Even though it’s not 80 degrees and sunny outside, we can still think ahead to the warm celebration being planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first commercially drilled oil well. Many events and activities are planned for Saturday Aug. 29. This day will certainly be one to remember. One of these special events will be a performance by Tom Watt, “The Buffettman”. Watt is a Jimmy double in both his looks and voice. He has performed more than 1,200 shows. Watt and his group can be found regularly touring the country performing their own brand of Buffett in more than 20 states each year. His range of tunes include many Jimmy Buffett favorites, as well as some of his lesser known gems. Tom has been touring regularly since 1998. So, why Titusville? Spurred by fond memories of growing up in Titusville-and their appreciation of the city-the families of Robert J. and M. Jeanne Anderson and Charlie and Ellen O’Neill have made this concert possible in memory of their parents. This is a wonderful gift to Titusville and all attending our celebration. This you won’t want to miss. It may be cold outside now, but just think ahead to a unique summer evening concert, brought about because Titusville still holds the hearts of many.
Can the past be brought to the present? Could be a philosophical questions. But as we prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first commercially drilled oil well, the answer is “yes”. Many of the events being planned will give us experiences from the past. An intriguing way of bringing the past to the present has been crafted to help raise funds for the Oil 150 Celebration. A commemorative wooden pen, turned from pieces of authentic oil barrels, is now available for purchase at the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce. Coopers came to the Titusville area 150 years ago to make the barrels needed to hold the oil. While the barrels held the oil, it also soaked into the wood. Today, pieces of these barrels are still found in the oil fields throughout our region. A local crafter, Eldo K. DeLong Jr., who grew up just north of Titusville in Warren, takes these pieces of oil soaked barrel and “turns” them into unique pens. These wooden pens smell of the oil the barrels once held. The grain of the wood is still beautifully detailed. While availability may vary, these pens are crafted in one-piece and two-piece styles. Each is refillable. Oil and wood continue to be a major part of our region. These commemorative pens are a beautiful reminder of why we are celebrating the event that changed the world.
Back in October, we talked about the fabulous parade being planned for Oil 150. The fact that the Zem Zem/Shriner's have designated us as a "point parade" means we will see almost all of their 19 different parade units. Add to that the many marching units, musical groups, fire trucks, service organizations, festival queens, dancers, and clowns, and we're looking at something really special on Aug. 29, 2009!
As the first blasts of winter descend on "the valley that changed the world", it may be hard to imagine that in 281 days we will be celebrating the exact 150 year anniversary of the first successfully drilled commercial oil well. Each week in The Herald we have been sharing information about events leading up to and immediately following, that historical moment, as well as sharing important information about our upcoming celebration. As Paul Harvey might say, we're trying to share "the rest of the story".
There is a fine balancing act to perform in giving out information leading up to a significant event. Wait too long, and people can't properly prepare - or the planning, however detailed, gets lost and confused by the community. Give too much too soon, and people can become indifferent, or take it for granted that they are not needed to help in the process.
Titusville's Oil 150 celebration is a mammoth undertaking. There are hundreds of details that have to be worked out, money to be raised, programs to be organized, and timelines to be set. As with any such celebration, there are committees that are planning and overseeing the progress, but everyone is not only welcome, they are needed to ensure its success.
Our purpose in providing this space, with the help and support of The Herald, is to keep the Oil 150 celebration on your mind, to give you information, and to encourage you to get involved - not only during the last week in August 2009, but right now when you can play a significant role in bringing this celebration from a dream to a reality. To share an idea or find out where you can help, call Barb Ives, chairperson for Titusville Oil 150, at 827-3985 or 827-2037.
CONGRATULATION!!!! WE A...
