Although sparsely attended, a local group is raising money to restore this tobacco sign as part of Ford City’s heritage.
A group of Ford City businesses and residents have formed a committee to restore a piece of the town’s history.
Several years ago, after a building was demolished at the corner of 9th Street and Fourth Avenue, wrecking crews uncovered the remains of an old Mail Pouch tobacco advertisement that was painted on the side of the adjacent building. Since then, it has become a historical landmark. Some town’s folk want to restore the sign and preserve it by repainting the fading sign.
Five-year-old Travis Rearick from Burrell Township is interviewed by local entertainer Steve Heffner during yesterday’s fundraiser in Ford City.
“They’re going to touch it up. Try not to discolor from the original one, because the fact is you’re trying to keep the historical part of it. Like the tar and things like that. Then you’re going to put some UV material for the sun. So the wall doesn’t discolor,” Spokesman Steve Heffner explained at a fundraiser held yesterday on the vacant lot.
Heffner said the original sign was painted in the late 1800’s. He said the group will need approximately $7,500 to restore the painting.
Jan Lysakowski said they are selling coins that were minted for the 75th anniversary of Ford City to help raise money.
“Years ago, one of the members of the committee that had established the 75th anniversary gave me the coins from the celebration. He said, ‘somewhere down the road, maybe you can utilize this for the community’. This is the opportunity, so we’re selling them for a few dollars apiece, or 2 for $5. The original ones are 55 years old. They’re the original coins from the 75th anniversary that has (an image of) John Forbes on it and it has the dates.”
Jan and Jim Donis from Pittsburgh’s Jim’s Smoke & Q barbecue food vendor serves up fresh ribs from his portable smoker that he has been bringing to area events over the last four years. His menu included roasted corn, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and mac-n-cheese.
Councilwoman Mary Alice Bryant said she left her church function yesterday to be in attendance at the gathering.
“This is exactly what we are all about in Ford City. As they say, we scratch each other’s backs,” she said. “I think this is exactly what we need. Not big things, just little things to get us back together. In my estimation, history and tradition is at the top of my list. Without history we wouldn’t be people. None of us would’ve existed or been here. And the way we were raised, it was a traditional way. ”
Although yesterday’s crowd was small, Heffner said this first fundraiser was more about raising awareness than money. He said another one is planned for next year also.
Donations are being accepted through the Armstrong County Historical Society, Box 735, Kittanning, PA 16201. Please write “Historical Mail Pouch Sign” on the memo of your check.