Veterans saluted at all-American Ridge event
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MINERAL RIDGE — The Moss Ancestral House and the Mineral Ridge Historical Society hosted their All American Gathering on Sunday afternoon. The two buildings are located across the street from each other on Burnett Street.
"This is our last event of the year," said Marci Buchanan, president of the Historical Society. "So, we wanted to do something for Forget Me Not Day, which is on Tuesday, Nov. 10 and Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.”
Originally established to raise awareness of disabled World War I veterans, Forget Me Not Day is now for all who served and are disabled, while Veterans Day highlights the service for all people who have served our country in the military.
"We decided to make the event an All-American gathering with hot dogs, chips and apple pie in honor of the veterans," said Buchanan.
Through the work of a local historian, Linda Ference of Mineral Ridge realized that her own family's military service included the American Revolutionary War.
Braxton Ault, 13, of Mineral Ridge also learned that his family's military service goes back to the American Revolutionary War.
Dating back to the war of independence, a wall in the Moss House highlights the ancestors of Mineral Ridge residents who fought against the British.
Guests to the event also had the opportunity to write Christmas cards that will be sent to a disabled veteran in Mineral Ridge or another veteran in the area.
"I like to do my share to support the military," said Ference.
Ault's reason for writing out a card relates to his family’s background in the service. "I want to give thanks to the people who served in our military. I would not be here if not for them," he said.
Phyllis Glozer of Youngstown wrote out a Christmas card in memory of her husband. He fought in the Vietnam War and died from Agent Orange.
"My husband would have appreciated receiving a card, and I am sure the guys who receive them will too," she said.
Her friend, Sharon Henry of New Springfield, had another reason for writing out a card for a disabled veteran. "I think it is a wonderful way to let them know that we are thinking of them and sending them a greeting," she said.
Those who attended the event had a chance to tour the Moss Ancestral House. The Dunlap family built the house in the 1830s. Jacob Moss purchased the home in 1859 and lived there until 1899.
The home sat abandoned for nearly a century until Mary Lou Moss Godleski purchased the home in 1990 and refurbished it. In July 2023 the home was designated to the National Registry of Historic places due to its local historical and architectural significance.
The Mineral Ridge Historical Society also held an open house with artifacts, photos and other local memorabilia relating to the schools, veterans and famous people who grew up in the area.
Besides booking appointments, the Moss Ancestral Home and the Mineral Ridge Historical Society will reopen for visitors in April 2027.