Curators/Caretakers

Paul F. Kennedy 2016 to Present

Lead Docent: Margaret “Peg” Derfler, Pittsburgh Chapter, NSDAR 

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James Halttunen, 2014 to 2016


Emily Weaver, 2011-2014


Kelly Linn, 2005-2011


Franklin LaCava, 2001-2004


Eugene Churma, 1985-2001


Paul Herrmann, 1983-1985


George Parkas

George Parkas

George Parkas, 1964-1984
Husband of Iva Parkas. Last caretaker to live in Caretaker’s Lodge prior to its demolition in March 1966.


Harry H. Uplinger

Harry H. Uplinger

Harry H. Uplinger, 1959-1964
Shared role of caretaker with wife, Bertha. Retired in 1964 owing to construction of Point State Park and proposed demolition of Caretaker’s Lodge.


Marie Mowery, 1952-1959


Iva Richey Parkas

Iva Richey Parkas

Iva Richey Parkas, 1946-1952
With a teaching degree in history, she moved from Texas after marrying Pittsburgher, George Parkas. She became a member of the Pittsburgh Chapter NSDAR in December 1973, eventually serving as its regent.


Mary Lipps McClelland Buchanan Beck

Mary Lips McClelland
Buchanan Beck

 

Mary Lips McClelland – Buchanan – Beck, 1919-1946
Originally serving as a housekeeper to James Bruckner, she eventually became the caretaker of the Block House. Married three times, she was known throughout Pittsburgh as “Aunt Molly.” She died in the Block House yard as a result of a stroke on July 4, 1946.


James Bruckner, 1912-1919
Civil War veteran. Census records list his occupation as “Janitor at Public Building”.


Mary & Edward McGonigal, 1911-1912
Referred to as “curator” in 1911 newspaper, Mary McGonigal was a niece of Mary Golden and had helped at the Block House prior to Mary Golden’s death.


Anthony Manson, 1911
Special Guard for 3 months.


Mary Golden

Mary Golden

Mary Golden, 1904-1911
Wife of Matthew Golden, she assumed curator/custodian position after Matthew’s death in 1904. She remained at her original home until the DAR constructed the Caretaker’s Lodge on Penn Avenue in 1905. Mary Golden sadly committed suicide in the Caretaker’s Lodge on July 4, 1911. Edith Ammon of the Pittsburgh Chapter DAR was appointed as guardian of Mary’s daughter, also named Mary.


Matthew Golden, 1894-1904
First curator/custodian of the Block House. He lived in the Point District in a house that straddled the Block House property line. He passed away in 1904 leaving behind his wife, Mary, and their daughter.