Go Foxburg! » Heritage

Alternative Valentine’s Day

Nancy Whyte — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:10:57 +0000

Another holiday will soon be upon us: Valentine’s Day. Practically since the day after Christmas, stores have had cupids dangling above our heads and shelves overloaded with brightly foiled or satin-laced hearts. Romantic cards fill the greeting slats (Valentine’s Day is second only to Christmas in greeting card sales), and racks of skimpy nightwear have been pushed to prominent locations. The electricity of love charges the air.
But not for everyone. There are some of us who were either left standing on the dock when the Love Boat sailed or who purposefully and successfully have dodged Cupid’s arrows. But we who don’t have a significant — or for that matter, an insignificant — other can still find a way to enjoy February 14th. Let me explain.
Regardless of the exact origins of Valentine’s Day — some say it commemorates several early Christian martyrs while others suggest it is a byproduct of an ancient fertility festival called Lupercalia — by general consensus the holiday is celebrated on February 14th. Well, other important events took place on that date. Those of us without a date (pun intended) can chose to acknowledge some of those other occurrences. Thus, we can party and celebrate and have a good time with the other people who are without partners.
Ignoring doilies, diamonds, flowers, and candy, we nonromatics have several choices about what to celebrate. Depending on our personality, we can select to honor the admission of two different states to the union, the creation of one of the most important medicines, or one of the most notorious massacres in American history.
Probably the least-controversial way to celebrate February 14th is by commerating the admission of two states. Oregon, number 33, which became part of the union on Valentine’s Day in 1859, is geographically the 9th largest state and currently contains the 27th largest population. Also, Arizona, the third from last state to join the union, became part of our country on February 14th, 1912; Arizona is the 6th largest and is the 14th most populated state. Due to their shapes, both of these states’s admissions could easily be celebrated with a rectangular sheet cake; for Oregon, unevenly slice a little off the top and right side, and for Arizona slightly scallop the left side and cut a slight triangular wedge off the bottom.
Ironically, Valentine’s Day also marks the introduction of a medicine often used to treat maladies acquired while celebrating that holiday. It was on this date in 1929 that Scotsman Alexander Fleming brought out penicillin, his by-product of mold that can be used to treat bacteriological infections. I’d recommend that if you choose to celebrate the advent of penicillin you concentrate on the abbreviation “pen” and buy yourself a new writing utensil as opposed to chowing down something moldy.
But perhaps the most interesting — and probably least politically-correct way of observing February 14th — would be with a St. Valentines’ Day Massacre party.
Long before the Sharks and the Jets went after each other in New York City, gangs of organized-crime mobsters challenged each other for supremacy in Chicago. With the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol banned by the nineteenth amendment, ample opportunity existed for those trying to get rich through illegal activities. In particular competition for Chicago’s North Side were two rival gangs: one run by Johnny Torrio and the other by Bugs Moran.
As payback for an earlier gang killing committed by Torrio, in 1925 Bugs Moran shot Johnny Torrio shot four times and would have killed him had he not run out of ammunition. Torrio survived, but shortly afterward while serving time in prison for a police raid on one of his breweries, he contacted his long-time friend and associate, Al “Scarface” Capone. Torrio announced his retirement and then turned over his crime syndicate to Capone.
Al Capone sought justice for his mentor’s injuries. The opportunity for revenge arrived on February 14th, 1929 resulting in one of the most notious gang assassinations in history: the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Although Capone was in Miami when the shootings took place, few doubt that he gave the order for the hit. One of Capone’s henchmen made the arrangements by contacting Moran and offering to sell him a truckload of whiskey at a very low price. Moran agreed, and the shipment was to arrive the next day at Moran’s warehouse. But Moran but was running late on the 14th. As he approached the warehouse, he saw several policemen and detectives step out of a cop car and enter the building. Thinking he had narrowly avoided being arrested in a raid, Moran left — thus escaping certain death.
Meanwhile, inside, Moran’s men apparently decided to let their lawyers sort things out later, so they cooperated with the police. As instructed, they put down their weapons and lined up against the wall. However, instead of being frisked and arrested, bullets flew as the assassins savagely used shotguns and submachine guns to eliminate Moran’s crew. Six men died at the scene, and a seventh, who refused to provide any information, died less than an hour later at a Chicago hospital.
Instead of being legitimate law enforcement officers, the shooters were Capone’s hired assassins wearing stolen police uniforms and driving a stolen police car. A local optometrist who had been misidentified as Moran, mistakenly died in his place, and the real target of the massacre escaped injury.
Although Capone had an airtight alibi, the savagery of the Valentine’s Day killings shocked and angered Americans, and perhaps because police had been impersonated, authorities redoubled their efforts to bring Capone to justice. In May 1929 Al Capone was sent to prison for carrying a concealed weapon, and in October, 1931 Capone was found guilty of several counts of federal income tax evasion. He was fined $80,000 and sentenced to prison for 11 years. He spent most of his prison time at Alcatraz prison where he was released early after 6-1/2 years for good behavior. With Prohibition having been repealed and his crime empire dissolving in his absence, Capone retired to his estate in Florida where he died of complications from syphilis in 1947. His archrival, Bugs Moran died of lung cancer ten years later in Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary while serving time for bank robbery.
Thus, for the adventurous, the notorious massacre of St. Valentine’s Day could be observed with a get-together. Attendees could arrive dressed like gangsters or Chicago police. I’d recommend water pistols instead of more realistic accessories, and punch instead of bootleg alcohol.
So, as February 14th approaches, those of us who are single need not despair; there are plenty of alternative ways to observe the day. We can party and celebrate any of a variety of events: new states, antibiotics or gangland murder. And Cupid definitely doesn’t have to be included on our guest list!

“The Bank” is Open

Melissa Bawa — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:00:25 +0000

There is a building on the corner of Main Street, Foxburg that had been quiet for some time. Originally constructed as a Bank for the bustling town in 1932, it passed through many phases over the course of several years. It assumed the role of a church, a community center, an office for the boro council, an antique store, and now, after two years in silent contemplation, it’s doors are open again as a variety shop featuring all sorts of intrigues.

Paul and Sally McKissick, formerly of Mercer, are the forces behind the rejuvenation of what is commonly known as “The Bank” building. After purchasing the structure in April, the two, with the help of others, toiled day by day to bring the building back to life for the public to enjoy once more. After passing months of challenges with heating, plumbing, and general aesthetic refinishing, they were able to accommodate a number of unique businesses within the space and reopen the doors in late August. Among the features are leather goods for motorcyclists by Leather Connexion of Chicora, Rustic Roots hand-crafted wood furniture and crafts, ladies apparel by Amy’s Closet of Emlenton, as well as antiques and collectibles by Dale Wilson of Franklin, and “Wants Again” reusable merchandise; an added touch by Paul McKissick himself.

Paul was employed with Joy Manufacturing prior to moving to the Foxburg area with his Mighty Wurlitzer Organ three years ago. Paul, being both an enthusiastic woodworker and accomplished musician, restored the instrument to it’s potential glory and after many years and many private concerts, sold it to Dr. Arthur Steffee, one of the pioneers of Allegheny Riverstone Center for the Arts (ARCA). It now resides at Lincoln Hall where one may hear Paul play on various occasions. Sally McKissick was a banker at the Northwest Savings Bank in Franklin before trading one bank for another and joining her husband in the venture of occupying Foxburg’s “Bank” building.

The couple welcomes new vendors to join them in making The Bank another point of interest in Foxburg, seeking those who deal in handmade artisan crafts and unique, quality merchandise. They are looking forward to the big Foxburg Festival coming in October and hope to have added beautifully crafted quilts to their offerings, just in time for winter. Currently the hours of operation for the store are Friday and Sunday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Stop by to meet Paul and Sally and find “a little something” at The Bank in Foxburg!

ARCA’s 1st Scottish Festival

Melissa Bawa — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:00:18 +0000

For just one day, on the 15th of August, 2009 Foxburg added a new dimension to it’s many facets – a celebration of Scotland. The sound of bagpipes filled the air as the strolling bagpipers marched about throughout the day. Men outfitted in their finest kilts roamed the grounds while sheepdogs rounded-up all of the roaming sheep. There was Scottish music, food and crafts at every turn, and even Scottish clans – the theme of the day was that of a land so rich in cultural heritage that it was teeming at the Riverstone Farm. Rightly so it was, due to the fact that the original benefactor of Foxburg, Joseph Mickle Fox, was responsible for bringing the game of golf to Foxburg after enjoying it in St. Andrews, Scotland. So many years after he enjoyed the Scottish countryside, the Scottish countryside came to Foxburg. It was a day like no other Foxburg had ever seen.

To do full justice to this story, let’s step back to the evening before the festival, when the celebrations actually began. Friday night, the festival commenced with ‘Ceilidh’, a Gaelic term meaning “a social gathering with traditional music, dancing, and storytelling” at 7pm. Johnathan Shegog played the bagpipes to welcome visitors to downtown Foxburg for the event held in the grassy nook between Foxburg Free Library and Foxburg Wine Cellars. Throughout Ceilidh, Carl Peterson and Robert Murdoch sang folk songs joined by Melinda Crawford on the fiddle and her husband Dan Crawford accompanying on piano. It was a joyous open air concert interlaced with the sounds of the bagpipes up and down the valley.

Saturday’s events started with the opening ceremony by MacDonald Pipe Band from Pittsburgh and was followed by various events including athletic performances wherein athletes displayed their strength and skills with the Caber Toss and Stone Put, sheepdog herding demonstrations by Tom Conn & Pam Gardner, and a variety of live music by the MacDonald Pipe Band and other performers. There were many craft vendors selling their wares ranging from pottery to kilts to hand pulled wool. Foods of the Highland included traditional Scottish delights such as meat pies, sausages, homemade cookies or folks could even have a slice of pizza by Foxburg Pizza. Other businesses in Foxburg also joined in the festivities with wine from Foxburg Wine Cellars, and Chocolates by Divani Chocolate Boutique to give the visitors a taste of the town. Inside the Events Center, kids enjoyed stories and songs by John Mickle and also had an opportunity to learn some Gaelic from Harry Webb. Popcorn, chocolate and ice cream were some of the tasty treats readily available for snacking… a kid’s dream come true! Visitors awaited horse carriage rides given by the Hovis family of Emlenton and Segway Tours promoted a new kind of “leisure sport” with a team of Segways, giving demonstrations and trials. Other attractions included various Scottish clan organizations who lined their tent along the roadway near the Galloway and Highland cattle. There, they shared their history and offered genealogy study and memberships.
The festival was interluded with announcements from the management, one of which was for the band to play the surprise ‘Happy Birthday’ tune for Dr Arthur Steffee, the owner of Riverstone Farm, who hosted the festival on his premises. Incidentally, during the closing ceremony, Dr. Steffee announced that he discovered at the festival that he is about a quarter Scottish.

A special “Moran taing!” goes out to all of the volunteers for ARCA in making this wonderful event such a success, after all it was a great day for Scotland and Foxburg!

Foxburg Bridge is Falling Down!

(Vab) Vaibhav Bawa — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:00:12 +0000

A few days before July 24th, 2008 I had been trying to capture the “best view” of the old Foxburg Bridge that my modest Minolta Dimage Z1 would afford. Then I noticed this little flower planted among the bushes on the edge of the river. After assuming some awkward positions in an attempt to include the little flower within composure, I managed to take several shots from the perspective of someone who must have witnessed the Foxburg Bridge throughout the season leading to it’s end.

A year ago today, a very special event was about to take place. Everyone was looking forward to it – some were very unhappy about it, a few were relieved and the rest I’d say, pretty neutral. We all knew it had to happen…and finally after putting in over a year of planning and construction, they imploded the historic Foxburg Bridge into the Allegheny. A legacy was blown up within moments!

There were lots of rumors surrounding the then Foxburg Bridge. I heard, “They are going to keep it and put little shops on it” and “They’ll just leave it there. After all it’s a piece of history”. Despite all hopes and anticipations, the authorities appeared to be fairly clear about what needed to be done. Someone said the old bridge could have collapsed anytime in future without warning and was simply a hazard given that it would not have been maintained. This would have rung the bells to anyone who used the old bridge or the Allegheny for work or leisure. So, inspite of all the controversy, finally the big day arrived and the town took a moment to pause, reflect and await the judgement.

Foxburg had been busy earlier in the season with not only visitors but also the crew responsible for constructing the new bridge. There were construction signs everywhere warning users of the bridge to expect delays and intervention by construction machinery. But that day there were more – the Discovery channel decided to capture the moment with their own sophisticated gear, there were emergency services sprawled all over as close to the bridge as possible, ready to intervene “just in case”, then there was the audience – both locals and visitors. Earlier, the town folks were asked to evacuate the town for safety reasons – although the authorities were confident that the implosion would go smoothly without damage to any structure or life, they wanted an extra layer of protection. A policeman patrolled the town and verified that the houses were actually vacated before the scheduled time for implosion. This, of course, gave the town-folk an opportunity to step out and witness the “big event” in its entirety.

Some people flocked to the bike trail and climbed down to the river-bank to secure a nice view. Others boated over on the Allegheny to peek at the scene from atop the river. There was an excitement about in the air – the kind you don’t experience in mundane life. Everyone was awaiting the spectacle and yet most of us wished it would never happen. All of us were deliberately quiet as if sitting in an opera or a movie theater. The last siren blew from the Foxburg Fire Hall to mark the beginning of the implosion. Soon, as we waited patiently with our hearts pounding, a spark was seen starting at the far right of the bridge travelling swiftly to the left followed by the blasting sound that had found its way through our earplugs. A series of clapping and cheering followed from the audience – pleased or upset, the people seemed to have come to terms with the reality of the moment.

For those interested, the bridge identification plate and foundation stones of the old Foxburg Bridge can be found at Foxburg Free Library on Main Street in Foxburg.

Soon after the implosion, the old Foxburg Bridge, a piece of history as it was, made its way to the HistoricBridges.org website. A stream of amateur videos appeared on YouTube.com capturing the demolition scene. Please see one of my favorite videos below.

Summer Reading at Foxburg Free Library

Nancy Whyte — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:00:20 +0000

Opportunities for kids to have fun continue this summer at the Foxburg Free Library. In addition to having thousands of children’s and young adult books and dozens of movies on VCR or DVD available for free borrowing, kids are invited to attend two programs designed to promote reading and eliminate summertime boredom through fun and educational activities.
All children are invited to attend either or both programs; preregistration is not required, nor does one have to be a member of the Foxburg Free Library. Visitors to the area are invited to attend. The programs are conducted on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings.
Through July, the Summer Reading program will take place at the library each Friday morning from 10am until 11:45. Each week a book or two will be read aloud — often with each listener participating through actions or with puppets. There is also a craft activity conducted each week. Projects so far this summer have included stringing necklaces, making paper bag puppets, and decorating patriotic magnets and pictures. Participants are kept busy playing various games; songs are identified and sung, and memory activities performed. A snack is also served.
Regular attendees of the Summer Reading Program are challenging each other to read a certain number of books; progress is visually tallied on the side of library bookcases with each reader’s personal cardboard cone topped by paper ice cream scoops labeled with each book read. (It’s a good thing the scoops are made of paper; based on the enormous quantity of scoops some achieving readers have acquired, it would be quite a melted mess on the floor had scoops of real ice cream been used!)
Each reader is encouraged to meet reading goals on a near-daily basis: to read aloud for at least ten minutes, to read silently for at least ten minutes, and to listen to someone read to him/her for at least ten minutes. As a reward, each week, several names are drawn, and those children get to choose a prize from the Treasure Chest of goodies.
The last meeting of the Friday Summer Reading Program will be July 31st.

Summer Reading Program

If Friday mornings don’t fit into your busy summer schedule, on each Tuesday evening from 5 to 5:45 a similar Kids’ Hour program takes place at the library. Again, anyone is welcome to join us; we’ll listen to a book, participate in the craft and activities, and enjoy a snack.
The Tuesday Kids’ Hour program will continue through the summer and will continue in the fall.
The Foxburg Free Library is a strong promoter of literacy and encourages all children to discover the fun, entertainment, and educational values of reading. Designed to achieve these goals, and based on the smiles and laughter seen and heard during each meeting, it appears that the Foxburg Free Library’s programs are doing just that!

The Emlenton Creamery: 1st Step in the Emlenton Mill’s Revival

Melissa Bawa — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:13:11 +0000

The day was beautiful. The sun was warm and bright, a subtle breeze gently brushed over the skin and the clouds formed shapes of enormous animals in the sky! The conditions were perfect for ice cold relief. As my husband and I parked our car on Main Street in Emlenton in front of the Old Emlenton Mill, I could sense that we were in for a real treat.

I for one, simply adore old buildings and am overjoyed when I learn they are loved by others as well. It must be a real honor among buildings for someone to appreciate their timeless character, durability resulting from sound construction, and most of all their current potential. It is the fortune of the 134 year old Emlenton Mill to be recognized as such a structure, and now, with the opening of the Emlenton Creamery within a section of the building, it is being utilized in part as a delightful ice cream shop.

The owners of the Mill, Paul and Nancy Newbury, have been working hard for four years to revive this sizable space into an operable masterpiece, and they have begun with the addition of the creamery. The creamery is part of a non-profit organization founded by the Newburys, called The Old Emlenton Mill Foundation. Through our discussions with Nancy, we came to learn how dedicated and dignified their approach is toward not only retaining the integrity of the building throughout renovations, but in making it a hub for activities. Their overall intention with this venture is to create a meeting place for various groups and area youth, workshop space for teaching artists, as well as to cater to travelers of the Rails To Trails bicycle path. Everyone is welcome. Why just last year, upon request, they began accommodating a small congregation on Sundays, all while achieving their goals for further improvement!

The Newburys plan to incorporate revolving art displays and host live entertainment on a regular basis. They feature a tasty selection of Perry’s ice cream you may enjoy in a cone or a sundae. Not to mention, they serve root beer floats! We tried the Fruit Parfait on our visit and let me tell ya, the strawberries were Y-U-M-M-Y! With the creamery’s endearing interior space, expansive outdoor deck overlooking the river, and chilly treats, it’s sure to provide the summered weary visitors with a cool and an inviting environment!

So, be sure to stop by and check out the new Emlenton Creamery! Maybe you’ll luck in to the grand tour like we did, but if not, just sit back, lap up the inspiration and the ice cream!

Scottish Festival

Jae Brown — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:59:14 +0000

August 15, 2009
9:00 AM	to	6:00 PM

An all day event at Riverstone Farms Event Center with clan gatherings, traditional pipe bands, dancing, sheep dog trials and athletic demonstrations. Lots of food and fun for the family. General admission – $5.00 per person. Children under 12 free.

For more information, call Scottish Festival Hotline 412-894-8749 or go to ARCA’s website.

Foxburg is an event!

Melissa Bawa — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:00:52 +0000

Two years ago, my husband and I uprooted our cozy living arrangement in the shadows of Toronto and moved to the, somewhat remote, town of Foxburg Pennsylvania to open our very own chocolate shop. Ever since, one pivotal question, accompanied by a hint or two of disbelief, has been cropping up in the minds and on the lips of nearly everyone who visits our place…”Why did you choose Foxburg?” The obvious answers are that I grew up in a neighboring town, Knox, and used to work in the winery, located on Main Street in Foxburg. Yet, this is not all there is to it. Realizing Foxburg is kind of like the story of the Alchemist, wherein a young fellow from Spain sets out on a journey to find riches and the richness in his own life, only to discover that the richness was his search and the riches were with him all the while. For our purpose, conveying the richness that is Foxburg may be a bit of a challenge, but only if you’re in a really big hurry and don’t care to seek them out for your self. For those of a more inquisitive nature, you may begin here.

The very first big event in Foxburg was, it’s making of course! The year was 1785 when Samuel Mickle Fox of Philadelphia decided to purchase some land among the great Allegheny Clarion Valley. However, it was his son, Joseph Mickle Fox, who built his summer home, a.k.a: The Fox Mansion, in 1820. Legend has it that Joseph consulted a local “Indian” (i.e Native American) to walk with him over the land in order to find the most suitable place to build! Joseph and his family invested eight years building their home entirely of materials obtained from their land. The mansion was completed in 1828 and carriage houses, stables, an ice house, a greenhouse, barns, a log cabin for the Fox children to play, and a complete arboretum where added by and by. Interestingly, the Fox’s built the first arboretum in the Commonwealth and collected specimens from each indigenous tree to the area to give it sustenance. They too brought one of the country’s original golf courses into play, which is not only still operational, but never took a break! Recognized as philanthropists, the Fox family took great interest in community at large and also constructed the Episcopal Church and the Foxburg Free Library.

For a great length of time, the railroads were the main event and Foxburg was booming! Some 30,000 residents once occupied the little houses speckled over the hillside. There was a train station in the heart of town and even a beautiful inn where travelers and locals could eat and stay the night. (Actually, there were two different inns built in the same place at different times; both of which burned down! ) In the 20’s a unique double decker railroad bridge was constucted which was the signature feature of the town for many years. (It replaced two of the old wooden bridges that also burned down in earlier years.) It’s distinctive feature was the allowance for trains to pass over the top while cars drove over the single lane on the bottom! Pretty nifty, but now it can only bee seen on memorabilia, as it was demolished in 2008 and replaced with a modern two lane bridge.

Which brings us into the present. Foxburg had taken a little siesta from the industrial hustle and bustle and actually seemed reluctant to wake up until sometime in the nineties when a prodegee to Joseph Fox’s community interests rekindled the smoldering embers beneath the bed of Foxburg and lit it’s butt back on fire! Now there are events here every day beckoning those of many interests. A first class restaurant, a jazzy winery, a laid back riverfront hotel, a swank cafe & chocolate boutique, a lively pizzaria, a quaint coutry store, an exciting outdoors outfit, a curious gift shoppe, a mighty wurlizter in a musical theater, the river, the trails, the peace and quiet! Can you even imagine? Each year something is in the works and “change” is the word whispering throughout the valley. Newcomers are delighted and locals are excited as Foxburg reclaims it’s former glory in a new culturally driven light.

So… what was the question? Why Foxburg? Don’t ask me! Whether Foxburg can be your richness or your riches, all I have left to say is, figure it out for yourself! I’ve found my richness in “food of the gods”!