Book examines 125 years of New Kensington in pictures

George Guido sees history as “part of a path of how we got to where we are,” and the writer is taking readers down another one with his second book, “New Kensington: The Photographic History.”

Just in time for the Westmoreland County city's 125th anniversary, the 155- page book, containing 172 photos, is a journey through the decades. It will be available June 23.

“Nostalgia can be intoxicating,” says the Lower Burrell resident who long has chronicled the history of the Alle-Kiski Valley through his popular “Scholastic Sports” columns and other features for the Tribune-Review's Valley News Dispatch edition and his work on local radio and cable television. “What was there before this building was erected? What effect did World Wars I and II have on communities, and what was it like in an earlier era?”

He, again, provides some of the answers in his history of New Kensington.

“I'm hoping people get a sense of the rich history the area has. It is, after all, the birthplace, and for many years, the cradle of the nation's aluminum industry,” Guido, 62, says. “I think anyone would find this interesting because New Kensington was, for many years, the hub, ... commercially and socially in A-K Valley.”

“I can't think of anyone better than George to represent the community,” says the book's publisher, Tom Costello of Word Association Publishers, Tarentum. “George has lived here since birth, ... and has been reporting on local events for over 45 years. This man has seen and covered it all. How fortunate we are that he has a passion for sharing it with us.

“The focus of George's book is the photos. ... Telling someone about how New Kensington looked, and showing them are two very different experiences. Don't just read, see for yourself. In some instances, readers will be able to compare what was with what is now, side by side.”

Guido was surprised to find that the railroad tracks predated the city, having been laid out in 1854 and 1855.

“The city didn't come along until 1891,” he says. “My research also found the sports rivalry between the former New Kensington and Parnassus high schools was amazing. There were fights, strikes and rioting and that was leading up to the annual football game.”

He explores the relationship between the history of the city, the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) and the fire department, all founded in 1891. The book also presents the history of churches and the education system.

“I have a considerable number of photos of old, small merchants and proprietors and a story of a basketball game that was called on account of fog in 1938,” Guido says. “One photo shows Angelo Frederick becoming the first person to cross the Tarentum Bridge after paying his five-cent toll on Feb. 18, 1952.”

Costello sees the book as one that will have interest long into the future.

“This will always be the story of New Kensington. The rich history and industrial achievements of the area can never be disputed or taken away. As time passes, it will only make this collection of rare photographs more special,” he says.

Guido believes the timeless factor is a key. “Nothing's going to change. History is history. There were 7,500 people working for ALCOA in the New Ken area in 1940. That fact won't change.”

When you do research, it often leads to discovering trivia tidbits, “such as there were 32 gasoline stations in New Ken in 1959. Now there are maybe nine,” Guido says.

He hopes his book can give a new-found appreciation for the community.

“I know the city administration and various arts and civic groups are trying to revive the city,” the author says. “I think New Kensington is unfairly castigated by some people.”

Costello is optimistic about the manner in which “New Kensington: The Photographic History” will be received.

“George's ‘Alle-Kiski Sports History' has been selling very well for six years now and shows no sign of slowing,” he says.

Guido's goal was to have the book published in time for the New Kensington Community Days from June 24 to 26 at Memorial Park. “I only had 62 days to accumulate photos and research and update historical text by March 23 so the publisher would have it out by June 23. I somehow did it,” he says.

He will sign copies all three days and also at the 125th anniversary parade at 3 p.m. July 2 in New Kensington.

He also hopes to reach the many graduates of New Kensington and Valley high schools who have moved out of the area.

“So far, according to little blurbs I've put on Facebook, people who now live out of state are interested,” he says

“New Kensington: The Photographic History” is available for $19.95 at Word Association Publishers, Fifth Avenue, Tarentum.

Details: 724-226-1255 or wordassociation.com

Rex Rutkoski is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.

New Ken ready to party

The celebrations continue in New Kensington for the city's 125th anniversary.

New Kensington Community Days will mark 25 years of bringing summer fun to the Alle-Kiski Valley from June 24 to 26 at Memorial Park, presented by the New Kensington Volunteer Fire Department.

Then get ready for a day of activities on July 2, including a parade at 3 p.m. from Fourth Avenue, a block party at 4 p.m. on Barnes Street, with food vendors, game booths, music and other activities and Zambelli fireworks at sunset. More details will be announced on the “New Kensington Fireworks Festival” Facebook page.

This weekend's community days will be three days of live music, food, crafts, kids' games and rides, all to benefit area community organizations.

The music kicks off at 7:30 p.m. June 24 with regional favorites Jimbo and the Soupbones. Popular Fleetwood Mac tribute band, The Chain, entertains at 1:30 p.m. June 25, followed that day at 7:30 p.m. by the RadioActive Band. The Gruuve Band & Friends performs at 1:30 p.m. June 26.

“I love connecting with the audience, no matter where we play,” says Jimbo Jackson. “We do not, by any stretch of the imagination, provide ambient music. The audience is expected to become a part of the show.”

Jimbo and the Soupbones has won several battles of the band, including an opening spot for Bon Jovi in Pittsburgh in 2011.

“Our material is usually determined by the crowd,” Jackson says. “Having played with the same guys for as long as we have, our body of work has grown and given us the ability to adapt, so it usually works out.”

New Kensington Community Days

When: 5-11 p.m. June 24, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 25 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 26

Where: Memorial Park, 1500 Stevenson Blvd., New Kensington. Free parking and shuttle from Valley High School, New Kensington, and Huston Middle School, Lower Burrell

Admission: $2; free for under age 12

Details: 724-448-9254 or on Facebook