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Marianna reprints history book

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In the mid-1970s, communities throughout the United States were planning celebrations in honor of the country’s 200th birthday in 1976, including Marianna Borough and West Bethlehem Township, whose residents formed the Marianna Bicentennial Commission.

The group organized numerous events, and one involved producing a history book. It was compiled by Lillian Potisek and Singadine Muchant, who note in the preface the book is not a scholarly work, but a collection of anecdotal stories and photos. Also listed are dozens who contributed material to the book, including Harry Pollock and John Shrontz, who were given “special thanks for their many recollections.”

The book is called “A Bicentennial History of West Bethlehem Township and Marianna Borough, 1776-1976.”

People throughout the country who have ties to the area or who just like local history are repeatedly inquiring about the 56-page paperback book. The original book with a shiny red, white and blue cover sold out, and the library reprinted it in the 1980s with a plain blue cover. Last year, the library sold its last copy.

When the Friends of Marianna Library donated $3,000 to the library last year, the board and staff decided to use some of that money to reprint the book. The book is for sale for $15 at the library or $18 by mail. Checks should be payable to: Friends of Marianna Library, P.O. Box 457, Marianna, PA 15345.

This third edition of the book is a reprint of the original, with the exception of a page in the back with information about the library and Friends, as well as how to get the book. There also are two new pages of library photos. The cover is ivory.

All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library.

“We’re very pleased to be able to provide this book to the community,” said Jim Holmes, library board president. “We appreciate the contribution from the Friends of the Library that made it possible.”

For more information, contact the library at 724-267-3888 or mclib@roadlynx.net. The library is on Facebook, and its website is www.mariannalibrary.org.

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