Virtual Westmoreland historic tour highlights vanished buildings

Westmoreland County Historical Society is preparing for its second Historic House Tour that will have a virtual format.

This time around, participants in the annual tour will explore structures that are “Gone But Not Forgotten.” The featured buildings include the Mountain View Inn, which was a longtime landmark along Route 30 in Unity, and Oklahoma Borough’s Belvedere Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in July 2019.

“Last year, we did a virtual tour that highlighted houses that had hosted our Toast the Tour cocktail parties,” said Lisa Hays, the society’s executive director.

This year, by focusing on standout buildings that exist only in memory or old photographs, the society hopes to underline “the importance of remembering and preserving the built environment as much as we can,” Hays said. “It makes perfect sense for a virtual tour.”

The tour planners made an effort to include sites from all corners of the county, Hays said, noting, “You don’t have to worry about giving people time to drive there.”

Mountain View Inn was built in 1924 and was designated an Historic Hotel of America. Owned and operated by the Booher family from 1940 until 2009, it welcomed some presidents and movie stars among its guests.

Belvedere Hotel was built in 1905 by Joseph Gianini. He placed it in a hillside, recalling resorts he remembered from his home in Switzerland.

Among other featured properties will be Penguin Court in Stahlstown, the McComb and Saxman residences in Latrobe, Cabin Hill and Rose Fountain Farm in Greensburg, and other sites in Scottdale, Mt. Pleasant, New Kensington and Laughlintown.

There is a $25 fee for the tour, a pre-recorded program that will include images of 18 buildings, stories of the original owners and insights into the architectural styles of the buildings.

Participants must register in advance by calling 724-836-1800, ext. 210, and providing an email address, where a link to the tour will be sent. Credit card payment will be accepted by phone. Checks payable to Westmoreland Historical Society also may be sent to 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601.

Kickoff party held in person

There will be an in-person kickoff Toast the Tour from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at the William Steel farmhouse in the Hannastown/Totteridge area. The outdoor cocktail party will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Rizzo’s Malabar Inn.

Tickets for the party are limited and cost $75. Advance reservations are required by calling 724-836-1800, ext. 210. Attendees will be expected to show proof of covid-19 vaccination.

Proceeds from the party and tour of vanished benefit the society’s history preservation efforts and education projects.