Van Buren Homes, Inc., a cooperative housing
venture, was purchased from
the United States government in 1955 by a number of respectable
and responsible individuals who had the foresight of owning their
homes and developing a new community.
Over the years, Van Buren Homes, Inc., has transformed a marshland into a recreation park of great beauty. There are numerous playgrounds for the children.
Van Buren Homes, Inc. takes pride in civic awareness and sponsors Scout Troop 488, Van Buren Men's Club, Van Buren Women's Club, Van Buren Junior Women's Cluub and the Van Buren Civic Club.
Van Buren Homes also donates their facilities for local school, scout and youth activities.
Van Buren Homes, Inc. is a fiscally responsible corporation which pays yearly taxes of approximately $60,000.00. The members of Van Buren Homes, Inc. represent a cross section of all walks of life and all trades and occupations.
Van Buren Homes today is the fulfillment of the hopes of the original members in 1955.
Van Buren Homes, Inc. is proud to be a part of Vanport Township and to participate in the Bi-Centennial Celebration.
December 7, 1941 ... Pearl Harbor is bombed and all America thrown into a frenzy of war preparation.
Beaver Valley was no exception, and as our industrial plants expanded and new ones were built, families streamed into the county to fill newly created jobs. The result was an unbelievable housing shortage. The federal government agreed to build homes for middle income war workers who were unable to find housing. So it was, that approximately 161/3 acres of land was purchased in Vanport Township, running for 1/2- mile along the upper bank of the Ohio River. In 1942 the development, named in honor of previous Indian inhabitants, Tamaqui Village was opened.
The first residents moved in long before the landscaping had a chance to flourish. There were 29 buildings providing 125 town house units.
August 23, 1975 was a day of rejoicing for the families residing here. The mortgage was paid and the celebration held that day included the mortgage burning, picnicing, music, games and dancing.
The business of the corporation is run by a nine member board of directors, elected at the annual meeting each June. The original board members were John Grad, George Herzog, Roberta Holt, Charles Loll, Calvin Dunlap, John Holland, Warren Hall, Patsy Pirilla and Harry Johnson. Three of these members and their families, who came as early war workers, are still in residence. In fact, many of the families who came as early war workers are still in residence.
The 1976-77 board members are James Frey, Jay Harper, Robert Bogovich, George Davidson, Logan Simpson, Elmer Kunsman, William Bliss, John Swartzwelder and Joseph Sassic.
Over the thirty-four years of its existence, both as a war project and as a private corporation, Tamaqui Village has provided a good place to live for its people. Babies have been born, people have died, men and women have found employment, children have grown to adulthood, and each have contributed to the local community in his own way.
The people of Tamaqui Village join the rest
of the nation in celebrating 200 years of freedom and progress,
and look forward to our third century with hope.