Local News
Related Photos
-
George, John and Frank, three generations of Ferguson men, pose for a picture inside the garage of John, whose house was declared the best decorated by his son and father. The Blooming Valley families live side-by-side-by-side and each year begin putting up their Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving is even over, ‘when the weather is nice,’ said Frank.
Discussion
Ferguson family keeps valley sparkling during holiday season
12/24/05 — BLOOMING VALLEY — When Frank John Ferguson goes to the local hardware store he hears about how his great-grandfather was one of the first in the valley to put up Christmas lights. People still remember how great-grandfather Frank Frederick Ferguson would decorate a huge tree at his place.
That tradition started by the eldest Frank Ferguson has created a lasting legacy that has trickled down through the generations as three houses side-by-side-by-side on State Street prove.
In the middle is 56-year-old John Ferguson’s house, bookmarked by his 80-year-old father, George Ferguson, and John’s 30-year-old son, Frank.
The three houses and yards are all decorated with Christmas lights.
“I’ve done it ever since I was old enough to do it,” said George, explaining that his father started decorating when he lived on Route 198.
“He just liked to do it,” said George, who knew his son and grandson would also inherit the Christmas spirit.
“Now I’m trying to keep up,” said George. “Trying to keep ahead of my son.”
Decorating for Christmas may not be a formal competition between the three generations, but those passing by naturally compare the houses.
“It’s a little bit of a competition between the three of us to see if we can outdo each other,” said Frank. “Every year we purchase new things and don’t tell each other until it’s time to put out.”
Frank said this year he found a new panoramic snowfall projector that he traveled to Cranberry to buy.
“I knew Dad wouldn’t find it,” he said. “They checked it out and asked where I purchased it.”
The three men usually find themselves out the same weekend every year without even telling each other. When it’s 50 or 60 degrees in November on a weekend, they’re outside so that the lights are up by Thanksgiving.
But Frank and George don’t even hesitate when asked who has the best decorations — it’s John, they say.
“I don’t know,” said John, modestly. “But I have the best electric bill!”
Eric Reinagel can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at ereinagel@meadvilletribune.com
- Local News
-
-
Teens get glimpse into future with Robotics Summer Camp
Five teenagers huddle in front of a big, bright-yellow robotic arm clutching a basketball.
-
Info sought to nab golf course vandals
VERNON TOWNSHIP — A $1,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for destroying the second green at Whispering Pines Golf Course.
-
Gas spill could lead to charges
Investigation continues into gas spill in Mill Run.
-
Saegertown-Brazil connection strengthens with second generation
Dr. Anna Pinto and her kids, Erico and Luanne, said connecting with the world through travel is part of the Brazilian way of life.
-
Woman hurt in crash amid temporary traffic light fix
A Youngstown, Ohio, resident was hospitalized in serious condition in the intensive care unit at Hamot Medical Center in Erie following a Monday-morning Meadville crash.
-
Pardee hopes to achieve 'dream' of national pageant title
For Sue Pardee, pageantry has held a lifelong allure.
-
Pymatuning Pioneer & Art Festival concludes today
JAMESTOWN — Two young men outfitted as soldiers of the 13th Virginia Cavalry played a friendly game of tug-o’-war with Ghost in the Head of the Huron tribe.
-
SUNDAY ISSUE: City hopes enough funds flow to fix historic fountain
Around 1840, almost a quarter-century before he made a gift of an ornate iron fountain to Meadville’s public square, Evans W. Shippen said he saw what is now Diamond Park overrun by 2,000 mules resting on their way from Kentucky to New York.
-
Edinboro Highland Games in full swing
EDINBORO — As promised, the 18th annual Edinboro Highland Games & Scottish Festival began with a song Thursday night and will end with an orchestra Sunday after four days of fun.
-
Meadville native cycling cross-country to aid children in India
Lauren Brown first became interested in bicycling a few years ago while living in Madison, Wis., thanks to what he described as “a wonderful network of bike trails.”
- More Local News Headlines
-
