Latrobe Historical Society to revisit centennial through archival film

Rock ‘n roll had its first major impact about 65 years ago, with the release of the Elvis Presley single “That’s All Right (Mama).”

Also in 1954, doctors began a mass trial vaccination of children against polio and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled segregation in public schools is unconstitutional.

That same year, the citizens of Latrobe celebrated the centennial of their town’s incorporation along the Pennsylvania Railroad main line between Pittsburgh and Altoona.

The Latrobe Area Historical Society will take a trip back to 1954 on Saturday when it unveils footage of the town’s centennial parade for members old and new attending the organization’s annual meeting. The society recently found a 16 mm film of the event in its archives and converted it to digital format for easier viewing.

“It is a fascinating look back at our town as it appeared 65 years ago,” society Secretary Connie Marucco said in a press release.

Still images from the parade show the centennial queen and her court riding a float past Latrobe’s Army & Navy Store and a drum and bugle corps marching in front of the Woolworth store and the news stand.

Attendance is limited to society members, who will vote on retention or election of four board members. Non-members who wish to attend may join the society by paying 2020 dues at the meeting.

Annual dues are $15 for an individual, $20 for a couple, $50 for a sponsor or $100 for a patron.

Doors open at 9 a.m., and the meeting will begin at 10 a.m., at the society headquarters and museum, 416 Weldon St., Latrobe.

Parking is available on the street or in the lot of Kelly, Sparber & White & Associates, at the corner of Weldon and Alexandria streets.

Visit greaterlatrobe.net/history for more information.