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This year, Meyersdale is 150 years old! People lived here before that, of course, but the actual Borough of Meyersdale was incorporated on February 19, 1874.
Our library actually provides online access to a map of Meyersdale that's almost as old as the borough (as well as later maps) via Fire Insurance Maps Online (FIMO). We encourage library card holders to log into their account on our library's online patron access catalog (OPAC) at https://www.meyersdalelibrary.org/ Click on the menu item for "my account" at the top right of the website home page. You will reach our OPAC, then click on "my account" at the top right of that page. Log in with your library card number and PIN code. You should see a link that says "Click here for Fire Insurance Maps Online." Click there, and then use the place name search method via the drop-down menus. The earliest map is from 1887 - just thirteen years after Meyersdale was incorporated -- and shows a wealth of information about what was where in Meyersdale at that time. Other Meyersdale maps in FIMO are from 1892, 1897, 1904, 1910, and 1919, and other towns in Somerset County are provided, too.
If you don't remember your PIN code, call us and we can reset it. If you don't have a library card, we encourage you to sign up for one -- it's FREE for residents of Somerset County, and will give you access to many resources.
Our website also has many links to area historical collections that don't require a library card, including our PA Photos & Documents collections with hundreds of Meyersdale history photos. Check out the "Local History" section of our website.
Folks have been meeting at the library almost every month over the past year to plan how to celebrate 150 years of Meyersdale history. A logo was needed, and designed by Ken Snelson, who designed the Meyersdale Centennial logo in 1974.
I thank Madolin Edwards for putting together a summary of planned events, which I have simply reformatted for the blog.
The Meyersdale American Legion Auxiliary spearheaded a campaign for banners sponsored by area businesses that will include the Sesquicentennial logo to be displayed along Main and Center streets during the year.
The Friends of the Library is sponsoring an historical picture book, which library archivist Jennifer Hurl is preparing. Joyce Nalley is working on a Cat's Meow collector item with the Sesquicentennial logo.
Major Events
February 19: Local churches are invited to ring their church bells at noon on February 19, to mark the actual anniversary of incorporation, and the start of a year of festivities.
Feb. 23-25 the Meyersdale Community Murder Mystery play will incorporate some historical information during the performances in the Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department social room.
April 20-21, and 24-28: The 50th anniversary of the "Legend of the Magic Water" will also feature the 150th anniversary during the performances at the BPOE Elks Lodge during the PA Maple Festival . The maple festival will also have a coloring contest going out to the local schools, a special feature at the quilt show, and the queen's contest will include an essay on the community history for the contestants to write. Window displays and the Grand Feature Parade during the festival will include a special 150th category.
May 4: The BPOE Elks is hosting a 150th banquet . It will include special guests, music by the Meyersdale Area High School jazz band, and Mike Petenbrink and John Sines are donating photos for a fundraiser. The Meyersdale Garden Club will put together the table centerpieces.
May (Date TBA): Meyersdale Church of the Brethren is planning a celebration marking the first church service held 100 years ago.
June 8: The Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a special anniversary dinner.
June 16-22: The Appalachian Wagon Train will be set up , at the Wendell Yoder farm. On that Tuesday, June 18, they'd like to bring the wagon train through Meyersdale at noon. The Meyersdale Merchants Association hopes to promote National Picnic Day at the same time to encourage people to bring a picnic lunch to the gazebo park and watch the wagon train.
June 30: Meyersdale's annual Independence Day festivities will certainly feature some 150th-themed content. We hope for an extra-special fireworks display this year!
September ( Date TBA): A time capsule, sponsored by Michael and Kristine Mishler, will be installed in at the Doughboy Monument. They will take suggestions to what to put into the capsule.
Oct. 19: A community church choir concert will be held at Amity UCC, followed by tours of the churches in town, and a dinner at the Meyersdale fire hall to commemorate the 50th year anniversary of 4 Guys Inc.
Thanksgiving Weekend: The Sesquicentennial year will wrap up Thanksgiving weekend, with the annual Light Up Night/Christmas at the Manor celebration hosted by the PA Maple Festival.
Let's celebrate Meyersdale history this year!
Warm regards,
The Library Lady