Dear Reader: We apologize for having not written for over 2 years. There are many more stories to tell. Soon, I will get back into the “groove” and write a little more often. But, for today we have a guest author….

In 1941 Aunt Oda was working hard to make herself ready to apply for American citizenship. She and 23 other people were classmates in a Citizenship class that met twice weekly at Clymer High School to learn the English language and the important principles of American citizenship. One class assignment was to write an essay on “The History of Clymer”. The members of the school board would serve as judges to select the two finalists in the contest.

The winning essay was submitted by Maria Oda Sgriccia. Her submission was in the form of a letter to her teacher and reads as follows:

Dear Mr. Trudeau:

I heard you remark more than once to us students, that you liked this town very much and if it were possible you would like to live here. I personally agree with you because it is a very nice town.

Today you asked us to write the history of Clymer, of course, I will find it very difficult considering a year ago I couldn’t write a word in English; but today I am fortunate to be able to read and write, thanks to you, Mr. Trudeau, and to the United States government. The following is my story of Clymer:

“Clymer, one of the largest coal towns in Indiana County, was founded by the Honorable Dixon Run Sand Company which established the town. In giving the town its name, it sought to honor one of the revolutionary patriots George Clymer. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and one of the framers of the Constitution, a member of congress under the newly organized government and an intimate friend of George Washington.

The streets of Clymer are also named by several signers of the Declaration of Independence such as Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Morris and Hancock. The population of Clymer is about 3,000.

Mining and brickworks are the main industries. We have several large stores equipped with modern ideas and fixtures. We also have churches of many denominations.

Our school system is classed as one of the best in the state. Our principal and teachers are all graduated with a college degree.

This is not all I know about Clymer but is about all I can write at present; but before I close I want to thank you, Mr. Trudeau, for what I know today it has made me a better citizen and a happier mother. Once again I am grateful to the United States Government that it made it possible for us to attend this citizenship school.

I hope that this brief story of Clymer, even though it’s incomplete, will prove to you that I really have worked hard to gather this little amount of information.“

Respectfully yours,

Oda Maria Sgriccia

We do not know what prize was presented to Aunt Oda but this appears to be quite an accomplishment.

A very brief bio: Maria Pia “Oda” Carsetti was born 18 Nov 1901 in Marcerata, Marche, Italy. She married Antonio “Tony” Sgriccia in 1928 and emigrated to the USA later that same year. Oda & Tony had 6 children. She made at least one trip back to Italy in 1959. She died in 1991 in Clymer.