Morgantown/Honey Brook townlively.com
NOVEMBER 27, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXII • NO 43
I “ will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17
Christmas at Joanna: Celebrating a Victorian holiday BY FRANCINE FULTON
BY FRANCINE FULTON
residents of the Joanna Furnace community,” said HCVHA executive director Mark Zerr. “Joanna Furnace was in its heyday during this time. They employed over
The Owen J. Roberts (OJR) Bubble Run101, which benefits the OJR High School Best Buddies Club, took place on Nov. 9 at OJR High School. The community event, which was open to the public, featured a 5K race and 1-mile walk. This is the 10th annual OJR fundraising run and walk, which has a different theme each year. In keeping with this year’s theme, bubbles filled the air as participants made their way along the course, which began in Wildcat Stadium and traveled throughout the school campus. “Bubble marshals” were in charge of blowing bubbles at the runners and walkers as they passed. Among those who took part in the 5K were members of RUN101 running clubs that are offered at each of the OJR School District elementar y schools - West Vincent, East Vincent, East Coventry, North Coventry and French Creek. Run 101 is an after-school activity that promotes the spor t of distance running to students in grades four through six.
See Christmas at Joanna pg 8
See Bubble Run101 pg 6
Re-enactors Gary Kurtz of Elverson and Marcia Cook-Love of Birdsboro will be in the ironmaster’s parlor during the event to talk about the holiday traditions of the Smith family.
others will be in the decorated parlor playing games and reminiscing about past Christmases by the fireplace. Guests are invited to interact with family
members to learn more about the family and life in the iron furnace community. “Christmas 1874 was a grand time for the Smiths and the
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ach year, C hr istmas at Joanna highlights a particular year when the furnace was in operation. Visitors to the 2024 event will learn more about the site’s Victorian holiday celebration of 1874, including its traditions and décor, and will experience music and period dancing. Also featured throughout the weekend will be a menu of food items, a live Nativity, a Christmas craft market and holiday music. The 24th annual Christmas at Joanna event will be presented by the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association (HCVHA) at Historic Joanna Furnace, 1250 Furnace Road, Geigertown, on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, from 4 to 9 p.m. The entire Joanna Furnace site will be transformed for the occasion, inviting visitors to experience a 19th-century holiday. The Joanna Furnace mule stable will be transformed into the parlor of the Victorian mansion of ironmaster L. Heber Smith and his wife, Ella Jane Grubb Smith. The home will be lit with candles and include a freshly cut Christmas tree. Smith family re-enactors will be busy in the kitchen making cookies and holiday treats, while
Bubble Run101 benefits OJR Best Buddies Club