The Monroeville Historical Society held its annual Heritage Day Sept. 28 at McGinley House and McCully Log House.
“Our goal is to preserve Monroeville’s history and to educate the community,” Society President Bruce Walker said.
The society conducted tours of the McGinley House — the oldest existing stone house in Monroeville — and McCully Log House. Both structures at 2381 McGinley Road were built in the early 1800s.
Society member Debbie Walker was storyteller for the day.
“I talk about my past five years at this event,” said the volunteer, who made collages out of crayons, torn paper and magazines. “It’s about my observations and short stories.”
Walker shared a collage of the time she talked to the children about their place in history.
“We took their fingerprints and talked about their birth certificates,” Walker said. “History isn’t just about George Washington. We are all part of the story, part of history.”
Vice President Joe Ventresca was dressed as a town crier. Also called a bellman, a crier generally carried a bell, dressed elaborately and made public announcements in the streets.
“I really enjoy doing this for Monroeville. I want to see Monroeville as it was in its heyday in the 1970s and 80s,” Ventresca said. “I look around and I like seeing it come back around to that.”
The all-ages event included pony rides by 4:15 Horsemanship LLC and a petting zoo, courtesy of Country Flair Farm Petting Zoo. Kona Ice and Nathan’s Catering offered food and snacks, while face painting and crafts were available for children.
Kelly Enders, hunter and owner of K. A. Enders Tannery, displayed her work for the second year. Enders, who is a member of the Delmont Historical Society, said that it takes about a week and a half of labor to process a buckskin. Buckskin is good for making shirts, pants and blankets. Vegetable tan, a stronger leather, takes approximately six months and is better for shoes and belts.
Jen Holt and her daughter, Bianca, of Penn Hills, busied themselves by painting a pumpkin.
“We love it here, we come every year,” Holt said. “It’s a great event and we like that the historical society keeps the tradition going.”
The society also oversees the Old Stone Church and McGregor Stone Bridge. For more information, visit monroevillehistorical.org.
