The western Pennsylvania frontier was transformed from a "peaceable kingdom," into an area of "lawless and cruel proceedings" as a result of the French and Indian War, according to historian Matthew Ward .
Ward, of the University of Dundee in Scotland, is author of "Breaking the Backcountry: The Seven Years' War in Virginia and Pennsylvania, 1754-1765."
He was the featured speaker at Wednesday's fifth annual St. Clair Lecture, held at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, off Mt. Pleasant Road.
UPG was a co-presenter with Westmoreland Heritage and Westmoreland County Historical Society.
Introductions were by Thomas Headley , executive director of Westmoreland Heritage; Frank Cassell , president of UPG; and Joel Sabadasz , history instructor at UPG.
The war began with British intent to expel the French from North America, and included Indian raids on settlers.
As a result, colonial attitude changed toward Indians.
"Fear and hatred were spread by lurid reports," Ward said. "Pennsylvanians and backcountry settlers were afraid of death, but even more afraid of capture. The Indians made full use of this terror for their own purposes."
Settlers began using wartime training and pilfered arms to fight back.
"There was little or no authority to restrain their actions," Ward said. "The wheels of colonial justice moved slowly, especially for the murder of an Indian. The development of Indian hatred quite clearly had its roots in the Seven Years' War."
Seen at lecture events: Beth Cassell ; Donnis Headley ; Carl and Joyce Rossman ; Norm Scanlon ; Rick Fogle ; Mary Beth Spore and father, Rudy Roitz ; J udy Zimmerman ; Dr. George and Linda Austin ; Bill Roach ; Tom Jachimowicz ; Derek and Jacqueline Horrall ; Vance Booher ; Wes Jamison ; Wendy Lohr ; Rebecca Sorice ; James Steeley , WCHS executive director, and Karen ; Jack and Jean Snodgrass ; Linda Assard; Cesare Muccari , Greensburg Hempfield Library director; David Miller , museum educator at Bushy Run Battlefield; Westmoreland County Judge John Driscoll ; and Joanna Moyar , education coordinator at WCHS.
Westmoreland Symphony opens 2004 season with local performers
Kypros Markou , music director of the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, is delighted that the 2004-05 season has local flavor.
"We want people to enjoy our music," Markou said Saturday at a post-concert reception. "And this year, we decided to honor those who were homegrown."
At the symphony's opening at the Palace Theatre, in Greensburg, Hempfield Township native Mary Persin , 24, performed Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Sinfonia Concertante," on viola, with Lancaster County native Austin Hartman, on violin.
Both are members of the award-winning Biava Quartet. And both attended the reception, hosted in the lobby of First Commonwealth Bank, in Greensburg.
The bank, a sponsor, was decked out in orange and gold tones and accented by candlelight.
Also present were Persin's proud parents, Dennis and Diane , siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and boyfriend, Daniel Meyer , resident conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Overall, 130 people attended the reception.
"I grew up here. My family is still here," Persin said. "It's wonderful that music can bring all of these people together."
For more information on season events and tickets, call 724-837-1850 or visit www.westmorelandsymphony.org.
Reception decorations were by Sheila Caramella , JoAnn Lightcap , Mary Lou Hacker , June Penta , George Shaner , Michael Philopena and Linda Assard , symphony board president.
Seen at the reception: Morrie Brand , symphony executive director; Michele Boulet ; Dave and Debbie Hanna ; Bill Friedlander ; Rose Mack ; Jim Donatelli ; Terry and Jeanne Graft ; Judith Morrow ; Peg Crouse ; Jan Taylor ; Bob Lightcap ; Don Hacker ; Amil and Mary Ann DiPadova ; Jeff and Lisa Monzo ; Dorothy Hacker ; Ethel Cooper ; George and Olive Conte ; Rich and Sande Hendricks ; Walter Haile ; Bruce and Millie Pipman ; and Judy Riehle .
Apple festival held in Delmont
Diehard attendees of the Delmont Apple 'n Arts Festival braved blustery wind and fits of rain on Saturday.
The two-day event ran through Sunday and was held on the expansive 147 acres of Shields Farm.
Proceeds benefit the farm, community organizations and churches.
Entertainment, activities, more than 100 arts and crafts booths and a variety of food vendors were featured.
Delmont Apple 'n Arts Festival Inc. co-sponsored the event with Fort Allen Antique Farm Equipment Association Inc.
Rosemarie Collins and daughter, Peg , of Alverton, ignored the elements and enjoyed a live performance by Mainline Blue Grass Gospel Band.
The children's tent was warm and cheery, as children sat on bales of hay and sang along with Tom Beckman , of Ligonier, and his traveling chicken, Henny Penny.
"I sing, and she just kind of hangs out," Beckman said. "Once in awhile she lays an egg."
Fort Allen Antique Farm Equipment Association operated a saw mill and 100-year-old cider press and hosted tractor-pulling demonstrations.
Chuck Poole and Harvey Bush stood near a collection of chugging equipment and a shiny, red 1949 Farmall "C" tractor.
It was restored and to be raffled by the association.
"You find 'em wherever you can," said Poole, 88, of Hempfield Township. "We find these tractors in terrible shape and refurbish them and bring them back to life."
Seen at the festival: Dave Bastl , Chuck Stickel , Randy Hezlep , Becky Maruca , Joyce Bowers , Sandy Davis , Mary Zacharias , Cindy Brady and Sandi and Jeff Fryer .
Delmont Apple 'n Arts board members: Joan Chiea , Bob and Sally Burton , Rich and Louise Cooley , Lance Holt , Pat Laemmle , John Longo , Ozzie and Wilma Osterwise , Cynthia Shields , Jack Tickle and Art Truscott .
Dollhouse show at Mountain View
The 26th annual Dollhouse and Miniature Show sponsored by the Westmoreland Regional Hospital Auxiliary drew hundreds of hobbyists this weekend to Mountain View Inn, east of Greensburg.
From tiny Persian rugs and tea sets, to diminutive furniture in all styles and holiday decorations, an array of items were available from 16 dealers who hailed from Ohio and throughout Pennsylvania. Nine exhibitors showcased their unique items including room boxes by The Calendar Girls and a loom demonstration by auxiliary member Marion Chambers. A Newbury dollhouse built by Charles Owen was raffled off during the two-day event.
"Last year, about 500 people attended the show and we were able to donate about $3,200 to the hospital," said Anita Owen , auxiliary member who co-chaired the event with Suzanne Mahady . "We're hoping to beat those numbers this year."
Other auxiliary members who volunteered their time included Mel Bailey , Rita Reese , Mary Waltz , Nancy Anderson , Becky Demi , Mary Ann Laffey , Mim Foster , Pat Lewis and Pat Funari .
Dollhouse hobbyists on hand Saturday were Alexis Heckert , Stephanie Obusek , Robin Obusek , Marcia Williams , Mary Frances Dean , Betsy Franklin , Diane Giron and Brittany Giron .
-- Marjorie Wertz
