Penn's Pals

The Muncy Historical Society will host the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’ s2012 Theatre-in-the-Classroom (TIC) production: Penn’s Pals: Stories of Life in the Colonie of Pennsylvania at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 12 in the Muncy High School Auditorium, 200 West Penn Street. Admission to this Society-sponsored event is free and open to the public.

Penn’s Pals is an original piece created and directed by Ensemble member Andrew Hubatsek. Join three “printer’s devils” apprentices at Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia’s printing house as they act out the life and adventures of William Penn. Penn’s writings, philosophy, and his contribution in influencing the founding fathers as they struggled to create a new country are at the core of this production.

Using colonial and contemporary song, children’s games, mime, puppetry, audience participation, and BTE’s time-tested storytelling techniques, Franklin’s boys will illustrate this eventful history all the while giving the audience a picture of the daily life and times in Colonial Philadelphia.

Visit BTE’s website: www.bte.org for more information about this TIC program. Simply click on the TIC icon on the home page to be directed to the Penn’s Pals page. This is also where the Study Guide, the companion piece to Penn’s Pals, is available for download.

Alvira and the Ordnance

MUNCY — Stephen C. Huddy and Paul C. Metzger will present “Alvira and the Ordnance: An American Dream Denied” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 15 at the Muncy Historical Society, 40 N. Main St.

Nestled in the White Deer Valley, 7 miles south of Williamsport, the village of Alvira once resembled a Norman Rockwell-version of rural American life:  a proud main street, tidy wood-framed houses, spanking white picket fences, one-room school houses, five devoted churches and a close-knit, supportive citizenry whose values were rock-solid and deeply patriotic.

Almost exclusively agricultural in nature, Alvira provided for its own needs, and the extended needs of the White Deer Valley surrounding the village.  It was the ideal place to raise generations of family to whom rich farmland, an All-American work ethic, and unfailing love of country could be handed down.

That grand American dream ended abruptly in the early Spring of 1942, when, within weeks of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the War Department seized (mostly by eminent domain), and then destroyed the village of Alvira and its surrounding communities in order to build the Pennsylvania Ordnance Works.

The facility, a massive TNT production plant, covered 8,500 acres of prime farmland and uprooted hundreds of homesteads in both Lycoming and Union Counties. For all of its importance to the war effort, the plant and its TNT production lines operated only 11 months before abruptly closing.

The genealogy of Alvira’s residents and what happened to their village and the Pennsylvania Ordnance Works are the focus of the multimedia presentation.

Huddy and Metzger will offer results of their research, interviews, mapping and exploration of the village and the ordnance works, with images of both enterprises during their heydays, and following their demises.  The program offers an interesting look at a vital (and until now) relatively unknown piece of local history, and provides an insight into the massive power and influence of government in times of war.  It is a cautionary tale of the American dream, denied.

A retired Williamsport Area School District administrator, Huddy spent many months researching and photographing village and ordnance remains locally, and through the resources of the National Archives.

Metzger is president of the Muncy Historical Society, membership chairperson of the Sons of the American Revolution, and an expert on the genealogies of White Deer Valley residents and their properties.

The society’s regular meetings are free and open to the public. Museum tours begin at 1:30 p.m. on meeting days and light refreshments are served immediately following the program in the colonial kitchen.

More information is available on the Internet at http://www.MuncyHistoricalSociety.org, by calling (570) 546-5917 or emailing muncyhistorical@aol.com.

Locktender façade removed from the National Canal Museum in Easton. Muncy Historical Society volunteers will rebuild at the Heritage Park and Nature Trail near the site of the original canal locktender’s house.

On Sunday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m., newly-elected president, Paul Metzger, will introduce four nominees for board and trustee positions with the Muncy Historical Society. The three nominees for board positions are Tom Breneisen, Kathy Heilman and Judith Youngman; Jane Cotner is the nominee to fill the vacant trustee position. Breneisen, Heilman and Cotner have served previously in board and/or trustee roles; Youngman has been directing the Society’s quilt show efforts for the past eight years and is one of the core artists involved in the Society’s annual artists’ exhibition and show.

Following the board and trustee elections, Linda Poulton will present “Dare to Dream” at the Muncy Historical Society, located at 40 N. Main Street, Muncy. Poulton will retrace the Society’s experiences with their major community-oriented efforts, beginning with the 1999 resurrection and rededication of the Walton Graveyard, one of Muncy’s oldest cemeteries. This “story behind the story” presentation will take attendees on a visionary journey that includes the restoration of the 8-Square Schoolhouse, the packet boat cabin and water lock exhibit salvage projects, and the completion of Phase I of the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail.

Poulton will conclude her presentation by introducing this year’s challenge, which several organizations saw as impractical and unrealistic. The Society board, its members and volunteers dared to dream again, to imagine the seemingly impossible and to realize the possibilities of what might be.

The Society’s meetings and events are always open to the public. Museum tours begin at 1:30 on meeting days and light refreshments are served immediately following the program in the colonial kitchen.

8th Annual Quilt Show & Challenge

July 20 – 21, 2012

The quaint and beautiful river town of Muncy, Pennsylvania is the setting for this annual Quilt Show.

The Muncy Show features 19^th and 20^th century quilts along with traditional and new quilts, representing virtually all styles. Diversity and artistic interpretation are highlights of the show and each year, the event is a showcase of stunning hand and machine workmanship, appliqué and quilting techniques, reflecting the originality of the makers and their expertise with needle and thread. The antique and vintage quilts, which help to set this Show apart from others, are from private and museum collections from across the state of Pennsylvania.

The Show also includes quilts entered in the Challenge Theme category, special exhibits, lectures and/or workshops, fabric and specialty vendors, quilt appraisals and a variety of hands-on demonstrations. The show activities are selected to appeal to all ages and young people are encouraged to participate.

We are delighted to be featuring a pristine collection of 19^th Century PA pieced and appliqué vintage quilts for this year’s special exhibit. This spectacular collection, which includes a wide variety of patterns and sensibilities, has never been shown at our Muncy Show and is on loan from a private collection.

The Show’s will be held at the Myers Elementary School, located at 125 New Street, Muncy, PA, an air-conditioned facility with plenty of parking and easy accessibility from I-180.

***AIR CONDITIONED FACILITY***

Myers Elementary School, 125 New Street, Muncy, PA

From the South:I-180, exit 10 Main Street; left on Susquehanna Trail Rd/S. Main Street .9 mile; right on New Street .2 mile to school entrance on left

From the north: I-180, exit 13A; right on Route 405W .8 mile; left on S. Main Street .6 mile; left on New Street .2 mile to school entrance on left

Friday, July 20, 2012 & Saturday, July 21, 2012
Fri., 4 to 9 PM; Sat. 10 AM to 4 PM

Workshop – Saturday, July 21

Workshop: Muncy Historical Society’s Historic Quilt Patterns

Date & Time:             Saturday, July 21, 2012   10 a.m. to 1 p.m.       

Workshop Cost:           $20, includes your choice of MHS pattern & salad luncheon

Facilitators:                 Sheridan Walter & Judith Youngman

Location:                     Fellowship Hall, 1st United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market Street, Muncy

We are delighted to host our educational and hands-on workshop in conjunction with this year’s 8^th Annual Quilt Show (July 20-21). As always, class size is limited so don’t delay in completing the enrollment information at the bottom of this announcement.

For this workshop, Sherry and Judith reintroduce the Muncy Historical Society’s series of historic quilt patterns. Come and plan your own vintage friendship quilt featuring either the Muncy Compass (1855) or Muncy Baskets (1880) pattern.

You may plan to replicate the original quilt or use it as an inspiration for your own family treasure

Bring your imagination, basic sewing supplies, and as much fabric as you cannot stand to leave at home! Machines not required, but are welcome, as you wish.

We hope that you will join us. If you have any questions, please give us a call (570) 546-5917 (Museum) or (570) 546-5502 (home) or send along an email MuncyHistorical@aol.com.

Click here to read more about the upcoming
2012 Quilt Show Challenges >>>

Click here for the >>>
MUNCY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
QUILT SHOW VENDOR  FORM

Click here for the >>>
MUNCY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
QUILT SHOW ENTRY FORM

Quilt Entry Deadline

(Antique, vintage, traditional, challenge)

Wednesday, July 18, 2012, noon

Muncy Historical Society hosts its Annual Quilt Show in July. Enjoy antique, traditional and art quilts at this year’s special 2-day Quilt Show.

2012 Dates: July 20, 4 – 9 p.m.

July 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Quilt Entry Deadline: Wednesday, July 18, noon

8th Annual Quilt Challenge – 2012

Quilt Entry Deadline: Wednesday, July 18, noon

For 2012, the Challenge is to create a quilt that is a new entry using any one of the past five years’ Challenge themes. Challenge entries must be accompanied by a picture of the replicated quilt and/or an explanation of the inspiration.

For easy reference, the Challenge themes were:

2007 Theme: “Americana/Glory Be” – quilt must include an eagle design (although not a replica of the MHS’s “Eagle Quilt” and the judges must recognize your interpretation of this excerpt from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution: “We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty…”

2008 Theme: “Americans Embrace Diversity” – a derivative of E Pluribus Unum to reflect diversity (out of many, one; one from many; immigrant influence; melting pot; heritage; cultural, legacy, ethnicity, customs, roots, traditions, pedigree, etc.) – the diversity of each scrap used in quilt must not be lost in interpretation of theme.

2009 Theme:  “Dreams Become Reality” – a quilt that reflects the voice of the quilter’s creativity; to let “their play become their reality”; entries must include a legend which describes the quilter’s reality by using pattern, color, craftsmanship, imagination and strong symbolic composition.

2010 Theme: “Coverlet-Inspired”: a quilt that translates a coverlet design(s) – interpret an overshot, a doublecloth or a jacquard coverlet or let your imagination soar; no color or technique restrictions.

2011 Theme: “Civil War-Inspired”: faithful to the sensibilities of the Civil War period in color, design, materials and quilting pattern; entry may be a replication of an actual Civil War quilt (provide a citation) or the product of your own imagination..

Size: Maximum 72” x 72” and Minimum 36” x 36”; Quilt may be any shape as long as the outside dimensions fall within these guidelines.

More about the 2012 Show

Judging: A three-person panel will judge quilt entries before the show opens. Judges reserve the right to change a quilt’s category when another category seems more appropriate. Judges will examine all entries and base their opinions on content and design, message to the viewer, and workmanship. (Workmanship is not 100 percent of the judging criteria)

For the 2012 Show, the judges will evaluate all quilts against the following categories:

• One winner only in each of the following categories:
  • Best of Show (selected from all first-place winners)
  • Viewer’s Choice; and
  • Best Original Design

• 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rdplace winners in each of the following categories:
  • Challenge;
  • Appliquéd;
  • Other Techniques;
  • Use of Color-Traditional;
  • Use of Color-Contemporary;
  • Hand-Quilting;
  • Domestic/Hand-Guided Machine-Quilting;
  • Computer-Guided Machine-Quilting;
  • Wall-Hanging; and
  • Under 16

“Use of Color” and “Machine Quilting” categories have been expanded to differentiate between Color-Traditional and Contemporary and Domestic/Hand-Guided and Computer-Guided Machine Quilting.

In 2012, Best of Show, Viewer’s Choice and the 1^st place Challenge Quilt winners will receive an original watercolor by Robert Olmstead and a free quilt entry appraisal.

More about the Show …

Voting for Viewer’s Choice will be open until noon on Saturday with the Viewer’s Choice ribbon displayed on the winning quilt for the balance of the show.

Registration: All quilts must be registered by completing the quilt entry form. Quilt entry forms are available online or by calling the Society. Check in for all quilts, including Challenge Quilts, must be by Wednesday noon of show week. If it is not possible to hand deliver an entry, it may be mailed directly to the Muncy Historical Society, P.O. Box 11, 40 N. Main Street, Muncy, PA 17756.

All quilts should include a cloth label with the name of the quilt, the owner’s name and address sewn to the back of the entry. A 4-4 ½” hanging sleeve must be affixed to all traditional/contemporary entries.

Pick-up: Saturday at 4 p.m. or Monday following the show between 9 a.m. and 3

p.m. unless other arrangements are made. All entries must remain for the entire length of the show.

Questions: Call the Muncy Historical Society at 570.546.5917, write to Muncy Historical Society, P.O. Box 11, Muncy, PA 17756, or e-mail at MuncyHistorical@aol.com.

Click here to read more about the upcoming
2012 Quilt Show Challenge >>>

ANNOUNCING OUR 9^TH ANNUAL QUILT CHALLENGE – 2013

9th Annual Quilt Challenge – 2013

Quilt Entry Deadline: Wednesday, July 17, noon

For 2013, the Challenge is to produce a quilt that has been inspired by, and reflects the work of, an artist working in another medium.

Consider the much-loved music of Bach, George Gershwin or the Beatles!

Could you interpret the color or design of Monet or Mondrian?

Perhaps an author such as A. A. Milne  or Louisa May Alcott will spark an image!

Think beyond your own culture or time…

Your quilt entry in the challenge must be accompanied by documentation of its inspiration.

Size: Maximum 72” x 72” and Minimum 36” x 36”; Quilt may be any shape as long as the outside dimensions fall within these guidelines.

Past Show’s Challenge Winners

2007 “Americana/Glory Be”:

Sheridan Walter, Mifflinburg, challenge winner with “For All People.” The quilt gently reminds all that the blessings named in the Preamble are fundamental human rights, not the exclusive property of Americans. Quilted olive branches invite the viewer to consider images of Americana from a global perspective. In this inclusive context, the eagle is symbolic of historical American expressions of human rights. Patriotic images, pieced into stars in a wide border with subtle value contrasts, appear to be a single fabric. This intentionally chosen effect avoids a flashy, flag-waving jingoism. Yet, close inspection will reveal that the glory of Americana is present. The patriotism is quiet, respectful and not boastful.

2008 “Americans Embrace Diversity”:

Carol Nihart Odell, Muncy, challenge winner with “Reaching for the Stars.” Odell used Minnesota’s state colors of maroon and gold in the quilt and the state’s motto, “The North Star State” supported the quilt’s theme. When the Midwest began looking for “strong, able-bodied young men” Odell’s grandparents left their Central Pennsylvania lifestyle to pursue a better life in logging and farming in Minnesota. Minnesota became Odell’s home until she met her husband, Fred Odell, and together they returned to Pennsylvania where they “reached for the stars” and reared their own family.

2009 “Dreams Become Reality”:

Betty Neff, Canton, challenge winner with “Tales of My Father’s Father.”  This is a story quilt, a genealogy quilt for Wyatt E. Neff by his paternal grandmother. The structure of this quilt is based on several paintings by Bruce Storm.

2010 “Coverlet-Inspired”:

Jane Coleman, Bruch Valley, PA, challenge winner with “4-Corners Inspired.” Sigrid Piroch of Foxburg, PA found a weaver’s pattern book printed in the 1820’s among her family possessions. She wanted these patterns reproduced in quilts. Jane chose this pattern. In the process of planning the quilt, the pattern fell on the floor. Looking at the design from a distance of 4 ½ feet, she saw the design similar to the ones used in Native American blankets or carpets. So she chose the southwest color palette and the quilting designs are similar to their pottery and basket weaving designs.

2011 “Civil War Era-Inspired”:

Lana Miller, Northumberland, PA, challenge winner with “A Tribute to Jane Stickle.”

Jane A. Stickle (1817-1896) made a quilt “In War Time-1863” that has since been named “Dear Jane”. As she was stitching she probably thought a lot about the soldiers in battle during the Civil War. We will probably never know her feelings at that time but the fact that she had those three words “In War Time” on her quilt speaks volumes. In 2009, during a trip to the Bennington Museum in Vermont, Lana spent a lot of time gazing at the “Dear Jane” quilt, imagining how Jane designed the blocks and wishing someday to make a few. In 2010, Lana’s group was given 20 paper pieced blocks and from there she drafted the remaining 101 needed for the 11 x 11 block quilt. Her reference source was the book of the same name, Dear Jane, by Brenda Papadakis. Many times she wondered how Jane had drafted each block and what she was thinking while she sewed. Like Jane, Lana’s thoughts were on a war and the failing health of her father, who passed away after the blocks were done but before the blocks were sewn into a quilt top.

2011 Quilt Show Winners

Best in Show

Lana Miller, Northumberland, “A Tribute to Jane Stickle’

Challenge Quilts

Lana Miller, Northumberland, “A Tribute to Jane Stickle

Sheridan G. Walter, Mifflinburg, “Winning A War Does Not A Union Make”

Sue Snyder, Hughesville, “Stars & Strife”

Viewer’s Choice

Sheridan G. Walter, Mifflinburg, “Winning A War Does Not A Union Make”

Best Original Design

Sue Snyder, Hughesville, “Overrun in PA”

Use of Color

Rhonda Adams Freezer, Hughesville, “Bargello Cosmic Twist”

Sheridan G. Walter, Mifflinburg, “Winning A War Does Not A Union Make”

Karen Trifonoff, Bloomsburg, “Concord Constellation”

Hand Quilting

Judith Cole Youngman, Northumberland, “Lest We Forget”

Iva McCoy, Muncy, “Apple Blossom”

Frances Spring, Muncy, “Log Cabin Star”

Machine Quilting

Judith Cole Youngman, Northumberland, “Hospitality”

Rhonda Adams Freezer, Hughesville, “Pittsburg Steelers”

Karen Trifonoff, Bloomsburg, “Baskets”

Wall Hanging

Judith Cole Youngman, Northumberland, “Hospitality”

Karen Trifonoff, Bloomsburg, “Baskets”

Lana Miller, Northumberland, “My Basket Overflows II”

Appliqué

Lana Miller, Northumberland, “A Tribute to Jane Stickle

Sue Snyder, Hughesville, “Overrun in PA”

Sue Snyder, Hughesville, “Shoefly Spring”

Other Techniques

Brenda Myers, Hughesville, “Through the Kitchen Window”

Mary Fisher, Williamsport, “Over the River ad Through the Woods”

Frances Spring, Muncy, “Pin Wheel”

Under 16

Kelly Showers, Allenwood, “Pounded Flowers”

More About The 2012 Challenge Entries

To commemorate the Civil War’s sesquicentennial the 2011 challenge theme is “The Civil War Quilt.”

The young men of the Susquehanna Valley and state of Pennsylvania responded to their nation’s call and many paid the ultimate sacrifice. In Muncy alone, more than 120 of our promising sons met their fate on the battlefield or died as a result of disease attributable to their exposure to Southern climes or imprisonment. To honor those who lost their lives and those who returned from war with lifelong impairments, the theme for 2011 is “The Civil War Quilt.”    The Muncy area also was a destination for fugitive slaves both before and during the war, which makes the story of emancipation also relevant for quilt consideration.

Challenge entries had to be faithful to the sensibilities of the period in color, design, materials and quilting pattern. Entries could be a replication of an actual Civil War quilt (if so, with provided citation) or the product of the quilter’s own imagination as long as the stated criteria were met.

“A Tribute to Jane Stickle”

Appliquéd, pieced, hand-quilted and owned by Lana Miller

(Patterns used from Dear Jane book but drafted 101 of the blocks);

Quilted by Anna Ruth Stoltzfus

BEST OF SHOW, 1^ST PLACE CHALLENGE, & BEST APPLIQUE AWARDS

Jane A. Stickle (1817-1896) made a quilt “In War Time-1863” that has since been named “Dear Jane”. As she was stitching she probably thought a lot about the soldiers in battle during the Civil War. We will probably never know her feelings at that time but the fact that she had those three words “In War Time” on her quilt speaks volumes.

In 2009, during a trip to the Bennington Museum in Vermont, Lana spent a lot of time gazing at the “Dear Jane” quilt, imagining how Jane designed the blocks and wishing someday to make a few.

In 2010, her group was given 20 paper pieced blocks and from there she drafted the remaining 101 needed for the 11 x 11 block quilt. Her reference source was the book of the same name, Dear Jane, by Brenda Papadakis.

Many times Lana wondered how Jane had drafted each block and what she was thinking while she sewed. Like Jane, her thoughts were on a war and the failing health of her father, who passed away after the blocks were done but before the blocks were sewn into a quilt top.

“Winning A War Does Not A Union Make”

Pieced, hand quilted by Sheridan Goddard Walter

2^ND PLACE CHALLENGE, VIEWER’S CHOICE, & 2^ND PLACE USE OF COLOR AWARDS

The story of the American Civil War is presented symbolically in this quilt. Individual blocks were chosen for their implied meaning and visual effect.

Five “Wild Goose Chase” blocks in the center are symbols of a country at crossroads. The Union was at risk, threatened fundamentally by the moral issues of slavery and racial bias.

Small “Log Cabin” blocks represent a “house divided,” father against son, brother against brother. In almost military fashion, they form a line around the central square and suggest the Mason-Dixon Line that became the symbolic divider between the North and South.

In this “Churn Dash Variation,”* small white rectangles in fields of black, arranged with precision and dignity, represent grave markers of fallen soldiers, northern and southern, young and old, known and unknown.

Four “House” blocks in the corners represent the journey home for those who survived the war-time atrocities and who began the slow process of rebuilding what had been lost in the war.

Twenty-four “Union Star” blocks symbolize American hopes for the future, not trophies for suppressing secession.

Always more than just a battle cry, always more than military defeats, the Union must be built, affirmed, and reaffirmed in every generation. The American Union is only as strong as the moral fiber of its citizens and the moral cohesion of its principles, because racial bias is incompatible with the Bill of Rights, the American Union remains challenged wherever issues of racial bias emerge.

*The Standard Book of Quilt Making & Collecting, Marguerite Ickis, p. 230.

Prairie Children & Their Quilts, Kathleen Tracy, p. 31.

Stars and Strife

Appliquéd, pieced and owned by Sue Snyder;

Quilted by Brenda Myers

3^RD PLACE CHALLENGE AWARD

The inspiration for this quilt came from Brenda’s large collection of very small pieces of

Reproduction fabrics. She combined ideas from several of Judy Rothermel’s Civil War reproduction quilts to design this quilt.

“Lest We Forget”

In this, the Sesquicentennial year of the Civil War

Pieced, hand-quilted and owned by Judith Cole Youngman

BEST HAND QUILTING AWARD

“Lest We Forget” was inspired by Muncy Historical Society’s observation of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

It was incredible to Judith that such a small town as Muncy lost 137 of its sons to disease or battle from 1861-1865, and she was moved to honor the lives of some in this vintage mourning quilt.

Somber in sensibility, it features an un-named star block from (1859), “reproduction” fabrics of the period, appropriate setting and a simple elbow quilting pattern. The backing fabric commemorates the life of another Civil War heroine, Clara Barton.

CIVIL WAR COT QUILT

Pieced and owned by Abigail Appleman Schrack;

Machine-quilted by Larry Rhinehart

During the Civil War, women supported the soldiers from the homefront. As part of the U. S. Sanitary Commission women recycled fabric scraps to create cot quilts for wounded soldiers. Today very few of these quilts still exist since they were so well-used.

This cot quilt is based on the Railroad Crossing pattern found in the Civil War Sewing Circle by Kathleen Tracy. Abby used reproduction dressing gown prints to patch together the quilt just as the women of the Civil War era would have.

After the show, this quilt is a gift for one of Abby’s dear friends who served with the Army National Guard in the conflict in Iraq.

PVT. WILLIAM MARGRAFF’S CIVIL WAR LETTERS

Concept pieced and owned by Kay Rhinehart;

Machine-quilted by Larry Rhinehart

A number of years ago Kay came across the book – A Civil War Soldier’s Last Letters written by Pvt. William Margraff and compiled by Paul Janeski. Pvt. Margraff was originally from Germany but emigrated to the U.S. and lived in Wellsboro, PA. He wrote letters home to his family from May, 1861 until September, 1862. Pvt. Margraff was killed at Antietam on September 17, 1862. One of the interesting parts of this story is how the letters were found. Paul Janeski of Wellsboro found them in the summer of 1969 at the town dump while taking his trash there.

“The letters were neatly folded in an old tin box with a lock and key. I picked up the box and threw it back down again, then decided to see what was in it. I opened the box and saw the letters. They didn’t interest me at first, but I decided to take them home and maybe some day look them over. Several months passed before I ever opened the box again.”

When Mr. Janeski finally read them, he realized what a treasure he had stumbled across. He decided to put the letters into book form. He especially thought it was interesting to see the war through the eyes of an Army private.

Private Margraff is buried in the family plot in the Wellsboro Cemetery.

This book has always intrigued Kay especially how the letters were found. When this challenge was announced, Kay thought there might be a way to use the letters, so she put short sentences from his letters into the star quilt squares. His picture is in the middle of the quilt. Other quilt squares used are from the Civil War timeframe. Fabric used is Civil War reproduction quilting material. Permission was received from Mr. Janeski’s daughter to use parts of the letters in the quilt (Mr. Janeski has died).

“Journey Through Time”

Quilted by The Messiah Wannabees

According to Underground Railroad “legend,” quilts contained codes to assist fugitive slaves in their pursuit to freedom more than 150 years ago. This is a tied/knotted entry in which the knots represent the distance between safe houses on the Underground Railroad. Quilt code patterns included on this entry are: Monkey Wrench (collect tools for journey; turns to wagon wheel); Wagon Wheel; Bear Paw (follow bear tracks through mountain trails); Crossroads (travel to Cleveland, main crossroad to Canada); Log Cabin (black center, or yellow, signified a safe home for fugitives); Shoofly (free slave who aided fugitives); Bowtie, or Hourglass (dress up to disguise self); Flying Geese (point north, south, east or west); Drunkards Path (follow zigzag path to avoid capture); Tumbling Blocks (time to escape); Jacobs Ladder (symbol for the Underground Railroad); and North Star (follow to North Star to freedom).

“Scraps”

Pieced, machine-quilted and owned by Brenda L. Myers

Inspired by a pattern found in American Patchwork Quilting entitled “Old Maid’s Patience” circa 1860s.

Quilt Show Supporting Vendors

2010 Quilt Show Winners

Best in Show

Judith Youngman, Northumberland, “Wm Penn Courthouse Steps”

Challenge Quilt

Jane Coleman, Brush Valley, “4-Corners Influenced”

Sue Snyder, Hughesville, “Pace of Nature”

Francie Appleman, Turbotville, “Snow Hill Baby Quilt”

Viewer’s Choice

Linda Poulton, Muncy, owner; Hand Quilted by Clarkstown’s Messiah Lutheran Wednesday Quilters, “Twisting Star”

Under 16 – New in 2010

Tiffany Waughen, Montgomery

Best Original Design – New in 2010

Brenda L. Myers, Hughesville, “Dreaming of Spring”

Brenda L. Myers. “Enoch Eagle Family Tree”

Best Use of Color – New in 2010

Judith Youngman, “Wm Penn Courthouse Steps”

Judith Youngman, “Muncy Compass Revisited”

Wall Hanging

Sue Snyder, “Eagle Crossing”

Judith Youngman, “Muncy Compass Mini”

Sue Snyder, “Bittersweet Stars”

Hand Quilting

Lana Miller, Northumberland, “Pine Burr”

Judith Youngman, “Muncy Compass, Replicated”

Betty Fisher/Whipple, Muncy, “From the Heart”

Machine Quilting

Rhonda Adams-Freezer, Hughesville, “Log Cabin”

Karen Trifonoff, Bloomsburg, “Gathering Baskets”

Nancy Bobst, Cogan Station, “Gatherers Stars”

Appliqué

Frances Spring, Muncy, “Ohio Daisy”

Francis Spring, “American Beauty”

Unknown quilter, “Heart & Leaf Motif”

Embroidery

Betty Fisher/Whipple, “From the Heart”

Mary Fischer, Williamsport, “Winter Wonderland”

Edna Peachy, Lewisburg, “Edna’s Hearts”

2009 Quilt Show Winners

Best of Show
Judith Youngman, Northumberland

Challenge Winner
Betty Neff, Canton
Sue Snyder, Hughesville
Jim Jensen, Santa Rosa, CA

Viewer’s Choice
Lana Miller, Northumberland

Hand Quilting
Sheridan Walter, Mifflinburg
Lana Miller, Northumberland
Janet Hurlbut, Chemung, NY

Machine Quilting
Judith Youngman, Northumberland
Judith Youngman, Northumberland
Annette Foresman, Williamsport

Appliqué
Judith Youngman, Northumberland
Sue Snyder, Hughesville
Betty Neff, Canton

Wall Hanging
Lana Miller, Northumberland
Lana Miller, Northumberland
Sheridan Walter, Mifflinburg

2008 Quilt Show Winners

Best of Show
George Shaffer, Northumberland

Challenge Winner
Carol Nihart Odell, Muncy

Viewer’s Choice
Blanche McCormick, Allenwood

Hand Quilting
George Shaffer

George Shaffer

Blanche McCormick

Machine Quilting

Nancy Ryder, Hughesville

Sue Peterson, Cogan Station

Nancy Ryder

Appliqué

George Shaffer

Bonita Whipple, Montoursville

Embroidery

Joyce Emigk, Montoursville

Fannie McKee, Muncy

Sue Keller, Pennsdale

Wall Hanging
Sheridan Walter, Mifflinburg

Barbara Brumbaugh, Williamsport

Mary Doyle, Muncy

2007 Quilt Show Winners

Best of Show
Sheridan Walter, Mifflinburg, “Ways to Center”

Challenge Winner
Sheridan Walter, “For All People”

Louise Schelter, Towanda, “Domestic Tranquility”

Sue Peterson, Cogan Station, “Not a Turkey Mr. Franklin”

Viewer’s Choice
Betty Thomas, Montgomery

Hand Quilting
Sheridan Walter, “Ways to Center”

George Shaffer, Northumberland

Carol Odell, Muncy

Machine Quilting

Nola Baysore, Muncy, “Angel of Peace”

Nola Baysore, “Pinwheels”

Laura Lee Ruckle, Millmont, “Bows and Bouquet”

Repasz Band March sheet music

The Civil War theme continues with Muncy Historical Society’s upcoming concert, “Civil War Era Music,” performed by the Repasz Band at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 in the Muncy High School Auditorium, 200 W. Penn St.

The Repasz Band has a proud musical heritage, having performed for a variety of civic and military events. In 1861, the band enlisted in the 11th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and after three months of service, enlisted in the 29th Pennsylvania Volunteers. After the band completed its second enlistment, most of the musicians joined the 8th PA Cavalry, serving until the end of the Civil War.

They saw action in the Shenandoah Valley and at Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender.  At Appomattox Courthouse, the band played the “Star Spangled Banner” and the national anthem, which will be its opening selection at the Oct. 9 concert. Some of the other selections include “The Girl I Left Behind,” “Civil War Suite,” “Voices from the Battlefield” and music from the film “Gettysburg.”

In addition to Civil War era selections, Repasz Band will play the “Brandon Park March” as a special tribute to Preston Gowers, one of Muncy’s published composers.  Gowers, the son of one of Muncy’s wealthiest merchants, conducted the Muncy Band, established a coronet band in the 1870s and also a dance orchestra that performed regularly at Muncy’s Union Opera House and other area social halls.

As an entrepreneur, he established Gowers’ Business College in 1876, which included penmanship as a course of study.  The intaglio plates, used to print the “Brandon Park March” sheet music, will be on display at the concert.

More information is available online at www.MuncyHistoricalSociety.org or by calling (570) 546-5917. All activities and events are open to the public.

Repasz Band in the Civil War

Stroll through celebrated Muncy homes

MUNCY – Experience the beauty and charm of one of Pennsylvania’s finest communities as the Muncy Historical Society hosts its annual Historic Homes and Walking Tour from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 16. The $12 tour donation includes admission to celebrated Muncy homes and businesses, shopping opportunities, refreshments and interaction with members of the Pennsylvania Past Players.

Artist Gallery on Tour

The historical society offers its guests a different experience each year and, on Oct. 16, a combination of historic properties, incredible exhibits and personal engagements are included.
The first stop and the ticket center for the Homes and Walking Tour is the Muncy Historical Society, housed in one of Muncy’s earliest clapboard homes. The two and one-half story, seven-bay frame building represents the Greek revival style.

The Civil War theme continues with this year’s special exhibits at the 40 N. Main St. location.  One exhibit features a museum-quality display of Civil War Officer Presentation Swords” which served to decorate, recognize the rank or authority of, and award distinguished soldiers and officers during the war. The presentation swords reflect master craftsmanship and art, with fine engravings and elaborate scrollwork on the blade and hilts.

Several of the museum’s swords will be on display nearby and the contrast between dress, ceremonial or presentation versus battle-ready swords will be apparent. The other exhibit will feature Civil War-related memorabilia specifically belonging to young men from the Muncy area including William Mohr’s drum, Capt. Peterman’s uniform, Dr. Hayes’ pistol, Lt. Colonel Milton Opp’s field desk and other veteran artifacts.

The properties are always interesting since the historical society features homes representing a variety of architectural styles, from colonial to Federal to Victorian eclectic. Some of the properties have been adapted for 21st century use: a female seminary and boarding house converted into one-family dwellings; a one-family, then a two-family dwelling now serving the community library; a colonial dwelling into a florist and gift shop; and a laid-up block garage into an artist’s studio.

One of the featured homes on this year’s tour is Muncy’s only Quaker stone house built in 1820. The house has been the home of many distinguished Muncy families including the Edwards, Rogers, Peterman, Taggart, Rickolt, Godbey, to the present owners, artists Bruce and Nella Storm.

Storm residence

The Savannah, Georgia-based Taggart Family, who brought their servants with them when they came to their Muncy home each summer, first made enlargements and major improvements to the house. To make this house their home, the talented Storms explored creative solutions by enclosing the screened-in porch, which serves as their fireplace room; readapting the attached garage to serve as Bruce Storm’s studio; and the couple totally renovated the third floor attic, creating additional living space, complete with antique and stain glass windows, Nella Storm’s art studio and the master bedroom suite.

“It was very important to us that we maintain the architectural and historic integrity of this 19th century structure,” Nella said. “And, as avid collectors, we needed to capitalize on every available space to accommodate our antique furnishings and fine art.”

She added, “Some doorways were closed-off, china closets were built-in, and, in one case, a ceiling dome was added so that our lead crystal chandelier could be hung. We were able to use a number of significant items that we had previously purchased, but had stored, including a magnificent New England circa 1780s fireplace surround, an Empire cast iron fence, and a Benjamin Pott door.”

The Storm’s antique collection have been borrowed for the Palmer Museum’s PA Tri-Centennial Exhibit at Penn State University and featured in Colonial Homes magazine.

In addition to the featured historic homes, this year’s tour includes an opportunity to come face-to-face with people whose joys and sorrows, triumphs and sacrifices marked the years of the Underground Railroad and the Civil War.

Living History Orator

Living historians will give listeners a chance to meet the people, famous and forgotten, whose lives were shaped by the events commemorated in this, the 150th anniversary year of the start of the Civil War. Four members of the Harrisburg-based Pennsylvania Past Players Company will use a combination of storytelling, personal engagement and informal interaction to share their stories.  Coming to Muncy for the afternoon will be Frances Harper, antislavery orator, civil rights, women’s rights and temperance advocate; Dr. Henry Palmer, surgeon in charge of the largest Civil War military hospital; Marie Tepe, a vivandiere who nursed the wounded and brought water to the dying, wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg, and recipient of the Kearny Cross; and John Morgan, drummer boy, who enlisted at the age of 15.

Ticket holders may park in one of the centrally located designated areas and most of the Muncy properties are within easy walking distance.

Advance tickets, at the discounted price of $10 for the Historic Homes and Walking Tour, may be purchased from 9 a.m. to noon, October 10 and 14, or by mail at P.O. Box 11, Muncy, PA 17756. Tickets the day of the tour are $12 and may be purchased at the Muncy Historical Society.
More information is available by calling the Muncy Historical Society at 546-5917. On the Internet at www.MuncyHistoricalSociety.org.

On the Tour

Art Show

The 5th Annual Artist Exhibition & Sale will be held Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, with a 5:30–9 p.m. Opening Night Reception. The show will continue on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

This regional, invitational art show features a rich and varied collection of original works by accomplished artists in diverse media, including photography, oil painting, jewelry, fashion, pottery, woodworking, quilting, ceramics, watercolor, sculpture, home décor and accessories.

Attend the Friday Opening Night Reception and meet the artists. This year’s show also will include a special exhibit area of artwork produced during the Civil War era

***New Location Due to September Flooding***
Muncy Creek Community Volunteer Fire Hall, 2355 State Rte. 442, Clarkstown/Muncy
$5 Donation … all indoor, free parking

 NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LOCAL ARTISTS SHOWING
A BROAD SPECTRUM OF ARTISTIC WORKS FOR SALE

• Michael Balzer – Jewelry/Music Boxes
• Barbara Barnes – Pit-fired Pottery, Mother-of-Pearl Porcelain
• Paul Barrett – Photography
• Michael Coppes – Photography
• Tammy Daneker – Textured Handbags & Clutches
• John Dewald – Horner & Scrimshander
• Linda Doucette – Fiber Art
• Selinda Kennedy – Redware
• Robert Olmstead – Watercolors
• Deb Parsons – Glass Jewelry
• Kris Robbins – Sculptural Metal Art
• Mark Robbins – Sculpturesque Wood Turnings
• David Seybold – Watercolors, Acrylics
• Roger Shipley  – Oil, Watercolors
• Theresa Crowley Spitler – Pastels
• Bruce Storm – Acrylics & Reproductions of Original Artwork
• Nella Godbey Storm – Acrylic Paintings & Ceramic Whimsies
• Kathy Turner Sterngold – Pottery/Stoneware
• Victoria Thompson-Hess – Multi-Media
• Carol Wagner – Watercolors
• Judith Cole Youngman – Quilted Wall Hangings

Previously Featured Artists

Michael Balzer
Woodworker Michael Balzer specializes in crafting and sculpting a variety of art objects made from local Pennsylvania woods such as ash, cedar, cherry, maple, oak (red and white), poplar and walnut. Balzer, who has worked with wood all his life, creates jewelry and music boxes, as well as furniture, games and puzzles, wine racks, lighthouses, luminaries, toys and specialty gifts. Working with his father, a carpenter, Balzer built book cases, shelving, coffee tables, and other furniture. During the years, he has made a variety of items for gifts for family and friends. After an accident in 2006, Balzer retired from his construction company (Action Pools/Badman Builders Inc.), and decided to work on his woodcraft full time. He uses very little, if any, stains, preferring the natural colors of wood. He will spend a great deal of time studying a piece of wood’s grain, color and character, and let it tell him how it can be best presented, or preserved, in a piece of work.

Barbara Barnes
Barbara Barnes’ art vessels reflect a keen appreciation for nature in shapes and colors. She uses interactive glazes, often firing multiple times until she gets the results that mimic the hues of earth, flora, fire and water combined. She is an avid gardener and often wanders her gardens and woods for inspiration. Barnes operates Emerald Falls Pottery, nestled in the charming historic Farm Complex in Montoursville. There, she creates her stoneware vessels and teaches wheel-thrown pottery. She specializes in terra cotta garden vases, flower vases, unique art deco-style pottery and primitive pit-fired vessels. She also creates unique table-top water fountains. All are hand thrown and most are made of high-fire stoneware, which she fires in an electric kiln multiple times until she gets the effects that are unique to her wares. She has shown her work at many Pennsylvania and New York state gift shops and galleries. She has been juried for many major arts festivals in Pennsylvania and New York.

Roza Breneisen
Since moving to Muncy, following graduation from the National Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria, Roza Breneisen finds herself particularly drawn to the atmosphere and wildlife of the area. The interaction between human structures and natural forms has always been an inspiration in her work and she finds its presence in the Muncy area remarkable. She uses watercolors, pencils and charcoal in her work, “… to convey the beauty of the mark on paper, placed with conscious human emotion.”

Marie Burkhart
Marie Burkhart began as a commercial artist, a career she held for a number of years but found to be too restrictive. She is interested in antiques, particularly American and German. She likes the unusual and distinctive and got tired of seeing cutesy-country, which started her making her own fabric dolls for herself and gifts. She then ventured into doing shows, and has created a Christmas ornament for the White House. She was chosen as one of the artists of the year for Early American Life / Home magazine, which also has featured her dolls on several occasions. She loves creating art, applying her own “spin” that makes her work uniquely different.

Michael Coppes
Michael Coppes, a Muncy native, has been interested in photography since he was 12. It’s a medium that always made sense to him as a way to record and document the world nearby. Growing up in the area had a subliminal influence on him – being surrounded by great people, local characters, marvelous architecture and natural beauty sunk in beyond comprehension. A 13-year absence from Muncy made him more appreciative of what the area has to offer. Although the tools of his art have advanced dramatically, Coppes’ reason for photographing remains the same, to have and leave a record of our ever-changing surroundings.

Linda Doucette
Linda Doucette is a textile artist whose lifestyle of green living and existing in harmony with nature is the essence of her business, Shades of Nature. She uses flowers grown with organic methods at her home, Shady Grove Farm, to create earth-friendly, non-toxic dye methods that are non-polluting. She purchases cochineal and indigo, which she cannot produce herself, and the biodegradable leftover plant material is composted and returned to the garden. At her studio, mushrooms become sheets of paper, fiber is turned into cloth, and the beauty of the landscape is preserved in distinctive paintings. Her alpaca, angora rabbits, sheep and llama provide the luxurious fiber for dyeing and spinning. She also combines the natural fleece colors with shades from her dye pots to make unique variegated and semi-solid yarns. The entire process, from raising fiber animals and dye plants to dyeing and weaving, is tactile and satisfying and keeps her connected to earth, and to the people who first discovered the secret colors hidden in plants.

Dorothy Fisher
Dorothy Fisher’s studio is nestled high in the Endless Mountains range of Eagles Mere. An acclaimed artist, she has proven her natural talent in the art of goldsmithing from original concept, to sculpting in wax, to the finished product. Old-world training and experience, combined with state-of-the-art equipment and tools, make Fisher a designer and goldsmith of distinction. Her passion for beauty, her dedication to excellence and her unique vision ensure a collection filled with elegant, wearable art. Fisher has been intrigued with designing in gold and precious gemstones since her college years pursuing a graphic arts degree. In 1994, she advanced her education at the Gemological Institute of America in New York City studying precious metals and gemstones, earning degrees in both.

Ken Hunter
The inspiration for Ken Hunter’s oil paintings comes from his wonderful surroundings and from his experiences as a hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. It is his hope that others will find inspiration, excitement, and a better understanding of wildlife and its habitat. Without doubt, most of his paintings have evolved from actual locations within minutes of his home in the Muncy Hills. His love of the outdoors sparked an early interest in painting. Most of his originals are done in oil but he has worked in acrylics, watercolor and pastels as well. Prior to beginning his paintings, he does a great deal of preliminary work in pencil. Several years ago he also began to work in the bronze medium. After teaching school for 10 years, in 1981 he dedicated himself to a full time career in the field of outdoor communications. He also is a writer, photographer and lecturer.

Selinda Kennedy
Selinda Kennedy has developed her own signature redware ceramic platters, bowls and decorative tiles. She reproduces motifs from the 17th, 18th and 19th century on a terra cotta clay body, using colored slips and engobes. These traditional designs are derived primarily from German folk art imagery: song and book plate vignettes, powder horn engravings, and fraktur patterns. Each piece is individually crafted and unique in its representation of traditional old and new world designs. The artist notes: “Through personal experimentation and research of period designs, I hope to continue to create a unique collection of symbolic images, combined with new color combinations and detail,” she said. “I use historic shapes and antique forms to mold my canvas, using a terra cotta clay body. Each color is formulated and applied with brushes and sponges, and then detail is applied with a fine brush. These pieces are fired in the bisque and then they are glazed and fired again.” Early American Life Magazine has recognized her work, and she has been accepted into the Directory of Traditional American Crafts.

David Moyer
David Moyer studied at the University of Delaware where he received his bachelor’s degree in fine art, and the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore graduating with the master’s in fine art. He teaches graphic design at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. He and his wife, Gretchen, established Red Howler Press in 1988 as both artists were interested in combining text and visual imagery. To date, Red Howler Press has published two broadsides and 15 books. Moyer is an accomplished artist, wood engraver and calligrapher. A feature of his books is the way he incorporates the text with the image: sometimes they are cut on the same block. His work has been included in many national and international exhibitions including: the Society of Wood Engravers, Oxford, England; International Artist Book Exhibition, Vilnius, Lithuania; Norwegian International Print Biennale, Fredrikstad, Norway; Minnesota Center for the Book Arts, New York Center for the Book Arts, and the Philadelphia Print Club. Moyer is interested in the quality of line, and his ideas are conceived as black lines on a white ground; therefore, his interest concerns the graphic quality of wood engraving rather than the tonal quality. All of the books from Red Howler Press carry a message, sometimes serious and other times playful, but it is mostly the visual imagery which is the primary mover of the works from the press.

Gretchen Moyer
Gretchen Moyer has a bachelor’s degree in drawing from James Madison University and a master’s degree in printmaking from the University of Delaware. She is a full-time artist who teaches part-time at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Moyer has a varied range of artistic interests reflecting her broad artistic training. She draws, works in pastels, watercolors, printing and creates mixed media pieces that seem to incorporate many of her wonderful range of techniques. Color, reminiscent of medieval illuminated manuscripts, imagery that touches an ancient, primitive, sub-conscious part of your heart and soul are some of the offerings of her work. She has a history of exhibitions and awards in that wide variety of mediums. She has earned awards in pastels, watercolors, drawing and printing. Moyer is also involved in a private printing company, Red Howler, with her husband, David Moyer.

Robert Olmstead
Since his retirement in 2003, watercolorist Robert Olmstead has had more time to focus on painting and, as a resident of Muncy, said he appreciates the many challenges and subjects found in this historic community. Through private showings and as a participant in the Muncy Historical Society’s annual Artist Exhibition, he has enjoyed presenting his work to the local area and completing commissioned work. The Cato, N.Y. native’s early focus was oil painting. Later he began working with textiles, pottery, hand-made paper and stained glass. It was during his college years that his interest in watercolor flourished. Holding bachelor and master degrees from James Madison University, Olmstead pursued his art teaching career in Harrisonburg, Va. After 20 years of secondary school teaching, he began an elementary school art program for the Harrisonburg schools where he taught for another 11 years. Olmstead continued his personal art expressions outside of school, still working in a variety of mediums while maintaining a major focus on watercolor painting. As an admirer of Rembrandt and other art masters, his work portrays various subjects but he concentrates on light, shadows, detail and textures. A member of the Shenandoah Valley Watercolor Society, Olmstead’s work can be found in many private homes and art collections in Virginia, Pennsylvania and surrounding states, as well as several European communities. He is particularly proud of his work hung in the Herzen Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Kris Robbins
Kris Robbins, auto body technician and metal artist, melds the two skills in his artwork. He is inspired by nature and creates sculptures into the diverse forms of flowers and insects, which are a study of artistry and welding workmanship. His sculptural shepherd’s hooks are not only unique in their design but also in their finish; he uses auto body paint for a colorful and durable finish. His wine bottle holders resemble the human body and are also popular items. Kris, his wife, Monica, and daughter, Lyla, live in the Muncy area.

Mark Robbins
At an early age, Mark Robbins was introduced to woodworking in his father’s workshop, where he watched him make furniture and grandfather clocks. At the age of 12 he would sneak into the workshop and use his father’s wood lathe to make baseball bats for neighborhood ball games. In eighth grade class he turned his first bowl, and he has been hooked on spinning wood ever since. After a career change in 1996 Mark was able to return to woodturning and started displaying his art at various craft shows and art galleries. Robbin’s woodshop is nestled amongst the pine trees on his organic farm outside of Muncy. He looks at firewood differently now, and much of his work is from wood that had insect damage, worm holes or just beautifully grained. He believes that nature has already made the perfect bowl, he just needs to “find it” with his lathe. His work has smooth, flowing lines contrasted with texture and carved elements. Harvesting the wood, roughing it out, drying and completing the piece may take a year or more.
Mark has served on the Board of Directors of the Williamsport Chapter of the PA Guild of Craftsmen, and is a juried member of the PA State Guild of Craftsmen. He is also a member of the American Association of Woodturners, which has exposed him to many highly skilled woodturners around the world.

Kay Stamm
Kay Stamm and her husband, Guy, own Stamm House Reproductions, and for the past 24 years have recreated German belshickles from antique originals and German goose feather trees, using hand-dyed goose feathers, made like the originals from the early 1900s. Many of their vintage-style holiday decorations are recreated using the authentic materials from the late 1800s. Their work has been featured in Early American Life magazine, Martha Stewart Living and Country Home magazine. Her background is in visual merchandise, studying art in school. Guy’s background is in woodcarving. The two blended their talents to work in this field. They also have been featured on Channel 16′s Home and Backyard several times.

Bruce Storm
Bruce Storm works in acrylic, watercolor and ceramics. His prints and painting have been exhibited across America and is found in numerous international collections, as well. Humor, romance, pathos, and observation combine with refreshing vision of the unseen and much needed world. Employing eight or 10 layers, the colors float across Storm’s work. This year Storm will include an original piece that represents months of work – a triptych of a playful dragon ringing bellflowers in an enchanted landscape. This piece is an experiment. Also in color and line, a new limited edition series of prints will be available.

Nella Godbey Storm
Nella Godbey Storm’s work includes ceramic bas relief masks and sculptures, mosaics, tiles, oil and acrylic paintings, jewelry, pottery, and batiks. Storm’s tiles and mosaics present opportunities. Tiles are like poems or snapshots – compact, immediate, a brief interpretation and her ceramics are one of the media with amazingly long durability. Opus sectile mosaics are the most ancient form of mosaics, predating the Roman style by centuries. This time-consuming medium produces a rich combination of patterns, cutlines and uniquely shaped tiles using numerous textures and layers. Each mosaic becomes like a series of interconnected ideas and interdependent images. Godbey Storm’s plein-air art is always done on location and harkens back to her love of color. Her art has been exhibited in numerous galleries, museums and juried exhibitions and she won awards at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Her art is in permanent collections in the Frost Museum on the Penn State University State College campus and at Lock Haven University, as well as in many private collections in the United States and abroad.

Katherine Turner Sterngold
Katherine Sterngold has been making pottery and ceramic art since 1974. She has a master’s degree from Alfred University and was an original member of The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, one of the nation’s leading clay art cooperatives. She uses strong natural shapes colored by warm earthy glazes. Her style is to work with the clay so each piece has its own character and appeal. Kathy prefers subtle designs whose beauty and value will grow over time. Sterngold makes functional pottery that is pleasing to touch, contemplate and use, such as bowls, plates, trays and gift items. She also makes larger contemporary pieces for display, including ceramic sculptures, face vases and abstract clay forms. Each work is a one-of-a-kind-original handmade and signed by the artist.

Trish Strausbaugh
Trish Strausbaugh’s Glass has been a work in progress since 2000. Since her first class in 1997, Strausbaugh has developed her own sense of style, resulting in the fine pendants, beads and sculptures you see today. Using a propane and oxygen torch, she transforms the colored rods of glass into a “taffy-like” state in order to bend, twist, pull or flatten them into the desired shape and size. Each piece is then annealed at 1050 degrees for durability and to bond the glass structurally. Her choice to use predominately borosilicate glass makes each piece a unique surprise in color and keeps her work exciting and fresh. Her inspirations are all around her in nature and life experiences, but mostly driven by her three sons.

Carol Wagner
Carol Wagner uses traditional English glazing technique, the layering of pure, transparent colors, to create her realistic watercolors. The subject matter of her paintings has changed from large, complex still lifes to landscapes. Trips to Italy, France and the English Lake District have afforded her the opportunity to do plein air painting. Her art has been accepted consistently in prestigious national exhibitions including the following: the National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic; Knickerbocker Artists; C.L. Wolfe Art Club, National Arts Club; National Arts Club Open Watercolor Exhibition; American Artists’ Professional League Grand National Exhibition; Boston University, Cincinnati Museum of Natural History; “Wings and Wildlife,” The National Aviary Show—First Prize in Painting; Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors; and “Symposium of Emerging Women Artists, 1986” at the U.S. Embassy, Moscow, U.S.S.R. Her education includes bachelor’s degrees from Bucknell University, with distinction in English literature, and from Lycoming College with honors in art.

Teresa Wentzler
In 1998, Teresa Wentzler launched her company, TW Designworks, to promote and sell her pen-and-ink drawings and her cross stitch and needlework pattern designs. Her favorite medium is pen and ink (in particular black-and-white) because she is able to depict detail. The artist notes: “With pen and ink, building from light to shadow is key. Since I add color afterward, I visualize in black and white and many shades of gray while doing the actual drawing. Accomplishing that with lines only is a unique challenge.” Her inspiration comes from many sources: art and art history, books (fantasy and otherwise), Celtic, new age and classical music, and places she’s visited.

Judith Cole Youngman
Since 2000, Judith Youngman’s study has focused on the wonders of the 19th century American quilts and the challenges of replicating them. Her primary interest lies in the process of design and the actual making of quilts in various sensibilities. Youngman notes: “The historical context of my work is key to its power to communicate to the viewer. I am constantly inspired by authentic 19th century quilts and the unknown but revered women who created them. Paying attention to this ‘sisterhood over the years’ offers great promise for tomorrow, I believe, as well as a creative catalyst for today.”

New this year!

Diversity and quality are the foundation of this juried, indoor 37th annual show of an impressive range of antiques: 19th and 20th century furniture, fine porcelain and glass, stoneware & pottery, quilts & textiles, estate jewelry, folk art, primitives & Americana, smalls & accessories.

Friday, Aug. 26, 2011
5:30–9 p.m. (Opening Night Reception)
Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011
9 a.m.–4 p.m.

To commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, this year’s special exhibit is “Weapons Through Time, 1740-1860s”- our American heritage expressed through a pristine collection of weaponry on loan from a private collection.

Held at Geringer Social Hall, 213 N Main St, Muncy, PA 17756, directions to the air-conditioned facility are: I-180 to Muncy exit 13A, Rte 405 to traffic light, turn right on North Main Street, go five blocks to Geringer Social Hall on the right, Muncy, Pa.

Diversity, along with an emphasis on national history, enables Muncy to host a fine-quality Americana show. The show offers an impressive range of antiques and visitors can find a selection of 19th and 20th century American and English furniture, fine early porcelain and glass, stoneware and pottery, quilts and vintage textiles, estate jewelry, folk art, primitives and Americana, military memorabilia and more.

The society initiated an antiques show as a fund raiser to support its preservation initiatives. Show admission proceeds will be used to help defray costs associated with its multi-year Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail project.

Bill Poulton, show manager, also is the executive director of the Muncy Historical Society. He serves as the spokesperson and fund-raising chairperson for many of the society’s special projects and events.

“One of the great things about our antiques show is that we focus on quality and product diversity,” Poulton said. “Also, we do not emphasize one antique over another but look to offer our guests as much variety as possible so that our show has broad-based appeal to a spectrum of antiques collectors, other antique dealers and the general public,” Poulton said.

Participation in the Muncy show is by invitation only. To take part in this juried show, dealer merchandise must conform to the antiques (at least 100 years old) and collectibles (at least 50 years old) guidelines. Sale of newer collectibles, craft items and reproductions is not allowed. Each item must be labeled or ticketed with an indication of the item’s timeframe or authenticity and the item’s price. If an item is post-1950 but considered among collectors as rare and/or highly desirable, the item must be labeled with the time frame and authenticity.

Before the show opens, each booth is juried by knowledgeable antiques professionals who screen entries for quality and compliance with the show guidelines. Exhibitors must remove all items deemed objectionable by the jurors and show manager.

“Because we are a juried show, our customers can feel comfortable knowing that the jurors are hand selected because they are particularly knowledgeable about a variety of antiques, have a reputation of fairness and honesty and are considered by their peers to be leaders in their profession,” Poulton said.

According to Poulton, there are a number of reasons why people should plan to attend the show.

“Our guests have every opportunity to see all the antiques and to talk with our dealers. Dealer booths are much larger than one normally finds at shows of this caliber and the wide-aisled show is filled with a variety of interesting smalls and accessories for the beginning and experienced collector. We purposely keep the show small while offering our guests great variety, diversity and exceptional quality,” he said.

Washington Stove

Dealers Dave and Nancy McClellan, Boiling Springs, PA have developed solid relationships with their customers and each year look for unique antiques to bring to the Muncy show. This year, the McClellans are showcasing two items, both of which are rare and unusual finds and in wonderful condition. The Washington Four O’clock Stove, manufactured by the S.H. Ransom Company of Albany, N.Y., is a larger version of the regular SH Ransom Four O’clock Stove with a couple of added design details. This solid cast iron antique heating stove is nearly three feet tall and three feet wide. The stove features an almost identical design motif as the SH Ransome. The centerpiece of the design is an urn filled with flowers. Like the SH Ransome, an enchanting face is found below the urn. In addition, an enchanting face tops both pillars that frame the urn. The name of the stove company is located on the heart near the ash clean-out area. Wood is loaded from a side door and a removable cook-lid rests on top. Just like the SH Ransome, the Washington Four O’clock Stove is lovely, lavish and can fill a room with a luxurious warmth.

Since the historical society promotes the show as an educational venue, dealers are attuned to spending time with their customers to educate, explain and share information.

Poulton said it is exhilarating that the show has grown from a one-day event at the local elementary school with limited exhibit space and no parking into a two-day show with expanded exhibit space and free parking.

“What makes this special for the historical society are the relationships that have come with the show’s longevity. Our dealers and guests have become friends and have many good things to say about their experiences. Our dealers have told us that this is the only show that they attend where customers stay for hours and thoroughly enjoy themselves,”  Poulton said.

Directions to the 37th Antiques Show are: I-180 to Muncy exit 13A, Rte 405 to traffic light, turn right on North Main Street, go five blocks to Geringer Social Hall on the right, Muncy, Pa. More information and detailed directions and a map to the air-conditioned social hall are available on the society’s web site: www.MuncyHistoricalSociety.org, or by calling the Muncy Historical Society at (570) 546-5917.

West Branch Canal Lock 21, Muncy

Construction continues at Muncy Heritage Park, located in Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming County.  Plans were developed through the SEDA-COG Community Resource Center (CRC).  An access road, parking area, and pavilion are being constructed, in addition to a trail linking the parking area with the pavilion, bridge, fishing platform and wildlife observation blind.

Known as the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail, it is a project of the Muncy Historical Society and Muncy Creek Township, based on the master site plan prepared by the SEDA-COG CRC.  Funding assistance has been provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

According to Bill Poulton, president of the Historical Society, “This has been a shared vision for the past five years, but soon we are hoping to move earth and create park access.  Instead of parking in a soggy pasture, soon visitors to the park will have a handicap-accessible parking lot and marked trails.  They’ll be able to meander through the park and learn about the local wildlife, birds and trees, as well as the history of the West Branch Canal and how a canal lock works.”

Over 170 years ago, two locks of the Pennsylvania Canal were located on the 11-acre site of the Park.  Archaeological research has also uncovered the foundation of the lock-tender’s house, i.e., the individual responsible for opening the closing the locks for boats on the canal.

Plans for the new timber-frame pavilion are patterned on construction techniques one might have experienced during the peak of the Pennsylvania Canal era.

Brian Auman, a landscape architect with the CRC, sees the project as something more than a community park.  “This park gives you a glimpse into the past in a beautiful natural setting,” he said, “and the Muncy Heritage Park hopes to one day link with the Williamsport River Walk and the West Branch Water Trail.”  SEDA-COG is the Regional lead Organization for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership’s Middle Susquehanna Region.

Muncy Heritage Park & Nature Trail

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Old Glory

Muncy Historical Society
Commemorates the
American Civil War

2011 Calendar of Events

Check time & location details at www.MuncyHistoricalSociety.org or call 570.546.5917. All activities and events are open to the public. Unless noted, there is no admission fee; parking is always free. Join the presenters and event volunteers in period costumes if you desire!

PA Civil War 150, the state’s official program commemorating the 150^th anniversary of the American Civil War, 2011-2015, was launched on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 in Harrisburg.

PA. Gov. Tom Corbett

The Honorable Tom Corbett, Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, greeted stakeholders and guests in the main hall of the Capital. PA Civil War 150 is governed by a statewide alliance of history, arts and cultural organizations including the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Heritage Society, the Senator John Heinz History Center and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania along with partner organizations across the state.

The Muncy Historical Society is proud to be a sponsor of high-quality programming during 2011, in this, the first year of commemoration.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Michael A. Riley as Gen. John Fulton Reynolds

The opening event of the Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration was the arrival of
Civil War Gen. John Fulton Reynolds.

Reynolds was born in Lancaster, PA in 1820. He graduated from West Point in 1841. His career in the Regular Army included service in the Mexican War in which he received two brevet promotions for gallantry and meritorious conduct; service in the Utah Expedition and various campaigns against the Indians. In 1860 he was appointed commandant of cadets and instructor of tactics at West Point, where he served until the outbreak of the Civil War.

In June 1862 Reynolds served as military governor of Fredericksburg, VA. After the battle of Gaines Mill he was captured by Confederates and was later exchanged. He commanded the PA Reserve Division at Second Manassas and led the PA militia during the Maryland Campaign. Promoted to major general, he commanded the First Corps of the Army of the Potomac at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. The day before the Battle of Gettysburg, General Meade placed Reynolds in command of the three corps which formed the left wing of the army. On July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Reynolds came to the aid of General Buford’s cavalry, urging his men to advance on the persistent Confederate forces. Major General Reynolds, one of the most respected, courageous and most competent Union officers was struck in the neck by a mini ball and died instantly.

Michael A. Riley has become one of the country’s foremost authorities on General Reynolds and his book, “For God’s Sake, Forward!” is considered required reading for Civil War enthusiasts and fans of its officers. He served as historical consultant and actor’s double for Ron Maxwell’s Civil War movie epic, “Gettysburg,” and also appeared in “Gettysburg: Boys in Blue and Gray.” He is president of the Confederation of Union Generals, a group of historical interpreters dedicated to education, commemoration and preservation.

Malcolm Barlow, a presentation attendee, had this to say: “The Historical Society’s Civil War commemoration got off to a wonderful start with the General Reynolds living history presentation… an informative, balanced, and entertaining experience.”

For more information on Michael A. Riley and General Reynolds visit www.GeneralReynolds.com.

Monday, April 18

John Deppen as Major Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock

John Deppen’s first-person dramatic portrayal of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock was the second collaborative event for the Commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

Deppen, who has portrayed Hancock since 1997, focused on the three-day Battle of Gettysburg, and the critical decisions made by Hancock on each of the three days that contributed to Union victory. Known to his colleagues as “Hancock the Superb,” a title attributed to him by General George McClellan, he was noted in particular for his personal leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.

After his friend, Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds, was killed early on July 1, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, the new commander of the Army of the Potomac, sent Hancock ahead to take command of the units on the field and assess the situation. Hancock thus was in temporary command of the “left wing” of the army. Details of Hancock’s momentous life and military career will be disclosed. Hancock’s 2nd Army Corps received and repulsed Pickett’s direct assault on the third day of the battle during which Hancock was seriously wounded. His wound was a severe injury caused by a bullet striking the pommel of his saddle, entering his inner right thigh along with wood fragments and a large bent nail. Despite his pain, Hancock refused evacuation to the rear until the battle was resolved.

Deppen, of Northumberland, is a writer and speaker who focuses on military history and veterans’ issues.  Since 1994, Deppen has published more than 500 newspaper and magazine articles, including several in national publications such as Military Heritage, Blue and Gray, Civil War Historian, Reminisce Extra, and Gettysburg Magazine. Deppen, who is active in many heritage organizations, is the current commander of General John F. Hartranft Camp No. 15 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the senior vice commander of General J.P.S. Gobin Camp #503 of the SUVCW. He is a lifetime honorary member of the Snyder County Veterans Council, an honorary member of the Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County, and a frequent guest at meetings of Chapter #656 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Lewisburg.

In addition to giving presentations to nearly two dozen Civil War Round Tables in six different states, Deppen has appeared before thousands of school children in the Susquehanna Valley. Prior to his evening presentation, Major General Hancock spent the morning and afternoon with fifth and eighth graders in the Muncy, Hughesville and Montgomery school districts.

“LIFE OF THE CIVIL WAR SOLDIER”

Presenter: Dave Richards

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011, 7:00 p.m.

Presenter: Dave Richards

Hosted by Montgomery Area Historical Society; Location: Christ Lutheran Church, 50 E. Houston Ave., Montgomery
(refreshments following presentation)

The program Life of the Civil War Soldier is an in-depth look at the life of  the common soldier during that cataclysmic event, 150 years ago. What motivated these young men and boys to leave home and offer up their lives, if need be, for the cause of Liberty and Union? Why did they enlist? Why did they serve? How did they exist day to day? What did they eat? How, and why, did they die? These and other questions will be discussed in this presentation commemorating America’s costliest war.

Richards, an authority on Civil War soldiers from the lower Lycoming County vicinity will utilize a large number of letters and diaries written by men from this area to illustrate the incredible sacrifice this generation of young Americans experienced in a War that still haunts us today.

David L. Richards, a Picture Rocks native, has been a licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Military Park since 1985. Richards has been a guest lecturer at historical organizations, educational institutions and social and heritage societies and roundtables. Over the years, he has introduced literally tens of thousands of school students to the story of the American Civil War, in general, and the Battle of Gettysburg, in particular. Instilling a sense of history is the work that Richards finds most rewarding. He is a teacher and the battlefield is his classroom.

Richards has written numerous articles for historical society and veteran publications and his first book, Priceless Treasures, was published in 2001by the Muncy Historical Society. Priceless Treasures is a detailed study of the Soldiers’ Memorial in Muncy Cemetery along with individual biographies of the seventy-one soldiers from the Muncy vicinity who lost their lives during the Civil War.

Muncy Historical Society is pleased to announce partnering with Richards who is currently researching and collecting information for Priceless Treasures II. This new effort will include biographies of those local soldiers who died from illness, wounds and/or imprisonment during the Civil War and whose names were omitted from the Soldiers’ Monument. We have already confirmed 68 soldiers, and have recognized their sacrifices by placing inscribed bricks around the monument base and are researching another 20+ names for possible inclusion. The public is encouraged to participate in this effort by submitting photos, diaries, letters, etc. for scanning to help document and preserve the heritage and legacy of these brave young men.

BOOK DISCUSSION: THIS REPUBLIC OF SUFFERING:
DEATH AND THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (Drew Gilpin Faust, author)

The Republic Is Suffering

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011, 7 p.m.

Hosted by the Muncy Historical Society

Location:  Muncy Historical Society, 40 N. Main Street, Muncy

In her book, historian Faust notes that the Civil War introduced America to death on an unprecedented scale and of an unnatural kind – grisly, random, and often ending in an unmarked grave far from home. [She} exhumes a wealth of material – condolence letters, funeral sermons, ads for mourning dresses, poems and storied from Civil War-era writers – to flesh out her lucid account. Faust is president of Harvard University, where she also holds the Lincoln Professorship in History.

Steve Fairchild and Amy Rogers will highlight portions of Faust’s book during this engaging book discussion. Dr. Rogers, a professor in the Education Department at Lycoming College since 2007, taught social studies in both middle and secondary classrooms and has studied the effects of local history in relation to civic mindedness and civic engagement.  Dr. Fairchild, James Madison University Professor Emeritus and Associate Dean Emeritus, is now working at Lycoming College as an adjunct professor in the Education Department. Fairchild, a member of the Society’s board of directors, began his career in elementary education and has directed many of the Society’s educational initiatives.

Forty copies of the featured book will be available to attendees through the generosity of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. Light refreshments will be served from 6:30-7 p.m.

MUNCY IS PROUD TO BE THE FOURTH HOST OF THE PA CIVIL WAR 150 ROAD SHOW

FRIDAY – TUESDAY, MAY 27 – 31, 2011

Location: Muncy High School, Schuyler Avenue at the Sports Field Complex, 200 W. Penn Street, Muncy
Friday & Saturday, May 27-28, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.;

Sunday, May 29, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.;
Monday, May 30, noon-8 p.m.; Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

(HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE – WEATHER DRIVEN)

The PA 150 Civil War Road Show is taking the story of Pennsylvania’s role in the great conflict to all 67 PA counties over a four year period. Based in a 53 foot expandable trailer, the CWRS is bringing interactive exhibits and special programming on the Keystone State’s vital role in the war to local communities across the Commonwealth. It is an emotionally powerful mobile exhibit experience with interconnected programs that focus on the ways the War transformed the lives of Pennsylvanians and their communities, and the ways in which Pennsylvanians impacted the War.

Through stereoscopic photographs, original compositions of Civil War era music and sound effects, interactive maps, hands-on objects and animated storytelling, the Road Show conveys accounts of the many different ways Pennsylvania’s men, women, children and communities experienced the Civil War – both on the battlefield and the homefront.

The exhibition is organized into four thematic “arcades” that visitors can approach in any order: How Pennsylvanians Responded to the War; How Pennsylvanians Aided in the War; How Pennsylvanians Waited During the War; and How Pennsylvanians Commemorated the War.

The Road Show will also collect the stories of Pennsylvania’s Civil War history, county by county, in a “Share Your Story” recording booth and the public is invited to share their own Civil War-era family photographs, artifacts and stories digitally and/or orally to be uploaded to PACivilWar150.com.

CIVIL WAR QUILTS & CARE PACKAGES:
SUPPORT FOR SOLDIERS FROM THE WOMEN AT HOME

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011, 7 P.M.

Ann F. Diseroad

Presenter: Ann F. Diseroad; Hosted by the Muncy Historical Society;
Location: Community Room, First United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market Street, Muncy

When President Abraham Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 troops in April of 1861, the United States standing army had never numbered more than 15,000.  The Federal Government was incapable of provisioning a force as large as the one assembled. Spontaneously, women throughout Pennsylvania and across the nation rose to meet the challenge, collecting supplies and money and producing materials needed to equip the Union Army.

Ultimately as many as 10,000 Ladies Aid Societies were united under the umbrella of the United States Sanitary Commission, a civilian organization which provided millions of dollars worth of food, clothing and medical supplies to Union soldiers. Their support not only contributed to soldiers’ comfort but significantly reduced loss of life.

This presentation tells the story of women’s efforts drawn from Civil War era newspapers, diaries, letters and other contemporary sources. On display will be Ann’s reproductions of many items produced by Civil War women including quilts, hospital garments and knitwear, made from period instructions or based on photographs of surviving objects. This collection is probably the most diverse and complete one of its type.

Ann F. Diseroad is a retired librarian and local historian in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. She serves on the board of the Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society, was a member of the Selection Committee for “Pennsylvania Quilts: Studies in Color,” the highly acclaimed quilt show held at the Packwood House Museum, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in 2009, and works with the Barton House at the Bloomsburg Fair to provide a living history experience for visitors. She is one of twelve artisans nationwide who will participate in creating textiles for the Robert E. Lee House in Arlington, Virginia.

149^TH PA BUCKTAILS

Muncy Civil War Road Show Volunteers

SATURDAY, MAY 28-MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.; SUNDAY, MAY 29, 11 A.M. TO 7 P.M.;
MONDAY, MAY 30, NOON TO 4 P.M.;

Location: Schuyler Avenue & Muncy Hgh School Sports Complex

The 149th Pennsylvania Bucktail Volunteer Infantry Regiment, a reenactment unit representing the original 149th PVI, will join Muncy’s for its Memorial Day weekend activities. The modern reenactment unit pays tribute to the men and the sacrifices that the original 149th made during the American Civil War. The 149th was a special Union infantry regiment formed in August, 1862 from 11 different Counties from Pennsylvania. It played a minor role at the Battle of Chancellorsville, but their first major engagement occurred July 1, 1863 on McPherson’s Ridge at the start of the 3 day Battle of Gettysburg. The 149th also took part in many of the Virginia battles from the Wilderness to Petersburg.

The Bucktails will have a “Recruiting Station,” a living history camp of instruction, and a civilian surveyor, chaplain and medical professional on hand to explain their 19th century duties during the War.

[Thompson’s Independent Battery C, PA Volunteer Light Artillery reenactment unit will join us on Saturday, May 28. In many heated battles, Battery C was also at Gettysburg, taking up position in the Peach Orchard. Cannon firing demonstrations will occur throughout the day.]

“CAPTURE THE FLAG! CIVIL WAR KIDS TELL THEIR STORIES”

Bloomsburg Ensemble

A Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Performance

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2011, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Location: High School Auditorium, 200 W. Penn St., Muncy

“Capture the Flag! Civil War Kids Tell Their Stories” is a Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble production which features the adventures and misadventures of kids – soldiers and civilians, Yanks and Rebels, boys and girls, heroes and spies. Told in their words, from their perspectives, it is a snapshot of what three kids were doing – in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in Richmond, Virginia and in Gettysburg, PA – as they lived through the most tumultuous days in our nation’s history: July 3 & 4, 1863.

Songs, story-telling and staging combine in BTE’s unique and popular style to bring to life tales of brave young people whose hearts are ready to Capture the Flag! Shows are presented by actors in an animated story-theatre style followed by a lively post-performance discussion.

PERIOD CHURCH SERVICE

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011, 2 p.m.

Location: Schuyler Avenue at Muncy High School Sports Complex

Rev. Herring, a retired minister, will impersonate Pastor James Frederick Calkins, the only Chaplain who served with the 149^th Voluntary Infantry Regiment during the Civil War, in a period worship service.

“DEAR HOME – CAPTAIN JOHN RISSEL LETTERS”

John Rissel

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011, 7 p.m.

Location: Muncy High School Auditorium, 200 W. Penn Street, Muncy

The Muncy Historical Society and Custom Taylored Productions proudly present “Dear Home” – a living history “world premiere” stage production of one soldier’s civil war experiences from his enlistment in 1861 to his discharge in 1864. Captain John Rissel of Company F of the 84^th, a Pennsylvania regiment, experienced some of the most horrific fighting of the Civil War. Rissel captured his time spent in camp, on what seemed like endless marches, and on the battlefield. His letters convey his pride in his comrades’ bravery and incredible sorrow as he writes of the death of so many of his friends.

John Rissel anxiously sought his parents’ permission to enlist in the Civil War. The excitement of war soon turned to anxiety and fear as sickness and the ravages of battle took a toll on those around him.

Rissel sent more than 120 letters home during his three years with Company F of the 84th, a Pennsylvania regiment that experienced some of the most horrific fighting of the Civil War. In this collaborative effort, adult and student performers will share Rissel’s impatience, fear, guilt, loyalty, hope, confusion, patriotism, and deep mourning.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, , 11 a.m.

N. Main Street to E. Penn Street to Muncy Public Cemetery
Starts promptly at 10 a.m., Parade lead by Tom Taylor, Bag Piper and will include the 149^th Bucktails and their families, the PA 46^th Band, a Civil War period horse-drawn hearse and others

Guest Speaker: David Richards, Gettysburg Battlefield Guide

7th Annual Quilt Show & “Civil War Quilt” Challenge and Presentations

FRIDAY – SATURDAY, JULY 15 – 16, 2011

Civil War Quilts

Civil War Quilts

July 15, 4:00 – 9 p.m. (Quilt Show Only);

July 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Quilt Show & Two Living History Presentations)
· 11 a.m. – Louisa May Alcott: Writer, Abolitionist & Child of the New Education
· 3 p.m. – Clara Barton: Civil War Nurse & Founder of the American Red Cross

Quilt Show Location: Myers Elementary School, 125 New Street, Muncy
Presentation Location: Community Room, First United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market Street, Muncy

The quaint and beautiful river town of Muncy, Pennsylvania is the setting for this annual 2-day Quilt Show. Show guests have the opportunity to view antique, traditional and new quilts, representing virtually all styles. Diversity and artistic interpretation are highlights of the show and each year, the event is a showcase of stunning hand and machine workmanship, appliqué and quilting techniques, reflecting the originality of the makers and their expertise with needle and thread. The vintage quilts, which help to set this Show apart from others, are from private and museum collections from across the state of Pennsylvania.

The Show also includes quilts entered in the Challenge Theme category, special Civil War-era relevant exhibits, lectures and/or workshops, fabric and specialty vendors, quilt appraisals and a variety of hands-on demonstrations. Judy Howard’s “God Bless America Touring Quilts” and the Colonel Eckman Military Collection will also be on display.

The show activities are selected to appeal to all ages and young people are encouraged to participate.

Presenter: Pat Jordan

Presenter: Pat Jordan

On Saturday, Pat Jordan, professional singer-actor, published writer and director from southeastern Pennsylvania, will present two different one-woman living history plays. Pat’s entertaining and highly-researched historical interpretations have been enjoyed at theatres, colleges, libraries, historical groups, schools, businesses and national historical sites throughout the country. Pat is a member of SAG and AFTRA, a drama instructor, stage director, and Program Director of a foundation-sponsored youth-at-risk arts initiative.

Louisa May Alcott, abolitionist, feminist, advocate for woman’s suffrage and acclaimed author will make her appearance at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Alcott was an avid women’s rights advocate and the sole support of her family for many years. Her character, in many ways, is revealed through the beloved tomboy Jo in Little Women, Alcott’s classic story of four sisters who lived during the Civil War. The Alcott family was on intimate terms with many of the greatest thinkers in New England during the mid-19th century and Louisa’s teachers included Emerson and Thoreau. Later, her father’s utopian experiments provided the youthful author with a colorful background against which to spin her tales. Louisa served as a nurse during the Civil War and her book, “Hospital Sketches” tells of her experiences at the Union Hospital in Georgetown. The renowned writer later authored many books which became popular top sellers.

Woman’s and civil rights activist Clara Barton is scheduled to perform at 3 p.m. Clara Barton was born on Christmas Day, 1821, in North Oxford, MA. Her father’s stories of his military career enthralled Clara and inspired dreams of doing some glorious service for her country. The bright, sensitive girl grew into a strong advocate for education, becoming a teacher in her teen years. When the Civil War broke out, Clara headed for the front lines, taking supplies to wounded soldiers and earning the title “Angel of the Battlefield.” Her middle years took her to Europe where she became a passionate supporter of the Geneva Convention and the International Red Cross. On her return to America, she established the first chapter of the American Red Cross, bringing disaster relief to countless thousands throughout the nation and abroad. Clara’s indomitable strength, dogged determination and boundless good will are a model for all Americans. Free Parking; Free Presentations; Quilt Show Admission $5.

37TH ANTIQUES SHOW AND SALE

Juried Antiques Show

FRIDAY – SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 & 27, 2011

Juried Antiques Show

Fri., August 26, 5:30 – 9 p.m. (opening night reception); Sat., August 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: Geringer Social Hall, 213 N. Main Street, Muncy

Lycoming County, Pennsylvania’s finest juried show, known for the diversity and quality of antiques, offering a relaxing indoor, air-conditioned atmosphere with outstanding antique dealers. This Show offers an impressive range of antiques: 19th and 20th century American and English furniture, fine early porcelain and glass, stoneware and pottery, quilts and vintage textiles, estate jewelry, folk art, primitives and Americana, smalls and accessories.
Keeping with our 150th anniversary Civil War commemorative efforts, in addition to the “stepping back in time” with antiques available for sale, the 37th annual show will feature a special Civil War era display with exhibited memorabilia on loan from private collections. Free Parking; Admission $4.

DESERTER COUNTRY: CIVIL WAR OPPOSITION IN PENNSYLVANIA

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011, 2:30 p.m.

Presenter: Robert Sandow, PhD. (Commonwealth Speakers Bureau)
Hosted by the Muncy Historical Society

Location: Community Room, First United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market Street, Muncy (refreshments following presentation)

This lecture explores the widespread and sometimes violent opposition to the Civil War by people in the Appalachian lumber country of northern Pennsylvania. Many are unaware that this sparsely-settled region was home to divided communities that provided a safe haven for opponents of the war and deserters form the army, prompting federal officials to lead a military expedition in 1864. Sandow will examine the social, political and economic factors that explain antiwar opposition, much of which stemmed from the difficulties of Appalachian life. Timely themes are highlighted including the meanings and traditions of dissent in wartime, the debate over loyalty to the nation, the impact of partisan politics and the difficulties faced by the state in enforcing unpopular laws.

Family trips to famous battlefields sparked a lifelong passion in Robert Sandow for Civil War history. His research specialties include the northern homefront during the Civil War, with particular interest in issues of dissent, partisan politics, and opposition. He is an Associate Professor of History at Lock Haven University, where he teaches classes on American History, Military History, Japanese History and introductory courses on Public History and Museum Studies. A Pennsylvania Humanities Council 2011 Speaker, Dr. Sandow is also a writer, publishing among other works, a monograph entitled Deserter Country: Civil War Opposition in the PA Appalachians in April 2009.

REPASZ BAND CONCERT

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2011, 2:30 p.m.

Location: Muncy High School Auditorium, 200 W. Penn Street, Muncy

The Repasz Band was founded in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 1831 and it is the oldest non-military band in continuous existence in the United States. It has a proud musical heritage, having performed for a variety of civil and military events.

In 1861, the Band enlisted in the 11th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and after three months’ service, enlisted in the 29th Pennsylvania Volunteers. After completing its second enlistment, the greater part of the musicians next enlisted in the 8th PA Cavalry and served until the end of the Civil War, seeing action in the Shenandoah Valley as well as at Lee’s surrender. At Appomattox Court House the Repasz Band played the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Rally Round the Flag.” The Band performed at the original dedication of President Ulysses S. Grant’s Tomb on April 27, 1897 and returned one hundred years later to perform at the rededication of Grant’s Tomb. At ten o’clock in the morning on October 23, 1869 the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad delivered the Repasz Band to Muncy so that they could perform at the dedication of the Civil War Soldiers’ Monument at the Muncy Cemetery. It rained that day and the plan to hold the exercises on the cemetery grounds had to be abandoned. The dedication ceremony was moved indoors and the Repasz Band performed “without missing a beat.” The Repasz Band returns to town and to present a concert of Civil War music.

HISTORIC HOMES & WALKING TOUR

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2011

Noon to 4:30 p.m.

Civil War Era properties that have stories to tell plus a special exhibit at the museum!

For the one-day annual homes tour, guests will walk through Muncy’s historic district where period costumed reenactors will share their stories of life on the homefront, in camp and on the battlefield. On the public library steps, guests will have the opportunity to hear a Quaker’s position on slavery and experience the crowd’s fervor which led to Muncy’s “Abolition Riot of the 1840s.”

The historic homes and churches, for touring and sidewalk conversations, will be selected based on the “story they have to tell” i.e. Captain Peterman’s (killed at Chancellorsville), Rissel’s pre- and post-Civil War homes (legacy in letters’ home), John Bowman’s (brother-in-law to Lt. Col. John Musser, killed at Wilderness), Mary Jane Levan’s (her tireless efforts raised the funds to erect the C. W. Monument), etc. In addition to refreshments at the museum, tour guests will view a special Civil War era display with exhibited memorabilia on loan from private collections. Admission $12; $10 advance.

5th ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION & SALE

FRIDAY – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4-5, 2011

Fri., November 4, 5:30 – 9 p.m. (opening night reception);
Sat., November 5, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: Geringer Social Hall, 213 N. Main Street, Muncy

This Regional Invitational Art Exhibition features some of the most talented artists in Central Pennsylvania. The sho

w features twenty-four renowned artists, each specializing in a unique genre. Many of them are exhibited and collected nationally; all of them share a close relationship with Muncy and the surrounding area. It includes a wide range of arts and craftsmanship, including photography, oil painting, jewelry, fashion, pottery, woodworking, quilting, ceramics, watercolor, sculpture, home décor and unique holiday decorations. The juried show includes a rich and varied collection of original work along with signed and numbered limited-edition reproductions. Friday night’s opening includes a reception and an opportunity to meet the artists.

In addition to the contemporary artists, guests will experience a special art exhibit representing a cross-section of work from the Civil War era; exhibited memorabilia on loan from both the museum’s and private collections. Admission: $4.

The Muncy Historical Society commemorates the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, partnering with the Muncy School District, the Historical Organizations of Lycoming County (HOLC) and other non-profit organizations throughout Lower Lycoming County to provide varied events and activities to appeal to a wide audience in 2011.

Program support for the Muncy Historical Society’s 2011 Calendar of Events was made possible in part through donations and grants from The Muncy Bank & Trust Company, the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau and the PA Council on the Arts.