October 27, 2010
Centre Daily Times
Dear CDT:
On October 16, 2010, an estimated 2,500 folks came to visit one of Centre County’s Wonders to celebrate its centennial. They were able to do so because of the efforts of many wonderful people and it is my intent to acknowledge them and to thank them for making this once in a lifetime event possible. I must begin with Adeline “Chickie” Reese, Dave Shuey and Kathy Mowery of the Reese Trust for allowing us to hold the event. Dave Shuey and Frank Downie spent countless hours and a considerable sum of money getting the Barn spiffed up for its special day. The residents of the home, Shannon, Jay, Ava and Scotty Reeder were most kind to allow us to evade their yard and barn for the day.
The members of Centre County Pomona Grange #13 and the Committee for the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair were generous in providing financial support to our endeavors. (The Barn’s creator, Calvin Neff was both Master of Pomona Grange and Chairman of the Committee for the Picnic.) Robinson’s Septic donated one of the comfort facilities.
Cole Transportation was the transport, making some 37 trips between the Fairgrounds and the Barn. Bus driver Tom Sharer was patient and extremely helpful to those who needed assistance on and off the bus.
Helping to get the word out about the celebration were Centre Daily Times Editor Robert Heisse and Penns Valley columnist Ed Mahon. Thanks to Sam Stitzer for his coverage and to the folks at Farmshine and Lancaster Farmer as well as Gary Sinderson of Channel 6.
The Centre Hall Fire Company’s members Bill Rockey and Robert Laird provided traffic control. Centennial Committee member Terry Smith and his brother Marty Smith assisted them. Centennial Committee member Steve Welch also helped in this regard.
The delicious cupcakes were provided by Heather Luse of Delectable Delights and transported by her husband, Keith. Helping to staff the ticket booth was Cindy Smith.
Tour Guide Ralph Homan did an outstanding job as did tour coordinators Sherie Homan and Donna Cogan. Darlene Wolfe-Confer was excellent as the Master of Ceremonies for the Citation presentation and the cake auction. Thanks for Senator Jake Corman recognizing the unique and wonderful aspects of this edifice.
Karl Leitzel was excellent as our Artist in Residence and conducted the contest for artists and photographers. The enthusiasm and verve that JA Babay brings to all things learning was unabashedly shared with numerous children who had an enjoyable time while waiting to tour. Toe tapping tunes were heard throughout the grounds thanks to the Parlor Pickers, including Glenn Decker, Jimmy Smeal, Joe Casher, Bob Waite, Lester Lucas and Paul Tomco.
The Barn shared its glory with its replica, created by Charles Pecht and we thank him, his wife Janet and son Donnie for spending the day so that work of art could also be enjoyed.
Serving on the Centennial Committee and in charge of the Cake-off was Marsha Turner, who was assisted by Mae MacQuaide. Ms. Turner also created the Round Barn cookie ornaments.
Booths along the avenue included the Ice Cream Shop by the Centre Hall Women’s Club, Lemonade by Kate Treaster of Progress Grange, Tapestry Totes by the Bellefonte Chapter of the DAR, Plaques and books by the Penns Valley Historical Museum Association, and all things linage by the Centre County Genealogical Society.
Many thanks to Edwina Sims and Ruth Rishel who spent the last year faithfully attending Committee meetings and who did a yeoman’s job getting ready for our big day. And I cannot say enough about Ms. Richel’s contribution to the celebration, the Neff Round Barn Centennial Reader, a fitting commemorative for the day. It has been this book that enabled us to pay the remainder of our expenses so that the tour and bus ride were free and thereby available to everyone.
And lastly, thanks to everyone who came out that day to see the Barn. Your patience was most appreciated. We wanted as many people as possible to be able to have quality time in the Barn and to learn about its background, history and significance.
Calvin Neff placed his faith in God that he would have the ability to create this landmark, he intended to give hope to others as to how they could work more efficiently in their barns, he was charitable in showing others as to the construction of such barns, he remained loyal to the application of innovative ideas to agriculture, and, thanks to his daughter and son-in-law, Sara Neff Grove and Sam Grove, to Edgar Miller and William Reese, and now, Chickie, Dave and Frank, his masterpiece will persevere for another century.
- LeDon Young, Neff Round Barn Centennial Committee Chair
