Little House stands tall
Sitting on a hill at 144 W. Crawford Ave., Connellsville, is a colorful little structure that has been a landmark in the city since the mid-1800s.
Originally built by the Connell family in 1858, the house changed hands several times before becoming the property of the BPO Elks.
In 1941, the Elks organization turned the building over to the local Girl Scouts. Since then, Girl Scouts throughout the years have used the facility for meetings and various functions.
1990, due to a lack in funding, the Girl Scouts of Southwestern Pennsylvania realized it could no longer keep the structure. But a handful of dedicated troop leaders and citizens stepped up and formed the Connellsville Little House Society. The society took over the upkeep of the building. With the help of the community, the committee raised money to start a major remodeling project.
The house features a large meeting room and kitchen area on the first floor. On the second floor, work is still being done. Little House members said that floor will feature remodeled bathroom and bedrooms, so it can be used for sleepovers.
The walls of many of the rooms and hallways are a tribute to past Gold and Silver award projects. Some of these are featured in stencils. Some are in vibrant colors. Some are freehand murals.
In the main entrance area, hidden behind a set of antique pocket doors, is a museum dedicated to Girl Scouts, also an award project. If features scouting memorabilia and antique notions.
"We have a lot of older books and other things related to Girl Scouts from over the years," Little House Society officer Peggy Shultz said. "Many of them are things that people have called us about and donated."
The house also features an original set of bunk beds that came from Camp Henry Kaufmann, a popular scouting camp, which has closed.
"A lot of us grew up with and went to Camp Henry Kaufmann. We have a lot of great memories from camping there," said Shultz.
Shultz and other committee members said the house is a part of the community. After all, it has been through the support and generosity of the community that the Little House's doors have been able to remain open.
"We do not receive any funding from the Girl Scouts," said Joan Emanuel, president of the Little House Society. "It's all run on community support."
The community has been generous over the years, enabling a new furnace to be installed and helping to fund the yearly expenses and maintenance of the house that run into thousands of dollars annually.
And now, the society needs to ask for additional help from the community. The Little House is in need of additional repairs.
"We really need a new roof," Emanuel said.
In order to help raise this money, the society is planning a fundraiser for Sunday and Monday.
The society will be hosting a fundraiser at Nancy's Fancy Tea Room, located at 428 N. Pittsburgh St, starting at 3 p.m. Sunday and again at 6 p.m. Monday.
Tickets for the event are $20 per person, and everyone who responds early enough will receive a special bonus.
"I'm painting bricks with birdhouses and I will put their home addresses on them," Emanuel said.
The handpainted paving bricks will be given to each individual who contacts the society prior to the tea. Emanuel will be making other gifts to be given at the functions as well.
The theme for the tea is Spring Bonnet. Everyone attending is encouraged to wear their prettiest headpiece.
"We'd like for everyone to wear a bonnet and the best bonnet will get a prize," said Emanuel.
Emanuel said this is the society's fifth tea function. They are always popular.
In addition, the Little House Society is having a chair and table drive.
"We're looking for folding chairs and folding tables," society member Dessa Summy said. "Or you can donate $25 for a chair or $75 for a table." Summy added that the items can be personalized, being dedicated to, or deemed in honor or memory of someone.
Emanuel said anyone can make a donation to the Little House. They can be mailed to Connellsville Little House Society, PO box 2044, Connellsville PA 15425.
Volunteers are also always welcome.
For information on the tea, contact Emanuel at 724-628-0130. Tickets for the event can be picked up at McCuskers Safe and Lock, located at 1411 S. Pittsburgh St.
