As Frosty would say....Happy Birthday!

On April 11, 1871 a group of folks got together at the spot where little Oil Creek and the mighty Allegheny River came together and decided it was high time to make this chunk of oil soaked land a real city.
A hundred years later, that city celebrated their century mark showcasing their pride of being a game changing world-wide influence as the center of the industrialized world. That same year a young man grew a mustache.

Sunday, on the city's 150th birthday, we learned much about Oil City during a two hour celebration in Justus Park. 

Mayor Bill Moon spent his time at the mic boasting about the city's rich history and sprinkling some of the quirky little known facts about the area. Apparently thousands of pounds of duck were raised and packaged here for folks all over the country, the emperor of Brazil swung by for a visit once and the famed Liberty Bell stopped here on tour, twice,

Who knew?

But perhaps the least known fact of the day wasn't shared by Moon, but rather by state representative R. Lee James who reminisced about Oil City's 100th year celebration that he attended as a youngster. It turned out, that year he decided something that would become a trademark look for him. 
He told the crowd of several hundred that in 1971  he grew his mustache. And he has had it ever since. "It wasn't always gray," he said with a laugh.
He has contemplated shaving it off recently, but his wife, Maureen, isn't quite sure about this move. "I've never seen him without it," she said.
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Saturday's event was full of great little stories like this. State senator Scott Hutchinson also recalled being a young boy scout who participated in the 100th year celebration.

​He told a tale of big flashlights and learning a lesson that bigger isn't always better. Apparently the giant flash lights he and his brother carried during the rehearsal were too much for some folks who asked that  the "Hutchinson boys" be given smaller flash lights.
Scott said they obliged.

The event went on and young Scott grew up to serve his community and be invited back as a dignitary at the sesquicentennial.

This was something that flashed through our mind on Saturday. Of the young people here, who will be back in 50 years for the bicentennial, who among them will be a dignitary. One could be president by then. and here they are at this event and perhaps signing their name to a keepsake banner.

One of the overriding themes of the day was celebrating the quirky. From legends of coal oil Johnny and the pride of being the greatest producer of industrial lubricants at one point. The timber that floated down the rivers and how at one point the richest of the rich came to this little valley town split in two by a river.

​Even the items uncovered from a time capsule had a certain quirk to them. In 1971 they didn't quite understand the power of nature and time. Water had gotten into the vault and severely damaged the contents. But what remains were on display in their altered state.

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When long time Derrick reporter Judy Etzel took to the mic to give a look at the early days of the city she brought us up to speed of why this area is called" the valley that changed the world." Etzel, a fine reporter, a greater historian, has devoted her life to this place and telling its stories. Read her full remarks here if you want to truly know this little city. 
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She spoke of President Ulysses S. Grant visiting shortly after the city incorporated and told of the incredible rise of the city due to its oil and gas deposits. And how what we see now as little Oil City was once known all around the world.

The Venango County commissioners also jumped to the microphone to praise 150. Sam Breene, who didn't seem optimistic that he will have 50 more years in him to make it to the Bicentennial, said he'll still be here anyway. He said he is an Oil City lifer and plans to be resting here for eternity. Though he's certainly young enough to be here in person in 2071. Maybe he'll give another speech as an elder statesman then?

Breen also added to the quirky fun facts speaking how the city played an important environmental role for ocean dwelling giants. Petroleum found in the oil region played an important role in minimizing the necessity of hunting the oil rich fats in whales to fuel combustibles. "You're welcome world, you're welcome whales," Breene told the crowd.

Mike Dulaley was more optimistic about his longevity telling the crowd he hoped to be here for the city's bicentennial.  Though a conversation with him after the event revealed his love of warm weather, which isn't common in this area (at least six months of the year.)  Maybe global warming will keep him here? 

​Irony!

As with all great small town celebrations, the high school band played and the chorus sang.Celebrating the past while showcasing its future. Another little quirk was also on display, Venango Catholic High School has a very unique offering. Led by teacher Mary Beth Hutchinson, the Bell Choir performed several times during the ceremony. In the distance the church bells were also ringing to start the celebration.

As the event went on Rebekeh Deal very enthusiastically spoke about the importance of the now. She said Oil City needs to focus on what is nexty. No town survives on its past. It can only grow, or whither. The final speaker, Kat Thompson backed up Deal with showcasing the young professionals who are becoming the new generation of movers and shakers as Oil City begins to redefine itself from its long oil soaked history.

At the event a banner was displayed for people to sign. This banner will be placed in a time capsule this fall with hopes it will be opened on the city's bicentennial.
"We will put items in a vacuums seal," Mayor Moon told the crowd, He was adamant that the efforts of this time and place will be preserved and won't suffer a similar fate to the items left in 1971.

Many other events are scheduled for this year. We are beginning to get a sense of "normal" back. Betsy Kellner, of the Venango Museum said she is hopeful that a full schedule of events can take place. She said as many events as possible will be moved outside, but others can still be safely held indoors with proper precautions.

Saturday's' celebrations culminated with a reception at the Venango Museum with live piano music and the many oil region celebratory exhibits.

The banner will be available to sign at several other events this summer and folks are encouraged to think about items that could be placed in the capsule. One event scheduled is "munchies with the mayor" on May 10, at a site to be determined. 

Perhaps in 50 years someone will recognize a father or grandfather's name, or a historical figure? Perhaps one of the young people who sign the banner will become famous or do something the world takes note of? Perhaps these names will  give a glimpse into knowing us now. Whatever the case, people in fifty years might know a little more about themselves because, today we cared to say something about ourselves.

And as the speakers emphasized, who we are is hugely important. That the past shaped the present, but isn't going to take us into the future. They emphasized the need to realize this. Thoughts now shape things to come.
​Embrace those.

After the event in the park many ventured to the Venango Museum for several displays and a piano concert. An cupcakes. Many spoke of the cupcakes.
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Sunday's celebration was what small town community is all about. It was neighbors meeting neighbors and saying "thanks for still being here." A town doesn't celebrate itself. The people do.

Happy birthday to the little city that truly changed the world.