2013 News
Previous Years
PCHS News & Press
April 10, 2013
Summer Intern Program for Young Historians
Milford, Pa - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) is pleased to announce plans for the 2013 Summer Intern Program. The P.C.H.S. has been hosting the program for the last 10 years and has seen many young adults successfully complete the program and have a bit of fun along the way!
This year the program is open to a larger number of young adults and will include historical interpretation at four historical sites in Pike County. Interns should be willing to learn the history of each site, which includes The Columns Museum, Zane Grey Museum, Schocopee Schoolhouse and the Rowe Mill located in the Upper Mill complex at the Water Wheel Café. Also included in this year’s program will be an exhibit project to be put together at the Pike County Historical Society’s museum. Training will be provided at the Columns Museum, which is the home base for the program, beginning June 5, 2013. The program is open to young adults ages 16-18 and is a great way to spend the summer months while learning the history of Pike County. For more information please contact Lori Strelecki, Museum Director of P.C.H.S., at 570-296-8126 or by email at pikemuse@ptd.net.
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
March 14, 2013
Riders of the Purple Sage Headed for Milford!
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society will be hosting a Zane Grey “Riders of the Purple Sage” double feature over the weekend of April 19. Two movie versions of Grey’s most famous western, which just celebrated its one hundredth anniversary, will be presented, introduced by a member of Zane Grey’s West Society. The films will be shown on Friday evening, April 19, at 7:00pm and Sunday afternoon, April 21 at 3:00pm. April 19th’s showing will spotlight the 1925 silent film version starring Pennsylvania native Tom Mix (and his saddle partner Tony the Wonder Horse). This entertaining and historically significant feature will be presented in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum at 7pm. The showing is free to the public and refreshments will be available.
April 21st’s showing will present the 1996 made-for-cable version starring (and produced by) Ed Harris and Amy Madigan. This modern version is considered to be the most faithful of five movies derived from the book, and is the only Zane Grey adaptation to be made since 1956. It will be presented in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum in Milford at 3pm. The showing is free to the public and refreshments will be available.
Both films will be introduced by Robert Lentz, member of the Zane Grey West Society and author of three movie reference books. Lentz contributed an essay regarding all five movie versions to the newly published Centennial Edition of “Riders of the Purple Sage” by the ZGWS, which presents background information on Grey, his process of writing the book and why the book is still important to readers today. The book will be on hand at the screenings, along with assorted publicity material from the films.
“These two movies are distinct as night and day, even though they share a common source’, says Lentz. ‘Watching them closely together demonstrates just how differently movies were made back in the silent days compared to our era. Both are very good examples of a classic story skillfully adapted to the medium of film, even with their variances. And they would not exist but for the vivid, visual imagination of Zane Grey, who wrote ‘Riders’ while living in nearby Lackawaxen.”
The Pike County Historical Society endeavors to maintain and perpetuate the historical legacy of Pike County through exhibits, educational initiatives and social programs like this one. For more information please contact Lori Strelecki at 570-296-8126 or email her at pikemuse@ptd.net.
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
March 13, 2013
Jazz Vocalist Martha Lorin to appear at the Pike County Historical Society
Milford, PA - Widely acclaimed for her “timeless quality” and “wonderfully warm contralto,” Martha Lorin is a singer’s singer, a jazz artist’s artist, a cabaret performer par excellence. All this, and she writes, too. Martha has lived and breathed her unique musical artistry her entire life, beginning at home, surrounded with both mother and grandmother who were professional musicians. Martha was just born to create superb music wherever she goes.
Martha has said that jazz is the only music field that allows her to openly express her feelings and gives her a platform to grow technically and vocally. The jazz world is rife with great musicians who share the stage they are on with all ears open, making the music that comes out a shared endeavor representing music in its most intelligent , heartfelt and musical sense. The driving force of jazz IS the music leading the player closer and closer to greatness.
Martha is constantly exploring the jazz landscape with a spirit of lifting and broadening her musical acumen. Her explorations have presented the opportunity to work with a wide range of world class musicians, including, Paul Smith, Benny Green, Richard Wynands.
Martha will be appearing at The Columns Museum on Wednesday, April 3rd, bringing this year’s Winter Wednesday’s music series to a close.
Tickets are $30 per person and include wine and cheese assortment graciously served at your table in the intimate cabaret setting of the museum’s Foundation Room. The show starts at 7pm and reservations are required. You can reserve by calling 570-296-8126 or emailing pikemuse@ptd.net.
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
March 13, 2013
President Lincoln’s Death Noted by Lecture and Dinner at Historical Society
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society’s Columns Museum is home to a very somber reminder of the death of our nation’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. The Museum houses a blood stained flag which was used to briefly cushion the Presidents head the night of his assassination. The flag was among many items taken from the theater that night. In fact, the stunned crowd much destroyed the theater, ripping seats out of the floor, sconces and wallpaper were torn from the walls, and Ford’s Theater was closed indefinitely after that fateful night. The flag was brought to Milford in 1888 by an actress who co-starred in the play being performed that evening; her name was Jeannie Gourlay Struthers. The Museum was given the blood stained flag in 1954 by Ms.Gourlay’s son, Vivian Paul Struthers.
The President was mortally wounded and was soon thereafter brought across the street to the Peterson House, where he died on the morning of April 15th, 1865. It was not for some time that the beloved President’s body would reach its final destination. Springfield, Ill.
Abraham Lincoln’s Funeral Train left Washington, DC on April 21, 1865. It retraced the route Mr. Lincoln traveled as president-elect in 1861, for the most part. The train, dubbed “The Lincoln Special” had a picture of Lincoln on the engine and carried 300 mourners on its trek. The coffin of Willie Lincoln, who had died a few years earlier in the White House, age 11, was exhumed and also on board so that he could be re-buried alongside his father in Springfield, Lincoln’s final resting place.
On Sunday, April 14, 2013 the Pike County Historical Society will host a lecture on Lincoln’s Funeral by Mr. Richard Sloan; followed by a chicken fricassee dinner, (Lincoln’s favorite dish),held on the main floor of the museum where the Lincoln Flag can be viewed.
Richard Sloan is a co-founder and former president of the Lincoln Group of NY. He is a retired audio engineer at ABC-TV in N.Y., where for many years he mixed soap operas, “Eyewitness News," and the music on "World News Tonight." He has been a student of the Lincoln assassination for almost sixty years, and from 1977 to 1981 edited a popular newsletter called The Lincoln Log. It was after mixing the music on ABC's live coverage of the funerals for both Presidents Ford and Reagan that Mr. Sloan came up with the idea of creating a presentation demonstrating what it might have been like had television covered Lincoln’s great New York City funeral. He has since presented it to numerous Lincoln symposia and history groups. A version of his talk appeared in "The Lincoln Assassination -- Crime & Punishment, Myth & Memory," published by Fordham University Press. Mr. Sloan is an authority on William Withers, the orchestra leader at Ford's Theatre, and actress Jeannie Gourlay, a subject he spoke on at the restored Ford's Theatre and the Pike County Historical Society. His article about Withers appeared in the February-March, 1991 issue of American Heritage Magazine.
The lecture will be held in the Foundation Room of the Museum at 3pm, on April 14th, followed by a favorite dinner of Mr. Lincoln’s, Chicken Fricassee and cornbread. Dessert and Coffee are included in the donation of $40 per person and the dinner will presented by costumed servers. Space is limited so reserve your place now by calling 570-296-8126 or emailing pikemuse@ptd.net. Checks can be made payable to P.C.H.S. and mailed to the same at P.O. 915, Milford, Pa. 18337.
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
March 5, 2013
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the McLaughlin Home with a Lecture and Lunch
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society is pleased to announce a very special program to be held on Sunday March 17, 2013. Please join us for a lecture by Dallas Grove on the man of the mansion known as The Columns, Dennis McLaughlin; followed by a traditional corned beef and cabbage luncheon.
Dallas Grove has been researching Mr. McLaughlin for quite some time and has put together a program which details his life and times. His climb to success as a businessman in Hudson County makes for an interesting story complete with human interest, determination, grit and a bit of controversy and corruption-just for good measure!
His rise to the top gained him the distinction of being perhaps the largest landowner in Hudson County in the late 1800’s and he became known as “one of the big four” due to his interest in what was once known as “The Gut”; Guttenberg Race Track.
Mr. McLaughlin had a 22 bedroom manse built in Milford in 1904. He and his family used the building now known as the Columns Museum as their summer home for several years.
The lecture will begin at 2pm on the 17th, followed by lunch, dessert and coffee, served in the Foundation Room of the Museum. The cost is $20 per person and includes the meal and the lecture. Reservations are required. Please call 570-296-8126 to reserve, or email pikemuse@ptd.net.
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
February 19, 2013
A Variety of Music Sure to Please - Winter Wednesdays Begins on February 27th
Performance Dates:
Dixon and Jane Mangini - February 27th at 7pm
Martha Lorin - TBA
Walt Edwards - March 6th
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society is once again offering its winter music series. “Winter Wednesdays” will begin on February 27th with a trio led by Terri Dixon, whose vocal ability is sure to impress. Terri has enlisted Jane Mangini on keyboards and Sandy Bookey on drums to offer an impressive variety of tunes sure to delight. Don’t expect to hear Patsy Cline! Although Terri, who is a bit famous for her renditions of Cline songs, may sneak one Patsy tune into the mix for good measure. The show starts at 7pm in the cabaret style setting of the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum.
On March 6th the series will bring Walt Edwards to the stage. Edwards has an impressive resume and repertoire which focuses on some of the great singers and songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s… Expect to hear songs from artists you have not heard for a while, not in a tribute style but Walt’s style. He enjoys keeping the music of the “gone but not forgotten” artist alive and active in the public eye. You’ll hear tunes by Jim Croce, John Denver, Harry Chapin and other artists that have left us too soon, along with current favorites like James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, John Prine and Willie Nelson. You may even hear some Eagles, America, Kingston Trio and other folk rock groups. Maybe an Irish ballad or drinking song will work its way into the set.
Edwards likes to tell stories about the music and the artist and some funny things that have happened to him along the way. He plays several stringed instruments, 6 and 12 string guitars and a long neck 5 string banjo. Walt was a full time musician in the late 60’s and early 70’s in and around the Philadelphia and Central New Jersey area.
Now semi-retired, and living in the Milford area; he is excited to have new places to explore and new people to share his music with.
To make the series complete, jazz vocalist Martha Lorin will be closing this year’s series. Martha has brought her unforgettable vocal talent and smooth style to the stage for the benefit of the museum each of the years Winter Wednesdays has been offered. “Winter Wednesdays just wouldn’t be the same without Martha; we are delighted she will be able to perform”. Said the Museum’s Director, Lori Strelecki. “Martha charmed me from the first time I heard her, and I hope our community comes out to show their support for Martha as well as all these talented musicians.”
Shows begin at 7pm. Admission is $30 per person, per show and includes wine and cheese plate served at your table in an intimate cabaret setting. Support local history, support local musicians. Reservations required. Ask about our discounted “Season Pass” which covers all three shows. Call 570-296-8918 or email pikemuse@ptd.net.
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
February 06, 2013
Kick off Winter Wednesdays - All about Jane Mangini
See Terri Dixon and Jane Mangini perform February 27th at 7pm
Milford, Pa - Pike County has been a favorite haunt to many talented people. While the county can claim the likes of famous writers, philosophers, athletes, musicians, even Indian Chiefs; one more person of musical celebrity can be added to that list. Jane Mangini is a talented musician who has been touring with the wildly popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) for the better part of 12 years. Jane is originally from Florida and moved to New York to compose commercials.
A successful ditty composed to tout a certain product, which aids folks who are incontinent, proved to be the jingle which “got Jane going” and forged her successful career in the world of musical composition for commercials. Jane purchased a weekend home in rural Pike County and eventually made the move more permanent, finding Pike County a place where she could enjoy the serenity of lakefront living while still working for Bang Music, sans the hustle and bustle of city life. Jane has also made many friends in Pike, and is quite happy to have met such great people along the way. Her most recent tour with Trans-Siberian Orchestra included all the West Coast venues. The orchestra’s following is quite loyal. With more than 7 million albums sold TSO has inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera. On the road, meanwhile, they have become one of the world's top acts including a recent mention in Billboard magazine as one of the top touring artists of the past decade.
Jane began playing music on a toy piano given to her by her grandfather. In her own words, she “tortured her parents playing that toy piano until they finally bought her a real one.” Although she has taken a few lessons here and there, her playing prowess can be attributed to her keen ear for music, a self-taught marvel for certain. Ms. Mangini names The Allman Brothers Band as a musical influence and is a humble and likable sort with a great sense of humor. She enjoys her life and the people in it.
One person whom we all should be glad Jane has met here in Pike County is the talented songstress Terri Dixon. While Terri has had many musical successes of her own and has an extensive resume, the pairing of the two ladies has made for quite a dynamic duo. Add a drummer in the form of another local talent, Sandy Bookie, and we have a delightful trio of local musicians offering an interesting musical endeavor sure to please.
The three will kick off this year’s Winter Wednesdays music series, hosted by The Columns Museum, on February 27th at 7pm. Tickets are $30 and include wine and cheese served at your table in the intimate cabaret setting of The Foundation Room of the museum. Please call 570-296-8126 to reserve.
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
January 23, 2013
Pike County Historical Society to Launch Major Fundraising Campaign
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society is starting a major funding drive in order to raise the money to have three historical stage costumes stabilized and permanently displayed in the Columns Museum.
The costumes belonged to Milford resident Jeannie Gourlay. Miss Gourlay was an actress in the play being performed the night of President Lincoln’s assassination. Jeannie, or “Jenny” as she was known on stage, was in the wings waiting to come on stage at Ford’s Theatre when the fateful shot was fired. Ms. Gourlay married and moved to Milford in 1888 and lived on Water Street, upon the Sawkill Creek, until she died in 1928. Jeannie is known for bringing the blood stained Lincoln Flag to Milford, her father Thomas Gourlay, also in the theater, taking it from the Presidents Box the night Lincoln was killed. The Lincoln Flag, three of Jeannie’s stage costumes, her stage shoes, and several other personal items were donated to the Historical Society in 1954 by Jeannie’s son. While the flag is certainly a significant artifact, the Museum Director and Board of Directors of the Society feels it is time to give the costumes and Jeannie Gourlay their rightful place in history.
One of the costumes is known as “the gown that was never worn for the song that was never sung”. This title was given to the Stars and Stripes gown, as it was to be worn by Jeannie for a special tribute, in song, to the President. Circumstance did not allow for the tribute to happen. Another of the costumes could very well be the very dress Jeannie wore that evening for her part as Mary Meredith, the poor milkmaid, in the production of Our American Cousin being performed that evening. The third costume, a gold gown, may have been worn by Laura Keene, star of the play and reported to have held Lincoln’s head in her lap before his death, in some eyewitness accounts. It was when she was asked to leave the Presidential Box that the Lincoln Flag comes into use to cushion the dying President's head.
The Historical Society will enlist the help of the Textile Preservation Workshop once the funds are raised. It is estimated that the preservation and archival display of each piece may be as high $8,000. The Lincoln Flag currently stands tall in the Lincoln Room of the Columns Museum, the story of that night at Ford’s and the journey of the flag, Jeannie, and her memories of the stage, can be told better and more vividly with the costumes exhibited alongside the blood stained flag.
The Pike County Historical Society will offer a series of fundraising events for the community to enjoy. Kicking it all off on February 9th and 10th with a one man performance of the well-received off Broadway production titled For the Benefit of Ms. Jennie Gourlay, written by and starring Mr. Billy Hipkins. A show worth seeing, and a cause worth supporting. Tickets are $30 and include a “meet the actor” wine and cheese reception. All proceeds benefit the Jeannie Gourlay Costume Preservation Fund. Show times are 7pm on the 9th and a 3pm matinee on the 10th. Please call 570-296-8126 to reserve. Or email us at pikemuse@ptd.net.
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
January 22, 2013
Cub Scouts Sleepover at the Columns Museum
Milford, PA - Milford Cub Scout Pack 71’s Webelos had a “night at the museum” recently. The boys had a tour of the museum, a scavenger hunt and where then locked in for the night. They worked on some badge requirements and made wallets out of duct tape during their overnight stay. The next morning they raked leaves and cleared the grounds of all the branches left by Super Storm Sandy. They also gave the Hiawatha stage coach a once over and washed the windows of the coach’s enclosure. The Pike County Historical Society’s (PCHS) Columns Museum appreciates their efforts and hopes they return soon!
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
January 22, 2013
Pike County Historical Society Announces Must-See Performance
Milford, PA - Broadway actor and costumer Billy Hipkins stars in an original one-man production that takes a fresh and surprisingly touching look at the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln—really, it does. He focuses on the life of Jeannie Gourlay, an actress poised to star at Ford’s Theater before John Wilkes Booth killed the president—and with him, Gourlay’s dreams of stardom.
Who is Jeannie Gourlay? And what became of her after Booth shot Lincoln? And why is Billy Hipkins obsessed with her story? "We all have this dream of what our lives should look like, and this pinnacle experience that will take us there," observes Hipkins, who began his career as an actor and dancer before moving behind the scenes on such productions as Memphis, The Phantom of the Opera, and Beauty and the Beast. "Not very many people actually get that moment. Dreams get shifted."
After opening this year’s Emerging Artists Theater’s “One Man Talking” New Works Series and closing last fall’s Fresh Fruit Festival—where he won this year’s Fruitie Award for Best Playwright of a Solo Show, Hipkins has gone on to perform in the 3rd annual United Solo Theatre Festival – where the show was awarded Best Educational Piece. He continues to charm and move audiences with his personal journey as told through history. "Billy tells the story of Jeannie Gourlay with such passion and enthusiasm that you can't help but find yourself rooting for an actress from another time period," says actor and Tony nominee Rory O'Malley, who currently appears in The Book of Mormon on Broadway. "He weaves in stories from his own life, making it anything but a dull history lesson. Billy is the funniest, sassiest—and most honest—teacher you'll ever have."
The performance will be held on Saturday February 9th at 7pm and Sunday February 10th at 3pm in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum. 608 Broad Street Milford, Pa. Tickets can be purchased by calling 570-296-8126. or emailing pikemuse@ptd.net $30 includes “Meet the Actor” wine and cheese reception. All proceeds go toward the stabilization and preservation of Jeannie (Jennie) Gourlay’s stage costumes, which were donated to the Columns Museum in 1954, along with the bloodstained Lincoln Flag. Jeannie lived in Milford from 1888 until her death in 1926. She was a performer in the play Our American Cousin being performed the night of President Lincoln’s assassination.
For more information, visit: www.ForJenniesBenefit.com
The PCHS’s Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., and is open Wednesdays, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.
November 27, 2012
Give the Gift of History and Support Your Local Historical Society
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) has several gift options for that special history lover in your life. Our new t-shirts depict a silhouette of Lincoln and simply say: The Columns Museum, home of the Lincoln Flag, Milford, Pa. We also have an updated and colorful booklet available titled “The Lincoln Flag of the Pike County Historical Society” which details the journey of the famed flag and the history associated with the artifact finding its way to Milford at the hands of Jeannie Gourlay, an actress in the play being performed that fateful night at Ford’s Theater. Each of these items can be purchased separately, or in combination with a membership to our Society. A membership makes a great gift, and allows free admission for one year to the card holder and a guest, as well as a subscription to our newsletter, “Columns”, and use of our research facilities at leisure. We also have Pike County related books for sale, including “Pike County” by Lori Strelecki, “Milford to the Minisink Valley” by Sue Mickley, “When President Kennedy Visited Pike County” and “The Mills of Milford” and “The Civil War in Pike County” by William Henn. Other titles may be available upon request. We also have frame-able pen and ink drawings depicting Milford’s buildings, done and signed by the artist Miriam Guest. These are limited additions available only through P.C.H.S.
For more information please stop by the Columns Museum during our museum hours, which are 1-4pm Wed., Sat & Sun.; or call 1-570-296-8126 or visit us online at www.pikecountyhistorical society.org.
We would be happy to put together a gift package including any or all of these items, wrapped and ready to go. Happy Holidays from your friends in history!
November 23, 2012
THE SANTALAND DIARIES - A DOSE OF UNCONVENTIONAL HOLIDAY
Milford, PA - Tri-State Actors Theater and The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) are sharing the joy and laughter this holiday season with two performances of David Sedaris’ merrily subversive tale, THE SANTALAND DIARIES on Friday and Saturday, December 7th and 8th. THE SANTALAND DIARIES, starring Nicholas Wilder, was adapted for the stage by Joseph Montello from David Sedaris’ best-selling book "Holidays on Ice!” The performance begins at 8:00 pm in the Foundation Room of the PCHS, 608 Harford Street, Milford, PA.
The play is based on the author's outlandish real-life experiences as a Macy's Christmas elf. A young man arrives in New York with dreams of being a writer for "One Life to Live" and instead lands a part-time job in a Macy's SantaLand display. He’s a latter-day Puck who drolly recounts just what fools these mortals be –- especially when their shopping days are dwindling down to zero. Crumpet the Elf takes us to the dark side of Macy’s SantaLand, from humiliating interview to elf indoctrination to run-ins with miscast Santas, where massive egos clash behind the scenes and frustrated parents wait in endless lines. If you’re in the mood to get goofy and giggle, don’t deprive yourself of this holiday treat. (Contains mature language and themes)
Seating at the PCHS is limited. Tickets Santaland Diaries are $25.00 in advance, and $30.00 at the door. The performance will be followed by a Wine & Cheese reception with Actor, Nicholas Wilder. To order tickets, call Tri-State at 973 383-0510 or the PCHS at 570 296-8126.
Tri-State Actors Theater’s holiday tradition continues with its 8th annual presentation of Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL adapted for the stage and starring Paul Meacham as Scrooge. Mr. Wilder returns for a second season. Last season he played the youngest Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and this season he takes on the roles of Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley and others. The production runs December 13 through December 23 at the Performing Arts Center, Sussex County Community College, Newton, NJ. Tickets are available online or by phone, 973 383-0510.
Tri-State Actors Theater, celebrating its 25th Season, is a non-profit professional theater company in residence at the Performing Arts Center, Sussex County Community College, Newton, NJ. More information about the Tri-State Actors Theater and its programs and services is available on the web at www.tristateactorstheater.org.
The Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa and is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
October 29, 2012
PCHS Hosts Special WWII Exhibit in Honor of Veterans Day
“Welcome Home, and Thank You All”
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society at the Columns Museum, 608 Broad Street Milford, Pa., will be the host of a very special exhibit of World War II equipment and weapons on Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, Veterans Day, November 11th from 12-4pm. This large collection, which will be shown in our Foundation Room, belongs to Mr. Richard Voloshin, a Vietnam Veteran and lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans Association. Mr. Voloshin has collected this memorabilia since the age of 16. Born in 1942, he found that over the year’s relatives and friends started giving him miscellaneous items from the war and he began to purchase items to fill in the missing pieces. Some items to be shown include Japanese rifles and bayonets as well as equipment and firearms from all participating nations.
Mr. Voloshin will be on hand to answer questions and share his extensive knowledge of weaponry. He takes this “hobby” very seriously, and he compassionately tells a story of how he came across a “personal Japanese Flag” at a flea market which had the metals of the soldier who captured it, an American, pinned to it. It was mounted on a piece of board and was lying on the ground with a few other items for sale. He thought to himself “here are the memory and lives of two men who fought for their countries just lying in the dirt”, he purchased it.
The Columns is pleased to offer this exhibit on Veterans Day. The closing of the exhibit will be followed by a reception, from 4-6pm, as a way for the Pike County Historical Society to say “welcome home and thank you” to all our Vets.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. Regular museum admission will be charged. ($5) For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
October 19, 2012
Talking McLaughlin: PCHS to Host Lecture
Milford, PA - On Friday evening November 2nd, 2012 Dallas Grove will present a talk at the Pike County Historical Society about the life and times of Dennis McLaughlin.
Mr. McLaughlin was the original inhabitant of what is now known as the Columns Museum. Built in 1904, the house was originally used as his summer home. Mr. McLaughlin was a very prominent citizen of Hudson County New Jersey, and he dabbled in many pursuits. He was known as one of “the Big Four” because of his ownership in Guttenberg Race Track, which was a place to bet on “the ponies” in the late 1800’s. With a cigar in his mouth and a twinkle in his eye, McLaughlin looks like a man who enjoyed life. Learn more about “Denny” November 2nd at 7pm in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum. $5 admission is requested, light refreshments will be provided.
The Columns Museum is located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa and is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
October 4, 2012
Pike County Historical Society Announces Additional Canasta Day for the Winter
Milford, PA - Canasta anyone? Beginners and veterans alike are welcome to join some of Milford’s finest card players for Canasta in the Foundation Room of the Column’s Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford. The playing will commence at 6:30 pm on the second Wednesday, as well as the fourth Monday of each month beginning in November.
A $5 donation gets you in the game and lite refreshments will be provided courtesy of the museum. We hope to have several tables participating, with a seasoned veteran at each table to get you started or refresh your memory if you are a bit rusty. Card parties were once all the rage in our village; the Pike County Historical Society is hoping to spur the enthusiasm once again and provide an enjoyable evening with friends in history.
Upcoming dates: Monday October 22nd, Wednesday November 10th. Call 570-296-8126 for more information or email pikemuse@ptd.net.
The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
September 21, 2012
Photo Identification Continues at the Pike County Historical Society
Milford, PA - James Alfred Myer’s glass plate negative collection was the subject of a viewing at the Pike County Historical Society recently for the purpose of identification of the subjects.
A group of about 20 longtime residents of Pike County offered their expertise in identifying many of the people and places in the recently digitized collection.
The P.C.H.S. will host another evening for the same purpose on October 3, 2012, beginning at 6pm in the Foundation Room. All are welcome to attend.
James Alfred Myer was born in 1856 and died in 1929. He set up his first photography business in Milford in 1885 in a tent on Harford Street where his family home still stands. He and his wife, Emma VanEtten had six children, Ralph, Fred, Percy, Edson, Clyde, and Vera. Vera took over the photography business when her father died and continued it until 1952. Vera died in 1994. She sold the family home to Skip Gregory before her death.
James Alfred Myer produced more than five thousand glass plate negatives. Although they are primarily portraits of individuals and groups, there are also numerous landscapes, buildings, homes, and other subjects included in the collection. Most of these were donated to BYU where they are now accessible to anyone who is interested. Both Skip Gregory and Peter Myer, (J.A.Myer's grandson), are currently working on books utilizing the photographs of James Alfred Myer.
The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
September 17th, 2012
Crowd Pleasing Performance at The Columns Museum
Milford, PA - On Friday night September 14th Terri Dixon sang her heart out, Jane Mangini set her keyboard on fire, and Sandy Bookey beat the drums. While this description may sound a bit violent, these are all good things that led to a standing ovation for the trio at the sold out show. The Columns Museum was the place to be for this fine night of music and libation. Look for the trio to return to the Columns for the “Winter Wednesdays” concert series offered by the museum in February and March. For more information please contact Lori at 570-296-8126 or email pikemuse@ptd.net.
The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
September 6th, 2012
Glass Plate Negatives and Cake and Coffee…Oh Meyer!
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) invites anyone who might be able to identify folks featured in the Meyer Glass Plate Negative Collection housed at the Historical Society for many years, to come and take a look on September 12th at 7pm in the Columns Museum’s Foundation Room. There was little hope that these gems would ever be made available for public viewing, but alas, a working relationship between Mr. Peter Meyer and P.C.H.S. has made this hope a reality.
In cooperation with P.C.H.S., Peter Meyer has converted these glass plates into a viewable format by painstakingly scanning each of them and saving them to disc. There are thousands, many of unidentified people and places from Milford and the surrounding area.
The P.C.H.S. and Mr. Meyer invite one and all who may be of help in the identification process, or those just interested in early Pike County photographs, to come to the Columns Museum at 7pm on Wednesday September 12th. Refreshments will be served courtesy of P.C.H.S. Memberships and donations are always encouraged, which allow us to continue to bring the past to light through such important collaborations and projects.
The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
August 21st, 2012
From the Front Lines to the Headlines: Interns Create a New Exhibit for Pike County Historical Society
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society was very lucky to have had two wonderfully intelligent young people interning at the Museum this summer. Grace Diagostino and Christopher Walsh took charge of the creation of a new WWII exhibit, and executed it in remarkable fashion. The work started with a fresh coat of paint being applied to the exhibit space, Ms. Diagostino selecting the color and bringing in her family and friends to help complete the job. Once the room was painted, the task of creating a time line through actual front page headlines from the New York Daily News became a challenge to overcome. The solution is quite interesting and definitely worth a visit to the Columns Museum to see. The exhibit also includes audio/visual support in the form of national campaigns touting the purchase of War Bonds, food rationing, and various forms of propaganda.
Grace is a graduate of Delaware Valley High School, class of 2010 and is starting her third year at Temple University in Philadelphia with History and Anthropology as her main courses of study.
Christopher is also a Delaware Valley High School graduate, class of 2011, and is in his second year at the College of William and Mary with History and Government as his main courses of study.
“I could not be happier with the work ethic and dedication both Chris and Grace have shown. They are both fine young adults and I wish them the best in all their pursuits. They both have much to offer both personally and academically, and I enjoyed our time together very much,” said Lori Strelecki, Museum Director.
The exhibit opened officially on Saturday August 11th, 2012. The Columns Museum is currently accepting loans or donations of items pertinent to WWII to be a part of the Pike County Historical Society of Pike County. The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126.
August 21st, 2012
The Columns Museum to Host a Musical Performance
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) and the Columns Museum are proud to announce that a musical performance with a crisp blue-country flavor will be presented on Friday evening September 14th in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum. Talented vocalist Terri Dixon will be accompanied by world renowned key board player Jane Mangini for a night of music and song which will benefit the Pike County Historical Society.
You may know Terri Dixon from her successful runs interpreting the great Patsy Cline’s music, but her talents go well beyond the realm of country, and her incredible range is sure to delight. From soulful blues to the familiar twang of the “Opry”, Terri and Jane have put together a noteworthy performance that you won’t want to miss.
Jane Mangini is a key board player for the wildly popular and world famous Trans Siberian Orchestra. With more than 7 million albums sold, Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO) has inspired generations of fans. Billboard Magazine declared TSO one of the top touring artists of the past decade. On her website a lighthearted description of Jane’s ability appears. It reads: “Jane hits things with her fingers and if she hits the right thing at the right time, it sounds really, really good. People will actually pay to hear it. In fact, some people think she’s a genius. But mostly, she just likes to amuse herself with sound.”
Join us for an evening of song and music on September 14th. Tickets for the performance are $30 and include wine and cheese served at your table in the Foundation Room. Reservations are suggested and can be obtained by calling 570-296-8126.
For more info on the artists please visit them online at www.janemangini.com and www.terridixonsings.com.
The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126
August 21st, 2012
History is a Piece of Cake at the Columns!
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society’s Columns Museum hosted an historical baking contest recently and the participants showed great imagination as well as historical knowledge in the creation of their wares.
Many entries graced a table in the Lincoln Room of the museum and visitors were asked to vote for their favorites in three categories; Best Historical, Most Creative and Best Tasting, the winners of the baking contest were…
Best Historical: David Schultz’s replica of the blood stained Lincoln Flag.
Most Creative: Grace Diagostino’s Herman Schultz noose cookies.
Best Tasting: Christopher Walsh’s Victrola cookies.
The museum thanks everyone for their entries and participation. Look for another historical cooking contest in December. The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126.
July 24th, 2012
Meet and Greet and New Acquisition at Historical Society
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society would like to invite one and all to attend a “Meet and Greet” at the Society on Friday evening August 11, 2012 between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Stop in and meet our newly elected President Kelle Hankins and the rest of our officers, including Vice President Miriam Siegel, Treasurer Sandy Short Marchese and Secretary Christine Cohen.
It is at this time a newly acquired item, a section of a beam from the World Trade Centers’ Twin Towers, will be dedicated. The piece was donated by Museum supporter Fred Merusi as a somber reminder of a day that all Americans will never forget. It is strangely appropriate that this piece of steel now stands in the Columns Museum, which is home to the famous blood stained Lincoln Flag, as it was on Lincoln’s birthday last year that a small strand of the Lincoln Flag was incorporated into the National 9/11 Flag. The 9/11 Flag has become a modern day version of the “Star Spangled Banner”; a tattered flag rescued from a building across from the Twin Towers, its journey allowing service heroes in all 50 states the privilege of stitching the flag back to its original 13-stripe format and to inspire 300 million Americans with the flag’s rich visual history in order to deepen our sense of citizenship and national pride.
Please join the Pike County Historical Society as we unveil our newest acquisition. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Spend some time with your friends in history at the “official historical society of Pike County.”
The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
July 23rd, 2012
Historical Society to Celebrate WW2 Exhibit Opening
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society’s Interns have created a new exhibit which depicts a WWII timeline through the use of archival newspapers and the often hard hitting headlines the front pages relayed. College students Grace D’Agostino and Christopher Walsh have spent a good part of their summer working at The Columns Museum with Museum Director Lori Strelecki.
The idea for the exhibit is the result of a recent find of the newspapers, where else but in the gold mine of history the third floor closets of the museum contain. “Just when we thought we had sorted through all the boxes stored in various locations in the museum, we came across these papers and just knew we had to display them,” said Strelecki.
The timing could not have been better, as the Museum hosts an Intern Program each summer. Grace and Christopher were eager to put the exhibit together and they will also incorporate WWII memorabilia, War Bond and Victory Bond Posters, and perhaps even some audio and visual support.
The exhibit will open officially on Friday August 11, 2012 between 6-8 pm. Please join us. Light refreshments, which will be WWII era-appropriate, will be served. Admission is free; however, donations are always welcome. Please call 570-296-8126 for more information.
Anyone wishing to donate or loan items to the exhibit are encouraged to contact the Museum Director.
July 11th, 2012
Bake Your Way Into History!
Milford, PA – The Pike County Historical society is hosting a historically-inspired baked goods contest on August 12th, 2012, at the Columns Museum in Milford. We are asking interested parties to tour the museum and look for inspiration in our holdings and exhibits. The contest entries should depict something or someone that you think best represents Pike County history. The final products will be judged at 2pm and prizes will be awarded for the “Best Historical” and “Most Creative” baked goods.
The idea for this contest evolved when one of the Museum’s interns, Grace D’Agostino, mentioned she could bake cookies that looked like the noose used in the only public hanging to ever take place in Milford. Discussion ensued, and the idea for the historical bake off was launched! What will inspire you to create a historical cake or cookie?
Simply stop in, take a look around and create a delectable, historical masterpiece. The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.July 9th 2012
A Ghost Gathering in Milford
Milford, PA - On Saturday July 28th a group of ghost hunters will open their investigation of the 1904 home known as The Columns Museum, located in Milford, Pa, to interested parties. The folks who operate “The Ghost Gathering” will allow guests to observe and participate in an evening of spooky investigation at the popular historic sight. An earlier visit by the group piqued their interest, as several unexplainable happenings occurred. Both audio and visual phenomenons were noted and the investigators are geared up for another exciting night. You can be a part of the investigation, limited to 15 guests, by contacting Nancy Umstead, Director of The Ghost Gathering at info@theghostgathering.com. Admission for the evening is $40.
Interested parties may also call 570-296-8126 for more information.
The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
June 11th 2012
The Pike County Historical Society’s Lincoln Flag
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society’s (PCHS) blood stained Lincoln Flag has been highly sought after as of late. This somber artifact, which once cradled the head of our mortally wounded 16th President, has received quite a bit of attention from many different camps.
The Soldiers Home, in Washington D.C., has requested it be made available for a short term loan and the focal point of the opening of their newest building in what will be called the Hall of Heroes. Also, negotiations are under way between the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, Maryland to bring the flag to their new exhibit space, next to artifacts such as the bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln’s skull fragments. The museum also has a collection of over 25 million objects sure to fascinate. The medical museum moved in September from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center to its new location at Fort Detrick’s Forest Glen Annex. The Medical Museum’s curator, Steven Hill, is excited at the prospect of the Lincoln Flag taking a temporary place in the museum this December-January. PCHS museum director, Lori Strelecki feels it is important for the Lincoln Flag to be made accessible to those who may not get the chance to view it in Pike County. It is the goal of the PCHS to share the flags history with as many people as possible.
The Pike County Historical Society’s Columns Museum is the permanent home of the bloodstained flag. It has been in the Society’s possession since 1954 when Vivian Paul Struthers, son of Jeannie Gourlay, an actress performing in Ford’s Theatre that fateful night, donated it to the society.
In February, fallen strands from the Lincoln Flag were incorporated into what is known as the National 9/11 Flag. The blue strands have a very special placement on the 9/11 Flag; on a white patch within the blue field that holds the stars. The Lincoln Flags strands will soon be neighbored by those from the Star Spangled Banner. The stitching ceremony will take place at the Flag House Museum at 844 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland at 2PM on June 14, 2012, and will include dignitaries and special invited guests from around the United States to place these historic stitches that will forever connect The Star-Spangled Banner, The Lincoln Flag and The National 9/11 Flag. Among these guests will be two representatives of the Pike County Historical Society.
The Lincoln Flag is currently at its home in Milford and will remain there through the summer and fall. Stop in and see it!
The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Located at 608 Broad Street, Milford, Pa. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
June 11th 2012
Historical Society to Offer Antique Appraisal Day
Milford, PA - On Saturday June 23, 2012 from 1-4pm, the Pike County Historical Society will have antique appraisers on hand to take a look at your items. The $5 museum admission allows you to bring in items to be assessed by local volunteer “antiquer’s” and collectors.
Categories represented include guns, gold, jewelry, coins, books, toys and general merchandise. While our guest collectors can give you a general idea of what the value of your piece might be, it is strictly for fun and should not be used for insurance purposes.
A “cash for gold” assessor will be on hand willing to offer the day’s market price, on the spot, for gold and silver. So collect those broken rings, necklaces and old coins, put them in a bag, and find out just how much they are worth. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Among the appraisers will be Kathi Schouppe, who has been in the antique business for thirty years, and Jeanine Tenzi, auctioneer. These two can offer advice and information regarding a broad spectrum. More specific are the skills of Charlie Quilici, who will advise on guns, and Barry L. Anthony who has been in the bookbinding business for 15 years. Jeff Burnett of Platinum Appraisers will be available to look at your silver, gold and platinum items as well as watches, charms, pendants, rings etc. He will be offering appraisals as well as purchase of gold and silver. Please join us on Saturday June 23rd, 608 Broad Street, Milford, Pa.
The Columns Museum is open Wed. Sat and Sun., from 1-4 and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 in July and August. Call us at 570-296-8126, or visit our website at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
June 1st 2012
Toastmaster to Speak at Annual Banquet
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) is proud to announce that their guest speaker at this year's Membership Banquet will be Mr. John A. Miller, Senior Master Sgt, U.S.A.F., Ret. and Vice President of Education for the Washington D.C. Press Club Toastmasters. Mr. Miller has been instrumental in the Museum's Lincoln Flag Education and Loan Program in Washington, DC. A proud representative of the PCHS, he has paved the way for the flag to visit such places as The Lincoln Cottage and National Soldiers Home. Mr. Miller is an engaging speaker who uses humor combined with a bit of history to put a smile on his audience’s faces. "John will not divulge the specific premise of his talk; I, however, just know he will amuse and delight. He's a charmer!" said the Museum Director of PCHS.
The banquet will be held in the Delmonico Room of the Hotel Fauchere on Wednesday June 13th. There will be a short meeting commencing at at 6:15, and dinner service will begin at 7pm. Mr. Miller will speak after dinner. The cost to attend is $50. Reservations can be obtained by calling 570-296-8126.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
May 22nd 2012
Museum to Offer “Lincoln Lecture” Series
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is proud to announce a showing of a series of recorded lectures by Professor Allen C. Guelzo, Ph.D., Gettysburg College.
Starting on Wednesday evening, June 6th at 7pm, the PCHS will show lecture number one in this series of 30 minute lectures, titled Young Man Lincoln, which will be followed by discussion and light refreshments.
The cost is a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. The series will continue through the summer on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday’s of each month.
June 6th — Young Man Lincoln
June 20th — Whig Meteor
July 4th — Lincoln, Law and Poilitics
July 18th — The Mind of Abraham Lincoln
August 1 — Lincoln and Slavery
August 15 — The Great Debates
All lectures begin at 7pm.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
May 11th 2012
New Jersey Girl Scouts Visit the Columns
Milford, PA - Troop 911 from Sussex County recently spent the night at the Columns Museum, paving the way for other troops from New Jersey to do the same. Girl Scout sleepovers have been a popular activity at the Museum over the last several years. The girls are treated to a tour of the museum, a “scavenger hunt for history”, a chance to dress up in old time clothes and have their own historical “fashion show”, and then have a great big slumber party in the museum’s Foundation Room. Troop 911 leader Mary Beth Holzhauer said her girls had a wonderful time at the Columns; enjoyed the tour and scavenger hunt, and their night at the museum will certainly provide them with fond memories.
To schedule your very own “night at the museum”; please call Lori at 570-296-8126. The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
April 27th 2012
The Pike County Historical Society Plans Annual Membership Banquet
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) will hold its annual membership banquet on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at the Hotel Fauchere’s Delmonico Room. A short meeting and election of officers will take place at 6:15 pm. All current members are encouraged to attend and cast your vote for the 2012-2013 nominees. Dinner service will begin at 7:00 pm. The cost for the event is $50 and includes salad, choice of entrée, dessert and coffee or tea. There will be a cash bar available. Please join your friends in history as the Society enters its 82nd year as the “official historical society of Pike County.” Please call 570-296-8126 to reserve. Main course selections include: Roasted Pork Loin, Polenta; Pasta, Seasonal Vegetables; Poached Salmon or Seasonal Vegetables.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
April 17th 2012
Pike County Historical Society announces Annual Membership Drive
Milford, PA - All are cordially invited to attend our Second Annual Chili Cook Off/ Membership Drive, courtesy of the Pike County Historical Society (PCHS). Join us in our Foundation Room on Wednesday May 23rd at 6:00pm for a sampling of some of the County's best chili recipes, served with cornbread and refreshments. You be the judge as to whose recipe is the best! Entries are encouraged; please provide your own crock pot. To participate in the contest call 570-296-8126. To be a judge, or partake in the festivities, simply show up and join your friends in history for this fun event. Join us as we head South of the Border where Pedro says: "chili today, hot tamale; so support your local historical society!"
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
April 2nd 2012
PCHS to Host Dinner and a Movie
Milford, PA - On Friday, April 27, 2012 the Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) will host its popular “Dinner and a Movie”. All are invited to join us for a delicious pasta dinner, complete with homemade “gravy” and meatballs. The movie that will be shown is “The Cheap Detective.”
The Cheap Detective is a satirical comedy made in 1978, written by Neil Simon and directed by Robert Moore as a follow-up to their successful Murder by Death. It stars Peter Falk as Lou Peckinpaugh, a detective in the Humphrey Bogart mold, and is an affectionate parody of Bogart movies such as Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon.
The PCHS will have a showing of this movie on Friday April 27th in our Foundation Room. Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm, followed by the movie, dessert and coffee. Tickets are $25 each and reservations are required. Please call 570-296-8126 to reserve.
Canasta Anyone?
The PCHS offers Canasta parties in our Foundation Room every 4th Monday of the month. All are welcome; beginners and seasoned veterans alike. Snacks and soft drinks provided, $5 donation. 6:30 pm. 570-296-8126. Please join us on April 23rd, May 28th etc.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
March 5th 2012
The Women of Winter Wednesdays Musical Performance
Re-Scheduled for March 27th
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) is proud to have three women of diverse musical backgrounds performing in their Winter Wednesdays music series this year.Martha Lorin, Terri Dixon and Celeste Aldridge all offer great musical talent, and all in a totally different genre. Martha Lorin, who was snowed out on
February 29th, has re-scheduled for TUESDAY March 27, 2012.
Winter Wednesday’s Schedule is as follows:
March 7, 2012 Terri Dixon
March 14, 2012 Celeste Aldridge
March 27, 2012 Martha Lorin
Please join us for Winter Wednesdays; held in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa. Tickets to each performance are $30 and include complimentary wine and cheese, or in the case of the March 14th performance, Guinness Draught and traditional corned beef and cabbage! All shows start at 7pm. Call 570-296-8126 to reserve.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
February 29, 2012
The Women of Winter Wednesdays
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) is proud to have three women of diverse musical backgrounds performing in their Winter Wednesday’s music series this year. Martha Lorin, Terri Dixon and Celeste Aldridge all offer great musical talent, and all in a totally different genre. Martha Lorin, who will be performing at the Columns Museum on February 29, 2012, has developed into one of the most emotive singers to hit the jazz scene. Growing up in Pueblo, Colorado, Martha Lorin found herself at a crossroads of diverse cultures. Martha’s early vocal development was nourished by two generations, her Welsh grandmother, Sarah Dalton, a highly touted popular singer of the 1920’s, and her jazz pianist/singer/songwriter mother, Margaret Dalton.
Martha had her first club gig at the age of 19 at Enrico Benucci’s “Hungry Eye” in San Francisco, where she met long-term mentor and pianist Shelly Robin. Martha’s first solo album, “The Best is Yet to Come”, was co-produced by Joni Mitchell’s producer and sound engineer Henry Lewy. After its release Martha toured Japan and the Philippines, and then spent a year in L.A. where she collaborated with Frank Collett. New York Times critic John Wilson said of these collaborations that “Martha’s lyrics, with music by Frank Collett stand up well in the company of such established gems as Strayhorn’s “Day Dream” and “Easy Living” by Ranger and Robbins. Martha has done studio work throughout the United States and appears as a headliner in Jazz Clubs far and wide.
The PCHS is proud to welcome Martha back, as she has offered her talents in many Winter Wednesday’s past, and is always a crowd favorite. Joining Martha will be Bill Pernice on piano and James Camack on bass.
Terri Dixon, originally from the Maryland suburbs of the Washington, DC area, is happy to call Milford home these days. Credits include the role of Patti on “Smokey Joe’s Café” on Broadway, Robin in “Godspell”, and Patsy Cline herself in the production “Always Patsy”. She also played Angel in the National Tour of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” starring Ann Margaret. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Terri will be bringing her talents to the Columns Museum on March 7, 2012. She will appear with Frank Santoro, on piano, a talented musician in his own right.
Celeste Aldridge will close the series on March 14, 2012 and the Columns will celebrate its Irish roots, as the original owner of the 1904 neo-classical manse was Dennis McLaughlin, a man who was known to appreciate an Irish ditty or two. Celeste, from Shohola, PA., is an artful and expressive vocalist and songwriter who began her career singing in the Celtic, British and American folk tradition. Celeste has performed at festivals, galleries, theaters and clubs throughout the Tri-State area over the last six years both solo and in a band called the “Bluebirds”. Dave Nauman, of the Bluebirds, will accompany Celeste for Winter Wednesdays. A music journalist had this to say about her: “her music is equal parts storytelling and sing-a-long, accompanied by unforgettable vocal interpretations and spirited acoustic instrumentation”. Sounds like a winner!
Please join us for Winter Wednesdays; held in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa. Tickets to each performance are $30 and include complimentary wine and cheese, or in the case of the March 14th performance, Guinness Draught and traditional corned beef and cabbage! All shows start at 7pm. Call 570-296-8126 to reserve.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
February 17, 2012
The Rainamakers have moved to Snow!
Milford, PA - Boy Scout Troop 5 from Dingmans Ferry have experienced the distinct pleasure of having it rain each time they have an overnight camping trip; hence the name “The Rainmakers”. On a recent overnighter at the Columns Museum, it didn’t rain. It snowed. Not that it mattered much; they were staying inside the building on a community service project that allowed for them to spend a night in the museum. The boys, ranging in age from 11-17 assisted with maintenance, trash removal and assembling a new exhibit which will highlight the Wells Family of Milford. Troop leader Kevan Kelly and the boys explored every inch of the building, sorted through artifacts and assisted the Museum Director in a successful clean up. The Pike County Historical Society would like to thank Mr. Kelly, the chaperones, and especially these fabulous boys for all their hard work and community spirit.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
February 14, 2012
Ronny Whyte to Open Winter Music Series at The Columns Museum
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society will kick off the popular “WINTER WEDNESDAYS” music series with an appearance by the talented Ronny Whyte. Joining Ronny will be Dave Stryker on guitar and “Boots” Maleson on bass.
Ronny Whyte is not only considered a premiere interpreter of Classic American Popular song, he is also an outstanding jazz pianist, and an award winning songwriter. He has been featured on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz on National Public Radio. He is an ASCAP Award-winning songwriter; his lyric Forget the Woman was recorded by Tony Bennett, and his music for The Party Upstairs won the MAC Award for Best Song of 2006. He also produces and hosts Midtown Jazz at Midday at St. Peter’s in Manhattan, a weekly jazz concert series.For two years Ronny appeared in New York City in the hit musical Our Sinatra, as well as its two national big band tours to more than 90 cities. He was also featured twice at New York’s JVC Jazz Festival, and was inducted into the Cabaret Jazz Hall of Fame.
The Ronny Whyte Trio has performed in concert at Carnegie/Weill Hall, New York’s Town Hall, Washington’s Corcoran Gallery, and the Mellon Jazz Festival in Philadelphia. Ronny has had major engagements in New York at the Café Carlyle, Rainbow and Stars, the Oak Room at the Algonquin, and Feinstein’s at the Regency. Abroad, he has starred in Paris, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Sao Paulo, Caracas, and Johannesburg.
Ronny often makes guest appearances with symphony orchestras playing his arrangement of Porgy & Bess for Jazz Trio & Orchestra and other Gershwin works. In the theatre, he has played such diverse roles as Bobby in Company, Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Joey in Pal Joey, and Vernon in They’re Playing Our Song. He has written and performed in Night’s Work, two one-act plays with music, which marked his debut as a playwright. Mr. Whyte has recorded ten CD’s for Audiophile; his CD All in a Night’s Work was selected “Jazz Album of the Week” by the New York Times. Originally from Seattle, he divides his time between the New York area and his house in Milford, Pennsylvania. When not performing or writing, he is an avid tennis player, skier, gardener and gourmet cook.
Ronny will be performing in the Foundation Room at the Columns, 608 Broad Street in Milford, on Wednesday February 22, 2012. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $30 and include complimentary wine and cheese. There will be performances each Wednesday to follow, spotlighting other local talent including Martha Lorin (Feb 29th), Terri Dixon (March 7th) and a St Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 14th with the Celtic influence of Celeste Aldridge. Tickets to each performance cost $30, or a season pass can be purchased for $100. Please call 570-296-8126 to reserve.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
February 13, 2012
Pike County Historical Society Announces Card Parties
Milford, Pa - Canasta anyone? Beginners and veterans alike are welcome to join some of Milford’s finest card players for Canasta in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street, Milford commencing Monday February 27, 2012, at 6:30pm. A $5 donation gets you in the game and lite refreshments will be provided courtesy of the museum. We hope to have several tables participating, with a seasoned veteran at each table to get you started or refresh your memory if you are a bit rusty. Card parties were once all the rage in our village; the Pike County Historical Society is hoping to spur the enthusiasm once again and provide an enjoyable evening with friends in history.
Plans for two Monday night meetings a month will be discussed and more dates will be announced after the initial meeting. For more information please call Lori at 570-296-8126 or Adriane at 570-296-2661.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. Visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.orgJanuary 27, 2012
Winter Music Series Hosted By Pike County Historical Society
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society is proud to announce the official lineup for its popular music series called Winter Wednesdays. In its sixth year, the concert series has gained much momentum over the last few years and has become a winter staple as a cure for “cabin fever”, which may be caused by Pike County’s blustery winters. The series will open on February 22nd with the fabulous blues pianist and vocalist, Ronny Whyte. Ronny is a veteran of the Winter Wednesdays, having performed for the benefit of the museum each year since the series began. Piano man Ronny will be accompanied by Dave Stryker, on guitar and Boots Maleson on Bass.
The second week’s performer, appearing on Wednesday February 29th will be the talented Martha Lorin, blues vocalist. Martha will be joined by Bill Pernice on piano, and James Camack on Bass. Martha has been a part of the series for since year two and always draws a great crowd to listen to her laid back style and smooth vocals. Last year Martha was so relaxed at her performance that the Museum’s Director promised to provide her with a bed on stage this year, so she could be even more comfortable!
Week three will bring Terri Dixon to us, accompanied by Frank Santoro on piano. Terri has wowed crowds far and wide with her vocals and has a particular talent for singing the songs of the late, great, Patsy Cline. This is Ms. Dixon’s first time performing in the series and she is a much welcomed addition. Terri Dixon will take the stage on Wednesday, March 7th. Closing out the series this year will be Celeste Aldridge, accompanied by Dave Nauman on guitar. In this the week of St. Patrick’s Day, we will serve up some corned beef and cabbage for our guests and make sure the Guinness is flowing. Celeste is an artful and expressive vocalist and songwriter who sings in the Celtic, British and American folk tradition. Celeste will appear on Wednesday March 14th.
Shows begin at 7pm and will take place in the Foundation Room of the Pike County Historical Society and Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa. Tickets to each individual performance are $30 and include complimentary wine and cheese served at your table. Season Passes are available for $100 each and allow entry to all four performances. Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling 570-296-8126. We look forward to sharing a smile and a song with you. All proceeds benefit the Pike County Historical Society. The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
January 26, 2012
Home of Lincoln Flag to Host Birthday Luncheon
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society and the Columns Museum will once again celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, on Sunday February 12th, with a luncheon in honor of our 16th President. The Columns Museum is home to the famed Lincoln Flag; the flag that adorned the Presidential Box at Ford’s Theatre the night of his assassination, and is stained with the blood of President Lincoln. The luncheon starts at 12:30pm and includes a delicious serving of our Director’s Chicken and Stars soup, assorted sandwiches and, of course, a slice of birthday cake. Reminiscences of a young Abe Lincoln will be read and museum admission is included. The cost for the luncheon is $12 and proceeds benefit the Lincoln Flag’s Preservation Fund. Please join us in celebrating our favorite President’s birthday, and as tradition has it, museum supporter Carol Bowman’s too! (They were born on the same day, but not in the same year.)
Reservations required, please call 570-296-8126 to reserve.
The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa., is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4 pm. For more information call 570-296-8126 or visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
January 5, 2012
The Pike County Historical Society Celebrates New Year, New Roof
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) is very pleased to announce the completion of their new mansard roof, which was done just days before the New Year brought us this cold weather. Funding was the major issue regarding this project, but the PCHS was ever diligent in the pursuit of funding from many sources in order to get the job done. A major contribution came from ESSA Savings and Trust, in the form of $15,000 to support the much needed repair. Other funding came from dedicated members of the Society and through fund raising events throughout the year. The Executive Board and Director of PCHS thank all those who contributed.
G.D.H. Construction did the work and plans are in place for them to replace the front porch flat roofs in the spring. Fund raising efforts continue in order to complete phase two of the roof plan. All donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated. Inquiries or donations can be sent to PCHS P.O. Box 915, Milford, Pa. 18337.
You can also help us by attending our upcoming events. Please visit our webpage at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org for event information or call us at 1-570-296-8126.
