What is the most popular vegetable in America?
Why the tomato, of course! The tomato can be traced back to usage by the Aztecs in 700 AD.
Therefore, it is believed that the vegetable is native to the Americas. It was not introduced to Europe until the 16th century, and then only accepted in the southern area; the northern countries such as England, although they admired the beauty and texture, believed the tomato to be poisonous.
Now, by far the most consumed of all vegetables, the tomato comes in virtually hundreds of different shapes, sizes, textures and colors, and with its versatility in eating and cooking, makes it king of the garden.
Many people have heard of Big Boy or Roma tomatoes, but how about Brandywine, yellow pear or even yellow grape tomatoes?
With a desire to share it's wonderful heirloom variety tomatoes with all who would enjoy sampling some of the more exotic varieties not commonly found on grocer's shelves, the West Overton Museums garden club members are opening their gardens' gates and inviting the public to their first "tomato tasting," which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Stock Barn in the West Overton Village.
"We will have the tomatoes that are grown here," said Grant Gerlich, executive director of West Overton Museums, "and also some tomatoes from the gardens of the members of the garden club."
"We've had the garden here for years," he added. "The idea came up at a meeting. It will be a good use for the produce, and a great opportunity to educate people of the different types and varieties, and they get to taste them."
The cost for the tomato tasting will be $5 per person.
If there is any produce available after the tasting, it will be offered to the public for purchase.
The museum has been opening its doors with several fun and unique programs and exhibits throughout the summer, and on the following weekend, will hold an exhibition that should interest everyone in the area, particularly those interested in local history and genealogy.
A photo arrangement will be displayed in the Distillery Room at the village from Aug. 27 to 30 during regular business hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Several years ago, Springer Studios in Scottdale donated hundreds of glass plate negatives to the museum. These negatives depict many family scenes, domestic scenes, homes, outdoor life and wildlife, enabling those who view them a rare glimpse into the rural lives of locals from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries.
The museum has developed approximately 40 of these negatives into pictures for display. The clear, crisp images will allow the viewer an insightful glimpse into the past.
"We are hoping that people who visit the exhibit may be able to identify some of the photos," Gerlich said. "They may recognize a person or a house or building."
Gerlich added that he hopes the museum will eventually be able to have all of the negatives developed to display in the future.
"There are so many different scenes, it's just amazing," Gerlich said. "There are hunting scenes, pictures of families and mining."
"This is a great way for people to see the past," Curator of Education Amber Hall said, "and to see how people lived. Many of these buildings in the photos probably are not there any longer."
The price for entrance to the exhibit is $7.
In addition, for the third year, the Laurel Highlands Chamber of Commerce will hold its bocce tournament at the village on Aug. 21. Many different theme tents, sponsored by area businesses and organizations, will be set up. The cost is $45 for chamber members and $50 for non-members, with the fee including entrance, bocce, and food and refreshments at the chamber tent. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Girl Scout Council of Westmoreland County.
For information on the tomato tasting and photo exhibit, call the museum at 724-887-7910; for bocce, call the chamber at 724-547-7521.
