Welcome to our site! We hope you enjoy exploring the history of Apollo as we continue to build this site. You can help us keep the history of the Apollo Area alive. Become an AAHS member. Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the WCTU Building on 317 N. 2nd Street in Apollo. Volunteer to help with programs and events or donate using PayPal. Be sure to attend our various programs and events. Check out our Events page for more information.
The map above was drawn by Thaddeus Mortimer Fowler and published by T. M. Fowler & James B. Moyer in 1896. Apollo emerged from the newly formed Armstrong County in the early 1800’s. The early settlement next to the Kiskiminetas River was known as Warren’s Sleeping Place. When it was formally laid out in 1816, it was named Warren, but when the post office was established in 1827 the name was changed to Apollo. It had been determined that there was already another Warren in Pennsylvania and Apollo adopted its classical name. after Apollo, the Greek and Roman god of music, healing, light, prophecy and enlightenment.
In 1828, the Pennsylvania Canal was completed in Apollo, which bolstered the community’s economy. Stone remnants of the Western Division of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal, that passed through Apollo and operated until the 1850’s, can be found along the Roaring Run Trail. The canal made use of the Kiskiminetas River using a system of slackwater dams, and the boats floated on the river, entering a lock located at the mouth of Roaring Run. From there the canal ran along the path of the current Roaring Run Trail, through the entire length of the borough, entering the Kiskiminetas River again across the river from where the current borough of East Vandergrift is situated.
Apollo got its first mill in 1849. Apollo’s great iron industry began with the formation of the Kiskiminetas Iron Company in 1856. The company’s rolling mill operated under different proprietorships until 1876, when P. H. Laufman & Co., Ltd. took over management. The firm erected a bigger mill adding to its capacity from 65 to 300 tons of de-carbonized steel per week and erected a copper plating works. The Apollo Foundry was organized in 1889. In the 1890’s, the company ended a labor dispute by hiring local workers as replacements. To avoid further disputes, the Apollo Iron and Steel Company aimed to improve its workers’ living conditions and hired the architectural firm of Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot, of New York’s Central Park fame, to design a model industrial town, Vandergrift, just north of Apollo.
Apollo Borough is located in Armstrong County, 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh in a former coal mining region. Land bordering Apollo is North Apollo and Kiskiminetas Township. Surrounding neighborhoods include Vandergrift, Leechburg, Avonmore, and Saltsburg.
Explore Apollo with our new Apollo Walking Tour map. Click here: Walking Tour of Apollo, PA – Google My Maps
For more genealogical information, visit the Pennsylvania Genealogy
Some of the above information came from Apollo, Pennsylvania – Wikipedia
Apollo Area Historical Society 
I lived in Apollo in the 30s and 40s, and I loved it. I intended to remain there always, but fate had other ideas. For awhile, we made frequent visits to visit friends and family, but now the visits have dropped to none. I married the former June Cunningham 72 years ago in the Methodist Church. Apollo was a great place for boys to grow up in.
Richard (Jake) jackson
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I purchased my grandfathers’ home in north Apollo 1982; it seemed like a good place in which to raise my son, a seven year old. Being a single mother; I didn’t have a lot of extra money for entertainment, but the Apollo area afforded many opportunities for good clean fun. The library, many parades, trips to the local cemetery, and the log cabin provided an interest in historical events that colored the past and provided a great future for my son; who is now a curator at a military museum in Carlisle, pa.
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Hi Susanna. Glad to hear of your good memories of Apollo & your son’s interest in history! If you’re still in the area, you should think about joining the Apollo Area Historical Society!!
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My grandfather Ira James Cunningham lived in Apollo PA. I was wondering if he was any relation to your wife
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Hi, I didn’t know if you would find this of interest, but it regards Apollo’s first lawyer Jacob Freetly. Rusty Swenson
Jacob’s will was probated on 19 December , 1903, with Lauretta A. (Amelia) Guthrie and Samuel Jack as the witnesses. Jacob had appointed Walter J. Guthrie as his executor , and his will stated the following:
1. All debts and funeral expenses to be paid first.
2. All possessions except for his law books were to go to Fanny if she survived him (she didn’t, dying in 1901)
3. Walter J. Guthrie was to pay $100 to Lauretta Guthrie for the law books.
4. He willed $100 to Ralph Freetly
5. After his wife’s death, all of his properties and belongings were to be evenly given to Mary J. Guthrie, Annie E. Smith, and David B. Freetly to “share and share alike”
He notes of David’s indebtedness to him:
– A $300 promissary note given to him by Walter J. Guthrie,
– $190 in cash “for repairing his wells in June,1888” //Note: At this timeframe David was noted as working in the Parker area on oil wells//
– 2 notes of $200 he paid to Apollo Savings Bank
It was stated that these debts, if not paid back before Jacob’s death, were to be deducted out of his share of the estate.
6. He gives Walter J. Guthrie the right to sell any of his holdings in order to settle any debts upon his death.
Comments:
– The 1900 census shows Jacob and his wife living in Apollo and having a 28-yr-old “servant”.
– The 1900 census lists David B Freetly living in Apollo with his wife Thala and son Ralph.
– The 1910 census shows David at age 67 living with his son Ralph on Armstrong Avenue.
– On February 23, 1920, David died from an accidental fall from a window at his son’s house. David was born on Oct 31, 1842.
– Lauretta Guthrie was Mary J. and John Beatty Guthrie’s daughter, and my mom always called her “Aunt Laura Guthrie”, who she took care of in Lauretta’s later years. In reality she would have been my mom’s great Aunt. Aunt Laura Guthrie gave my mom and dad the house I originally grew up in. This happened sometime after 1940 as the 1940 census shows my mom, dad, Clara, and Shirley along with Aunt Martha Freetly living at 304 N. Third Street and a Harry and Emma cox living at the 312 N. Third Street where I began life.
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Hi Rusty, I found a great article from the 1891 “Biographical And Historical Cyclopedia Of Indiana And Armstrong Counties” so I finally included Jacob Freetly in our People & Families section of this website. As Apollo’s first lawyer, he needed to be included & I’m sorry for taking so long! Very interesting man & family! Thanks for your notes too. I included them as well.
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I am wondering if these Guthries mentioned here were related to my Grandfather, Walter J. Guthrie who was executor of this estate???? I have never heard those Guthrie names before?? Walter J. had three sons – Robert, Harold, and Duane – Harold was my Dad. His brother was W. Mack Guthrie (Dwight and Bill sons) and they had the Guthrie Chevrolet Company in Apollo and Vandergrift for many many years. Dwight (my cousin) just recently passed away.
Kathy Guthrie Steele
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Hi Kathy, Hopefully someone will answer your questions. Thank you for your interest in the Apollo Area Historical Society.
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The interesting part here is that my Grandfather, Walter J. Guthrie, would have only been 7 or so years old in 1903 – so he couldn’t have been the executor of this estate – never knew about any other Walter J. – his Dad, however, would have been from that time Alexander Guthrie.
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Kathy, What I can tell you is that the Walter J. (1863-1940) that I posted about had 3 sons: Giles Douglas (1903-1903), Walter James (1914-1970), and Richard Giles (1814-1989). I see no children listed in Familysearch for Richard Giles or Walter James, so if you know their children , you might get your answer. Walter James was born in Apollo, but died in Solon, Cuyahoga, Ohio, United States. Richard Giles was also born in Apollo, but died in Waynesville, Haywood, North Carolina, United States per the records. I hope this helps you. I remember Duane and Dwight.
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Thank you Rusty – no relation that I can tell – but ironic that my grandfather was also Walter J. and lived in Apollo most all of his life – would have been in mid 40’s when this Walter J. passed and no mention by him or my father of “other” Guthries in Apollo!!!! Thanks for info!!!
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I am related to Walter J Guthrie was in legal department Gulf Oil Died 3-3-2940 Wife Bella Giles Guthrie. I am Annabella Guthrie Giles. Named after her. I believe she was Isabella. They had estates in Pittsburgh and Miami Fl. I am also related to the Apollo Whitlinger and Giles Families. And Levi G Stitt of Parks Twp that was superintendent of Vandergrift steel mill
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Thank you for the information! We appreciate your interest in the AAHS.
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Dear Sirs,
I am researching the clockmakers along the Kiskiminitus River and I would like to know if you have any records on the clockmakers or clock shop and watch repair that originated in the Apollo Area. I am Secretary of the Allegheny Clock Chapter#37 , an honorary chapter of the NAWCC (National Association of Clock and Watchmakers) located in Colombia PA. I am originally from East Vandergrift and a friend to Don Whitlinger, member and a long time resident in Apollo PA. Dennis Stephens, my first cousin, grew up on Acheson Avenue Apollo, and he is an clock person too and would enjoy any information on this subject. Thank You, Claudia Scott
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Dr. T.J. Henry’s book has no information about clock/watch repair shops. I will have to check the museum, maybe in old phone directories?
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Hello Claudia,
I was unable to find anything in the phone directories, but our president, Denise Flickinger, just came across an old photo of the Malta Building (undated, unfortunately). On the steps in front is painted “Watches Clocks”. I can’t figure out how to paste the picture here, but if you’d like me to send you a copy, you could send an email to apollopahistory@gmail.com and I’ll send it along.
Sue
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My uncle Donald A.Stevens Sr. was a part time clock maker in Apollo and owned Stevens Jewelry Store in Apollo in the late 50s and 60s..
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Is chambers hotel the oldest existing bar in apollo
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I looked in Dr. T.J. Henry’s book & did not see any others listed. I will do some more research & see what I come up with!
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Hi! My Dad’s family owned a grocery store and beer garden located at/near 100 Kiski Ave in the 1920s—maybe earlier. It became the Mosey Inn at one point. My Dad was Pete MacCagno and his parents were James and Domenica who had both emigrated from Italy.
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The building is still there. It’s Rockhoppers now!
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Do you have any time information on the former Kiski Park Drive Community Swimming Pool that was behind the Washington Township Firehall? Thank you!
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We may have some photos at the museum. I will check the next time I’m in town.
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Yes, I found some photos. I will try to post them under places. If anyone has anymore info about the Baustert’s Swimming Pool in Washington Township, we would love to learn more.
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I believe that area was earlier a farm where my Dad’s Walker ancestors originally settled when they came over in the 1850s. Ford Walker was his fourth or fifth cousin. My Dad was Jim Walker, who graduated from Washington Township High School.
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Thanks, Anne. We appreciate the information.
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My family migrated to Apollo in 1906 my grandfather and his brother were both coal miners in Italy and in Apollo
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We love hearing about family history! The coal mines played a big part in western PA history, didn’t they?!
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My mom and family lived across the street from the Jackson house in the 1920’s and 30’s. They used Jimmy Stewart’s baby crib. They played at the house many times. I have visited many times. I was there this past Monday with the youngest generation. I like Apollo very much as did they. All of the original family members have passed away. My mom was the last and she just passed this past March. The family name was Davis.
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What great memories you must have of Apollo. Especially of Jimmy Stewart’s crib! Thanks for sharing.
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Hi Kathryn!!!! The maternal side of my family is the Davis’ from Apollo, PA. My grandmother was Sally, her parents were Arthur and Estella. Was wondering if we are related? Hope to hear from you!
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My grandmother (Virginia Ludwig) and her brother and sisters (Julia, Martha, Francis, Wylda, Helen, Kate and Sam) grew up in that house in the 20’s and 30’s. The Ludwig family. Eventually most of the family moved to Arizona, where I was born and live now. But their mother – my great grandmother – Lillie Ludwig – lived there for many years until she passed away. She had no interest in moving to Arizona! 😁
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I love hearing stories like this. Thank you for your interest in the AAHS!
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I have several Kiskitas yearbooks from the 50s and 60s that I would like to donate. My father, max afanesko, taught at Apollo sr and Jr high for 35 plus years. Please contact me if u r interested
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Thank you, Susan. We would appreciate having the yearbooks!
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Teacher Max Afanesko will always be among our beloved teachers at Apollo High School. Mr. Afanesko had an in-depth understanding and working knowledge of American government, political science, and history. His class, Problems of Democracy, was among the favorite planned courses of study. He also was our senior class advisor. – William Kerr, AHS Class 1969
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Yes, we would appreciate the yearbooks. Thank you!
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Susan, your dad was one of my favorite teachers. By the time he taught me his class was Civics, in which he taught what the branches of the federal government are and what those branches are supposed to do according to the U.S. Constitution. It’s been 37 years since Mr. Afanesko taught me but very rarely does a week go by when I don’t think about him. Thank you for sharing your dad with us, his students. – Heather Kerr A-R Class of 1989
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Hello Susan, I thought I had replied already, but just in case, we would love to have the yearbooks if they are still available. You may have already dropped them off. Thanks for thinking of us.
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I graduated from Apollo-Ridge in 1985 and “Mr. Afanesko” was my Economics teacher.
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Does anyone remember the street or address of ralph or jim mohney?
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Next time I’m at the museum, I’m going to check the old phone books. Do you have a year(s)?
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1950’s I would imagine
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Great! I’ll see what we can find.
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would you remember a little league field in the mid 50’s that would have access to a bridge going over the river to it? My husband lived in Apollo at this time frame, Danny Rasco. He would walk to the ball field from his house and would have to go over a bridge? Is there anyway I could find out what his house address may have been? He lived across the street (or next door) to a faimily who had 21 or so kids. Tnank you for your help
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I will ask around & see what we can find!
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Something to think about from Denise Flickinger. Her husband Dan’s family had 12 kids. They lived across the river in the Paulton area. Or there was the Poydence family who had (I think) 15 kids. They lived along the hillside going to N. Apollo. Access to the ballfield could have been going over the little bridge located along 11th Street in Apollo. The other family with many kids was the Robinsons (16) but they lived on a street that would not have had a bridge near it. Dan doesn’t remember the Rasco name, but he was pretty young in the 50’s. There is no Rasco name in the phone directories either, but a lot of families still didn’t have phones back then.
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The 1950 census comes out in April of 2022 so you might be able to get his address at that time in one of the genealogy websites. I personally prefer familysearch dot com (free). Regarding the bridge,I can only think of the Apolo bridge crossing the Kiskiminetas, and perhaps he would go to what we called water tank hill. I played some ball there also. It was located off of South Pennsylvania Avenue on top of a hill, which now is full of houses.
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My great grandfather Oscar Oppenheimer and his brother Alfred were among a group of owners of Apollo Steel and Iron from about 1912. I’m trying to find information on what happened with that company later in the early half of the 20th century.
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Hello Mary Jane, If you would send your email address to apollopahistory@gmail.com, I will scan some papers that we have. Thanks for your interest in the Apollo Area Historical Society. Sue
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Mary Jane,
My grandfather was Alfred M. Oppenheimer. Oscar was my great-uncle; so I think we are cousins! I have a good bit of info and pictures about Apollo Steel and would welcome sharing info with you.
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Hello Chuck. The AAHS would love to have copies of any photos & info about Apollo Steel. We have a bit in our archives and I need to put it on our site. Thanks for your interest in the AAHS.
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My Mom grew up in Apollo. I have so many family pictures. This is the Laffer family.. None of my cousins want them. I don’t know what to do with all of them. These photos go way back to the late 19 century to early 20th century. I also have a beautiful cotton night gown that was on display at the log cabin. It was my great grandmother’s.
Thank you for any advice you can give me.
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Hi Deb, The AAHS is always happy to have photos & memorabilia such as the night gown. Especially if you have names & dates on the pictures! We will be open on Weds. & Sat. 11-2 beginning April 2 if you’d like to drop them off at our museum. We’ll be open for our Flood Program this Sat. also if that suits. That’s assuming of course that you are in our area! Thanks for your interest in the AAHS! Sue
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Do you include items or photos from North Apollo? I have glasses and plastic banana split boats from the Dairy Queen from the 50’s or 60’s. I also have some photos from North Apollo of the elementary school.
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Yes! We consider N. Apollo as part of the Apollo Area Historical Society!! And we appreciate any memorabilia. Thank you.
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Thank you for responding. I will go through my photos and items I have e. I live near Greater Pittsburgh Airport so I don’t get up to Apollo that often. Please me know when and where I can bring the items to you.
On Tue, Mar 29, 2022, 8:07 AM Apollo Area Historical Society wrote:
> Apollo Area Historical Society commented: “Yes! We consider N. Apollo as > part of the Apollo Area Historical Society!! And we appreciate any > memorabilia. Thank you.” >
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Hi Kathryn! My maternal side last name is Davis, all coming from Apollo, William L Davis, Arthur B Davis, and my grandma Sally or Sara Christine. Was your mother Nancy? Which would have been my grandmothers sister? Very interesting!!!!
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My grandfather, Edward I. Haupt, lived on Terrace Avenue, known then as Millionaires Road, approximately from 1909 until approximately 1920. I am interested in knowing the actual house number of that home. Can you help?
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I’ll see what we can find. Thanks for your interest in the Apollo Area Historical Society!
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I am wondering how Red Onion Hill got its name.
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Apparently there was a “Red Onion” bar as you went up the hill on the right! Wish we had a picture of it!
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Hello, my name is Rich Farah and I am a candidate for Armstrong County Commissioner. I grew up in Vandergrift, my wife in North Apollo. We lived in Apollo and Orchard Hills before moving to Slate Lick.
Being from the area, we know how the south of the county gets forgotten.
I would like to change that and get it the recognition it truly deserves.
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Could anyone tell me the name of the Oklahoma boroughs baseball team in the 1920 -1930s. My father Ralph Hilty was the pitcher for the team. Honas Wagner frequently attended their games. I know there is a photo of the team from the past, I would appreciste any photos or information available.
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I’ll see what I can find. Thanks for your interest in the AAHS!
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I lived in an area that was secluded. I think back now and I wonder how true some of the stories were that I heard. I lived a t the upper end of Peg town. Which was really closer to North Apollo. There were only three houses there. It was pass the sand company and right pass the food warehouse. We lived in the middle house. It was a run down victorian house. At one time it was surely a beautiful victor Ian house. Cherries graced the top of the victorian’s roof. The porches had gingerbread with a pattern cut out with birds flying with cherries in their mouths i think aboutbitcsometimes nowcand realize someone of importance once lived in .this was beautiful m anion of it’s time. I remember my mother talking about a canal on the river and supposedly a Caption Kipp lived there. Do you know anything about this house that I lived in as a child in the 1950’s?
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Thanks for your interest in the Apollo Area Historical Society, Jan, and for an interesting question. We are having our monthly meeting on Jan. 4th so I will ask the members if anyone knows anything about that house & that area.
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Hi Jan, We discussed your question at our meeting last night. We think we know which house you are referring to and may have a picture. Unfortunately that whole area is now a junkyard. No one knew of a Captain Kipp. There was a canal along there though. I’ll let you know if we find anything else.
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