InterOverholt Memorandum

TO: The Extended Overholt Family
FROM: Karen Rose Overholt Critchfield
RE: Busy Summer Months;
News of Two Family Reunions;
Upcoming Events at West Overton
DATE: August 4, 2000

Hello, cousins! Our current summer of the year 2000 is almost over! Am I the only one who feels it has gone by too swiftly? Our household has been so very busy these past two months of “summer vacation,” and we are now gearing up for the onslaught of the new school year. Jim has only a few short weeks to firm up his lesson plans, and Matthew is pleading, “Don’t cut my hair!” because he wants to look like Harry Potter until he reads Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Does anybody have an extra copy?

I’m happy to share the news that Jim’s youth version of “Once Upon a Mattress,” for Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s Summer Musical Theater 2000, was a big success. The kids were adorable, the audiences cheered (there were four consecutive evening performances), and parents beamed with pride! Jim directed a cast of 40 youngsters, including our Matthew, who won the role of “Sir Studley.” It is really great to see these young thespians perform! This was Matthew’s fourth big musical under his Dad’s direction, and I’m pleased to report that he takes to the stage like he was born to it -- which he was, from both sides of the family. I often wish my grandfather (George F. Overholt, a piano virtuoso) was around to see Matthew perform -- or Jim, for that matter! Jim’s tenth season as “Ebenezer Scrooge” is upcoming this winter.

Please note that I am eager to include Overholt news from anyone wishing to share, including anything about local family reunions. I will also publish articles regarding such events (whether upcoming or past), if you would care to share a few paragraphs. Photos are welcome, too! I’m planning to publish a few photos on my next Research Entry, which I’m currently building. Check back in a week or so, and it will be online.

News from Barbara Ford

The Overholtser Family Association’s 91st Reunion
will be held Saturday, August 19, 2000
at the Terre Hill Community Center, Terre Hill, PA
beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Membership in the Association includes Oberholtzers, Overholsers, Overholtzers, Overholts, etc. On Friday night, August 18th at 6:00 p.m., there will be a gathering for out-of-towners at Yoder’s Restaurant, which is on the edge of New Holland, just a little west of Blue Ball on Route 23, not far from Lancaster, PA.

For more information, contact:

Barbara Ford, 313 Henry Lane, Wallingford, PA
Phone: (610) 566-4888
E-mail: bbfordofa@aol.com

News from Marsha Overholt Barnes

A 50-Year Overholt Family Reunion
will be held Sunday, August 13, 2000
at a farm in Middleview, Michigan
beginning with a 1:00 p.m. Potluck Dinner

For more information, contact:

Marilyn Willson
3844 Paterson Road
Middleview, MI 49333

News from Rodney Sturtz

Here is a schedule of activities at West Overton through the rest of the year 2000. To RSVP, call (724) 887-7910. For more information, contact Rodney Sturtz at womuseum@westol.com.

August 5-6, 2000

Civil War Living History Weekend. Experience West Overton with Civil War reenactors -- soldiers representing companies from 1861 Westmoreland County. Be sure to see the Cannon Brigade, and “General Lee” and “General Grant,” as they reenact the (April 9, 1865) Surrender at Appomatox. Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday; 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Price: $5.00 all day.

August 26, 2000

Bluegrass and BBQ. The Irishtown Bluegrass Band will perform in the newly renovated large barn at West Overton Village. Dinner will be BBQ ribs or chicken. Time: not specified. Price: Concert Only $12.00; Dinner & Concert $28.00; Dinner & Concert/Couple $50.00. Be sure to RSVP! (see phone number above)

September 15-17; 21-24, 2000

Annual Heritage Musical. Join the West Overton Heritage Singers for their musical presentation, “The Voyage of the Arabia.” Ice cream sundaes served after each performance. Time: not specified. Price: $10.00. Be sure to RSVP!

November 18, 2000

Telabration 2000. Welcome to West Overton for a festival of storytelling, hosted by Jack Bogut (WJAS Radio), held in the West Overton Theater (basement level of the Abraham Overholt Distillery). Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Price: $5.00.

December 1-2, 15-16, 2000

Candlelight Tours of Abraham Overholt Homestead. Just before Christmas, enjoy a walking tour through the beautifully decorated Overholt Homestead. Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Price: $4.00.

December 8, 2000

Christmas at West Overton. Join “Steven Foster” and “Jenny Lind” on a Christmas visit to West Overton. Stay for a Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, and a concert by our famous musical guests. Time: not specified. Price: $28.00. Be sure to RSVP!

December 9, 2000

Christmas at West Overton with Jack Bogut. Join Jack Bogut on a tour of the Abraham Overholt Homestead. Stay for a Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, and a presentation by Jack, considered by some to be the premier storyteller in Pittsburgh. Time: not specified. Price: $35.00. Be sure to RSVP!

As always, I would be happy to hear feedback!
c. 8-4-00

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