THE SOCIETY NEWS All the latest information on the Monroeville Historical Society . k By Marilyn K . Wempa
THE SOCIETY NEWS All the latest information on the Monroeville Historical Society . k By Marilyn K . Wempa
Lynn Chandler : Monroeville Historical Society Leader
For 37 years , Monroeville Historical Society ( MHS ) volunteer Lynn Chandler ’ s devoted leadership has shaped and promoted the organization ’ s goals . Chandler , a true culture creator , has shared her high standards , constant enthusiasm and considerable energy with MHS members .
While serving as president , vice president and currently as treasurer , she ’ s promoted events that have helped to educate the community about its common heritage , and her suggestions and considerable volunteer hours have helped preserve MHS ’ four Pittsburgh History & Landmark Foundation sites owned by the Municipality of Monroeville .
“ I have always loved history ,” says Chandler . “ It ’ s a way of knowing where we came from and , possibly , where we are going . I also love the beautiful 19th century structures that are in our care . They speak of a time when craftsmanship and care went into buildings .”
As vice president , Chandler found speakers for every meeting and was a regular historical houses tour guide . She also oversaw the acquisition of the Sooy Collection in 2006 when a number of artifacts were willed to MHS upon the death of Rebecca Gillis Sooy , formerly of Monroeville . These historical artifacts are on display in the Joel Monroe Room in the McGinley House .
Chandler ’ s other important past and present contributions to MHS include composing the organization ’ s monthly newsletter , attending monthly board meetings , volunteering to open the Old Stone Church for weddings and meetings , and participating in events such as the
Chandler at the McGinley House during the 2009 Heritage Day .
annual Heritage Day Festival , Children ’ s Fun Day , the Antique Appraisal and Christmas at the McGinley House .
“ Christmas at the McGinley House years ago meant MHS purchased a tree , which was later donated to a children ’ s center , a theme was chosen and members and friends brought items to display . To entertain our guests one year , we invited a harpist to perform in addition to our customary carol music played on the antique pump organ . That ’ s when I learned how big a harp really is . Visitors had to walk single file through the living room between the harp and the Christmas tree !” she says .
Born in the Pittsburgh area and raised in Oakmont and Jamestown , New York , Chandler is a former elementary and middle school teacher and computer programmer . She is a graduate of Duquesne University with a bachelor ’ s degree in History and a Latin minor . “ From a very young age , I wanted to be a teacher ,” she says . “ I soon learned fifth and sixth graders were a good fit . They were mature enough to have lively intellectual discussions and yet young and naïve enough to have strong senses of justice and hope . I also enjoyed programming because it gave me the freedom to work in logic and math .”
During her time as president of the society , Chandler loved helping to preserve the old structures to make sure they were safe and sound . “ I also enjoyed the wonderful members of the society ,” she says . “ Many loving and caring people have contributed to our efforts , and I am richer for knowing them .”
The continued strong support of its board members attests to their high
For more information about the Monroeville Historical Society , visit monroevillehistorical . org , e-mail info @ monroevillehistorical . org or call 412.856.1000 .
Chandler receives plaque from current MHS president Bob Elms for her years of dedication and service to MHS .
opinion of Chandler and her contributions , and they appreciate her sense of humor and steadfast sense of purpose when problems appear to be unsolvable .
Recently , MHS ’ current president , Bob Elms , presented Chandler with a visible acclamation for her many years of service to MHS with a plaque depicting the Joel Monroe Museum Room , Tool Display Shed and new Outdoor Stone Oven that were instituted during her 2004-2015 term . “ Lynn not only served as president of the Historical Society when no one else better could fill the position , but she also kept the society ’ s vision of preserving history alive and well !” says Elms .
Chandler , 73 , believes the construction of the Tool Display Shed has been her biggest contribution to the organization . This display is an important feature of the Heritage Day Festival ’ s theme , “ A Tribute to Monroeville ’ s Rural Past ,” held every October . Visitors enjoy hearing Chandler ’ s husband and past president , Louis Chandler , explain the uses and history of the shed ’ s contents , drawing on his knowledge as MHS archivist and author of eight books about Monroeville and Patton Township .
“ If you have a love for the few structures left to us from the 19th century and would like to assist in caring for them , join MHS !” encourages Chandler . “ If you are skilled in a craft that reflects the work of our ancestors , have a respect for what previous generations have done to provide for themselves , and in doing so , also built a foundation for people in today ’ s everyday life , and if you enjoy working with people who cheerfully strive to connect to Monroeville and its roots , join MHS .”
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