Christmas at the Mansion

Here are some of the latest photos of our Christmas decorations put up by the Five Rivers Bobbin Lace group, Dorothy Witke, Jean Pittman, Jean Nudi, as well as the 155th Battalion NY Field Hospital.  Decorations will be on display until December 31st.

Confederate Christmas tree

Mantle in Mrs. Vicary's Parlor

Piano forte decorated for Christmas

Civil War Santa

Friends From Croatia

Zeljko and Ljerka Paljug recently visited the Foundation on a trip from their home in Croatia to find the grave of Ljerka's Great Grandfather, John Popovic, who left his native land and died in Freedom in 1949.   They were the first members of their family to visit the grave.  Thanks to Don Fraser who first made contact and directed them to us, and also to Ron Ciani whose research made their visit possible.  We certainly enjoyed their visit and hope that they can come back again sometime.  Here is the link to a newspaper article about their visit done by Bob Bauder of the Beaver County Times  at:  

http://www.timesonline.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18726524&BRD=2305&PAG=461&dept_id=478569&rfi=8

Civil War Field Hospital 2007

Our annual Civil War Field Hospital was held in May where the 1st Battalion of the 155th New York Regiment took over the Mansion to treat their wounded.  Visitors watched as surgeons and nurses demonstrated their skill in healing fallen soldiers fresh from the battlefield.   For those soldiers who were not so lucky, a mortician and mourner were available. 

Hospital Scenes

Windows Through History

    On Monday night Debra Philipi, Director of the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations and Kim Ross visited the Vicary Mansion to present an Honorable Mention award for our Windows Through History program.   Our program was chosen fourth out of a field of 28 entries from throughout the state,  many of whom have major budgets and paid staff.  Congratulations to our WTH volunteer staff and participants!  Accepting the award on behalf of the WTH crew and the Foundation, were Brenda Applegate, Executive Director and James Camp, Foundation President.

Kim Ross, Debra Philipi, Brenda Applegate and James Camp

Our WTH volunteers and participants

Kitchen Underway

    Repairs to the mansion kitchen have entered their first stages of completion with the next and hopefully final step being the installation of a new floor and lighting, plus a goal of total completion in the next few months.  Here is an example of what a little paint will do!

Christmas At the Mansion

    On Saturday, December 3rd, the Vicary Mansion was alive with the festivities of an old fashioned Christmas.  Our musical guests were the St. Felix Church Choir and historical violinist Chuck Krepley who provided the beautiful music that captured the spirit of this holiday season.  Thank you also to the Five Rivers Bobbin Lacers, the 155th New York Volunteer regiment, Jan Beall, Dorothy Witke, Jean Nudi, Peg Schweinsberg,  Miss Martel's Ambridge High School History class, Mara Zurick and friends, as well as the many other mansion volunteers and Foundation members who decorated, provided food and cookies and also donated their time to make our celebration a success.  

Bake Oven Finished! 

    Here are some views of our newly completed bake oven.  This coming spring we will be doing the initial slow burn to cure the mortar and then we can begin the long awaited baking process for our Civil War weekend in May.  Many thanks to the wonderful volunteers and scouts, especially George, Mario and Drew, who have made this possible!