In a significant step toward honoring local history, the Sewickley post office is on track to be renamed after the late Mary Elizabeth “Bettie” Cole, a revered Black borough historian and author. On December 10, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a unanimous vote to designate the facility at 521 Thorn St. as the Mary Elizabeth “Bettie” Cole Post Office Building.
The proposed legislation, known as H.R. 1461, will now move to the Senate for approval. Although it’s uncertain when senators will take action, and if it will eventually reach the President’s desk, the momentum behind the initiative underscores a growing recognition of Bettie Cole’s contributions to the community.
Outside the Quaker Valley area, Cole is perhaps best known for her 2000 book, “Their Story: The History of Blacks/African Americans in Sewickley & Edgeworth.” This important work spanned two decades of research and included over 100 interviews with local residents, providing invaluable insights into the African-American experience in the region.
Furthermore, much of this extensive research forms the backbone of a documentary film titled “Their Story,” which too digs into African-American history in Sewickley. Currently in post-production, the film is anticipated to be released next year, promising to further elevate Cole’s legacy.
The push for renaming the post office was led by U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio, a Democrat from Fox Chapel. Deluzio articulated the importance of post offices as public institutions, reflecting the community’s proud past. “Sewickley has a rich history, and community pillars like Mrs. Bettie Cole have been important to telling that shared story,” he said. He expressed pride in spearheading the renaming effort and gratitude to his colleagues for acknowledging Cole’s contributions.
A Brief History of Bettie Cole
Bettie Cole was born in Edgeworth on April 5, 1923, and relocated to Sewickley in 1939, graduating from Sewickley High School the following year. She started a family shortly after her graduation, marrying and having two daughters. Before dedicating herself to historical research and writing, she built a professional career at Point Park College, retiring in 1988 as the associate director of office services and director of the mailing department.
During her time at Point Park, Cole earned an associate’s degree in journalism and communications and became a charter member of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, a national honor society for part-time students. She was actively involved in her community as a long-time member of Triumph Baptist Church, the Hawthorne Club, and the Daniel B. Matthews Historical Society. Her accomplishments earned her recognition as Sewickley Woman of the Year in 1982, showcasing her impactful community service.
Beyond her seminal book “Their Story: Black History of Sewickley and Edgeworth,” Cole also co-authored “African Americans in Sewickley Valley” as part of the Images of America series. She passed away in January 2016 at the age of 92, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Local and Family Reaction
The response from Cole’s family and the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Her daughter, Gwen “Cole” Strickland of Penn Hills, reflected on her mother’s legacy and the transformative impact of the post office renaming. Strickland recounted her meeting with Deluzio, where she shared stories about her mother, leading to Deluzio’s proposal to rename the post office in her mother’s honor.
“If it doesn’t go through, myself, my family, and I are so honored that they even thought to honor my mother,” Strickland said. Her optimism about the legislation’s progress shines through as she continues to rally support from relatives and friends, expressing gratitude for the recognition of her mother’s hard work.
Strickland also mentioned her collaboration with Stratton Nash, a Quaker Valley School Board member and president of the Daniel B. Matthews Historical Society, in producing the documentary highlighting Cole’s contributions. Nash expressed his shock and elation upon learning about the proposed renaming, describing it as an acknowledgment of an individual deeply intertwined with the fabric of Sewickley’s history.
Nash shared that his mother, Mildred, was best friends with Cole, and their friendship back in the day was indicative of the community ties that anchored Sewickley. He reflected on Cole’s extensive involvement in the community and how it is fitting for her legacy to be honored in such a public manner.
In closing, while the journey to officially rename the Sewickley post office is still underway, the momentum surrounding Bettie Cole’s recognition reflects a broader understanding of the value of local history and the contributions of individuals who shape their communities.
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