Special commemorative books were published in 1906 and 1956 when Connellsville celebrated its centennial and sesquicentennial.
In keeping with the tradition, Pat Stefano of Stefano's Printing, is compiling a special souvenir book for the city's 200th birthday.
"We started talking about it back in November. I attended several bicentennial meetings as the Rotary representative and we discussed it and came up with some ideas."
Stefano has been kept busy gathering pictures and information.
"I'm excited to be part of something that will have a 50 to 100-year life," Stefano said of the souvenir book.
The book will contain dozens of black-and-white photos depicting many different facets of the life in Connellsville and surrounding areas.
Originally, the committee had hoped to have the book ready for early spring. That date has been extended, however.
"They wanted to include photos from the bicentennial parade," Stefano said, adding that the book will include many photos from the past and the present. Members of the Connellsville Historical Society have helped with the project by providing information, photos and identifications in some photos.
"I want to do as many before and afters as I can," Stefano said, "I'm including photos of businesses and industries, schools and churches and downtown buildings."
The book is not intended to be solely used as a look into the town's history. Stefano wants to capture the essence of the present time as well as the romance and interests of the past.
"I want it to be a pictorial of the history of the town but also lock in this time period as well. It will be a blending of the two, both history and current."
The book will contain little text, letting the photos and images unfold across the pages, telling the unwritten stories.
Stefano has acquired several old postcards borrowed from Tom Korba, which will be included in the book. The postcards show scenes from many buildings and sites that are long gone but fondly remembered.
Some of the cards include a main street scene, the Second National Bank building, a newly constructed Carnegie Free Library, the Armory, the Pennsylvania Rail Road Station, the Colonial Bank, the Youghiogheny Station and a photo of the coke arches that were constructed for the centennial celebration.
Stefano is seeking help from anyone who has other cards or photos that can be used for the historical book.
"I'm very interested in any athletics photos. I need more athletic type photos from the past. I'm woefully short on those. If anyone has anything, they can call, and I'll be more than happy to listen to what they have."
Stefano also is still accepting advertizing for businesses and organizations.
The bicentennial book will be available at the Geranium Festival in May.
"I would like this book to be as nice as the one that was done in 1906. I want it to be worthy of safekeeping and something that someone will still look at and appreciate 50 or 100 years from now."
For information, call Stefano at 724-277-8374.
Price of the book has not yet been determined.
