Miss Ohio to entertain at Niles Heritage Day

Miss Ohio will autograph pictures and answer questions.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Local royalty will grace the 20th anniversary of Niles Heritage Day.
Amanda Beagle, a Howland resident who was recently crowned Miss Ohio, will entertain this year's crowds with her vocal talents.
"She belongs to the Miss America Pageant now, but we are lucky enough to have her that day," said Audrey John, a member of the Niles Historical Society.
Heritage Day is set for 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1 on the grounds of the Ward-Thomas Museum, 503 Brown St. The event is free and open to the public. Tours of the Ward-Thomas Museum are available for $5 for adults, $2 for students and free for children 5 and younger.
Beagle, the daughter of Gerald and Anna Marie (Russo) Beagle of Howland, will also autograph pictures and answer questions from the public. She will appear at Heritage Day from 2-3 p.m.
Also scheduled to appear at Heritage Day is Joe Latessa, better known as Little Joe, who will play honky-tonk piano. He will perform in the gazebo.
June Kavoric of Cortland will display some of her handmade quilts. Other forms of needle crafts will also be on display.
Other displays
John said several displays will also be open for tours throughout Heritage Day. The Westenfield Room currently has a large display of war memorabilia.
Items from the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War and Vietnam are showcased, including scrapbooks from various servicemen and books published by the Niles Times with pictures of all who served in the armed forces during World War II.
Various service medals, including a Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Star, are on display courtesy of Ron Wilkerson.
The Historical Society owns and operates the Ward-Thomas Museum and sponsors Heritage Day. The summer festivities date back to 1984, when the organization took part in the city's sesquicentennial celebrations.
Refreshments will be available for purchase, and several other activities for the entire family are planned, including a clown and face painting.
All proceeds from Heritage Day benefit the museum's operating fund, John said.
For more information, call the Niles Historical Society office at (330) 544-2143 or (330) 652-5927.
slshaulis@vindy.com