Dec 4, 2002 By Joyce Koballa 4 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The city’s historic nostalgia is being captured through a limited series of pen and ink renderings created by a former resident who is working closely with the Connellsville Area Historical Society as plans for the community’s bicentennial continue to evolve. Donna Campbell Allen, a native of Connellsville, unveiled her latest print of the former West Penn trolley at the Carnegie Library located along South Pittsburgh Street.

Allen’s involvement in the historical society is two fold – she donates her original sketches to the historical society, while proceeds generated from the prints also go to the society.

Earlier this year, Allen completed composites of the library and the Gibson House, which is situated along Patterson Avenue.

The historical society purchased the house in July, while it was under contract to be demolished, in an attempt to preserve one of the oldest homes in the city and with hopes to perhaps one day make it their permanent location.

Karen Hechler, historical society president, said the house is undergoing renovations and is now “stripped down to the bare walls.” An open house was held on Nov. 23, featuring a tour of the downstairs.

Allen, who now resides in Richmond, Va., said it was a combination of her talent, her love for history and her roots that inspired her to “give something back to the community.”

Allen said the idea to sketch the city’s historical sites was sparked by a visit to the library last year while she visited her parents, Donald and Frances Campbell, over the holidays. “I wish Connellsville and the community would put a premium on preserving some of the buildings because new architecture doesn’t match what was done in the past,” said Allen.

Upon returning home, Allen contacted Hechler, and the rest is history.

A 1975 graduate of Connellsville High School, Allen recalled growing up in the area and how the city’s rich history of buildings, churches and houses always fascinated her. “We all get to the place where we want to give something back and contribute,” said Allen.

According to Allen, she realized her dream to become an artist at an early age. After graduating from high school, Allen attended the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh where she graduated second in her class. She then worked as a fashion illustrator for 15 years, but decided to become a freelance artist in 1989 after her interest shifted to drawing house portraits for realtors.

From there, Allen continued to work in her home and is currently involved in drawing historic renderings for a gallery in Richmond.

Allen said she chose to work out of her home because of her strong commitment to her three children, Samuel, 6, Estee, 4, and Anne, 3, who she spends time with during the day while working on her sketches at night.

Allen added that she enjoys sharing the city’s history with her children because it is worthwhile to preserve.

When Allen sits down to draw, she said she likes to imagine what it was like living in that era and collects every detail related to the subject, including taking her own photographs. “I like to enjoy every line,” added Allen.

One detail that is missing from Allen’s Gibson House sketch, however, is the original front door and window. According to Allen, she did not have any photographs showing the two features prior to completing the sketch. And if is ever able to obtain a photograph, she assures that she will put the finishing touches on the sketch.

With three of six sketches completed, Allen plans to release her fourth one this spring that will feature the West Penn Orange Trolley. “Trolley’s have a universal appeal,” said Hechler.

As plans continue to develop for Connellsville’s bicentennial in 2006, Allen said she is looking forward to helping mark the event with a final print that celebrates the city’s overall history.

Anyone wishing to purchase a print can contact the historical society at 724-628-5640. The cost of a print is $26.50.