Local history buff dies
CONNELLSVILLE – William “Bill” Balsley reveled when he was asked a question about a landmark or a historic event tied to his beloved hometown of Connellsville. His knowledge of the city’s past was expansive and if he immediately did not have the answer, somewhere in his vast collections of photographs, documents and other memorabilia it would eventually be found.
The man who was known to many as “Mr. Connellsville,” died early Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Karen Hechler, Connellsville Area Historical Society president, met Balsley in December 1970 at the inaugural meeting of the organization.
“He was enthusiastic and excited,” said Hechler. “He reeled me in immediately; I was already interested in history and wanted to learn all the wonderful things that he knew.”
Their more than 35-year friendship and shared interest in history allowed her to do just that, she said.
Hechler said that Balsley’s greatest achievement was the construction of the Col. Crawford Cabin on the banks of the Youghiogheny River.
“To Bill, that plot of land is one of the most historic spots in western Pennsylvania,” she said. “He worked hard to make sure that piece of land was ours because that is where Col. Crawford’s cabin was located and so many other historic events took place in that area.
“It was his baby; something he was very proud of.”
Balsley, too, loved to share his knowledge about the railroads and streetcars; industries, churches, the characters and events that were part of Connellsville’s history, said Hechler.
“He was a talker and people loved to hear him talk,” she said. “He had so many stories.”
Many of his stories were documented in the Herald-Standard “Let’s Talk Connellsville” column co-authored by Balsley and Hechler.
“Bill had the chance to share his wealth of information through those columns,” she said.
Sally Hughes, Balsley’s daughter, said her father was talking about Connellsville up until his final moments.
“Up until the end he was talking about Connellsville,” she said. “He loved Connellsville.”
Balsley, 90, was born and raised in Connellsville and a 1934 graduate of Connellsville High School.
“His father was a carpenter and built many of the homes in the city,” said Hughes. “That’s one of the reasons he knew so much about the different homes.”
After attending Penn State University, he served in the U.S. Army and taught radar courses to members of the military in Europe during World War II.
Balsley remained in the U.S. Army Reserves after returning home and took a position with West Penn Power Co. where he retired after 42 years as the superintendent of technical services.
His electronic and technology background, said Hughes, made for an interesting home life for her and her sister, Barbara.
“Our holidays were so special,” she said. “At Halloween, we didn’t have a pumpkin with a candle; he had to wire it with electricity.
“I remember him coming to us while we were coloring in our coloring books and telling us to put the books away and draw our own pictures to color.
“He wanted us to think for ourselves.”
Hughes said her father also instilled the need to be civic-minded.
“He was always involved in the community,” she said. “He took pride in his community.
“If he saw something wasn’t right, he took measures to make it right.”
In addition to being the founder of the Connellsville Historical Society, Balsley served as a board member of the Connellsville Chamber of Commerce, the Connellsville Airport Authority and Carnegie Free Library.
He was an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Trinity Lutheran Church, Connellsville Lions Club and King Solomon’s Lodge 346 F & AM along with other organizations.
His active participation in community organizations brought him numerous recognitions through the years, said Hughes.
In 1992, he received the 22nd District Congressional Award for Distinguished Service and Dedication and in 1994 was the recipient of the Connellsville Community Ambulance Service Award.
When he was not taking part in community activities, Balsley spent time conversing with others on his HAM radio.
“Up until recently every Thursday, for 66 years, he would talk to his Army buddies,” said Hughes.
One of his most memorable moments, said Hughes, came this past spring when he was named as honorary grand marshal of the Connellsville Bicentennial Parade.
“It was the last day he was in Connellsville,” she said. “He loved riding in the Model T Ford and having everyone cheering and waving as he rode down the street.”
Judy Keller, parade chairman, said it was an honor to have Balsley participate in the event.
“The city has lost a fine man,” she said.
Harry Porter, a member of the Connellsville Area Historical Society, said that Balsley’s knowledge of the area was remarkable.
“We lost a real gem,” said Porter. “When you wanted to know something about Connellsville, Bill was the person you went to.”
Porter said that Balsley had turned over many artifacts he has collected over the years to the historical society that will be featured at the Gibson House, the new society location.
“He was a good man and he will be missed by many,” he said.
Hughes, meanwhile, believes her father’s love for his community will be remembered.
“In life you leave your footprints; your legacy,” she said. “He left very large footprints.”