Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Remembering Gerald F. Duffee Sr., Educator, 1931 - 2009

Administrator, Teacher, Advisor, Counselor and Coach

Mr. Duffee was that rare person who could relate and connect with young people.

Mr. Duffee hailed from Ridgway, Pennsylvania.  He attained a B.A. degree in Economics and Business at Bethany College, B.S. degree in Education from Mansfield University, and a M.S. degree in Educational Administration, Supervision and Guidance from St. Bonaventure University.

He began his teaching career at the Austin High School, Austin, Pennsylvania, in the mid-1960s and retired in 1985 as the High School Principal.

During his career at the Austin Area School District, he would teach history and drivers education, serve as guidance counselor, athletic director, basketball coach, and National Honor Society and Student Council Advisor.

Mr. Duffee was also a civic-minded person who coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Austin-Costello Sportsman's Club.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, having served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Mr. Duffee was a life-time member of VFW Post 7810 serving as the Post Commander in 1971-72 and was a member of the Potter County Honor Guard.

Below, are pictures of Mr. Duffee which appeared in the Austin Area School District, Austin, PA., yearbooks:

Mr. Duffee, Principal, 1971



1974, Student Council Advisor




1977
1977


1978

1980





1984


1985
1991


1992

The insert at the bottom of the picture above reads:

"Mr. Duffee, we want you to know That we really do not want you to go. You have been a part of our growing up years.  You've put up with our joys and our tears. We've caused you headaches, oh yes we did!! But you always forgave us, 'cause we are your kids.

We wish you good health and good luck, too.  Mr Duffee, we sure will miss you!"




Saturday, September 30, 2017

Dateline September 30, 1911: 'The Dam That Could Not Break' Broke


On or about 2:00 PM on this date in 1911, the Bayless Dam burst destroying most of the community of Austin, Pennsylvania, situated two (2) miles south in the Freeman Run Valley.

This tragedy is currently the second worst flood disaster in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The Johnstown flood being the worst.

At the time of the flood, Austin was a prosperous and growing community with a population in excess of 2,900 people. Employment opportunities were plentiful.

The  Dam Ruins located approximately two (2) miles north of the community of Austin on Route 872

Bayless Pulp and Paper Mill Ruins

Learn more about this fascinating community dubbed "The Town Too Tough to Die" by purchasing the following books, publications and media available at the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum located on Main Street in Austin.

Read about Marie Kathern Nuschke


Read more about Paul W. Heimel


Read more about Gale Largey the author of The Austin Disaster, 1911.


DVD directed by Gale Largey
Today, the population of Austin is approximately 650 people.

The Austin Area School District is the smallest public school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with a student population of approximately 200, including Pre-K through 12th grade.

Come spend a day with us and enjoy the beauty of the Freeman Run Valley.


Saturday, September 16, 2017

Austin Dam Memorial Park Site of Potter County Democratic Party Family Picnic

The Democratic Party Is Reborn in Potter County
New Leadership at the Helm
All Are Welcome to Attend
                 
Note: Bring Lawn Chairs

Visit The Awesome Austin Dam Memorial Association Park Website by Clicking HERE.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Potter County Habitat for Humanity Austin PA Project Photo Update No. 5

POTTER COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

37 Thorn Street
Austin, PA 16720
Future Home of Amanda and Scott Crumrine


The First United Methodist Church of Clarion, Pennsylvania, In His Step Sunday School Class, came to Austin on August 19th and 20th, to begin siding the Habitat home on Thorn Street.

Some of the Sunday School class had been here during the month of June, while others were on their very first Habitat for Humanity Project.

See :

Potter County Habitat for Humanity Austin PA Photo Update No. 3 - The Clarion First United Methodist Church Youth Group Is Awesome


Below are some of the pictures I took:



Bryce

Howard and Nathaniel



Carl, Gavin, Scott, Bill and Brandon

Josh and Keith

Nathaniel, Carl and Spencer

Spencer, Amy, and Bryce

Grace, Shelly, and Carl

Carl, Bill, and  Gaviin

Tricia, Nathaniel, Spencer and Grace




Stephanie, Howard, and Amy


Bryce, Shelly, Gavin, Amy, Keith, Howard, and Tricia


Josh, Tricia and Grace

Stephanie and Nathaniel

Howard leveling platform frame




Keith, Grace and Stephanie

Josh


Nathaniel and Tricia Parker, Husband and Wife, First Habitat for Humanity Project
Volunteers from the local Potter County Habitat for Humanity would finish the siding.

Dr. Kistner delivering siding


Tink and Barry

Ivan
Scott, Ivan and Barry

Tink

Carl working on the plumming