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A loosey-goosey birthday

Lewistown celebrates 225th anniversary

Submitted photo by the Juniata River Valley Visitors’ Bureau
Goldie the Goose from WKVA hugs Paul Fagley, who is portraying John Armstrong Wright at Lewistown’s 225th Anniversary celebration. Fagley spoke about industry, the railroad and the canal in Lewistown.

LEWISTOWN–The Borough of Lewistown celebrated its 225th Anniversary on Monday. The event was initially scheduled for April, but COVID-19 caused the event to be rescheduled to coincide with the Annual Goose Day celebration.

Founded in 1795, the borough was named after William “Bill” Lewis. Lewis was the local legislator responsible for earning Lewistown its ‘borough’ designation. Lewistown was previously called the Village of Ohesson and was the county seat for Mifflin County.

For decades, Lewistown played host to myriad industrial travel. With its position in the heart of the state, the railroads and canal made Lewistown (and Mifflin County at large) an economic hub.

Paul Fagley portrayed local industry worker, John Armstrong Wright (1849- 1869), and discussed how this infrastructure fueled the growth of Lewistown from the porch of the McCoy House.

Lewistown Mayor Deb Bargo, who portrayed Dorcas Buchanan, (the first woman settler in the area) spoke about what the event means to her and why it matters to the community.

“As far as putting this together, it was originally scheduled for the start of April, but we thought it would be wonderful to combine it as part of Goose Day,” she said.

Mayor Bargo added, “I think the younger generations aren’t learning what history we have in our area, and it’s important to remind them and teach them the importance of what our area stands for. The Native Americans and settlers, like Dorcas, who came before, seeing how we developed over the years, and having a foundation like that to share our rich history… we need to pass it on.”

The celebration included several stops showcasing the historical landmarks around town. Former Lewistown Police Officer, Sgt. Butler, spoke with members of the community at the Lewistown Municipal Building. A tour of the building was also given. Down at the historic court house, Forrest Fisher spoke to visitors about significant local events in the boroughs long history.

Goose Day is today, Sept. 29.

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