Professor Gale Largey's The Austin Disaster, 1911

Professor Largey holding his DVD and Book entitled: The Austin Disaster, 1911

Professor Gale Largey from Mansfield University grew up in St. Marys, Pennsylvania.  During his childhood, he and his grandfather would drive up to Austin in the summertime to view The Austin Dam ruins, which still stand today.

In addition to his video documentary entitled The Austin Disaster, 1911, Gale has authored a coffee-table size book by the same name.

This is also a must-have book if you're an Austinite or interested in Pennsylvania History.  The book is available at the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society, Austin Dam Memorial Association Park and local businesses in the Community of Austin.  The cost is $35.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling.  The telephone number of the museum is (814)647-8358.

Front Cover

Back Cover

Bennett Promoted at First National Bank of Port Allegany

Danielle McLaughlin Bennett

Danielle McLaughlin Bennett has been promoted to Manager of the Lillibridge Branch of The First National Bank of Port Allegany.

Danielle, husband Chris, and family reside here in Austin, Pennsylvania.

Danielle is a E.M.T. who serves with the Austin Volunteer Fire Department.

The Coudersport Branch of The First National Bank of Port Allegany is the closest brick and mortar bank to the communities of Austin, Costello and Wharton.

2000 AASD Welcomes Eighth Foreign Exchange Student

AASD Grad Candidate for District Attorney

Photo Credit: The Endeavor News

Successful business woman and attorney-at-law Jeanne Rees Maglicio has announced her candidacy for the District Attorney's Office in Cameron County.

Jeanne is a 1981 graduate of the Austin Area School District, Austin, Pennsylvania, 

Her law office is located at 33 E. 4th Street, Emporium, PA 15834.  The telephone number is 814-486-0670.

To view the 1981 Senior Class Picture of Jeanne visit the Austin Boro News Blog at www.austinboronews.blogspot.com.

Note: Attorney Jeanne Rees Maglicio was elected District Attorney for Cameron County.

The Austin Boro News Blog

The Austin Boro News Blog is a Community Service Project and  was started to bring you the news the newspaper community does not provide, or, does so on a limited basis.

Furthermore, there are  many times when newspaper reporters are unable to attend school board meetings, borough council meetings, etc., but rely on the information distributed by the organizations.

When this happens, more times than not, we are going to receive filtered information favorable to the organization which does not cover all issues of the subject.

For example, I remember the time the title of an article which appeared in a local paper read something like "School Passes Inspection/Examination, etc.", or, words to that effect, when, in fact there were twenty-seven (27) specifications the school needed to correct.  This was not mentioned in the article.

Of course, it would be nearly impossible for the newspapers covering a large area such as ours to attend all meetings.

The point is: Don't believe everything you read and attend as many meetings as you can where your tax dollars are involved.  My personal experience is that government officials are not as fiscally responsible with tax dollars as they are with their own dollars, especially here in Austin.

The Austin Boro News Blog researched and has written articles on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law after I, a Borough Councilman, was denied access to the Borough's Water and Sewage Accounts.

When this information was finally made available to me, I learned that three members of the governing body owed substantial amounts of money for past-due water and sewer fees.

Additionally, a former councilperson had abandoned their place of residence and quit paying their water and sewer fees. This amount was written off last year as uncollectible.

Furthermore, as a result of questions posed to me by a citizen of this community,  I learned that there was over $40,000.00 past due in water and sewer fees.

You should also know that any money earned by the Austin Boro News Blog is donated to non-profit organizations serving Austin or the Austin Area.

To date, we have donated money to the following organizations:

• Austin Boy Scouts
• Austin Cub Scouts
• Austin Dam Memorial Association
• Austin Pride Committee
• School Path Lighting Project
• E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society
• Austin Baseball Association

Please visit the Austin Boro News Blog at www.austinboronews.blogspot.com regularly, as I try to find information on a daily basis which should be of interest to the citizens of Austin.

The blog you are reading now, The Awesome Austin PA Blog, does not generate any money of any kind, as it does not contain Advertising. This Blog is a passion promoting the Community of Austin. I enjoyed a wonderful experience growing up here and received a solid educational foundation which has served me well throughout my lifetime. I am deeply saddened watching businesses fold, the bank closing and the apathy exhibited by the majority of  the citizens of this community.

Winter Survival & Bushcraft at Sinnemahoning State Park this Saturday Feb 21

Saturday, February 21st

Park Office and Wildlife Center

Water Survival and Bushcraft

12:00 Noon - 3:00 P.M.

Adam Nestor and his survival skills are back by popular demand!

Winter is beautiful and the snow provides great opportunities for outdoor recreation like skiing, snowshoeing, hunting and snowmobiling.  But in an unexpected emergency, this winter weather can also be dangerous.  Any of us could find ourselves in a situation where we need to use winter survival skills. Guest speaker, Adam Nestor, will demonstrate how to cope with the conditions of the season with advanced planning and a properly packed survival kit.

Program will begin in the classroom of the Park Office & Wildlife Center with an introduction to winter survival and the gear Adam uses to stay safe in the cold weather.  The second half of the program will be held outdoors in the 40 Maples Day Use Area where Adam will demonstrate bushcraft skills and give participants an opportunity to experience survival shelters built with materials found in the forest. 

Pre-registration is required for this free program, which is open to all outdoor enthusiasts, ages 10 and over.  Participants should dress for the weather, wear waterproof boots, and be prepared to interact with the environment.  Please bring along a pair of leather gloves for bushcraft work.

Please call the Park Office and Wildlife Center at 814-647-8401814-647-8401 for more information or to register for this free program.

The Dam That Could Not Break by Marie Kathern Nuschke

Marie Kathern Brisbois Nuschke was born August 16, 1892 in Austin, Pennsylvania, the child of Delphis and Catherine Mitchell Brisbois.  They lived on School Street for awhile and later moved to Costello Avenue.

She graduated from Austin High School.  There were three (3) in her class.  Marie attended Williamsport Commercial College and later worked for Sykes Department Store, the Louis Nuschke Hardware Store and the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company. 

She married Walter Louis Nuschke on June 14, 1920.

Marie passed away Sunday, January 1, 1967.  She had authoried "The Dam That Could Not Break, an account of the Austin flood of 1911, and several other articles in Pennsylvania History, the quarterly journal of the Pennsylvania Historical Association.

At the time of the flood she was employed in the Louis Nuschke Furniture Store on Austin's Main Street and was one of many people who climbed up the mountain path on the east end of the street where she was an eye-witness to the entire destruction of Austin.

This book is also for sale at the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society.  Their phone number is (814)647-8358.

Potter Leader-Enterprise Article on NWSB "Gift" to Austin

Kathy Brooks is the Potter Leader Correspondent for the Borough of Austin and the Austin Area.  She resides in Austin, Pennsylvania, and was present for the Austin Borough Council Meeting on the evening of February 3, 2015.

Here is what she wrote:

Austin Borough Council recently accepted this former Northwest Savings Bank building as a gift with a clause stating it cannot house another financial institution.

The Potter Leader-Enterprise is located at 6 West Second Street in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Their address is P.O. Box 29, Coudersport, PA 16915-0029.  Their phone number is 814-274-8044.

Willie Nelson Narrates The Austin Disaster, 1911

Willie Nelson, Austin, Pennsylvania

If you have visited or are familiar with the history of Austin, Pennsylvania, then you know of the 1911 Flood which destroyed the town, and, in which, 78 known people lost their lives.  One of those people was a Willie Nelson, who was a grocer and Democrat Party leader in the community.  Willie was also an outspoken critic of the unsafe manner in which the concrete dam was being built and was often referred to as The Jeremiah of Austin. Willie and his wife lost their lives in the flood.

Professor Gale Largey from Mansfield University grew up in St. Marys, Pennsylvania.  During his youth, he would ride up to Austin with his grandfather to view the dam ruins which still stand today.  When Professor Largey decided to put together a documentary on The Austin Flood, Willie Nelson, the singer from Austin, Texas, was the obvious choice to narrate the documentary.  Gale and a contingent of people from Austin, Pennsylvania, traveled to Austin, Texas, and after a number of meetings spanning a number of days, Willie agreed to do it.  The documentary is named The Austin Disaster, 1911: A Chronicle of Human Character.  A DVD of this entertaining and interesting documentary can be purchased at The Austin Dam Gift Shop, E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society, by mail calling the museum at (814)647-8358, or, at local businesses here in Austin, Pennsylvania.

Willie Nelson, Austin, Texas

Two Heroines Who Saved Many Lives on September 30, 1911, Austin, Pennsylvania

A Book Every Austinite Should Own: 1911 The Austin Flood by Paul W. Heimel

Paul W. Heimel

This book can be purchased by stopping by the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum, One Town Square, Main Street, Austin, Pennsylvania 16720.

Or, calling 814-647-8358.

Mailing address is: P.O. Box 412

Cost is $16.95 plus shipping.

AASD 1998 Welcomes Seventh Foreign Exchange Student

E.O. Austin Home/Historical Musuem

If you like looking at Old-Time pictures, or, historical exhibits in general, then you must come visit The E.O. Austin Home/Historical Museum on Main Street here in Austin, Pennsylvania.

I advise that you allow two (2) days for the visit.  One day to browse around the museum looking at all the Exhibits on display; and, the second day to view the hundreds of photographs the museum has on hand detailing Austin's History from the late 1800s to present.

You will be able to see Austin develop into a boomtown, becoming the largest community in Potter County.

View the aftermath of fires and two (2) major floods.  The flood of 1911 being the second worst in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, second only to the one experienced by Johnstown.

And, experience the creation of the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Museum from start to finish.

Personally, I am impressed with the informational and educational tour given by Denise "The Story- Teller" Owens.  Denise is knowledgeable about various and sundry details regarding Austin and the people who made an imprint in Austin's History.  So, do yourself a favor and call before you visit to ascertain when Denise is working.

Again, there are hundreds of old photographs like the one's above at the museum.

AASD Grad Mould Shop Manager at Ardagh Glass

Jim with granddaughter

Jim Rotello is a graduate of the Austin Area School District, Austin, Pennsylvania.

Upon graduating from AASD, he attended Williamsport Community College, Williamsport, Pa.

In 1986, Jim accepted a  position as a pallet loader for a company whose name then was Incon Packaging Pierce Glass located in Port Allegany, Pa.  Four (4) years later, he began an Apprenticeship as a Mould-maker in the Mould Shop.  He worked his way up the ladder to Journeyman and held that position until August 2014. In August 2014, Jim was offered and accepted the position of Manager of the Mould Shop. 

His new position consists of ordering equipment for the plant, ensuring that job changes are ready and managing the work force in his department. He works very closely with the plant engineering department on new product development.

Jim is also actively involved with his union, having participated in several company and mould-maker contract negotiations.

He has over twenty-five (25) years of service with the company which has changed ownership many times over that period of time.

Jim enjoys taking long rides on his Harley.

Gift Horse or Trojan Horse

Many people who spoke at the Austin Borough Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2014, recommended the borough council not to rush to a decision on accepting or rejecting the Agreement presented to the borough containing a restricted use clause prohibiting the property from being used as financial institution at no time in the future, and maybe, waiting a week or two before making a decision.

When the issue came to a vote, the following individuals voted to accept the Agreement as presented:

1. Bucky Blainer
2. Victoria Setzer
3. William Solomon
4. Jesse Valenti

Those voting against were:

1. Nathan Burgett
2. Bernard "Mike" Fowler
3. Fred "Joe" Fowler

Let's examine the following:

Austin Borough has a population of about 550 people.  There are approximately 240 water and sewer hook-ups.

The Austin Borough wrote off nearly $20,000.00 in past-due water and sewer accounts in 2013.  I don't have the figures for 2014. yet.

The Austin Borough lost about $20,000.00 operating the water and sewer plants in 2014.

By accepting this Agreement from Northwest Savings Bank, the Austin Borough lost "only about $1300.00" in water and sewer fees and property taxes annually.

A citizen who spoke at the meeting Tuesday night reminded those present that the Austin Area School District would lose also about $1500.00 yearly.

The Austin Area School District needed additional funding in the neighborhood of $230,000 to operate this school year.

That's what we lost!

Now, let's look at some of the things that we gained.

Additional heating, electrical, insurance, maintenance and landscaping expenses to name a few.  How much? This question was never asked or answered at the meeting. If it was, I missed it.

Wouldn't it have been prudent to know this before acting so hastily to accept this Agreement?

Note:

One ole fella at the meeting stated that if it was him, and we did not accept the Agreement that night, he would be there with a bulldozer the next day leveling the building.

Two people spoke emphatically about how dirty the borough office was.

The Founder and Director of the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum spoke, recommending we accept the Agreement and make a borough office out of it. The Northwest Saving's Bank employee who was present at the meeting stated the same.

Time will tell whether this  gift horse turns out to be a trojan horse.

AASD 1997 Welcomes Sixth Foreign Exchange Student

Barta Wold - A Woman Of Accomplishment

Hagbarta (Barta) Johanna Wold

At the age of eighty (80) Barta had the foresight to put in writing her family accomplishments which are contained in a notebook on file at the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society, One Town Square, Austin, Pennsylvania.  The information  provided here is only a small parcel taken from that information.

Barta was born in Norway and came to Austin in 1890 to join her father who had immigrated to the United States in 1889 finding work at the Goodyear Lumber Company.  Barta writes the following:

"Hagbarta (Barta) Johanna Wold. 1888-         Single.  Valedictorian of High School class in Austin, 1907.  At 13 years of age, was teaching a class in Citizenship for Swedish men.  Also played organ in Swedish Mission Church on Turner Street.  Received a scholarship for Lycoming College (Dickinson Seminary) Williamsport with A.B. in Classics.  Member Sigma Alpha Sorority.  Taught 1909-1912 in Austin.  One year at Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pa. to study French, German, Latin & History.  Due to 1911 flood in Austin, unable to finish at Wilson; entered the Nurses Training School, University of Penna. at Phila., Pa.  Charge of Health Program at Drexel Institute, and was one of the first school nurses in Phila.  Resigned from Drexel to serve in France with Base Hospital #20 from U. of P.  W.W.I. left Base  #20 for service on Hospital Train  #56.  After mustering out in New York, accepted a position with the War Community Chest for 18 months to head a pilot project, working with miners and their families in Jefferson and Indiana Counties, Pa.  Program included: classes in citizenship, cooking and sewing and home nursing; Laid foundation for school nursing in Jefferson County.  Supervisor of Instruction at the Post Graduate Hospital N.Y. City.  24 years as Executive Secretary with the Lycoming Co. Tuberculosis Society; for nine years State Health Chairman for the Pa. Congress P.T.A.; President, Williamsport Civic Club; Lycoming County Federation of Women's Club; member St. Pauls Lutheran Church, member of Altar Committee and President of W.S.C.S.; member of Alumni Board, Lycoming College.  Also took a horseback trip with friend, Dorothy Wallard, from Schenectady, N.Y. to Austin.  Retired 1955.  After retirement returned to Austin; supervised M.Y.F. at the Methodist Church and President W.S.C.S.; President Vets Auxiliary; member American Legion.  Wrote "Nurse Goes to War":, "Austin Pa.,The Hemlock City", compiled booklet for the Diamond Jubilee of Austin Methodist Church, compiled "First Eighty Years in U.S.A".  Owns the old homestead and lives there with her dog, Spinkey.  Age 82 years in 1970."

Barta in uniform

The Honored Guests included a multitude of  local, county and state officials including Mr. Bernard Cooney, Mr. Russell Hofer, and Frances Bennett from Austin.

Barta passed away in 1984 and is buried at Forest Hill Cemetery, Austin, Potter County, Pennsylvania.

A search of the internet will reveal many more fascinating information on this wonderful woman, including her being the first to file for naturalization in Potter County on December 24, 1909.

As a result of Barta penning "Austin, Pennsylvania, The Hemlock City 1890-1910" we are aware of early events in the development of Potter County.

The Hemlock City can be purchased at the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society museum or calling Ronnie Ebbert at (814)647-8358

Alfred Borelli - Celebrity Concert Pianist

The organ pictured above is located in the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum on Main Street, Austin, Pennsylvania.  It is believed that Mr. Borelli learned to play the organ/piano on this instrument.

Alfred Borelli.

• Born in Conrad
• Graduated from Austin High School
• U.S. Navy Veteran
• Graduate of Bucknell University
• Celebrity Concert Pianist
• Successful Cartoonist
• Author

Read about the life and times of Alfred Borelli in "East Fork Revisited: A Memoir".

On sale at the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society for $16.00, or, orders can be placed by calling Ronnie Ebbert at 814-647-8358.  Add $5.00 for shipping and handling.

Marie Kathern Brisbois Nuschke - Austin's Prolific Author: Reposted

Want to learn the history of Austin, Pennsylvania?  Start with these four (4) publications.  The books can purchased at the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society for $8.00 each.  The telephone number of the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society museum is (814)647-8358.

FNB Port Allegany - Coudersport Branch: Closest Brick and Mortar Bank to Austin, Costello and Wharton

Using Yahoo Maps, I have determined that the closest brick and mortar bank to Austin, Costello and Wharton is the First National Bank of  Port Allegany - Coudersport Branch.

The address of the First National Bank of Port Allegany - Coudersport Branch is:

118 East Second Street
Coudersport, PA 16915

Telephone Number: 814-274-9488

Yahoo Maps indicates the following distances and drive times:

From Austin: 14.84 miles with approximately 18 minute drive time.

From Costello: 18 miles with approximately 23 minute drive time.

From Wharton: 25.16 miles with approximately 35 minute drive time.

Directions:

Proceed on Route 872 North to the T-intersection of Route 872/Route 6.

Turn Left on Route 6 which also becomes East Second Street, Coudersport.

Go 1.7 miles.

The First National Bank of Port Allegany is on the left.

NOTE:  Danielle McLaughlin Bennett, wife of Chris Bennett, works at the FNB Port Allegany - Coudersport Branch.  They reside here in Austin.

The information provided above is a public service announcement for the citizens of Austin, Costello and Wharton. I have not received any money to post this article.