Smethport Designated as a ‘Preserve America’ Community
May 20, 2011
Smethport was honored recently with a letter from Mrs. Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, designating the Borough as one of the nation’s newest ‘Preserve America’ Communities.
“President Obama and I want to congratulate all of the Preserve America Communities and thank them for their commitment to protecting and strengthening America’s cultural and natural heritage,” Mrs. Obama said.
Mayor Ross Porter received the letter and will receive a certificate of designation signed by Mrs. Obama announcing that Smethport is now a Preserve America Community. Communities designated through the program receive national recognition for their accomplishments in preserving our special places and telling the nation’s story. Read more
Leadership McKean Wraps Up 2011 Session with Bus Tour
May 18, 2011
Smethport Web — by Ron Orris
Leadership McKean concluded its 2011 session with a bus tour through McKean County on Friday, which included stops in Smethport, Bradford, Kane, and Eldred where attendees toured key tourism, arts and recreation assets to learn how they impact the county economy.
In its 5th year, the non-profit program is aimed at educating and guiding emerging leaders from throughout the county. Patterned after other successful programs across the nation, Leadership McKean is a cooperative effort of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, Kane Chamber of Commerce and the University of Pittsburgh Bradford. Read more
Byron D. Hamlin Commends Volunteers During Bucktail Departure Reenactment
May 8, 2011
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Ross Porter opened the week long Bucktail reenactment on Saturday, April 23, 2011 commemorating the departure of the volunteer militia from Smethport 150 years ago.
“As reenactors, we are a living monument. We do this not to glorify the events, but to give tribute to the events and to the people who struggled and fought.”
See photos of the Bucktail departure reenactment.
The reenactment took place at the Courtyard Restaurant in Smethport, which is the former site of The Bennett House where the first meetings were held to form the Bucktails. Read more
Mayor Issues National Day of Prayer Proclamation
May 5, 2011
On behalf of the Borough of Smethport, Mayor Ross Porter issued a National Day of Prayer Proclamation this morning on the steps of the McKean County Court House:
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” Nahum 1:7
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for Americans to join in united prayer to acknowledge our dependence on God, to give thanks for blessings received, to request healing for wounds endured, and to ask God to guide our leaders and bring wholeness to the United States and her citizens; and,
WHEREAS, prayer has long been a positive force that unites our citizens of Smethport and serves as a source of inspiration and hope to countless individuals; and Read more
Company “I” Reenactor John Stengel Rallies Militia Volunteers During Bucktail Reenactment
May 3, 2011
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
In April 1861 men from throughout the region congregated in Smethport to answer the call of Thomas K. Kane to join a militia. The Bennett House Hotel, site of Kane’s recruiting headquarters, burned in 1881, and is now home to the Courtyard Restaurant.
Among those who volunteered for the militia and took the oath of service in Smethport was S.G. Southwick. During the reenactment, Southwick was played by Friendship, NY resident John Stengel, who gave a rousing speech to motivate the volunteers before they marched off toward Emporium on their way to Harrisburg and, ultimately, legendary Civil War status. Read more
Bucktail Raft Reenactment Held in Driftwood
May 3, 2011
Smethport Web — by Ross Porter
Saturday morning, April 30, Bucktail reenactors launched a giant raft at the Route 555 Driftwood Bridge immediately west of PA Route 120 where Sinnamahoning Creek enters the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, concluding a weeklong commemoration of the Sesquicentennial 2011 Civil War Bucktail Formation and Departure.
The authentic raft was constructed by Bucktail reenactors April 2 and 3 under the guidance of Saint Marys, PA residents, Gary Gilmore and Chuck Copello, both Company K reenactors.
See photos of some of the craftsmen and reenactors.
Following their departure and march from Smethport 150 years ago, the newly ordained Bucktails traveled by foot to Driftwood, PA, a distance of nearly 60 miles through twisted and gnarled woods and wagon trails. Along the way they were joined by the Cameron County Rifles, and new recruits from throughout the region, each now wearing the bucktail symbol. Read more
HAMLIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Fly-Tying Class
Mondays: Jan. 23 to Feb 27 at 7 pm - 9:00 pm
Place: Library Meeting Room
Fee: $25 covers instruction and materials
The sessions are funded in part by a PPA grant from the PA Council on the Arts. Call the Hamlin Library 887-5326 or stop in to register.
Join the fun! Bring your friends!
SMETHPORT SENIOR CENTER
Amish Tour - Lancaster, PA - May 8th & 9th
Package: 2 Days - 1 Night, May 8 - May 9
Transportation: RT Motor Coach
Accommodations: Deluxe - Lancaster, PA area
Breakfast: Fantastic Full Amish style
Dinner: Family Style - Amish Restaurant
Theater: All new "JONAH" Show
Guided Tour: 3-Hour Amishland tour
Visit: Wilbur Chocolate Company & Museum
Shopping: Kitchen Kettle Village (optional)
Cost: $209.00 per person/double occupancy
For more information and reservations, contact Barbara Ness at 814-887-5630.
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Upcoming Events
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Smethport Weather
THE DAILY PLANET
Visit us every day on Facebook and see what’s happening in the exploration of Smethport, Pennsylvania’s rich history.
– Planet Smethport Team
Timeless Home - Buy it Online!
This book is an historical record of Smethport’s growth from its birth as a tiny hamlet to a modern borough.
Containing a wealth of historical photos, this is the most comprehensive record of Smethport ever published. It was funded by the Smethport Sesquicentennial Committee through the Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Book size: 8-1/2” x 11”
Soft Cover $20.00
Shipping and Handling: $5.00 per order.
Spread the word !
Let your friends and family know about this website, so they can stay informed about news and events around the Borough.
Send an email now ...Christian J. Howard, OD
ALLEGHENY EYE CARE
- Thorough tests for Eye diseases and disorders - glaucoma/cataracts
- Lasik pre and post correction care
- Designer frame gallery including Calvin Klein and Nike
- Guaranteed contact lens success program
- Medicare and Insurances welcome
422 W. Main Street
Smethport, PA 16749
887-2920
FREE FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Costa's Ace Hardware Store
Two grants - Get Active and WalkWorks – support Smethport residents in their efforts to stay or get fit.
In this spirit, 2 bikes with helmets and 2 pairs of snow shoes with poles are available to be checked out FREE of CHARGE from Costa’s Ace Hardware Store on 323 East Water Street in Smethport (887-5542).
Some restrictions apply. For more information contact Claudia Caminite at 362-5066 or clc209@pitt.edu.
