California Area Historical Society |
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The California Area Historical Society "With Song and Celebration" Holiday Open House is December 15 and 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Gallagher House on the corner of Fifth and Wood Streets. Honoring those who lost their lives on 9/11 will be an Angel display in the living room featuring many angels loaned to the Society by community members. Of special interest in the parlor will be the Beyer Carolers from the collection of Kathryn Hart Sullivan. The dining room will feature a patriotic theme dedicated to freedom. Refreshments will also be served in the dining room.
Plan your visit at a time when you can enjoy some of the festivities listed below:Back to Index |
The house was owned by the Jennings family until 1919 when Margaret Jennings deeded the property to Charles McCormick. Shortly after, Louis Koller, a local merchant, purchased the house and resided in it until 1930 when the Gallagher family acquired the home. Charles Gallagher was the general superintendent of the Allied Chemical Corporation at Newell, and was a member of the Board of Directors of Peoples National Bank and the Board of trustees at nearby California University of Pennsylvania. In 1993, his descendants generously donated the property to the Historical Society.
The first floor entrance of the Gallagher House features stained glass fleur-de-lis sidelights and transom and original wrought iron chandeliers. Tall pairs of pocket doors open into north and south parlors where fireplace mantles, typical of each room in the house, are adorned in classical details. The first floor of the Gallagher House is used for a reception area and historical displays. The central hall stair leads to the second floor where the history library, archives room, and office area are located. Cherry and quarter-sawn oak pattern woodwork and mission-style mantels enhance the rooms, once used as bedrooms and a nursery. A winding stair leads to the attic.
The Gallagher House is located at 429 Wood Street, California. It is open for historic research and study on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For additional information, call 724-938-3250.
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Pennsylvania Railroad Station: Used for many years by commuters up and down the river, it is now the home of the California Public Library.Borough Building: Dedicated in 1997, this building is a symbol of rebirth in our community.
The Academy: Built in 1852, it was the forerunner of the college, California University of Pa.
The Sailor: One of the largest and best known of the sternwheelers that plied the Monongahela. California was a well known boat-building site.
Gallagher House: Built in 1903, it was home to the Gallagher family for many years, donated to the California Area Historical Society, Inc. in 1993 as their home.
Veterans Memorial: This is dedicated to all veterans who have fought to defend our country and its ideals and principles.
Methodist Church: Dedicated in 1860, originally Kier's Chapel, first church building in California.
Horseshoe Bend in the Monongahela River: also known as Greenfield Bend, it gives a wide panoramic view of California Coal Center, and Newell.
Intermediate Unit I: Established by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1971 as a successor to the county school offices, Intermediate Unit I is one of only 29 regional educational service agencies in the Commonwealth. Committed to serving all the learners of Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties, Intermediate Unit I also committed to staying~in California Borough by moving into its new facility in 1993.
Center in the Woods: The Center in the Woods is a multipurpose senior community center serving older adults from a five county area. Programs include meals, transportation, adult day care, socialillation, recreation, education, exercise, intergenerational shared housing, and supportive service in three senior apartment buildings. Its newest program is the Health Clinic at Center in the Woods: which offers medical appointments with a geriatrician.
Old Main: The first building constructed at the college, now California University of Pa. and has always been the symbol of the school.
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