Mansion House: Restaurant means much to community

Dear Editor:

In 1837, Elias Day built the main part of the Mansion House Restaurant, located just outside of Prosperity, Pa. His family resided there until 1889, when it was sold to Samuel Rogers. The Rogers family, descendants of a Revolutionary War soldier and a founder of the Puritan Colony, lived there for the next quarter century. The house was then donated to The Institute of Practical Arts. The Institute was established by those concerned about the children of immigrant parents who migrated to southwestern Pennsylvania. In 1947, Ed Simpson, a coal miner, and his wife, Ruth, purchased the house.

The Simpsons originally opened a tearoom in the house and later expanded the facilities to include a banquet hall, gift shop, several smaller dining areas and a gazebo overlooking the pond. The original porch was converted into a dining room. In 1960, the Simpsons' son, Jim, and his wife, Dorothy, became the managers of the Mansion House for the next 37 years. In 1997, the Mansion House Restaurant was sold to Dr. Alan Axelson. His intent was to keep the restaurant tradition going, as well as using the adjacent buildings as a residence for young men.

The announcement of this brought much controversy to the community. The public was not comfortable with the idea of the boys residing near their homes and the restaurant. They were willing, however, to give Dr. Axelson, the newly renovated restaurant and the boys a chance. The changes that had been made proved positive to the community and the restaurant flourished for the next four years and would continue to do so if it were to stay in operation. Unfortunately, Dr. Axelson has decided that Dec. 31 will be the last day the Mansion House will be open as a public restaurant. He is leasing the building and the remaining property to be converted into more residence areas and classrooms for the boys.

Having worked at the Mansion House Restaurant for the past six years, I have seen what the restaurant really means to the community and those that are visiting the area. Every person that walks through the door has a story, a memory or a compliment relating to the restaurant. Many people, who were married in the restaurant, come back for their anniversaries or even to renew their vows. Countless birthday parties, family reunions, showers, banquets and meetings have taken place at the Mansion House. I have often heard customers commenting that there is nothing comparable to the Mansion House Restaurant anywhere in the area. Regular customers enjoy being greeted by familiar faces, and those who have not been to the Mansion House for quite some time, enjoy telling stories of the last time they were there and "how it used to be." There are very few places that have such a historical background as the Mansion House Restaurant.

For some, the Mansion House Restaurant has become as much as a holiday tradition as, "going to grandma's house." Thanksgiving, Easter and Mothers Day are the busiest times of the year because the restaurant is at full capacity from open to close. This year at Thanksgiving a letter from Dr. Axelson was made available to the customers. It simply stated that the restaurant would be closing and many items would be for sale. Upon distribution of the letters, I saw a variety of reactions. Two ladies cried, some were angry, and I heard one little girl ask, "Where will we go next year for Thanksgiving?" Most of the reactions were surprise and confusion.

The Mansion House Restaurant is not closing due to lack of business but because Dr. Axelson can make more money if he sells the restaurant so that it can be converted into facilities for the boys. It is a shame that such a historical place can be ruined just because of money. I know that there are people willing to operate the restaurant as it is. The back of the menu at the restaurant states that the Axelsons are committed to the property, and have made some very positive changes to the operation and decor of the restaurant. Now they are making a permanent change and removing something from the community that has been there for 54 years.

Name field after Bosnic

Dear Editor:

It was with great sadness that I read of the death of our beloved coach of the Dunbar Mules, Joe Bosnic. He was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him as a coach, teacher and friend.

Coach Bosnic was a class act on and off the field. He was a tremendous motivator and thrived on tough competition for his teams. We had more spectators at our practices than some schools had at their games and this was due in part that people just wanted to see him run his spirited practices. A man like Coach Bosnic comes our way in life but once.

I would hope that all who knew Coach Bosnic would write or call the Connellsville School Board and request that the Trotter Stadium be named "The Joe Bosnic Memorial Field" and thus honoring the coach who made this stadium a place of pride.