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The Homewood Heritage Foundation came into being specifically to fill a void left by the other civic minded community organizations here within our village. Originally organized as a committee to coordinate this communities celebration of our nation's bicentennial in 1976, it quickly evolved to focus on preserving and promoting the rich historic and natural heritage of the community, and the establishment of realistic and doable goals to further enhance the quality of life within our village. To showcase our efforts, as well as the community we love, the "Heritage Days Festival" was initiated. This two day event, now in it's 19th year, serves to offer a variety of entertaining venues for enjoyment by the many who attend. From the expected varieties of delicious foods and beverages one finds at such events to the extraordinary and extensive living history encampment site complimented by authentically dressed historic character impersonators, this celebration holds something for everyone. You will find this event clustered in and around our Village Center Park and radiating out along our streets and side yards to also encompass a large portion of the beautiful Buttermilk Falls Natural Area.     A Rich History The Homewood V.F.D. can trace its beginnings to the year 1934 when a group of concerned townsmen met upstairs over the James S. Carline General Store located on Main Street for the specific purpose of organizing fire protection for the community. In turn, Borough Officials eager to do their part, set into motion preparations for a belated "Centennial Celebration and Street Fair" with all funds derived from this gala affair to be devoted toward the organization and equipping of the Volunteer Fire Department. (The actual founding date of the Community was 1831. See the News-Tribune article dated August 25, 1934.) The event proved to be the first fund raising venture of the fledgling department. On the ninth day of the following month (11-9-34), then acting chairman, James S. Carline, presided over a meeting at which nominations were accepted for what were to be the very first elected officers of the Homewood Vol. Fire Department. In attendance at the Homewood Borough Building on the noteworthy day in October were: Acting Chairman James S. Carline, Acting Secretary Loyal W. Croyle, Frank DeSanzo, Roy McCullough, Arthur Gizzi, Angelo Gizzi, Orie Trill, Ralph Foster, Frederick McCullough, Tony Mettica, Calvin H. Eckman and Mario Casciato. Absent, but listed as members at this time were: James S. Casciato, Elmer Eckman, John Casciato, Ambrose E. DeSanzo, Fred "Happy" Rosso, Albert McClurg, Joseph Mettica, Charlie Seamans, Raymond Eckman, Benjamin Catrow, Henry Lowry, William DeSanzo, Sr. and Bismark K. Gitts. The first actual election of officers was conducted on October 23, 1934 at the Homewood Borough Building with Angelo Gizzi presiding. The results of that election gave us our first officers serving as follows: President Vice President Secretary Financial Secretary Fire Chief Assistant Chief Trustees ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... Henry Lowery Ralph Foster Frank DeSanzo Roy McCullough Angelo Gizzi Loyal W. Croyle James S. Carline Anthony Mettica Benjamin Catrow Joseph Guzzetti Other business conducted at this time included: designating the first and third Tuesdays of each month as regular meeting dates. agreed to rent meeting space off of James S. Carline at the monthly rate of $5.00. all members would be assessed a monthly dues of ten cents, with option of making one advanced payment of $1.00 for the entire year. it was also agreed that a fine of five cents was to be levied against any member absent from a meeting without "just cause". As the months and years passed, every effort was made to improve upon and advance the organization for the sake of the community for which it came into being. Excerpts from old record books recount many of the fund raising efforts made to support the department in its infancy. Held often were spaghetti suppers at 35 cents a dinner; Bingo games which also included canned food items as awards; $1.00 a plate fish fries and raffles at twenty-five cents a ticket. Up until the inception of the department and for quite some time following, a bucket brigade was the first and in most instances, the only line of defense against fire within the community. The tale of one incident occurring at the Roy McCann residence located at the corner of State Street and Third Avenue (now the Raymond DeSanzo family residence) relates how the men and women of the community mustered a bucket brigade, and by securing water at the hand pump located over the well in the yard, managed to hold a fire located in the walls of the structure in check until help arrived from neighboring Koppel, New Galilee and West Mayfield Fire Departments. As funds became available, every effort was made to secure much needed equipment for use in fire suppression. New buckets were purchased in quantity along with back pack water pumps. The first siren for the department was purchased on February 28, 1937 from the W. S. Darley Co. for $37.50. This came with a 30-day money back guarantee. The siren was installed over the Boro Building in a Cupola constructed by Frank Urista, a local proprietor and handy man. An inventory dated January 7, 1942, listed 8 pack tanks (Indian tanks), 3 soda tanks, 1 foamite tank, 2 axes, a lantern and 1 first aid kit as well as a collection of buckets for the total of equipment available for fire suppression at the time. Additional purchases of fire extinguishers, gas masks, and a 40' extension ladder were made possible later with help from Borough Council. With the advent of WWII, many of the membership found themselves being called to duty to fight a much different enemy far from the security of their hometown. Those members left behind were active in organizing Civil Defense for the community and vicinity and conducting scrap drives for the war effort. The department was also instrumental in erecting a war memorial to honor all those who served from the community and vicinity and those who laid down their lives for their country. Upon the return of the boys from the service following the war, all efforts turned in earnest towards the further advancement of the department. Plans to erect a building to house the Fire Department and any as yet to be purchased fire apparatus were energetically made. In April of 1947, a building site selection committee comprised of members Fred McCullough, William DeSanzo, Al Bettoni, Bismark Gitts, and Elmer Eckman was appointed. An attempt made to purchase two lots at a tax sale owned by the Pittsburgh Press (location unknown) earlier that month proved fruitless as the department was outbid by other interested parties. The committee's diligence and determination was rewarded however, on August 25, 1948 when the future location of the Department was acquired at a Commissioners Tax Sale for $5.00. With property secured and plan for constructing a building in high gear more than ever before, the Department needed help in securing additional funds. It was at this time that the Ladies Auxiliary to the Homewood Volunteer Fire Department was organized. (Auxiliary Charter was acquired June 1950.) Their dedication and untiring efforts helped make it possible for the Department to reach all of its goals. On January 4, 1951, a building construction committee was appointed. Serving on this committee were Rudy Buzzelli as chairman, Al Bettoni, Wilmer McClurg, Armond Casciato, Steve Kramer, and James McQuillan. Specifications established by Chairman Buzzelli called for a 30" x 60" block structure, 15' high to 18' high, with concrete floor and stalls for two trucks "with estimated total cost at $3,500 if members do bulk of work". Ground breaking took place that spring to everyone's delight. "The amount of time spent on this project by some members, made wives feel that they had become widows and their children orphans." Also at this time, a Truck Committee was established consisting of Bob Totera, Fritz McCullough, Bob Yoho and Armaond Casciato. After negotiations with American Fire Apparatus Co. representatives Herbert and Charles Porter, it was agreed upon to purchase the Department's first apparatus, an American Barton with a 500 gallon tank capacity, at a total cost of $4,683.55. The chassis for the new truck was purchased through the Ellwood City Chevy dealership at a cost of $1,650, bringing the total cost of the new fire apparatus to $6,333.55. Early Monday morning on January 26, 1952, the new truck arrived bringing with it a new sense of pride for the growing Department. The first call responded to by the new apparatus was reported to have been a diesel engine on the Pennsylvania Railroad on February 10th. At this time the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission submitted a proposal to the Department requesting that they provide fire and rescue services for the recently completed interstate road system. This contracted service is still in effect to this day. From its inception in 1934 to the present, the Department has served as a catalyst for, and source of numerous community functions and events. In its earlier days, a baseball team was sponsored in the County League with many of the Department membership participating in many an exciting game against neighboring teams from New Galilee, Koppel, West Mayfield and Beaver Falls. Years later a winning Bowling Team would bring home many a trophy for the Department. Street Fairs and Homecomings were enthusiastically looked forward to by the entire community yearly. And many of you surely remember the Firemen's Benefit Dances held at the Ellwood City Son of Italy ballroom in the mid and late 1950's featuring none other than the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Band. Few too, are those who will ever misplace the fond memories of the many Christmas Parties held each year for the children of the community. Nor will we ever forget the efforts of the Ladies Auxiliary who not only gave of their time to help support the Department, but also provided the youth of the community with a weekly canteen dance. Remembered, too, will be the New Year's Eve Parties, Social Parties, Group Picnics, Corn Roasts, and of course the seasonal excursions to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates in action at Forbes Field. Over the ensuing years, much had been accomplished, most notably being the purchase of the second fire apparatus, and two rescue vehicles and another addition to the Social Hall. With each passing year, and with each new purchase of essential equipment, it became obvious that costs were increasing faster than the capabilities of the organization to meet them. In 1982, rather than accept defeat, the Department embarked on its most endeavor up until that time to raise funds. To reach the Departments desired long term goals, it was determined that a major expansion and renovation of the current building facilities would be necessary. Plans laid out by Building Chairman Alfred DeSanzo and put on paper by architect Robert Wilson of Beaver, PA, called for a two story structure more than four times the size of the present building with an estimated cost of over a quarter of a million dollars. All necessary funds were subsequently secured through local, state and federal agencies through efforts made by Chairman DeSanzo. With new building construction underway, a proposal to establish a greatly expanded "high stakes" Social Game (Bingo) was entertained by the membership. The ground work for this new fund raising venture was laid by Chairman Clark McKim. At this time, the Department sponsors not one, but two weekly Social Games (Bingo) with combined total payouts of $12,000 each week. A far cry from the penny Bingos played for canned food items back some 60 years ago. The success of these games and dedication of the Department Membership made possible the satisfying of all financial encumbrances before their due dates. Never was it necessary at any time for the community to carry any part of the financial burden assumed by the Department. To this day, the Homewood Volunteer Fire Department is totally self-sufficient. The dedication of the Department to the community is not only evident in its self-reliance, but also in its willingness to share in its success. To date funds have been provided to acquire a dump truck for use by the Borough and for nostalgic lamp posts evident on the sidewalks about town. And most recently, in a creative effort to help both the community and itself, the Department has purchased several pieces of property within town on which it intends to build, and subsequently sell, new single family dwellings. In further recognition of its ongoing responsibility to the community, this department took possession of a new 1500 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) Fire Apparatus in May of this year. It's arrival was marked by numerous appreciative residents lining the streets and a reception at the Fire Hall. The total cost of this newest arrival with equipment, exceeded $200,000.00, over thirty times the cost of our very first truck back in 1951. Looking back over the years, we thank and applaud all those men and women who through personal sacrifice and dedication have taken this Department from its meager beginnings back in 1934 with a total reported net worth of $100.00 to what it is today - an organization with appraised assets of over a million dollars. We can only imagine that all that has been accomplished has met with full approval by all those who have passed on; and we can only hope that future generations will continue to strive to take this organization to greater and loftier heights.     The Homewood Post Office was established in 1862. The name was changed in 1908 to the Racine Post Office to avoid confusion with the Pittsburgh suburb of Homewood. William H. Foster became the first appointed Postmaster of Homewood. The salary for the position of Postmaster in 1870 had been recorded as $200.00 annually.There have been eleven postmasters appointed to serve at the Homewood Post Office following Mr. Foster's appointment and one Officer-In-Charge. The following are the names of the Postmasters and the dates they served from 1862 - 1964: William H. Foster James C. Evans John R. Witherspoon Mrs. Mary Crum Hugh H. Shipman Samuel Overlander January 28, 1862 November 7, 1866 March 18, 1869 September 21, 1885 February 26, 1889 July 24, 1893 L.J. Overlander James Carline George A. Myers James Carline Angelina Mittica Elvira D. SeSanzo May 18, 1897 1913 1929 1933 1936 February 11, 1938 September 30, 1964 Officer-in-Charge of Homewood Community (Racine) Post Office Elain F. Buzzelli     October 1, 1964 to Present The longest term of office was served by the last Postmaster, Elvira D. DeSanzo. Mrs. DeSanzo retired in 1964 from the Post Office after having held the position for 26 years. Elain F. Buzzelli (Elvira D. DeSanzo's daughter) continues to serve as Officer-in-Charge of the Community Post Office with a total of 37 years (and counting). It was customary when a new postmaster took office the Post Office would be established at a location designated by the incoming postmaster. It was not unusual for the appointed postmaster to also be a proprietor of a business in town. Therefore, the Post Office many times would be located at the business location. The Homewood Post Office changed locations eight times from the years 1862 to 1938. Some of those locations included feed stores and grocery stores. The Community Post Office has remained at this location since 1941. After the close of the business on September 30, 1964, Homewood was redesignated as the Racine Rural Station (Community Post Office) attached to the Beaver Falls Post Office. The zip code was changed from 16124 to 15010. This zip code is the same as for the City of Beaver Falls.     Historical records show that the Homewood United Methodist Church and its many names before that came into existence in 1869, but the actual beginnings of the church, how and why it came about, actually date back to 1854 - a time when settlers chose their land and remained steadfast in their beliefs. In May, 1854, John White, an original settler, conveyed to Robert Chapman and other trustees of the Methodist Episcopal congregation three-fourths of an acre on the west side of Fourth Avenue at Morado in Beaver Falls at what is now the corner of Route 18 and Wallace Run Road near the red lights. Construction of a frame church was completed in the summer of 1856 on the site at a cost of $590.00 and although there was no resident pastor, the pulpit was supplied from other places and there were regular Sunday School classes. The church was sometimes know as "White's Chapel", even though John White was a devout Covenantor who loyally rode or drove in all kinds of weather to the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Greersburg (what is now Darlington) and insisted that his family accompany him. As the story was handed down, some of Mr. White's descendants chose to become Methodists because Mrs. White wanted her children to attend the church closer to their home so they wouldn't have to endure the severe weather that often went with the trip to Greersburg and back. May 8, 1869 brought about more decisions by church members to move the church to a new location. At this time there was a pastor, J.Z. Moore, and the church was on the Enon Valley circuit. The members had trouble agreeing on whether to move White's Chapel to Homewood or to build a new church. The decision was finally made a week later to build a new church in Homewood because "Old Brighton", which is what we know today as Beaver Falls, had begun to expand and was grasping to within a few miles of White's Chapel. The chapel, which was also referred to as the Wallace Run Methodist Episcopal Church, was sold to Robert White on July 3, 1869, for $225.00. J.W. Smith sold the trustees a piece of ground (160 feet in the front, 165 feet in the back) on the north side and close to Buttermilk Falls and Smitty Run and also close to the Homewood Station on the PYM & CR Railroad for $250.00. One-hundred dollars was to be paid in cash and $150.00 toward the construction of the church. Work on the new church began in earnest in late summer and it was decided in late October of 1869 to put a basement under the church after the sanctuary was near completion. By early November the church was almost finished at a cost of $3,000 and the ladies of the church busied themselves with decorating window blinds and laying down carpets. On the last day of 1869 the trustees reported in a meeting that the church basement was entirely finished. The church was formally dedicated on January 9, 1870, and it would see many uses and changes over the next 127 years. The church basement was often used as a meeting place for various groups and in 1911 and '12 the basement was used as the public school in Homewood until the new school was finished. The school system agreed to pay $5.00 a month in rent and furnished coal for church services. In December, 1942, the local chapter of the American Red Cross was given permission to hold meetings in the basement and the Homewood Junction Chapter of the American War Mothers began meeting there also. In 1951 official records of the church, including the deed to the church and Homewood Cemetery and secretary books from 1854 to 1926 were turned over to Mr. John W. Pinkerton, along with the original set of keys to the church and old records. Five years later permission was granted by the church conference for significant repairs to begin at a cost not to exceed $3,000. This remodeling began in June, 1957, with the addition of a new vestibule and aluminum siding and the two separate entrances in the front of the church was changed into one. The restoration continued into 1958 with the completion of a new water system and a donation from the Methodist Men of $50.00 for the addition of storm windows downstairs. The charter and seal of the church was received in December, 1959, and in March, 1960, the gold cross and velvet drop was donated in memory of the Calvin Eckman family on Mrs. Anna Eckman's 80th birthday. The church also held a special "This is Your Life" program for Mrs. Helen McKim in July of 1959 to honor her service as treasurer and secretary of the church for 30 years. During the next decade the church endured even further renovations. Three thousand dollars was set aside for these improvements which included new septic tanks, kitchen cabinets and drains in the basement, along with a change from a wooden floor in the basement to cement. In 1967 the College Hill Presbyterian Church donated their old pews to the Homewood Church, replacing old benches that stood in place for almost 100 years. Plans began in March, 1977, for remodeling of the church sanctuary and a bid of $39,812.10 was accepted for those changes, which included new windows, paneling, lighting system, carpeting and other structural matters. During this remodeling period the slate roof on the church was in bad repair and was redone at an additional cost of $4,300.00. The furniture and church organ were moved to the educational building for services during the remodeling period. It was decided that the previously donated pews would not hold up in storage so the church put them up for sale to members and friends for $1.00 per foot. The first service in the newly renovated Homewood United Methodist Church was held on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1980. Parishioners sat on folding chairs for almost two years before the booster's organization voted to donate $1,500 for a pew fund. Other church members donated to the fund and Bob Adkins, a local cabinet maker from Wampum, was commissioned to make 19 pews made of oak and had them installed in time for dedication ceremonies at Homewood services in 1982. In the mid-1980s a covering was put over the outside steps on the front of the church and a Stairglide was installed to make it easier for disabled parishioners to negotiate the steps into the church. Over the course of time the Homewood United Methodist Church has kept its doors open thanks to the efforts of the countless men and women who have donated much of their time and energy to support the church's success and continued existence. They have stood all kinds of autumn weather since 1937 and beyond cooking apple butter to sell for the church. There were also box socials and penny suppers in the 30's and 40's, and apple dumplings and nut rolls are still made today to raise money for expenses. The Homewood Church has been served by 60 pastors in its 127 years of existence, from Rev. J. Z. Moore in 1869 and '70 to Rev. Russell Smith, who became the church's new pastor in July of 1997. There have been many changes over the years, but with the dedication and efforts of so many, it is hoped that the Homewood Church will always remain a constant. Homewood Church is a House of God. Everyone is welcome.

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