April 10, 2003

Bedford, PA -- Walk along Pitt Street in Bedford and you’ll catch a glimpse of Bedford Springs’ former glory. Fisher’s Pharmacy is showcasing in its window mugs, coasters, tiles and murals featuring finely detailed images of Bedford Springs’ sites, employees, buildings and events. The images were carefully reproduced from photographs in the William Defibaugh Collection to provide the public with lasting mementos of the historic landmark. The Pioneer Historical Society is pleased to offer these limited edition items in commemoration of the Bedford Springs bicentennial.

"Bedford Springs is important to Bedford County because of its history, architecture, commerce and of the personal history of Bedford Countians who worked at the Springs, and local farmers who provided food to the hotel," says Bill Defibaugh, historian and president of the Pioneer Historical Society.

For nearly 200 years the Springs brought jobs and prosperity to Bedford County. Bottles and barrels of its famous mineral waters were shipped throughout the United States and to Cuba. Bedford Springs’ waters, grandeur and serene location brought presidents, generals, orators, statesmen, business and social elite, conventioneers and families to its doors.

The National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1991 cited Bedford Springs "significant as one of the nation’s finest remaining examples of the mineral springs resort phenomenon of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The buildings’ ages, quality of workmanship, and material clearly link present day Bedford Springs with its 19th century past as one of the nation’s premier watering spas."

"In 1803 when Dr. John Anderson placed the first stone of what was to become the Bedford Springs Hotel, he laid more than the foundation of a building," says William Defibaugh. "What has emerged is a rich repository of local, regional and national history." The PHS has captured some of that history through the images shown on the objects displayed at Fisher’s Pharmacy.

"I am thrilled that the Pioneer Historical Society, before I became president, undertook the challenge of bringing the Springs’ history in its bicentennial year to the public’s attention. These items are one aspect of a two-year celebration planned by the PHS." The items are available through PHS, 242 E. John St., Bedford 623-2011, history@bedford.net.
 

April 28, 200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Bedford County Courthouse on May 30-31 will be the site of "An Evening at Bedford Springs," the Pioneer Historical Society's first major event celebrating the Bedford Springs bicentennial. Everyone is welcome. On Friday, May 30, the exhibition will be open from 7 to 10 p.m.; on May 31 from 11 to 4 p.m.

On the main and second floors of the courthouse the exhibition will feature photographs, papers and artifacts from the William Defibaugh collection of Bedford Springs memorabilia, many dating to the early 1800's and on view for the first time. The exhibition will highlight the Springs' history, its architecture, mineral waters and bottling plant, the U.S. presidents who visited the Springs, transportation, World War II, and Bedford County's relationship to the resort. On Friday evening, Bill Defibaugh, Nancy Pyle and others will present lectures regarding the Springs' history.

"Because Bedford Springs played a significant role in the county's and the nation's history in several ways, its contributions should be remembered and celebrated," says Gillian K. Leach, Pioneer Historical Society's Library Administrator and Researcher. "Many people recognize its importance. From its inception as an idea to commemorate the Springs' 200 year history, the Bedford Spring Bicentennial Celebration has generated interest throughout the community. Vo-tech students are building the exhibition frames and stands; Bedford County Garden Club and Loving Touch florist will provide floral arrangements; local musicians will play at the courthouse, businesses as far as Hollidaysburg have contributed to the project, and numerous individuals in and out of the county have generously given their time and talents."

"An Evening at Bedford Springs" kicks off a celebration that will run through the fall of 2004. From August 9-26, 2003 at the Bedford County Arts Center "Historical Images and Photographs" will showcase area artists' two-dimensional art work and photography regarding the Springs, as well as other historical sites. Framed photographs of people, sites and events at Bedford Springs from the William Defibaugh Collection will also be exhibited. An invitational tea is planned on August 10, and a public reception on August 17.

In November, Nancy Pyle and Christy Bonello will present a discussion about the resort's mineral waters and their medicinal uses. Next Spring historical architect and preservationist Tim Paxton will discuss the historic landmark's architecture. Other lectures are being finalized.

"The crowning glory of this celebration will be a Ken-Burns-style documentary produced by students from each of the county's high schools," says Leach. The public broadcasting station WPSX-TV in State College has offered to assist the students in this project. "It's thrilling to see the enthusiasm of the educational community in the Bedford Springs bicentennial celebration."

"All aspects of this celebration are important to the history of our county," says Dr. Pat Crawford, Superintendent of Bedford Area School District. We're glad to be a part of it."
The PHS has made available for the public the history of Bedford Springs through photographs whose images have been carefully reproduced on mugs, tiles and coasters. Two special order items include a 14-tile panorama of the Bedford Springs, and a 40-tile panorama with each of 20 tiles representating a drawing or photograph from a different decade. The items may be seen in the window at Fisher's Pharmacy, Pitt Street, Bedford. They can also be seen at www.bedfordsprings200.com and are available through the Pioneer Historical Society.

Tickets to "An Evening at Bedford Springs" are $10.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door and $5.00 for students. They may be purchased from PHS, 242 E. John St., Bedford, PA 15522 814 623-2011.

June 20, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEDFORD, PA - The Pioneer Historical Society is on the road. The ten exhibition boards it designed for the Bedford Springs Bicentennial Celebration are being shown throughout Bedford County. Having been at the Hopewell Senior Citizens' Center for two weeks, the boards are at Old Bedford Village until June 29, after which they will be displayed at the Everett Free Library. Dates are being finalized for exhibition at other libraries and organizations throughout the county. Gillian K. Leach, co-chair of the Bedford Springs Bicentennial Celebration Committee, is available to speak to groups about the Springs' history depicted in the boards.

The boards captured the attention of the 150 persons who attended the first Bedford Springs Bicentennial event at the courthouse on May 30 and 31. Since that time several organizations have asked to have them.

Each of the 30" x 48" inch boards focuses on a specific topic relevant to Bedford Springs and its impact on the county's and nation's past.
Depicting the history are text, maps, photographs, illustrations and reproductions of original documents. Via the boards, persons can travel through time beginning in the 1700's when Thomas Anderson arrived in Bedford and continuing through the Springs' closing to 2003.

The first board presents a genealogy of the "Anderson Family" and includes information and artifacts relating to John Anderson's ownership of Bedford's first bank. "Architecture" features photos of existing and demolished buildings and information about each, and an 1861 daguerotype of the Springs. "Mineral Springs" shows photos of each of the springs and text stating the ailments each spring treated. "Transportation" brings visitors to the Springs with photos and texts of Indian trails, stagecoaches, railroads and highways. "The Bottling Plant" shows 1860's newspaper ads and indoor pictures of Nagel's Mill during the years Bedford Springs' water was shipped throughout the world. "The Presidents" features head shots from the National Archives and a brief statement of presidents Wm. Harrison, Polk, Tyler, Taylor, Eisenhower and Reagan. A larger photo of James Buchanan is surrounded by highlights of his presidency. Also included is a photo of his desk, a photo of his niece and hostess Harriet Lane, and a drawing of his suite at the Springs. "Bedford Springs Relationship to Bedford County" shows a 1929 photo of employees, other pictures and text about the chambermaids and the hack drivers, an article about Davy Lewis and photos of social events. "World War II" has photos and text about the naval radio training school, and newspaper headlines relating to the Japanese internment. "The Closing to 2003" depicts newspaper headlines. The "Time Line" takes people through the history of the Springs as it related to then-current events.

Months of planning went into the boards to ensure the information would be relevant and informative and give viewers a clear understanding of the Springs. "This was important for people from outside the county who might not be familiar with the Springs, as well as for persons from Bedford County who are unaware of the extent of the Springs' role in American history," says Leach. "After seeing the boards, people have been telling us that they've learned something they didn't know."

The boards were designed by Leach and Dorothy Wyles. Leach also did the research. Loretta Radeschi wrote the text. Bill Defibaugh provided numerous original documents. Photographs were from PHS and Defibaugh. Students at Bedford County Technical Center made the frames and stands; the school generously donated the wood used in the project. Any group interested in displaying the boards should call PHS at 814 623-2011.

Pioneer Historical Society 814 623-2011
Contact: Gillian Leach or Loretta Radeschi

June 30, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEDFORD, PA - The Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford invites the public to enjoy a cup of tea and English pastries at the Bedford County Art Center on August 10 while viewing the "Historical Images and Photographs" exhibition depicting Bedford Springs' past and present.

The exhibition and tea continues PHS's celebration of the Bedford Springs Bicentennial. The exhibition will feature two-dimensional art and photographs of past and current images and interpretations of Bedford Springs, as well as other historic sites in the county. Awards will be given. Photographs from William Defibuagh's Bedford Springs collection, not previously exhibited and in antique frames, will also be shown. The exhibitiion runs from August 6 - 29.

At the tea enjoy lemon curd, mince pies, Bakewell tarts, and other English pastries. Tea will be served at 2, 3 and 4 o'clock by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. European and American folk dancing by Bedford County children is being planned. Tickets are $15 per person and are available through the Pioneer Historical Society, 242 E. John St. Bedford, PA 15522 . Please call 623-2011 to specify which the time you prefer.