The Borough of Lansdowne will celebrate the 125th Anniversary of its founding in 1893 with an exhibit at the Lansdowne Arts Board’s 20*20 House. The exhibit entitled, “Within a Square Mile: Lansdowne at 125” runs June 2 to June 30.
The exhibit is curated by local resident Matt Schultz and draws on his personal collection of historic photographs, trophies, uniforms and other Lansdowne-related materials collected over 40 years.
Schultz, who has lived in the borough since 1968, said, “this exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to share my collection with anyone interested in this very unique community.” Schultz is the author of “Views of Lansdowne,” co-author of “Lansdowne Remembers the World Wars,” and Executive Producer of the historic documentary, “There is a town…Lansdowne.” He said, “The exhibit touches on several topics covered in my previous efforts, however, there will be little overlap in images and objects that have been shown in those earlier efforts.”
At the core of the exhibit are a series of photographs recorded by the late Robert Hovell who lived in Lansdowne from 1939 to 1982. Mr. Hovell was very active in the Boy Scout Troop at St. Philomena’s Church and an avid talented amateur photographer. Schultz credited Hovell’s niece Jeanne Connell with stepping forward with this treasure trove of local history. Scanning the negatives Schultz, who knew Mr. Hovell, said, “Bob’s photographs provide a unique glimpse what it must have been like to grow up in Lansdowne during World War II. He captured parades and public events during the 1940s with a sharp eye on composition.”
The exhibit will also examine the history of Lansdowne High School and Lansdowne-Aldan High School, community traditions, and other local lore.
Catharine Karsten, chair of the Lansdowne Arts Board, adds, “The Arts Board is very pleased to be hosting such a wonderful retrospective this spring. We hope the community will come out in full force to see the show, and take the opportunity to learn more about our collective history in this town - something we all need to do at this particular moment in time.”
An opening reception will be held on Saturday June 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. The exhibit is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, noon until 4:00, during the month of June. The exhibition closes on the June 30th . Admission is free.
Schultz currently serves as the Executive Director of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation. He is a graduate of Lansdowne-Aldan High School and Temple University. As a volunteer, Schultz served as the longtime president of the Greater Lansdowne Civic Association where led the efforts to restore the Lansdowne Railroad Station, Lansdowne World War Monument, Lansdowne World War II Memorial; create Sycamore Park; and establish the Henry Albertson National Register Historic District.
Photo credit: Robert Hovell
The exhibit is curated by local resident Matt Schultz and draws on his personal collection of historic photographs, trophies, uniforms and other Lansdowne-related materials collected over 40 years.
Schultz, who has lived in the borough since 1968, said, “this exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to share my collection with anyone interested in this very unique community.” Schultz is the author of “Views of Lansdowne,” co-author of “Lansdowne Remembers the World Wars,” and Executive Producer of the historic documentary, “There is a town…Lansdowne.” He said, “The exhibit touches on several topics covered in my previous efforts, however, there will be little overlap in images and objects that have been shown in those earlier efforts.”
At the core of the exhibit are a series of photographs recorded by the late Robert Hovell who lived in Lansdowne from 1939 to 1982. Mr. Hovell was very active in the Boy Scout Troop at St. Philomena’s Church and an avid talented amateur photographer. Schultz credited Hovell’s niece Jeanne Connell with stepping forward with this treasure trove of local history. Scanning the negatives Schultz, who knew Mr. Hovell, said, “Bob’s photographs provide a unique glimpse what it must have been like to grow up in Lansdowne during World War II. He captured parades and public events during the 1940s with a sharp eye on composition.”
The exhibit will also examine the history of Lansdowne High School and Lansdowne-Aldan High School, community traditions, and other local lore.
Catharine Karsten, chair of the Lansdowne Arts Board, adds, “The Arts Board is very pleased to be hosting such a wonderful retrospective this spring. We hope the community will come out in full force to see the show, and take the opportunity to learn more about our collective history in this town - something we all need to do at this particular moment in time.”
An opening reception will be held on Saturday June 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. The exhibit is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, noon until 4:00, during the month of June. The exhibition closes on the June 30th . Admission is free.
Schultz currently serves as the Executive Director of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation. He is a graduate of Lansdowne-Aldan High School and Temple University. As a volunteer, Schultz served as the longtime president of the Greater Lansdowne Civic Association where led the efforts to restore the Lansdowne Railroad Station, Lansdowne World War Monument, Lansdowne World War II Memorial; create Sycamore Park; and establish the Henry Albertson National Register Historic District.
Photo credit: Robert Hovell