PAWC birthday banquet

Ron Ebert, representing the E. O. Austin Home Historical Society was the guest speaker at the annual Port Allegany Womans Club Birthday Banquet held November 14 at St. Gabriels Parish Hall.  He is pictured here with club president, Mary Mensch.  The E. O. Austin Home Historical Society is located at One Town Square in Austin.  It is a visible symbol of perseverance and hometown pride.  It's also an important storehouse of memories, preserved for future generations.  A group of local citizens with a keen interest in the region's past gathered in March of 2001 to form a local historical society.  The group decided there was no better place to showcase the many photos, artifacts and memories of the past than in the home of the town's founding father, Edward O. Austin.  Austin's original home had been gone for years but the local leaders had an extensive collection of photos and written descriptions. A complete replica of the structure, right down to the fancy scroll work and spacious porch was rebuilt and is now the headquarters for the new Austin Historical Society.  Under its roof, visitors can step back in time to gain a better appreciation of the struggles and the triumphs of previous generations. Hours of operation are 1-4 Monday, Wednesday, Friday; Thursday from 3:30 - 7 p.m.; Saturdays from noon - 4 p.m.  Hours are also available by appointment by calling Mr. Ebbert at 814-647-8650 or 814-647-8448.  For further information call 814-647-8358; or go to  eoaustinhistsoc@zitomedia.net; or www.austinhistoricalsociety.com.  Past presidents were recognized at the banquet.  A delicious buffet featuring a mashtini bar was prepared and served by Ed Vicic of the Port Freeze.  The next event is the club's Ding-a-Ling celebration to be held December 1 at the Inn on Maple Street.  Pam Fischer Photo