Vendor Event, History Room Open House Planned

A vendor event titled, "Fall Through Time: Crafts, Crops, Creations & History," will be presented by the newly formed Parkesburg Historical Society along with the Parkesburg Historical Commission on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Parkesburg Borough Hall, 315 W. First Ave. The event will also include an open house at the Parkesburg Historical Society and Parkesburg Historical Commission's History Room, which is also located at borough hall.

Organizers are currently seeking local farmers, crafters, artists, photographers, candle makers, beekeepers and other creative vendors to showcase their wares or services. "We really want people that own small businesses (that sell items like) bread, honey and soap; local artists; and local farmers," said Casey Wyatt, secretary and treasurer of the society and secretary of the commission. "We want local vendors to try to sell their creations."

Vendors that have registered to participate so far will offer coffee, sourdough bread, baked goods, 3D printed items and pillows.

The open house will be held in the back of the borough building, which houses the History Room and is the location of the society's monthly meetings. "It's very new because the society just formed a year ago," noted Wyatt. "We have turned that conference room into a historical museum for Parkesburg."

The History Room features photos and Parkesburg memorabilia, some of which has been donated by Parkesburg historian Gerry Treadway. The History Room also houses a candy cabinet from the former Dee's candy store, which is being used as a display case; Parkesburg lamps; and vintage clothing, including uniforms from Parkesburg's professional baseball team, the PICO Ironmen, which was sponsored by the Parkesburg Iron Company.

"There is a map on the wall, tons of pictures and local artwork from over the years," said Wyatt. "Gerry has given us a piece of boiler tube pipe manufactured by Parkesburg Iron Company, and there are some newspaper articles that relate to Parkesburg. We have things from the Parkesburg Centennial, the Sesquicentennial, a Bible, golf clubs, a conference room chair from the old Farmer's Bank and a school desk from the Parkesburg School."

According to Wyatt, the Parkesburg Historical Commission was started by Treadway in 2019 and is a government entity. A separate Parkesburg Historical Society was formed in 2024, which is a nonprofit organization. The five commission members are also board members of the society.

In a post dated May 25, Wyatt announced that the commission's Facebook page was turned over to the society. The post stated, in part, "The Facebook page previously managed by the Parkesburg Historical Commission is now being operated by the Parkesburg Historical Society. While the historical society is a separate and independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, many of the same dedicated individuals continue to be involved. Our mission remains steadfast: to bring together residents in appreciation of our shared history, and to preserve, maintain and showcase historical artifacts and materials."

Since its formation, historical society members have attended various events in the community to showcase some of its historical items as part of a portable exhibit. Members were at Christiana Historical Society's Heritage Days, at Minch Park during National Night Out and at the Stottsville Inn during Lafayette's visit this past summer.

Items that are part of the display include a Parkesburg lamp and Parkesburg milk bottle and historical photos. "Cathy Wilde provided a photo album of the Parkesburg lamps, and Gerry (donated) badges from PICO rail lines from the iron company," Wyatt noted.

She added that the upcoming vendor show is the society's first organized event, and it will also give people a chance to see all the items that have been donated and curated over the years. "Very few people have had a chance to come through the History Room, and this event will be an opportunity for the community to see the things we have collected," Wyatt said.

Vendors interested in participating in the event are asked to email parkesburghistoricalsociety@gmail.com by Thursday, Oct. 2. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, people may join the "Parkesburg Historical Society" Facebook group.