As Tim and Anne Hofius looked over the memorabilia at the Mercer County Historical Society on Saturday, Oct. 27,Tim remarked, “This is a great place. I can’t believe I haven’t been here before.”
The Hofiuses like many others were there for the grand opening of the society’s Sports Gallery in the Mercer building, which the society built and stocked with help from the Mercer County Hall of Fame. The Hall donated $1,500 to the society for the development of the gallery.
And those who spoke at the opening believe that people who visit to see the sports displays - like the Hofiuses - will also be impressed by the rest of the county’s history.
“Sports are a very important part of Mercer County history, culture and what we are,” said state Sen. Bob Robbins, Greenville, in addressing a standing-room-only crowd in the society library. Robbins obtained a $5,000 state grant to help with the addition to the society.
“This will increase the traffic flow here,” said Robbins, a past inductee to the Mercer County Hall of Fame, which also helps fund the room. “You have to remember where you came from and keep history alive.
“This is the finest small museum in the state of Pennsylvania. It’s very unique.”
David M. Miller, president of the historical society, said he recalls a trip he took as a young boy to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. “We wanted to create some of that special Cooperstown magic here,” he said.
Miller thanked the society board, Mercer County Hall of Fame board and Robbins for “making a dream become a reality.”
Society Executive Director Bill Philson recited the “Hillbilly Prayer” in pointing out the evolution of the sports gallery. “... I ain’t what I used to be; and I ain’t what I’m gonna be.” He expects the collection of memorabilia to grow as people realize they can honor their relatives.
“Sports kind of pervade this area,” Philson said. “It’s in our very blood. There is a lot of interest in this area.” He said that the room will display various memorabilia at different times. He is seeking volunteers who want to work at help rotating the displays. |
