Local engineer designs historical maps of area
A native of Uniontown, Robert Adamovich grew up looking at the mountains that he now calls home with his wife, Sharon. Adamovich, 50, of Jumonville Road works as an engineer in bridge designing for S.P.K. Engineering in Uniontown and also does architectural design part time, specializing in traditional and rustic styles.
“That would be enough for most people, but I have this absolute love of history, particularly the French and Indian War,’ he said.
So much so that Adamovich can trace his own land’s history back to that time period. He is a board member of the Braddock Road Preservation Association and has worked as a volunteer portraying living history. He will also appear in a new film by Robert Matzen, a sequel to “When the Forest Ran Red’ called “George Washington’s First War.’
Several friends encouraged Adamovich to combine his talent for drawing with his love of history.
“I decided to start with graphic images first. I decided to do a map and it’s been extremely well received,’ said Adamovich, noting he has received attention in several regional newspapers and has lined up several personal appearances.
They included participation in the Sen. John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center’s recent Frontier Festival, working with his friend artist John Buxton of Allison Park, who is well known for his work in this genre.
“He’s given me a lot of support,’ said Adamovich.
Among his upcoming appearances, Adamovich is scheduled to be a presenter for the Ligonier Valley Historical Society in August and the Braddock Road Preservation Association’s annual French and Indian War seminar in November.
Adamovich is delighted with the public’s interest.
“To have this knowledge and be afforded an opportunity to talk with people about it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,’ he said.
Adamovich also is looking forward to the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War, which will be celebrated beginning in 2004. The war started in Fayette County.
Like others who are enthusiasts of the French and Indian War, Adamovich is preparing for the influx of visitors expected to begin traveling to the area during the anniversary, but he looks forward to keeping up interest in the subject even after the anniversary has passed.
“We want to get excitement up and keep it going,” he said.
In an attempt to generate some interest, Adamovich will offer visitors to the Christian W. Klay Winery in Chalk Hill on Sunday a chance to view this area from another point in time.
Adamovich’s 18th century-influenced “A Map of West Pennsylvania’ will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. in limited edition prints, with the artist appearing for a special signing session.
“It’s an opportunity to make an impact in terms of history and art,’ Adamovich said of the project, which offers a graphic look at western Pennsylvania during the 1770s in a handsome pen-and-ink drawing.
Adamovich explained this is accomplished in offset lithography in a limited edition of 200 with 30 artist’s proofs also available.
In addition, part of the proceeds will be donated to charity.
“I love animals, as does my family,’ said Adamovich, who has two daughters: Jennifer of Morgantown, W.Va., and Melissa at home. “So we will donate $5 for every print and $10 for every artist’s proof to the Fayette Friends of Animals.’
Adamovich is reluctant to put too many details of the project in print. He prefers the description that is circulating on flyers to announce his appearance at the winery:
“The most recent creation of historical artist Robert Adamovich titled ‘A Map of West Pennsylvania’ captures that moment in time when the colonial presence was evident but the frontier was not yet settled. Drawn by using the actual techniques and instruments of that time period, the artist has created an image based upon historical research, interpretation, actual present day field observations and reference materials as documented on the image itself.’
Adamovich added, “I can explain how the map is made, techniques and principles from the time period.’