Historical society program offers look back at Latrobe's south side
Latrobe Area Historical Society will offer a closer look at Latrobe’s south side this month when it presents the program “Fourth and Fifth Wards Revisited.”
This new presentation, featuring historic images, is set for July 23 and 24 and marks the return of the society’s free monthly matinees after lifting of pandemic-related restrictions.
Doors open at 9 a.m. both days at the society headquarters, 416 Weldon St. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments will be available and donations will be accepted.
On-street parking is available for the July 23 program. On the following day, visitors also may park in the lot of Kelly, Sparber & White CPA, at the corner of Weldon and Alexandria streets.
According to society President Mary Lou Townsend, the program will highlight “the unique role that the south side of Latrobe, sometimes referred to as Oakville or Frogtown, played in our city’s history, including industry, recreation and education. It also reflects on the ethnic diversity and the close bonds that have existed among the people who lived there.”
The area of Latrobe was known for its concentration of steel mills, including Standard Steel and Vulcan Mold and Iron Co. Previously known as Latrobe Specialty Steel, Carpenter Technology’s Latrobe plant produces specialty metals and alloys at 2626 Ligonier St.
Several blocks north on Ligonier, at Cedar Street, what was once the town’s athletic field is occupied by Latrobe Elementary School.
The historical society is open for visitors to research aspects of Latrobe’s past or explore displays, including early puppets once used by Latrobe native and iconic children’s television host Fred Rogers.
Regular hours are 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays. Visiting groups may arrange other times. Contact the society at latrobearea hist@gmail.com or by leaving a message at 724-539-8889.
Visit the society’s new website, latrobehistory.org, to become a member, make a donation or order Latrobe-related merchandise. The site also includes news on society events and historical information and images, as does the organization’s Facebook page.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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