mrs.

Wylie, mother visiting; Mrs. Will Wylie, mother visiting; Alice

Kunkle, Edna Hartman, John Ray, Jr.

Chestnut Hill School

1917 -1918
[Left to Right - First Row]: Roy Troutman, Earl Klingensmith,

Florence Hillard.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Erma Ray, Hughes Porter;

Margaret McCullough Crooks, Teacher; Christine Scott.

1931 - 1932
[Left to Right - First Row]: Bob Wilson, Bill Foster, Orville
Hill, Carl Troutman, Alfred Miller, Wayne Wilson, Nick
Kolakowski, Raymond McElroy, Eddie Kolakowski, Chester

Kolakowski, Buddy McCutcheon.

[Left to Right-Second Row]: Ruth Troutman, Milly McCutcheon,

Evelyn Vogler, Lois Watson; Miss Jean Dunlap, Teacher;

Mildred Fryer, Laura Bell Beech, Ruby Hill, Catherine

McCutcheon, June McCutcheon.

ILeft to Right - Third Row]: Nelson Watson, Adam Troutman.

1932 - 1933
[Left to Right - First Row]: Raymond Robin, Billy Troutman,
Francis McCutcheon, Alfred Miller, Edward Kolakowski,
Catherine McCutcheon, June McCutcheon, Raymond Robson,

Richard McCutcheon.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Billy Foster, Nick Kolakowski,

Ruth Troutman, Wayne Wilson, Merle Bentley, Millie

McOutcheon, Raymond McElroy, Glen Borland, Carlyle

Troutman, Laura Belle Beech.

[Left to Right - Third Row]: Mild1'ed Fryer Finney, Beatrice

Elston, Lois Watson, Bill Elston, Nelson Watson, Chester

Kolakowski, Robert Wilson, Joe Blasko; Mrs. Stella Hauger

Hill Elwood, Teacher.

1937
[Left to Right - First Row]: Rosemary George, June Porter,
Marie Nealer, Norma Lee McCutcheon, Mary Ellen McElroy,
Patricia Galentine, Eugene Jones, Mike Blasko, Chester Jones,

Hugh Orr Porter.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Alberta Drew Pearson, Louise

Jones, Louise Foster Ross, Virginia Kolakowski, Ruth Drew,

Harry McOutcheon, Frank Blasko, Mildred Drew, Calvin

McElroy.

[Left to Right - Third Row]: Lillian Jones; Miss Ann~ Rosa

Hughes, Teacher; Eddie Kolakowski, Unidentified, Dale

Copeland, absent; Robert Georgp, absent.

47

An appealing story based on facts is told in verse by a former pupil, John K. Wylie, who was born in
1865, son of John and Margaret Wylie. This poem was composed on the occasion of a visit in 1934 to this
boyhood school, after an absence of fifty-two years. In order to identify himself, he presented to the
teacher, Miss Shoop of New Kensington, the last monthly report he had received January 10, 1882, and
signed by W. H. Sproull, teacher.
Humor and Pathos

I have always thought - and think so still,

That the greatest of schools - is Chestnut Hill.

Where we boys and girls - all came to school,

To prepare ourselves - from becoming a fool.

How well we succeeded - it is hard to tell,

For some did good - and some did well,

And some left school- the world to roam,

And some got married - and started a home.

As I started to school - as a very small boy,

My life was mixed - with fright and joy,

As my teacher Miss Sweeney - who thoughtfully

Taught me the rudiment of - my ABC's.

And on real bad days - when she couldn't go

home,
She would take my hand - and we would roam
Down to my home - and you can bet
That is why I was called - "The Teacher's Pet."
My next teacher was - a Mr. McGeary,

He was a large man - and his face was hairy.

His first name I am sure - they called him Elliot,

What he taught you, you never forgot.

He taught three years - and then went hence

To live on his farm - and repair his fence.

Then came his successor - a mean young dude,

That gave me a Whipping - that, was very rude.

But, he's still alive - and you can bet,

I'll watch my chance - and get him yet,

For he's only a lad - of seventy-six,

And when I whip him - he'll be in a fix.

Of all the teachers - I have ever had,

He's the only one living - for which I am glad.

Wylie is the name - I am glad to say

For he's John Calvin - and I'm John K.

My last teacher's name - was W. H. Sproull,

A fine young man - with never a scowl.

My schooldays were over - so well I knew,

In Eighteen Hundred - and Eighty-two.

John K. Wylie, "Seventy Years of Reminis

cences," New Record Publishing Company,
Apollo, Pennsylvania [1935] pages 8-9.
Editor's Note: As is explained in "Seventy
Years of Reminiscences, "Mr. Wylie did in fact
further his education at the Markle Academy, for
which he also wrote a poem. Also contained in
that book, Mr. Wylie notes the two poems "fully
cover his entire education. "

MILLIGANTOWN SCHOOL [No.2]

Named for Jameson Milligan who operated the nearby grist mill, this school was located on a bank
overlooking Little Pucketos Creek, near the bottom of Rich Hill Road. When this school was closed ill 1939,
the lumber was used for a house built at Camp JoAnn, and the bell from the steeple was placed on a post in
the front yard.
48

Winter of 1919 -1920

[Left to Right - First Row]: Olin Baxter, Gilbert Beestrice,
Edrw Baxter, Lela Baxter, Blanche Guyer, Mildred Guyer,

JeanBaxter, Archie Baxter, Martin Ruppel.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Rerw Baxter, Emma Ruppel,

Esther Schafer, Dorothy Guyer

I Tn the Back 1: Mae Hilty, Teacher.

September 1922
[Left to Right - First Row]: Victoria Zawrotny Baksis, Marie
Praniewicz Kocon, Frances Zawrotny, Ruth Guyer Donovan,
Anrw Dombroski Listwak, Dorothy Irwin, Joseph Irwin,

Josephine Black Slahtovsky.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Hugo Ruppel, Pete Dombrowski,

Mike Praniewicz, Raymond Givens, Frank Praniewicz.

1922

[Left to Right - First Row]: Marie Praniewicz Kocon, Raymond

Givens, Frank Praniewicz, Pete Dombroski, Unidentified,
Ruth Guyer Donovan, Anrw Dombroski Listwak, Dorothy

Irwin, Joseph Irwin.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Hugo Ruppel, Victoria Zawrotny

Baksis, Frances Zawrotny, Esther Irwin, Josie Black.

[Left to Right - Third Row]: Anrw Myers, Teacher; John

Dombroski, Charles Bayle, Mildred Guyer, Nellie Dombroski.

[Left to Right - Fourth Row): Unidentified, Marie Kosmack,

Otis Hecker, Martin Hobi, Lela Baxter, Emma Ruppel, Viola

Irwin.

[In the Back]: Martin Ruppel.

My first school and friend.'

1931-1932

[Left to Right - First Row]: Stanley Wojton, John Dorociak,

Frank Dorociak, John Ilnicki, Zenon Wojton, Steve Ilnicki,

Teddy Praniewicz, Arthur Praniewicz.

[Left to Right - Second Row): Katherine Chovanec, Mary

Ilnicki, Betty Evans, Rose Loretto, Margaret Praniewicz;

Dorothy Guyer, Teacher; BerthaPraniewicz, TheresaDorociak,

Rose Ilnicki, A nrw May Chovanec, Helen Dorociak, Julia Ilnicki.

[Left to Right
Standing
Arthur Praniewicz, Thomas White, Merle
My first class!
Elizabeth Carlson Kiebler, Teacher - 1935 Baxter, Unidentified, Unidentified.
[Front Row -Kneeling): Unidentified.

49

WALNUT HILL SCHOOL [No.3]

This school was located on Pennsylvania Route 780, one-half mile east of the present Penn State
Campus, on a bank overlooking the site of the Township Municipal Building. There were some nice trees
close by, but many fallen trees and branches cluttered the schoolyard and its rough and hilly playground.

1907
[Left to Right - First Row]: Edward Erb, Margaret Willyard
Artman, Laura Culp, Mabel Culp, Alfred Lindsay.
[Left to Right - Second Row]: Raymond Palsgrove, Clyde
Palsgrove.
[Left to Right - Third Row]: Mabel Kunkle Vernam, Teacher;
Mary Palsgrove Kay, Myrtle Rowe Crooks, Oral Rowe Weaver,
Margaret Woolslayer, Grace Lindsay, RalphRowe.
[LefttoRight-FourthRow]: CharlesArtman, Wayne McKeever.

1933-1934
[Left to Right - First Rowl: Meriott Warren, Spafford Jones,
Glenn Irwin, Charles Hartge, Paul Skinner, Norman Myers,
Lester Wills, Jack Shearer, Donakl Colvin, Unidentified.
[Left to R'ght - Second Row]: Jean Achenne Baxter, Beryl
Baxter, Lillian Holmes, Allwynne Shearer Miller, Faye
McElroy Jones, Alice Hartge, Alice Holmes Wakinson,
Unidentified, Roberta Achenne, Jeannette McElroy Hile, Ruth
Hartge Menk, Evelyn Warren, Earl Shearer.
[Left to Right - Third Row]: Eugene Achenne, Howard Hartge,
Lois Myers Boney, Ruth Holmes. William Colvin, Perry Warren,
Clyde Men'"; Edythe BolenEwing, Teacher.
(Left toRight-BackRow]. Leonard Warren, James Wareham.
This photograph was taken on the Walnut School playground.

1931-1932
[Left to Right First Row]: Richard Wareham, Lester Wills, Roy
Pierce, WilliamPrie ter, George Pierce, Albert Pierce, Howard
Hartge, Clyde Menk.
[Left to Right - Second Row]: Earl Shearer, Donald Pierce, Ruth
Hartge Menk, Helen Pierce, Alice Hartge; Edythe Bolen Ewing,
Teacher; Doris Pierce Shirley, Lois Myers Boney, David Menk,
James Wareham. [Robert Wills, Robert Myers, Jack Shearer
and Elton Shearer were absent 1.

1933
Allwynne Shearer Miller, Grade 1

This photo gives yO'u a glimpse of the outdoor plumbing.

TheBallfieldnearMenkSchoo119311932
[Left to Right]: Donald Pierce, John Listwak, Harold Morrow,
Louie TadrzaJc, Charles Menk, Robert Wills, Robert Myers,
Elton Shearer, Geraldine Wise, Anna Listwalc, Carrie Drew,
Frances Drew.

Walnut Hill Eig hth Grade 1931 - 1932

[Left to Riyht]: Robert WI:lls; Edythe Bolen Ewing, Teacher;

Elton Shearer, Robert Myers, Richard Wareham.

50

!"

A SIX WEEKS' REPORT

~
0
.. '" ;i.
i c ~
a3 '"'"'" l~'"
? ~
Er ~
~, l
~l
~ ,,
3

IIt;(;'''''''W

. ~
t. ..

"Cl

'"

, ~

~
t~
,

I~
7

FOR THE SCHOOL TER~'

'3:"
0

! Er. 1
Er
g
.
~

~
~
...

r.

~
:"
,

_
R
,

r.

:~

...
...

..

.'" [... .'.,.

'"

;D
, S.

,,

".

:~
, ~

-l

0
Z

~.:_________ 19.J,.1.
OF

".nw~-~
~ __%M
~('h()ol

(,rade

~--------------------

e~-u~-

--

Teacher

~ \ '<

REPORT
Firth Period

i"lh Period

()

Abo~Qt

Karl)l'

Oi.mi...\
Time. Tard

SUBJECT

T.AV,

Cifin""hip

Rudin.Wrillnll

AritbaMiic
G

hy

Junior Project___

GlecClub

School d~ys. our hoppy days.

Now are past and !tone I
Our tas}ls have been completed

And our lessons all are done.

Bnght summor days are romiM$
To fields and forests fair,
Vaoat ion joys for girls and boy"
Are scattered everywhere.

F"""==~=====_===

Through the winter w<!ve beenct>!erlvl

As W~ sathered here eeell day.
fo pur,s1JEl OUr various studi~

And

a~ociate'

WALNUT HILL SCH:-::OOOl

in play.

Upper Burrell Twp, Westmoreland Co, Pa

Sept. 14, 1925 -

Now we bid fareweO to each 0""

As we take our separate ways I
And w.'11 think of each one Wly
In the lisht of other dOYs.

May 12, 1926

PUPilS
LUd4lc..Lutfy

Clyde Menk

Earl Shearer

Louis Leah

Joseph Irwin
Robert Wills
1"Joretta Wnrren
William Hal'tge
Glenn Warren
Dorothy Irwin
Dick Myers
Millie Myers
Clyde Wills
Annie Leah

Teacher, MARION A. !(UNKLE

School Di7tcto'rs

Mrs. Lottie Grllham

W. W. Swank

Clyde Wilts

John C. Guyer
Clyde F. Menk

~CJ

51

David Menk
Robert Myers
Leonard Wal'l"cn
Joseph Riskey
Matgaret Hartge
Ellton Shearcr
M1rY Riskey
William Warren
Margaret Wills
Dorothy Myers
Mildled Lcah
Esther Irwin
Roy Myers
Ellsworth Shearer

CRAWFORD-WHITTEN SCHOOL [No.4]

This school originally was located along Coal Hill Road at the top of Crawford Hill, now known as part
of the Whitten Hollow Road. Some time prior to 1906, it was relocated on the Crawford farm at the bottom
ofthe hill in Whitten's Hollow, and after 1919 was called the Whitten School after Judge Charles Whitten,
owner of an adjacent farm.

1918
[Left to Right -FirstRow]: Willie Crooks.
[Left to Right - Second Row]: Marie Rosa Bishop, Alma Rosa
Stewart.
[Left to Right - Third Row]: Joe Rosa, Freda Rosa Stuck, Frank
Rosa.
[In the Back]: MabelRalston, Teacher.

Crawford- Whitten School

1919
[Left to Right - First Row]: Nelson Stoops, Ed Yurkin, Albe7t
Yurkl:n, Tom Hoynacki, Melissa Gill, A nna Rosa Hughes, Marie
RosaBishop, Gerry GiURoss.

ILeft toRight -SecondRow]: Walter Beighley, George Gill, Willie

Crooks, Glenn Beighley, Frank Hoynacki, Leonard HOy7ULcki,

FreidaRosaSt'uck; LottieStoops, Teacher.

A
1914
The individuals in this photograph could not be identified by rows.
Therefore only the names of those who could be identified are
listed.
Wayne McKeever, Teacher; Nelson Swank, Com Hall Swank,
Archie Crooks, Oscar Rosa, Sarah Crooks, Mary Crooks Kelley,
------ Gill [girl], ------ Gililgirlj, Frank Crooks, Freda Rosa, illma
Rosa.
1926-1927
Individuals in this photograph could not be identified by TOWS. We
are fairly certain that the following list includes all 0/ the persons
in the photograph.
Raymond Amalong, Teacher; Frances Verne 1', Laura Verner,
Paul Crooks, Eva Crooks, Stanley Kozuch, Helen Gaski, Hiram
Verner, Walter Verner, AnnaRosa, OlgaMeschia, John Dickson,
Hazel Dickson, Rosellen Cril~ Clara Yurkin, Katherine Meschia,
Pete Kozuch, Gladys Keibler, AlfredKozuch.

52

1905

. -:. . ~VlliW\GE
, ~13bJ\afiSMl~~~

(JHA \V FOlm

!Dubllc Scbool
DISTRICT
L'PPllllt RIJRRJ<;I,T,

CO.,

No. ].

f
l~/; }jj./~~ :",..:;~~),:"
Under a spre1ldmq chestnut tree ,'~'.'
:.~,~~The vl1lage s,milhy starps, U;~;n,~
The smIth a mIghty man 15 he l ; __ ,~,.,
With large and .5mewy nancs,__ :.;:'.
,.
And the mU5Clesof hiS brawny arm - ~-.: ;ml:~
Are strong ilS iron bands
-..':::Jj~I~, ~
't

Tp, w ~:f;TMOI{ELAND

l'ItNNfi\n.vANIA.

HAHBY A.

\1~YL~\:{,

TIACIIKR.

l:Iuptls
Ulinlon Swank
(Teorl!e Rtewart

HOlller YOlln~
Sloan ~tpwart

Oarg;ill-;wllnk
William MeUutcheon

Clvde Tholllp>;on
<1arl McWilliams

UhllrJe>; Walp
Nelson Swank

OJara Bei/l!;hle.v
Mabel Barkley

FlnrPllce Swank
Helen McWilliaUilk

Ida Barklev
Uora McOutched.ft

Beckie Baxter
.Jennie Bart-Itt)

Cora HaH
Sarah (Jp(){)kl1

Bertha Barkley

Pupils Pr&sent EY&ry Day During

'1: '~t"~T::

. n k Stewart,

,:":~., HIS

hmr is

CriSp

and bl ~c k and1ong,

sweat,
lie earns whateer he can
',' And looks t he whole woyld ill the face,
-::- For he owes not any man

,._r.

~iL--;~~ ;:;::~_

T~.

;~~~~LftDm :o~ Ell mg;t

You can hear hiS bellows brow;

You Clln hear him swing his hea":Y sledge,

RCIl()OI. ItOA ltD:

l>Q.vU1 Wat.8on,

-:~ ~~~=::.~-~~--=-

,i1 I ,

'~,; ~c _ 'fils face IS like the tnn,

. .~:;:: His brow is wet wI! h honest

George Orooks
B linter -t,Jrfttlks
Blanche Belghle)'
1s.rchie Orooks
IWzabeth Stewart

A. ',(l. Crook8,

.~~-:?~.

ry .
, .~

'~l\th measured beat ancls10w

_:~?el(!on ringi~g fhe v111i'lge bell,

VV hen the evenmg sun JS low

Hohert WslJe,..
J. P. Hami.l1.rt~
Martin McEttoy.

And children commg home from 5ch.:x>1

Look innt Ihe open door;

They love to seethe fiilmrng forge,
/ _,
And hear lhe bel lows roar,
~~", And cCltch the burmng sporks. thaI Dq

lOtlmq~repiCing,- sorrowmq,

r.,

,'~~'

Onwari! through life he goes; ~

Each mornmg.sees some tllsk begin,
Each evenmg sees It clo~e:
50methmq ilttempteCl, somethmg done,....,..,.,.-'"._r... _
Has earned <1 nlght'5 repose.
.

*<.

Like chaff from a threshmg floor.

._~.

--"-:~:'~ '~.~7~~~;:~~~i:fi'_.,"'"

Tha~-ihanhs to thee, my worlhy fnend,

for the lesson thou hast taught!
Thus at the nammg forge of hfe
Ourfortunes must be wrouaht,
Thus on its soundmg anvil shapea
Each burmng clem mxl thought.

- \ It .sounds to 'hIm like her mothers voice,

. - _., Sil')ginq in ParadIse I
.Me needs'must thmk of her once mof.ei;
'~::. -Ho,\, in the grave she hes, _
And Wllh hiS hard roug~ hand~
\,
Atear out of hIS e.qe .

53

MENK SCHOOL [No.5]

Named for the Charles Menk family on whose property it was erected, this school was located on
Upper Drennen Road about one mile from Pennsylvania Route 780. It was built prior to 1906, possibly at
about the same time that the Crawford School was moved. The Edward Oliver residence is presently
situated on the site of the old school.

1919
ILeft to Right - First Row]: Unidentified, John Bartels, Jerry

Morrow, ------ Bailey.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Margie Morrow, Goldie Haffey,

Unidentified, Mary' Ross; Edna Koontz, Teacher; Louise

Bartels, Anna Morrow.

Menk School

1932 - 1933
[Left to Right - First Row]: Helen Wise Beldom, Marion
Morrow Yates, Helen Morrow Merryman, Louise Tadrzale,
A lberta Drew Pearson, Laura T.ldrzale, John Wise, Ruth Wise.
\Left to Right - Second Row]: Stella Listwale, Franc s Drew
Logsdon; Miss Jean Dunlap, Teacher; Carrie Drew Heckman,
Irene Tadrzale, James Drew, A lvin Morrow, Joe Zaftrow.

1931 - 1932
[Left to Right - First Row]: Joe Zaftro, Adam Tadrzak, Charles
Menk, Harold Morrow, Louie Tadrzak, John Listwak, Alvin
Morrow, James Drew, John Wise.
[Left to Right. - Second Row]: Helen Wise Beldom, Helen
Morrow Merryman, Irene Tadrzak, Carrie Drew Heckman,
Anna Listwak; Mr. James Walker, Teacher; Geraldine Wise,
Frances Drew Logsdon, StellaListwak, Marion Morrow Yates,
Lf)uise Tadrzak, AlbertaDrew Pearson.
1933 - 1.934
[Left to Right - First Row]: Frank Woiewodski, Frank Brun,
Alvin Morrow, Joe Zaftro, Robert Magee, John Wise.
[Left to Right - Second Rowl: James Drew, Marion Morrow

Yates, Laura Tadrzak, Jessie Woiewodski, Ruth Drew.

[Left to Right - Third Row]: Helen Wise, Helen Morrow,

Alberta Drew, Betty Magee, Stella Woiewodski, Louise

Tadrzak.

[Left to Right - Fourth Row]: Miss Ruth Humphrey, Teacher;

Frances Drew, Stella Listwak, Irene Tadrzak, Helen

Woiewodski.

54

ilrnkn

~rQu1l1

._()-

'a.

lIIpprr 1Surrrll mownslJip.

Bretmorrlanb @..
lS12191~

MYRTLE WYLlE, Teacher

l?UPILS
Mar~

Ross
Locadia Misiewic]
Anna MisiewiCJ
Mar~ MisiewiCJ
florence Miller
Anna Me~ers
E'Vel~ne Stewart
Elhel Baxter
Josephine McCutcheon

Mar~

Heckman
Ra~ Stewart
Russel Heckman
John Haffe~
Hair~ Haffey
Slanle~ MisiewiCJ
John Miller
Willie Haffey
William Vebelum

SCHOOL OFFICERS

W. M. Gill, Pres.
W. J. Haffey
W. A. McKee, Sec.
W. J. Beacom
.
C. M. McElro~, Treas.

. ..

. ..

Should old o.cqu6.Lnto.nce be forgut,

Al')d scenes we left behind;
No, wheresoever be our lot,

We keep tbem 5till if) mind,

Tf)e Sc.enes mid wnicn we often roved
/1) childf)ood'~ eo.rly mom,
Tbe old red scboolbou5e 01') tbe ~ill

,Tbe cot vv b:-re we

we re

borDo

- -{I ~A~"'~ij t --. A U-l - ~~." '1~

~. t -.". ~~~~--4 __ ~,_ .~;:'~~'-i-<
o

/,

,--~,~~,-

Of

friend:>, by m-;;ny ties ~eld deo.r,

Fond memory loves to dwell,
It cost 0. s',gh, per bc.ps 0. teo.r,
To bid tbem 011 fo-rewell.
But dlsta.nc l)eY~r C.o.D, etfo.ce,
The Ii1)es of friendship CleM,
Nor Time's de5tructive hOr)d ero.se,
Impression5 5trong o.r')d cleM.

55

JOINT SCHOOL [No.6]

Located on what is now Alta Drive in Keibler's Beach, this school was called Joint School because
children attended from both Upper Burrell (Westmoreland County) and Plum (Allegheny County). When it
was moved to the Allegheny side of the creek, across from Lincoln Beach, Upper Burrell pupils continued
to attend the school.

This photograph taken around 1900 shows the Joint School and

group of pupils.

[First Row - Left to Right]: Wallace Waugh, Unidentified,

Ruby Pay Woolslayer, Lee Donald, Unidentified, Tom Farneth,

Alex Daugherty, Doris Pay.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Miss Hankey, Teacher; EUen

Waugh Powell, Mary Lindsay, Jeff Waugh, Lou Cowan, Cleve

Daugherty, Felix Waugh, Unidentified.

[Left to Right - Third Row]: John Yunkins, David Boa~ BiU

Daugherty, Andy Daugherty, E. Arb.

The foUowing persons from Upper Burrell, also attended the

Joint School: Ruth Willyard, Margaret Willyard Artman, John

Willyard, Doris Lindsay and Charles Waugh.

MERWIN SCHOOL [No.7]

The Merwin schoolhouse was built around 1900 close to the crossroads, on the property of Mr. Homer
McCollough along the north side of the Coal Hill Road.

1906
[Left to Right - First Row]: Clifford Rowan, Monroe Hunter,

Bill Crooks, Bill Wolford, Claire Wigle, Ray McElroy, Homer

McElroy, Lloyd McElroy, Clyde Borland, Edna Crooks, Mary
Rowan, Ethel Wigle.
]Left to Right - Second Row]: Homer Shaw, Calvin Borland,
Arthur Rowan, Fern Wolford, Nora Borland, Hope Hunter,

Olive Kunkle, Ella Wolford; Mabel Pals grove Antoine,

Teacher; Abbie Kunkle.

1918
[Left to Right - First Row]: Marie Clements, Catherine

Clements, Luella Clements, Margaret Miller, Mary McElroy,

Gladys Swank.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Glen McCutcheon, Louis

McCutcheon, Carl McCutcheon, Cal Clements, Florence

Crooks, Verna Yetter.
[Left to Right - Third Row]: Harvey McCutcheon, John Miller,
Clara McCutcheon, Mabel Ralston McCullough, Teacher.

1919

<lIlIIII [Left to Right - First Row]: Glen McCutcheon, Harold Dickson,

Louis McCutcheon, Merle McCutcheon, Carl McCutcheon,

Calvin Clements.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Marie Clements, Margaret

Miller, Florence Crooks, Luella Clements, Gladys Swank,

Lavard Love, Bert Love.

[In the Back]: Lillian Scott, Teacher.

56

MERWIN

PUBLIC

SCHOOL

I)istri(:l

..

~n,

-0---

CPIH'r

HlIl'rdl Twp .. \-\'t'~lm(lrd:llld

COU1lty. r('nn~)'l"alli;l

-~-

I.UH.\ V. WYI.IF. Tl':ll'ht'r

_-t"--

Pupilll

ElL. \\'olrord
''-Ull \\ ulf(.nl

()liH' KlIl1kl,
Ahbi .. I'unklt

~ora Rorland
Edna Cr,,()k~

.
F.tht'l \-Viglt'
,\tar)"

Rowau

:\brgart"l

Pl:ar! Swank
COlhin BorJ:tll'.l
Civil,' Borlanrl'

HUllh'l'

Gt'.orljC: Row,'
toMlntn
. Carl Crooke

;\lono~

\V'il1ialll Crnok~

1\.{'nrH'-th Cf()C)k~

I )01l1rf ~:I{'E.lroy
Lloyd Mt'Elroy
William Rowan
\\"illi,ull Wolrord

k:lymoncl MC'Elfl1)
ClifforJ Row"""
Clair Wigil'
Th"urloH' Gill

---0

School Board
O. V':yli(. PrcshlC11t
R. :\.

HI~ntW:)17~~d~tT:~!\lIH'r

\\. J Willyard
C. M.

Wm

Rard:lY

McElroy

BLACK-OAKWOOD SCHOOL [No.8]

This portable school was built on the Black's farm on the north side of Michael Drive close to the
intersection with Guyer Road in 1924, and was used only for about eight years. Somewhat more modern
than the other schools, this building contained separate cloakrooms for boys and girls and a cellar for
storing the coal.

Black-Oakwood School

1931-1932

[Left to Right - First Row]: Anthony Zawrotny,

Alex Zawrotny, Frank Zawrotny, Helen Black.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Vance Baxter,

Sophie Dombroski Smicik, Victoria Zawrotny;
Hill Elwood, Teacfter; Nellie Dombroski Yajko,
Robert Eichorn.

57

Merle Baxter,

Joseph Black,

Stella Hauger

Hugo Ruppe~

Aerial photo of the Milligantown area looking southeast from Dr. W. Kahle Johnson's farm [bottom] toward the Alcoa Laboratories
(top). Do you recognize Route 780 [upper right). Milligantownltoad [lower right], Oak Lake Road [center leftl. and Baxter Drive [lower

58

left]? If you know this district well, you will also be able to locate Carol's Hotel, Beestrice's corner, Mike Takosky's house, the Baxter
homestead, and the intersection of Baxter Drive and Schafer Drive where Milligan's Grist Mill once stood [arrow).
Photo Courtesy of BuhlBrothers Printing

59

LIST OF ONE-ROOM SCHO LTEACHERS

Year

Chestnut Hill

Prior
to
1914

Miss Sweene}'
Elliot McGeary
John C. Wylie
W. H. Sproull
Blanche Beighley
T. C. Clements
Myrtle Wylie
Earl Walley
Louise Porter
~ora Swank
Margaret McCullough
Lillian Scott
Mabel Ralston
Myrl Ester Swank

1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1.921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939

Alex Graham
Helen Krame,'
Ruby Oyler
Ruby Oyler
Ruby Oyler
Dorothy Guyer
Dorothy Guyer
Jean Dunlap
Stella Hauger
Stella Hauger
Jean Shoop
Jean Shoop
Edythe Bolen
Elizabeth Carlson
Elizabeth Carlson
Anna Rosa

Milligantown

Ralph Harker
W. W. McKeever
W. W. McKeever
Mae Hilty
Marie Klingensmith
Mae Hilty
May Belle Raught
Anna Myers
Anna Myers
Anna Myers
(Mabel Wills) Temp.
Mabel Wills

Margaret DeVinney
ElmerC. Bell
Jean Brewer
Jean Brewer
Dorothy Guyer
Unknown
Glad}'s Covert
Mel?a Campbell
Melza Campbell
Elizabeth Carlson
Stella lHaugerl Hill
Elinor Schroyer
Elinor Schroyer

Walnut Hill

Crawford-Whitten

MabellKunkle) Vernam
Minnie Hankey

Harry D. Eyler

Menk
Jean R. Walker
Myrtle Wylie

Elizabeth Stewart
Ruth Orr

W. W. ,,!eKeever
Elizabeth Stewart
Mabel Ralston
Mabel Ralston
Zelia Mast.ers
Lotti, Stoop'
Ruth Moncie
Myrl Ester Swank
Robert Glunt
Robert Glunt

Lou ise Porter

Myrtle Wylie
Louise PorLer
~largaret Willyard
Margaret Willyard
Edna Koontz
Mina Swank
Mabel Glunt
Zora Baxter
Floyd H. Bair

Mary Ross
Mable Glunt
Raymond H. AmalongRaymond H. Amalong
Marion Kunkle
J. K. Ludwick
Thelma Lee McAfee
Thelma Lee McAfee
Unknown
Evangeline Finney
Evangeline Finney
Evangeline Finney
Mildred Varnum
Mildred Varnum
Stella IHauger) Hill
Stella Hill

Ruby Oyler
Rub}' Oyler
Marion Kunkle
Marion Kunkle
Raymond H. Amalong
Nellie Walter
J. K. Ludwick
J ames Walter

Edythe Hildreth
Margaret Willyard

Marion K u nk Ie
Alex Graham
Dorothy Guye.r
Dorothy Guyer
Mabel Wills
Hazel Reinsel
Edythe Bolen
Edythe Bolen
Edythe Bolen
Edythe Bojen
Ruth Humphrey
Ruth Humphrey
Ethel Herd
Ethel Herd
Ethel Herd

nknown

"'ferwin

Blaek-Oakwood

MabellPalsgrovel Anloine
Blanche Beighley
l.aurH Vinla Wylie
Russell Rowe

Catherine Glass

Myrtle Wylie
P. A. Foresman
M. B. Moore
Nora Swank
Mable Ralston
Lillian Scott
Anna Myers
Helen Fleming
Effie May Honse
Katherine Kuhlman
Elizabeth Watt
Alex Graham
Mary Wylie
Nellie Walter
Nellie Walter
Ruby Oyler
Ruby Oylt'f
Stella Huger
Unknown

Jean Dunlap
Ruth Humphrey
Edythe Bolen
Elinor Schroyer
Elinor Schroyer

Most of this information was obtained from the Westmoreland County Intermedjate Unit yearly publication, "Star of the West. ..
No published information was found on the Joint School except the photograph taken around 1900, with Miss Hankey as teacher.
Other teachers said to have taught in that school are: Grace Applebye, Kathleen Horner, Clara McLaughlin, Vinnie Montgomery, Mrs.
William Sherer, and Bertha Hankey Treasure.
George Miller also taught in the one-room school prior to 1914. However, we could not identify a particular school.

George P. Leeman
F. R. McCutcheon
H. E. McCutcheon
C. M. McElroy
W. A. McKee
Clyde Menk
John Miller
William G. Palsgrove
John M. Ray
Frank Stewart
W. W. Swank
Mrs. W. J. Troutman

1928-34
1916-17
1920-25
1914-15, 1917-21
1911-15
1926-29
1898
1915-19
1916-17
1905
1914-27
Finished her
husband's term
W. J. Troutman
1930-37
1937-39
H. E. Walker
David Watson
1905
Robert Watson
1921-27
1926-31, 1937-39
D. C. Wills
W. J . Willyard
1908
L. Wolford
1900
C. O. Wylie
1914-19
John Wylie
Prior to 1890
Robert Wylie
1905
1911
W. H. Wylie
Most of this information was obtained from
the Westmoreland County Intermediate Unit
yearly publication, "Star of the West. ..

UPPER BURRELL TOWNSHIP

SCHOOL DIRECTORS
(Prior to 1940)
Charles R. Alter
William Barclay
A. M. Baxter
J. F. Baxter
W. J. Beacom
J. A. Borland
C. H. Coffman
S. G. Crooks
W. Gill
Lottie Graham
John C. Guyer
W. J. Haffey
Frank Hall
J. P. Hamilton"
Andrew Iseman

1926-31, 1937-39
1908-11
_
1918-19
1915
1912
1914
1928-29
1905
1911-13
1924-30's
1920-25, 1937-40's
1912
1937-39
1905
1922-23
60

The Consolidated

Upper Burrell

Elementary School

In 1911 a state law was enacted which pro

vided for the consolidation of small rural schools
and the transportation of pupils, at public ex
pense, to larger and better equipped buildings.
The centralization of schools in Upper Burrell was
accomplished for the 1939-40 school term, and a
new two-story brick schoolhouse was opened at a
fairly central location on Seventh Street Road
(Pennsylvania Route 780).

Grades 1 and 2 - 1939 - 1940

[Left to Right - First Row]: Leonard McElroy, Unidentified,
Robert Ridenour, James Colvin, Dave Marsh, Richard Engler,

------ Stone, Clarence Smith.

ILeft to Right - Second Row]: Viola Mines, Carol SpiUers,

VerdellaPorter, Patricia Stuck Fester, Frances Zito McAUister,

Dorothy Bolt, Edith Bolt.

[Left to Right - Third Row]: Margie Irwin Luffy, Betty Pierce,

Peggy Oldham, June Porter, Charlotte Hartge Smith, Faye

Colvin, Florence Mines, Shirley Hartge Griscavage, Peggy

Votquenne, Delores Carter.

[Left to Right - Fourth Row 1: Miss Ethel Herd, Teacher; Peggy

Ann Shearer, Thomas Stewart, Eugene Jones, Unidentified,

Jean Yetka Harrison, Joyce Yetka Hannon, Unidentified,

Joseph Engler, ------ Stone, BiU Stewart, Venm Vasbinder.

Upper BurreU Elementary School

This beginning of a new era marked the

beginning of many changes in the schools. With
the six classrooms now in one building, there
were no more non-graded schools, and it was
necessary to provide transportation for the
majority of students. While the teachers were
now relieved of custodial duties, they had to
assume the responsibility for loading buses and
supervising noon playground. For the first three
years, the following four teachers provided in
struction for approximately one hundred forty
students: Ethel Herd, Grades 1 and 2; Anna
Rosa, Grades 3 and 4; Stella Hill, Grades 5 and 6;
and Elinor Schroyer, Grades 7 and 8.
There was no official building principal, but
Mrs. Elwood served as Head Teacher until 1956.
During this period, the school population was
constantly on the increase, necessitating an addi
tion to the building in 1951. Financed through the
State School Building Authority at a cost of
$162,000, a cafeteria and six more classrooms
were added, completing the building as it is
today. In 1956, Huston T. Force was elected
Building Principal, By that time, there were
twelve teachers plus several special teachers, a
school nurse, a custodian and cafeteria staff.

Grades 3 and 4 - 1939 - 1,940

[Left to Right - First Row]: Billy Beestrice, Robert Baxter, Joe
Yetka, David Jones, Clarence Spillers, George Keibler, Donald

Spillers, Billy Bolt.

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Nick Laurito, Milford Drew,

Andy Duncan, Lewis Keibler, Walter Stone, Paul Stuck, Bill

Vasbinder.

[Left to Right - Third Row]: Helen Pierce, Patty Galentine,

Helen Hartge, Millie Dorociak, Mae Miller, Gloria Warren,

Marjorie Ridenour, Norma Lee McCutcheon, Belva McGee,

June Marsh, Dorothy Beestrice, Wilma Gutknecht.

[Left to Right - Fourth Row]: Lillmn Mae Taylor, Doris Verner,

Betty Miller.

[Left to Right - Fifth Row]: Marie Nealer, Junior Achenne,

Mary Ellen McElroy, Arthur Votquenne, Olive Gutknecht.

Frank Blasko, Franc'es Verner, Hughes Orr Porter, Patty

Rawlingson; Miss A nna Rosa. Teacher.

61

Gmdes 5 and 6 - 1939 - 1940

ILeft to Rl:qht - First Rowl: Lawrence Ludy, James Robinson,
Glenn Irwin, Norman Myers, Andy Smith, Osie Taylor, James

Mnson.

I Left to Riqht - Second Row 1: Cleom Gutknecht, Jean Spillers,

Delore!! Pmniewicz, Helen Laurito, Lillian Jones, Ruth Drew,

Helen Shane/ell., Themar Benson, Betty Vasbinder, Louise

PI/ster, Virqinia Kolakowski: Mrs. Stella Hill Elwood, Teacher.

I Left to Riqht - Third Rowl: Verna Mae Bolt, Harry

Md:utcheoll, Isabel Warren, Unidentified, Florence Smith,

rnlvin McElroy, Betty Dorociak, Donald Love, Patty Beighley

C'Lble, Harry Such, Georqene Bolt.

Houston T. Force

First Pri7lcipal 0,1 Upper Burrell Consolidated School

Grades 7and8 - 1939- 1940

I Left to Riqht - First Rowl: Robert Dorociak,

Vincent
Gutknecht, Bill Mason, Bill McCullough, Vivius Ludy, -----

Stone, Stanley Dombroski, Lee Spillers.

[Left to Riqht - Second Rowl: Roberta Achenne, Margaret

Votquenne Jones, Unidentified, Marietta Vasbinder, Betty

Mines, Belt!! Evans Markovich, Lillian Jones, Unidentified,

AIIJertu Drew Peanon, Josephine Buckshire, Rosalie Glass:

Elin'Jr SchTliyer, Teacher.

ILeft to Riqht - Third Rowl: Rel:d White, Marion Zawrotny,

Unidentified, Cha.rles Hartge, Allwynne Shearer, Carl Jones,

Faye McElroy Jones, Fred Evans, Unidentified.

1956

Our Teachers

Burrell Joint

School District

Along with the changes in our building, there

were various attempts to form a jointure with
other schools. In 1950, Upper Burrell and Lower
Burrell formed a jointure which lasted until 1954.

62

In 1958, an attempt to form a jointure with New

Kens;ngton was vetoed by both School Boards.
As a result, throughout this period, students in
grades 9 - 12 attended classes at Arnold, Kiski,
New Kensington or Tarentum High Schools. In
1960, Upper Burrell and Lower Burrell reestab
lished a jointure; however, high school students
continued to attend one of the previously men
tioned schools. With the merger of Burrell School
District and the opening of Burrell Senior High
School in 1965, for the first time, the district was
able to accommodate grades 1 - 12. In 1967, the
program was expanded to include kindergarten.
Today the Burrell School District has an
enrollment of three thousand, and maintains four
elementary schools, a junior high school and a
senior high school. Upper Burrell Elementary
School with Mr. Anthony Ginocchi as Building
Principal, continues to accommodate kinder
garten thru 6th grade, and has a current enroll

ment of two hundred eighty-six students. All

students from Upper Burrell are bused, as are
ninety per cent of the remainder of the district's
enrollment. Due to the large scope of required
busing, the district no longer operates its own
busses; rather, service is contracted from a pri
vate firm. Currently, the district utilizes seven
teen buses and fifteen jitneys. Each vehicle
makes three runs in the morning and afternoon:
First, to and from the senior high; Second, to and
from the junior high; and Third, to and from one
of the elementary schools. Regarding School
Board Directors: three representatives were to
be elected from each of the three regions. Upper
Burrell; Seventh Street and Kinloch form region
3, which is currently represented by Marie
Kocon, Dave Heldman and Joe Spana. The School
Board Directors were formerly elected for a six
year term, but this has now been reduced to four
years.

Upper Burrell Elementary School Teachers

1940 to 1979
Joan Adams
1960's
Margaret Artman
1940's - 1950's
Robert Artowsky
1950's
1940's - 1960's
Rozella Bateman
Marjorie Beatty
1950's
Hope Jean Benson
1950's
Elizabeth Bevan
1940's
Robert Btoderick
1960's - 1970's
John Burda
1950's - 1970's
Clyde Byers
1960's
Irene Byers
1960's - 1970's
Edward Clawson
1950's
Mario Cippriano
1950's
Betty Crim
'
1950's
Clara Cunningham
1950's
Janet Davis
1950's -1960's
Charlene (DeSanto,
Oliver) Demidovich
1960's - 1970's
Agnes Dixon
1950's
1940's
Donna Dry
Stella (Hauger,
Hill) Elwood
1940's - 1960's
Edythe Ewing
1940's - 1960's
1950's
Helen Faith
Deborah Fitch
1970's
Barbara Fullerton
1950's - 1970's
Dominic Giordano
1970's
Barbara Glovier
1970's
Blanche Hamill
1940's
George Hawdon
1950's - 1970's
Ethel Herd
1940's
Ester Hilk
1970's
Carl Hobi
1970's
Joan (Kitzer) Hoch
1960's
Anna (Rosa) Hughes
1940's - 1960's
Eleanor Hughes
1940's

Barbara Huntington
Barry Jackson
Amelia Kalita
Mary Jane Keller
Judy Graw Kuba
Patricia Lace
Edna Larimer
Leatrice Liebman
John Litz
Sharon Mahan
Frances (Zito)
McAllister
Mr. McDowell
Marie McIntire
Martha McKelvey
Freeda McLaughlin
Martha McSparrin
Wallace Mundel
Mildred Munson
Barbara Pagano
Patricia Pagano
Elizabeth Patton
Suzanne Reen Picone
Patricia Saugrich
Elinor Schroyer
Sally Searight
Marianne Shamey
Kathryn Shaw
David Simon
Charlotte (Hartge) Smith
Eileen Smith
Isabel Smith
Margaret Smith
Regina (Freilina) Sorisio
William B. Speer
Jean Steindel
Barbara Stepano
Nancy Stewart
63

1970's
1970's
1950's
1970's
1960's
1970's
1950's - 1970's
1950's
1970's
1960's
1950's
1940's
1950's
1950's
1940's - 1950's
1940's
1940's
1950's
1970's
1970's
1950's
1960's
1960's - 1970's
1930's - 1940's
1950's
1970's
1950's - 1960's
1960's - 1970's
1950's - 1960's
1960's
1940's
1950's - 1960's
1970's
1950's
1960's -1970's
1970's
1970's

Carol Suey
1970's
Sheryl Swanderski
1970's
Amber Thwing
1940's
1940's - 1950's
Ola Tress
1960's - 1970's
Lucille Trettel
1950's
Ralph Varrato
Joan Watkins
1970's
Virginia Wilson
1950's
Mr. Wolf
1940's
Lolita Woodson
1970's
Kathleen Zabec
1960's
Due to space limitations, this list does not
include the names of Junior High or Senior High
teachers, and, or, staff.
Special Teachers
Special teachers provided instruction in Art,
Music, Library Skills, Penmanship, Speech
Therapy, etc. Within the Burrell School District,
special teachers move from building to building
enriching the curriculum.
Warren Allen
J ames Lagoon
Bonnie Anchors
Bennie Manconi
James Chrestay
Katherine Miller
Pearl Croyle
Albert Moses
Paul Davids
Lillian Wressler Peterman
William Dunmore
P.O. Peterson
Andrew Federoff
George Polcyn
Barbara Rickvac
Paul Frailburg
Mrs. Effie Gabel
June Southern
(Volunteer)
Jacques Watkins

Eloise Hahn
Ed Zembruski

Custodians
Mike Buren
William Raught
Gilbert Irwin
John Smicik
Samuel Kay
Harry Such
John K. Swank
Selma Makara
Nelson Watson
Bus Drivers
Leroy Beighley
Susan Pitts
Fred Evans
Emerson Shank
Mrs. Hill
Harry Such
Norman Miller
J ames Vernam
George Myers
Ed White
Tom White
Ray Myers
Clyde Patterson
Joe Yetka
Ed Yurkin
As citizens of Upper Burrell, we express our
deepest gratitude and praise to every man and
woman who served our schools through the
years. We have tried to provide a thorough
listing of these individuals. For thos~ we may
have missed, please accept our sincere apologies
for the oversight.
Sources and references utilized in this article
include:
Annals of Southwestern Pennsylvania,
Volume II, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., New
York, 1939.
Old and New Westmoreland County, Volume
II, American Historical Society, New York, 1939.
C. M. Bomberger, A Short History of West
moreland County, Jeannette Publishing Co.,
Jeannette, Pennsylvania, 1941.
Thanks to all individuals who helped in any
way to make the history of Upper Burrell Schools
more complete by offering pictures and
information.
Special appreciation is extended to Mr. Mark
Maszgay, student at Penn State New Kensing
ton, Mrs. Stella Elwood and Mrs. Anna Hughes,
retired teachers of Upper Burrell; Mr. Huston,
Superintendent of Burrell School District; Mr.
White, former Superintendent of Burrell School
District; Mr. Charles Smith, former School Board
Director; Mr. Milt Ryan and Mrs. Margaret (Peg)
McCutcheon, long-time township resident, and
many others ... for gathering resource material;
supplying special items. information and pic
tures; identifying individuals in group pictures;
and all able criticism which help'd make the
history more authentic and complete.
Thanks
Mrs. Edi./the IB{)lnt! Ew-ing

Upper Burrell Township School Directors

1940 to 1979
Alice Achenne
Marie Kocon

Mabel Antoine
Lloyd McElroy

Charles Beighley
Harold Morrow

R. J. Bevan
Jesse E. Piper

Elmer Draper
Harold H. Raught

Sidney Elston
Ester Rodgers Speedy

Charles W. Smith

Floyd Foster
John A. Heck
Michael Takosky

R. A. Hunter
James W. Vernam, Jr.
E. L. Jacobs
Thomas Wilhelm

Harry Kitzer
Martha Yohe

Since 1960, the School Board has also in

cluded representatives from Lower Burrell.
Their names, due to space limitations, have not
been included.
Building Aides and Secretaries
Dorothy Flynn
Florence Keibler
Margaret Hayes
Maurer
Mrs. Ed Taylor
Cafeteria Workers
Lucille Myers
Edith Baker
Catherine Raught
Betty Conley
Alverta Staderman
Genevieve Hartge
Garnet Zadai

64

REMEMBER THE 40's THRU 60's

[Left to Right - First Row): Margaret Korenowski, Ronald

Plitts, Jerry Will-iams, Ca.role Meredith, Delores Miller, Jay
Radaker, Jane Heckman, Estella Pierce, Darlene Sypulski,
A lice Miller, Emma Snyder, Helen Zedialc.
[Left to Right - Second Row): Shirley Pritts, Faith Gates,
Madelyn Schafer, Mrs. Ewing, Teacher; Teddy Snair, Wl:Uiam
lmm.
[Left to Right - Third Row]: Raymond Laurito, Billy Swank,
Geraldine Tyson, James Yetka, Joyce StanlRy, Roger Thomas.

[Left to Right - Front Row]: Mrs. Stella Hill, principal; Mrs.

Margaret A rtman, teacher of fifth, si..r:th and seventh grades,
and Mrs. Edythe Ewing, -third grade teacher.
[Standing]: Mrs. Freda McLaughlin, first grade teacher; Mrs.
Ola Tress, second grade teacher; Miss Anna Rosa, fifth, sixth
and seventh g'rade teacher; and Samuel Kay, the janitor.
The teachers were .given gardenia corsages and the janitor -was
presented with a carnation.
Photo Courtesy of Valley News Dispatch

[Left to Riqht - First Row]: Mrs. Freda McLaughlin, Teacher;

Am!y Arbuckle, Peqyy Woods, John Pietryka, Judy Keibler,

Waller Morrow, Lolly Troutman.

ILeft to Right - Second Rowl: Donna Jean Mason, Richard

Brooks, Kristine Jones, Lawrence Williams.

[Left to Right - Third Row I: Roger Dougherty, Linda Smith,

Russell Rearick, Kathleen Errett, Darryl Powell, Linda

Pietryka, Carl Fan'ell.

[Left to Right - Fourth Row]: Joe Hollis, Pamela Dreaksford,

Dick Jrurin, Lora Williams, Keith Campbell, Penelope White,

Michael Lubiano.

lLejt 1.0 Right - First Row]: Paul Vas binde1', Teddy Berkoben,
Thnrbine Brock, Alpin Zito, Willy Johnston, Clyde lrun:n, Mary
MontI/orner!!, Philip Radalrer, Danny Fuller, Sandy Faith.
[Left to Ril/ht - Second Row]: Unidentified, MarC'i.a Listwak,
Florence Ke1'/Jler, Unidentified, Unidentifl:ed, Barbara Wills
Bentley, '/0.1/1:(' Myers Stimel, Mina Stewart, Dean Miller,
Betty Horvath, UnidenU{I:ed, DomwRawhngs.
ILeft to R'iqhl . Third Rowl: Mrs. McLau.qhhn, Tearher; Sandy
Snair, Webster Hollis, Kenny Fitch, Jimmy Antonionu, Tommy
Fdzsimmons, Unident-ijied, Jane lmm.

65

LANDMARK HOMES

by - Tom and Connie Best

In 1879, when the township was formed, there were approximately one hundred thirty-one dwellings
within its borders. Today there are thirty-nine of these buildings remaining in one form or another. (See
map on page 118). Of these, one brick, one stone, and five log houses are shown on the following pages. The
remaining thIrty-two homes shown are for the most part a stereotype Pennsylvania farmhouse, typical of
the type built in the post-Civil War "Boom." Of the thirty-nine surviving houses, only three have remained
in possession of direct descendants throughout the years. Most have changed hands several times and have
also changed appearances with additions of rooms, insulbrick, aluminum and brick veneer sidings.
On the following pages are photographs of "Landmark Homes" along with a short biography of the
known history.
In determining the age of our "Landmark Homes," it was necessary to depend on old maps and family
records where available. While the exact ages of most of the homes could not be detern.ined, the
"researchers" feel that the homes are all century vintage.

Mr. H. T. Best placing an aluminum Centnmial Landmark PIa.que on his

over one hundred year old home. Similar plaques were placed un all oj I he
homes pictured on the Jollowing pages.

Irwin Drive - Nicely restored centennirLI house oj the A rio B.

Davis JarT11:ly. The OW1/er oj Ihi:; hou:;e in 1879 Vias Jllcob
W1:11ery, and IN/nrc him, Mr. S'llmue! SkW!'?I. It remained 11/ the
Willen! family unl.l1 it was Jlur('hased /n/ ('1Ir1is M. Irll'il/ In
1913. Est.her [Mrs. Dllv/::;] was tlj'O .1/"lIrs old when her parents
f/("Juired this property which has hec()m,' Icnmi'n a:; Ihe IrU'/1i
homestead. In 1.961, Mr. [rwin d"Nled the properll/fo Afr. rmd
Mrs. Davis. 1#21

Menk Road - This small Jarm house located near the Greens
burg Road and Pucketos Creek is presently owned by Robert
McVey and occupied by tenants. The house, which was built in
1840, was once the property ,of the James Hamilton family. It
was the home oj John and Ruth Willyard's parents when they
first went into housekeeping and more recently was the IOCQ
tion of Stoneybrook Riding Stable, operated by Inez :itenlJulst.
[#1]

66

'Michael Drive - This two-story log h01tse is the home of Mr.

and Mrs. John Dombroski, and is localed i71 a picturesque
setting oJf Michael Drive_ It has been o(.'(upied by the
Dombroski family since 1922, and is believed tn be nearly 200
1jears old. In 1879, it was the home of A. Fink. r113J

Lower Drennen Road - Farm home of Margaret Morrow and

late husband, Ralph. Located at the lower end of Lower
Drennen Road, tit-is home was built in 1879, by Mr. and Mrs.
James W. Morrow, Ralph's parents and Harold's grandparents.
The house was built by a builde'l' named Taylor. [#4 J

Menk Road - Located at the corner of Seventh Street Road,

this earl1j 1800's brick house is the home of Mr. and Mrs. H T.
Belit. The kO'use was restored by 7:ts present owners in tke
mid-1960's to 'its original appearance. utib:Z7:ng many of the
ori,ql:nal building materUlls. The house was bU):tt and occupied
1))/ the Joseph Byerly family, and heirs th7'Ough the Civil War
Pvr/"d. It was owned by the Euwer family - well-known New
Kensi7lqton jiU'/1'i/,ure dealeT - from 1867 through 1900. The
7/1'J'1 5(} :lIears it was a I.h-riving dairy farm operated by John
MC7Ik. The fw(qinal patent titled "Warsaw Tract" dated 1786,
I/Ild 81:.1/11 d by P. Muhlenberg is "n display in the recept?:on hall.
Heursay: The bricks for this sobjl brick hlluse were made
"n the property and laid for $80 and a black mare. 11151

Hartge Road - Beautiful home of t he Clyde E. Wes ton family.

It was remodeled apP'l'oximalely twenty years ago by its
present oume'l's. Formerly it was home for the Flagg, Tony
Myers, Kettering, and Benson famihes, and one hundred years
WI". it was the home of A. Logan. This house i,s uniq~te in that it
supposedl!1 is located astride the Upper-Lower BU1'1'ell
!)()'undIlJ"!I. 11161

67

Whitten Hollow Road - Picturesque home of Oscar and Joseph

Rosa. Original dwelling burned down and was rebuilt in 1903.
Pictured log barn was part of the pre-Civil War Samuel Erb
farm. [#8]

Whitten Hollow Road - This beautiful setting is the home of

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Darin at the head of Whitten Hollow. The
cedar covered home was built in 1868, by Alexander Whitten.
father of t....e late Judge Whitten, on land granted to John
Beacon dated 1837. [#9]

Easy Street - Farm home of Joseph Gemballa family, and

formerly the dairy farm home of the D. Clyde Wills family. In
1879, it was the home of Mrs. R. Sands. [#7]

Upper Drennen Road - Home of the John Montgomery family

since 1951, when it was purchased from Mr. Milton Ryan, an
architect who designed the Burrell High School building. Early
maps of the township show that in 1876, the house was occupied
by J. Bacon, and in 1911 by Mrs. Elizabeth Eyler, or her heirs.
[#36]

Upper Drennen Road - Home of Lucille Peli and family. It is

believed to be about one hundred twenty-five years old.
Former home of Dutch John Miller, and more recentl.y the
home of James E. Drew. In 1879, it was the home of the J.
Salts giver family. [#37]

68

Whitten Hollow Road - Located at the foot of Whitten Hollow

Road, the ~ome of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Shultz, was once the farm
of the late Frank Hall. It is believed to have been the home of
Mr. James McKeever in 1879. [1110)

Myers Drive - This well-weathered frame house is the home of

John, and his sister Ruth, Willyard. Located in a remote area of
the township, it has a beautiful view of Pucketos Creek valley.
The house was built by the owners' grandfather approximately
one hundred years ago, and has been occupied by the Willyard
family since. The land patent titled "Fruitful" dated 1785, and
issued to Hugh Mellon, was signed by Benjamin Franklin, and
is in the possession of the present owner. This patnnt contained
three hundred forty-nine acres, and included the Gallagher
property shown below. [1111)

Menk Road - Home of Mr. and Mrs. C. Wilbur Gallagher. The

two-story log cabin was built in the early 1800's. It was once the
location of a tobacco industry, and the remaining drying sheds
were still standing when the family of Ralph Stewart moved to
the farm in 1918. Like most early homes, it had a very large
cooking fireplace, and a smaller one for heating. Between the
time it was occupied by the Stewart family and its present
owners, it was the home of the Gordon family for several years.
The top photo was taken a few years ago, prior to being
covered with aluminum siding. The pine covered property is
one of the most picturesque settings in this area, and was
occupied by Mrs. Eyler in 1879. [1112)

Myers Drive - Home of Mrs. Millie Wills, and before them the
Tony Myers family. In 1879, this was the home of the C.
Wallace family. Subsequent occupants were John Graham.
Pallsgrove and Clyde Patterson. Coal Mining andfarming have
been the main stay of this farm, throughout the years. [1113)

69

Merwin Road - Farm home of the Alfred Maglisco family since

191.9. Previous owners were families by the names of Gillis,
Barkley and Moody. [#15\

Milligantown Road - Home of the Roger Farneth family. This

house was built sometime prior to the Civil War. Its owner at
that time was J. McLaughlin, and in 1879, was A. T. Kebler.
Subsequently the owner was Uriah Erb, and then Roger's
father, Ralph Farneth. [#14]

Merwin Road - Owner is Mrs. Michael Zito of Seventh Street

Road. Formerly it was the farm of Frank and Nancy Stewart,
and later their son, George. Prior to the Stewart family, it was
occupied by a John Miller. Subsequent to the purchase by Mr.
and Mrs. Zito in 1958, the house has been occupied by tenants,
including Mr. and Mrs. Balata, Wayne and Frances [Zito]
McAll1:ster, and Ronald Gross, the present occupant. [#16]

Woodland Road - Very neat home of Robert George, built by

his grandfather, Josiah T. George, in 1863. The working farm

has been kept intact, by the George faml:1y to this day. In

between Bob and his grandfather, was his uncle Lawrence
Harvey George. [#17]

70

t
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j

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1\

t.ll

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",1,'
,~t:.
'. lILI
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/'

Milligantown Road - Home of Carol Britton, and former home

of the late Fred Evans, was built in the early 1800's. In 1879, it
was the home of Mr. Henry Willery, who operated a tannery
nearby. 1#181

Lower Drennen Road - In a picturesque setting located in a

rural area, is this home of Stella Listwak. It has withstood over
one hundred years of weatheT1:ng on its own, and is a tribute to
our contry 's early builders. The frame house which was built in
the post-Civil War era, was owned by a Louis Menk and the
John Hamiltonfamily, of ice.cream/ame. [#19]

Lower Drennen Road - This house, located near the Fire Hall,
was the J Fryer farm house in 1879, and Fir many years later
1HLS the home of Andrew Ba:xter. Presently it is owned by Mr.
l"hck DeBlasio, and occupied by tenants. 1#201

Upper Drennen Road

Home of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony
Mataldi and family. The exact age of this house is unknown;
however, it is believed to be centennial vintage. For many
years it was the home 0/ Calvin Baxter, and for many years
later, Ethel Baxter. More recent occupants were George and
Thelma Chaney. 1#211

71

). \

,.

1\

'

.....

Schafer Drive - Home of Mrs. Gladys Leeman and the late

George Pular Leeman. For fifty-seven years, this has been the
farm home of the George Leeman family, where a dairy was
operated for many years. This farm is part of a 218 acre tract
initially patented in 1789 by Charles Warton. Since then milny
.names appeared on deeds: Charles Warton, Jr.; Daniel
Henderson and his sons Mathew, James and John, John
Anderson, Joseph Knappenburger,
Daniel Younkins,
Alexander McKee, David Steele, and finally in 1922, Leeman.
Early maps indicate there was a house on that location in 1867,
occupied by Daniel Younkins, and in 187tj, by Alexander
McKee. Although records indicate the barn was built in 1908, it
is strongly suspected that the pictured house is the house
occupied by Alexander McKee, in 1876. [#23]

Merwin-Markle Road - Home of the Zediakfamily. In 1879, it

was the home of John Scott and family, and before him J. Hull.
1#221

Oak Lake Road - Secluded home of Mrs. G. Z. [Marie] Haser,

and the late "Gus" Haser. The restored home is a beautiful and
living memorial to yesteryear. According to early maps, the
Haser farm was part of a lilnd patent acquired by John Fox.
The house, which was built sometime prior to the Civil War,
was owned and occupied by the J. Spiker family for many
years. Hasers purchased the property about 1942, from Mr. C.
O. Wylie. [#24]

Camp Nancy Road - Home of the Black family. The exact age
of this home is not fenown. The owner in 187.9 is belined 10 he
S. Kunkle of P. Love. Later, it was the home of William Swank,
a blacksmith, whose shop stood next door at the corner of
Merwin Road, Camp Nancy Road and ,';eveulh Street. The
house and property is presently owned by A IcoIL. [1125]

72

Oak Lake Road - Home of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Radaker, Sr. It
was the 1879 home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M. Nelson, cradle
maker, whose descendants were prominent in Apollo banking
and business circles. Subsequent owners were: W. W. Swank,
John Talcosky, Michael Takoslcy, and then in 1945, Jay
Radaker. [#26J

Oak Lake Road - Home of Mr. and Mrs, Michael Korenowski.

In 1879, this was the home of James Nelson, a cradle maker,
who with his son Samuel M., operated a cradle manufacturing
business in a shop adjacent to the house [See Business and
ServicesJ. The house, which is partially log, was built very
early in the 1800's, and was occupied by a DonnellJ family prior
to the Nelsons. Subsequent owners were John Takoslcy,
Michael Belasco, Stanley Lesnak and then Korenowski, [#27J

Merwin Road - Home of William and Pearl Crooks, who

provided the following information: This is the old homestead of
George Thompson who operated the Thompson Tannery, which
was located about 150 feet from this house.
Built in 1849, the wood for the home was rafted down the
Allegheny River and the stone quarried from the farm, and
brought to the site by ox-cart. Four stone masons, each
constructing a single corner, completed the stonework for $125.
The walls are about four feet thick at the base and 1f necessary,
the house could have been used as a fort against the Indians.
The current owner, William F. Crooks, was born and raised in
this house, and is a descendant of the original owner. [#38J

Markle Road - This farm home of the Robert Phillips family

was built in 186'6' by Samuel McLaughlin. Bought by David
Watson in 1896, the house and farm have been in the Watson
family for three generations. Nelson Watson still owns most of
the farm and uses t't for raising beef cattle. Bob and Ann
Phillips acqtLired the house just. on!" year ago and are presently
engag d in a restoration program. [#391

73

Seventh Street Road - This attractive farm house, home of the

Ralph McIntyre family, is located on Seventh Street, opposite
the Penn State Campus. It is a two-story log dwelling built in
the pre-Civil War era by William Lindsay, ancestor of the
present owner. Legend has it that it was a stop-over for cattle
drovers on the Kittanning-Drennen Pike, which is now called
Myers Drive. [#28J

Schafer Drive - This is the home of the late Harold Schafer

and family. Apples have made this farm famous. The house is
about one hundred years old, and the former owners were
McElfresh, Klingensmiths, and then Henry Schafer, father of
Harold. [#2.91

Guyer Road - This well-preserved farm is owned by Dr. W.

Kahle Johnson, and is presently occupied by tenants. It was
formerly the James Mann homestead, and in 1879 the home of
Mrs. Margaret Iseman, followed by Andrew Iseman. [#30J

Baxter Drive - Home of Joseph Weaver family and formerly

the Archie Baxter, Sr., homestend, Built in 1837, by Rubert
Baxter on land purchased from the Frederick tract, ,:t was a
1-l/2-story log cQbin with an 8foatfireplace in the center. Th.e
one hundred nnd nine acres 'werl' llUrchased at $3.00 per aere.
It has remained in the Baxter family up until its present 'r/I'ne r.
1#311

74

Oak Lake Road - This log house, which is located near the
intersection 1n'th Rich Hill Road, is the home of Steve Matisz,
retired Air Force serviceman. In 1876, it was in the J.
Knappenberger .family, but has had many owners thereafter.
Among thrm ar the names Reinhart, Pendleton, Fundis,
Gutknecht. and present owner Steve Matisz. [#32]

Oak Lake Road - Renovated home of Nickolas Laurito family

since 1922. In 1879, it was the home of R. Anderson, Sr.,
farmer. The fertile land of the Little Pucketos valley has
provided its owners through the years with excellent truck
gardens. [#33]

Oak Lake Road - Home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis C. Capiross and
j(Lmily. This dwelling was recently rebuilt around an old
strut:lure that in 1879, was occupied by R. AndeTSon, Jr., and
.jarnily. In recent years the farm was operated by the Dorociak
/mnily, well-knownlor their poultry and P.qqs. Exact age of the
horne is not known, but the barn was erected in 1848. (#34]

Oak Lake Road - This house, located on the edge of Oak Lake
Golf Course, is the home of Mrs. Lucille Myers. She and her
late hu.sband, Dick Myers, completely rebuilt this house, which
was 1:n derehct condition. The original house, which dates back
before the Civil War, was the home of A. Klingensmith in 1879.
1#3.5\

75

SERVICE AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS

Upper Burrell

Parent Teacher

Association

,_~---"r-------------------"'I"""l

r.l~l.Cl;rW4

[Left to Right]: present officers of the Parent Teachers As

sociation are; Mrs. Pat Smith, Treasurer; Mrs. Audrey Spier
ing, President; and Mrs. Paulette Holloway, Secretary.

Groups of interested parents and teachers

since 1897 have banded together to form PTA
(Parent Teacher Association) units throughout
the United States. On December 5, 1939, a meet
ing was held in the Upper Burrell Elemen
tary School, and the following officers were elect
ed: President, Mr. C. H. Spillers; 1st Vice Presi
dent, Mrs. Lamont Benson; 2nd Vice President,
Mr. Ray Rawlinson; Secretary, Mrs. Anna
McElroy; Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Irwin. And thus,
the Parent Teacher Association of Upper Burrell
Township had its beginning, through the efforts
of teachers Miss Ethel Herd (Mrs. Simmers),
Mrs. Stella Hill (Elwood), and Miss Anna Rosa
(Mrs. Hughes).
PTA Objectives are:
To PROMOTE the welfare of children and
youth in home, church and community.
To RAISE the standards of home life.
To SECURE adequate laws for the care and
protection of children and youth.
To BRING into closer relation the home and
the school, that parents and teachers may
cooperate intelligently in the training of
the child.
To DEVELOP between educators and the
general public Sl!lch united efforts as will

secure for every child the highest advan

tages in physical, mental, social and spirit
ual education.
The PTA over the years has sponsored many
groups; 4-H Clubs, Junior Sportsman Club, Junior
Patrol, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and
Boy Scouts.
Among the various PTA projects are the
following: started home-room libraries and ex
panded to a school library, sold war stamps and
bonds, collected books for soldiers, clothing and
paper drives, various class room parties, donated
to the state PTA and BURRELL PTA Council
Scholarship Funds, worked towards better road
conditions, bus safety, made gowns for physical
exams for the school district, supplied diabetes
strips for testing, Christmas treats, purchased
educational and playground equipment, spon
sored summer round-ups for I!re-school children
and presently supporting the Reading is Funda
mental (RIF) program.
The PTA has achieved many goals and will
continue to work with school administrators and
other township organizations in behalf of the
children and youth.

Upper Burrell Township

Volunteer

Fire Company No.1

The residents of Upper Burrell Township

prior to 1941, depended for protection on the
Lower Burrell Township Fire Company No.3,
and Kinloch Fire Company. Due to the distance of
these companies and the fact that World War II
was upon us, a group of residents felt the need for
our own emergency protection; so they held
several organization meetings in private homes
and in the election house located near the inter
section of Milligantown Road and Oak Lake Road.
Application for a charter was made on May 15,
1942, and granted on May 26, 1942. The founding
officers were:
Kenneth B. Cope
President
Fred Evans, Sr
Vice President
Harry J. Rawlins
.. Secretary
John W. Hecker
Treasurer
(John Hecker is still ac tive and presently
holds office as Trustee).
76

Upper Burrell Fire Hall located on Pennsylvania Route 780.

was granted May 1, 1952. From 1952 to 1955, the

present club room was used as a combination club
room and equipment room. In the fall of 1955, the
second floor was added to the building. The roof
and the supporting I beams were donated by Alcoa
and were installed by the members.
The Fire Company began with a little pickup
truck owned by Jim Antoniono and loaned to the
company when needed. The company acquired
its own first truck in 1946, when a used World War
II Civil Defense truck was purchased.

Trustees: C. Roy Fryer, William Gutknecht,

C. W. Patterson, Harry Marsh and John Millef.
Jules Langlois, Sr., was the first chief.
On April 27, 1944, James and Myrna Antoni
ono donated a lot for the fire hall. Nick DeBlazio
added more land and additional land was pur
chased 0 er the years. Today they own about five
acres. On November 6, 1947, Milton W. Ryan,
architect, drew up plans for the fire hall. Building
material was bought and some was donated by the
Burrell Construction Co. The first floor was com
pleted in 1948.

Thefirst Upper Burrellfire truck purchased in 1946.

Members of the Fire Company working on the first section of

the fire hall, [Left to Right I: John Ilnicki, Walter Wishoski, Bob
[Pop] McKillip, Bob Vanetta. George Lange, Dewey Artman,
George Reynolds, Jim Antoniono, Mike Zito, John Berkoben,
and Bill (Baldy J Elwood.

In 1949 the firemen built a tank truck which

carried 650 gallons of water. This was a very
useful addition because the township is rural and
has no water in many area for fire fighting. Then in
1959, a new International pumper was purchased,
and on June 13, 1978, a new Ford pumper was
added.
This new piece of equipment has the capa
bility of delivering foam and also has a deluge gun
that can shoot 1,000 gallons of water per minute.

The wheel of progress started to move, with

the firemen raising money from donations from
the community, fund drives and fun fairs. But due
to the sparse population and lack of sufficient
income, the members felt they could supplement
their income by having a club liquor license, which
77

The new pumper truck purchased in 1978. Members of the

Junior Firemen and Auxiliary are, [Left to Right): Dana
Carson, James Edwards, Susan Dohmen, Cindee Harkins, and
Deanna Marsh.

Officers for the year 1979, [Left to Right): Charles Harhns, Jr.,
Chuck Harkins, Bonnie Farneth, Jack Reynolds, Roger,
Farneth, Chester Lockwood, and John Richey.

The firemen of 1979 are required to attend

fire practice and drills so they can keep up on all
the latest fire fighting procedures. They have
been to St. Vincents College for schooling and
have attended county fire fighting schools. The
Fire Company averages forty-five alarms a year,
and on the average, fifteen to twenty-five men
respond to fires at any time, day or night.
The Junior Firemen Program was started in
1955, with four members: David Heckman, Jack
Dohmen, William Hecker and Henry Shaner. It is
still active today.
A first in the history of the Fire Company
happened on October 18, 1978, when Bonnie
Farneth became the first woman to join as an
active fireperson.
Officers for the Year 1979
President
Chester Lockwood
Vice President
John Richey
Financial Secretary and
Herb Pierce
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
Bonnie Farneth
Trustees
Jack Reynolds, Head
Robert Clowes, Pat Kregiel,
Dave Heckman, John Hecker
Line Officers
Chief
Roger Farneth
Assistant Chief
Jack Reynolds
Captain
Tom McCracken
1st Lieutenant
Charles Harkins, Jr.
2ndLieutenant . :
Dan Baxter
Engineer
Frank Harmon
Assistant Engineer
Robert Clowes
2ndAsst. Engineer
Tom McCracken
Fire Police
Charles Harkins, Sr., Chief,
Chris Harkins, Jeff Armor,
John Richey, Dennis Stadterman
WE, the firemen, would like to thank the
community for their support and their contribu
tions to help us to keep on growing. Because of
you, we will be there; in case you need us.

Upper Burrell

Ladies'Auxiliary

Officers for the year 1979 [Left to Right - Front Row): Helen
Pierce, Phyllis McCracken, Alice Harkins, Mary Lou Reynolds.
[Second Row]: Margaret Heidrich, Peggy Ann Rametta, and
Gladys Stewart.

Organized in 1942, with Mrs. Rose Cope as

the first president, the principal object of the
Ladies' Auxiliary is to raise funds for the Upper
Burrell Fire Company, and any other worthy
cause. In the earlier years the members filled
baskets for the needy, and made donations to the
Red Cross and Salvation Army, in addition to
helping provide funds for the necessary fire fight
ing equipment. The present goal of the Auxiliary
is to help finance an enlargement of the fire hall
with accommodations to cater meals for large
groups of people. Five of the original Charter
Members are still active in the Auxiliary; Eliza
beth Evans, Elnora Hecker, Mary Kay, Margaret
Woods and Frances Zito.
Money is raised by holding public dinners and
socials, selling hoagies, having raffles, and holding
a soup, bread and pie sale on each election day.
78

Upper Burrell

Community Circle

Selling refreshments at the Firemen's Fair in 1960. In the

booth, [Left to Right]: Nancy Knotts and Florence Shank, niece
and sister 0/ Gladys Stewart [from Los Angeles], and Frances
Zito.
Outside the booth, [Left to Right]: Bill Gutknecht, Margaret
Duddy, Hou'ard Eclfhard, Nora Draper, Jim Crowell, Mike
ZI:to, Phyllis Pierce, Ila Gutknecht, KathleenDuddy, and Helen
C'utknecht.

Officers of the Community Circle serving the 1978-1979 term

pictured above are, [Left to Right - Front Row]: Mrs. Marion
Yates, Treasurer; Mrs. Theresa Takosky, Vice Prdident; Mrs.
Anna McElroy, Chaplain.
[Left to Right - Second Row1: Miss Margaret Heidrich, Secre
tary; Mrs. Mary Jane Zadai, President.

In 1951 the Auxiliary sponsored the first

group of majorettes to represent the township.
Under the direction of Mrs. Peggy Ann Rametta,
the girls performed at the firemen's par.ades in
local communities. Many times the maJorettes
would go to a parade without a contingent of
firemen, and it would be necessary for the head
majorette to wear the unit's number around her
neck so that the girls could be identified at the
judges stand. One of the original majorettes was
Betty Smicik (now Mrs. William R. Beestrice).
who moved up through the ranks to become leader
of the group that has grown into the distinguished
organization known as the Upper Burrell
Shamrocks.
In the middle 1950's Mrs. JoHanna Antoine
and Peggy Ann started a boys drum line, which
expanded into a drum and bugle corps, to march
with the majorettes. Mr. Bernard Potts was their
general instructor and Bob Wills helped with the
bugles.
The activities of the group have varied over
the years. In 1959, the ladies started serving
funeral meals for any resident of the township at
no cost. Recently, however, due to inflation of
prices, this has been limited to members and their
families. Non-member residents may request a
funeral meal, but will be charged for all pro
visions served them.

In the summer of 1956, a group of women met

and organized the Upper Burrell Community
Circle, with the stated purpose of promoting
"Social spirit among its members and to further
anything of help and interest to the community."
A charter obtained.in the fall of 1956, was signed
by Catherine Raught, Rebecca Fryer, Anna
McElroy, Violet McCutcheon and Tude Johnson.
Many Charter Members are still active, but only
one of the charter signers, Anna McElroy, is still
serving.
Under the able leadership of Catherine
Raught, the first president, the Circle began its
long history of service to the community. Through
card parties, bake sales, bazaars, flea markets,
raffles, and the sales of special items, the women
amassed enough money to purchase the site of the
old Milligan Mill, a property lying between Mill
igantown Road and Schafer Drive. It is the hope of
the Circle to erect a Community Center on this
historic site.
Working toward that end, the present roll of
thirty-seven names includes: Jean Beatty, Martha
Bentley, Grethel Blair, Irene Byers, Jane Crowell,
Barbara Dawson, Stephanie Duddy, Hilda Elston,
Ruth Gromley, Nettie Hartge, Elnora Hecker,
Margaret Heidrich, Jackie Heilich, Mary Kay,
Agnes Kitzer, Laura Kremer, Rita Libengood,
Bernice Listwak, Anna McElroy, Ann Morrow,
Margaret Morrow, Pauline Mullica, Margaret
Piper, Nancy Pitsch, Helen Praniewicz, Flo
Slahtovsky, Juanita Smith, Barbara Sprowls,
Mary Sprowls, Theresa Takosky, Pat Trzeciak,
Lillian Venezie, Olga Weister, Margaret Woods,
Marion Yates, Mary Jane Zadai and Frances Zito.

Pres~: .it officers are:

President
Alice Harkins
Vice Pres'ident
Helen Pierce
Recording Secretary
Mary Lou Reynolds
Financial Secretary
Sheila Marsh
Treasurer
Phyllis McCracken
Trustees
Gladys Stewart,
Peggy Ann Rametta, Elnora Hecker
Chaplain
Margaret Heidrich
Ways and Means
Delores Kregiel

79

All of these ladies contribute time and talent

to the Circle and to community activities. Most of
the members also are active in other organiza
tions. Rita Libengood is the Township Tax Col
lector, Anna McElroy once taught school here.
One of our senior members, Mary Sprowls, does
beautiful handwork and contributes to our ba
zaars; she comes to meetings with daughter-in
law Barbara. Mrs. Margaret Morrow comes to
meetings with daughter-in-law Ann, and daughter
Marion Yates. Margaret makes great cup cakes
and patchwork pillows. Other mother-daughter
combinations are: Mary Kay and Pauline Mullica,
Grethel Blair and Jean Beatty. Theresa Takosky is
one of our "crafty" members; she makes lovely
center pieces and does beautiful things with cones.
Martha Bentley demonstrates soap making;
Barbara Dawson decorates cakes, and it should be
noted here that Ruth Gromley does a fantastic job
on bread and buns. Peg Piper is our busiest sales
person and is a great problem solver; any bake sale
leftovers go to Peg's house where she packages
and delivers them to Meals on Wheels at Puckety
United Presbyterian Church in Lower Burrell, or
to Adult Retardees at Trinity Reformed Church in
New Kensington, or to Adelphoi Village Home for
Boys in Arnold. Peg also spearheads the projects
for Westmoreland Manor, a rest home for county
residents in Greensburg.

Scoutmaster. The Lions Club sponsored the new

Troop, and at the same time, took over the
sponsorship of Cub Pack 523. Bill Bolt became
Scoutmaster in 1959, and served until 1966.

Presentation of American Flag to the Troop on February 12,

1960, by the New Kensington American Legion. Pictured
above, [Left to Right I: Bob Ross [Legionnaire], Alfred Sprowls,
Jim Antoniono, Ronald Listwak, Frank Brun, Charles Adams
and Bill Bolt, Scoutmaster.
Photo courtesy of The Valley News Dispatch

Tom Howard then took on the responsibility

until 1972, followed by Charles Harkins for an
other six months, when the Troop disbanded in
1973. At present there is no Boy Scout Troop in
Upper Burrell.
Over the years, the boys were involved in
various projects, such as browse cutting of deer
feed in winter, stream clean-up, goodwill pro-

4-HClub
There was an agricultural4-H Club in Upper
Burrell as early as the 1930's. The club in the
middle of the 1940's became more active, with the
help of Westmoreland County representatives.
Mr. Thurston worked with the boys in activities
such as raising crops, various farm animals and
vegetables. Miss Rust worked with the girls in
areas such as cooking in the home, cooking out-of
doors, meal planning and sewing.
Mr. and Mrs. John Wingrove, and Mr. and
Mrs. Walter Stull were leaders, assisted by
parents ofthe young people, as required. The 4-H
Club became inactive in the middle 1950's, as the
Boy and Girl Scout programs were getting
organized.

Boy Scouts
The first Boy Scout Troop in Upper Burrell
was sponsored by the PTA in 1945, with John
Hecker, Scoutmaster. John kept the Troop of
twenty boys going for about a year, then had
to shut it down because of insufficient help. Troop
523 was organized in 1958, with Jim Thompson,

Scouts that made the trip to Philmont [Left to Riqht - Seated I:

Don Marsh, Guide; Tom Howard, Scoutmaster: Dallas Georqe,
Chuck Harkins, Jr.
[Left to Right - Standing): Tom MeAlhster, Jell Weber, Tlml
Howard, Ken Sanders, Curtis Bowman, Robert Walsh, Bf!l"ni
Mc Williams, and Ken Howard.

80

jects, various community activities and, of

course, work on Scout advancement and merit
badges. Many hikes, camp-outs, back-packing
trips and canoe trips were enjoyed by the boys. A
climax to all of these was a trip to the nationally
famous Boy Scout Reservation at Philmont, New
Mexico, in 1971.

Sponsorship was transferred to the Lions

Club in 1959, at the same time that the Boy
Scout Troop was reactivated with Bill Bolt as
Scoutmaster. Both Pack 523 and Troop 523 were
under the sponsorship of the Lions Club.
Sprowls served as Cubmaster until 1961.
Later, Cubmasters were James Macshane (1962),
and Robert Fullerton (1963-66), followed for brief
periods by Don Treser, Syl Zembryuski and
Ronald Peck. Pack 523 was finally dissolved for
want of adults to carryon the leadership.
In 1974, Cubbing was revived when Pack 621
was chartered by the Upper Burrell PTA, with
Daniel Huston, Cubmaster. He was succeeded by
Robert Goch, and then Jeffery Burkot who has
been the Cubmaster since October, 1976. Other
present leaders include Mr. Gene Leasure,
Assistant Cubmaster; Den Mothers, Mrs. Alfred
(Carol) Smail, Mrs. Jack (Karen) Miller and
J ames Shields, Jr., Leader of the Weblos Den.
The Pack Committee includes: Mrs. Paul
(Barbara) Bentley, Chairman; Richard and
Norma Shirey; Alfred Smail, and Jack Miller.

Under the direction of Tom Howard, four

boys achieved the distinguished Eagle Scout
Award in 1969 and 1970. These boys were: Don
Marsh, son of David and Donna Marsh; Tom
McAllister, son of Wayne and Frances McAllister;
and Ken and Tom Howard, sons of Tom and
Barbara Howard.

Cub Scouts
Cubbing first came to Upper Burrell when
the Charter for Pack 523 was presented on
February 28, 1957, to Mrs. Walter (Martha)
Stull, President of the PTA. Mr. Dewey Oliver
was Chairman of the Pack Committee and the
Cubmasters were Donald Sprowls and William
Bolt, Jr., Assistant. The pack was organized in
1956, as a branch of Pack 123, at the Aluminum
City Terrace, New Kensington, where Sprowls
was Cubmaster. There were four Dens and about
thirty Cubs, when the Charter was received.
Some of the Den Mothers at the beginning were:
Mrs. Richard (Gen) Antoine, Mrs. William
(Gloria) Bolt, Mrs. William (Lucile) Johnson,
Mrs. James (Jane) Crowell, Mrs. Merle (Jean)
Baxter, Mrs. Ralph (Agnes) Dixon, Mrs. John
(Angie) Dombroski, Mrs. Dewey (Myrtle) Oliver,
Mrs. Ralph (Peg) Farneth, Mrs. Charles (Gerry)
Spiering, Mrs. Donald (Barbara) Sprowls, and
Mrs. Frank (Phoebe) Trautwein.

Pack meeting in March 1979. [Left to Right First Row!: Den

Mother, Mrs. Karen Miller; Mario Sansosti; Jonathan Tidd;
Randy Robinson; David Jordan; Bobby Ewing; John Jentgen,
Will Haas; and Den Mother, Mrs. Barbara Bentley.
[Left to Right - Second Row]: Chuck Robinson, Chris Robinson,
Jeffrey Bracken, John Oswalt, Gene Leasure, Kenny Smail,
Mrs. Alfred [Carol] Smail.
[Left to Right - Third Row]: Michael Shirey; Robbie Buller;
Scott Miller; Cubmasler, Jeff Burkot; Brian Landowski; Ronald
Smith; Assistant Cubmaster, Gene Leasure; Michael Bentley,
Tom Baker.

Four Cubs have earned the highest honor

"Arrow of Light:" Keith Smail (1977), Shawn
McKown (1978), Rodney Schafer (1979), and
Will Haas (1979).
Cubbing is a program full of fun and learning
activities for boys aged 8-10 years. The Dens
meet weekly in the homes under leadership of the
Den Mothers, and the whole Pack meets monthly
in the Upper Burrell schoolhouse. Most of the
credit for the successful operation of the two Cub
Packs over the years belongs to the Den Mothers.
Many Upper Burrell mothers, in addition to the
ones listed above, have helped make the Packs
go.

Cubs and Scouts on outing in October 1960, [Left to Right

Kneelingl: Mike Flynn, Scout; Randy Croyle, Buddy Holmes,
E1ic Haser.
[Left to Right - Standing]: Larry Venter, Jim Sprowls, Bob
Boll, James McCarrison, John Chabal, Robert Myers, Alfred
Pitts, Ron Chabal, George Rametta, Dennis Stadterman,
Jackie Allen, Raymond Miller.
[Left to Right Seated un Fence]: Scouts; Leroy Holmes, David
Venter, Robert Oakes, Gary Trautwein, Dan Myers, Billy Boll.

81

Some of the activities that have highlighted

the Cubbing program are: Pinewood derbies,
kite contests, push mobile races, "Scouting
U.S.A." shows at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh,
overnight camping at Boy Scout Camp Guyasuta,
blue and gold banquets, hikes, trips to see the
Pittsburgh Pirates, and many other places. Cubs
have also helped to spread joy and goodwill by
assisting the Salvation Army distribute food and
toys at Christmas time, and visits to the Belair
Nursing Home.
We wish Upper Burrell Township much
success in the next 100 years, and hope that the
"Wonderful World of Scouting," will be part of it.

Brownie and Junior

Right - First Row]:
Allen, Barb Dziedzic,
Byers, Jane Radaker,

Girl Scouts

Sco'uts photographed 1:71 1964. [Left to

Kathy Manley, Roberta and Margaret
Carolyn Oliver, Diane Dorociak, Betsy
Theresa Pulcini, Diane Rossman,

[Left to Right - Second Row]: Kathy Sugden, Bambi Smith,

Sharon Montonari, Diane Bolt, Diane Venter, Cheryl Baker,
Monica Matisko, Joni Oroyle, Audrey Tudor, Janice Pulcini,

The first Upper Burrell Girl Scout Troop was

Brownie Troop 79, sponsored by the PTA in the
spring of 1956. There were thirty-five girls ages
7, 8 and 9 years. The leader of the Troop was
Mrs. Barbara (Donald) Sprowls, and her Assistant
Leaders were: Marie Errett, Milly (Joseph)
Lesho, Mary Ludy, Gerry (Charles) Spiering,
Mildred (Edward) Taylor, Bonnie (Lee) Van
Dyke. Committee Members were: Mrs. Joann
(James) Taylor, Lillian (Charles) Beighley and
Susie (Herman) Pitts. Those first Brownies were:
Elizabeth Amsler, Pavlette Ayers, Maxine
Becker, Bonnie and Joyce Beighley, 'priscilla Berk
oben, Connie Booker, Mary Burkett, Kathleen
Elliot, Catherine and Sandy Errett, Carole Graff,
Lydia M. and Sara Green, Karen Guyer, Joanne
Henry, Frances Johnson, Rebecca Lesho, Yolanda
Ludy, Sandra Pitts, Janice Powell, Rose Ann
Scott, Barbara Spiering, Janet Sprowls, Diane
and Myrtle Taylor, Patricia Taylor, Sharon
Traenkner, Judith and Margaret Van Dyke,
Elnora and Peggy Woods, Pamella Morrison,
Donna J. Pennington, Kathleen Rearick and
Sandra Wilson. These girls have all grown up and
perhaps now have children of the age to be in a
Brownie, Junior or Cadette Troop.
In 1963, the New Kensington Girl Scout
Council under the leadership of Mrs. Mary Jane
(C. William) Cline, merged with the Butler Girl
Scout Council to form the new Keystone Tall Tree
Girl Scout Council. The girls were active in
community projects and participated in Council
sponsored events such as: the Juliet Lowe Pag
eant; selling Girl Scout Cookies to support camp
programs; and selling Girl Scout Calendars to
help finance Troop activities. The girls also par
ticipated in Summer Day Camp programs. When
the Brownies completed fourth grade, they would
"Fly-up" into an Intermediate Troop. Those who
completed that program went on into the Senior
Troops, upon entering high school.

[Left to Right - Third Row]: Barbara Holmes, JrLnel Morrow,

Olga Dobrostan, Roberta Peli, Diane Piper, Lynn Dorociak,
Elaine Sprowls, Diane Cavitt, Christine Piazza, Carol Dom
brosky, Debbie Collins, Renetta Taylor,
[Left to Right - Fourth Row]: Mrs, Barbara Sprowls, Lee Ann
Rossman, Debbie Dziedzic, Linda Luffy, Diane Oroyle, Mrs.
Sara Jane Spano, Mary Jane Sporer, Pamela Lavendowski,
Mary Ellen Gaydosik, Pat Krause, Mrs. Irene Byers,

Many mothers assisted with the Troop down

through the eighteen years that Barbara Sprowls
continued to be the Leader.
Leaders for the past few years were: Stephie
Pranieweiz, Mary Ellen Tutelo (1976-1977; Mary
Ellen Tutelo, Donna Bracken, Norma Smith,
Phyllis McCracken (1977-1978); Mary Ellen
Tutelo, Donna Bracken, Lois Holmes, Alice
Shields (1978-1979; Lois Holmes, Barbara Bent
ley (1979-1980). In 1979-1980 a second rownie
Scout Troop, number 192, was formed with
Sandra Leeman and Betty Keiser as Leaders.
The Junior Troop 659, with twenty-two
girls, has as their Leaders: Donna Bracken,
Phyllis McCracken, Susan Harmon and Sandra
Lee Schafer.

Upper Burrell

Shamrocks

The Upper Burrell Shamrocks are a baton

and drum corps consisting of one hundred sixty
boys and girls, ranging in age from 6 to 19 years,
from various communities in the Allegheny-Ki ki
Valley. The Shamrocks consist of three divisions;
a Senior Corps with ages 13 thru 18 years, the
Junior Corps from ages 8 thru 12, and the Pom
Pom Dril] Team, ages 6 to 8 years.
82

Merlene Bishop, Patty Brooks, Evelyn

Daniels, Donna Drew, Kathleen Duddy, Nancy
Engler, Bonnie and Shirley Evans, Irma Jean
Faith, Janice and Patty Flynn, Elsie Hecker,
Jane Hickman, Dorothy Kardibin, Betty and
Dorothy Keibler, Joan and Peggy Kitzer, Alice
Marsh, Florence McCullough, Sandy Miller,
Myra Piper, Betty Ann Smicik, Barbara and
Donna Stewart, Barbara Stull, Marion Takosky
and Marilyn Zadai.
The organization increased through the
years, and in 1969, a Parents' Association was
formed. The first officers were: Ford Simpson,
Jr. (Lower Burrell), President; Sam Mann
(Lower Burrell), Vice President; Rowena Potts
(Upper Burrell), Secretary; and John Richey
(Upper Burrell), Teasurer.
The Parents' Association and members of the
Shamrocks work together, throughout the year,
to raise money for uniforms, awards, bus trips,
equipment and the many other incidentals re
quired to keep a championship unit on the road,
(including three green and white buses).
The name "Shamrocks" was the prize
winning suggestion of Cathy Shuey (Lower Bur
rell), in a contest to obtain a new name for the
corps.
Year after year, the Shamrocks attain more
local, state and national recognition. The goup
has won over two hundred first place a wards, and
twenty-six titles in numerous state and national
parade and drill competitions, in the past ten
years.

Senior Corps

Junior Corps

Pom-Poms
[Left to Right]: Juhn Smicik, Beth Atkinson: Don Sprowls,
King Lion UppeT Burrell Lions, Dick Rolf, K~'ng Lion Lower
Burrell Lions.
SponsoTed h?J the UPlwr and I,ower Burrell Uons, the
Shamrocks won firsl prize in I he Senior Mlljurettes Competi
tion in the P"lwsylliania SllIte Lions Convention Pamde in
Pittsburyh. in Mil II 197/:!.
Photo by courteS!1 of t h., Valley News Dispatch

They participate in parades and special

events all around Pennsylvania, many other
states, and Canada.
The Shamrocks got started in 1951, under
the leadership of Mrs. Rennie (Peggy Ann)
RametLa, with about twenty-eight girls marching
to a record player mounted on a fire truck.
Known then as the Upper Burrell Majorettes,
they often marched in firemen's parades, with the
Upper Burrell Fire Company. The original
majorettes included the following:

Some of the more important ones were three

national competitions sponsored by the National

83

V.F.W., where they took top honors in Chicago,

Illinois (1974), New York City, New York (1976),
and Dallas, Texas (1978). While in Chicago, the
Consulate from Ireland presented them with an
official Irish national flag to carry in parades. The
Shamrocks also carry a Pennsylvania State flag,
which was presented to them by several State
senators and representatives.
In addition to marching in parades and
special events, the Shamrocks and their parents
also participate in countless community affairs.
They assist with the Easter Seal Campaign in
Westmoreland County; raise money annually
with the "Shamrocks for Dystrophy" campaign;
contribute toys and clothing for less fortunate
children; and perform for the patients at local
veterans' hospitals and nursing homes. The
Shamrocks have been presented with many
special citations from local, county, state and
national notable people, including a letter from
the White House.
The Shamrock organization teaches young
people coordination, self-discipline, respect for
others and teamwork. It teaches them to set a
goal and to work hard to attain that goal. The
success of that teaching is displayed each year by
their winning seasons and championship awards.
Leaders of the Upper Burrell Shamrocks
organization for 1979 are the following:
Mrs. William R. (Betty) Beestrice, Upper
Burrell, Director; Mrs. Frank (Dolly) Dorociak,
Upper Burrell, Assistant Director; Michelle
McKallip, New Kensington, Senior Head Major
ette; Barbara Wolfe, New Kensington, Senior
Color Guard Captain; John Smicik, Upper Bur
rell, Senior Drum Captain; Lisa Kuchta, Lower
Burrell, Junior Head Majorette; Kim Kosheba,
New Kensington, Junior Color Guard Captain;
Joanne Delusio, Washington Township, Junior
Drum Captain; Elizabeth Sansosti, Upper Burrell,
Pom-Poms, Head; Dawn Burgot, Lower Burrell,
Pom-Poms, Co-Head.
Parents'Association:
Marshall McKallip, New Kensington, Presi
dent; Terry Sullivan, Springdale, Vice President;
Mrs. Daren (Sandy) Gray, Oklahoma, Secretary;
Harry Schultz, Lower Burrell. Treasurer; Mrs.
Robert (Carol) Walbert, New Kensington, Fi
nancial Secretary.
The following persons have been named Life
Members of the Parents' Association, in recogni
tion of their sustained interest and hard work in
support of the Shamrocks over the years: Frank
and Dolly Dorociak; Jim and Loretta Lausberg;
Ford and Doris Simpson; and John and Sophie
Smicik.

Lions Club

The Lions Club in Upper Burrell Township

received its Charter from Lions International on
March 27, 1957. Sponsors were Lou Adams and
Bob DeLotto, of the Arnold and New Kensington
clubs, respectively. There were thirty-four
Charter Members, three of whom are still active:
Harold Morrow, Donald Sprowls and Melwyn
Yohe. Harry Kitzer was the first King Lion.
Objectives of the Lions Clubs scatted all over
the "free" world are printed inside the back cover
of this book.
The "WE SERVE" motto of Lions Inter
national is illustrated by the many projects and
activities that the Lions have sponsored and
supported in Upper Burrell Township. Among
the principal ones are the following: sponsored
Boy Scout Troop and Cub Pack, gave free polio
shots, provided eye examinations and eye glasses
for needy Upper Burrell school children and other
residents, made donations to township families
victimized by fires, organized a community de
velopment contest committee, supported Penn
State building fund campaigns, obtained wheel
chairs, crutches, hospital bed to lend to Upper
Burrell residents, co-sponsored with the Lower
Burrell Lions an annual Youth Talent Show
made donations to purchase school playground
equipment and recreational facilities at the mu
nicipal building, cooperate with other township
organizations in various community actIvities,
make donations to support all sorts of community
organizations, including the Fire Company, the
Upper Burrell Shamrocks, boys and girls ball

Officers for the year [1.978-1.979, [Left to Right - Seated]:

Dowld Sprowls, King Lion; Thomas Howard, Secretary

Treasurer; H. Thomas Best, Second Vice President.

[Left to Right Standing]: George [Pete] Smith, Third Vice

President; Robert Venter, First Vice President.

Lion Pete will be the King Lion for the 1979-1980 term of

officers.

84

teams, and make donations to support district

Lions projects to help the blind.
The Upper Burrell Lions activities are sup
ported by funds gained principally from the sale
of the Community Birthday Calendar. Turkey
Shoots, and the sale of brooms and light bulbs.

Lincoln Beach Progressive League and the PTA.

Don Sprowls was elected president of the com
mittee the first year, and Mrs. Frances McAllister
was president for the years 1962-1965, after
which the contests were discontinued.

Pucketos Beagle Club

The Pucketos Beagle Club was chartered by
the American Kennel Club in 1944, with a small
group of ten members.
M. H. Barrett was the first president, and R.
S. Karns, secretary ... both men were from New
Kensington. In 1948, the rapidly growing club
purchased approximately one hundred ninety
acres of idle farm land at the head of one of
the branches of Little Pucketos Creek, bounded
by The Ross No.3 Housing Plan, the Oak Lake
Golf Course and Rich Hill Road. A club house and
dog kennels were constructed in 1953, and one
hundred fifty acres of the property were fenced
in. The cement block kennels will accommodate
one hundred dogs.
Today, the Club has one hundred fifty-two
members, residing chiefly in nearby communi
ties, but including others from the Tri-State area
of Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Vir
ginia. Membership in the club is open to the
public. The only requirement (besides the usual
fees), being that the prospective member own a
registered beagle. This same requirement holds
for participation in the six field trials that are
held each year.
Present officers include: Charles McElwain
of Leechburg, President; and T. L. Woods of
Freeport, Secretary.

Scoutmaster Bill Bolt, and Boy Scouts of Troop 523 made and
erected large sign, calling attention to the clean-up, /ix-up,
paint-up kickoff campaign.

Scrapbooks illustrating the completed pro

jects were entered in the state-wide contest each
year, for the years 1961 thru 1965. All types of
community betterment projects were eligible.
Examples of some of the activities were: organ
ized boys baseball teams, preparation of ball"
fields, beautified the school grounds with plant
ing of trees and shrubbery, arranged Hallowe'en
parades and Christmas parties for children, con
ducted home-owners' contests for flower gardens
and lighting displays at Christmas, held fun fairs
and square dances, etc. Some of the completed
projects represented accomplishments actually
carried out by other agencies and coordinated
under the heading of Community Development.
The 1960's were years of development in many
ways, some of which were touched off by the
coming of the Alcoa Technical Center: Seventh
Street Road (Pennsylvania Route 780) was im
proved, gas and water lines were laid from New
Kensington out to Merwin and out the Greens
burg Road (Pennsylvania Route 366) to Lincoln
Beach, Penn State started its building program,
planning and zoning regulations were enacted by
the Supervisors, Upper Burrell participated in a
Regional Planning Study with four adjoining com
munities in Northwestern Westmoreland County,
and the State backfilled some of the old strip mine
diggings along Coal Hill Road.
The year of 1962 was outstanding because
our scrapbook won fourth prize in the Class E
category for communities with populations less
than two thousand. The $400 cash prize received
from the State was matched with an equal a
mount from the West Penn Power Company. The

Community

Development

Contest Committee

Community spirit in Upper Burrell Township

and other communities throughout the Common
wealth was stimulated in the 1960's by the Penn
sylvania Department of Commerce Community
Development Contests. In April, 1961, a group of
Lions, James Crowell, Fred Evans, Donald
SprowIs and Robert Vanetta, rallied other organi
zations to form a committee and enter Upper
Hurrell in the contest. Supporting groups were the
Board of Supervisors, Boy Scouts, Community
Circle, Cub Scouts, Firemen, Ladies' Auxiliary,
85

prize money was used for the support of addition

al community projects.

Roy Cavitt, Bill Dunn, Bob Vanetta and Bob

Weister.
In 1966 a Little League team for younger
boys, 8 to 11 years of age, was organized, also un
der the Washington Township League. The first
Manager-Coaches were: Will Croyle and Wayne
McAllister. Others who coached were: Tom
Bowman, Randy Croyle, Jack Crum, Dick Davis,
Durwood Evans, Barry Jackson, Jim Luffy, Tony
Mataldi and Dave Simon.

Mr. Charles Shafer, representative from the Pennsylvania

Chamber of Commerce [Center; and Mr. Kenneth Rupert,
District Director of the West Penn Power Company, present
ing matching cash prizes and citation to Mrs. Wayne [Frances]
McAllister, President of the Contest Committee.
Other committee members present [Left to Right]: Mrs.
Robert [Olga] Weister, Mr. Donald Sprowls, Mrs. Thomas
[Barbara] Howard, and Mrs. William [Edith) Dunn.
Photo courtesy Valley News Dispatch
Little League Team 1966, [Left to Right - Kneeling]: Anthony
Holmes, Larry Holmes, Jeff Weber, Randy Krause, Bruce
Croyle, Tom McAllister.
[Left to Right - Second Row]: Clifford Taylor, Tommy Howard,
Chet Pietryka, Tim Cavitt, Kenny Howard, Harry Peli, Bill
Guodiski.
[Left to Right - Third Row]: Wayne McAliiste1', Manager;
Roger Bauman; Billy B1lckshire; Gary Beighley; Charles Imms:
Ron Dulnikowski: Bill Geracia; Bob DulnUcowski; Bill Bult.
Manager.

Ball Teams
The Upper Burrell Pony League baseball
team was organized in 1963 for 13 and 14 year old
boys, by the Community Development Contest
Committee. The team played in a Washington
Township League. Managers were: Bill Bolt, Jr.,

A Senior League team was started in 1970,

for the 16 to 18 year old boys. Managers and
Coaches were: Bob Broderick, Randy Croyle,
Dick Engler, George Hawdon and Barry Jackson.
Then in 1975, the Upper Burrell teams were
discontinued and the Upper Burrell boys partici
pated in the league and in teams located in Lower
Burrell. That is the way it is today.
During 1972, a Softball Team for girls, 9 to
14 years of age, was started by the Managers:
Frances McAllister, Muriel Motosicky, Shirley
Richey and Alice Treser.
The "Upper Burrell Women's Softball Team"
was started in July, 1973, by MerriAnn Testa,
Kathy Stotler and Alice Treser, with Bill Testa
Manager. Girls and women 17 years and older,
from both Upper Burrell and Washington Town
ships comprised the team, which joined the Salts
burg Area Girls League. In the following year,
the team was reorganized and the name changed
to the "Upper Burrell Ms." The minimum age was
lowered to 15 years, and a number of players
moved up from the girls' team to the women's
team,

P07ty Legue Team 1964, [Left to Right - Kneeling]: Bob Landis,

Bill Bolt, John Chabal, Jim Bramini, Buddy Holmes.

[Left to Right - Standing]: Roy Cavitt, Manager: Clark Weston;

Teddy Fuller; Dan Cavitt: Bill Moten; Carl FaTral: Howard

Eckhard; Rich Brooks; Byron Taylor; Bill Bolt, Manager; Bill

Dunn, Manager.

86

In 1975, Mr. Testa accepted the leadership of

the Saltsburg Girls League and then became
County Commissioner for the American Softball
Association. The "Upper Burrell Ms." team, in
the last few years, has played in tournaments
throughout Pennsylvania and competed in the
state championship twice. Some of the women
have developed other interests, however, and so
no team was fielded by Upper Burrell this year.

Upper Burrell Girls' Softball Teams in 1974. Girls in light

jerseys from Milligantown, and dark jerseys from Merwin area.
[Left to Right - First Row]: Carol Richey, Terry Cramer, Beth
Zadai, Amy Zadai, Darcey Marsh, Devra Treser, Audrey
Weston, Patty ------, Donna Pulcini, Carol Dziedzic, Jenny
Miller.
[Left to Right - Second Row]: Suzette Matt, Lisa Matt, Ciruiee
Harkins, Lisa Byers, Deanna Marsh, Dee Dee Evans, Jodi
McCutcheon, Denise Evans, Patty McAllister, Theresa Pulcini.
[Left to Right - Third Row): Muriel Motosicky, Coach; Joyce
Richey, LuannaMarkovich, Beth Palmer, Barb Rtchey, Shirley
Richey, Coach; Alice Treser, Coach; Cindy Davis, Amy
McElroy, Patty Pulcini, Jeanie McElroy, Frances McAllister,
Coach.

May 6,1976
Alcua Fmwdation makes contribut1:on to Upper Burrell Fire Department to help buy a new fire truck.
ILeft to Right]: Robert W. Venter, Township Supervisor; E. S. Howarth, Associate Director Alcoa
Laboratories: Henry H. Keller, Property Manager Alcoa Technical Center; E. L. Gadberry, Alcoa
Fuundation; John W. Hecker, Upper Burrell Fire Company; Harold V. Morrow, Upper Burrell Fire
Company; Merle Baxter, Township Supervisor; Thomas D. McCracken, Upper Burrell Fire Company;
vuy W. Fuller, Township Supervisor; John E. Devine, Manager Engineering Department Alcoa
Technical Center; Frank Harmon, Upper Burrell Fire Company.

87

TOWNSHIP GOVE.RNMENT

by - Arlene McCutcheon

The Board

Township Officials 1898*

of
Supervisors

Assistant Assessor
W. H. Wylie
Auditor
S. E. Cochran
Clerk
B. C. Porter
Inspector
W. T. Borland
Judge ofElections
W. C. Moorhead
School Director
John Miller
Supervisor
L. Wolford
Township government has not often received
much publicity or recognition. Yet, as surely as
any other governing body, it is charged with the
primary responsibility for providing government
services on a local basis. While the township was
becoming less and less an agricultural community,
and the population continued to grow, the needs
of the people changed, resulting in ever increas
ing responsibilities for township government. In
attempting to meet those needs, through the
years, decisions were made which shaped the
future, of the township. With this in mind, the
followmg accounts of past and present township
officers and officials is provided, in the hope that
township government will receive the recognition
it deserves.

In early days of the township, one of the

biggest needs of the people was "to get out of the
~ud." Consequently, the duties of the Super
Visors were regarded, almost entirely, to be road
maintenance. With very little tax revenues and
no mechanized equipment in 1922, at a rate of
$.65 per hour, the Supervisors dragged the
roads, using a team of horses. Laborers received
only $.25 per hour.
Since then, there have been many changes.
Now, equipped with one motorized roadgrader;
one backhoe; one tractor with a hi-lift bucket one
riding tractor equipped for mowing; one ~om
merci.al ~owing machine; two dump trucks, one
of which is equipped to spread cinders or salt and
includes a snowplow; and two additional snow
plow~, the Supervisors are able better than ever
before to keep the roads fit in all sections.

*1898 Township Officials are based on election results recorded

in the Kensington Keystone, Thursday, February 24, 1898.

Additionally, however, they are performing

increased administrative duties, including:
budget allocation; approval of all zoning and
development plans, including proposed water line
construction; approval of township recreation
plans and activities; enactment of the new Sew
age F~cilities Act; and responsibility for taking
all actiOn necessary to ensure compliance with
State and Federal regulations. The Supervisors
are responsible for engaging police protection for
the township, and providing substantial support
to the fire department.

Municipal Building constructed 1974.

88

Past and Present Supervisors

[According to year of election]
1920
Frank Colberk, L. C. Stewart,
S. G. Crooks
[Supervisors earned $3.20 per day]
1921
W. A. McCombs, J. C. Swank
J. E. Kennedy, *W. C. Baxter,
1922
*Henry Schafer
[* In 1922, W. C. baxter resigned and Henry
Schafer was appointed].
1923
John Graham, John Miller
John Ray
1925
John E. Finley
1930
J. C. Swank
1932
[Laborers earned $.30 per hour].
1934
Jarl Bartels

1936
John D. Brewer

1937
J. C. Antonie

C. M. Patterson

1938
1940
Fred Evans

[Property tax was assessed at 3 mills].

1944
John D. Brewer

1946
E. L. Yurkin

Grover Keibler

1947
Robert Vanetta

1952
1954
William H. Morrow

1956
George A. Myers

1958
Robert Peli

1960
Merle O. Baxter

1962
Andrew L. Markovich

John Willyard

1964
Robert Venter

1968
1970
Guy H. Fuller

1978
Sidney R. Elston

Supervisors With Twelve of More Years Service

Henry Schafer 1922-1934

J arl Bartels 1934-1952

Merle Baxter - has already served nineteen

years and has five remaining on his current term.

Board ofAuditors

The present Board of Auditors, [Left to Right]: Mrs. Jack

[Mary Lou] Reynolds, Mrs. Charles [Alice] Harkins, and
Richard S. Heckman.

Responsible for auditing the records of the

Tax Collector and then auditing, settling or ad
justing the books of the Township Treasurer,
each year, by the 10th of March, the Board of
Auditors must publish a report on the financial
affairs of the township. In addition, they must set
the rate of the Treasurer's bond and fix the rate
of pay for Township Supervisors working in any
capacity on the township roads. The Board of
. Auditors consists of three residents of the town
ship, .elected for six-year terms. Their rate of
compensation, as determined by the Code for
Second Class Townships, is presently $20 per
five-hour day.
Besides Margaret Woods, who served on the
board for eighteen years, other previous Audi
tors include: Elizabeth McIntyre, Jean A.
Brewer, John E. Finley, Milton Ryan, Dorothy
Eiler, Margaret Heidrich, Pat Steele, Stella
Listwak, Irene Fuller, Sheila Marsh and Charles
O'Shea.

Tax Collector
The types and number of services the town
ship can provide is directly dependent upon the
amount of tax revenues available. As would be
expected, through the years, there has been a
tremendous increase in population, the services
needed, and the amount of revenues available.
For example, in 1880, at a rate of 3 mills for
school purposes, and 2 mills for building pur
poses, there was $1,126 in revenues. In compari
son, in 1979, at a 22.3 mill rate, revenue for school
purposes is estimated at approximately $435,370.
Currently, the township receives property,
school, and wage taxes.

The present Board of Supervisors, [Left to Right]: Mrs. William

G. [Audrey] Spiering, Secretary-Treasurer; Merle Baxter;
Sidney Elston, and Robert Venter, Chairman.

89

officials regulating the number of justices, their

responsibilities and jurisdiction, and their
compensation.
A major change in the structure of the office
was made on April 23, 1968, when the Consti
tution of Pennsylvania was amended to create a
"unified judiciary system." In essence, this elimi
nated the office of Justice of the Peace and
created the office of District Magistrate. Upper
Burrell residents are no longer under the juris
diction of two Justices, as they were for eighty
nine years, but instead they share one Magistrate
with the townships of Washington, Loyalhanna
and Bell, and the boroughs of Avonmore and
Oklahoma. With the greater responsibilities of
these District Magistrates came the need to con
vert their positions from part-time to full-time.
The offices of twelve part-time Justices of the
Peace are now filled by one full-time District
Magistrate.
The maximum amount of money permitted to
be awarded in the District Courts has also been
increased. Prior to the amendment of 1968, the
jurisdiction of a Justice was limited to $200,
except in the crime of trespass and destruction of
property, where the limit was $500. Today, the
Magistrate's jurisdiction has been increased to a
maximum of $2000.
Another point in the amendment to the
constitution is the upgrading in the qualifications
for the office of Magistrate. Under the old Justice
system, the only qualification for election to office
was that the candidate must have resided for a
specified length of time in the borough or town
ship in which he would serve. The amendment of
1968, however, contains the requirement that
any person elected to the office of Magistrate
must attend a special Magistrates' School, con
ducted at the courthouse in Pittsburgh. This
school is designed to help the Magistrates to
understand and interpret the law, as defined in
the state constitution, to instruct them in proper
procedures for administering the laws, and to
teach them, generally, how to operate their of
fices smoothly and efficiently. Even though the
Magistrates' School was not mandatory until
1968, many former Justices took advantage of the
opportunity to learn how to better serve their
people and took this course.
During the hundred year history of Upper
Burrell Township, many fine men have served as
Justices and Magistrates. Fred Wigle was Upper
Burrell's first Justice of the Peace, in the late
1800's. He was followed in office by Alex M.
Hunter, who served for two term (twelve year. )
between 1900 and 1912. Since the office of Justice
of the Peace. until 1968, was a part-time job, each
of the men who held the office also worked at
some other job to earn a living. For example,
Alex Hunter, better known as "Moe" Hunter,

Mrs. Rita Libengood, Tax Collector

Currently serving as Tax Collector,

Rita Libengood was first elected in 1966.
vious Tax Collectors include: Billy Beacom,
Clements, John Porter, Nelle Laughlin and
Dorothy Flynn.

Mrs.
Pre
Tom
Mrs.

Justices of the Peace

District Magistrates
by - K. Shawn O'Malley
Since the formation of Upper Burrell as a
township in 1879, there have been many changes
in the office of Justice of the Peace. The office has
experienced a significant transition from Justice
to Magistrate; the jurisdicition of the office has
changed, as have the qualifications for the office
and the sentences handed down by the
Magistrates.
The duty of the current Magistrate and the
former Justices of the Peace of Upper Burrell is,
like that of other elected officials, to serve the
people. Magistrates act as local judiciary officers
by listening to complaints of residents, perform
ing marriages, issuing various licenses, acting as
notaries, hearing appeals on traffic violations,
and trying cases involving such things as con
sumer complaints concerning defective products
or services, damages as a result of injuries sus
tained in accidents, suits between landlord and
tenants, breaches of contract, and other civil
suits. The philosophy behind these small claims
courts is that they allow the average person to
prosecute or defend a claim without the expense
of an attorney or costly, time consuming litigation.
The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1874,
designated local Justices of the Peace as wards of
the borough or township, rather than state of
ficers. This arrangement remained the same for
eighty-nine years, with Upper Burrell Township
90

operated a coal mine at the same time he served

as Justice. Miller Artman was the next Justice,
holding the office from 1912 to 1921, when he
resigned and moved away from the area. Thomas
Clements served out the remainder of Mr.
Artman's term, and subsequently was elected to
two term', holding the office until 1935. Mr.
Clements, a former school teacher in the area,
opened a store in Upper Burrell Township and
maintained his Justice's office in the rear of the
store. John Graham was a Justice of the Peace at
this time, also, but resigned after serving only
two of his six years. Archie Baxter served as
Justice of the Peace from 1935 to 1953. Homer
Kiebler, who resided in the Lincoln Beach area,
was in office at the same time as Mr. Baxter.
When Mr. Baxter retired in 1953, he was re
placed by Edward Yetka, who resigned after only
one year in office. Mr. I. Heidrich served one
term as Justice and was followed by Mike
Praniewicz. Dave Marsh, from Milligantown, was
in office the same time as Heidrich and Praniewicz
and remained in office, along with Eugene
Roselle, until the changeover from Justice to
Magi trate in 1970.
Archie Baxter, Justice of the Peace from
1935 to 1953, was one of Upper Burrell's most
popular Justices and is well remembered by area
residents. Archie attended Milwaukee Tech and
took several courses at the University of Pitts
burgh Law School. He also worked at Alcoa at the
time he served as Justice of the Peace. For the
sake of convenience and economy, his office was
located in the back of hi home in Upper Burrell.
In addition to working at Aleoa and serving as
Justice of the Peace, Mr. Baxter ran a collection
agency to help pay the office expenses.

During his years as Justice, Archie had

many unusual and interesting cases and experi
ences. In 1942, he filled out one hundred twenty
marriage licenses and married eighty-six people
- about the same number of marriages he per
formed during all his other seventeen years in
office combined. He explained that the reason he
officiated at so many marriages in 1942, was
because men who did not want to be drafted into
the army were trying to start a family quickly so
they would be eligible for deferment.
Mr. Baxter noted that the job of Justice of
the Peace, when he held it, was not done for the
money, but rather as a service to the residents of
Upper Burrell. Up until 1968, no salary was paid
to Justices of the Peace, and their only remunera
tion came from fees for services. At that time,
witnessing a signature on a will, issuing a dog
license, or attesting to an agreement carried a fee
of up to fifty cents. A hearing cost $2 when he
was first in office, and $5 by the time he left office
in 1953.
Quite a few Justices did not serv~ the entire
term to which they were elected. Those Justices
who did remain in office did so primarily as a
service to the people in the community. Under
standably, the office was not a very popular or
eagerly ought after one. By way of contrast, the
job of road upervisor was the most popular
political po ition in the township. It paid only
$250 a year, which gives some indication of the
low compensation a Justice received.
Common cases heard in Mr. Baxter's court
were those of drunken and disorderly conduct.
These sometimes called for unorthodox sen
tences. If the defendant wa fined, he usually
couldn't pay. If he was jailed, he would be out the
next day, bragging about it. An effective sen
tence for thi misdemeanor was to drive the
offender deep into the woods at night and leave
him to walk out. This remedy did not injure
anybody, and by the time the troublemaker found
his way back he had had time to cool down and
sober up.
The majority of the cases heard in J u. ice
Baxter's office ended in nothing more than a tern
colding. A typical ca e Mr. Baxter recall was
that of a woman who complained that her hus
band had beaten her. She wa quite large and had
no apparent injuries, and since Mr. Baxter knew
her as a chronic complainer, he doubted her
story. Furthermore, her husband, very quiet and
meek, and a great deal malleI' than his wife, did
not appear to be the wife beating type. Mr.
Baxter listened to her story, then asked,
"Mildred, did you cook your husband's dinner last
night?" She answered, " 0, I don't get him
dinner!" Justice Baxter passed sentence on the
case by telling her to go home and prepare a good
dinner for her hu band and come back to see him
the next day to talk it over.

Pholograph of Archie Ba.rter in 1962. nine years after he

retired as JlLs/ice IIJ I he Perue.

91

Mr. Baxter commented on his dislike of a

somewhat common practice, which he called
"barnyard justice." Wholesale trials were con
ducted by some Justices for such offenses as
attending baseball games on Sunday. Mr. Baxter
saw no harm in such activities and no value in
prosecuting those who participated in them.
During his eighteen years in office, Mr.
Baxter spent only $5 on his election campaigns.
The $5 was spent for transportation to bring
several stranded voters to the polling places. One
of the years he was elected there were only
eighteen registered Democrats in Upper Burrell,
and being a Democrat himself, he had thought he
might be badly defeated. Proper administration
of justice and adherence to the law earn the
respect of voters, regardless of party affiliation,
however, for he was elected that year by a wide
margin.
The 1968 amendment to. the state constitu
tion allows for only one Magistrate to serve
Upper Burrell Township. McKee Speer was
elected to the office of District Magistrate on
November 4, 1969, and re-elected in 1976. In
contrast to his predecessors, Mr. Speer works
full-time as the Magistrate, keeping his office
open anywhere up to forty hours a week. He
maintains the office of District Magistrate in
North Washington. Since it would be difficult to
ru n the office on fees alone, Westmore land Coun ty
taxpayers pay the office and secreterial expen
ses, while the state of Pennsylvania pays his
salary. In addition to his salary, Mr. Speer earns
a fee [or each case he hears in his office. Hearings
on motor vehicle violations make up the bulk of
his cases, but he holds preliminary court hearings
on a variety of other cases as they come before his
court.
As Upper Burrell Township prepares to
celebrate its 100th Anniversary, we look back
with pride at the list of civic minded men who
served the community as Justices and Magis
trates. While the office, itself, has undergone
considerable change, the men who hold this office
and serve the community have not. They are, and
will continue to be, dedicated public servants.

in the township. In addition to acting as patrol

men, they also assumed the responsibilities of
local game protector and dog catcher. On twenty
four hour call from their homes, which served as
their base of operation, the Constables used their
own cars and supplied their own gas and uniforms.
Serious crimes were not handled by the
Constables. Felonies, such as murder and rob
bery, were handled by city police from larger
towns, since the Constable did not have the
training or professional expertise required to
conduct such an investigation. As a result, most
of the calls handled by the Constables involved
deer killed by automobiles, illegal hunting and
stray livestock. Because Upper Burrell is a heavi
ly wooded area, with a large deer population,
many nights the Constable received calls because
a deer had been hit by a car. He was required to
report to the scene of the accident, and then
request the appropriate game commissioner to
remove the carcass.
The calls which kept the Constable most
busy were calls involving run-away livestock.
Sometimes, after feeding their livestock, farmers
forgot to lock the gate. The Constable would then
be called upon to go out and look for the missing
animals. Many times he received calls from other
residents, reporting that the stray animals were
eating their crops.
These types of calls kept the Constable busy
day and night, and residents did not hesitate to
call him in the middle of the night. Although they
worked without pay, fortunately, they were
dedicated.
There have been many men who have held
the office of Constable, through the years. Early
Constables include: William Bush, Bert Gill,
Claude Artman, Jim Artman and John Finley. In
the late 1930's, Edward Yurkins a sumed' this
position and served three terms. In the mid
1960's, during Walter Wiskoski's term, Upper
Burrell organized its first Police Force, thereby
changing the duties of the constables.

Constables

and

Police Force

by - Tim Clark

CONSTABLES
Before the organization of a Police Force in
Upper Burrell, Constables were responsible for
enforcing the law and handling all types of trouble

Walter Wishoski, Constable, for twenty-four years, is assisting

with a bicycle safety inspection sponsored by the Lions Club in
1963.

92

The current Constable, Robert Scratchard,

was elected in 1974. While he has the same
powers as the police, and assists them on occa
sion, he primarily serves warrants, writs and
subpoenas to the Court of Common Pleas, and the
District Magistrate. He also serves divorce
papers.

the New Kensington Police Station, since the

township does not have its own facilities. When
the Upper Burrell Police Number is called,
339-4950, a New Kensington Police Receptionist
answers . . . "Upper Burrell Police." She then
contacts a patrolman in Upper Burrell. The town
ship presently pays $150 per month for this
service.
Another big change in the Police Force is the
salaries of the policemen. In 1977, an officer was
paid $3.60 per hour. In 1978, this increased to
$4.00 per hour, and in 1979, the wages of certified
policemen are $4.50 per hour.
There have been a few serious crimes com
mitted in Upper Burrell. Chief Heckman was
involved in many of their investigations. But for
most of the serious crimes committed in Upper
Burrell, the County or State Police would come in
to take over the investigation.

POLICE FORCE
On September 9 1964, the first Police Force
was officially organized, with Theodore Heckman
as Chief; and Bernard Hobi, Captain. They
worked four hours per week: two hours on Friday
night. and two hours on Saturday night. For the
first four months, they worked without pay,
u_ing their own cars, and supplying their own gas
and uniforms. In January 1965, they began to
receive $2 per hour for the four hours they
worked. Many times, however, they were called
upon during the week, for work without pay.

Present Police Force, [Left to Right]: Chief Cecil H Yates; and

Pat7'Olmen Walter T. Scratchard, Dennis Stadterman. and
Herbet Pierce.

"'--

Chief Heckman

Captain Hobi

On November 1, 1978, a new police service

was started, as the township had only one regis
tered patrolman, due to the resignation of Mr.
Giebler. The New Kensington Police Department
was hired on a full-time basis to answer all police
calls, and to make regular patrols through the
township, twenty-four hours per day, seven days
per week. The supervisors then started three
new policemen through the approved police school
toward certification: Herbert Pierce, Walter
Scratchard and Dennis Stadterman. Mr. Cecil
Yates was appointed Chief of Upper Burrell Police
and Ordinance Officer.
[We are very grateful to the following per
sons for providing us with information for the
above article. Robert Venter, Ted Heckman,
Charles Steele, Merle Baxter and Irene Fuller].

In 1966, Osie Taylor and Leo Fitch were

added to the force. However, when illness forced
both to resign, Charles Steele, Joseph Gleaster
and Charles Harkins, Sr., were appointed to fill
the vacancies. More recently, Ralph Stewart and
then John Geibler, served on the Police Force.
All, at one time or another, attended law enforce
ment classes.
In 1971, the township bought the Police
Force its first squad car, a 1969 Plymouth. One
year later the township bought a radio for the
car, from the Bell System. Another squad car was
bought in 1975. It is a Ford station wagon,
equipped with a new one-hundred watt radio.
At the present time the township has plans
to buy a new sq uad car for the Police Force by
1980. Also the township has acquired, from the
County. one two-way car radio and one mobile
radio.
All calls for the Upper Burrell Police go into

Municipal Authority
In the year 1958, the Township Supervisors
93

took the first step toward one of the most impor

tant community developments ever to come to
Upper Burrell. They formed a Water Authority
and selected five volunteers to serve on the new
authority: George Achenne, Ralph Dixon, Frank
Dorociak, Elmer Draper and Thomas Hmvard.
Many residents were in dire need of potable
water supply, but a community water supply was
not feasible.
Then Alcoa bought some 2300 acres of land
with the intention of building a research center in
Upper Burrell Township. For over four years the
Municipal Authority held numerous meetings
with Alcoa, the Municipal Authority of New
Kensington and the Municipal Authority of West
moreland County, in an effort to obtain the best
possible agreement to supply our township with
water.
Finally, after a long hard battle, Upper
Burrell came up with an agreement which the
Municipal Authority of New Kensington and
township officials signed, on December 1, 1962.
Under this agreement our township would re
ceive water at the same rates as the people of
New Kensington; $0.07 per day, or $2.10 per
month, for 2500 gallons of water. This $900,000
project did not cost Upper Burrell anything ex
cept the individual tap-in-fees. The water lines,
which were built with the aid of a Federal grant
of $445,000 under the Public Works Acceleration
Act, were completed in 1963. Thus water was
made available on Seventh Street Road out to
Merwin and 'the Greensburg Road out to Keibler
Beach and Lincoln Beach.

water was turned on in this new line in March of

1978.
The Upper Burrell Water Authority is con
tinuing to work with the Supervisors and the
New Kensington Authority, to extend the water
service to other needy areas. Present members of
the Authority are: Dan Rowe, Chairman; John
Canchro, Robert Fassinger, Merle Summerville
and Henry Williams.

The pTesent Municipal Authority, [Left to Rl:ght]: Daniel Rowe,

Merle Summerville, and HenTY Williams.

Planning and Zoning

Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission is an
advisory group of five members appointed by the
Board of Supervisors to assist with community
planning and development. Powers and duties of
the Commission can be varied and are designated
by the Supervisors along the lines given in Sec
tion 209.1 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code, Act 247. All members serve with
out compensation, for terms of four years.
The first Planning Commission was appointed
by the Supervisors on June 8, 1959. It was
anticipated that community planning would be
come essential if the population in the township
continued to increase as it had during the 1940's
and 1950's, especially if the growth received the
expected stimulus from the coming of the Alcoa
Technical Center into the township. Also, in the
previous year the Westmoreland County Com
missioners had enacted Land Subdivision Regula
tions that would apply to all parts of the county
not covered by municipal regulations. Thus, each
municipality was being urged to form a Planning

[,aying of the 12-inch cement asbestos pipe along Seventh

Sf reet Road at the intersection with Manchester Hill and
Lower DTennen Road. WateheTs in left eenteT aTe: Guy FulieT
and BaTb SpTOwls.

The next project was the extension of the

water line along Merwin Road, from Merwin to
the intersection with Whitten Hollow Road. This
was made possible by a state grant of $75,000,
and a county grant of $25,000. Contributions
from forty-five home owners along the road pro
vided the balance of the required funds. The
94

ordinance was prepared along the lines of the

county regulations, and on March 30, 1962, a
public hearing was held by the Supervisors and
the Commission to explain it. During a stormy
meeting with about one hundred fifty people
crowded into the meeting room in the Upper
Burrell School, it became evident that Upper
Burrell Township was not ready for such con
trols. A Citizens Protest Committee was formed
for the purpose of going over the proposed ordi
nance point by point. Named to serve on the
committee were Mrs. Elmer (Lois) Songer, Mrs.
Louis (Mary) Petrigni, Mrs. William (Lucille)
Johnson, Mrs. Michael (Frances) Zito and Mrs.
Present members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the
Jesse (Georgia) Green; Clyde and Viola Beighley
Zoning Hearing Board and Building Inspector are, [Left to
subsequently joined the group.
Rl:ght]: Edwanl Taylor: Michael Korenowski, Building Inspec
After eighteen months' combined study by
tor: Ronald B. Eiler; Harold V. Morrow, Chairman Zoning
Hearing Board; Robert W. Smith, Chairman of Planning and
the Citizens' Committee, the Planning Commis
Zom:ng Commission; Mrs. H. T. [Connie] Best; and Donald
sion, Supervisors and the Solicitor, Jack Crum,
O. Sprowls, Secretary of both the Planning and Zoning Commis
hearings were again commenced on October
public
sion and the Zoning Hearing Board. Absent from the pict'ure
The revised regulations were explained
12,
1963.
was Jack L. McIntyTe, member of the Zoning Hearing Board.
line-by-line in several public meetings, and addi
tional changes were made. Finally, on June 1,
Commission to develop its own regulations or to
the Supervisors unanimously approved an
1964,
help administer those of the county.
ordinance for Land Subdivision Regulations in
Upper Burrell Township.
Preparation of a Master Plan for Upper
Burrell became feasible with the help of a Federal
grant obtained through participation in a regional
planning study. Upper Burrell Township joined
the Northwest Westmoreland Regional Planning
Commission, along with Allegheny Township and
the cities of Arnold, Lower Burrell and New
Kensington. A two-year study performed by
Simonds and Simonds, Planning Consultants of
Pittsburgh, was completed in December, 1968,
with the issuance of a comprehensive report. This
report, containing long range development plans
for the region and individual municipalities of
Allegheny Township, Arnold and Upper Burrell
Township, was adopted as a guide for the future
development of Upper Burrell Township by the
Board of Supervisors on February 7, 1969. The
township share of the cost was only $1374. Copies
Oriqinal members of the Upper Burrell Planning Commission
of this report are available on loan from the
weTe, [Left tu Riyht]: Mrs. Wl:lliam [Catherine] Raught, William
Planning and Zoning Commission.
H. Bult, Jr.: Mrs. GeoTqe [Thelma] Chaney, Secretary; Fred

One of the primary tools of planning imple

Evans: and Jack L. McIntyre, Chairman.

mentation is the zoning ordinance, and this be

OlheT persons seTV1:ng on the Commission over the years were:

MOTn Craiq, James J. CTowell, G. Z. Haser, Dr. W. Kahle

came the next project for the Commission. After

Johnson, Robert La.ndis, Darrell Lewis, Henry Mantz, Charles

eighteen months of study and revision of a draft

E. Ruselle, CI.air L. Sa.ylor, and OSle Taylor.
recommended by Simonds and Simonds, the
Photo courtesy of Valley News Dispatch
Commission and the Supervisors held public
meetings late in the summer of 1970, culminating
in the enactment of the Upper Burrell Zoning
Although the first priority in planning for the
township was the creation of a Master Plan, the
Ordinance on September 29, 1970. Named to the
Zoning Hearing Board were Harold V. Morrow,
Supervisors felt that the cost of the professional
Chairman; Sidney R. Elston and Donald O.
planning consultants required to develop such a
Sprowls. Mr. Jack L. McIntyre was appointed in
plan was prohibitive. Therefore, the first assign
ment for the Commission was to draw up a set of
1978 to replace Mr. Elston, who resigned to
regulations for land subdivision. A proposed
become a Supervisor.

95

proposals of the Committee were quite contro

versial. The biggest conflict centered around a
plan, developed by the Recreation Committee
and the Planning and Zoning Commission, which
would have acquired land for recreation pur
poses, including a site for the Community Build
ing, in addition to establishing a comprehensive
zoning and development plan for the township.
Although the plan had received support from
Alcoa and promise of financial support from the
Community Development Committee, the
Community Circle and the Lions Club, the Super
visors balked at the prospect of the comprehen
sive plan and noted that any expenditure of funds
required consideration of the many other needs
which the township was facing. In the end, the
proposed plan was rejected. In the early 19'7(Y'--s,
however, the Supervisors acquired land which
had not been under consideration. Now, the site
of the Township Building, with the help of all
organizations in the township, an ice skating rink
and basketball court have also been built there.
Once a month, or as necessary, the Recrea
tion Committee publishes the Town Crier, a
township newsletter which provides information
regarding planned recreation activities, house
hold tips, and reports about recent activities.
Having already sponsored such activities as: the
Christmas Tree Trim and Party, the Tree Bum
ing, Trapping, Fishing and Conservation Pro
grams, Teen Dances, an Easter Egg Hunt, and
the Hallowe'en Party and Dance, along with
other organizations in the township; the Recrea
tion Committee, in conjunction with the Upper
Burrell Centennial Committee, planned the week
long Centennial Celebration.
Members of the original committee included:
Bill Dunn, Chairman; Francis McAllister,
Barbara Sprowls, Howard Hartge, Peg Venter
and Lucille Johnson.

Another planning tool is an ordinance requir

ing building permits. This ordinance was enacted
in 1968, with Ralph Stewart appointed as Build
ing Inspector. Successors in that position were
Robert Scratchard, Charles Harkins, Sr., and
Michael Korenowski.
The community development objectives
adopted by the Supervisors in the Zoning Ordi
nance in 1970 are as follows:
A. Generally, to promote the health, safety
and general welfare of the community; to prevent
undue concentration of population and crowding
of land; to guard against pollution of air, land, and
water; and to protect the value of property.
B. More specifically, to:
1. Preserve an essentially low-density
residential-agricultural type of community with
due recognition and provision for the need of
other types of development on a limited basis.
2. Facilitate the development of light in
dustry with activities such as research and de
velopment, and the growth of educational
institutions.
3. Assure the retention of adequate open
spaces and the preservation of historical land
marks to provide for the recreation of township
residents.
The Planning and Zoning Commission IS
presently engaged in a review and updating of
the supporting ordinances of the township.

Recreation Committee

Township Engineer
Appointed by the Supervisors, the Township
Engineer is responsible for handling all engineer
ing details for any type of construction or de
velopment project undertaken by the township.
In addition, he prepares plans, specifications and
estimates for this work. Thomas G. Howard,
representing Bankson Engineers, has served as
Township Engineer since 1956.

The present Recreation Commii.tee, [Left to Right - tanding!:

Mrs. Paul [Barb J Bentley, Mrs. Ralph [Norma] Smith, Mrs.
Edward [Pat] Trcezialc, Mrs. Ralph [Nancy) Pitsch, Mrs.
Charles [Pat] Steele; and [Seated]: Mrs. James [Margie] Luffy,
Chairper on.

Appointed by the Supervisors and the School

Board in March 1964, the first Recreation Com
mittee was organized, with five or seven indivi
duals willing to serve without pay. The early
96

Sewage

Enforcement Officer

The Sewage Enforcement Officer, also ap

pointed by the Supervisors, is responsible for
performing Perk tests prior to the initiation of
any building construction in the township. He
must certify that the land has a satisfactory
absorption rate to accommodate a septic system.
He is also responsible for ensuring that no im
proper system is in operation and no illegal
disposal of sewage is occurring. Arthur Crawford
is the current Sewage Enforcement Officer. He
was preceded in this position by Joseph Enciso,
William Bolt, and Guy Fuller.

Working on the road - 1966

Solicitor
The Solicitor is appointed by the Supervisors
and is responsible for handling all legal business,
and providing legal counsel on all action taken by
the township. He is authorized to prepare and
approve the bonds, obligations, contracts, leases,
ordinances, etc., for the township, as well as to
initiate and prosecute legal actions brought by
the township and to defend the township in any
case brought against it. The current Solicitor is
Edward Rowe. Previous Solicitors include: John
Crum, Thomas Kovalchick and James Irwin.

Roads were 'lWmed and signs were erected in 1961.

Civil Defense Director

As set forth in the Civil Defense Act of 1951,
each political subdivision is required to appoint an
individual responsible for the organization, ad
ministration and operation of local civil defense.
Specifically, in the case of a disaster, the Civil
Defense Director is given special powers to take
all actions necessary to provide emergency assist
ance as required, and to protect the health and
safety of the public.
Donald C. Robinson is the current Civil De
fense Director. He was preceded in this position
by John Geibler.

Clearing brush un the Township lot to make a picnic area

1979.

97

lCOA TECH ICAl CENTER

The Alcoa Technical Center houses Alcoa

Laboratories and several related units of the
company. Today Alcoa Laboratories is the largest
and most productive light metals research and
development facility in the world. Here, under
optimum conditions, over eleven hundred scien
tists, engineers, and technicians carryon Alcoa's
investigations into the properties, applications
and potential of aluminum.
Alcoa chose this location in Upper Burrell
after consideration of a number of other possible
sites in Western Pennsylvania. Deciding factors
were the availability of a large amount of unde
veloped land and the proximity to the corporate
headquarters in Pittsburgh and the former re
search center in New Kensington. Since the in
itial ground-breaking in 1962, five major build
ings have been constructed. Four more buildings
are planned which, when completed, will provide

a total floor area for the cOlnplex of more than

twenty-seven acres. The total property purchase
by Alcoa includes twenty-three hundred acres,
part of which extends into Washington Township;
so there should be ample land for expansion of the
Technical Center.
A - Customer Products Building
This building, completed in 1965, was the
first structure at Alcoa Technical Center. With
128,000 square feet of floor area, it houses one
hundred forty employees in four divisions: Pack
aging, Metal Working, Finishes and Joining.
These divisions are responsible for developing
new processes and for applying Alcoa's technical
knowledge to customer needs.
Their activities with customers range from
demonstrating new processes to training cus
tomer personnel in fabricating and operating
techniques.
98

B - Plant Process and Equipment Building

Containing 208,000 square feet of floor area,
this pilot plant building houses two hundred fifty
employees of the Ceramics Section and the
Alumina and Chemicals, Fabricating Metallurgy,
Ingot Casting, Powder, Electrical Equipment and
Mechanical Equipment Divisions. These organ
izations are responsible for conceiving and im
proving processes, equipment and materials for
casting, fabricating and chemical operations and
for designing, building and testing new equip
ment and automatic control systems for use in
Alcoa plants.

structural design, stress analyses, mechanical

properties determinations, technical assistance to
sales, computer, engineering, construction and
shop activities, and the accounting information
and purchasing functions.
These activities are carried out by the Engi
neering Properties and Design Division, the tech
nical staff of the Alcoa Marketing organization,
the Accounting, Purchasing, Information, and
Facilities Engineering Departments, and the
Computer and Manufacturing Sections. Also lo
cated in this building is the Center's cafeteria.
E - Power Plant and Materials Building
This auxiliary service building, containing
48,000 square feet of floor area, provides con
trolled heating and air conditioning, shipping,
receiving and stores for the Alcoa Technical
Center complex. As new activities are added to
the Center, the facilities of this building will be
expanded to serve them.
F - Powder Processing Building
This 2,700-square-foot building houses per
sonnel of the Powder Division. It contains equip
ment for carrying out research and development
activities with powders and pigments.
Alcoa first came to Upper Burrell Township
in 1937, when one hundred twenty-four acres of
farmland were purchased from the Andrew
Baxter estate along Pennsylvania Route 780 near
the boundary with Lower Burrell. This property
was and still is used for the location of a few small
special laboratories. On February 7, 1962, thirty
five acres of this land were donated to the Penn
State University for the placement of their
expanding satellite campus in New Kensington.
The combined developments of the Alcoa Tech
nical Center and the Penn State New Kensington
Campus have done much to raise Upper Burrell
Township to a place of economic importance.

C - Chemical and Metallurgy Building

With 272,000 square feet of floor area, this
building is the largest structure at Alcoa Tech
nical Center. Uniquely designed to provide versa
tile laboratory and office areas in an efficient
arrangement of space, it was named one of the
nation's top laboratories in the 1975 Industrial
Research Laboratory of the Year competition.
Five divisions:
Analytical Chemistry,
Alumina and Chemicals, Pllysical Chemistry,
Alloy Technology, and Finishes, together with
five departments: Personnel, Medical, Safety,
Patent and Environmental Health are located in
this building. The work of these organizations
involves the use of a wide range of sophisticated
equipment, such as quantometers, scanning
electron microscopes, an Auger unit, mass spec
trometers and atomic absorption units.
Work is carried on in alloy development,
fabricating and finishing techniques, corrosion
prevention, lubricant studies and chemical and
metallographic analyses.
D - Engineering and Administration Building
This building, the newest structure at Alcoa
Technical Center, contains 151,000 square feet of
floor area and was completed in 1974. It houses
two hundred forty employees responsible for

PennslilvanUI Route 780 extends from the former Merwin cross-roads at the lower
Icft n;rner up along the left hand margin past the main entrance to Alcoa
Lillwratories toward New Kensington.

99

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

The New Kensington Campus, fourth largest

of the seventeen commonwealth campuses, has
served over fifteen thousand resident instruction
students since 1958, and currently offers the first
two years of one hundred twenty-six baccalaur
ate and nine associate degree programs. Since
1958, over eighty-two thousand individuals have
been served by continuing education programs.
At present, one hundred faculty and staff serve
forty-seven hundred students in Continuing
Education and Resident Instruction per year. In
the fall of 1978, one thousand-sixteen students
were enrolled in the academic program.
This New Kensington Campus was the
dream and desire of responsible area residents,
spearheaded by Mr. Bill McCabe, Mrs. Elizabeth
Blissell, Executive Director of the New Kensing
ton Chamber of Commerce~ and other community
leaders. The first classes for seventy-nine two
year engineering associate degree students were
held in the old second ward school at 838 Fourth
Avenue, New Kensington. A successful fund
drive of $40,000 spearheaded by the Chamber of
Commerce provided funds for remodeling. The

building was leased to the University for $1.00

per year by the school district.
Needing larger quarters, the Campus moved
in 1963, to the old Parnassus Junior High School.
Through the efforts of the business and industrial
community and the New Kensington School Dis
trict, another milestone was reached when the
Campus began offering full-time baccalaureate
programs in education, liberal arts and business
administration. Enrollment reached one hundred,
and the faculty increased to eleven. But, this
facility was not suitable for the expected expan
sion, and a new site was sought.
The Campus made a great stride forward
when the Aluminum Company of America do
nated thirty-five acres of land along Pennsylvania
Route 780 in Upper Burrell Township.
A campaign committee was formed and they
and other friends of the University joined hands
to raise over one million dollars to build a new
Campus. An engineering building with well
equipped laboratories was completed and opened
in 1966. The science, activities and administration

100

other a~a industries contributed, resulted in the

completion of the Student Learning Center in
1976. That structure houses a dining hall, recrea
tional facilites, and student government offices.
The administration under the leadership of
former directors Eugene Heide, Harry Russell.
and the present director, Robert Arbuckle, has
built up an increasing calendar of events for
interaction with the community. During the past
twelve months there have been fifty-four such
events attracting about twenty thousand persons
to the campus. These events cover a wide range
of activities including theater productions, ath
letic events, seminars, lectures, art exhibits,
workshops, ethnic days, arts festivals and many
others.
In looking to the future, Penn State New
Kensington, like other colleges and universities,
faces a new challenge as a result of the changing
population. Enrollment projections for the 1980's
indicate a drastic decline in the 18-21-year old
population and an equally drastic increase in the
25-45-year old group. Therefore, campus pro
gramming will have to adjust to compensate for
this trend. Much more in the area of continuing
education probably will take place, and more will
have to be done with adult counseling and place
ment.
Penn State takes pride in past accomplish
ments, and pledges to continue its record of
excellence and service in the future.
We in Upper Burrell feel that Penn State has
been a prestigeous addition to our community.

Mr. William McCabe, president of Board of Trustees, PSNK,

[Left]; and George Hubbard of Alcoa [Right], commence a
survey of the new Campus site.

buildings were opened by 1968. The library,

which presently contains more than thirty thou
sand volumes and a media center'as well, was also
completed in 1968. In that year thirty additional
acres were purchased from a neigh boring farmer,
Robert E. Myers, to make future expansion
possible.
In 1970, a new physical education complex
was completed. In 1971, a new three hundred
eighty-five seat, thrust stage theater, the finest
of its kind to be found in the Commonwealth
Campus system, replaced the old gymnasium.
The addition of an art gallery made Penn State a
center for the arts in the Alle-Kiski Valley. A
growing student population necessitated the con
struction of a student union. A capital fund drive,
to which the Aluminum Company of America and

Upper Burrell supervisors John Willyard and Merle Baxter participating in the
ground breaking ceremony October 26, 1.965.

101

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

United States
of America

~ongrrssio
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE

Vol. 12.5

at rcord

9 6th

co. GRESS, FIRST SESSION

No. 72

WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 1979

Hon. Don Bailey

Centennial Week Activities

Of Pennsylvania
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Sunday

. Dedication of Commemorative

Monday

. FirE' Company Opt'n House

Tuesday

Sehool Ex hihit

Wednesday, June 6,1979

MR. BAILEY. Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct pleasure to
direct your attention, and the attention of my colleagues in the
U. S. House of Representatives, to the Centennial Anniversary
of Upper Burrell Township, Westmoreland County, Penn
sylvania.

. TE'en Jam Spssion

Wednesday

.Pt>t Show

Thursday.

. Squar!' Dance

Friday

On Sunday, July 8, 1979, the opE'ning CE'remonies will be

held to commemorate the one-hundred year existence of this
small but friendly community ...

Parade

Saturday

Displays of Antiques and l'rafts

The main ceremonies of this centE'nnial week will honor

past. present, and future members of the Armed Forces. In
addition, a bronze plaque will be dedicated in honor of the brave
members of the armed services.

Demonstrations

Raking ('ontE'st

I know that I speak for my colleagues and for the residents

of my congressional district, when I congratulate the fine
citizens of Upper Burrell for their efforts to make their homE'
even belle I' for the next hundrE'd years. The entire Upper
Burrell Township Centennial Celehration project is a typically
American accomplishment that should make us all proud.

Refreshments
Shamrol'ks
Covered Dish I inn!'r
Sunday

. Dinner Party -

Penn StatE'

Congratulations to my friends of this fine community.

******

Dedication of Commemorative
Openinq Remarks

. Clyde Irwin
.. Rev. Boh Fullerton

Invocation
Flaq Raisinq .

PTesentation of Centennial Boole .

" . . . We will nev!'r forget th!' week of the C!'nu'llnial.

There were times such as t hc' Dpdic'ation of thE' :vIl'morial and

307 :YIP Co .. USAR

all thos(' familiar faces, s('nior citiz('ns of our township, stand

. Don Sprowls
.. Sid Elston

ing up front. the love and ronn'rn shown hy all. s('!ing

........... lIon. J or Pet rarl'a

Pennsylvcmia House of Repn'senlal ives

rl'sidl'nts of our township and friend;.; who havp not S!'!'ll one

A cceptancc of Centennial Boole

Citations

* * * .. *

anothc'r for years. and our heautiful Ameriran Flal.; Iwin~

Hon. Jim Kpllt'y

Pennsylvania Senat.e

Dedication
Dedication PrayeT
SpealeeT.
Acknowledgments
Closing Remo.Tles ..

~orrna

rais('d on th!' flal.; polc' bv th!' H!'scrves. I don't

hink it was

possihk to l.;l,tthrough lhl' WC'('k without a few l!'ars. snnl!'

Smith

lumps In thl' throat. and .'C'.'. ('Vl'n goo,!' huml1.' all l)v'er

Rrv. Boh Fullerton

you ..

Hon. Don Bailey

Member of Conqress

F'mm the Upper 8/1rrell

:vIerl!' naxt('r
Clyde Irwin

102

TUW1!

Cri/,,.

Pf!(JTI (Jnd Wl:llie Crooks unveilinq the Commemorative Mill

slone and Bmnze Plaque.

Marq-ie Luffy receiving from Don Bailey his statement in the

Congressional Record.

1,{ldivs 'Au~riliarlj .flout that U!unfirst prize.

The Wee Shamrocks

Parade fudges. [Left to Rightl: Sid Elston, Jesse Piper and

JlLck Mcintyre.

Parade watchers at the front of the Township Community

r:enter.

103

LEST WE FORGET

OLDEST RESIDENTS IN THE TOWNSHIP AT CENTENNIAL WEEK 1979

Wilb~tr

Zetta M. Summerville -

96 Years

Alexandra Zawrotny -

96 Years

Down on the James Morrow farm around 1895. Standing in th

wagon, William C. Morrow; seated, Jacob B. Morrow; standing
by horse, James Morrow [grandfather ofHarold Morrow].

Gallagher's log house in the old days.

Mrs. Yetter [Alta] Keibler stoking the fire in the old No. 2

Election House [1970].

Butchering Time at William Troutman's Farm.

104

Thl:s drawing made by Cal at age sixteen, reveals the talent

that took him all over the world as artist and illustrator. He has
done covers for the Saturday Evening Post, and Oil paintings of
people, landscapes, and farm scenes. His paintings may be seen
in va'rious Upper Burrell homes today. [This photo and drawing
are prize possessions of Mrs. Paul Hughan of Vandergrift].
<} Calvin

W. [Cal] Fryer, born 1868, son of James and Rachael

Fryer, of Lower Drennen Road.

Photo at the John Baxter home on Baxter Drive around 1890

On the ground, [Left to Right]: Archie Baxter, Sr., Lizzie [Baxter] Graham, Frank Baxter and John

Graham.

On the steps, [Left to Right]: Ella [Baxter] Laughb:n with baby Nellie; small child unknown and Oliver

Laughlin.

On top step: one girl, Mrs. William [Lottie Laughlin] Kichen, other girl unknown and John Graham, Jr.

On porch, [Left to Right]: John Baxter [grandfather of Archie, Jr., and Merle]; Elizabeth [Milligan]

Baxter [his wife]; Mrs. Robert Baxter [his mother]; Mrs. Joseph [Margaret Davis] Klingensmith

[adopted].

105

JUDGE CHARLES E. WHITTEN

GOOD NEIGHBORS REACHING OUT

Charles E. Whitten was born in 1868 and

brought up on a farm in Upper Burrell Township,
in an area now known as Whitten's Hollow. He
is the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Martin
Whitten and is of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
After attending the public schools, Mr.
Whitten was a student of Markle Normal
Academy, and of the Academy of North Washing
ton. He was graduated at the Indiana State
Normal School and later he took a post graduate
course at Slippery Rock State Normal School.
Mr. Whitten served briefly as a teacher in the
public schools; later he taught in Rice Collegiate
Institute in Paxton, Illinois; and finally in Markle
Normal Academy.
He studied law in the office of Judge A. D.
McConnell and was admitted to the bar in 1893.
He then formed partnership with Attorney J. R.
Smith known as the firm of Smith & Whitten.
This partnership continued until 1907 when he
joined Paul H. Gaither, thus organizing the law
firm of Gaither and Whitten.
Att. Whitten served two terms as member of
the State Legislature, from 1903 to 1907, and on
May 10, 1921, was appointed Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County by
Governor Sproull; but afterward was elected for
the regular term, and after ten years of service
on the bench, the people of Westmoreland County
showed their confidence in Judge Whitten's fair
ness and legal ability by re-electing him in 1931
by a vey large majority.
April 6, 1898, Judge Whitten married Bessie
Purdue, daughter of William and Katharine
Purdue, and granddaughter of Mentor Purdue,
an iron manufacturer of Coatesville, Penn
sylvania. Mrs. Whitten is a grand-niece of John
Purdue, the founder of Purdue University, State
of Indiana. Judge and Mrs. Whitten had two
daughters: Mrs. Elizabeth Fales, Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma; and Mrs. Katharine Mellor, East End,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Judge Whitten was a splendid jurist, a right
eous civic leader, an excellent Bible teacher and
elder in the Westminster Presbyterian Church,
Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Sidney and Hilda Elston, raised their own

family of three sons who have long flown the nest.
While still rearing the young Elstons, they began
to take care of foster babies . . . Over the last
twenty-three years they have given their loving
care to forty-five infants, and Hilda says, "That
adds up to a lot of diapers!"
Lawrence and Margaret Duddy, raised a
family of five children, four of which were their
own by birth and one by adoption. During the
course of a twenty-year period, they fostered
twenty-three children. Fourteen of these were
babies. There was a time when they had three
foster children in their home at the same time.
Clyde and Lenora Johnson, had three chil
dren of their own. During a period of seven years
they fostered four little girls; this wa~ done on
two occasions - in each instance the children
were sisters.

"His long service on the bench has proven

him to be a credit to the judiciary, not only of this
county, but of the commonwealth, and adds to
the roll of distinguished men of the Star of The
West, a name that will not soon be forgotten."
Dick M. Reeser
Mayor of New Kensington

DO YOU REMEMBER?
The old swimming hole at Crook's on Puckety
Creek.
Box and pie socials at school.
Barn dances at Sharkey Morrow's, Bill
Swank's, Ralph McIntyre's, the Yurkin's farm,
etc.
When someone had to stay home to do the
milk in' .
Going around the hill to smoke cornsilk.
The hilltop baseball team that played on Bair's
or McCutcheon's field.
Fast ball pitcher, Fred Evans.
Apple paring and making apple butter in the
large copper kettle.
The days when you went to the spring house
and drank buttermilk by the dipper full.
Filling the lanters with kerosene - trimming
the wick and cleaning the globe.
When the telephone exchange in Milligantown
7 ~V'

closed at 9:00 P.M.

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TR

Resident Family Patrons

Mrs. Alice Achenne

Ronald G. and Sandra L. (Paulik) Ankney Family

Richard and JotI:1nna Antoine, Sr., Richard J., Jr., Paul

William, Jacqueline G.
J a.mes Antoniono, James R., Mary Lou Reynolds
Harry and Joye Armor, Louis, Jenny
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ashby
Joseph A. and Joann (Gantner) Baker, Sr., Cheryl Ann,
Tami Lee, Joseph Allen, Jr., Thomas Cash
Victoria Zawrotny Bakis
Raymond and Emilie Baumann
Dan and Ruth Baxter
Merle O. and Jean (Achenne) Baxter, Daniel, Janet, Allan,
Diana Hynes, Amy. Lori
Martha E. Beatty, Bonnie, John C., Audrey Thall, Thomas
Gilbert and Mary Beestrice
William R. and Betty A. (Smicik) Beestrice, Amy Lynne,
Becky Sue
Mr, and Mrs. \1ilton Beatty Family
Melvin C. and. lartha Bentley, Paul M., Robert N.
Paul M. and Barbara Sue (Wills) Bentley, Shawn M. McKown,
Kristen U ,Jason Paul
Robert R. Berg
Mr. and! II' . Harry T. Best Family
Mrs. Shirley Binder and son, Tom
Harry A. BI ck
Mrs. Grethel Blair, Thomas E., Alma Jean Beatty, James V.
Mrs. Virginia E. Blair, Elinor L. Brown, Sadie Ruth Martin
William H. and Gloria (DeGiglio) Bolt, Jr., William It.
Gloria Jean. Robert A.. Diana Lynn
William R. and inda (Skomo) Bolt, Jennifer, Danielle
John and. Jar.... BoIvin, Gerry Luffy
Nicholas and Lily Bosak, Nicole
Mrs. Ella Bowman
Clyde and Irene yers, Elizabeth, Lisa, Harriet
Thoma and Elaine (Traenkner) Cain, Michael
Patrick and hri tine Cancro
Mr. and ':\1rs. Joseph L. Capizzi, Jennifer, Michael
Earl P. and Patricia J. Carley
Henry and Alice Carson
Mr. and Mrs. Roy L, Cavitt
Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Cecchini
James L. and Jean Clark, Dana
Marshall A. and Norma Jane (Rodgers) Collins, Allan, Kevin,
Debra Collins Novak, Dennis, Randall
Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Conley, Kathleen Brower, Jacqueline,
Michael
Sam E. and Yvonne Crider, David D., Sandra Lee,
Brenda Lee
Sarah E. Crooks
William F. and Pearl (Taylor) Crooks, Pearl Elizabeth
Olin M. and Lois (Kunkle) Crowe, John H.,
Marlin P. Klingensmith
Jim and Jane Crowell, Ruth Beck, James J., William C.,
Mary Andre, Tim
Will and Pearl Croyle, Randy, Diane, Joni, Bruce, Michelle
Charles A. Cunningham, Charles A. Cunningham II
Hazel L. Cunningham, Charles A., Dorothy L. Anderson,
Steele C.
Robert A. and Viola Daniels, Linda
Richard J. and Jessie (Kovachick) Darin, Richard L.,
Joanna Kathleen

107

NS

Arlo and Esther B. Davis

Howard and Lea Davis, Genie Marie, Howard, Jr" Charles M"
Robert L,
Larry A. and i'letty Di1vis
Richard A. DeBlasio
Bob and Shirley Doering
John J. and Florence A. Dohmen, John M., Richard, William,
Sara Elizabeth Yohe
Peter Dohmen, Thomas, Matthias
John and Angeline Dombroski
Michael J. and Nancy L. Dombroski, Dawn Michelle,
MichaeIJ., ,Jr.
Peter Frank Dombroski, Sr., Peter Frank, Jr.
John H. and Ruth (Guyer) Donovan, Jr., Lee
Mrs. Helen (Burkshire) D'Orazio, Dr. Doran D'Orazio
Frank and Dolly Dorociak, Leonard L., Lynn D. Hare, Diane C.
Milford Drew, Ronald, Randy
Laurence and Stefania Duddy, Sr.,
George and Jean Sutherland,
Chief Master Sergeant Laurence, Jr.,
George, Richard, Kathleen Geer
Charles S. (Judd) and Francella Dunbar, William C., Joyce,
David S., Laurie Ann
William A. and Edie Dunn, Lorrie Dozier, Kathy Lee, Bill,
Bobby
Walter and Sue Durandetto
Barbara L. Dziedzic
Deborah L. Dziedzic
Julian F. and Wanda (Zine) Dziedzic
Ronald B. and Dorothy M. (Keibler) Eiler, Lauri A., Ronald S.,
JoelA.
Ernest E. and Alice Elder
Sidney R. and Hilda (Taylor) Elston, Terrance G.,
Lawrence F., Sidney R., Jr.
Charles R. and Judith (K'eibler) E'lwood, Ron, Carolyn, Barbara
Mr. and Mrs. David Evans, Teresa
Durwood H. and Mona Evans, Douglas, Deborah E. Ridenour,
,
Donald, Denise, Daniel, Donna Dee
Elizabeth H. Evans, Betty L. Markovich, Frederick N"
Shirley A. Richey, Bonnie C. Shoop
Mike and Mildred (Magee) Evans
Philip Price and Elizabeth (Gray) Evans
Richard L. and Josephine Evans, Vicky L., Lori A.
Mrs. Edythe Ewing and son, Fred
Robert F. and Sandra Ewing, Bobby, David, Jennifer
John H. Faith, John M.

Lawrence F. and Robin E. (Achenne) Falter, Carrie Ann

Robert and Karen Fassinger, Rob, Kim, Scott

Leo W. and Beatrice Fitch, Sheryl
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer W. Flynn
James W. and Mary C. (Montgomery) Fouse, Howard
Frank J. and Naomi Fry, James L., Debra Hartung, Rick A.,
David P.
Mr. and Mrs. C. Wilbur Gallagher
,J ack and Janet Giebler, Sheree, Lori, John
Ivaldo Peter and Betina (Porporino) Giuliani, Kathleen Smicik,
Deborah Royer, Renee
Mary Goldinger, Sean
Nancy M. Goodwin, Kimberly, David, Tammy
Viola Gray
James R. and Barbara J. Greenwald. Erika, Kelly
Guy A. and Victoria L. (Vokes) Gregg, Todd A., Jason D.
John and Lenora Greiner, Donald, Ruth, Gerald, Howard,
Norma, Jean
John and Ruth Gramley, Aaron, John, Robert, Isabel, Adele,
Arlene, Jeffrey, Louis, Joseph

Resident Family Patrons

Clarence Calvin and Mabel E. (Beale) Guyer
Jack Clarence and Jessica Ann (Frampton) Guyer,
John Charles, Jane Ann
William K. and Donna (Rockwell) Haas, Juliana, Leanne,
William B.
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hadden
John and Susan C. Halupa, Susan Mary
Charles L. and Alice (Marsh) Harkins, Charles, Jr.,
Cindee Lee, Christopher L., Candee Lynn
Frank and Sue (Deenin) Harmon, Shannon L., Timmy F.,
Todd M.
Charles L. and Genevieve Hartge, Debra Lee Miller,
Cherie Lynelle Novickoff, Shelly Renee
Darlene M. (Grantz) Hartge, Howard E. Hartge, Jr.
William E. Hartge
The George Hawdon Family
Carrie V. (Drew) Heckman, David A., Jane A. Deiseroth,
Connie J. Santi, Lola F. Buccilrri, Richard A.
John W. and Elnora M. Hecker, Elsie Jane Sundberg,
William R., Thomas H., Daniel W.
Richard A. and Judith E. Heckman, Tammie L., Terry L.
William R. and Sylvia Hecker, Tammie Lynn, Kim Layne,
William R., Jr.
Stephen and Janet Hegedus, Stephen, Shawn
Margaret E. Heidrich
Raymond E. and Loretta J. (McCaskey) Heltion
Woods and Madalene Henry
Marie Clements Hicks
Tom and Pat Higgins, Dan, Mary Lea Einsporn, Terrence,
Nancy, Thomas, Patricia, Amy
Emery D. and Paulette W. Holloway, Dana L., Jenise L.
Erva Graff Holmes
Robert D. and Judith E. (Harendarcik) Horvath, Kimberly,
David, Mark
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hosoflook, Jason
Mr. and Mrs. John Hrivnak
Herbert W. and Martha D. Ihrig, Elizabeth A.,
Kathryn J. Hartman, David A.
Clyde C. and Annie Laurie Irwin
Mary (Wills) Irwin, Glenn, Marjorie Luffy, Shirley Aitken,
Mary Ann Korzon, Clyde
Robert Jackson Family
Lucille (Vining) Johnson, Mary, Robert, Virginia, Vivianne,
Jean, Fred, William, Lillian, Francis, Gwendolyn
Dr. and Mrs. W. Kahle Johnson, Anna, Kahle, Mary, Emily,
Katherine
John K. and Marian (Schreckengost) Johnston, Terri Lynn,
Yvonne Marie
Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Jordan
Randy R. and Diana (Bolt) Kadunce, Crystal L.
Clifford T. and Eva A. (Miller) Keibler, Donald C., William A.,
David G., Judy Elwood, Joyce Ghiardi
Donald C. and Judith A. Keibler, Fred C. Heuvel, Jr.,
Gary Heuvel
Homer and Violet (Doumont) Keibler, George H., Robert W.,
Florence Moro
John W. and Nancy J. Kelley, ,Tohn W., Jr., Toni Lee, Lori R.,
Michael W., Dena M.
Norman L. and Annabell K. Kemp, John C. Oakes,
Robert C. Oakes, Dulcina M. Coward, Timothy G. Oakes,
Hal S. Oakes, Arthur K. Oakes
Agnes R. Kitzer, Leonard and Joan Hoch
Richard and Peggy Bevevino
Frank and Anne Klukaszewski, Mary Anne, Michael, Frank,
Kathy, Laurie, Joan, Patty, Larry
Marie (Praniewicz) Kocon
John and Linda Kosmal, Shelly, Danelle
Richard and Beverly Koval, Kathy Ann
John and Linda Kowalski, John, Megan

108

Andrew and Gloria (Marsh) Krause, Patricia Junod, Randy

Patrick J. and Delores A. (Pritts) Edwards Kregiel, James 0.,
Charles J., Patricia L., Michael A., Nancy E. Edwards
Thomas O. and Laura Kremer
Joseph and Grace Laurito, Daniel Starr
Nicholas and Irene Laurito, Leslee
Nick and Helen Laurito, Rose Turk, Helen Payne, Nichola,
Joseph, Raymond
Raymond and Deanna Lauritn, David, Rachelle, Rebe ca, Ruth
John and Glenna Lavick, Cheryl, Mark
Kenneth B. and Helen M. Lawton
William F. and Charlotte (Morgan) Lederer
Gladys Leeman, George Howard, Ronald Lee,
Sarah Patricia Artman, Carol Ann Thickey
Raymond and Linda (Klimczyk) Lester
Jack and Shirley Lewis, Michael Raymond
Stella Listwak
William and Bernice (Maglisco) Listwak
Rita (Snyder) Libengood, Susan E., Timothy H., Catherine A.
Chester L. and Nancy Lockwood, Jason, Ryan Iarie
H. Kenneth and Helen Lucas
Jim and Margie (Irwin) Luffy, Linda, Patti, Jim, Gary
Walter and Selma Makara, Theodore, Rose, Walley, Joann,
Mary, Helen
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Mancuso Family
Henry and Elizabeth Mantz
Betty L. (Evans) Markovich, Elizabeth A., Lu Ann, Robert H.
Darci L. Marsh
David H. Marsh
David C. and Donna (Stewart) Marsh, Don C., Deanna.
David H., Darci
Deanna M. Marsh
Don C. Marsh
Gary L. and Mary K. Marsh, Brenda Lee
Harry H. and Ida G. Marsh, Gloria Krause, David C.,
June Cramer, Alice Harkins, Ronald J., Gary L.
Ronald J. Marsh, JamieLynn
Carolyn A. Mason
Anthony and Carolyn Mataldi. John, Jamie
Douglas and Phyllis Mathews, Deneen, Dean
Paul and Anne (Pionteck) Matisko, Monica, Timothy, Gre ory,
Joseph, Beth
Frederick K. and Joan M. Matt, Jr., Suzette, Lisa,
Frederick K. Ill, Christine
David and Ruth Menk
Glenn and Rebecca (Smeal) Miller, Glenn Jr., Earl, Todd, Ted
Harold V. and Ann (Koben) Morrow, Patricia L. Johnston,
Margaret A. Baker, Janel S. Hensel
Mrs. Ralph H. (Lott) Morrow, Harold V., Alvin L.,
Marion Yates, Helen Merryman
Daniel J. and Mary M. Myers, Mary M. McKnight
Norman and Velma (Farkas) Myers, Dennis, Sharon
Tom and Ginny Myers, Jessie, Jennifer
Vera L Myers
Wayne and Frances (Zito) McAllister, Thomas, Patricia, John
Thomas D. and Phyllis (Haslett) McCracken, Michelle Lynn.
Heather Renee
Arlene McCutcheon
Harry and Jeanne McCutcheon, Jan, Jodi, Jeri
Margaret (Wills) McCutcheon
Leonard C. and Carol A. McElroy, Jeanne L., Amy S.,
James L., William C.
Lloyd L. and Anna (Myers) McElroy, Jeannette, Faye,
Leonard
Jack L. and Bonita McIntyre, Mary Carol
Ronald J. and Juniaetta (June) McKinney
Lewis J. and Nancy Diane McWilliams, Lewis J., Jr.,
l3obbieMarie, Jason Lee
Robert and Marie J. McWilliams
Mrs. Elizabeth Natik

Martin E. and Stella A. (Palehinski) ee,

Geraldine M. Wierzbinski
Frank and Jane Ncmet, Annmarie Leap, Margo,
Harry Kling-ensmith

Roger L. and Vicki Schafer, Tammy, Brian, Mark, Scott

Richard and Saj1dy Schnelzer, Raymond, Bobbi Jo
Robert and Ila Scratchard. Colleen, Valerie
Clarence E. Schreckengost
John R. and Marilyn L. (Bayne) Schrecongost
The Eugene Shavensky Family
Jack and Martha Shearer Family
Richard and Norma Shirey. Kurt. Michael
Clifford and Pat Simon
James R. and Florence N. (Orr) Slahtovsky, Joseph. Daniel,
Kenneth. (Foster Children): Mike Gujnn. Sandy Fornwait
Josephine (Cerny) Slahtovsky. Matt, James. Robert
Alfred and Carol (Horner) Smail, Keith Allen, Kenneth Melvin
Charles W. and Juanita J. (Granby) Smith. Jeanne E. Grundy.
Charles G.
Charles R. and Norma (Henry) Smith. C. Scott. Michael T.,
LisaJ., WilliamM,
Fred F. and Donna E. Smith. Linda Susan Kowalski,
Job n Wesley. Bambi Lynn Witowskj
George "Pete" and Dotty Smith
Robert and Helen Smjth, Renee, Robert
Eugene and Mary Smouse
H. Glenn and Esther (Schafer) Rodgers Speedy,
Frederick F. Rogers, Jr., Norma Jane Collins.
Donald Lee Rodgers, Joseph Harold Rodgers
William and Audrey Spiering, Billy. Danny, Amy
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Sporch
Donald O. and Barbara E. (Grunewald) Sprowls, W. Alfred,
Janet M. Thorn, James D., B. Elaine Spana
Mrs. Alverda B. Stadterman
Dennis Michael and Cheryl Ann (Baker) Stadterman,
Richard George III
Margaret Darin Stasik
Mrs. Alma (Rosa) Stewart, Alma A. Cline. F. Mina Zaffuto
Charles Ralph and Gladys E. (Drew) Stewart.
Donna M. Marsh. BarbaI'd K. Sapp
Robert J. and Joyce (Myers) Stimel Family
Andrew M. Stofan
Howard F. and Patty (Lawton) Stone Family
Mr. and Mrs. Francis R. Stoup Family
Martha J. Stull
Merle and Patty Summerville. Mark, Gregg
John and Margaret (Meister) Sutton, Anna May Leiser,
Jacqueline Conroy, Darlene Turner. Margaret Wendell
Eugene Symionof
Michael and Theresa (Buckshire) Takosky. Marion Budz
Anna L. Taylor
Edward and Mildred Taylor, Kathryn J. Norman,
Dianne LeSueur
James E. and Jo Ann Taylor. Patricia Ann Wagner. Thomas E.
Leo and Georgia Taylor. David Fleming Taylor. Atty.
Vitautas and Delores (Freshwater) Thomas, Victor Louis,
Eugene Garry. Jonathan David. Harry Julius
John H. and Ann J. (Beighley) Thompson. Patricia L. Gable,
Doris L. Cashell
Frank J. R. and Phoebe H. Trautwein. Gary H .
Margo Easterwood
Donald A. and Alice (Stotler) Treser, Donald A., Jr.,
Devra Anne, Mary Rose (Hendricks)
Edward J. and Patricia C. (Unites) Trzeciak, Maris, Darla.
Mark
Louis and Cynthia Trzeciak, Jr.
Mrs. Rose Turk. Gary W., Eric A.. Layne C. Crist.
Erin Irene Lester
George and Judith A. (Nemet) Uhler. George B., John D..
Gary S., Mark A.. Allen E., Jennifer A.
Lee and Bonnie VanDyke
Albert S. and Lillian (Demeter) Venezie
David Venter
Robert W, and Margaret (Bailie) Venter. David William.
Larry Robert. Diana L. Beard
William and Thresa Venter, Robert W., Barbara J .. Howard,
William Jr., Raymond C., Carolyn B., David R.

Resident Family Patrons

Ken and Lois Nowicki
Edward D. and Jacqueline M. Oliver, Rani, Edward Dewey
Myrtle Oliver
Tim and Dory (Grotefend) Ortlip Family
Ronald H. and Nancy J. (Bell) Palmer, Elizabeth M., Richard C.
Rico and Rose (Lorinil Pastura
Jim and Leona Pattock, James, David
Alberta (Drew) Pearson
Ronald and Lois (Sproull) Peck, Ronald, Richard, Russell,
Patricia, Christopher
Harry and Anna Marie (Ferrazzoli) Peli, Raymond R., Laverne,
Anita L., Lisa M., James A., Harry D.
Louis and Mary (Peli) Petrigni
Mrs. Lucille Peli, Robert U, Roberta
John L. and Lois Jean (Verba) Piazza, Christine, Jim, John
Harry and Phyllis Pierce, Susan, Stacey, Chris
Herbert H. and Helen N. Pierce, Helen M. Keener,
Elizabeth Ann (Deceased), Harry rI., HerbertH.,

Margaret Malor, Estella Mae Solomon,

Phyllis K. Mathews, Shirley T.

Perry M. and Patricia C. Pilson, Robert G., Joyce A., Frank P.,
Richard E., Clarence, Tyrone P., Precious G., Norma P.
Mr. and Mrs. Jes e E. Piper, Donald Reed,
Myra Ka . Schuricht. Diana Sue
Ralph A. and Nancy K. Pitsch. Sr., Ralph A., Jr., Karen R.
Mrs. Bess Plusquellic
Robert G. and D roth J. Plusquellic, Wayne. Steven. James,
Da id. Diane
Wayne R. Plu 'quellic
Michael and Dori Polos
Rowena E. Pott , William F., Janice L. Humes, Howard E.
William F. and E elyn 1. Potts. Jeremy D. (U.S. Air Force),
Andrew R., William R., Matthew G.
William J. and Helen M. Powell, Janis, Darryl. Dane, Gary
Frank and Helen Praniewicz, Eugene, Linda, Gregory, Robert
Michael M. Praniewicz
George Cle\'eland and Viola Mae (Ringler) Pritts,
Elizabeth Ro etta Biondich, Lillian Agnes Bobel,

Shirley :'vIae Lengle. Ronald Leroy,

Dire Alzinc Edwards Kregiel. George Darwin,

Carl \\' ;lyne

Jay and H len lRigg ) Radaker. Jay Jr . Phillip, Timothy,

Dane, Jane Gordon
Renaldo R. and \1argaret Ann R~metta. George S.. John E.
Mr. and:'vIr . Ward Rearick
John R. and :'1ar Lou (Antonjono) Reynolds, Sean
John A. and hirley J. (Welsh) Richey,
Sandra Lynn Kammerdiener. Sallie Jane
Thomas P. and Shirley A. (Evans) Richey, Joyce Ann Ewing,
Barbara Sue, Carol Lee, Thomas P., Jr.
Raymond E. and Mary (Effie) Roberts, William. Judy George.
Janice McKibbin, Janet Gavasto
Joseph and Roberta (PeU) Robinson, Joseph II, James
Perry L. and Carol A. (Mallow) Robinson, Robert S., Randy S.,
Raymond S.
Robert J. and Margaret (Carson) Robinson, Robin,
Robert "Chris"
Keith A. and Beverly (Russo) Rogers, Craig, Jeff. Garr'et,
Melissa
Harry and Margo Roper. Jill Tracy, Sharon Leigh
J. Oscar Rosa
Dale and Jeanne Ross, Allison
Mr. and Mrs. WalterP. Ross
Daniel H. Rowe, Kathie, Erika
Daniel R., Jr. and Christy (Allen) Rowe
Anthony and Alberta Rudolf Family
Nick J. and Louise A. Salvatore, David Michele
Louis and Bernice Sargent. Jr., George A., William A.

109

Resident Family Patrons

Lorraine Votquenne

The Nelson Watson Family

Retha S. Watson Family

John R. and Alice (Langer) Weber, Keith J., Randi (Reed),

Jeffrey W., Marsha S., Kevin W.

Olga Weister

George (Dick) and Margaret Wendell

Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Whitehead, Dennis

Reid M. and Ethel M. White, Jr., Martin M.

Thomas V. and Susan J. White, son, James Burrows

Roy and Evelyn (Herman) Whitehead, Martina

Lester and Grace (Kline) Wills, Cheryl Leiker,

Cynthia Kaspryzk, J. Scott

Mrs. Roy (Myers) Wills, Joan B.

John E. Willyard and Ruth J. Willyard, Sister

Newton and Hetty (Carr) Wilson, Terry N., Nancy M.,

Clarence C.

Walter and Mary Wishoski

Campbell and Margaret Woods, Elnora, Peggy, Robert

Cecil H. and Marion (Morrow) Yates, Kathy Forrest, Ralph,

Ernest, Cecila

Thomas A. and Betty (Hamilton) Yetter

Melwyn and Martha Yohe, Jim and Carol Yohe

Ed Yurkin Family

Lowell and Mary Jane (Yetter) Zadai, Kevin, Beth, Amy,

Eric, Tracy

Walter A. and Garnett P. Zadai, Lowell, Marlyn Seger,

Raymond D.

Frances Zawrotny

Charles R. and Lillian Beighley, Bonnie J. Glenn,

Joyce A. Long, Gary

Al and Bonnie (Beighley) Glenn

Michael and Ann M. Korenowski, Patricia A. Kaminsky,

Magdalene M. Kurpakus, Margaret R. Thompson,

Josephine B. Kurpakus, Martha A. Rau, Eleanor 1.

Mr. and Mrs. Jules Langlois III, Jules IV, Jaycie

Chuck and Fat Steele Family

John and Sophia (Dombroski) Smicik

Former Resident Patrons

Dorothy (Cunningham) Anderson, Adele Winwood,
Cheryl Kyle, Alan S., Kevin H., Charles P., Keith W.

William E. and Jane Drew Andes

Archie M. Baxter

Lela M. Baxter

Merle and Helen (Borland) Bayle

Larry T, and Diana (Venter) Beard

Helen Wise Beldham

Diane (Dziedzic) Boden

Calvin Glenn Borland

James and Naomi (Brothers) Black

Mrs. Frank Brun

Robert and Marion (Takosky) Budz, Robert Mark,

Karen Patricia, Timothy Matthew

Rosamond Cashell

GeorEe Wm. and Beverly Jean (Larson) Chaney,

George Marshall, Dana Lyn, E:lizabeth Ann

George and Thelma (Henderson) Chaney, George William,

William and Sally Jane Mellon

Dale and Florence (Swank) Copeland, Gary Nelson,

Karen Ann, Susan Kaye

Elizabeth M. Coulson

Herbert N. Covey, Jr., Herbert N.,

Shirley A. (Troutman) Covey III

Steele C. and Rena Cunningham, Brett S., Bart L., Brenda R.,
Brian S.

110

Lee and Donna (Morrow) Dalton Family

Mrs. Velma (Verner) Diven
Elvie E. and Margaret (Heyer) Drew, Joyce Schimizzi,
Joan Dohmen
'James A. and Carolyn Drew, Tiffany, Darlene Jane, Elvie
Jerry, Patricia Elaine Hedding
Frederick N. and Susan (Keliner) Evans, Jr.
Jeffrey A: and Joyce A. (Richey) Ewing
Mrs. Katherine (Yates) Forrest
Paul and June (Pearson) Frogge Family
C. Roy Fryer, John and Mildred (Fryer) Finney

Guy W. Jr., and Irene (Davis) Fuller, Alice Ruth Petrelli,

Daniel L., Guy W. III, Dianne C. Loughran, Terry R.

Mrs. Helen (Hartge) Graff
The Joseph Gemballa Family
Albert and Shirley Griscavage
Margaret (Elwood) Gross, Eleanor (Elwood) Moore
Joyce (Yetka) Hannon
Gary D. and Lynn D. (Dorociak) Hare, Sean Michael
Jean (Yetka) Harrison
Alice Hartge
G. Keith and Nancy Hartge, Scott, Jeff, Mark
Dr. Jay C. and Kathleen (Myers) Henry, Michelle L.
Abbie A. (Kunkle) Hischemellor
Andy and Loretta (Kolakowski) Horanski
Anna Rosa Hughes
Joe and Agnes Irwin
Charles V. and Margaret (Votquenne) Jones, Linda English,
Amy, Charles V., Jr.
Mrs. Minnie (Miller) Kline
EarlL. and Gale (Copeland) Klingensmith, John R.,
Janice Kreidler, Joseph N.
Chester Kolakowski, Marsha Kolakowski Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Kolakowski, Ronald L.,
biane M: Rairigh
Mr. and Mrs. Nick R. Kolakowski, Kenneth I..,
Linda A. Dolmajer, Dennis R.
Ted and Sylvia Kolakowski, Dolly and Norman Richie,
James Ramaly, Rhonda and Ernie Ryan, Ramona,
Ted, Jr., Jackie and Richard Kordylas
Claude Kunkle
George and Gladys (Swank) Lange
Everett R. and Diane (Taylor) LeSueur Family
John and Anna Listwak
Robert and Frances (Drew, Pearson) Logsdon
Luella Clements Magee
Col. William M. and Sally Jane (Chaney) Mellon, Sheri I.eE-.
Susan Michele, Sandra Kay
Mrs. W. Dean (Morrow) Merryman
Kenneth and Mona Gay (Pearson) Montgomery Family
Jim and Dorothy Morrison
Mrs. James Morrow
Jerry and Lillian (Wills) Morrow
Dr. Walter and Jeannie Morrow
Harry Myers
Raymond E. and Phyllis Myers, Virginia M, Allen,
Phyllis R. Keibler
Robert L. Myers and Sharon
Roy Myers
Mabel Ralston McCullough
Harvey C. McCutcheon
Louis and Violet (Vigrass) McCutcheon
__
Mrs. Raymond (McCullough) McCutcheon, Richard E.,
Catherine Swenk, June Lombard
Pearl McElroy
H. T. (Tom) McKeever, and daughter. Margaret M. Jacobus
Jay and Virginia (Kolakowski) Nielson, Rickey and
Sharon Belt, Deborah Zelomkie, Alan McArdle,
Kevin McArdle
Bernard and Helen (Takosky) Oriss, Judy
Mrs. Marie (Takosky) Oriss, Bernie, James
Alford 1.. and Patricia Pearson Family
Roger E. and Sharon Pearson Family

Former Resident Patrons

Robert and Judith L. (Pearson) Parker Family

Margaret Morrow Peterson
Dorothy (Myers) Reisch
Cora (Hill) Rowan
Milton W. and Alice E. Ryan
Donald and Sharon (Traenkner) Rywak, Nancy Lyn
Jerry W. and Barbara K. (Stewarl) Sapp, Jerry W. II,
Timothy L. Campbell, Stephen L. Campbell
Florence (Drew) Shank and Nancy Knotts
Kenneth V. and Bonnie C. (Evans) Shoop, Susan M.,
Kenneth V., Jr.
Glenn and Gloria F. (Pearson) Smith Family
Willard and Charlotte (Hartge) Smith
.Joseph A. and B. Elaine (Sprowls) Spana
Mrs. Doris (Verner) Spinks
James D. and Marcene (Farrell) Sprowls
W. Alfred and M. Darlene (Farkas) Sprowls, Emily Diane
Mary (Heckman) Steele
Mrs. Laura (Verner) Such
Mary Jean Swank
Alhert W. and IIelen Takosky
Richard G. and Janet (Sprowls) Thorn, Kristen, Karin
Cathy Domhroski Thomas
Doris Wise Thompson
Robert and Joyce (Buckshire) Traenkner, Sharon, Elaine
Adam K. and Esther E. Troutman, Shirley A. Covey,
Barhara L. Powell, Laura L., Audrey L. Sleigh,
Adam K .. Jr.
Carl L. and Althea R. Troutman, Karla R. Miller
David William and Pam (Nelson) Venter
Larry Rohert Venter
Gerald and Viola (Irwin) Whiten
Robert E. and Beulah (Beacom) Wills
Layton and Regina (Gmerek) Wilson
Ralph Gary YaLes
Joseph E. and Joan (Hild) Yetka Family
Marion Zawrotny
Richard and Jean Baxter
Gary and Kathy (Geiger) Beighley, Robbie S.
Mrs. Charles (Domhroski) Listwak Family
John and Joyce A. (Beighley) Long, Angela Marie, Sherry Ann
Dwight and Marie (Martin) McKeever
Richard (Dick) Menk
Bill and Flo (Smith) Parker
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Woolslayer, David
Stanley and Romayne (Keaton) Dombroski Family
Charles R. and Florence (Kulikowski) Listwak Family

Ronald and Deborah (Bohonek) Listwak

Thomas and Linda (Baraenek) Listwak
John and Priscilla (Listwak) Saugrick Family

Other Patrons
George and Alma Boe
Vernon and Ella (Frederick) Bail'
Pauline E. (Laughlin) Bell
Mr. and Mrs. C. William Cline
Stella Hauger Hill Elwood
Mr. and Mrs. Houston T. Force
Herb and .Jeanne E. (Smith) Gundy
Anthony L. Ginocchi
Ronald and Debhie Greene
Walter (G.) Grossheim

Dave M. and Irene R. Heldman, Irene K., Donna E.,

Meredith S.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hughan, Jr.
Frank and Betty Lopes
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Oskin
Louise Restano
Don and Elsie Schultz
Ann Siahtovsky
Charles and Patricia (Linton) Smith
Bill Stanley
The Rev. Reid Stewart
Wilbur and Nancy Stewart, Lucy
Russell and Rosemary Swank
Raymond Trawinsky Family
Union Prescription Center
Rose and Charles Bateman
Mrs. Edna Larimer
In Honor of; Mr. and Mrs. William Venter
Given By: Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Venter
In Honor of; John and Ruth Willyard
Given By: Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Venter
ITPPEH HURRELL ORGANIZATION PATRONS

Hoard or SupNvisors
('ommunity ('in'le
Ladies' :\uxiliarv
LionsClub
.
Pan'nt Tl'achers Association
:--;hamrocks
Volunt('er Fin' Company No.

Business Patrons
ALUMINUM COMPANY OF AMERICA
1501 ALCOA BUILDING

PITTSBURGH, PA.

BON AIR INN

3210 LEECHBURG ROAD

LOWER BURRELL

Phone: 3357222

A Well-Wisher for the History Book

BURRELL CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLY CO.

Redi-mix Concrete - Blocks - Rustic-Brik
No. 1 FIFTH STREET

NEW KENSINGTON, PA.

111

339-1011 or 362.4000

Business Patrons
BURRELL SANITATIO
Residential PAUL F. YOHE

Commercial - Industrial
Phone: 3357389

LOWER BURRELL

DIAL-A- DEVOTION
335-1144

ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT

REV. VIRGINIA E. BLAIR

LINCOLN BEACH

FRITZ & TERRY'S AUTO REPAIR

OVERALL AUTO REPAIR
3162 LEECHBURG ROAD

Phone: 3350717

LOWER BURRELL, PA.

GOLD BUILDERS & CONTRACTING, I C.

Custom Homes - Reclamation Work

4183 SARDIS ROAD

PITTSBURGH, PA. 15239

7953227 -

3374900

HILLCREST LANES - HOUSE OF DAVID

1000 WILDLIFE LODGE ROAD

339-6614

LOWER BURRElL, PA

Well-Wishes for the History Book

KLINGENSMITH HARDWARE
912 FIFTH AVENUE - NEW KENSINGTON, PA.
HILLCREST SHOPPING CENTER -

LOWER BURRELL, PA.

Phone: 337-4541
Phone: 337-3508

LOWER BURRELL AUTO PARTS

337-3221

3033 LEECHBURG ROAD - LOWER BURRELL

MANCHESTER R. P. CHURCH
REV. ROBERT FULLERTON

204 MANCHESTER HILL

NEW KENSINGTON, PA.

Phone: 337-7530

OAK LAKE GOLF COURSE

Pleasant Golfing in a pleasant Township of Upper Burrell, Pa.

OAK LAKE ROAD

NEW KENSINGTON, PA.

112

Business Patrons
PALOMAR ACRES

URSERY

Grower of Ornamental Trees and Shrubs

WHITE BIRCH TREES OUR SPECIALTY
MICHAEL & THERESA TAKOSKY

337-4976

108 OAK LAKE ROAD

PETRIGNI'S ANTIQUES & USED FURNITURE

Collectibles - Usables 1034 5th AVENUE

20 years in business

NEW KENSINGTON, PA.

R. RAMETTA ELECT IC
Residential and Commercial
158 MANCHESTER HILL

R. RAMETTA

Phone: 3374994

RICHARD'S AUTO CENTER, INC.

Complete Auto and Truck Repair - Tires - Towing
2369 GREENSBURG ROAD

NEW KENSINGTON, PA.

Phone: 3393010

ROTTER'S HOME CENTER

Your Supermarket of Building Supplies
1155 WILDLIFE ROAD

LOWER BURRELL, PA.

Phone: 3376535

RUSIEWICZ FUNERAL HOMES, INC.

ARNOLD AND LOWER BURRelL

RUSSO'S COUNTRY FARE, INC.

[Jroceries and cAntiques
ARTHUR & ETHEL RUSSO

4600 7th STREET, UPPER BURREll

339-9362

B. N. SAUL, LUMBER & HARDWARE

Complete Line of CBuilder Supplies
BLAIR N. SAUL

DOWNTOWN, NORTH WASHINGTON

SOKOL'S HARDWARE
Shop Here for Complete Hardware Lines
2833 LEECHBURG ROAD

LOWER BURRELL, PA.

113

Phone: 337-3741

Business Patrons
DICK & MARGE WENDELL
WOODRIDGE LANE

((Down on the Farm" with the Animals: Horses, Pigs, Goats, etc.
Also: Garden Vegetables

ST. MARGARET MARY CHURCH

Serving Lower and Upper Burrell 25 Years

REV. MSGR. R. A. HANICAK, Pastor

Congratulations to the Lions and Upper Burrell Community

TURNER FARMS, INC.

Sausage - Spare Ribs - Eggs - Dairy Products
MURRYSVILLE, PA.

(OFF ROUTE 366)

Phone: 3399093

J&J WELL DRILLING

Complete Water Systems
JULES E. LANGLOIS, III
3732 MllLiGANTOWN ROAD

Phone: 337-7422

D. A. and B. R. Sullivan, Jr., Tree Farm and Wildlife Preserve

A SLOGAN TO LIVE BY: Preserve the Natural Beauty of Our Township

JOHN E. SAUL

Red- E - Mix Concrete

R. D. 1

APOLLO, PA. 15613

114

-------

------============

In Memory OJ:

Given By:

Mr. Hiram and Grace Anderson

Marlene Antoine
Myrna Antoniono
Margaret Willyard Artman
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bailie
Mr. J arl BarteIs
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Baxter
VanceM. Baxter
Edward L. Binder
Mrs. Grace Best Binder
Milo Blair
John and Catherine Borland
Frank Brun
Andrew G. and Theresa (Legnovsky) Buckshire
Joseph Buckshire
Joseph Byerly Family
ThomasCain, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. N. Nelson Copeland
Ru th Baxter Corcoran
SamuelH. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Love Crooks
SteeleM. Cunningham
Mary Anna Pritts Daugherty
Nick DeBlasio
Matt and Elizabeth Dohmen
Anna Marie Dombroski
John S. and Katherina Dorociak
Abilene (Kohl) Drew
MargaretE. Dohmen
JamesE. and Sally J. (Sipe) Drew
FrankE. and Sarah (Spinks) Elston
Fred Evans
Lawrence B. Ewing
Anna Faith
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Fitzsimmons
Mrs. C. O. Frampton
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Frederick
Mr. and Mrs. William A. Goldinger, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. William Goldinger, Sr.
Leslie Gray
Robert G. Gromley
Helen Gutknecht
John C. and Emma Guyer
Fred and Lorraine Hartge
Fred and Lorraine Hartge
Harry (Red) Hartge
Howard E. Hartge
William and Clara Hartge
Thomas "Russell" Heckman
Harrison W. and Mildred C. Heidrich
Mrs. Ruth (Goldinger) Hollick
Kenneth P. Horner
Curtis and Nora Irwin
Gilbert G. Irwin
Chester H. and Lucy Jones
Graver C. Keibler
Yetter 1. Keibler
Charlotte Kitchin
Harry E. Kitzer
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Klingensmith
Stanley and S phie Malansky Kolakowski
Burton H. Kunkle
Clarence L. Kunkle
Hughes M. and Alice (Keiser) Kunkle
Israel and Agnes (McQuaide) Kunkle
115

Lucille Anderson Peli

Mother, JoHannaE. Antoine
Husband, James Antoniono
Ruth and John Willyard
Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Venter
Mr. andMrs. R. W. Venter
Lela M. Baxter
Mr. and Mrs. Merle Baxter
His Family
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Best
Mrs. Grethel Blair
Merle and Helen Borland Bayle
Wife and Children
Michael and Theresa Takosky
Michael and Theresa (Buckshire) Takosky
Max J. McCutcheon
Julia Cain
Mr. and Mrs. Earl L. Klingensmith
LelaM. Baxter
Son, WilliamF. Crooks
Wife, Hazel Cunningham
Pritts Family
Richard and Nick DeBlasio
John ancl Florence Dohmen
Peter Dombroski, Sr., and Jr.
John ancl Ann Thompson
Jane Andes
Family
Gladys Stewart
Sidney R. and Hilda Elston
Elizabeth H. Evans
Wife, Edythe Ewing
Husband, John H. Faith
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Fitzsimmons
Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Venter
Vernon and Ella Bair
Mary Goldinger
Ward and June (Goldinger) Rearick
Viola Gray
John and Ruth Gromley
Husband, William Gutknecht
Guyer Girls
Albert and Shirley Griscavage
Keith Hartge and Family
Ronald J . Marsh
Wife, Darlene M. Hartge
Their Eight Children
Wife, Carrie Heckman
Margaret Heidrich
Ward and June (Goldinger) Rearick
Wife, Catherine
Arlo and Esther Irwin Davis
Wife and Children
Charles V. and Margaret Jones
Clifford and Ida
Wife, Alta M. Keibler
Dan Rowe Family
Agnes Kitzer
Mr. and Mrs. Earl L. Klingensmith
Andy and Loretta Horanski
Lois Kunkle Crowe
Lois Kunkle Crowe
Son, Claude Kunkle
Lois Kunkle Crowe

Memorials

In Memory OJ:

Given By:

Israel and Margaret (Steel) Kunkle

Jules Langlois, Sr.
Jules Langlois, Jr.
elle M. Laughlin
. elle Laughlin
Nelle Laughlin
Ralph W. Laughlin
George P. Leeman
Jack P. Libengood
Charles Listwak
Andrew J. Markovich
Andrew L. Markovich
Peyton O. Mason
Matthew and Mary Jane Miller
Ruth Drew Miller
Dorothy (Beestrice) Morgan
Olive (Kunkle) Morgan
Mrs. Helen (Wilson) Morrow
Mr. and Mrs. James W. (Cochran) Morrow
Ralph Hamilton Morrow
Anthony (Tony) and Ida Myers
George A. Myers
Raymond E. Myers
Robert E. Myers
Mr. Robert Myers
Carl E. McCutcheon
Harry E. and Maud B. (Greer) McCutcheon
C. M. (Mart) and Ella (Long) McElroy
Elizabeth J. Mcintyre
Alice and Walter McPherson
Dewey Oliver
Mr. and Mrs. William G. Palsgrove
Eligio and Venusta Peli
RobertPeli
Elizabeth Ann Pierce
William H. Potts
Michael and Rose Praniewicz
Anthony Radocaj
Mr. Irvin Rearick
Rachel Susan Robinson
Robert R. Robinson
ShideyRowe
Mrs. Daniel (Shirley) Rowe
Irene Emma Schrecongost
Roy S. Schrecongost
Myrtle Henry Schreckengost
Mathias J. Slahtovsky
Irad Wesley Smith
Richard George Stadterman, Sr.
L. C. and Ida Wade Stewart
Nelson and Cora Hall Swank
George E. Tay lor
George L. and Alberta (Beamer) Taylor
Hazel (Kunkle) Taylor
JackE. Taylor
John and Mary (Unick) Takosky
Margaret E. (H urlbut) Taylor
William Jacab Troutman
John and Josephine Trzeciak
John and Mary Unick
ewt Wilson
John and Vallie Verner
Harold C. Watson
Robert Watson
Robert Weister
Beulah White
Reid M. White, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wilson
Clyde F. Wills
D. C. and Jessie (Barton) Wills
W. J. and Mary Willyard
Robert and Margaret Wylie
Edward J. and Mabel (Wills) Yetka

Abbie A. Hischemellor
Jules Langlois Family
Jules Langlois Family
Her Sister, Pauline Laughlin Bell
Mr.andMrs.R. W. Venter
Dan Rowe Family
Dan Rowe Family
Wife, Gladys Leeman
Wife, Rita Libengood
His Family
Mother, Betty L. Markovich
Wife, Betty L. Markovich
Wife, Carolyn Mason
JoyeArmor
Florence Shank
Her Parents, Gilbert and Mary Beestrice
Abbie A. Hischemellor
Robert Venter Family
Margaret Morrow
Harold V. Morrow
Grandchildren, Kathy and Bob
Wife, Jessie and Daughters
Daughter, Phyllis Myers Keibler
Wife, Vera
Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Venter
Wife, Margaret; and Daughter, Arlene
Margaret and Arlene McCutcheon
Lloyd L. and Anna McElroy
A. Ralph Mcintyre
Mr. and Mrs. James Pattock
Son, Edward Oliver
Helen Ashby
Harry and Anna Marie Peli
Lucille Anderson Peli
The Pierce Family
Wife, Rowena E. Potts
Frank and Helen Praniewicz
The Family
Ward and June (Goldinger) Rearick
Mother and Dad
Joseph and Roberta Peli Robinson
Dan Rowe Family
Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Venter
Son, John Schre ongost
John and Marilyn Schrecongost
Husband, Clarence Schreckengost
Wife, Josephine
Fred F. Smith
Dennis Michael tadterman
Charles Ralph Stewart
Florence Swank Copeland
Jim Taylor and Renie Rametta Families
Sidney R. and Hilda (Taylor) Elston
Daughter, Pearl Crooks
Sister, Peggy Rametta
Michael and Theresa Tako ky
Daughter, Peggy Rametta
Son, AdamK. Troutman, Sr.
Louis and Rose Trzeciak
Michael and Theresa Takosky
Bob and Peg Venter
The Verner Children
RethaS. Watson
Nelson Watson Family
Wife and Children
Son, Reid M., Jr.; and Daughter, Myrtle Jones
Son, Reid M., Jr.; and Daughter. MyrtlE' JonE's
Robert Venter Family
Wife, Sue
Margaret and Arlene McCutcheon
John and Ruth Willyard
Merle and Helen Borland Bayle
Sons and Daughters

116

----~--

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. George Dallas Alberts, "History of the County of Westmoreland with Biographical Sketches, "L. H.
Everts Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1882.
2. John N. Boucher, "History of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1," The Lewis Publishing
Company, New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois, 1906.
3. C. M. Bomberger, "A Short History of Westmoreland County," Jeannette Publishing Company,
Jeannette, Pennsylvania, 1941.
4. John M. Gresham & Company, "Biographical and Historical Cyclopedia of Westmoreland County,"
Dunlap & Clarke, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1890.
5. Lee Ann Rossman, James D. Sprowls, Keith Weber and Cheryl Wills, "History and Development of
Upper Burrell, " Burrell Junior High School Freshman Class of 1965-66, directed by John Woloshan,
Civics Teacher.
6. Wm. J. Barker, "Map of Westmoreland County, "North Hector, New York, 1857.
7. S. N. & D. G. Beers, "Atlas of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania," published by A. Pomeroy,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1867.
8. F. A. Davis, "New Illustrated Atlas of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, 1876, with 1971
Supplementary Section, "published by Pennsylvania Record Press, Rimersburg, Pennsylvania, 1971.
9. "Pennsylvania Archives, "First Series, Vol. 6, page 673.

10. "Washington and Allegheny Townships Tax Assessors Description of Properties," October, 1798.
(Included the Upper Burrell area at that time).

11. "Washington Township Bicentennial, 1776-1976," ... Booklet published by the township as a lasting
reminder of the Two-hundredth Birthday of our Nation.
12. T. J. Henry, M.D., "1816-1916 History of Apollo, Pennsylvania . .. The year of a Hundred Years,"
The News Record Publishing Company, Apollo, Pennsylvania, 1916.
13. Charles Morse Stoltz, "The Early Architecture of Western Pennsylvania," William Helburn, Inc.,
New York, New York, for the Buhl Foundation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1936.

14. "Survey Books, 1773-1907, "located in Westmoreland County Recorder's Office.

15. "Markle Academy and History of Markle Community," published in about 1935, by a committee of
Academy members, Charles E. Whitten, Chairman.
16. Reid W. Stewart, "A History of the Covenanter Church in Northern Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, "Patterson Press, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1960.
17. Ernest G. Heisenbuttel, "Pittsburgh Synod Congregational Histories, " (Lutheran) Studio of Printcraft, Inc., Warren, Ohio, page 272.
...
18. Reid W. Stewart, "John W. Logan, Founder of the First Town in Northwest Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania," printed in HISTORIA, published in 1979, by the Allegheny Kiski Valley Historical
Society, Inc.
19. Margaret R. Henderson, "Fort Crawford and The Indians, "ibid.

117

TOWNSHIP MAPS

ALLEGHENY
~"'-L..

-'_

Jt' I o'\:'51~~;:;=!(~
~'--

\1 1 I

11(.

(. tIff'

"
~/-F\

"

II

':'

""'"
.~.

,,'x>

y\

Map of the Upper Burrell area published in 1876 [8]. The boundary with Lower Burrell and the present Route 780 were added, as they
dUl not exist until later. Each house is indicated by a small square, with the rwme of the owner and the acreage of land. Landmark Homes
[One Hundred years old] are denoted by a triangle with a number,'" 1.

118

TO "[LWOOD
PARte ROAD

6
2

~I.

TO

CD
G!>

r; BtER BE "'C" O~

,./1

JOrlNS

'"

BlVO

llfllCO ... ," St'/O

Io'OS,t.lC fh,vO

OA",S S1

PAVED ROAD
GRAVEL ROAD
PRIVATE LANE
FIRE HYDRANT
POND

51

",.... S .. INGION

LEGEND

~
T40
u~t

4lH, OR

DEVElOPMENT PLAN THE TOWNSHIP OF UPPER BURRElL

U. B. TWP. PLANNING & ZONING COMM.
THE NORTHWEST WESTMORELAND
REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

PLAT[ NO
DATE OCT. 1979

SIMONDS AND SIMONDS

ON( NUNOREn ROSS STRHT.

1-1----'-----110'.'

119

PLANNING CONSULTANTS
PITTSBURGH. P(NNSllVANIA

1000'

~----=

2000'

13000

--,

ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP

Property rTUlp of Upper Burrell Township published in 1911 by the Hutchinson & McCrary Co., of Marietta, Ohio. The name of the o'wner
of each tract and the acreage is shown. [See if you can determine where your property of today is located].

120

Lions Club Objectives

To Foster a Spirit of

Understanding Among People

To Promote Principles of

Good Citizenship

To Take Active Interest in the

Welfare of the Community

To Provide a Forum for

Open Discussion

To Encourage Service-Minded
Indivic;1uals to Serve Their Community

Buhl Brothers Printing