For Historical Purposes

I am experiencing a lull in obtaining background information in order to write a couple more AASD Grad mini-profiles so I am going to use this free time to make a notation on the State of Affairs of Austin, Pennsylvania at this time in our history.

It has been many years, at least ten (10), since the Borough of Austin has applied for any economic, housing and redevelopment funds.  Many houses in the community are deteriorating and last month another business on Main Street closed.

Despite the many economic and redevelopment programs created as a result of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in 2008, the Community of Austin did not apply for any assistance, even though the federal government urged municipalities to do so.

Keep in mind, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy at the time TARP was created.

The major bright spot in our community today is the continued investment by Paul Perry of Perry Enterprises in his establishment on Main Street.  Remember, Mr. Perry was the winning (only) bidder on the former Galeotti's Restaurant.

Mr. Perry has a well-stocked convenience store, outdoor store and alcohol distributorship, and, is continually adding new items to his merchandise inventory. GRAND OPENING is scheduled for SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

He is now in the process of adding advertising signs promoting some of the products and brands he has in stock.  Yesterday, workers were preparing the framework for a large sign which will face Route 872.  I will post pictures when the sign is complete.

The borough council, employees and VFW continue to work in preparing for a Special Memorial Day Ceremony here in Austin, Pennsylvania this year. In addition to it's impressive annual ceremony, the Borough will dedicate three of it's bridges to servicemen who were killed in action while serving in the armed forces of the United States of American.

The three (3) servicemen to be honored are Perry J. Hooftallen, Robert I. Roberts and Fred J. VanWhy.  More information will be published on these individuals as we get closer to the ceremony. Information I have received is that we are the first known municipality to bestow this honor.

Clarence Walker

Yesterday, Clarence Walker, our local Civil War Historian, was at Appomattox Court House, VA, to participate in the ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of General Robert E. Lee's surrender which ended the South's attempt to create a separate nation. Mr. Walker is a graduate of the Austin Area School District and is one of the individuals I plan to write a mini-profile on in the near future.