Jan 26, 2019 3 min read

It wasn’t until I sat down to write this letter that I realized we had an accidental theme of history tied to this issue.

The man who graces the cover of this issue is quite well known in the Mon Valley. Terry Necciai is often quoted in the pages of the Observer-Reporter, our parent newspaper, for various reasons. First and foremost, anyone who has a question about Monongahela history can confidently go to him for an answer. More recently, he’s making news as the executive director of the Monongahela Main Street Program, an initiative to strengthen the area’s historic West Main Street business district.

We wondered how he ended up doing what he’s doing, why he does it, and of course, what the challenges are. On page 14, staff writer Gideon Bradshaw gives you those answers and more. Staff photographer Holly Tonini tagged along for their interview and subsequent tour of the town. She captured images that exemplify the need to preserve and restore Monongahela’s architectural history while keeping things viable for the future.

Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean that you have to stop shopping – particularly if you’re on the hunt for antiques. Staff writer Brad Hundt headed to the Mon Valley to get the scoop on its antique stores. They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and the stores that Hundt wrote about are certainly chock full of historical treasures. The items range from quirky to unique, all pieces of history. You can read more on page 20.

Before he retired, Bob Niedbala was a staff writer in our Greene County office. His final magazine piece is about the fate of the Greensboro powerhouse and Monongahela River Lock No. 7. The building has been vacant since the closure of the lock in 1995. Various ideas for its use have been floated in the time since, but nothing has come to fruition. And will it ever? Read the piece on page 24 to learn more about the building’s fate and to see photos from its heyday.

Finally, if you’re hungry, turn to page 26 and make plans to try the Speers Street Grill in Lower Speers. It’s a cute and homey restaurant with a great menu – and a great team. The owners, chef and waitstaff are in it for the long haul here, and it shows.

Until next time,