Washington County Historical Society’s Frontier History Center Fort dedicated to former group president
Kathleen Schneider and her granddaughter, Amanda Maloney, 4½, of Bethel Park, stand inside the fort that was dedicated to Kathleen’s late husband, Fred Schneider. Fred, who was instrumental in the inception and early construction of the fort, died in 2010.
Clay Kilgore, Washington Historical Society’s executive director, hammers a piece of metal Saturday at the group’s spring garrison event.
To honor the man that made it all possible, the Washington County Historical Society dedicated their Frontier History Center Fort, in Washington Park, Saturday to the group’s former president, Fred Schneider.
Schneider, of Washington, passed away in 2010 at the age of 62, but his efforts and enthusiasm helped the group to secure 21 acres in the park and build a replica of an 18th century fort.
“The whole project started in the early 2000s,” said Clay Kilgore, WCHS executive director. “Attempts had been made (to construct a fort), but we couldn’t get anything off the ground. Then Fred took over.”
Kilgore said Schneider worked with area townships so that the group could lease property. Logs from old barns – many of the from the 18th century – were also secured to help build the fort’s structures.
“This was his vision,” Kilgore said pointing towards the fort. “And it’s not done.”
Kilgore said the group plans to expand the historical center to include a trading post, a log house, a tavern and a Native American village.
“I’d like to think we’ll always add to it,” Kilgore said. “Even if it is something small.”
The dedication took place during the group’s spring garrison event. The event allows history re-enactors to gather, trade and have fun, Kilgore said.
Among those clad in traditional 18th century garb was Schneider’s wife, Kathleen Schneider. She said she “dragged” her husband into re-enactment some 30 years ago. She said her husband loved history.
“He was a history buff,” she said.
Kilgore said an 18th century-style painting of Schneider is being commissioned and will be permanently hung in the fort’s cabin during the Whiskey Rebellion.
Although she’s on the fort committee, she said the group did a good job keeping the dedication a surprise.
“I had no idea they were going to do this,” she said. “It made me cry. It’s overwhelming. A real honor.”