In a two-part program, Latrobe Area Historical Society will present a documentary film produced in 1937 that depicts the people and places of the community in the period before World War II.
Originally sponsored by Latrobe’s public school system, the silent black-and-white film includes images of local schoolchildren, businesses and events of public interest.
Running at about 100 minutes in length, the film will be shown in two parts at the society’s headquarters, 416 Weldon St., Latrobe.
The first part, shown Friday and to be repeated Saturday, with the second part shown on Aug. 20 and repeated on Aug. 21. Doors open at 9 a.m. each day, with the show beginning at 9:30 a.m.
According to Mary Lou Townsend, president of the society, the vintage film has been in the organization’s possession for decades but was rediscovered in recent years, after the society moved to its current location.
“When we were packing up things for the move, there were a lot of film canisters that we didn’t have time to look through,” she said. “A couple of years ago, we started looking through them to see what they were, and there were two canisters with the 1937 film.”
The film was transferred to DVD and adjusted to run at the correct speed.
Townsend noted the film includes “images of every school student in Latrobe at the time. They also had a high school football game, the marching band and a lot of the downtown businesses.”
While the film is of general historical interest, Townsend noted viewers may be able to pick out some familiar faces flashing across the screen. She recognized former Latrobe football, basketball and track coach Ray V. Wild, who was hired as a teacher and coach in 1928 and was still a member of the faculty during her high school years in the 1960s.
The film is being screened for free, but donations will be accepted.
All visitors to the society, whether they have received the covid-19 vaccine or not, must wear a mask.
On-street parking is available for visitors, while additional parking is offered on Saturdays in the lot of Kelly, Sparber & White, at the corner of Weldon and Alexandria streets.
Visit latrobehistory.org for more information about the society and its programs.
