PA Historic and Museum Commission in Town Tonight

Members of the  Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, Preservation Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Downtown Center will be in Austin tonight.

Time: 6:30 P.M.
Where: Austin Fire Hall

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) was created in 1945.  Learn more about PHMC by clicking HERE.

Route 6 Connection September 2015 Newsletter

The Austin Dam ruins are only 11 miles off Route 6 on Route 872.

September 2015 Industry Newsletter SCENIC OVERLOOKS AND VIADUCTS ACROSS ROUTE 6 A contributing factor to US Route 6 in Pennsylvania being called one of the most scenic routes are the engineering feats that attempted to overcome difficult terrain and the overlooks that interpret the history of how people moved about the wilderness of Pennsylvania's northern tier. Viaducts, that transport resources and people over the mountains, are visible along Route 6 or just a few miles off. Two of the most popular ones are the Tunkhannock Viaduct and the Kinzua Skywalk. The Tunkhannock (Creek) Viaduct or as some know it, the Nicholson Bridge, celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. Built by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad (DL&W), construction began in read more...   The PA Route 6 Alliance (PA Route 6) invites organizers of projects throughout the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor to submit a grant application for grant amounts up to $5,000. According to Executive Director, Terri Dennison, the projects should support the mission of PA Route 6, its Management Action Plan, the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail and/or the individual Heritage Workplans for each of the 20 PA Route 6 Heritage Communities. Eligible project activities would include interpretive/educational exhibits and materials, way-finding and gateway signage, and promotional/marketing products that specifically promote the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor. Some examples are: Marketing and educational pieces that promote the heritage of the area Trail development and interpretative signage Packaged itineraries and products associated with those itineraries Elements from existing plans including but not limited to trails, watershed, greenway or heritage community plans PA Route 6 in partnership with DCNR has funding available to support projects totaling $50,000 with a minimum award of $1,000 and maximum award of $5,000. There is a required 1:1 cash match. Applications are due by September 30, 2015. Grant announcements will be made in December. Projects can commence on January 1, 2016. All funds must be expended by December 31, 2016. The project must be located within the boundaries of the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor. This includes the counties of Crawford, Erie, Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike. The project may also support the PA Route 6 Heritage Community Workplans for any of the 20 Heritage Communities: Conneaut Lake, Edinboro, Union City, Corry, Youngsville, Warren, Kane, Smethport, Coudersport, Austin, Galeton, Mansfield, Wyalusing, Tunkhannock, Carbondale, Waymart, Honesdale, White Mills, Hawley and Milford. Funding for the PA Route 6 Mini Grant Program is provided through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC) and therefore must adhere to all statewide rules and regulations. Eligible applicants for the program would include non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, municipalities, COG's, Conservation Districts, and Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION Next Month's Feature.... The Perfect Getaway, Perfect Retreats  The PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor featured 5 railroad related attractions in an ½ page ad in AAA World magazine this month. The ad is targeted at railroad enthusiasts, encouraging them to visit the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, the Kinzua Skywalk, the PA Lumber Museum, Steamtown National Park Site and the Stourbridge Line. Thank you to all of our partners who participated.  Check out our Railroad Page for more information.  TAKE THE HIGH ROAD MOTORCYCLE LOOPS ON ROUTE 6 Motorcyclists from all over the United States and Canada have enjoyed the rolling terrain and lush landscape of US Route 6 in Pennsylvania for years. To help motorcyclists plan their trip, the PA Route 6 Alliance had announced that a map with suggested touring loops off the historic highway, called "Take the High Road", is now available. The loop tours start and end at one point on the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor, winding through several counties, historic sites, breathtaking overlooks and fun places to see along the trip. The five loop tours cover anywhere from 118 miles to 260 miles and are designed to include great places for meals and overnights. The loops can be experienced as separate trips or pulled together for one long week of experiencing one of America's favorite highways.Read more... Calling all Artisans, Galleries, and Art-based retail shops: The PA Route 6 Artisan Trail membership drive is in high swing. Get on board now to be included on our website, in our new magazine publication and as part of the April is Art celebration across Route 6. For more information, contact Merry Ryding atmerry.paroute6@verizon.net or visit our website atwww.paroute6.com/artisantrailmembership    The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Society (PRPS) are inviting Pennsylvanians to find some healthy fun at a park or recreation program close to them through a new website, brand and outreach effort. The "Good for You, Good for All" campaign is intended to broaden awareness, and increase engagement and support for local parks and recreation. The campaign hopes to make more than 5,600 read more...

The Old Community Building, Austin, Pennsylvania

Photo of the old Community Building from the Doris VanWhy Fowler Collection

The Armed Services Military Honor Roll Monument

How many of you remember the Armed Services Honor Roll Monument that was located in what is now known as the Town Square in Austin, Pennsylvania.  As a kid, my friends and I would frequently stop by the monument and look at all the names that appeared inside the glass window.  My uncle Fred J. VanWhy's name appeared therein as he was killed in action during the Korean War.

Thanks to Mr. Gary Jeffers, most, if not all, of those name plates were saved. Kudos to Nancy Glover for arranging and gluing the name plates to the wall  in the Armed Forces room located on the second floor of the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum.

May 13 1932: Concert by Girl's Glee Club, Austin High School

April 30, 1942: Austin High School Girl's Glee Club Presents All-American Music

May 21, 1931: "Educatin' Mary" and "Sweethearts" Presented by Austin High School