Source:Windgap-school/content
The days when young blades of Windgap hitched Dobbin to the shay and took their best girls to the school house for box socials will be recalled by old residents at their first reunion next Saturday.
The picnic is to be held at the Windgap School, between McKees Rocks and Ingram. Arrangements are being made by the Pioneer Residents Committee, working in conjunction with the Civic Club of Windgap.
In 1862 the first school was built at the Point, now known as Windgap, recalls Arthur R. Cochran, secretary of the Civic Club, who has collected information on early history and former residents.
"The old school was always a popular place with the young people living in McKees Rocks," says Mr. Cochran. "It made a nice drive with a horse and buggy, and when a pie social or box social was held at the school it was a big night for the boys and girls.
"On the hill back of the school are the caves, which tradition says were dug by Indians. We used to play in the caves when I was a boy, and they are still frequented by the youngsters of today.
"There is a hole in the ground on the hill, above the end of the Broadhead Fording Road, known for years as the "Indian well." It is supposed to have been dug years ago by men searching for copper. Ira Johnston says he can remember when this well was 50 or more feet deep.
"A Sabbath school was held in the Windgap School years ago. It was the start of the Episcopal Church in Crafton. A circulating library, the first one in the state, was started and maintained by the late Mrs. Helen Parsons of Ingram.
"It was in the old school that the Scullys, Petries, Murphys, Duffs, Johnstons, Bonnets, von Bonnhorsts, Negleys, Yocts, Martins, Rosenbergers, Burgunders, Grahams, and many others attended school or gathered for social affairs.
"The land to the west of the school was acquired in 1865 by Henry Johnston. Frank Burkes still gardens some of this rich ground, and this year is marketing rhubarb from a patch set out 60 years ago by Mr. Johnston."
His daughter, Melissa Johnston, is on the picnic committee, which has compiled a brief history of Windgap. Other members include Mr. and Mrs. Ira Johnston, Windgap; Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Martin, Windgap; William E. von Bonnhorst, Ingram; Miss L. von Bonnhorst, Ingram; Mrs. W. D. McIlroy, Ingram; Benton Petrie, Ingram; Harry Meredith, Crafton, and H. H. Negley, Crafton.
The name Windgap was given to the school on account of the wind that sweeps this point from the surrounding valleys.
The reunion will begin with a basket picnic next Saturday afternoon, followed by a corn roast and dance in the evening.
