Lou Bruno

MIDLAND, Pa. — Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center will present the All-Midland Reunion and Historical Exhibit during the Fourth of July holiday weekend in Alumni Hall at 10th Street at Beaver Avenue in Midland on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 3, 4, and 5.

The exhibit will be open between noon and 7 p.m. each day. Admission is free, but donations to help defray the cost of preserving the historical pieces will be accepted. The three-day event is part of Beaver County Celebrates America250.

The All-Midland Reunion and Historical Exhibit welcomes all current and former residents of Midland and the tri-state area along with alumni of the former Midland Lincoln High School. The exhibit will feature rare photographs, memorabilia, artifacts including some from the archives of the former Crucible Steel Company of America, MHS’ State Championship trophies, a vast collection of newspaper articles mounted on poster boards, and now-digitized movies that date back nearly a century that will run continuously on the Alumni Hall video screens.

At the event on Sunday, July 5, at 1:30 p.m., Midland native Lou Bruno, author of “The Love of San Demetrio” takes us on a journey from Midland to Italy and back. Reviewing this true story, Primo Magazine’s Truby Chiaviello writes: “Bruno’s writing paints vivid pictures of both the Italian village and the American steel town. His descriptions of growing up in Midland during the 1960’s and 70’s are particularly compelling, capturing the essence of a community shaped by hard work, resilience, and patriotism. Readers will find themselves immersed in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the era, fostering a deep connection to the characters and their experiences.”

Bruno’s presentation will include excerpts from the chapter titled “Growing up in Midland,” as well as his time in Italy titled “A Drive to San Demetrio – A Walk Down Midland Avenue.” Afterwards, he will be available to sign books, with all proceeds being donated to Lincoln Park’s historical display preservation efforts.

2026 is a significant year as the Borough of Midland is celebrating the 120th anniversary of its founding. 2026 also marks 40 years since the closing of Midland’s Lincoln High School and Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, recognized as the crown jewel of the community’s resurgence and is Beaver County’s top tourism destination, commemorating its 20th year of existence.

About Lou Bruno

After graduating from Midland High School in 1973, Bruno went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Houston Christian University. He had a 43-year career in Sales Management with the Procter & Gamble Company. Bruno and his wife Adele have seven children, 12 grandchildren and counting, and reside in Central Florida.