Homer Center Historical Society

06/05/2026

Here is an interesting World War II-era advertising piece from the C.S. Kunkle Lumber Company.

In 1942, Homer City's population was approximately 2,460 residents. From our small community, an astounding 584 men and women answered the call to serve during World War II. Sadly, six of those servicemen never returned home.

This remarkable list is a testament to the sacrifice, dedication, and patriotism of our community. No one can say that Homer City didn't do its part in helping bring an end to this global conflict. We remember and honor their service.

05/26/2026

A final Memorial Day shout-out 🇺🇸

Thank you to American Legion Post 493 for once again placing flags throughout the old Homer City Cemetery. Their efforts serve as a meaningful reminder that, although these veterans may be gone, they are never forgotten.

This simple act of remembrance helps keep their service and sacrifice alive for our community and future generations.

05/25/2026

We would like to extend a big thank you to Homer City Cub Scout Pack 24 for their visit today! 🇺🇸🌼

As part of earning their America 250 Badge, the scouts chose to help beautify the grounds at the caboose museum by planting flowers. During their visit, they toured the museum, asked lots of thoughtful questions, and showed a great interest in local history.

After the tour, the scouts got right to work making the Historical Society’s grounds look even better! Their hard work and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated.

Thank you to all of the scouts and their leaders for spending the day with us. We can’t wait to watch the flowers — and these young historians — continue to grow! 🚂🌸

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

As Memorial Day approaches, it seems like the perfect time to share a meaningful new addition to “Grandpa’s Garage.”

Christine Rumbaugh has generously donated her father’s WWII uniform and related paperwork to our collection. Her father, John “Jack” Rumbaugh, proudly served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, with deployments in Egypt and Italy.

After returning home from the war, Jack dedicated 38 years to working at Syntron. He was also a life member of VFW Post 1989 in Indiana and American Legion Post 493 in Homer City. A proud Homer City resident, Jack represented the spirit of service, hard work, and community.

We are honored to preserve and display his uniform as part of our collection so future generations can remember and appreciate the sacrifices of local veterans.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Christine for her generous donation to the Homer Center Historical Society. Contributions like hers help us continue preserving and sharing the rich history of our community for future generations. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the winners of the Homer-Center Historical Society’s Jack Loughner Memorial Scholarships! 🎓

We are proud to announce that this year’s scholarship recipients are Homer-Center seniors Abigail Harper and Mason Sisko! 👏

These outstanding students have demonstrated dedication, hard work, and commitment to their education and community. The Homer-Center Historical Society is honored to support their future endeavors through the Jack Loughner Memorial Scholarship program.

Please join us in congratulating Abigail and Mason and wishing them continued success in all they do! 🎉📚

05/20/2026

“As Rod Serling would say… picture, if you will…”

A small-town amusement park tucked along Two Lick Creek just north of Homer City. A place where families spread picnic blankets under the trees, kids raced toward the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel, and couples danced the night away beneath glowing pavilion lights.

Imagine spending a hot summer afternoon swimming in a cool stream with a modern bathhouse nearby… then grabbing a bite to eat before heading off for canoe rides, roller skating, or a baseball game. As evening arrived, music from the latest dance bands echoed across the water while crowds packed a huge 40-by-100-foot dance pavilion.

Sounds like something from a big city amusement resort, right?

But in the 1920s and 1930s, it was right here in our own backyard at **Cliffside Park**.

Purchased in 1919 by Antonio Bianco and developed into a recreation destination in 1921, Cliffside Park quickly became one of the most popular gathering places in the area. A timber dam on Two Lick Creek created a lake for boating and swimming, while the park itself featured a lunchroom, promenade, skating rink, baseball field, boating dock, carousel, Ferris wheel, and more.

Even nationally known entertainers performed there, including Cab Calloway and Jelly Roll Morton.

The park survived a devastating fire in 1925 and was rebuilt bigger and better than before. But the hardships of the Great Depression, floods, and changing times eventually led to its closure by the end of 1937.

Today, most people driving along the “new” Route 119 have no idea they are passing over what was once one of the area’s greatest attractions — a place filled with music, laughter, dancing, and summertime memories.

Cliffside Park truly was “Our Very Own Amusement Park.”

05/14/2026

Spotlight on a Former Homer City Business

Today’s spotlight shines on the former Ritchie’s Service Station and Chevrolet dealership in Homer City.

In 1933, John W. Ritchie operated Ritchie’s One Stop Service Station along Route 119 north of town (present-day Old Route 119 North). The business began modestly in a single-car garage, offering automotive repairs, service work, and gasoline sales to the local community for many years.

As the business grew, Ritchie moved into a new and modern facility at 80 West Elm Street in April 1949, establishing what became known as Ritchie Chevrolet. Interestingly, the property had previously been home to a livery stable during Homer City’s early days — a reminder of how transportation in the community evolved from horses to automobiles.

In January 1972, Ritchie sold the business to professional golfer and former Vice President of the P.G.A., Dick Drennen. Drennen continued operating the dealership at that location into the early 1990's.

Today, the site serves a new purpose as the home of the Homer City Head Start program.

Attached are several photographs, newspaper articles, and advertising pieces from our collection highlighting the history of Ritchie Chevrolet and its role in the community.

05/10/2026

Before Amazon wish lists, online flower orders, and “World’s Best Mom” mugs… there were newspaper ads desperately trying to convince husbands and kids they had found the perfect Mother’s Day gift!

Take a trip back in time through these vintage Mother’s Day advertisements from the 1920s through the 1980s, all taken from the Indiana Gazette — when nothing said “We appreciate you, Mom!” quite like a new vacuum cleaner, frying pan, can of lard, or even a nice fresh beef heart for dinner! 😂

Of course, if Dad was feeling especially fancy, Mom might also receive perfume, candy, or the Cadillac of household gifts… a brand new washing machine! Romance was clearly alive and well.

Some of these ads are genuinely sweet, while others will have modern moms wondering if Mother’s Day used to double as grocery shopping day. One thing that never changed though is how much moms have always meant to their families and communities.

So enjoy this entertaining stroll through Mother’s Day history and let us know which ads, products, or local stores you remember! And whether you’re enjoying a home-cooked Mother’s Day meal of beef heart cooked in lard, dining out with family, or simply relaxing for the day, we want to wish all the amazing moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day!

— Homer-Center Historical Society

05/06/2026

The Homer City National Bank

Here’s a cool little piece of local history—The Homer City National Bank once printed its own money!

Between 1907 and 1932, the bank issued a total of $859,190 in national currency.

The national bank was in operation for about 26 years, which was pretty typical for a national bank at the time. During that span, it produced six different types and denominations of currency.

Hard to imagine now, but there was a time when your local bank could literally print the money in your pocket!