Redbank Valley Historical Society to Release Remaining 43 Prints

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published September 12, 2019 4:26 am
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Screen Shot 2019-09-12 at 7.06.27 AMNEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Redbank Valley Historical Society is scheduled to release the remaining 23 oil pencil drawings of area historic sites in sets 3 and 4 drawn by area artist Carol Kennemuth.

Society president Cindy Morgan made the announcement, adding that the public release is timed to coincide with the Peanut Butter Festival scheduled for Friday, September 20, Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22.

All sales benefit the historical society’s goal of opening a history/genealogy center and museum. Each original drawing and limited edition print comes with a certificate with a brief history of the site, whether it is an original or the number of the limited edition. Prints are made in limited editions of only 15, 25, or 50. They are printed on acid-free paper, ensuring their value as a collectible, beyond the pure enjoyment of the artistry of each drawing, Morgan explained.

“Drawings include the churches of the Redbank Valley area, schools and other sites of historic significance. Many structures captured by artist Kennemuth are no longer standing and only remain in photos and memories. Now, thanks to the artist, they exist in these high-quality drawings to be enjoyed for many years to come,” explained Morgan.

“Some of the sites have interesting stories. Spaces Tavern was a rather rowdy place in the days before the railroad when logs were rafted down the Red Bank Creek to Pittsburgh. The ‘Battle of the Banks’ features the old New Bethlehem Bank sign on Beautiful Lookout and the First National Bank Tower, which were born out of the rivalry of the Anderson and Andrews business leaders. Several of the prints feature the Low-Grade Railroad, its trains and stations,” Morgan added.

The remaining 23 prints will be released on September 20 and will be for sale and on limited display at the Peanut Butter Festival in Gumtown Park, weather permitting.

All 43 prints will be on full display and for sale during the festival at the Gallery at the New Bethlehem Town Center located at 419 Arch Street (the former Keck Building next to the local fire hall) — on September 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; on September 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and September 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Limited edition prints may be purchased for $53.00, including sales tax, starting on September 20.

Original Drawings Featured

Original drawings will be available for sale by silent auction, with a minimum bid of $200, beginning September 20 and concluding on Thursday, September 26, at The Gallery at New Bethlehem Town Center. There will be refreshments at 6:30 p.m. on September 26, at which time those wishing to place a bid on originals will have time to do so. A presentation will follow at 7:00 p.m. to share stories about the prints being released.

Set No 3 includes: Hawthorn Pottery, Northwest Savings Bank, Shay Locomotive at Hawthorn, C.E. Andrews with Grandson Carl, Welsh’s General Store at Mayport, New Bethlehem Fire Company, Spaces Tavern, Shannondale Lutheran Church, Rimer Hill School, Putneyville Grist Mill, and the New Bethlehem Glass Plant.

Set No.4 includes: Andrews Theater, the Brewery (now the Smucker’s peanut butter factory), American Hotel in Mayport, previously mentioned the “Battle of the Banks,” Keck Hotel, Shannondale Store, New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, McLain Fire Brick Plant, South Bethlehem School, the Round Barn at Deanville, St. Charles Catholic Church, and the Andrews Estate.

Sets No. 1 and 2 were released earlier and are on sale now.

Set No. 1 includes: New Bethlehem Train Station, Climax Tunnel, Lower House, The Brick House in Oak Ridge, Leatherwood Church, Last Train at Oak Ridge in 2007, Seminole School, Putney House, East End Station, the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Set No.2 includes: New Bethlehem Public School, Old New Bethlehem Dam, Andrews House on Penn and Lafayette, Old Mohney House, Scout Hall, Merry-Go-Round at Alcola, Red Bank Mills, Oak Ridge Railroad Station, Original First Baptist Church (first New Bethlehem house of worship), and the McKelvey Store.

Persons desiring more information may contact society president Morgan at 814-221-6225 for more information or visit the history page on the Redbank Renaissance website at www.redbankren.org/history.

The historical society is a committee of Redbank Renaissance, Inc., a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

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