Monroeville Historical Society hosts Heritage Day Festival

Monroeville Historical Society is preparing for its annual Heritage Day Festival on Oct. 1.

Acting as a “tribute to Monreoville’s rural past,” the festival maintains a modern version of the community’s early farming day tradition, the Harvest Home Picnic.

The tradition dates back to the 1890s and has slowly evolved with time. Rather than a large potluck picnic where guests share farming ideas and recipes, community members are welcomed to enjoy food from Nathan’s Catering, pony rides, crafts and historical demonstrations.

“The Harvest Home Picnic was how people gathered back then,” said Joe Ventresca, chair of the event and Monroeville Historical Society’s wedding coordinator. “This event helps people learn about Monroeville’s history, and there will be fun stuff for the kids, too.”

The festival will be held on the grounds of the historical McGinley House and McCully Log House. Both structures will be cleaned and open for self-guided tours.

McGinley House is the oldest existing stone house in Monroeville. The home is theorized to have been built around 1830 by John McClintock. Later, the deed was passed on to Isaac McGinley, for whom the site is named.

“Artifacts will be in the McGinley House for people to look at,” said Ventresca. “They’ll be on display like a museum.”

McCully Log House was built in the early 1800s and is one of the oldest structures in Monroeville. The house was built on the Miers’ family land, one of the first families that settled in the area.

In 1992, the house was slated for demolition. However, the Monroeville Historical Society and the Municipality of Monroeville began a joint preservation effort. They took apart the original structure and relocated it next to McGinley House. The project was completed in 1995.

Attendees will be able to experience historical lessons while participating in family-friendly activities, including pumpkin painting, scarecrow making and calligraphy demonstrations.

“Sixty-three scarecrows were made last year and all 120 pumpkins had been painted,” said Ventresca. “We ordered even more for this year.”

Victory Stables will be bringing their ponies for guests to ride. A small petting zoo with farm animals will be provided by historical society member Stephanie Lazzaro. There will be bread baking in the outdoor oven and butter churning. Guests will be able to watch a spinning wheel demonstration and talk to a professional beekeeper.

“We’re hoping for a nice day,” said Ventresca. “I’m looking forward to the whole thing. I enjoy being there and seeing everyone have fun.”

The society’s meetings are held monthly (except in February and December) on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Monroeville Public Library. The public is invited to attend. For information regarding upcoming events, visit monroevillehistorical.org.