DUBOIS – The largest dinner crowd in several years, 85 members and guests, attended the DuBois Area Historical Society’s 37th annual dinner to learn new facts about Pennsylvania history and honor a distinguished member of the organization.
Society President Ruth Gregori announced that long-time member Ken Wiser had been presented with the society’s Champion of History Award.
This award is established to recognize individuals, groups or organizations who have contributed to the goals of the purpose of the DuBois Area Historical Society, as described in the society’s mission statement:
“To promote the study, preservation and appreciation of history. The area normally served is that area within the boundaries of the DuBois Area School District.”
The mission statement is inherent in this recognition. Wiser has been a long-time member of the society and a member of its executive council since 2002.
During this time, Wiser, now a resident at Christ the King Manor, represented Falls Creek/Smithtown/Singing Hills areas. He faithfully attended the Falls Creek School Reunions, sharing memorabilia with that group and bringing donated items by them to the society for permanent inclusion.
During Clearfield County’s bicentennial celebration, he researched and wrote historical articles for submission to The Courier-Express newspaper’s special edition.
These articles chronicled the area’s past to appreciate the heritage of the local community. Additionally, Wiser was one of the researchers for the society’s publication, Tom Mix: DuBois’ Nickelodeon Cowboy.
His most-sustaining effort has been with the weekly column entitled “Looking Back,” where for 17 continuous years Wiser poured over the microfilmed copies of 100-year-old DuBois newspapers to document important events of our past.
This is the third time the Champion of History Award was presented. Previous recipients were Dr. Jeffrey Rice and the Paul G. and Dorothy F. Reitz Charitable Trust.
Al Holliday, publisher of Pennsylvania Magazine, was the guest speaker for the dinner. His topic was “25 Odd, Improbable and Fun Facts About Pennsylvania.”
The questions ranged from: what honor did William and Hannah Penn receive in 1983? Answer, honorary U. S. citizenship; to which of the Three Stooges was from Pennsylvania? Answer, Larry Fine.
Holliday presented all in attendance with a free copy of Pennsylvania Magazine and the option to receive two more free issues.
During a brief business meeting, the following were elected to two-year terms: Ruth Gregori, president; Carol Laughlin, first vice president; Dick Castonguay, director of building and grounds; Carolyn Rhoades, director of youth; Todd Thompson, director of history; Paul Bojalad, City of DuBois representative; Galen Kilmer, Sandy Township representative; and Nancy Rosman, Winslow Township representative.
The proposed 2020 budget was also approved.
The dinner was held at Christ Lutheran Church in DuBois and was catered by Catering by Paulette. Gregori served as master of ceremonies. Barb Emmer introduced the guest speaker. Todd Thompson delivered the invocation.
Upcoming DuBois Area Historical Society activities include:
Oct. 12 is the 12th annual Spirit of DuBois Lantern Walk. The first tour leaves Parkside Community Center at 5 p.m. Additional tours will leave every 15 minutes.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students, with children sixth grade and younger free if accompanied by an adult.
To make advance reservations for a specific walk time, telephone 814-371-4627 between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., starting Sept. 30.
Tour groups will be limited to 20 people. Walk-ins are also welcome and will be assigned to the next available tour.
On Oct. 16 is Dining for a Cause at the Italian Oven, DuBois. Ten percent of food purchases will be donated to the society. Vouchers must be presented and are available from society board members or may be printed at www.duboishs.com.
