Halloween at the Museum
The Forest County Historical Society once again held Trick or Treat at the museum on October 31, 2021. Seven Board members or friends chose to honor a character from Forest County History by portraying the character as they passed out their treats. We served at least 120 children most with parents coming through the museum as well.
Janet Fennell welcomed people to the porch as Ronald McDonald who was an undertaker in Marienville. Next children and adults met Julia Silzle Wilson portrayed by Becky Pillsbury. Julia was Becky’s grandmother who although served porridgeto her nine children most of the week, she always made Sunday dinner special. Martha Brown Sigworth was an artist in Tionesta, and many of her paintings are on display at the museum. She was portrayed by Nancy Sweda, retired art teacher from Forest Area School District and now of Full Circle Farm and Artisan Center. Next children were introduced to Daniel W. Clark, Civil War Quartermaster, portrayed by Rodney Daum standing beside the actual Civil War desk of Lt. Clark and the display of the 160th anniversary of the Civil War. After that they encountered Mrs. Mary O’Toole, beloved English teacher at West Forest portrayed by Mary Alyce Knauff. Moving to the outside they found Jim Knauff portraying Fred Caligiuri, who was from West Hickory and played professional baseball for the Philadelphia Athletics. When he passed away in 2018, he was the oldest living professional baseball player. Finally, the tour was topped off with J.C. Scowden, who owned and ran a carriage factory in the building now owned by Greathouse Autobody. Scowden was portrayed by Ashley Sweda, also of Full Circle Farm and Artisan Center and he had an authentic carriage made at the Scowden factory with him.
The Forest County Historical Society has a mission to be the collection, preservation and interpretation of all materials pertaining to the history of Forest County Pa. We engage people through exhibits, a library of relevant information, hosting events and publishing documents to interact with and educate the community we serve. We have set education as a priority, and we try to educate as much as we can about Forest County and its people. If you would like to become a member of the Historical Society, please visit us at www.forestcountypahistory.org. We are closed now for the season except for special events but will reopen next June. See you then.
