Eagle Scout restores Tarentum landmark, preserving local history for America’s 250th anniversary

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, one local teenager has left his mark on history.

Ashby Stauber, 14, of West Deer recently completed the restoration of Tarentum’s Orr Blockhouse replica as his Eagle Scout service project.

It preserves one of the borough’s most recognizable historical landmarks while commemorating both the nation’s semiquincentennial and the 50th anniversary of the replica’s construction.

Although Ashby still must complete his Eagle Scout Board of Review and final paperwork this fall before officially earning Scouting’s highest rank, the restoration project is finished after months of planning, fundraising and volunteer work.

“I think this project will benefit the community by inspiring people to help clean up their community and learn more about the history that is in their backyards,” Ashby said. “My desired outcome is to have a nice area for the people of Tarentum to relax, learn and enjoy their community.”

The Orr Blockhouse commemorates a frontier fortification built by Capt. James Orr in 1783 near the mouth of Bull Creek following his return to Southwestern Pennsylvania after being held captive in Montreal.

Orr raised a company to defend settlers on the Pennsylvania frontier, constructing a blockhouse that served as protection during a turbulent period in the region’s history.

The replica standing today near the mouth of Bull Creek was built in 1976 and has become a recognizable landmark along Tarentum’s riverfront. A historical marker in Riverview Memorial Park also commemorates the original blockhouse.

For Ashby, the project was the perfect combination of two lifelong interests: local history and Scouting.

“I have always enjoyed 18th century and local history since I was little,” he said. “I volunteer at the Depreciation Lands Museum, an 18th-century village in Allison Park. For my project, I wanted to do something that focused on history and also commemorate the 250th anniversary of America.”

The idea came from his former history teacher, Steve Kubicko, who suggested restoring the aging structure because of both its historical significance and its need for repairs.

“It required a lot of communication and planning that started back in January in order for work to begin in May,” Ashby said.

Before work could begin, Ashby had to secure approval from Tarentum Borough officials and his Boy Scout district board.

“It involved time and preparation, but it gave me a good start for planning and organizing.”

Once approved, the work became a lesson in leadership.

Ashby coordinated donated materials, organized multiple workdays and led dozens of volunteers. The project included removing vandalism, patching holes, repainting the entire structure and improving the landscaping around the blockhouse.

The effort has totaled about 152 volunteer hours — and counting.

He is working with local historian Jim Bonner to install an interpretive sign explaining the history of the Orr Blockhouse near the site. Ashby said there is also discussion of holding a community event recognizing both America’s 250th anniversary and the replica’s 50th anniversary.

None of it would have happened without community support, he said.

“This project involved the help of numerous community members and volunteers that included fellow scouts, adults in the troop, family members and friends.”

His mother, Shana Stauber, watched the project become a culmination of nearly a decade in Scouting.

“Scouting has had such a positive impact on Ashby since he was in first grade,” she said. “His Eagle Scout Project is definitely a culmination of the leadership, service to others, resilience and independence he has learned through his Scouting experiences.”

She said her role was to encourage rather than direct.

“I have been there to guide and support Ashby along the way,” she said. “The project at times needed Ashby to practice with communication and meeting deadlines, and I have been there for tips, encouragement and reassurance. I feel just being a close positive support in this process has been helpful to him.

“Ashby has been the planner in the project,” she said.

David Hazlett, the project’s Eagle Scout coach, said the experience demonstrated the leadership expected of Eagle Scout candidates.

“I have known Ashby for four years since he advanced from the Cub Scout level to the Troop level,” Hazlett said.

Hazlett has worked with Ashby in Scouting for four years. His role in Ashby’s project included providing support, helping him organize the process, working on the project himself and providing some tools.

Hazlett said he has helped Eagle Scout candidates complete projects since 1997.

Ashby, a member of Troop 653 in West Deer, has been involved in Scouting for nine years.

For him, the project represents more than earning Eagle Scout rank.

By restoring a landmark tied to Tarentum’s earliest history, he hopes future visitors will take time to appreciate the stories preserved along the banks of the Allegheny River.

The restoration was made possible through donations and support from A.J. Vater & Co., which supplied paint; Boddorf; Tarentum Public Works; Harvest Moon Coffee and Chocolates; Allegheny Lumber and Supply Co.; Eureka Fire-Rescue; and numerous community volunteers who contributed their time and expertise.