Logo designed by Lenny Lichvar of Boswell for the Boswell Post Office Stamp Cancellation

Boswell Celebrates 100 Years

 Well the Centennial Homecoming Weekend to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Boswell as a borough has now past and was a resounding success. It will be etched in our memory for a long time to come. The weekend of celebration and commemoration got underway with the Somerset County Community Band performing at Orenda Park on the evening of Friday, August 6th at seven pm. Lenny Lichvar, president of the Boswell Area Historical Society was the Emcee and host for the event.

An appreciative crowd was entertained by the Somerset County Community Band, which was under the direction of band leader Dan Croft..

(Photo courtesy of the Somerset Daily American)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs presented a plaque, commemorating Boswells 100 years of existence. The event was well-attended and everyone enjoyed the concert by the Somerset County Community Band.

Mayor Richard Lepley accepting the Certificate of Recognition from Wanda Miller, who represented the State Association of Boroughs on the 100th birthday of Boswell.

(Photo courtesy of the Somerset Daily American)

 

 

 

On Saturday, August 7th, there was a community breakfast sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Boswell Lions Club. The breakfast was held at All Saints Hall,  from 8 am until 11 am. Pancakes, eggs, and sausage and steaming hot coffee were plentiful. Over 400 people attended this event. Other organizations helping with the celebrations include the Boswell Volunteer Fire Department, Boswell Lion's Club, and the  Boswell Area Jaycees.

 

BJ Maurer and his old school chum Dale Williams at the breakfast in All Saints Social Hall. Over 400 people attended this breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and sausage.

(Photo courtesy Dick Hardesty, Tampa)

 

 

 

 

 

Special Centennial embroidered shirts, and hats were available for purchase at the Boswell Prescription Center and Boswell Bargains in town.

Also on Saturday, August 7th, the Stoneycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project (SCRIP) sponsored its annual "Fun Raiser" as a part of the Centennial Homecoming Celebration at the Boswell Lions/Jaycees Community Park along Route 601, just South of Boswell, at Ferrellton. This event had many activities for the entire family, as well as information on the conservation efforts that have improved the recreational and economic vitality of the region. In addition, the history and heritage of the Boswell area were on display. Food was available and live musical entertainment highlighted the event that  began at 10:00 am and continued throughout the afternoon. During the day, Saturday, the following activities took place at the Boswell Lions/Jaycees Park:

Canoeing on Quemahoning Creek; water quality testing and sampling; U.S. Postal Service Centennial stamp cancellations were on sale for $1.00; a youth fishing tournament was held; there was a mountain biking demonstration; crafts were shown and a scavenger hunt was enjoyed by all.

Many local community and regional conservation and service organizations were also on hand to discuss their projects and organizations.

There was a parade at seven P.M. down Main Street on Saturday night. The parade route was on Main and Center Streets. The Emcee for this event was Bill Brown of WJAC TV, who announced the different parade units.

 

The North Star High School band led the way down Main Street for Boswells gala parade that featured over 60 units.

(Photo courtesy of Dave Escherich of Stoystown)

 

 

 

 

 

LuAnn Gore, Andrea Policicchio, Phyllis Ickes and Dorothy Ferre on the Boswell float.

(Photo courtesy of the Somerset Daily American)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Centennial banner draped on Borough building where the parade reviewing stand and judges sat. (Photo courtesy of Phyllis Ickes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food was sold at the Boswell Volunteer Fire Department grounds, and Bingo followed in the Fire Hall on Susquehanna Street. At 9:30, there was a spectacular grand display of fireworks.

 

One of the many fireworks, as seen from atop the Elementary school hill

(Photo courtesy Dick Hardesty, Tampa)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was an ecumenical service conducted at St. Andrews Evangelical Lutheran church on Sunday afternoon at 1 :00 P.M. as part of the closing ceremonies. Refreshments were served in the church social room following the service. From 2 - 6 pm there was food, music and bingo at the Firemen's Picnic Grove, Susquehanna Street, at 6:30 pm.

From right to left, Lay Minister Larry Hoover, St Andrews church; Father John Govrusik, Sts Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox church; Father Daniel Fink, All Saints church; Rev Randy Dillon, Church of the Nazarene; Rev Gregory Stouffer, Church of God; and Rev Bruce Maxwell Covenant Presbyterian church..

(Photo courtesy of Phyllis Ickes)

 

 

 

 

The doors of the Mary Lee Sheftic theater, painted for the centennial by Luray Maurer and Merritt Gallo of North Star school. (Photo courtesy of Phyllis Ickes)

 

 

 

 

 

Lee D. Webb, the Boswell Postmaster, presenting the Centennial Stamp Canceller to Phyllis Ickes of BAHS