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E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society
Newsletter
Number 1 January 2007
E-mail: eoaustinhistsoc@zitomedia.net Phone: (814)647-8358
Since the museum's grand opening on May 14, 2006, we have opened our doors to many visitors from far and near. All who have taken the time to explore the museum have enjoyed the many exhibits that are offered and marveled at the generosity of the donors who have given so freely of so many prized possessions. We at the museum are also most grateful for their generosity, and we are greatly pleased for their faith in us to care for and preserve the artifacts that play such an important role in preserving the colorful history of Austin and the surrounding communities.
The Museum
The exterior of the museum is a replica of the home of E.O. Austin and his family which was completed in 1878 only to be destroyed by the great flood of 1911. The interior is comprised of a series of rooms and halls designed to meet the needs of the museum. The first floor exhibits include The Foyer, E.O. Austin's Justice of the Peace Office, The Domestic Room, The Flood Victim's Hall, The School Room, The Sports Hall, The Genealogy Library, The Merchant's Hall, The Health Care Room and the Gift Shop.
The second floor feature The Staircase, The Military Room and Veteran's Hall, The Farming and Logging Display, The Bandstand Hall, The Church Room, The Community Club and Post Office Display, The Brisbois-Nuschke Room and The Austin Damn Association Room.
Just a few of the interesting items on display are an 1851 one dollar gold coin found by Alex Ebbert while digging near the steps in front of the museum, E.O. Austin's rifle that he carried in the Civil War, furniture from the home of E.O. Austin, a Spalding baseball glove used by Harlow Austin, grandson of E.O. Austin, which can be seen in a photo taken in 1904, and various items belonging to Senator Frank Baldwin who was a resident of the town of Austin while in office.
We also have on display and in albums many photos of Austin and surrounding communities from the 19th century to the present, including The Austin Paper Mill, The Costello Tannery, and many photos that offer a reminder of the total destruction of the town of Austin following the great flood of 1911.
We at the museum believe that we have something to interest everyone, young or old, and invite you to take a tour.
On October 6, 2006, the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society was honored to welcome the family of Rachel I. Beebe also known as Margaret Sutton, the author of the popular Judy Bolton series who was born in Odin, Potter County, Pennsylvania in 1903. Her family presented the museum with some of the author's drawings, a very kind gesture that is greatly appreciated. The family was accompanied by the Judy Bolton fan club. Since then, the library has received several Judy Bolton books that were donated by the Dow family.
About the Genealogy Library
The library is open at the regular hours, which are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Thursday from 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m., and Saturday from 12:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m. Both the museum and the Genealogy Library are open by appointment providing someone is available. Call John or Denise Owens at (814) 647-8448 or Ron Ebbert at (814) 647-8650. On Thursdays someone will be at the museum to help with genealogy. At other times you are free to use the library on your own. Any help with genealogy should be directed to John or Denise Owens at the above number, or by mail at John or Denise Owens, P.O. Box 268, Austin PA 16720. If you are not able to visit the library, we will be happy to research your family of try to help with whatever you are looking for. There is no charge for our services, however donations are appreciated but not necessary.
The library is small but growing. At this time we have to offer local cemetery records, obituaries, some printed census records, and few genealogies from the Austin area. We do, however, offer access to Ancestry and Family Search records on the internet, along with the nearly complete and fully indexed United States Census from 1790 - 1930.
Gift Shop
The gift shop has a number of interesting items for sale. We have hats, shot glasses, pins, books written by local authors about the Austin area during it's early years, stamped envelopes with a picture of the museum, Christmas ornaments, post cards, trivets with a picture of the museum, copies of any pictures in our collection with or without a frame, tote bags, and genealogy family group sheets and ancestral charts.
All purchases are treated as donations and all money is used to support the museum. We depend entirely on donations and fund raisers to maintain the museum and genealogy library.
Membership
If you would like to receive a copy of our newsletter by e-mail, just send us your e-mail address. If you would rather it be sent by regular mail, please send us your current address.
We are still a very young organization with hopes of growing, becoming better at what we do, and reaching more people. Our museum is a new building that was built for the most part by donated labor and with money that was raised by the organization and donated to those who saw it as a fitting memorial to an area with such a rich and colorful history. It costs a great deal to keep the museum running. Thus we appreciate any and all donations whatever the size.
We also rely on memberships to help cover the costs. So we hope you renew your membership or become a new member.
Membership (per person):
1 year $5.00
Lifetime $100.00
To become a member, print, fill out and return this form to the museum, along with your dues.
Membership Form
Name____________________________________
Address__________________________________
City______________________________________
State____________Zip Code_________________
E-mail____________________________________
Checks payable to:
E.O.A.H.H.S.
P.O. Box 412
1 Town Square
Austin Pa 16720
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