Annual Harmoniefest features awards, historic cars
The Harmoniefest has been a traditional gathering since its founding, and this year historic buildings and cars will be celebrated at the Harmony Historical Society’s event at Stewart Hall on March 19.
A reception, dinner and historic talk about the first log cabin in Butler County are just some of the activities attendees can expect with the price of admission.
Rodney Gasch, president of Historic Harmony, said the first Harmoniefest took place in February 1805, mere months after Father George Rapp and his followers, the Harmonists, settled in Butler County.
“They called together their first meeting and called it Harmoniefest, where they signed documents,” he said. “They owned everything in common ... the deal was they’d be provided with food and lodgings needs. They ended up becoming very wealthy and astute businesspeople.”
The goal of modern day Harmoniefest is to recognize those who’ve contributed to the local history awareness and restoration of buildings to their original conditions, Gasch said.
The Butler Old Stone House Region Antique Automobile Club of America is one organization receiving recognition. A 1941 Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC) 40 will be on display at the event for the community to see the club’s work in upkeep and restoration of Butler County-built vehicles.
Local historian with the Zelienople Historical Society Tom Nesbitt is scheduled to speak on the Studebaker family, the first settlers of Butler County. Their home is regarded as the first log cabin in the area.
Gasch said Harmoniefest is a great opportunity to meet neighbors and get involved in local history.
“It’s a great way to learn,” he said.
Harmoniefest begins at 6 p.m. in Harmony Museum’s Stewart Hall, 218 Mercer St. Tickets can be reserved for $37 each on the museum website, HarmonyMuseum.org, or by calling the museum at 724-452-7341 Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.
