At Toy’s Landscape Company, we’re proud to be a small part of Armstrong County’s history! We were recently honored to play a role in a historic installation at the McCain House Museum in Kittanning. The museum was selected as the host for the “Echoes of Armstrong” replica Liberty Bell, decorated by local artist Cathy Strate.
Crafting a Historic Foundation
Our crews were tasked with building an updated front to house this piece of art. To keep the project authentic to the region, we cleaned and used Johnetta Bricks salvaged from the old Kittanning Train Station to construct the paver pad and front landing.
We also added low-voltage paver lights to accent the bell, ensuring it can be enjoyed by visitors at any hour of the day. It was a privilege to blend our landscaping expertise with the historic preservation of Armstrong County.
Did You Know? (Fun Facts)
- The Original “Silent” Bell: The original Liberty Bell in Philadelphia hasn’t been rung since 1846. Our “Echoes of Armstrong” bell serves as a vibrant tribute to our county’s future!
- The Power of Johnetta Bricks: The Johnetta Brick and Coal Company was a major local employer in the early 1900s. By using these bricks, we are literally building on the foundation of Kittanning’s industrial history.
Special thanks to Donna Weckerly Photography and Tyler Woodside of the Armstrong County Historical Museum/Genealogical Society for letting us take part in this incredible project.
