KEYSTONE PRESERVATION APPROVES THE DESIGN OF NEW HEADQUARTERSThis is great news for the Society as it now permits the actual bidding process to begin. Three local experienced contractors have indicated an interest in undertaking the project. They are Millers Brothers, Cresswell Brothers and the Quandel Group. It is hoped a Schuylkill County firm will be the successful bidder. The architect will finish the design work by mid-February and he estimates it will take all interested bidders approximately four weeks to prepare their bids. Therefore, it is hoped by early April a contract will be entered with the successful bidder and the long awaited renovations can begin in earnest.
The County Shows an interest in the Third Floor of the New HeadquartersBenesch and Company, a local engineering firm, has completed a structural analysis of the Female Grammar School's third floor. The HSSC does not anticipate utilizing the third floor in its planned renovated headquarters. HSSC will discuss with the County the possiblity of leasing the third floor to the County for its Archives overload. Anyone who has visited the County Archives will realize the Archives is filled to the brim and is need of extra space.ANNUAL DINNER TO BE APRIL 1
It is no joke. The first dinner of the new millenium or the last dinner of the old millenium (depending on one's view point) will be held in the Borough of Shenandoah on April 1st. The exact time and place should be announced in February. The theme eill be "Slovaks in Pennsylvania". Hopefully this will be of great interest to all members and to those non-members who may be interested in eastern European migration to Pennsylvania. Last year's dinner had a Pa Dutch theme with authentic etnic cuisine. The dinner was well received by all those attending. It is anticipated the dinner menu will also feature Slovak or eastern European dishes. It is also possible some live ethnic music will be heard. The dinner will be a great opportunity for all to socialize and learn something about early settlers to Schuylkill County. It is also a great opportunity for the HSSC to travel to the historic borough of Shenandoah and meet some of the active Shenandoah activists, historians, and genealogists |
MOLLY MAGUIRE WEEKEND TO BE HELD IN JUNE Nativity B.V.M graduate, Joseph Lucas, who hails from Branchdale is aposible Molly Maguire attraction. Mr. Lucas is an actor who currently resides in Los Angeles. Last year he perfomed the play "Once a Man, Twice a Boy" in Jim Thorpe. Negotiations are underway to book Mr. Lucas and the mining theme play for the Schuylkill County Molly Maguire Weekend. Details should be announced in February. This should be of interest to Molly Maguire buffs, mining and ethnic historians, as well as residents of the Branchdale area and Nativity alumnii. "JOHN SINEY: THE MINER'S MARTYR" Noted author Edward Pinkowski will be making available to HSSC, 100 copies of the St. Clair labor leader. It was gracious of the author to donate the books to HSSC to aid the Society in its fundraising effort. When the books arrive the newslteer will give the deatails on how to purchase. |