Got a reason to make a quick trip back home to Mon City. Ron Paglia is addressing the Monongahela Area Historical Society at the annual banquet Thursday October 23 on the topic of my father, Floyd M. France, who worked at The Daily Republican beginning as a copy boy while he was still in school and ultimately becoming the managing editor for 43 years. Ron will also be speaking about Peter Bickford, born in Bristol, England, who immigrated to America with his parents when he was a youngster and graduated from MHS in 1939. Upon graduation Peter, a gifted writer, assumed the sports editor job at The Daily Republican. When World War II broke out Peter became a pilot of a Lancaster bomber for the Royal Canadian Air Force. There followed a very poignant communication from Peter stationed in England to my Dad …. well, that’s enough info for now as I don’t want to spoil Ron’s talk by revealing too much. I’m joining the MAHS and plan to be in attendance for the banquet. Would be nice to see some Mon City friends there!!
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 00:15:40 +0000