Contemporary History #16 - It's a Sign
Usually, I find the topic, research the topic, write the post, and then post it. I'm doing this one a bit backwards. This time, I found the topic, am posting it, and then I'll do the research, or perhaps we all will (meaning you tell me, please), and then I'll revise it! Why am I doing it this way? It is because I know so many of "us" are interested in this sign. We have seen or heard of this sign. We wanted to know what had become of it. So, I don't want to hold out until I learn more about it before I post it to the Drums of Drums, PA. You will want to see this. So, without further ado, and the facts, here it is and it is, indeed, a sign, a sign of things gone by and yet to come!
A few weeks ago, I had reason to visit the town offices over at Can-Do Corporate Center. As I drove past the building to park, the sign caught my eye. My wife thought I was crazy when I said, "I have to go back and take a photo of that sign!" And then did.
Now I have to start finding out the answers. Why is it there? Is it the original sign of my memories? If so, who refurbished it? If not, who had it made? Where has it been these past 50+, give or take, years. What does, or did, "Mountain Top - 15" mean? What does "Founded 1876" mean? Is there any significance to the phrase "...FOR MAN OF THAT NAME" as opposed to "for A man..." (which, by the way, is how my memory remembered it was written)?
If you know any of the answers to these questions, leave a comment below. If you want it published, I will approve and publish it. If you leave contact information, I won't approve the message but I will contact you. As our "cousin" Gary found out, it sometimes takes me a while to find the comments so bear with me. But, please let us all know what you know about this sign.
Hi Ron,
ReplyDeleteCousin Gary here!!!
You just made my day a very good one! Thank you!
About 10 years ago I petitioned the Butler City Council (not sure name is correct) by letter to PLEASE re-install a sign for Drums because of the original going missing. The point being: no visitor knows when they are actually IN DRUMS! In addition, I called Butler Township back then and kindly asked "what happened to the Drums town sign?" Do you have any photos of the sign? The answer was "no" and they had no idea what happened to the signs
So, it seems my petition had some affect. I agree with you that the original sign said "for a man of that name".
I saw the sign a few times in the early 60's. My father (Edward Turnbach Drum) made a point to stop the car for us to take a closer look at the sign. I remember it vividly .... it stood about 5 feet tall and was made of cast iron in an elegant classical design motif. It was painted a glossy black.
The new sign is very basic modern design ... no classical artistic frills! Much like modern architecture .... very "boxable" with no creative embellishments.
I am not sure the 1876 "Founded" date is correct because it was Abraham Drum who put our family name on the map when he was still alive by having the town named "Drums" after all his/our family contributed to the community. Abraham departed this life Nov. 3, 1862. I think they may be off by at least approximately 30 years.
Nonetheless .... at least Drums now has an official sign somewhere in the village!!!! Shows the current government "Can Do" what is respectfully requested for the community.
Please post if you wish.
Kind regards,
Gary Drum