Love and Golf in the Laurel Highlands

July 31st, 2009

Guest blogger: Joe Takitch, Mayfield Heights, Ohio

My wife Peg and I grew up in Hecla (near Norvelt). We went to Hecla Elementary School, always in the same class room. We then went to Hurst High Scool.

When the mines closed in Hecla, the region dramatically changed. I decided to make a job change and left for Cleveland, Ohio. I was employed by General Electric and our vacations and golf trips were always in the Laurel Highlands. Peg was born in Old Colony, a mining village between Ligonier and Willpen.

We have come back to the Laurel Highlands for decades, every year. There were four couples in our group and we always stayed at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, always for a week or 10 days after Memorial Day. Peg and I were the group “tour” guides because we knew the many attractions of the region. Wonderful memories on the wonderful golf courses, our favorite was Norvelt Golf Club. From the golf course, you can see beautiful scenery looking right at the Blue Ridge.

I have another great interest in the region. I have contributed photos and stories of my experience in the Coal & Coke industry of Hecla and the Connellsville Coke Region. My contributions are in the special Joe & Peg Takitch Collection in the library at the Coal and Coke Heritage Center at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus in Uniontown.

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