Historic Tree with a “Shady” Past
By Betty Hoover DiRisio, LCHS Volunteer Kushkushkie Towns In the mid to late 1700's our area was inhabited by the Lenape Indians (the Delaware) in a group of villages known…
First Female Funeral Director in Pennsylvania: Elizabeth May Mangan
Elizabeth May Mangan, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Mangan of Allegheny was born in August 1876. She worked as a confidential secretary for her uncle who was a senior member…
1947 ESSO Oil ad in an aviation magazine
The Flying Wilsons: Maxine and Findley
Maxine Anderson Wilson learned to fly after marrying her husband, pilot Findley Wilson in 1937. In 1939 she was the first District woman to hold a private license, and the…
Pickup or Delivery
By Betty Hoover DiRisio, LCHS Volunteer Prior to 1887, mail was held at our local post office for patrons to claim. If letters orparcels were left unclaimed, a notice would…
Nannie L. Mitcheltree
1886-1972
Nannie L. Mitcheltree: an Educator
A name synonymous with education in New Castle for many years was that of Miss Nannie L. Mitcheltree. Ms. Mitcheltree was born December 11, 1886 in Edinburg. Commuting from Edinburg…
A Palatial Residence
By Betty Hoover DiRisio, LCHS Volunteer In October 1898, Edwin Ohl's (1850-1922) palatial residence at 208 East Lincoln Avenue, New Castle, was being constructed, a model of elegance and beauty. Completed…
Thomas J. Rocks
New Castle High School
1924
New Castle High School
1924
Martyred – WWII the Phillipines
By Betty Hoover DiRisio, LCHS Volunteer Fifteen Years to Priesthood Thomas J. Rocks, seen here in his 1924 high school graduation photo, was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, to Hugh…
Joe Trax with his Custer Cannon circa 1894
The “Custer” Cannon & Joe Trax
By Betty DiRisio, LCHS Volunteer If we went back in time 100 years or more, no 4th of July Parade would have been complete without local Patriot Joe Trax and…
James Andrew and Eliza Emery Crawford. Their house was named Birchlawn.
Birchlawn
By Betty Hoover DiRisio, LCHS Volunteer Located on Harbor Street in New Castle, this home was known as "Birchlawn" (see photo). It was built for industrialist James Andrew Crawford and…
Charles "Horse" Gillium
1905-1935
1905-1935
“Horse” Gillium – Giant of a man: From Beaver Five to NY Celtics
By Betty Hoover DiRisio, LCHS Volunteer In 1920, the "Beaver Five" were Lawrence County's junior basketball champions. In 1920-1921, utilizing many of the same players the team was reorganized as…
Castle on the Hill
By Betty Hoover DiRisio, LCHS Volunteer Who hasn't seen this "castle" high on the hill on North Jefferson St. in New Castle? The stone structure was built in 1890 for…
L-R: Ed Riney (driver), William G. Warnock, Frank Sloan, Billy Glenn
Billy Glenn – The Amusement Man
By Betty Hoover DiRisio, LCHS Volunteer Billy Glenn was born in Portersville in 1874. Prior to coming to New Castle he operated a concession at Rock Springs Park in Chester,…