Something I'm noting as I am going along through this J. S. Van Voorhis book (The Old & New Monongahela), is how much the peoples of the Monongahela Valley actually were inter-related and inter-acting over the years, even from the beginning. (Besides the deep religiousity of those who found, stayed and/or moved through these lands on their way west.) It appears that only in more recent decades that a competitive obstructive or resistive mentality developed instead of a cooperative one based on mutual common-ground linkage in things that would help all of us on both sides of the Monongahela River. This is found most profoundly in the athletics via regional teams, but in other aspects as well .... when, in some cases, it would be far better for our people here, and advisable in some cases, to find cooperation over some things. History can be a vehicle that moves many forward in the days, weeks, and years ahead. There have been some over the years who advocated forming up a separate county or even combine all river towns together because it would increase the population numbers and make the whole "as one" city or county more eligible for larger grants, etc. that could help serve our peoples here. Re-development based upon River Heritage Tourism is truly an industry that can help our Mid-Monongahela Valley rebuild and bring the opportunity for entrepreneurialism that will light up this Valley again for the futures of many. River life is uniquely different. During the times of this book, it was tremendously oriented to the River as it was the first viable mode of transportation, especially as a ways and means of "mass transit" in comparison to Indian foot paths. The people here married into and moved back and forth across as well as up and down the river as their lives unfolded. Some left and then returned and went on to build prosperous lives. It can be seen in many levels of history what happened here .... and what changed the economics of the area. How can we help our people here? Or anywhere for that matter? The adventureous American creative-entrepreneurial spirit is where it all begins .... . Much can be learned from the pages of history books. I am very thankful that we are not in a country wherein there is a Hitler who resorts to the burning of books in order to destroy its history in its pursuit to something else instead of foundational freedoms and opportunity. Multiple life-time's of education can be found, and it could only be a page away .... . nacs