By the numbers Population: 21,606 Square Miles: 67. 44 Elderly or older residents: 23. 7% Median Household Income: $69,295 Source: U. S. CensusU. S.
(Editor’s note: To commemorate Westmoreland County’s 250th anniversary this year, we’ve combined a list of 250 pieces (10 pieces across 25 communities) that we consider vital to the makeup of our region. This series will run weekly through December. )
Viors to Unity will find signs of its rich history near the bustling east-west industrial hall of Highway 30 that runs through the township. On either side, new suburban residential developments along classic farmland.
Bordering Loyalhanna Creek to the northeast, Chestnut Ridge to the southeast, and Hempfield to the west, Unity was formed from Mt. Pleasant Township and was incorporated as an independent township on September 23, 1789.
Religious and educational institutions emerged very early and continue to serve the community. In 1774, 60 acres were set aside to provide land for Unity Cemetery and a Presbyterian meetinghouse. The Unity Chapel, which dates back to 1874, is the latest version of this cult position. In 1846, the Archabbey of St. Vincent and St. Vincent’s Archabbey were the Archabbey of St. Vincent. Vincent’s affiliated College was founded by Boniface Wimmer, a Benedictine monk from Metten, Bavaria.
Coal mining and coke production became industries in the region in the early 20th century. The township’s villages evolved around those activities and still exist after their demise, Baggaley, Marguerite and Trauger add.
In recent times, a growing fear about the elimination of pollutants and the coverage of the surroundings has taken hold in the municipality. Wetland systems developed in conjunction with Saint Vincent College correct the drainage of abandoned mines at Ministry Run and provide opportunities for students.
Golf is one of the recreational activities of the municipality. Unity is the home of sports legend, Arnold Palmer, born on September 10, 1929.
Here are 10 unique things in Unity:
Steelers Training Camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers NFL franchise started Saint Vincent College as the team’s summer educational camp in 1966 and has continued to return each year, missing just two years (2020 and 2021) due to the covid pandemic.
The team was looking to be closer to home than the location of the former educational camp, the University of Rhode Island. Art Rooney Jr. , the current vice president of the Steelers and former head coach of the coaching staff, graduated from St. Louis City. Vincent in 1957.
Training camp is one of the most important occasions of the year for Unity. Fans come from all over to watch their favorite Steelers players participate in open practices for 3 weeks in July and August.
A highlight while the Steelers are in town is the team’s Friday Night Lights evening practice at nearby Memorial Stadium in Latrobe, preceded by a Steelers Fest of related activities. Officials from Unity and Latrobe work with the local school district and businesses to put on the event.
Fred Rogers Institute
Conceived under the direction of former children’s television host and resident of nearby Latrobe, Saint Vincent College’s Fred Rogers Institute continues its work of “investing in the strengths of families and helping adults make healthy progress. “of children. “
At the top of the building, a multimedia exhibit traces Rogers’ life and paintings and features his famous cardigans, as well as family puppets, artifacts, photographs, and video clips for generations of audiences in “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. “There’s even a “Fast Delivery” Letter Station.
The self-guided exhibition at the school, at 300 Fraser Purchase Road, is free and open to the public. Details: fredrogersinstitute. org.
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport
The airport located on Route 981, just off Route 30, has gone by many names.
Originally named Longview Flying Field in 1924, it became J. D. Hill in 1928, Latrobe Airport in 1935, and Westmoreland County Airport in 1978. In 1999, the existing name followed in honor of the man who popularized modern golf and grew it. mile from the runway where he learned to fly.
In 1939, the airport was the site of a revolutionary breakthrough in postal service: nonstop airmail pickup.
Every summer, the airport hosts the Shop n’ Save Westmoreland County Airshow. The schedule of acrobatic feats and thunderous aircraft performances drew 30,000 or more people to the weekend show.
Country Club de Latrobe
Nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains is Arnold Palmer’s Latrobe Country Club. Despite its name, the 18-hole golf course is located in Unity, on Arnold Palmer Drive.
The club includes guest houses, golf, restaurants, tennis, swimming pool, and meeting and banquet facilities. According to the club’s website, the home of Palmer’s formative years was next to what is now the course’s fifth tee. Following his good fortune in golf, racking up 92 professional titles, Palmer purchased the club in 1971. There he lived, worked and entertained his circle of family and friends.
Nine of the holes were personally designed by Palmer and his father. Memorabilia, photos and tournament hardware from Palmer’s life adorn the walls of the clubhouse.
St. Vincent’s Grain Mill
The grain mill of St. Vincent’s Abbey, built by Benedictine monks, is an ancient monument that has been in operation since 1854. Located along Beatty County Road, within walking distance of the Archabbey, the mill itself is accompanied by a museum and general store. It offers everything from aprons and cups to honey and pancake mix.
The mill is run by abbey priests and volunteers. The priests grind the flour to sell in the store and use it to make St. John’s bread. Vincent on campus and through Friendship Farms.
The museum exhibits about the mill and the early agricultural history of St. Vincent.
Details: saintvincentgristmill. com.
Angelo Taiani Planetarium & Astronaut Exhibition
Located in the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Building at Saint Vincent College, the planetarium and exhibit are named after a 1948 chemistry graduate from the school who grew up in Latrobe and worked as an engineer at NASA for 34 years.
Presented next to the planetarium, the exhibit features items donated through Taiani, plus patches of astronauts and NASA projects, posters, and some items that have flown into space.
The former Taiani worked on more than 250 manned and unmanned rocket launches, adding round-trip space missions. He was part of the ground support team at the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. He also helped expand a weather balloon.
The planetarium features public displays depending on the season. Admission is free, but limited.
Private showings can be scheduled for teams of up to 35 people. Call 724-805-2631 Monday through Friday to make reservations.
Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve
Saint Vincent College’s Winnie Palmer Nature Preserve spans 50 acres between Highways 30 and 981. It is open to the public year-round for recreational and conservation purposes.
It features local landscapes, over 3 miles of trails, playgrounds, a pond, wetlands, an environmental barn, and the historic Lochry Blockhouse.
The reserve is named for Arnold Palmer’s late wife, who had served on the board of directors of Saint Vincent College and wanted to preserve the land and the scenic view it offered from the college campus.
Following her death in 1999, her family continued to work on the project, and the nature reserve was incorporated on Oct. 6, 2000. The Saint Vincent Archabbey donated 25 acres, supplementing a roughly equal area purchased from two local families, to make the reserve complete.
Details: wpnr. org.
Lincoln Highway Experience
Located along the eastbound lanes of Highway 30, just before the intersection of Highway 217, this museum explores the history of the highway that was the first coast-to-coast highway for the automotive public.
Opened on October 31, 1913, the highway primarily followed present-day Route 30 as it passed through Pennsylvania.
The museum includes old images, memorabilia, and artifacts of the Lincoln Expressway and also houses speakers and rotating exhibits.
Part of the museum occupies the historic 19th-century Johnston House. A more recent addition houses a 1920s hiker cabin, a 1937 Packard car, and the restored 1938 Serro’s Diner, where you can end your excursion with a piece of cake and a cup of coffee. .
The museum also serves as the headquarters of the nonprofit Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, which was designated in 1995 to publicize the legacy of the 200-mile highway that stretches between Westmoreland and Adams counties in Pennsylvania.
The nonprofit’s projects include posting a driving consultant on the Lincoln Expressway and creating sculptures of “Lincoln Highway Road Giants. “
Details: lhhc. org.
French Express
Guests can order continental food combined with takeout at this restaurant at Latrobe 30 Shoppes Plaza.
The restaurant is managed by chef Christophe Fichet, originally from Dijon, France, and his wife Kristin. Fichet has previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe and has been executive chef for the Royal Family of Qatar and the Rolling Club de Rock in the canton of Ligonier.
The French Express menu includes takeout and takeaway, as well as freshly made soups, pastries, and some imported jams and condiments.
A variety of sandwiches are served on a baguette. Varieties come with smoked salmon with horseradish cream, capers and red onion; and prosciutto with roasted tomatoes and thyme. The paninis are served on lemon and rosemary focaccia bread.
Savory or sweet quiches and pancakes are offered.
“Our soup, sandwich and soup-quiche combinations are top sellers,” Fichet said, adding that some pieces can be purchased in bulk in takeout containers. “We have engaged consumers who will bring their refrigerator and their inventory,” he said. saying.
Statler’s Fun Center
After hibernating the winter months, this family-friendly recreation center comes back to life with a variety of outdoor activities.
The Statler go-kart track follows a circuit about a third of a mile long, adding a double bridge and banked curves. Professional karts, which provide a tougher ride, can be purchased with a valid driver’s license.
A mini-golf course with waterfalls, streams, and a game cave.
Variable-speed batting cages for baseball or softball are available for games of 15 pitches each or for time rentals of 30 minutes or an hour.
Inside, visitors can check their hand at one of more than 30 arcade games. The center’s food concession offers hand-dipped ice cream. Party rentals are also available.
It is expected to open in April for the 2024 season.
Details: statlers. com.
By the numbers Population: 21,606 Square Miles: 67. 44 Elderly or older residents: 23. 7% Median Household Income: $69,295 Source: U. S. CensusU. S.
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