A Frigid Valentine From 1856

Reminiscent. Editor Daily Republican. - Forty years ago this winter was the longest and coldest winter season within the last half century. The river froze up in December and did not open until March; the ice was about two feet thick and teams could drive on it anywhere with perfect safety. There was good sleighing...

To Good People Who Keep Our Town Walkable, Except…

Just wanted to give a shout out to the folks who have been diligent in keeping their sidewalks shoveled this year. I appreciate it because I've been walking more, not only for the health benefits but because it just feels great to get out of the house for some fresh air. I'm also finding that...

Even Trains Can Struggle On A Snowy Day

I was killing time on Youtube this snowy Tuesday morning and came across this video of a Norfolk Southern train ascending a hill. The video caught my eye because if you live anywhere near the tracks in Monongahela; you see Norfolk Southern trains every day. At first you can barely see the train through the...

The Little Tower That Could

My last post was about the railroad tracks being built across East Main Street back in 1899. While doing research for that post I kept coming across all kinds of interesting stories related to the area between First Street and the tracks at Pigeon Creek. In this post I'll discuss why this area was such...

121 Years Ago This Month – First Train Crosses Main Street At Pigeon Creek

Many of us remember the feeling - you are traveling south on Main Street in Monongahela trying to get to Charleroi for an appointment. You are a few minutes late but if all the green lights through town are in sync you might just arrive on time. You approach 4th Street and YESSS, you just...

Throwing stones at birds will NOT be tolerated

MONONGAHELA CEMETERY. - Notice is hereby given that all persons who visit the Cemetery are forbidden from pulling flowers, throwing stones at birds, injuring the fences, or enclosures in any way, hunting on any of the cemetery grounds, or using fire-arms thereon. I am instructed to make information against any persons violating any of the...

Harris Workingman’s Store part 2

I'm still working on the Conestoga series that I promised in the last post so look forward to more on that soon. I appreciate comments that readers make on my posts so it was great to hear from Bill Perry a few weeks ago regarding an old post about the Harris Workingman's store from 11...