When I mention something in this column that is historic in nature, I usually make a point of ensuring that the info is accurate. Last week, however, my husband questioned whether or not transistor radios were actually available in the late 1950s.

He remembers that it was a popular Christmas gift in 1962, the year he received his own portable radio, joining other nine-year-olds at Webster Elementary who already had one. Although these radios were first sold in 1954, it most likely took a while for them to make it to mainstream rural PA. So, with that, I stand corrected. For those of us who were around in ’58, we probably listened to Elvis on a radio that was more the size of a breadbox.

And speaking of accuracy, I was informed that Rosemary Rymsza, Montgomery Mayor Onufrak’s mother-in-law, was the one who first initiated the volunteer weeding project downtown.

Congratulations to 13-year-old David Brauning, of Montgomery, who recently earned a five-year national pin and certificate in the 2009 National Guild of Piano Teachers Audition.

LOCAL EVENTS:

Saturday, Aug 29, Trinity United Church of Christ in Watsontown will hold a peach festival at 4 p.m. Chicken barbecue, peach pies and other foods will be available. The McNeil Band is playing at 7 p.m. For more info, call 412-0621.

Saturday, August 29, a pig roast and poker run will be held to benefit the Larry Cott Memorial Fund at the Montgomery Carnival Grounds. For more info, call 649-5126 or 547-6462.

Tuesday, September 9, 6 p.m., the Susquehanna Writer’s Guild will meet at the J.V. Brown Library book discussion room, located in the lower level at the bottom of the stairs when you enter the library on State Street (east side of the building). All interested writers are welcome to join us at our new location. If you have something that you have written and would like members to critique, please bring 10-15 copies. Meeting will end at 8 p.m. sharp.

Saturday, Sept. 12, IFL Car wash and bake sale will be held at the Clinton Township Fire Hall.

Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 12 13, Civil War Living History Weekend held at Montgomery Carnival grounds. Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, followed by drills, a fashion show, and medical demonstrations. Sunday will feature a church service, ordnance presentation, and a court martial. Refreshments will be available, provided by the Montgomery Area Historical Society and the Eagle Grange #1.

Saturday, Sept. 12, the Watsontown United Methodist Church, 11 E. Third St., Watsontown, will hold an Italian meat loaf dinner beginning at 4 p.m. For more info, call 538-1017.

Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m., the Montgomery Area Historical Society will meet at the Grange Hall, Route 15. The featured speaker will be Robert Webster, who will discuss the history of local gristmills. The public is invited to attend.

Coming up in October: Stephen Huddy and Paul Metzger, members of the Montgomery Area Historical Society, will present “Alvira and the Ordnance” at the Elimsport United Methodist Church on Sunday evening, October 4, at 6:30 p.m. and at the Pine Street Methodist Church in Williamsport for their “Friday Night Club” on October 16.