G. WALTER CAMPBELL was a photographer in Ford City for over fifty years. The quality and quantity of his photos have served as a visual history of our town’s early days, enduring as an unforgettable perspective of our past. Many families have pictures tucked away that were taken by him; individuals, civic groups, weddings, school classes, graduations and portraits. His studio was at 935 Fourth Avenue and when he traveled, the camera was on a tripod and he carried it over his shoulder. The old fashioned flashgun held in the hand was used. After serving two four-year terms as burgess (1922-1930), he returned to private life. An additional venture in his life was his fox farm, located in North Buffalo Township up over the hill from the old Ford City Bridge.

PAUL CARUSO, son of Nunzio and Elizabeth Caruso, was born in McIntyre, a coal mining town in Indiana County, PA, on December 22, 1916. He attended elementary school in McIntyre and Ford City and graduated from Ford City High School in 1937. He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in Company C and went into the U.S. 112th Infantry in February 1941. He received his honorable discharge in October 1945 after serving almost five years on active duty. Upon returning home, Paul enrolled at Clarion State Teachers’ College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He received his Master of Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh. While teaching math at Ford City High School, he attended evening school earning his school administration papers from Pitt. This course of study would prepare him for his profession as a high school principal from which he retired in 1984 after serving fifteen years as the principal in the Armstrong School District. Paul was a high school basketball and football referee with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, a member of the Manor Township Volunteer Fire Company and a member of the Manor Township Lions Club serving as its president for two years. He served as tax collector of Manor Township, as the secretary and manager of the Kittanning Country Club and for fifteen years as one of the Board of Directors for Lenape Heights Golf Course. He also sat as chairman of the Manor Township Planning Commission and a member of the West Kittanning Borough Council. Presently, Paul serves on the Armstrong County Redevelopment Authority, the Non-Profit Housing Board, the Lease Housing Board and is president of the Armstrong County Boroughs Association. Paul served as president of the Ford City Education Association and Armstrong Education Association, both terms being four years. Upon retirement, he served as the principal of Divine Redeemer Elementary School in Ford City. Paul is married to Betty Steim and they are the parents of two daughters, Paula and Marcia. The family attends St. Mary’s Church in Kittanning.

JAMES CHESTNUT was one of nine children born to Kenneth and Bessie (Anthony) Chestnut, was born in McGrann on November 26, 1934. He attended Bellwood Elementary School for several years then moved to Kittanning where he attended the Kittanning Public Schools, graduating in 1953. He worked long hours at the Kroger store in Kittanning to finance his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees in English from IUP. Jim has taught English in the schools of Armstrong County for thirty-nine years including one year in Parker, five at Shannock Valley High School and thirty three at Lenape Vocational Technical School. Jim has continued to update and improve his teaching skills almost every year by attending workshops and professional development meetings in area schools, at IUP and at Penn State University. Jim was a 4 H leader in Armstrong County for twenty five years, served thirty years as the sponsor of the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest for the VFW, has given twenty years of service in the Loyalty Day Pageant of the VFW, has been an advisor in Lenape Vo Tech’s Literacy Group which tutors persons in low income housing communities, the county jail, nursing homes, the homes of individuals, and at Lenape Elementary School. He also taught for four years in the Summer College for Kids program. In 1996, he was honored by KDKA TV in its “Thanks to Teachers Power of Partnership” program for “enhancing the educational experience of your students through being an innovative and creative partnerships using community resources and for being an excellent teacher.” In 1997, Jim’s Literacy Groups was awarded the Milton Delancey Community Service Award given by the State Association of Township Supervisors. That year, he was also awarded the Governor’s Highway Safety Award for his program to teach second graders bicycle safety. He has worked extensively with the General Education Diploma program. In 1997, ARIN recognized Jim as its “Teacher of the Year”. In 1998, WalMart also recognized Jim as its “Educator of the Year” Jim has taught public speaking, dancing and creative writing in Lenape’s evening adult education program, has promoted reading therapy in many local nursing homes. He advises and helps publish the Lenape Vo Tech student newspaper and had, for years, served Lenape’s students as the advisor of the Future Farmers of America, the Student Government, the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions and the Quiz Bowl teams. Jim married JoAnn Claybaugh, also a teacher, and they raised two children, Amy and Erin. The family resides at Ford City R.D. #1 and attend Rupp Lutheran Church.

ANDREW CHIMKA, a 1936 graduate of Ford City High School, went on to further his education at Robert Morris College. He retired from PPG after thirty-five years of service, ending as the Senior Cost Accountant. In 1980, Andy was the recipient of the PPG Local Community Award. Most of his adult life was spent in the service to others. Andy was active in the Ford City Community Days Picnic from its very start. Throughout the Fifties, he served on the Board of Directors for the Little League and strongly advocated Junior Legion Baseball. He also played a major role for the Junior Legion Rifle Team. In the Sixties he became an advisor for the Catholic Youth Organization and committeeman and leader for the Cub and Boy Scouts at St. Mary’s Parochial School. He also served St. Mary’s as an officer in the Holy Name Society, Parish Council and St. Vincent DePaul Society. In the St. Vincent DePaul Society, he played an invaluable role providing food, shelter and clothing to needy families. Andy was a veteran of World War Two. For forty-six years, Andy served the local American Legion in a variety of offices and roles such as Post Commander, Finance Officer Adjutant, Chaplain and member of the Executive Board. During the Korean War, he was a member of the Send Off Committee and, in 1965, served as a member of the “Twenty Years Later” Committee that commemorated the sacrifices of our veterans during World War Two. In 1962, Andrew Chimka also served on the Seventy Fifth Anniversary Committee celebrating Ford City’s founding. Andy also served the community as the treasurer of the Ford City Municipal Sewage Authority. Andy Chimka was married to the former Martha Schaffhauser. They raised two children, Robert and Christine.

JOSEPH A. CIPPEL. At the age of twelve, Joe was employed at Klingensmith’s Drug Store as a stock boy and other assignments given him by the storeowner. Joe worked at the store while in school and during the summers. In 1950, he graduated from Ford City high School and, due to his experience in Klingensmith’s, entered pharmacy school at the University of Pittsburgh. After his graduation in 1956, he returned to work at the store and eventually became the owner after the retirement of the late J. Henry Klingensmith, a man who literally took Joe under his wing. With vision and a keen business sense, Joe expanded and modernized the Ford City store, acquired stores in Clarion and Leechburg. His operations consist of seventy employees of which ten are pharmacists.

CATHERINE COLONNA was born in Italy on January 9, 1908. She received her formal schooling in Italy, survived World War One and, with the rest of her family, joined her father in Ford City in 1926. Miss Louise Bryon, later to distinguish herself as a missionary, tutored her to read and write English. Catherine continued her quest for more education by teaching herself and taking Spanish classes at IUP and Temple University. She also traveled throughout Europe, studying languages. Catherine was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, the Ladies Christian Benevolent Association, the Armstrong County Bridge Club, the Ford City Eagle’s Auxillary, the Kittanning/Ford City Women’s Club and the American Association of Retired Persons. While operating her clothing stores (LaModa One and LaModa Two) in Ford City for thirty-six years, she was an active member of the Ford City Business Association. In the early Forties, she also operated Tina’s Dining Room. She was also very well known for her volunteer work with patients in the Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. Catherine was married to Frank Colonna, a well-known barber and musician in Ford City. They raised two daughters, Mary Ann and Kathy.

JANET COWAN was born in Manorville, the third child of six born to Ray and Jennie Cowan. She currently lives in Ford Cliff. She attended Manorville, Ford Cliff and Ford City elementary schools and graduated from Ford City High School in 1956. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Lock Haven State College and her Masters of Education from IUP. She worked in her family’s “Mom and Pop” store and taught in the Butler Area and Armstrong School Districts for 33 years, retiring in 1992. During her teaching career she was a member of the National Education Association, the Pennsylvania State Education Association and Armstrong Education Association, which she served as president and secretary. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Kittanning where she serves as a member of the board of Christian Education, as coordinator of Mission and Service ministries, a member of two women’s circles, as superintendent of the Sunday School and as a volunteer in the church office. Janet is active in community work also, serving on the Ford Cliff Borough Council in the 1970s and 1980s and was its first woman president. Ford Cliff named her its “woman of the Year” in 1990. She was the secretary of the Ford City Area Hall of Fame for six years. Among the list of community groups she belongs to are the Cowanshannock and Crooked Creek Watershed Associations, the Armstrong County Crimestoppers, the Armstrong County Chamber of Commerce and the Armstrong County Tourist Bureau. Other organizations to which belongs include the Business and Professional Women and the American Association of University Women. Since 1993, she has been active in the Kiwanis Club on the local, state and international levels. She was the Key Club Advisor for three years and a HOBY counselor for three years, both of which are Kiwanis sponsored groups for high school students. She was President of the Ford City Kiwanis and District Governor for District Seven. She attended three international conventions and was named Distinguished Kiwanian in 1996-1997. Janet has always been active in the Democratic Party, serving as its chairperson for seven years. She has been a Democratic Party State Committee member since 1992 and has received commendations from both the Honorable Joseph Kolter and the Honorable John Murtha, along with a certificate of appreciation from the President of the United States. Since 1993, she has served two days per month as a volunteer at the Old Executive Building where she worked with the President’s mail from children and answered the comment line. She has also helped address the White house Christmas cards and worked on the annual Easter Egg Roll on the White House Lawn. Janet’s hobbies include family, computers, her pets, reading, writing, traveling, photography and watching Jeopardy.

RAYMOND ELMER CRANE was a businessman in West Virginia along with his cousin Oscar Jerome Backus. They formed their company in 1904 and coined the name Eljer from their middle names. Raymond Crane assumed total control of the company and in 1918 purchased the pottery in Ford City. This was the pottery that Captain John B. Ford and John Wick had built in 1897. Through Raymond Crane’s leadership it expanded to the point that it became one of the largest pottery operations in America. Raymond Crane’s foresight in selecting Ford City to expand his business has provided thousands of jobs for the people of Ford City and the surrounding area. His interest and financial help to Armstrong County Memorial Hospital and the local YMCA has been continued by his family to this day.

RICHARD L. CUSTRED was born in Clearfield County on October 31, 1927 and grew up I the nearby coal mining village of Yatesboro. He is a graduate of Shannock Valley High School and the Franklin School of Dental Technology. Dick served in the U.S. Navy in World War Two. He and his wife, the late Marilyn (McMurray) Custred are the parents of three children; Susan, Jayne and Daniel. Dick is a retired banker. He is the past president of the Armstrong County Bankers Association and served many years as its secretary-treasurer. He is the former Executive Director of the Armstrong County united Way and a member of he Board of Directors of the Armstrong County Consumer Discount Corporation. He has been serving as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army since 1957. He was a founding member and treasurer of the Armstrong County 4H Development organization and one of the founders of the Armstrong Amateur Hockey program and of other hockey programs in the Pittsburgh area. He has served on the YMCA Board of Directors, the Mental Health board, Chamber of Commerce, Christian Counseling Board and Armstrong County Recreation Authority. Dick is a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kittanning where he has served as a Senior and Junior Warden of the Vestry, Church School Superintendent and choir member for over thirty years. He is licensed by the Pittsburgh Diocese as a Lay Eucharistic Minister. Dick is also active in the Rural Valley American Legion, the Kittanning Elks, the Ford City VFW and numerous Masonic organizations. He also gives his time to the Alle-Kiski Barbership Choir and chorus groups in Natrona Heights and sings for the Ford City Heritage Choir as well.

DR. JOHN DEEMAR was born on April 13, 1855 and died on December 9, 1934. He received his education in Kiskimentas Township and at Elderton Academy. He completed his medical degree at Jefferson medical in Philadelphia. He began his medical practice in Manor Township in an area that later was called Deemartown. Deemartown no longer exists due to the construction of the Judge Graff Bridge spanning the Allegheny River.He practiced medicine in our area for over fifty years. He was a member of the Armstrong and Pennsylvania State Medical Societies of the American Medical Association. He often served as the delegate to the State Medical Society meetings. He served as the president of the Armstrong Medical Society. He was a Republican in politics and served as both a state and national delegate. In many ways, Dr. Deemar has an unusual record. He ministered to six generations of the Hobaugh family, five generations of five different families, four generations of twenty-two families and numerous families of three generations. This record was so unique and outstanding that Dr. Deemar was featured in one of Robert Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” articles in 1933. He was called as a medical witness three times in the infamous Harry K. Thaw trials. Dr. Deemar always took an active role in the welfare and growth of this community.

RONALD E. DILLARD was born in Ford City on May 5, 1945 and received his education from Ford City High School, Ohio University and the Business Technical Institute for Computer Programming. For the past twenty-three years he has been employed as a Health and Safety Specialist for the Pennsylvania Electric Company. He and his wife Shirley have five children. In his service to the community and church, Ron has been the chairman of the Zoning Board, an assistant coach in the Little League for baseball and softball, a trustee of the Second Baptist Church, a member of the Veterans and Industrial employment Committee of the Ford City chapter of the NAACP, an active member of the Western Pennsylvania Safety Council and a veteran of the United States Air Force. In 1987, Ron was inducted in the Armstrong County Sports Hall of Fame. He played baseball in the Connie Mack League and in the Ford City Little League. He played basketball for Ford City High School, playing center on two sectional champions and participated in the first WPIAL championships in 1962. Perhaps Ron’s greatest athletic accomplishments took place in the sport of track and field. In 1961, on Ron completed the season undefeated in the 440 yard dash, setting the Allegheny Conference record for that event in 50.4 seconds. He also set 2 other records at FCHS: a 10.4 second 100 yard dash and a 220 yard dash in 23.4 seconds. In 1962, Ron broke his own record in the 220 and qualified for the PIAA State championships with a time of 21.9 seconds. In 1963, he was named the “Most Outstanding Performer” at the Indiana State College meet where he set a long jump record for FCHS at 19 feet 4 ¾ inches. Again, Ron participated in the WPIAL championships held at Mt. Lebanon where he was named “Most Outstanding Individual Performer” for winning the 100, 220 and 440 yard dashes. In 1964, Ron finished first in the 100, 220 and 440 dashes at the Allegheny Conference finals with times of 9.8 sec., 21.7 sec., and 50 seconds, respectively. Finishing his track career at the WPIAL Finals in Mt. Lebanon, Ron was once again named “Most Outstanding Performer” award for winning the 440 yard dash in 49.1 seconds, setting a new meet and FCHS record. He finished second in the 100 and 220 yard dashes, even though he set a new FCHS record in the 100 with a time of 9.75 seconds, a record that stands to this day.

JOHN FRANCIS ENGLERT was born and raised in Manorville, where he now resides. His schooling involved St. Mary’s Parochial School, Ford City High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Science, Education degree and later his Masters of Education degree from IUP. He was a teacher and counselor in Ford City and Dayton High Schools for thirty years. He served as a Ford City Councilman for twelve years and was president of the Renaissance Council for two years. He sponsored the Kiwanis Key Club and the Penn Ford Junior Historians each for ten years. He originated Founders Day on November 17, 1962 to commemorate the birthday of our town’s founder, Captain John B. Ford. John served Ford City as its mayor for four years. He is the noted author of the Ford City Basketball History 1909-1970 and the Ford City Centennial Book 1887-1987. He was chairman of the finance committee of the Ford City Public Library and secretary of the Kiwanis each for ten years. John has won many awards such as the Eighth Grade American Legion Award, National Honor Society, President of his graduating class, honorable discharge from the United Sates Navy and was named the Man of the Year in 1970 by the Ford City Lions Club. He has also been honored as the Kiwanis Man of the Year and was inducted into the Ford City Area Hall of Fame in 1988. He lives in Manorville with his wife Jane (Campbell) Englert and has six children, Monica, Susan, Marjorie, John, Rick and Greg.