Old Versailles Township

Named for Versailles Palace in honor of the French allies during the American Revolution, Versailles Township was one of the original seven townships of Allegheny County. Wedged among the Monongahela, Youghiogheny, and Turtle Creek Valleys, the region was a prime spot for the growth of industrial, commercial, and residential plans. David L. Clark (creator of the Clark Candy Bar), Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, Rainbow Gardens, and Olympia Park were all products of the region that was Versailles Township. Inevitably, as the population grew, the Old Versailles Township split up into several smaller communities, including the Boroughs of East McKeesport, White Oak, Versailles, and the Townships of North and South Versailles.

Frank J. Kordalski Jr. is the archivist for the Allegheny Foothills Historical Society in Plum Borough and also serves on the Collections Committee of the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center. The McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center serves as the repository for historical items partially relating to the area covered in this book. Frank has been researching his genealogy for 20 years. Michael R. Kordalski, a recent criminal justice graduate from Penn State University, is also a history aficionado. In addition to sharing his brother's interest in their family history, Michael is also well versed in military history.