This booklet, a first of its kind, is an amateur attempt to depict the history of Vanport. The committee's main objective is to help Vanport residents know what a grand and wonderful town they have and to, as it so justly deserves, "put Vanport on the map.,' We hope others will, in the future, print other editions and improve on ours.
Our club members have worked hard to promote Vanport. We were instrumental in setting up the "Poison Control Center" in Rochester Hospital; have made donations to our Volunteer Fire Department; given to the needy in town; supplied happiness to the elderly at Christmas; donated many needed items to Van Buren Homes, including a flag for the flagpole; donated a flagpole to the township building for the Memorial; cleaned up some blighted areas with a "Beautification of Vanport" drive with the assistance of the National Guard from their base in Coraopolis (who with our letter drive assistance is still stationed there); through donations, the members planted flowers and distributed pine trees to residents to beautify Vanport. And the members are continuing to attend civic meetings in many areas, fighting causes of Vanport children and residents.
To those who read this booklet, we say, keep up the good work, push forward and most of all be proud! Our grandchildren will appreciate what we do today.
It has been an honor to serve as president of the Van Buren Women's Club, especially at the time of our nation's 200th Birthday. I'm proud to have been an instrument in promoting Vanport. I personally feel very proud to be a homeowner and long time resident and will be, as long as I live. Thank you for the privilege.
MRS. JOHN J. BATKO, SR.
Booklet committee members and long time homeowners and residents of Vanport who compiled the information for this book, much from their own memory and experiences are: Mrs. Emma Brock, Mrs. Mae Hogue, Mrs. Margaret Lotz and Mrs. Florence Hays. Vanport is a "special place" to them also.
OFFICERS 1974 - 76
Mrs. John J. Batko, Sr . President
Mrs. Clarence Black Vice President
Mrs. Jack Reich Treasurer
Mrs. James Kuhn Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. Wayne Bundy Recording Secretary
Mrs. Dan Marinkovich Assistant Recording Secretary
We all wish to express our gratitude to the merchants and to all the people who had faith in our projects for their donations, advice and considerations.