The painting
Flier for Ford City Library display.
Display at Crooked Creek event.
To say my weekend was full might be an understatement. First, my cousin called me Thursday to tell me of the passing of a dear friend. His name was Vearl “Pete” Lookabaugh. We had been friends for some forty years. He was quite a friend and I will miss him. Some issues with funeral times occurred. Friday evening I was to be at the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) at Crooked Creek Park. Vearl’s funeral service was only six o’clock to eight Friday evening. I would not be able to attend. A Saturday committal service was to be ten to eleven. I had commitments on Saturday, too. I needed to do some adjustments.
So, Friday I needed to remove some of my historical paintings from the Ford City Library and set them up with others at the ODC building. (The 
paintings had been at the library for about a month.) After setting them up and enjoying a BBQ meal from the group I was to speak to my talking engagement began. The subject matter for my talk was through their request. the topic was about the attack at the Indian village of Kit-Han-Ne. (Present-day, Kittanning, Pennsylvania.) The group had plenty of comments and questions and I didn’t get home until after nine.
The following morning I was to be at the Armstrong County historical Society’s museum to be available for a Civil war encampment event. My task was to bring in my original acrylic painting called, “THE WHEATFIELD-WHIRLPOOL OF DEATH.” A stated above I needed some adjustments with my time so I delivered the paining and easel to the museum early on Saturday morning before going to the library.
This painting depicts the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry at the battle of Gettysburg called the Wheatfield. (Click on historical for my blogs and you can get some details of this battle event.)
Saturday morning continued with going to the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church where the service was to be held. Fortunately, my friend had been relocated for additional viewing.to this church. The funeral service didn’t tell this information to me. I stopped by giving my respect to the family and saying goodbye. I made it to the museum around noon or so.
The museum encampment was a success. Both days had a stream of interested patrons. I spent much time in the museum with the Indian Room. this room is my baby so to speak. I really enjoyed talking with the people educating them about events of our native Indians. I spent some time talking with others about the painting.
The members of the 62nd living history group did an excellent job setting up the Civil war Room. If this is something you are interested in please make plans to visit the museum soon. the museum is opened on a limited time so call first.
To contact the museum call: 724-548-5707. Address is: P.O. Box 735, 300 North McKean Street, Kittanning, PA 16201.
To find out more about the local to Armstrong County area, 62nd Pennsylvania living historians group call Bob “Slim” Bowser at 724-545-1330.
My ancester, Henry Blystone. He marched under General Sherman.
MORE PHOTOS BELOW!!!
Civil War Room
Native American Room
Document Room features a letter penned by George Washington.
Military Room
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
I knew Verle, I grew up hunting at Violas farm and Verle was the caretaker of the property.
I recently got reacquainted with him after many years. He was nice to talk to.
Sad to learn of his passing.
Yes, we met over forty years ago, I guess, and have been friends ever since. A very kind individual who loved the outdoor sports especially turkey hunting. His MS seldom interfered with this love for much of his life. I remember seeing him hunting while using a cane. I will miss him.