SUMMER VACATION! The Q4U is temporarily discontinued, but it will be back!
Q4U
Elk County's Own History Quiz!
The first correct guesser wins a $5 check from WKBI, so be sure to include your name and address.
CAN YOU ANSWER THIS QUESTION?
What was the name of the street before it was changed to honor an Army Chief of Staff? And what is its official name now? The answer was South St. Marys Street in St. Marys, now Gen. Edward Meyer Blvd.. No winner. And the Q4U is taking a brief vacation. No new question.
If you know the answer, be the first to email us with your guess. The prize is small, but the feeling of winning is awesome! Include your name and address. Only one winner per family per month. Give others a chance..
Click on the blue letters:
Earlier Q4Us. See how many you could have answered!
Many years ago, Tony Coccimiglio and Bill Pratt were both leaders of what group?Nancy Klawuhn was close in guessing a marching band. Actually, it was the St. Marys Concert Band, formed by Tony and his family joining a group of musicians from St. Marys, who were then joined by famed Johnsonburg High Band Instructor Bill Pratt. They made great music for quite some years. 6/8
In what town was this photo taken?
Betty Walter was first to identify it as Ridgway. Congratulations. 5/31
Currently, a street in St. Marys is being rebuilt. What is so unusual about the name of that street, and the ones parallel to it, that makes its name so unique? Frankly, we know of no other city or town with this same unusual situation. Do we have you confused? We hope so!Marilyn Pusl, of Phoenix, Arizona, was first with the right answer, It is Fourth Street, but there are no other streets in St. Marys with numbers, no Third, no Second, No, and no Fifth or Sixth! Congratulations, Marilyn! 5/17
Back over a half century ago, another group of Crusaders went to Erie, as they competed in the post-season playoffs. One of the players had the same last name as one of the 2006 Crusader players who became the State Champions. We want the last name of both players, one from "The Fabulous Fifties" and one from this year. And, Margaret Pauline knew the name was Bosnik, or Bosnick back then.! Jesse Bosnik in 2006, and Ed Bosnick in the early 50s. We left the question up for a while to see how many other correct guesses we got, but Margaret was first. 4/26
If two residents of "The Paper City", "Bleach" and "Alva" were taking with each other, what would their last names have been. Hint: One was a famous orchestra leader, and the other was a newspaper editor.And, Jess Marino was first with the answer. Ermine "Bleach" Perantoni and Alva Gregory were prominent citizens of Johnsonburg for many years. 3/29
Tell us the last names of these well-known and popular leaders in Elk County in the past: If the Sheriff whose nickname was "Red" was talking to the owner of the news stand whose nickname was "Legs", we gave you their nicknames, now tell us their last names.Nancy Klawuhn of Ridgway was first with the answer. Sheriff "Red" Fleishman and E. P. "Legs" Bleggi. 3/1
This young man plays what some call a "woodpile", and has achieved something no one else has in a decade. Who are we talking about?No answer to this question. Ross Bish is the first Ridgway Area High School student to win a place in the District Jazz Band, and he's also been in the District Concert Band, the District Choir, and traveled to the PA Music Educators Association District 2 Jazz Auditions. Congratulations to Ross for his many achievements. We stumped everyone.
Who said: An Army does not fight a war, a nation does." Hint: From June 22, 1979 to June 21, 1983, he had a very important position. And, a street in St. Marys bears his name. Joe Posteraro of Brussels Street in St. Marys said it was General Ed Meyer. Congratulations, Joe! 12/26
It's spelled differently, but there is an Avenue in Ridgway with the same name as a longtime Elk County Commissioner who retired a few years ago. Tell us who. Lots of correct guesses,but first was Francis Greich, who said it's Joe Koch and Cook Avenue. 9/7
A well-known resident of St. Marys had two nicknames. One was "Judge" and the other was "Pete". Who are we talking about? No winner on this one. Austin "Pete" McBride was a leading citizen for many years, and his other nickname was "Judge".
What street in Ridgway has the same name as a Chipmunk? We deliberately left this one "up" for an extra week to see how many more people would catch on. Lots did. Margaret Pauline of Fern Road knew it was "Alvin Street" in Ridgway. 9/16
What name is shared by a fire company and a soft drink bottler in the past? An entertainer whose nickname is "Billy" also shares the name. Nancy Klawuhn was so quick that she beat everyone else with the answer: CRYSTAL. St.Marys Crystal Fire Department, Crystal Beverages, and Billy Crystal. 9/15
Soon, the St. Marys Boot Shop will be moving, to make way for the new Sheetz. What was the longtime name of this shoe store before the current name? Jack Pauline was first to tell us that it was Brown's Boot Shop. 9/12
What make of automobile did a man named Cloyde King sell? You're right. Chevrolet. Jackie Lenox of Kersey was the winner.
What street in Ridgway starts as a "street" and turns into an "avenue"? We had in mind North Mill Street that, at Route 948 becomes South Mill Avenue. Nobody came up with this, but Maple is another. So, Francis Greich is the winner. Congratulations. 8/24
125 years ago this month, a PRR train was getting ready to leave Ridgway for Johnsonburg when a frantic man rushed up in a horse and buggy with a desperate request. Quickly, the train took off toward the Whistletown Bridge, half way to Johnsonburg, and the PRR engineer and fireman watched anxiously at the parallel train tracks on the opposite side of the Clarion River. Why were they so worried? What happened that they were too late to prevent? We have you stumped; the closest anyone came was the guess that there was a bridge out on the rail line. No, the correct answer is that someone on the B&O had sent a train north from Ridgway and hadn't noticed that a train was already coming south from Johnsonburg. So, he raced to the PRR station and the PRR train sped north but they couldn't get to the midpoint in time. As they watched in horror, they saw the two trains rounding a turn and heading toward each other at full steam. Fortunately, the crews of both stations saw what was happening and everyone jumped to safety, seconds before the crash. So no one was hurt. Close Call!
Rev. Fr. David Yochim was the founding Pastor of Queen of the World Church. But, he had been in St. Marys before at another church. Which one? J. Pauline knew he was at Sacred Heart Church. He was a beloved and caring friend to many. 5/4
It was over 50 years ago that the skies near Route 219 around Brandy Camp, Elbon and Challenge were lit up with a fire that could be seen from almost 50 miles away! What happened? Hint: It wasn't a building, or a forest fire! A great answer, also, that there was a forest fire in Canada and the smoke was blown into Pennsylvania. But, the skies were clear that time, and the flames lit up the sky. Keep guessing! We finally got the right answer. It was a gas well fire. Congratulations to Margaret Pauline of St. Marys. 4/22
Think of the name of a fire company. Then, think of what is on the front of a watch. Think of the second word of the title of the popular song, The _______Chandelier. Solve the question. Wow, we got a lot of correct guesses on this one, but Tom Lenox of the Dagus Mines Road, Kersey, RD, was first with the answer, Crystal Fire Department, St. Marys. 3/31
These last names have something in common: Mast, Martin, Fusco. What is it? Francis Greich knew they were all Mayors of Ridgway. He wins! Congratulations! 3/28
What was the name of the bank located on one corner of Main and Broad in Ridgway, which later moved across North Broad Street? We don't want today's name. We want the name when the bank moved. Nancy Klawuhn was first with the correct answer: Elk County National Bank. 3/15
For many years, a drug store was located in the downtown St. Marys area with two names. Then, one of the partners left, and it became known just by the remaining partner's name, which was Widmann. What was the name of the earlier partner? And Nicole Wilson of Muenster Road, St.Marys, knew the name was Widmann & Teah. She wins! Congratulations! 3/2
What Insurance Agent used to organize the annual School Boy Patrol trips to Washington, D. C.? Joe Posteraro of Brussells Street was first with the correct answer, Paul A. Garner. Congratulations, Joe. 2/22
For
many years, a giant cow attracted attention from residents and visitors as
well. No, this wasn't a real cow. Where did people go to see it?
Tommy
Shields of St. Marys was first to say it was at the Ayrshire Dairy on the Kersey
Road. Congratulations, Tommy! 2/15
This street is named "North______." If you keep going, you do go north, then east, then north, then you wiggle around to the east, and finally go north. Where do you arrive when you get finished wiggling? Jackie Candalor was the winner in this one, identifying North Broad Street heading north from downtown Ridgway, and then wiggling, and arriving at Johnsonburg.
A wonderful thing is done every Christmas Day, as volunteers in Ridgway provide a Christmas Meal for everyone who needs a place to go. Where was this great gift to so many folks held? No answer. Sorry. New question.
In the "good ole days" there were three banks in St. Marys, the F & M Bank at the northern end of the Diamond, and two others next to each other on the eastern side of the Diamond- The St. Marys Trust Company and the St. Marys National Bank. Which one was closest to the railroad tracks? Curtis Wilson was first to say it was St. Marys Trust Company; everyone else had the wrong guess. He wins. 12/27
If you saw Tim Ryan or Ken Morgester climbing something, what would it most likely have been that they were climbing? Hint: They worked for the Home ______ Company. Sophie Posteraro of Apple Street in Weedville knew it was a telephone pole, since they worked for Home Telephone Company. 12/25
The name of this Ridgway Street is mentioned in the names of over a dozen different organizations in Ridgway. Tell us this street. Francis Greich knew it is Elk Avenue. Congratulations! 11/19
What man was responsible for organizing the Historical Society of St. Marys and Benzinger Township? Joe Posteraro of Brussells Street was first to identify Charles Schaut as the one who was most responsible for the Historical Society. Congratulations, Joe. 11/13
All of these persons have (or had) the same last name: Charlie, longtime Veterans Affairs Officer, Harrison, Champion High School Athlete, John II,, noted local author, Cheatle & __________, (local firm), Mary Grace ______ Zitzler. __________'s Market. Lynn Young was first again, he's pretty good at coming up with the answers. The answer, of course, is Schlimm. 10/24
There is one street name that is found in all three towns, Johnsonburg, Ridgway and St. Marys. Whassit? Jesse Marino wins with the answer, Center Street, and donates his prize to the Elk County Humane Society. 10/7
We want the name of the State Representative who lived in St. Marys, and whose nickname had three letters in it. OK, we tried to trick you with this one. His nickname had three letters in it, but one letter was used twice. Now, can you get it? Hints: The first half of his last name is pronounced the same as a bird, a Jenny _____. The second part is a part of a candle or lantern. And the nickname is what we all get on the first of every month. And the answer is Bill Renwick, and Merlin Young was the winner. 10/8
These people all had the same nickname: We'll give you their last names: Lauder, Puncheon, Lynch, O'Brien. What is the nickname we're looking for? If you get stuck, we'll give some hints. Think of someone who became involved with a candlestick. Or a flat tire. And the winner is Jack Pauline, and the answer is "Jack".
Francis Iorfido did it. So did Ben Keebler, Bruce Morgan and Tim Wittman. What? At 6:41 a. m. July 28th, "Hamus1" said they won state wrestling championships. From St. Marys, Ben in 1991 and Tim in 1986; Bruce from Cameron County in 1990. 7/28
Thanks to Jess Marino for this one: "When he was growing up, what was "Bumpy" Newell's greatest accomplishment?" Well, Jesse, we stumped them! The answer is that while in high school at St. Marys, "Bumpy" won the Pittsburgh Pirates Junior Sportscaster Award from all of the hundreds of contestants, and actually broadcast an inning of a Bucs game over KDKA, WKBI, and dozens of other stations on the Atlantic Sports Network! No winner this time.
What would be an Airborne Netherlander? Margie Ferraro figured out that we were talking about a Flying Dutchman, and thus, the nickname of the St. Marys Flying Dutch! She wins. Actually, the word "Dutch", as linguists will tell us, is not really referring to the Dutch people of Holland, or "The Netherlands, but is actually "Deutsch" or "German", and the Pennsylvania Dutch are actually Pennsylvania Germans. As you know, St Marys was settled by Germans, not people from Holland. Congratulations, Margie. 5/10
What group was largely responsible for creating Twin Lakes as a place for family recreation? Hint: This same group did the same type of things all over the USA at a time when jobs were scarce. Think of three times the third letter of the alphabet. Nancy Klawuhn of Ridgway says: CCC, the Civilian Conservation Corps. She's right. 4/28
What is the new official street name for Route 120 between Daguscahonda and Ridgway? (The 911 and postal designation) Hint: It's a Ridgway street. OK. No correct answer. It is called "Station Street".
After we had given up on getting a right answer, and closed this one, a delayed answer came from Joe Posteraro of Brussells Street, St. Marys, so he wins the prize. (Sometimes, emails are not isntant, but can take several days to arrive) This one was up for a month and nobody guessed it. "One of the most beloved entertainers in the area was able to play two musical instruments at the same time. Or he could play one and sing, too. He and his family performed at Carnegie Hall, in New York City. Who was he, and what instruments did he play at the same time?" The answer is Lyle Huggler, The Blue Mountain Boy, who would play the guitar and mouth organ (harmonica) at the same time. Congratulations, Joe. 2/29
Sharon Neubert of Ridgway was first of many to answer this one: "Name this town: First part is first name of band leader named who played trombone and wore glasses. Second part is same as a kind of nut." And, she answered, Glen Hazel. Right! Congratulations. 1/26
Nancy Klawuhn solved this one: "What Elk County town is named for the same family name of two Presidents of the United States? No, Truman is in Cameron County, so that's not the answer. Beside that, there are two Presidents with the same last name, not just one, and an Elk County town has that family name in its title." She said Johnsonburg is named with part of Andrew Johnson and Lyndon B. Johnson's name. She was first of lots of people. 1/23
Francis Greich knew the answer to this one: "Why is the parking lot at St. Leo's Church so large? Why are there no buildings there? Hint: What is right across the street, and heads up Boot Jack?" Francis said, "The parking lot is so large due to the runaway-truck crashing into the old Murphy Mansion during the late 1950s or early 1960s." Right. Thank goodness runaway truck offramps were constructed and the truck bypass was completed, so the hazard that narrowly missed a time when kids would have been there should never happen again. 1/20
What did "Peck" Trumble do? And where did he do it.? Hint: check out the last two questions. No answer. He was an auto dealer in Johnsonburg.
If you write down the name of a world-famous Computer Company with 4 letters in its name, and then think of something bright that comes up every day. Write this in front of it and again after it. You'll have the name of a car dealer in Ridgway in the 50s. Ruth Wendle was first with the answer, Sundell & Son. 9/6
What make of cars did Fulton & King sell? Francis Greich of Ridgway knew they sold Chevrolet and Buick. 9/3
If these stores were in existence during the Roman Empire, they would have been known as "V & X". There was one in St. Marys and one in Ridgway. The initials were GCM. Lynn Young, of the Million Dollar Highway, knew the answer, which was G. C. Murphy Stores. 8/25
No winner on this one: "One of the favorite disc joekeys in this area had the nickname, "Little Pic". What was his name?" The answer was Dom Piccolo.
Lynn Young knew this answer: "What business in Elk County was named for Bill and Rose Fleming? Hint: Think of Railroad Street - midway through the block. Think of the first letter of each of their first names." Lynn said it was B & R Electric, one of the longtime businesses in the area. Congratulations. 5/31
Sorry, no one guessed this one, so we'll tell you the answer to this one: "Why do we remember the name, Cyril "Frenchy" Van Slander?" He and his wife Lottie were the operators of the Elk Casino, a popular eating place in St. Marys. 4/14
We had a winner on thie one, and paid the prize, but neglected to post the name here. We will take care of that very quickly. (as soon as we find it) This was the question: Two of the leading businessmen in Ridgway worked for many years for Smith Brothers Department Store, and when they closed, went into other businesses, one with the newspaper and the other with a financial institution. Their first names were Ray and Walter. What was their last name? And, of course, the answer is Sykes.
Clint Conrad, of Laguna Niguel, CA, knew the answer to this one: "For many years, there was an Elk County business man who had the unusual nickname of "Legs". Who was he, and what business did he operate?" Clint answered "Legs Bleggi, who operated the Consolidated News Agency (on Erie Avenue)." He said if he wins, send the prize to the Elk County Humane Society. Congratulations, Clint. We will send your prize, and the puppies and kittens say thanks. 2/27
Dan Glatt of Eschley Road, St. Marys, knew this one: "This man founded a store in St. Marys many, years ago. But, he was also the leader of a well-known polka band in the DuBois/Jefferson County Area for many decades, and was heard on the radio there at 12:30 p. m. every Sunday for years. What was his name and what store did he open in St. Marys, which is still in his family?" Dan says the answer is Jim Murone, who was one of the most popular of the polka band leaders in the state for countless years. We trust that Dan is not a member of the same family as Joe, earlier winner. (Be sure to allow 30 days for persons outside of same family to win) Congratulations, Dan. 2/10
Joe Glatt, of the S. Kersey Road, knew ther answer to this one: "What business was run by Raphael Goetz in St. Marys for many years?" He said it was Goetz Feed Store. Congratulations, Joe. 2/5
What sport were these players involved in: Josh Aiello, Matt Beimel, Jon Evans, Chris Straub, and Jake Thorwart? Francis Greich of Ely Road in Ridgway knew they're soccer players. 1/6
No winner on this one: "Why is Rob Simbeck, a native of Elk County, well known? He presently lives in Nashville, Tennessee." He has written three books, the latest of which is "Daughter of the Air".
Patty Wellde knew this one: "A very popular ladies clothing store was located along the southern side of the PRR tracks in St. Marys. Its slogan was "The Fashion Center". What was its name, and who operated it for many years?" The answer is Berman's, The Fashion Center. She wins. 12/5
Ashley Herzing knew this one right away: "What Ridgway restaurant was named for the thing right next door that had a lot of iron?" She said it was the Pennsy Restaurant, named for its location beside the Pennsylvania Railroad. Congrats! you win the prize! 11/28
We assume that this winner and the previous one are not related. Please be sure to give others a chance to win, if someone in your family has just won. Thanks. The Honor System rules. Besides, there are a lot of Hezings in the area!
Travis Herzing knew this one: "Name the Burgess (Mayor) of St. Marys who was in the Ice Cream Business; if you don't know, ask your parents or grandparents." He identified Jim Shaffer and gets the prize. 11/23
Nancy Klawuhn knew this one: "What street in St. Marys has the same name as a famous band leader from Canada? Hint: He was a good guy." Nancy says it was Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, and the Street in St. Marys is Lombardo St." She wins the prize for being first. Incidentally, Guy and his brothers came to St. Marys to visit family back in the 30s. 11/16
Lori Rae Wehler knew this one: " If you stay on the Million Dollar Highway driving into St. Marys, what street does it become?" She says it becomes South St. Marys Road and then South St. Marys Street. Right. You win! Email us your mailing address so we can send your prize. 10/20
We didn't have a winner on this one. "Most of the trains on the Shawmut Railroad were of one type, and it is the same as the last name of the Sheriff on Dukes of Hazzard, whose first name was Roscoe P." The answer is "Coal Trains". Roscoe P. Contraine was the Sheriff. And the Shawmut Railroad hauled ......coal trains. 10/19
Chad Paget knew the answer to this one: "There is only one street in St. Marys that has a number as its name. We want that name." Chad said it is "North 4th Street". No First Street, or Second, or Third, or Fifth. Just 4th. Congratulations, Chad. 8/18
No correct answer on ths one. Zwack's Pond used to be in the valley that the Million Dollar Highway begins and South St. Marys Street ends. Where would you look if you wanted to find Zwack's Pond? In "the Good Old Days," this was a small lake where music was played and young couples would rent a boat and row around under the moonlight. What was the location? Hint: When you're on the Million Dollar Highway, you pass within a few feet of where it used to be. Hint: It's the only place along the Million Dollar Highway and South St. Marys Street where there are no buildings. It is midway between downtown and the high school. It is the lowest spot on all of the Million Dollar Hghway. So....no prize.
Barbara Little knew this one right away: "What was the previous name of the Elk Regional Health Center?" Her answer was "Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital." She wins the prize, although she says she"never wins anything!" Congratulations! 7/9
Roger Smith, of Suwanee, Georgia, knew the answer to this one: "People from everywhere come to Elk County to see the herds of giant Elk. But, they often miss a cow that is much larger than any of these large elk with their immense antlers. Where is the giant cow? We got the idea from the last name of the winner of the earlier Q4U." Here's what Roger said, "Haven't been home in a while, but the cow used to be at Ayrshire Dairy on Old Kersey Road.": Right, Roger. You get the prize! Congratulations! 7/5
Here's the next question:
Bill Kaveney of Derby, New York, knew the answer to this one: "What was the name of the Department Stores operated by brothers in both St. Marys and Ridgway until the late 50s? The St. Marys store was on the Diamond, the Ridgway store was on Main Street. Hint: Cough Drops of the same name. Think of who was under the spreading chestnut tree. Or the tv show "Alias ______ and Jones." The answer, of course, was Smith Brothers Department Stores of Ridgway and St. Marys. Congratulations to the winner. 6/30
"DKRIEG" knew the answer to this one: "Who was the beloved "weatherman" who also operated Pistner's Filling Station on South St. Marys Street." The answer, of course, is Walter Schaut, who was a weatherman before there were any weathermen on tv. Congratulations to the winner! 6/15 Attention: D.Krieg. We need your name and address to send your prize.
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