2009 News
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PCHS News & Press
December 10th, 2009
Senator Baker Takes in “Night Flight on Canvas”
Milford - The Columns Museum had a very prestigious visitor last Friday evening. Senator Lisa Baker stopped in for the opening of a new temporary art exhibit titled: Night Flight on Canvas which features the work of Pike County artist John Kolbek. Senator Baker spent quite some time talking to the young artist and discussing his work. Museum Director Lori Strelecki commented, “I walked into the gallery and there, much to my delight, was the Senator just taking it all in.” Senator Baker took the time out of her busy Holiday schedule to view the exhibit, and also took a peek at the latest vintage clothing display at the Museum, which covers hats, ladies gloves, accessories and handbags, spanning two centuries.
John Kolbek’s works offer a surreal look at religion, children’s hopes and fears, and other curiosities and questions that might be on the mind of a contemporary artist who is thoughtful and introspect. His bold, confident strokes of color are matched by a subtlety of inner content that may cause the gallery-goer to spend quite some time looking at any given piece. The exhibit will be featured through the end of December.
The exhibit may seem a bit out of place at first, but as it turns out many abstract artifacts from the museum’s inventory have mingled well with the art. Most note-worthy perhaps is the inclusion of “Gertrude”. Gertrude, fondly named after Mrs. Bloomgarden, is an antique mannequin that made its way to the Columns many years ago when the Milford Department store, “Bloomgardens”, closed. Interest piqued?
This exhibit was sponsored by Davis and Judy Chant.
The Columns is open Wednesday’s, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4, weather permitting, or by appointment. Please call 570-296-8126 for more information.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
The Columns Announces New Art Exhibit and Reception:
“Night Flight on Canvas” Premiers December 4, 2009
Milford PA - The Pike County Historical Society will host a temporary art exhibit beginning Friday December 4th and running through the end of January.
The recent success of Yvonne Parker’s art exhibit titled “Then and Now: Expressions of Beauty”, was the catalyst in the decision to maintain the Music Room of the Museum as a space for local artists to display their wares.
The latest showing is brought to us by John Kolbek, a young artist from Bushkill, Pa, who works in oils to depict “surrealisms”. John was one of 11 people, world wide, selected as “Illustrator of the Year” as per the L. Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the future showcase.
He has shown his work in many New York galleries, and was featured, locally, at the APA Gallery. Mr. Kolbek is a graduate of North Hampton and Kutztown Colleges, and has had much recent success with the sale of a poster he created for the “Beyond the Wall” company, titled: “Forever 27”. John also does intricate inkwork, which he refers to simply as “doodleisms”. He is slated to exhibit his work in many upcoming shows, including debuts at The White Rabbit Gallery in New York and Art and Soul in Allentown.
The Columns will host an opening and a complimentary “meet the artist” reception on Friday December 4th to celebrate the opening of the exhibit titled “Night Flight on Canvas” from 6-8 pm.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
November 18th, 2009
Costume Designer Joins Pike County Historical Society Volunteer Staff
Milford PA - The Pike County Historical Society is proud to announce the addition of Dixie Crawford-Rich to their volunteer staff. Mrs. Crawford-Rich has over 50 years of experience in the theater as a costume designer and theater manager. Her talents are endless when it comes to being a seamstress and has signed on with the Pike County Historical Society to head up the Museum’s Vintage Clothing Committee. Dixie has an extensive list of productions which she has designed the costuming for, including Dracula at the Stonington Opera House in Maine, Isadora at the Gorilla Theater in Tampa and she also worked with the Boston Ballet for 5years. Dixie had to give up her passion for design when her husband became ill. She is happy to spend some time at the Columns Museum, working to repair some of the gowns and detailing the histories of the collection. Mrs. Crawford-Rich comments that “the Columns’ clothing collection is fabulous, although some of it needs a lot of work that cannot realistically be completed without a great amount of funding, but we can reconstruct some elements and document any alterations in the event the clothing becomes a candidate for detailed restoration.”
The first showing on her agenda will be of hats. The Columns has some interesting pieces, including “lids” that belonged to William Jennings Bryan and Queen Elizabeth.
The exhibit of hats will be displayed in the dining room of the Columns beginning on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, and will remain on display until mid January when they will be replaced by an exhibit on Jeannie Gourlay, the woman who brought the famous Lincoln Flag to Milford. The exhibit will include her stage costumes and the famous “Stars and Stripes” gown among others. The Pike County Historical Society’s Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, Pa. is open Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 1-4pm.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
November 4, 2009
The Dimmick Inn Goes Beyond Retro!
Milford, PA - Ghosts of Pike County Past may have been stirring for Halloween doings, but the Dimmick Inn has a ghost that haunts them year round…Ms. Fan. That would be Miss Frances Dimmick, one time proprietor of the Dimmick Inn. Ms. Fan, as most called her, took over running the Inn for her father, who built the establishment in 1828. The original structure was ravaged by fire, but was re-built, under the guidance of Fannie, in 1856. "Miss Fan, like the waterfalls, mountains and streams, was one of the attractions of Pike County." An 1859 advertisement claims "the table will be well furnished and the bar constantly supplied with choice wines, liquors and 'segars'".
Present day proprietors, the brother's Jorgenson, have set like goals for their establishment, and in honor of Ms. Fan will turn back the hands of time and host an evening featuring delectable items often seen on the hand written menu's of the olden days. In a time when expert fly fisherwoman Fannie often harvested the catch of the day from the streams of Pike and prepared much of the fare herself, the evening’s menu reflected the tastes and home cooking expertise of Pike County's favorite hostess. Although the brother's may spare their guests a recreation of Ms. Fan's famous “Stuffed Kidney”, and may not be seen anytime soon in their waders casting the Sawkill, baker Nancy Featherstone is diligently working on recreating the famous Apple Tapioca! The event would not be complete without some rousing live fiddle music, as Miss Fan was an awesome fiddle player. The evening will even feature a visit from Miss Fannie Dimmick herself!
This interesting evening is brought to you in cooperation with the Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) where the original menus, from which the meal will be derived, are part of the archives.
A share of the proceeds will go the Society to help with archival preservation. The PCHS has many documents pertaining to not only the Dimmick, but all the Inns and Boarding Houses of Pike County; this is the Jorgenson Family's way of helping the cause while providing their guests with a unique dining experience.
Tickets are $45 and include appetizer, main course, dessert and coffee. Cash bar from 5-6pm in the new “Upper Deck Lounge”, sit down dinner with Ms. Fan at 6:00pm. This event will take place on Sunday November 15, 2009. Please call to reserve, seating is limited to 50.
Please call Nancy at the Dimmick to reserve at 296-4021 or call Lori at the Columns at 296-8126.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
October 11th, 2009
Pike County Historical Society Welcomes New Board Member
Milford PA - The Pike County Historical Society is proud to announce the addition of Linda Kolbek and Christine Cohen to their Board of Directors.
Linda has been in charge of the Docent/Volunteer Program at the Museum for the past several years and has been quite helpful with museum events and staffing.
Christine Cohen grew up in Lackawaxen and has lived in the area for most of her life. She has a degree in literature and history, and works as a literary agent with fellow board member Vaughne Hansen at the Virginia Kidd Agency, Inc.
Both women were voted onto the Board unanimously at a recent meeting.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
October 11th, 2009
Historical Films at the Pike County Historical Society Columns Museum
Milford PA - The Pike County Historical Society will offer free showings of some of the films in their archives on Saturday October 17th beginning at 1:00pm.
At 1:00pm, two silent movies will be shown back to back. The Informer, a 1912 drama, and A Feud in the Kentucky Hills, were both directed by D.W. Griffith, and filmed in and around Milford. Griffith is best known as the director of the controversial and groundbreaking 1915 film The Birth of a Nation and the subsequent film Intolerance.
At 2:30pm footage of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Pike County will be recounted in a short film titled “In the Shadow of a Man”. The last film, shown at 3:00pm will be an episode of the Twilight Zone which originally aired in March of 1962 titled “To Serve Man”. Derived from a short story written by one time Milford resident Damon Knight, this wildly popular episode is set in 1950’s cold war America. The story opens at a special session of the UN where three alien emissaries, the pig like Kanamit, are testifying that the purpose of their mission to earth is “to bring to you the peace and plenty which we ourselves enjoy, and which we have in the past brought to other races throughout the galaxy.” It is soon discovered their mission is not all hearts and flowers.
The Columns invites all to attend these films FREE OF CHARGE, and also join us for a closing Meet the Artist reception of the current contemporary art exhibit on display in the Music Room of the Museum by Yvonne Parker.
Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Schedule
1:00pm The Informer/ A Feud in the Kentucky Hills
2:30pm In the Shadow of A Man
3:00pm To Serve Man
4:00pm Meet the Artist Reception
All movies and events are free and open to the public courtesy of the Pike County Historical Society.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
September 29th, 2009
Ghostly Doings at The Pike County Historical Society
Milford PA - The Columns Museum is filled with information and artifacts that depict the lives of Pike County residents past. Some of the most interesting Pike characters will be brought to life by a troupe of local actors and actresses in a series of vignettes on October 2, 2009.
The evening will begin at 7:00pm with an informative "ghost" speaker. Linda Zimmermann, author and well known ghost investigator, will tell of her recent experiences in the supernatural at the Columns. Linda and a friend spent some time in the building one summer evening, and the result was about 40 pages of unexplainable happenings; detailed in her most recent book: Ghost Investigator Volume 9: Back From the Dead. Who is it that she encountered?
Perhaps Madame Juliette Peirce. The few remaining personal items belonging to Juliette and her husband, philosopher Charles Saunders Peirce are at the Museum. Could it be she is attached to these items and is caught between the world of the living and the dead due to her attachment? Or maybe it is the unflappable Fannie Dimmick, well loved early proprietor of the Dimmick Inn?
(If she's not at the Columns she may be hanging out at the Dimmick Inn, according to Andrew Jorgenson, present day proprietor.) Other possible "spirits" include Dan Beard, founder of the Boy Scouts of America, Father Francis Craft, liaison between U.S. Troops and the Sioux at the Battle of Wounded Knee, or, the man who was "large and in charge" of the once popular Sawkill House, Lewis Cornelius. These characters will be brought to life by the Patriot Players, led by Stacy Jane Case and including the talents of Caroline Croopin, Joe Rudy, Jeff Foley and Ruth Randone.
The Columns is proud to bring this living history to our members and guests on Friday October 2nd, beginning at 7:00pm. Tickets for the lecture and performance are $25 and include cider and donuts around the campfire on the Columns grounds. Please call 570-296-8126 to reserve.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
September 24th, 2009
Ghost Hunters Visit the Columns
Milford PA - In an effort to appease the curiosities of many visitors and docents who have said to have experienced a strange “something” or other at the Pike County Historical Society’s Museum on Broad Street in Milford, the board recently allowed for Mike Worden and Linda Zimmerman to do an investigation into the possibility of paranormal activity.
Although the Museum Director, who has spent many hours there over the last nine years, has never felt a presence, there have been volunteers who have, and guests who have as well. Rumor has it that the Columns is the place where Juliette Peirce, wife of famed philosopher Charles Saunders Peirce, spends her time; caught between this world and another, perhaps attached to the last remnants of her possessions, which are housed at the Columns. There is little concrete evidence of Juliette’s life before she met Charles. Theirs was a whirlwind romance, love at first sight even, and Juliette thought Charles was the most brilliant man in the universe. She may have been right, or at least Charles thought so. Their story ends tragically with Charles a morphine addict, and Juliette left to live in squalor after his death. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that this “genius” was a jerk, in spite of all his accomplishments. In the early 1900’s Juliette lived alone in their family home, on the outskirts of Milford, known as Arisbe. A poor widow, she sold off personal belongings little by little to survive. Arisbe, once a vast home with many rooms, now quartered off to keep the heat in the single sitting room that Juliette resided in. Always proud and kind, Juliette put others first, helping the Community House raise money by doing tarot card readings with a deck of cards she owned that are said to have foretold the downfall of Napoleon. This attachment to the spirit world may perhaps be the reason she is the most likely candidate to be the entity inhabiting the museum; but you must admit it does make for interesting copy. So now, you may ask, “what did the ghost hunters find?” Linda Zimmerman had an encounter with someone she believes to be Madame Peirce. The image of an older woman dressed in late 1800’s type clothing appeared to Linda on the main stairway on the second floor. The spirit seemingly beckoned her, and eventually led her to the back room which houses the Peirce Family artifacts. The name “Beatrice” kept coming to Linda and she was surprised to see a picture of a woman named Beatrice Bailey hanging in the hallway leading to the room where she would find the picture of Juliette Peirce and realize she was the woman who she saw at the stairs. Interesting? Get this, something told Linda to go downstairs into the office and open a file. The file she selected included an old newspaper clipping about Milford and its ghosts and Ms. Zimmerman was referenced in it. That seems more than a coincidence, given that was probably the only file of thousands that might have included her name. The team of Worden and Zimmerman reported their findings in a phone conversation with the Museum Director. They still have many hours of audio and video tape to look at in the hopes of proving their findings further. They plan on returning to the Museum for another hunt and will be lecturing on their findings in the fall. We can only hope Madame is as accommodating the next time around.
September 2nd, 2009
Josephine Dunn, University of Scranton Professor, to Lecture at Columns Museum
Milford PA - On Friday September 25th, Josephine Dunn, of the University of Scranton, will present her lecture titled: Alive to the Call: Women and History in Northeastern Pa. at 7:00pm in the Foundation Room of the Columns Museum. The program is free to the public. The history of Northeastern PA is often presented as a saga of anthracite coal and railroads. But, it also is the story of enterprising women who built communities through civic and philanthropic engagements, unconventional women who lived extraordinary lives. “Alive to the Call” is the story of some of the region’s more redoubtable women: from Belinda Mulrooney (Queen of the Klondike), to Lucy Ann Lobdell (Female Hunter of the Delaware Valley), to the dashing and unconventional Cornelia Pinchot, the story of these women will inspire and astound.
Please join us for this 50 minute lecture, illustrated with slides.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
August 30th, 2009
Smoky Joe Wood: Legend of the Fall
Pike County Celebrates His Day a Bit Early!
Milford, PA - Joe Wood resided in Shohola, Pike County, for many years. In 1908 he began pitching for the Boston Red Sox and went on to be one of the most beloved and talented players in Major League Baseball. His best season was in 1912 when he completed the season with a 34 and 5 record and became the youngest thirty game winner in baseball history at the age of 22. He threw 10 shut outs in 16 consecutive victories and ended the season with an amazing 1.91 E.R.A. He was also on the winning side of three World Series games against the New York Giants to top off his remarkable 1912 season.
In the spring of 1913 Joe experienced a myriad of mishaps that involved his pitching hand and arm. It would seem that the “smoke” was gone. (Smoky Joe was dubbed such because of the velocity of his fastball). Following the injuries he struggled through several mediocre seasons and then a contract dispute with the Sox led him back to his Shohola farm where he took the year off. His love of the game compelled him to call a friend who was signed with the Cleveland Indians and asked him to arrange for Joe to tryout.
In 1917 Joe signed with the Cleveland Indians, although when he arrived at camp in the spring he was labeled “washed up”. With his days as a pitcher a thing of the past, Joe acclimated well to playing the outfield and was a well above average hitter. He batted .298 his first year with the Indians, and had several good seasons to follow, including the year 1920 when the Indians won the American League pennant and the World Series. This gave Joe the distinct honor of having pitched in a World Series, and to have played a staring position in another. Joe shares this honor with Babe Ruth.
In 1922 Joe retired from the big leagues to take a coaching position at Yale University where he mentored the baseball team for 20 years.
Although Joe is no longer with us, his memory lives on. In 1977, the Pike County Commissioners declared October 25th, his birthday, Smoky Joe Wood Day. In the past we have found the weather in October to be uncooperative, so, this year, The Pike County Historical Society will celebrate Joe’s Day on September 12th, with a softball game, home run derby and a day filled with fun at the Little League Field in Milford, starting at 10am on September 25th. A marathon softball game will take place with players from all over welcome to join in, male or female, young or old.
July 28, 2009
Columns Museum Shows Modern Side
Published by the Pike County Press & Port Jervis News
MILFORD – The Pike County Historical Society’s Columns Museum will present its first exhibition of contemporary art on August 8 featuring the work of local artist Yvonne Parker. The exhibition, entitled “Then & Now: Expressions of Beauty,” showcases sculpture and mixed-media works of art inspired from... Read the full article by visiting www.pike countypress.com
July 17, 2009
Mary Todd Lincoln portrayal set at dinner show
In this, the bicentenary year of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln’s birth; the Pike County Historical Society invites you to an encore performance of Mary Todd Lincoln: A Woman on the Edge at 7:00 p.m. on July 17th, 2009.
Portrayed by local actress Stacy Jane Case, Mary Todd Lincoln is brought to life in this soliloquy written by Lori Strelecki, the Director of the Columns Museum, home of the famous Lincoln Flag.
The piece is genuine and heartfelt, as it encompasses the many thoughts and emotions of a First Lady who endured much tragedy and was misunderstood by the American public. Case’s interpretation will make you laugh and cry, as Mary Todd was a woman of many facets and complexities who carried the burden of our Nation through the Civil War, personal tragedy and the death of a beloved President.
First performed in February at The Columns Museum, the performance was sold out and extremely well received. The Pike County Historical Society is proud to offer this encore performance as a dinner show at the Water Wheel Café’s Lounge, on July 17th, 2009. Tickets are $45 per person and include dinner and dessert. The menu includes a salad of baby mixed greens followed by your choice of crispy hazelnut pork chops, grilled & roasted five-spice all-natural free-range chicken with soy lime sauce or penne primavera. Dessert, Lincoln’s “Favorite Apple Square,” and coffee or tea are included in the ticket price. Please call 570-296-8126 to make your reservation.
The Water Wheel Café is located on Water Street in Milford in the Upper Mill Complex. There will be a cash bar starting at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:00 and the show will follow.
The role of Mary Todd Lincoln will be performed by Stacy Jane Case, an actress, self-proclaimed patriot, and multi-talented professional with many credits. She has studied at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and has also attended the city’s Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute.
Among her acting credits are “A View From the Bridge,” which also starred Burt Young, and received Drama Log’s “Best Play in L.A.” in 1995. She has performed in many readings at the National Arts Club in New York, and also has television experience including the PBS children’s phenomenon, “Math Net.”
Ms. Case who has said that she has “a great love for God, Country, family and friends,” is a great friend of non-profit organizations such as the Pike County Historical Society. In October she did a well-received dramatic portrayal of Lizzie Schultz, a victim of spousal abuse who was killed by her husband in the late 1800s.
As for Mary Todd Lincoln, Ms. Case has prepared herself for an interesting performance. The portrayal of Mrs. Lincoln takes place in the latter part of Mary Todd’s life, recalling the many tragedies and triumphs of her life with the President.
The piece is filled with emotion and will, hopefully, allow the audience to experience an interesting peek at the real Mrs. Lincoln as perceived by the writer of the soliloquy, Lori Strelecki.
Ms. Case has diligently studied and researched Mary Todd for this role, and has gained an understanding of the complexities of the woman.
More articles about the Mary Todd Lincoln Portrayal - http://www.wayneindependent.com/news/x737346444/Mary-Todd-Lincoln-portrayal-set-at-dinner-show
http://www.riverreporter.com/issues/09-03-05/arts1-todd.html
http://www.riverreporter.com/issues/09-07-16/LR-todd.html
July 17, 2009
Summer Fun At The Columns
A group of youngsters from Sandyston and Montague, took a day trip to the Columns Museum, courtesy of their "summer chaperone" Wendy Wesighan. The kids had a great time learning about the Lincoln Flag and completing a scavenger hunt for history provided by the Museum Director. The visit ended with some time spent in the 1850's stagecoach, the Hiawatha.
July 15, 2009
Put me in Coach! Benefit Marathon Softball Game
Milford - The Pike County Historical Society will celebrate Shohola's own Smoky Joe Wood with the "Smoky Joe Open Marathon Softball Game" on September 12, 2009 starting at 10am at the Milford Little League Field. Players are welcome to register to play by calling Lori at the Museum at 570-296-8126 before September 1st. There are openings for players, as well as sponsorship opportunities available for businesses and private citizens alike. Sponsor an inning for $50 and have your name or company name announced throughout the inning. Proceeds benefit the Columns' Building Maintenance Fund.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org
July 15, 2009
An Historic Moment
The Pike County Historical Society’s Columns Museum will mark an historic moment when its first exhibition of contemporary art opens on August 8, 2009.
To bridge the gap between the past and the present, The Columns Museum has chosen the impressive art of Yvonne Parker in an exhibition entitled “Then & Now: Expressions of Beauty,” which will run until October 18, 2009.
The show features sculptures and mixed-media works of art inspired from fragments of the past (Then) to create contemporary art (Now). Precious articles of life including historic hand-painted porcelain, vintage ceramics, paper, metal and glass are configured into works of surreal fantasy.
Ms. Parker’s art has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and Europe, and most recently, her “Fragmented Beauty” collection opened to rave reviews at The Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The artist may be just as intriguing as her work. Using Europe as her base, Yvonne traveled extensively throughout her career as an international fashion model giving her a certain sophistication and style, which is reflected in her art and living. She is an accomplished artist/designer and has a “collector’s eye” when it comes to what she incorporates into her artwork. The pairing of the artist with the venue seems only natural, as the title of the exhibit suggests, because Ms. Parker creates, from broken pieces of the past, colorful and innovative new sculptures and mixed-media art, which will stir your imagination.
Amy Ferris, noted author, has reflected on her work, “Yvonne Parker is a woman of sheer brilliance. She creates magic – both within her personal life and her gorgeous art. Her pieces are joy, and being a woman myself who not only owns some of Ms. Parker’s pieces but responds on a visceral level to quirky and colorful; sexy and romantic, I can’t think of much else that brings that emotion right up to the surface as quickly, as beautifully, and with a knowing that Ms. Parker does through her glorious pieces.”
An opening reception for the artist will be held at The Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, PA, on Saturday evening, August 8, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The public is invited free of charge. Come and share these “expressions of beauty” to add richness to your life.
Yvonne and her husband, Ron, currently live in Pennsylvania as well as Florida, where she maintains her winter studio. www.yvonneparkerartfulliving.com
June 16, 2009
Historical Society Offers Delightful Dinner
Milford – The Pike County Historical Society will hold its annual membership dinner on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at Peter's Europa House in Shohola on Route 6. The evening begins at 6:00pm with a cash bar. A short meeting will be held at 7:00pm sharp, at which 2009-2010 officers and trustees will be elected. Members are encouraged to come out and vote. The meeting will be followed by a sit down dinner with meal choices of salmon, chicken or pasta, all served with the appropriate sides and salad, dessert and coffee are also included for the reasonable price of $40 per person.
In addition to the meal and the opportunity to mix it up with Pike County's finest friends in history, Matthew Dodd, a musician and historian, will entertain our guests with his program titled: "Songs of the American Hobo".
Please come and join us and support your county's Historical Society. Reservations can be obtained by calling 570-296-8126.
June 3, 2009
You'll Be History
Milford – The Pike County Historical Society would like to remind everyone that we offer historical, educational and fun programming for all ages. Over the last few years Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts alike, as well as various school groups including Delaware Valley and Shohola Elementary students have taken advantage of activities offered at the Columns Museum in Milford, Pa., that make learning about history enjoyable for our young friends. Two popular programming choices are "Scavenger Hunt for History" and "Lenape Life". The scavenger hunt can be geared for any age group and leads the kids on a fact finding mission through the two floors and 10 rooms of exhibits pertaining to the history of Pike County that make up the Columns Museum. From the Lincoln Flag to Audubon’s birds, kids read the clues and seek the answers.
In Lenape Life, children are taught the history of Pike County's original settlers, The Lenape Indians. Groups are asked to identify with one of the three clans the Lenape originated and then create their own clan and totem based upon the ideals, likes and dislikes of the individual group. Each program is approximately one hour long and can be experienced by calling the Museum at 570-296-8126. These programs are offered for a donation, left to the discretion of the group.
May 7, 2009
Louis Hensel Photographs, Reflections of Days Gone By
presented by American Historical Images
Photograph Exhibition:May 8-July 2
Milford - The Columns Museum of the Pike County Historical Society will host an exhibit of Louis Hensel Photographs entitled Reflections of Days Gone By presented by American Historical Images. The exhibit will be on display from May 8 through July 27.
An opening reception for Reflections of Days Gone By will be held Friday, May 15 from 6 to 8 pm at The Columns, 608 Broad Street, in Milford. No admission.
The Museum is quite pleased to be able to bring this exhibit to our membership and guests. Hensel's work has been of interest to many visitors and researchers over the years and it is good to know the collection is not only safe and sound in the hands of the Hawley Library Association, but also that American Historical Images has worked so diligently to make the collection available for viewing in neighboring communities, says Lori Strelecki, director of The Columns Museum.
Photographer Louis Hensel captured Pennsylvania’s bucolic landscapes and village streetscapes during an era when effects of the Industrial Revolution were just beginning to impact the pristine Northeast region along the Delaware River that borders New York and New Jersey.
Hensels portfolio like the work of the Hudson River School painters provides an accurate historical account of peoples shifting relationship to the natural landscape, and a visual record of changes resulting from practices like logging, industrialization and community development. Included in the American Historical Images' Hensel Collection are nostalgic images of Boy Scouts of America Founder Dan Beard and his troops at his Pike County Outdoor School for Boys from 1905-1910.
Hensels crisp and poignant black & white images were made with various sized glass plates and developed in his Hawley, PA studio. These delicate negatives, donated by James G. Marshall in November 1991, have been meticulously catalogued and preserved by the Hawley Library Association, Inc. As part of the Hensel Collection, American Historical Images has scanned and printed archival photographs of a portion of the more than 2,000 glass plate negatives as authorized by the Hawley Library Association, Inc.
The Columns Museum is the home of the Pike County Historical Society which was founded in 1930 and continues to foster appreciation for culture, heritage and Pike County history. The Museum, a Neo-Greek Revival mansion, showcases a fine collection of art, artifacts and ephemera from generations of ancestors, with a special focus on Pike County and the surrounding areas.
Take the opportunity to revisit the region's history through a selection of Louis Hensel photographs presented by American Historical Images www.AmericanHistoricalImages.com at the Columns Museum in Milford, PA.
The Columns Museum is open from 1:00 to 4:00 pm; May through June, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday; July, Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for students, and children are free. For more information call 570-296-8126.
May 4, 2009
Pike County Historical Society to Celebrate Pinkster
Milford – On Saturday May 30th, 2009, the Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) will hold the second annual Pinkster Celebration on the grounds of the Columns Museum, located on Broad Street, in Milford, Pa.
Pinkster is a spring festival originated by the Dutch as a religious holiday. Pinksteren", meaning Pentecost, was celebrated since the early 17th century by Dutch settlers. It was a time of rest and to gather and celebrate religious services like baptisms and confirmations. For their African Slaves, Pinkster was a time free from work and a chance to gather and catch up with family and friends located throughout New England. By the mid 19th century, however, Pinkster evolved into a primarily African-American Holiday celebrated by slaves and free blacks, and liberally seasoned with African culture and traditions.
Pinkster is celebrated over several days. Both the Dutch and Africans enjoyed drinking, games dance and music. Sellers decorated their stalls and carts with greenery and flowers, especially azaleas, which were associated with Pentecost. The dances practiced were a combination of African and European steps and elements, creating new dances which were the precursors to modern tap and break dancing.
The slaves used the opportunity of Pinkster to take jabs at whites, mimicking and ridiculing, some of the white culture and habits through dramas, speeches, storytelling, and song.
Milford and Pike County have an interesting history when it comes to the celebration of Pinkster. "The red letter day of the year was Pinkster." This is written in Charles F. Rockwell's "Recollections of Men, Customs and Events in Milford Pennsylvania and Vicinity" (1889) in the chapters recalling the adventures of a negro named "Old Adam" who resided above Sawkill Creek near the Glen. To celebrate at Adam's place one particular year, Rockwell writes: "the stove was taken out and all the furniture removed except a wooden bottom chair in each of two corners of the room on which stood the two old negroes Harry and Frank, one to call off and the other to play the violin."
This celebration included square dancing similar to the Virginia Reel and ended in what was called a "Patting Juber" where folks clapped their hands and kept time with their feet while young boys threw off some of their best steps to a roar of applause, both inside and out of the house. Mr. Rockwell describes this as "as happy as a scene as I have ever looked upon."
The PCHS plans to live up to the jubilation of Pinkster. The Society will offer tye dying, (bring your own t-shirt or purchase one from us!) a baked goods and plant sale, and games. The fun starts at 1:00pm on Museum grounds.
April 15, 2009
Local Artists to Exhibit at The Columns Museum
Milford – The Pike County Historical Society's Columns Museum, located at 608 Broad Street in Milford, is pleased to announce that they will be the site of an art exhibition for local independent artists representing all mediums.
Maureen A. Caska, Elva V. Zingaro, Patricia Dugan and Sandy Stalter will be on hand to show their works the weekend of April 24th, 2009.
Three of the four women study under Rusty Coelho who is a well known artist, portrait painter and designer in the metropolitan area.
The weekend will begin on Friday evening, April 24th, with a complimentary wine and cheese reception and an opportunity to meet the artists. Each artist will donate a piece for a silent auction, which will commence on Friday, and end at the close of the exhibit on Sunday.
Exhibit hours: Friday April 24, 2009 7-9, Saturday April 25th, 2009 1-4pm and Sunday April 26th, 2009 1-4pm.
February 26, 2009
Ronny Whyte to Close Winter Wednesdays
Milford - The Pike County Historical Society is pleased to have Ronny Whyte as the last performer slated for their Winter Concert Series at Bar Louis in Milford. 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.
TO reserve your place please call the Hotel Fauchere at 570-409-1212.
A donation of $25 is requested for this event, and proceeds benefit the Pike County Historical Society.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
February 6, 2009
Pike County Historical Society Home to New Lincoln Memorabilia
Milford - In honor of our 16th President's Birthday, the Pike County Historical Society's Museum will exhibit a collection of Lincoln Statuary which is on loan from the Lehigh Valley Historical Society. Included are an extremely rare 1891 Leonard Volk piece depicting Lincoln carrying the Emancipation Proclamation and an original John Rogers "Group" titled: "Council of War", which was created in 1868. John Rogers (1929-1904) was with little doubt the most popular sculptor of the last half of the 19th century. Working in plaster creating Victorian decorative groups of statuary, he is often referred to as the "Norman Rockwell" of his time. Rogers distinguished himself early in his career with the many poignant American Civil War subjects he created and realized into various groups of statuary. One of his most impressive Civil War offerings is without doubt, "The Council of War".
The exhibit will officially open on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at the Columns Museum.
Special museum hours will be observed, opening at 1:00pm and remaining open until 6:00pm the evening of the 12th. Light refreshments will be served between 4-6pm.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
February 6, 2009
A Night to Remember a Friend
Milford - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) would like you to join us for a night of music dedicated to our dear friend in history, who recently passed, Priscilla Fenstermacher. Priscilla was a free spirited woman who enjoyed life to its fullest. She was a volunteer and Board member of the PCHS for many years and she will be dearly missed. The PCHS asks that anyone who would like to be a part of this special evening, join us at Bar Louis on February 18th from 7:30-10:00 to listen to the Celtic meanderings of Celeste Triebeneck, accompanied by Paul Mitchell on guitar, and raise a glass of cheer in remembrance of our friend Priscilla.
Please call 570-296-8126 for details.
February 6, 2009
Winter Wednesdays Goes Celtic
Milford - On February 18th the Pike County Historical Society and Bar Louis will play host to Celeste Triebeneck as part of the ongoing winter music series to benefit the Society's building maintenance fund.
Celeste Triebeneck is a vocalist who sings in the Celtic, British and American folk tradition. Her love for this repertoire was inspired by an early introduction to the music through her work at Shanachie Records. Accompanied by Paul E. Mitchell on 12-string and classical guitar, she currently performs at theaters, cultural centers, pubs and galleries with great response.
Her recent popularity, highlighted during an appearance on Ramble Tamble, a National Public Radio program, is due to the strong visual and story-telling quality of her music as displayed in her emotional performances.
Reserve your place by calling 570-296-8126. Show starts at 7:30pm.
February 6, 2009
Scott Weis...So Nice
Milford - Week two of WINTER WEDNESDAYS will be in full swing on February 11th when Scott Weis takes the floor at Bar Louis for an evening of music filled with heart and soul. The Scott Weis Band has enjoyed quite a bit of success recently, and the Pike County Historical Society is delighted that they could take some time out of their busy schedules to help our cause.
A donation of $25 gets you a reserved seat to the best show in town, and also helps the Historical Society with their ongoing building maintenance fund drive. Help our town keep one of its finest architectural structures looking good! The show starts at 7:30 and reservations can be made by calling 570-296-8126 or by stopping into the Hotel Fauchere's guest services office.
Next week....WINTER WEDNESDAYS continues with the Celtic vibe of Celeste Triebeneck.
For more information on programming offered at The Pike County Historical Society’s Museum visit us online at www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
January 15, 2009
Bobby Kyle to Kick Off Winter Wednesdays Music Series
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society, in cooperation with the Hotel Fauchere’s Bar Louis, have scheduled a series of musical performances for the benefit of the Columns Museum. Winter Wednesdays will be held each Wednesday in February, featuring local musicians who will donate their time for the cause.
Kicking off the series is Milford's own Bobby Kyle. Kyle has worked with the Historical Society before, and was eager to return, in order to help raise some much needed funds for building maintenance. The McLaughlin house, home of The Columns Museum on Broad Street in Milford, holds a special place in Mr. Kyle's heart, as he spent much time in his youth in the building; before it became the official historical society of Pike County. He recalls waiting for his sister to finish her dance lessons and exploring the grand home.
Kyle, who now leads his own high-energy quartet at clubs and festivals around the Northeast, spent eight years touring the world with the late guitarist, songwriter and singer Johnny "Clyde" Copeland. Copeland was one of contemporary blues' more gifted songwriters, breaking new lyrical and thematic ground with each new album he recorded through the 1980s and '90s.
Bobby was backing up Bill Dicey by the late seventies, and the pair later became a duo. In the early eighties, Bobby joined the house band at the Stuffed Pepper, a Tampa Bay blues mecca. There he worked with such luminaries as James Peterson, Johnny Shines, Raful Neal, Mary McClain Smith, and Tabby Thomas. In 1984 Handy Award winner Eddie Kirkland invited Bobby to join his band. After six years with Eddie, Bobby joined the band of Grammy Award winner Johnny "Clyde" Copeland. Bobby performed with this legendary Texas bluesman on major-label recordings, and in concerts, festivals, and clubs worldwide until Johnny's death in 1997.
Between touring dates with Eddie Kirkland and Johnny Copeland, Bobby took his solo act on the road, performing his own material at nightclubs and festivals throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Bobby's emotional, soulful voice rings true, and is forged with a raw, distinctive quality. Honest and forthright, Bobby's original songs tell the story of everyman with a passion born of life, love and loss.
Admission to the February 4th performance in Bar Louis is $25, with proceeds going to the Pike County Historical Society. Performances begin at 7:30 and reservations are required. Please call Lori at the Columns at 570-296-8126 to reserve your place.
January 15, 2009
The Columns Gets Floored, Thanks to Local Craftsman
Milford, PA - The Pike County Historical Society’s “Columns Museum” has been in need of having the Museum’s main floor refurbished for many years. Attempts to raise the funding for this job have been slow going and often placed on the back burner due to other, more immediate concerns regarding the maintenance of the 1904 home on Broad Street, in Milford. When the museums director voiced her desire for the scratched up, scarred floors to be done, it was Roger Picker of Pike County Hardwood Floors that came to her rescue. “One day Roger and I were talking about the floors and he said he would donate his time to do them,” said Lori Strelecki, Museum Director. From there the project went into the planning stages. Finding a good time for the job to be done was not an easy task on either side. The Museum had many events planned over the Holidays, and Roger owns and operates his own flooring business, which puts him in demand for other, paying customers.
Mr. Picker has been in business for 25 years and is a master at his craft. When another local floor company heard of Roger’s lofty project, they also agreed to help to make the job go faster. So it is the goodhearted, community minded fellas: Roger Picker, Philip Joerss and Bruce DeAngelo that have done a nice thing for their local historical society, the Board of Directors of Pike County Historical Society are very grateful.
January 14, 2009
Pike County Historical Society To Offer Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Milford, PA - In Celebration of Winter and Milford's newly created Winter Festival, the Pike County Historical Society’s Columns Museum will offer narrated, horse-drawn carriage rides starting at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 24th. The coach will leave on the half hour from The Hotel Fauchere and whisk you away on a historical adventure that includes a good dose of our local history, brought to you by your friendly Museum Director, Lori Strelecki.
Hot beverages and blankets will be available, if the weather outside is frightful, to make your carriage ride delightful! The cost is $20 per person and reservations are necessary.
Please call the Columns Museum at 570-296-8126 for more information or to reserve
January 7th, 2009
Music Series Offered to Benefit The Pike County Historical Society
Milford PA - The Pike County Historical Society (PCHS) is proud to bring a lineup of local talent to Bar Louis at the Hotel Fauchere, Milford, Pa., for a winter music series titled "Winter Wednesday's". The intimate atmosphere in which these diverse, talented musicians will perform makes for a very special evening for all in attendance. The Pike County Historical Society, home of the Columns Museum, encourages your support in their bid to acquire the much needed dollars to keep the museum in good repair.
This spring they will take on the costly job of painting the exterior of the building and repairing the decaying soffits. The 1904 neo-classical structure is an important part of the architectural history of our community and the organization serves as the official Historical Society of Pike County.
The Columns Museum has been under the direction of Lori Strelecki for the past eight years and since the onset of her time with the organization they have raised funds not only to further the preservation of the many artifacts housed at the Columns Museum, but have worked diligently towards the upkeep of the marvelous structure. The interior has been painted, the Foundation Room given a new look, a new terne metal roof has been applied in keeping with historical precedence, and, most recently the hardwood floors of the museum are being re-done, eliminating the wear, tear and scars the floor has sustained over the years. (This particular project is being completed through the kindness of Roger Picker of Pike County Hardwood Flooring and Phillip Joerss of Advanced Wood Floors, who are donating their time).
The PCHS brings innovative, informative and enjoyable programming to the public on a regular basis including "Dinner and a Silent Movie", Smoky Joe Wood Day, 33 for History, Lectures, Readings, Musical Performances, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides and Historical Re-enactments. A most successful venture has been Scouting Sleepovers at the Museum, a popular outing for scouts of all ages. This year the museum will begin a very special program created for Delaware Valley Schools, offering programming in line with the State Core Curriculum's requirements. "All these tasks have been readily accomplished quietly. The people who support the Museum do so because they believe in what we do. It is a natural inclination for us to want to give back to the community and we do so by offering unique, affordable, often free programming and events.
“The musicians who are donating their talents for Winter Wednesdays should be applauded for taking time out of their busy schedules to help our cause," said Strelecki, Museum Director.
Bobby Kyle, who will kick off the series on February 4th, is a life time resident of Pike County with an exceptional knowledge of its history. His reminiscences will add a personal touch to his performance.
All the musicians involved certainly show their love of history in contributing to the event and are dedicated to "keeping history alive", as Celeste Triebeneck said, "through the donation of song."
Tickets to individual performances are $25 per person and reservations are strongly suggested, as seating is limited. A "Season Pass" can be obtained for a discounted rate of $75, and insures admission to all four performances. To reserve your place at Winter Wednesdays please call Lori at 570-296-8126 or email your request to pikemuse@ptd.net.
