Stiver Presents at Williamsburg Library

A few months ago, 16-year-old Kevin Stiver of Bellwood presented his first book, "Glen White PA: The Town That Was Forgotten in the Allegheny Mountains," to a crowd at the Williamsburg Public Library. 

This past Thursday evening, he was invited back for their fall edition of the Thursday Book Chats with local historians and local authors.

 "Kevin was definitely one of our more popular speakers, and with his second book, we definitely wanted to have him back," Williamsburg Head Librarian Roane Lytle said.

Stiver released "Overcoming the Alleghenies" in the summer. Stiver, besides being a student, was also a tour guide for Baker Mansion over the summer, "I enjoyed doing that," he said. 

Stiver's book was dedicated to Fred Long – a local historian who influenced the Railroaders' Museum, Fort Roberdeau, and the Blair County Historical Society. Stiver said he began researching the topic in November of 2023 and reached the end in August of this year.

 The book chronicles the Kittanning Trail leading up to the PRR, the Allegheny Portage Railroad and the historic Horseshoe Curve. Stiver also talked about the importance of the canal system which is what really kickstarted the town of Williamsburg.