PCHS News & Press
March 8, 2010
Pike County Historical Society to Host "Thank You" Wine and Cheese Reception
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) is pleased to invite the public to a very special social.
An ongoing campaign to have 23 original World War II posters preserved and framed has proven to be quite successful, and the public is invited to help us pay tribute to the generosity of those who sponsored a poster.
The posters where found, many years ago, tucked away in an attic closet of the 22 room mansion known as the Columns Museum, home to the PCHS. They were folded and in a manila envelope. The first step in preserving these treasured pieces of poster art, were taken by, then, Milford resident and local framery owner Maryellen Walsh. Ms. Walsh gladly offered to carefully unfold them and to mount and wrap the posters in archival materials, free of charge, until the day came when the PCHS could afford to have them framed and preserved for the ages. An ongoing campaign to do just that has seen great success, thanks to the sponsorship campaign. The posters are currently on exhibit in the Music Room of the Columns Museum, and on March 20th a reception will be held as a "thank you" to the sponsors.
Posters still available for sponsorship will be displayed as well in hopes of getting a few more saved.
The reception will begin a 4pm on Saturday March 20th, please join us free of charge. Please call 570-296-8126. For more information, visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
March 2nd, 2010
Mary Todd Lincoln at the Century Club in Scranton
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society brought its own one act play about Mary Todd Lincoln to The Century Club in Scranton on February 11th. The portrayal, written by museum director Lori Strelecki and performed by Ruth Randone, was a great hit with the ladies of the Century Club. The Club is the oldest woman's club in the area, and the ladies enjoyed high tea after the performance. The arrangements for the performance were made by Professor Josephine Dunn of the University of Scranton, who is a friend in history to the Columns Museum; the two have worked on projects together before.
"It was a great honor to bring this presentation to the women of the Century Club" said Strelecki, "they thoroughly enjoyed Ruth's portrayal".
The Columns is willing to perform the short play for any other organization that may be interested. Please call 570-296-8126 for more information.
For more information, visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
Left to right Lori Strelecki, Professor Josephine Dunn and Ryth Randone (Aka Mary Todd Lincoln) at the Century Club in Scranton.
February 17th, 2010
'Lincoln Flag' spurs special events
See article at The River Reporter online.
February 11th, 2010
What's the Password?
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) has a very special event planned as a "fun raiser" this year. On March 12, 2010 at 7pm we will host a Speakeasy at the Tom Quick Inn in Milford.
The Historical Society is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2010 and what a better way to celebrate than taking a historical look at the political climate of the time, eighty years ago, in the Tri-State area?
In 1930 Prohibition was in effect in Pike County. Cornelia Pinchot led the charge in her campaign for Congress by touting herself as "dry and progressive". The PCHS would like to turn back the hands of time to the days of prohibition and turn the Tom Quick Inn’s fabulous banquet room into our very own speakeasy- complete with flappers, time appropriate music, and a bit of illegal libation…but don't tell anyone!
To gain entry you must first be supplied with the secret password. This can be obtained by purchasing your ticket, for a donation of $50. Feel free to wear the dress of the period and practice your Charleston! Admission includes an Italian buffet, dessert and coffee. Live music, dancing girls, a special performance by “Trixie LaRue”, games of chance and a guaranteed good time, are what anyone in attendance can look forward to.
Monies raised will go to offset the delay of State funding for general operating support. The PCHS is dedicated to the preservation of our County's history and as the official historical society of the County we take our mission statement seriously.
Our organization needs your help to continue in our mission and in keeping history alive and well in old Pike County. Please help us by reserving your spot at the event of the year, but don't spill the beans, we don't need a "hatchetation"!
For more information, or to reserve, please call 570-296-8126 or visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
February 4th, 2010
Presidents Day Luncheon and Exhibit Opening
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society's Columns Museum, home to the famous Lincoln Flag, will celebrate Presidents Day, Monday February 15th, with a luncheon and historical exhibition.
For the first time ever the Museum will display the three stage costumes that were given to the Society, by Vivian Paul Struthers in 1954, which belonged to his mother, Jeannie Gourlay.
Of the three costumes, one in particular, known as the "Stars and Stripes" has been exhibited not only here in Milford, but also at the Lehigh Valley Historical Society in Allentown. This particular costume was worn by Ms. Gourlay at Ford's theatre the evening of President Lincoln's assassination. Although all three costumes need much restoration work, the Museum Director and the museum's Vintage Clothing Committee feel the public should be made aware of these relics in hopes someone will take the financial initiative in a campaign to restore them. Vintage Clothing Committee member Dixie Rich, a costumer designer by trade, has done much work recently on the gowns in order to stabilize them from further demise. The gowns will be displayed in the Lincoln Room of the Museum and guests attending the luncheon will be offered a tour and a first look at the gowns afterwards.
As for the luncheon, the Museum Director's famous "chicken and stars" soup will be served with a variety of sandwiches and, of course, birthday cake! The cost for the lunch is a $10 donation and it starts at noon in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford. Please call 570-296-8126 to reserve.
February 4th, 2010
Ronny Whyte Performs to Benefit Museum
Milford, PA - On February 17th, jazz pianist and songwriter Ronny Whyte will perform at Cliff Park Inn at 7pm. 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.
Tickets to the performance are $25 and can be reserved by calling 570-296-8126.
For more information, or to reserve, please call 570-296-8126 or visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
January 26th, 2010
President of Pike County Historical Society Performs Tribute
Milford PA - Ray Weeks, local piano man and President of the Pike County Historical Society, will be performing a musical tribute to the late Emily Shadel on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 in The Cypress Room of the Cliff Park Inn. "Memories of Emily" is the working title for the musical tribute, which will feature many of Emily's favorite songs. Please join us for a lovely evening in memory of Emily. Tickets for the performance are $25 per person and can be obtained by calling 570-296-8126.
Ray's performance is a part of the music series "Winter Wednesday's" and is a fund raising effort for the Society. Operators of The Columns Museum, the Pike County Historical Society is proud to, once again, bring this winter music series to Pike County. Also performing this year are Martha Lorin; February 3, 2010 at Cliff Park Inn, and Ronny Whyte; February 17, 2010 at Cliff Park Inn. A special "season pass" is being offered for $60 and allows entry to all three performances. All performances begin at 7pm. A cash bar and various dining choices available.
For more information, or to reserve, please call 570-296-8126 or visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
January 26th, 2010
Season Passes Available for Winter Wednesdays
Milford - The Pike County Historical Society is pleased to once again host a winter music series that showcases some of our area's best talent. Starting on the first Wednesday in February, the Cypress Room at the Cliff Park Inn, Milford, will host Winter Wednesdays.
Winter Wednesday's is a concert series for the benefit of the Pike County Historical Society.
On Wednesday February 3, 2010, Jazz vocalist Martha Lorin will perform.
On Wednesday February 10th, pianist and vocalist Ray Weeks will perform, with guest vocalist Teri Dixon, "Memories of Emily" in tribute to the late Emily Shadel.
On February 17, 2010 Jazz pianist and vocalist Ronny Whyte will take the stage. All performances begin at 7pm. Cash bar is available and a dessert and appetizers menu will be offered. Tickets for individual performances are $25, or a special "season pass" can be obtained for $60, which allows admission to all three musical performances.For more information, or to reserve, please call 570-296-8126 or visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
January 11, 2010
The Lincoln Association of Jersey City to Borrow Famed Flag
Milford, PA - Shortly after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, a small group of business and civic leaders in Jersey City, New Jersey (NJ) met to mourn the grave loss to the nation, a loss which each of them felt personally and intensely. They vowed to meet each year on the anniversary of his birth, February 12th, in his memory. They would discuss the obstacles he overcame in his early years, his firm and fair philosophy, his vision and courage, and his many achievements. Despite weather and wars, the successors of this small group have never failed to meet. No other organization has a longer record of annual dinners honoring Lincoln. In the late 1920's the members of the Lincoln Association initiated a plan to erect a monument to honor their hero. Members sold public subscriptions for 25 cents each. The final $3,500 needed for the statue was contributed by Jersey City school children in pennies and nickels. James Earle Frazer, designer of the buffalo nickel and builder of monuments in New York and Washington, was commissioned to design and build the memorial at the site where West Side Park met Hudson Boulevard. Later the association was instrumental in having the park renamed in honor of Lincoln. At the dedication of the statue, in 1930, the Lincoln Association began another tradition. Each year members gather to hear recitations of some of Lincoln's memorable addresses and correspondence and to lay a wreath at the foot of the statue.
The Pike County Historical Society, keepers of the flag stained with Lincoln's blood, were contacted by Suzann Anderson, President of the Lincoln Association of Jersey City, and a deal was struck that would allow for the Lincoln Flag to be in Jersey City on Lincoln's Birthday this February 12th. The loan has a bit of sentimentality attached to it.
Since 1983 the Lincoln Flag has been housed in the Pike County Historical Society, known as The Columns, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa. The 1904 neo-classical home was built for Dennis McLaughlin who made the stately home his summer residence. Born in Ireland in 1849, McLaughlin moved to Jersey City, NJ in 1850 with his parents. He made quite a name for himself in Jersey City through a successful political career spanning many years and other business ventures including Director of the Third National Bank and a major investor in the Lembeck and Betz Brewing Company. He was also known as one of the "Big Four" owners of Guttenberg Race Track. McLaughlin summered in Milford with his second wife, Theresa Stack, and four children who were lovingly looked after by a German nanny, who they fondly referred to as "Fraulein". The bonds that were made between Fraulein and the children ran deep, as in her later years the tables had turned and the children took over her care. McLaughlin died suddenly in 1912 and the home on Broad Street remained in the family until the 1930's. After changing hands several times, the great white house came into the possession of the Pike County Historical Society and has served as the home to the famed Lincoln Flag since 1983. The Society is happy to return the favor and allow for the flag to visit Mr. McLaughlin's home town for this fine event. The flag will leave Milford on February 11th, 2010 and the transport will be met by Jersey City Law Officers to be escorted to its destination. The flag will return on February 13th in time for regular Museum hours.
Although the Lincoln Association of Jersey City has officers and trustees, it has no formal membership. Everyone who reveres the memory of Lincoln is welcome to participate in the monument ceremony and attend the annual dinner, where speakers further illuminate the man and his memory.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
January 11, 2010
PCHS celebrates Winter Wednesday’s
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) is pleased to announce the first performer in their popular "Winter Wednesdays" music series. Martha Lorin will perform at Cliff Park Inn, Milford on Wednesday February 3rd, 2010 at 7pm, to kick off the series.
Growing up in Pueblo, Colorado, Lorin was raised to be a singer. She received her early training from her grandmother, Sarah Dalton who was a highly noted popular singer of her day, and also from her mother, Margaret Dalton, pianist/singer/songwriter. Martha met her mentor; pianist Shelly Robin at her first club gig at Enrico Banducci’s acclaimed “Hungry Eye” in San Francisco. The tragic loss of her husband, Capt. Bruce Walker, (shot down in Viet Nam and continues in a MIA status) pushed Martha, with their one year old baby girl, to leave home and move to Germany where they lived for two years.
Martha returned to complete college then on to San Francisco to begin her singing career. Henry Lewy, Joni Mitchell’s sound engineer, co-produced her first solo album, “The Best Is Yet To Come.” Shortly thereafter, Martha and her daughter moved to Los Angeles where she collaborated as a lyricist with pianist/songwriter Frank Collett. John S. Wilson, of the New York Times said: “Her 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 Ralph Ranger/Leo Robbins.”
The PCHS is proud to have Martha join the ranks of other performers who have donated their time and talents such as Ronny Whyte, who will be performing again this year, Bobby Kyle, Scott Weis, Celeste Triebeneck and Paul E. Mitchell and Rich DiPaolo and The Booglerizers. Tickets for Martha's performance are $25 and proceeds benefit the Pike County Historical Society's Building Maintenance Fund.
The show starts at 7pm, cash bar and menu available. For more information please call Lori at 570-296-8126. Reservations suggested. For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
Winter Wednesdays 2010 Schedule
Wednesday February 3, 2010
Martha Lorin with Don Miller on Bass and Johnny O'Neal on Piano
Wednesday February 10, 2010
Ray Weeks on piano with "Memories of Emily"
A tribute to the late Emily Shadel.
Also say featuring vocalist Teri Dixon.
Wednesday February 17, 2010
Ronny Whyte with John Hart on Guitar, Boots Maleson on Bass and Bob Keller, Tenor Sax
Tickets to all performances are $25 and all shows are at Cliff Park Inn starting at 7pm. A special "Season Pass" can be purchased for $60 which allows admission to all three performances. Please call to reserve your place today!
