Historical Association of Tobyhanna Township

HATT | PO Box 2084 | Pocono Pines, PA 18350-2084

2014 Event Recap

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2014 ACTIVITY RECAP
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP


In addition to HATT’s monthly membership meetings during 2014, a number of other activities were conducted during the year. Here is a recap:

Excursion to Arlington National Cemetery


On May 12 and 13, 45 HATT members and guests traveled by motor coach to Virginia to attend the national ceremony held in honor of Pvt. William Henry Christman of Tobyhanna Township, the first soldier to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery, assisted by the “Old Guard” of the 3rd Infantry, conducted a formal wreath laying on May 13 to honor Pvt. Christman, who was interred on May 13, 1864. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by HATT, with Christman family descendants placing a wreath on the grave.

Also included with HATT’s group were Monroe County Commissioner Suzanne McCool, Tobyhanna Township Supervisor Heidi Picard and retired Lt. Colonel Dan Adelstein, national security policy adviser to U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. During the ceremony, three American flags were flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Private Christman, arranged by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa. These were later presented to the Christman family and HATT.

During the two-day trip, the group also toured Mount Vernon, the estate of President George Washington, and enjoyed a lecture of the history of Alexandria, Va., where the group enjoyed dinner.

More information and photos from the ceremony, with photographs.

Memorial Day Parade


HATT was once again represented in the 2014 Memorial Day Parade in Pocono Pines, sponsored by the local American Legion Post. A trailer-float, decorated for the holida, had aboard eight HATT members waving American flags.

HATT Director Glen Ryerson escorted the float, driving his Segway decorated with family military uniforms of the past. The Segway was appropriately adorned with an American flag waving above the crowds.

Army Band Concert


It was an honor and a privilege for HATT to sponsor the 28th Division Army Keystone Band in concert on Saturday evening, June 28. More than 600 people enjoyed this professional concert presented at the Pocono Mountain West High School auditorium.

With the help of the high school band boosters, the concert was the highlight of the summer season. A wide range of music entertained the diverse audience. Students of the high school band also joined in for closing numbers, including the crowd-pleasing Stars and Stripes Forever.

The concert was dedicated in honor of Pvt. William Henry Christman, the Tobyhanna Township soldier who was the first to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery during the Civil War.

During the concert, two American flags were presented to Barbara Christman Page and husband, Don, and Jim Christman and his wife, Kris. The ceremony was conducted by HATT President Rick Bodenschatz, Sgt. Robert Baranik of the Army Band and Maj. Will Laverty of Headquarters, 28th Division (and Pocono Mountain Police Department lieutenant).

Community Day


Continuing a tradition of community involvement, HATT once again participated in this year’s Tobyhanna Township Community Day on Saturday, July 12, at Blanche Price Park.

Throughout the day HATT staffed a table introducing the association to the community, resulting in a few new memberships.

For the first time, HATT also sponsored a historic postcard and memorabilia show-swap and sale. HATT members displayed their collections on tables set up on the porch of the park’s lodge. This produced the highest attendance of HATT’s several-year involvement in Community Day.

The Travels of Benjamin Franklin


As part of HATT’s Summer Lecture Series on July 17 and July 22, HATT Member Bruce Denlinger shared some of the results of his extensive research about the life of Benjamin Franklin.

This presentation focused specifically on the extensive travels that Ben Franklin made during his lifetime, both domestically and to Europe. Franklin’s many travels and destinations were revealed resulting in his learning experiences, as well as exceptional, productive results for our nation. The combined audience of 98 attendees were both educated and entertained by the professional presentation of remarkable details.

The Wright Brothers and Milestones of Flight


HATT’s second Summer Lecture Series was held on August 21 and August 26, with Fred Lehrer presenting a program centering on the history of the Wright Brothers epic development of their airplane and first manned flight.

The history of flight leading up to this with balloons and dirigibles set the stage for the Wright Brothers.

Following the story of that first flight Fred focused on subsequent developments of commercial flight, including a trip down memory lane of the golden age of airline service in the latter half of the 20th century.

The combined audience of 110 attendees enjoyed the many photographs presented during this professional presentation.

The Legacy of World War I


Another presentation of HATT’s Summer Lecture Series came alive with rapid-fire enthusiasm, as Dr. Brian Alnutt presented the many aspects of World War I on September 24. The events leading to the cause of the war were presented, showing the intrigue and intertwined alliances that engulf the entire world at war.

Professor Alnutt further discussed the strange bedfellows with wartime agreements, while also describing the horrors that occurred in what was thought to be “the war to end all wars.” The conquering nations and their realignment of Europe and the Middle East showed the audience how subsequent wars and today’s tensions are a result of the stage that was set from WWI.

Several follow-up questions were expertly fielded from the audience of 41 HATT members and guests.

Home for the Holidays….a Community Musical Celebration


HATT’s Fourth Annual Christmas concert, a gift to the community, was held on Saturday, December 13 at the Pocono Lake United Methodist Church in front of a full house of 275 attendees.

The vibrant Pocono Mountain West High School Show Choir started the concert with three renditions of holiday song and dance, being led by Director Mandy Gamble.

The Community Chorus of 30 members performed three delightful, traditional selections, and the entire audience sang together with three popular Christmas Carols, all led by Choral Director Juliet Dunham.

A number of soloists performed, including Sarah Davies, Stephanie Kerrick, Patty Forcella, Nancy DeSantis, Gundi Veritas with Bob Baechtold, and performances by Elise Quagliata.

Accompaniment was provided on organ by Sarah Davies and on piano by Geraldine Patire.

As a historical concert, detailed notes of each composition were noted in the printed program, and a synopsis of each announced by narrator Carol Ray.

Susan Hill coordinated the sound for the performers. The concert was directed by Carol Ray and produced by Rick Bodenschatz.

Following the concert, a menu of delicious refreshments was served, coordinated by Judie Tim. Head Usher Don Jones and Parking Coordinator Mike Kummer helped to make logistics flow smoothly for a comfortable and safe event.