Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Melanie Parker
Former bottling plant building holds a lot of history
CLARION -- I grew up on Wood Street in Clarion, moving far, far away (Shippenville) in 1960 when I was ten years old. Many of my I.C. friends lived out on West Wood Street. Not being one to wander around much, I took the direct route and walked on the sidewalk straight out that way. I don’t remember ever walking past the Coca-Cola Plant back then. I had no reason to go in that direction. Once I began writing stories about Clarion, my focus was more on Main Street and personal stories of times past.
Remembering the Clarion Hotel fire of 1941
CLARION -- My article “The hotel that was, then wasn’t, then was, and finally wasn’t” was published in the December 13, 2022 issue of the CLARION NEWS. Using historical records and newspaper articles, I told the story of the three hotels that stood on the same lot on Main Street in Clarion over a span of more than 50 years. The first one burned in 1900; the second one was destroyed in a “citizens raid” in June 1918;” and the third one burned in January 1941.
Lakes-To-Seaville Renamed Marianne
This is the reprint of an article concerning the development of the area around Marianne in Paint Township that was published in the Sept. 9, 1967 edition of the Oil City DERRICK SHIPPENVILLE – Now it’s Marianne! In past years and until last week it had been called by many names, even Half-Way-to-Shippenville.
Clarion’s last picture shows
CLARION -- Leo H. Garbarino moved to Clarion with his family from Cadogan, Armstrong County, in 1936. He and his son George opened the Nation-Wide food market in the Masonic building the same year, while his son Hayes purchased the building just vacated by Spindler & Star that was located just west of O’Brien’s 100% Blue Sunoco Station. Hayes razed that building, formerly the Clarion Buick Company, and built the Garby in 1936.
The Orpheum enters the Clarion theater landscape
This is the second in a three-part series regarding the history of movie theaters in Clarion. CLARION -- Things changed drastically in October 1914. Hepinger moved the Orpheum to the Wilson Building at the corner of Wood Street and Sixth Avenue, where it opened on October 10.
Movie theaters have had a long history in Clarion
This is the first in a three-part series regarding the history of movie theaters in Clarion. CLARION -- The evolution of the types of entertainment available in Clarion from the first County Fair held in 1883 until the present day has followed the same path as that of that of modes of transportation, communication, education and all aspects of life.
Clarion has deep ties to VFW National Home
EASTON RAPIDS, Mich. Residents of the Clarion community have always supported veterans and active-duty military, but may be unaware of a special endeavor to care for veterans and their families that was undertaken in 1950 by the Clarion VFW Post and Auxiliary 2145 that continues to this day.
Editorial brought me a smile
Each year, as soon as I buy my new calendar journal for the upcoming year, I take the current one and carefully transfer birthdays, anniversaries and other important or historical events to the pages of next year's book. Every January, as the end of the month approaches, my mind can't help but drift back to that horrible day in 1959 Feb. 3 - The Day the Music Died. I was only nine at the time, and don't recall my parents ever mentioning it.
A Free Library in Clarion: from idea to reality
CLARION While walking along Main Street in Clarion, how many times have you stopped and visited the library and post office? I visit both frequently but really had never thought about how those buildings came to be constructed on that site, and by whom, until my interest in the history of Clarion blossomed within the last five years.
Tale of two disasters part 2
This is the conclusion of the two-part series about a pair of Clarion fires at the turn of the 20th century The half block from the Masonic building to Sixth Avenue was destroyed, with only the walls of the Ross brick homestead remaining on the corner of Main and Sixth.
The tale of two simultaneous disasters in Clarion
This is the first in a two-part series on a pair of fires that ravaged Clarion Borough over a century ago CLARION It is early in 1900, a brand new century. There are 45 states in the Union, William Stone is the Governor of Pennsylvania, and William McKinley is the President of the United States.
Former Clarion Democrat editor lived illustrious life
Submitted photo. Former Clarion Democrat Editor B.J. Reid moved to Clarion when he was 19 and he spent over five decades in the area. Along with being a newspaper editor, he started a school, fought in the Civil War and became a lawyer just to name some of his accomplishments. CLARION As many know, I love to research and write about people and places from the history of Clarion Borough and County.
Local house is home to a lot of history
CLARION Fredrick Gustavous Tice was born in Germany on Christmas Day in 1844. He immigrated to the United States in 1853 with his mother, settling in New York. He ran away from home at age 12 because his step-father abused him, lived as a hired hand with another family, and served in the Civil War, 27th Independent Battery New York Volunteer Light Artillery. He married Martha Blythe in 1871 in Wales New York.
The hotel that was, then wasn't, then was, and finally wasn't
A 100-year saga CLARION A while back, I came upon a photo of firemen fighting a huge blaze at the Clarion Hotel in 1941. As I had never heard of that hotel, curiosity got the best of me and I once again delved into the archives and found the history of the hotels on Lot 6 of the 1840 layout of the "Town of Clarion" to really be interesting. William Clark moved his family to Clarion after erecting the first two hotels in Brookville.
Living Liberty Bell'
As I was going through a treasure trove of items donated to the Clarion VFW Auxiliary by Joe Morgan, on behalf of Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Williams, I am finding so many things about which I had no knowledge. I am finding so many things about which I had no knowledge.
The VFW is more than you might think
I am a proud, lifetime member of the SPC Ross A. McGinnis VFW Post 2145 Auxiliary in Clarion. Our post and auxiliary had a tent at the Clarion County Fair at Alcoa Park the last week of July. As I engaged visitors in conversation, it became a real concern to me that so many people seemed to be surprised when we highlighted our mission and activities that support it. Too many people thought the VFW is just a bunch of people who sit around at a bar and drink.
A cardinal presence 0222
Melanie Shingledecker Parker of Clarion recently took this photograph of a cardinal she calls Big Red outside of her window. Although she has photographed the colorful bird several times, Until this afternoon, I never got a photo of Big Reds wing spread out, Parker explained. Folklore says a cardinal is a message from a departed loved one. Whenever you see one, it signifies they are visiting you. They generally appear when you need or miss them the most.
Consideration | Of the Sensory Specimen — Flaunt Magazine
We had taken a wrong turn somewhere near Adam’s Lookout, gone left instead of right, perceived a path where there was none, a loamy route hugging the side of the mountain, studded with plump neon mushrooms. The first hot day all week, the sea beyond the land below shimmered hot against the sun, though the canopy above us afforded plenty of shade. I was looking up when I saw it, a broad wing cutting through the wood.
The tale of five governors
A tale of five governors By Melanie Shingledecker Parker Clarion As this is an "opinion page," I want to share my opinion about how backgrounds and wealth might be factors that lead to the undoing of some politicians and prominent figures. A saying by Bob Fitzsimmons seems to apply here: "The bigger they are, the harder they fall. For me, the downfall of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is very sad indeed, and also troubling.
Have politicians ever
Have politicians ever By Melanie Shingledecker Parker Clarion Have politicians who advocate for a moratorium on evictions ever been a landlord? I have, and depended on each month's incoming rent payments to pay my expenses: mortgage, insurance, taxes, maintenance. The expenses never stopped. If my tenants had been able to live there rent-free, I would have either gone bankrupt or would have had to sell the property.
Learn the lessons of history
Learn the lessons of history By Melanie Shingledecker Parker Clarion I have always been fascinated with history, and am never surprised when I see history repeat itself. One of the people about whom I have read quite a bit is John Charles Frmont (1813-1890), the great "Pathfinder," whose life experiences are quite diverse and historically significant. I first became interested in his life story after watching the miniseries "Dream West" in 1986.
I Love Clarion take two
I Love Clarion take two By Melanie Shingledecker Parker Clarion I Love Clarion! I really, really love Clarion! My first home at the age of seven days was in Clarion Township just down the road from where C-L School is today. I think I can still call myself a Clarion County "native" even though I was born in the Brookville Hospital. This was before the Trunk Home was converted into the Clarion Hospital.
Joanna and the railroad at turn of the 20th century
CLARION - This story is very personal to me in many ways. Last year as I stayed home most of the time, I began to take a very close look at an old scrapbook of genealogy, letters, pictures, and priceless other family items that my grandmother had kept since she was very young. She passed it to my mom, who added to it in significant ways, including individual and group photos. She documented every name, most of them typed on her Underwood typewriter.
Memorial Day 1890
Memorial Day (From the CLARION DEMOCRAT, June 5, 1890, as compiled by Melanie Shingledecker Parker. As submitted, it remains as poignant now as it did then.) A Fitting Tribute Paid the Memory of Our Soldier Dead The observance of Memorial Day in Clarion on last Friday was general and entered into with a spirit of loyalty that was most commendable, demonstrating beyond a doubt that our people still hold in sacred remembrance those who laid down their lives on the altar of their country's freedom.
Photographs and memories
Photographs and memories By Melanie Shingledecker Parker Clarion I thoroughly enjoyed the feature story about the search for Grace McElhatten written by Rodney Sherman (CLARION NEWS editor) that appeared in the April 1 edition. He discovered Grace was a teacher, as was Gertrude, about whom I wrote a few weeks ago, and I immediately felt a common bond with both of these long-forgotten women. After I retired from teaching in 2011, my interests changed from mathematics to history.
The electric vehicle conundrum
The electric vehicle conundrum By Melanie Shingledecker Parker Clarion I have never even considered buying a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) even though some of my family and friends have done so. Mr. Pete (Kreskin) Bauer gave me some food for thought in his opinion piece published in the March 25 Clarion News.
Meeting and remembering Gertrude French
Meeting and remembering' Gertrude French She died in 1922 at age 50 but left a lasting impression on those in her life By Melanie Shingledecker Parker For the CLARION NEWS CLARION Sometimes something we do causes an abrupt turn in a different direction, and results in unexpected and amazing discoveries. One such action of mine illustrates what I have just said. Let me tell you a story, and then introduce you to a truly wonderful woman. I love the history of Clarion and surrounding areas.
Santa sighting the 1970s
As submitted by Melanie Shingledecker Parker of Clarion: This is my wonderful mother, Patricia Shingledecker Barr. She passed away on April 5, 1999, and I miss her each and every day. I have no idea when or where this photo was taken, but one could make a guess (based on that lovely pants suit) it likely was in the 1970s. Many readers will remember Pat. She was born at 33 Campbell Avenue in the house that her father built. She was a member of I. C.
Boosting spirits 1120
Its not always gloom and doom even when the sky is gray and current events can seem nothing but depressing, nature can remind us of the beauty in life. Melanie Shingledecker Parker of Clarion snapped this photo of a female cardinal in her backyard in Clarion. Take a look around for the beauty in your life today. Picasa Boosting spirits
An incredible story
An incredible story By Melanie Parker Clarion This story is true, and is in reference to the Nov. 10 features by Randy Bartley concerning celebration in Clarion of the end of World War I. I spent many hours visiting Ernie Aharrah while he was at Clarion Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Clarion. He told me many stories on these visits. Ernie's grandfather John was a logger. He worked the forests of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Fly-in breakfast?
It was a lively morning recently at the backyard feeder at Melanie Shingledecker Parkers Clarion home. The unknown blue jay arrived at the feeder while Cliff the squirrel looked on. Numerous squirrels, chipmunks, birds and other critters tour the back yard and become stars of photos and short videos shared by Parker on her Facebook page. Fly-in breakfast?
The story behind the Clarion Civil War monument
First person: A better understanding by learning the history The story behind the Clarion Civil War monument Iconic monument was dedicated 123 years ago this week By Melanie Shingledecker Parker For the CLARION NEWS CLARION When my mom was a young girl, she played on "the statue" in the park. Fast forward 25 years. When I was a young girl, I played on the "the statue" in the park, and on the cannons, as well.
History does repeat itself
History does repeat itself By Melanie Parker Clarion I recently found this report while reading a June 5, 1890, edition of "The Clarion Democrat." It appears history does repeat itself. "A Demoralized House" "Congress has been in session five months and a half, and the most violent and even revolutionary rules were adopted to enable the majority to facilitate legislation. "What has been done?
Nice work
Nice work By Melanie Parker Clarion As a former photographer I am just fascinated with the amazing stop-action sports photos by Ryan S. Pugh, the Clarion News Sports Editor. I have to admit I do not read the sports articles, but am drawn to the sports section of the Clarion News to see what remarkable shots Ryan has posted in this edition. How on Earth he manages to capture these incredible images is beyond me. So I tip my hat to Ryan Pugh! I'm loving these photos. Keep them coming.
Throw back Thursday
Throwback Thursdays By Melanie Parker Clarion I like finding things from the past to post as a "Throwback Thursday" memory on Facebook. I have many pictures and articles I have saved over the years, and love running across gems from various sources. I was wondering about what we watched on TV 50 years ago you remember, back in the pre-cable, rabbit-ears, antennae, often-black-and-white days of yesteryear.
Proud to be an American
Proud to be an American By Melanie Parker Clarion I recently spent two incredible days in Erie at the Pennsylvania VFW 100th State Convention and Pennsylvania VFW Auxiliary 95th State Convention. I was deeply moved by the things that I saw, heard, and experienced while there. Many speeches, many awards, many tributes, and not even one mention of politics. Not one. (Although we did pray for God's protection over our country in these days of deep divisiveness and intolerance in so many areas).
Mini Reviews: Children’s Early Chapter Books
So maybe some of these reviews are not so mini, but I really liked these books. They all have something to do with animal rescue, saving pets, training pets etc. One is not a chapter book, but it fit the theme so well that I included it with this group. As a retired teacher and teacher librarian, I liked all the books in this group and would have purchased them for my school library. I received a copy of each of these books from the publisher upon request.
Job well done
I read Tom DiStefano's last column March 15, "One last creek," with a smile and a nod.You have really made a difference around this area, Tom, and I am happy to read that you will be doing wonderful and interesting things in your retirement, camera in hand, as you "endeavor to persevere."Your list of "lessons learned" is impressive, and worth clipping and taping on the fridge.
The reality of Lyme Disease - The Clarion News: Opinion
The reality of Lyme disease kAmqJ |6=2?:6 !2C<6Ck^Am kAmr=2C:@?k^Am kAmx H2?E E@ E92?< E96 r{p#x~} }t($ 7@C :ED 9625=:?6 762EFC6 23@FE {J>6 s:D62D6[ H9:49 :D 364@>:?8 2? 6A:56>:4 :? !6??DJ=G2?:2]k^Am kAm$A62<:?8 2D 2 G:4E:> @7 E9:D 9@CC:3=6 5:D62D6[ x 42? 277:C> E92E E96 :?7@C>2E:@? AC6D6?E65 :D DA@E @?]k^Am kAmx 92G6 366? DAC625:?8 E96 H@C5 2D >F49 2D x 2> 23=6[ E@ 65F42E6 E96 AF3=:4[ 2?5 92G6 EC:65 E@ 96=A @E96C G:4E:>D =62C?
Just some random thoughts - The Clarion News: Opinion
Just some random thoughts kAmqJ |6=2?:6 !2C<6Ck^Am kAmr=2C:@?k^Am kAmx 92G6 366? E9:?<:?8 2 =@E 23@FE >J =:76[ >J 72>:=J 2?5 >J 4@F?ECJ] p?5 23@FE E96 >2?J 3=6DD:?8D :? >J =:76] x? E96D6 6IEC6>6=J EC@F3=65 2?5 5:G:565 E:>6D[ x 4@?E:?F2==J 7@4FD @? E9@D6 E9:?8D 7@C H9:49 x 2> E92?<7F=]k^Am kAmcx H2D 3@C? :? E96 &]$]p][ H9:49 :? a_`f 9@=5D ;FDE c]b A6C46?E @7 E96 H@C=5VD A@AF=2E:@?]k^Am kAmc|J A2C6?ED :?DE:==65 :? >6 2 DEC@?8 H@CE9 6E9:4] (6 H6C6 6IA64E65 E@ H@C< 92C5 3@E9 2E 9@>6 2?5 :?
Play it again, Sam - The Clarion News: Opinion
Say it again, Sam kAmqJ |6=2?:6 !2C<6Ck^Am kAmr=2C:@?k^Am kAmx ;FDE =@G6 E@ C625 E96 2CE:4=6D HC:EE6? 3J $2>2?E92 q62= 7@C E96 r=2C:@? }6HD] x? A2CE:4F=2C[ 96C @776C:?8 @? pF8] `g[ H2D 2>2K:?8]k^Am kAmQ$:=6?46 :D E96 q2?5\p:5] %@ D:7E E9C@F89 E96 4=FEE6C @7 =:76 2?5 =2E49 @?E@ E96 7F?52>6?E2=D @7 >6[ x D64=F56 >JD6=7 :? 2 D:=6?E H@C=5]Qk^Am kAm%9:D E9@F89E C62==J C6D@?2E65 :? >6 H96? x C625 :E] x 925 ;FDE C6EFC?65 7C@> 2 H66< :? 2 423:? :? r@@< u@C6DE] %96 423:?
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Melanie
Contact Melanie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack