(Editor’s note: This is the first in a continuing column by Catasauqua Main Streets.)

Catasauqua Main Streets received a very surprising message on Facebook from a man named John Owen Jones, from Pontardawe, Wales, UK. He states:

“I love reading about Catasauqua and how you are attempting to preserve your heritage and make something of it. Pontardawe - “Ponty” for short - is a town in Wales, UK, and has some interesting and uncanny parallels.

“Our towns are similarly sized, with similar amenities, and facing very similar challenges, and have a very similar history and heritage. Even our local swimming pool is being closed, due to age, and will have to be demolished within two years, discussions ongoing about replacement.

“David Thomas - yes, Catty’s David Thomas - was born on a farm on the outskirts of our town and first went to school here in Alltwen. His iron works history is fairly well documented. It is through researching his life and putting together an exhibition entitled ‘In David Thomas’ footsteps,’ which depicts his life journey from a boy on a Welsh farmstead, to the ‘Father of the American Anthracite Iron Industry,’ that I learned what I could about Catasauqua.

“He changed the course of the history of the anthracite iron industry, both in the UK and the U.S., and had an impact on the world. Ponty grew from the iron works here and the anthracite coal and iron ore found in the valley. A canal was built to transport the goods and raw materials, from the mines, to the iron works, and on to the port of Swansea. Some of the canal is now being restored and the towpath used for recreation. We value our canal and its important place in history.

“I have become very interested in your Iron Works project. It really could put your town on the world map. In my opinion, it is a site that is of world heritage importance. We here in Ponty are proud of our history and heritage. I see that in Catty as well.

“I also see so much in common in our townspeople. This battle between negativity for the future, opposed to the positivity. Pontardawe has a great history of performing live music, in our venues and outdoor, and I have seen how your town shares this love.

“There is a lot of opportunity for growing a trans-Atlantic connection and pursuing this idea of becoming a Sister City. Us Welsh are definitely going to visit your town, retracing the footsteps of David Thomas. I believe there is a lot to be gained for both our towns and its people. Keep up the hard work. Perseverance is key - in our Welsh language, ‘Iechyd dda!’”

Fun facts:

• Did you know the state of Pennsylvania was nearly named New Wales?

• Pennsylvania has the most Welsh descendants than any other state.

• Pennsylvania is home to a cemetery with more Welsh graves than anywhere else in the world, outside of Wales.

• David Thomas, born in Alltwen, became known as the Father of the American Anthracite Iron Industry.

• David Thomas attracted a lot of Welsh immigrants to follow him in his footsteps and make Catasauqua their home.

***

Citizens from another country can see the value of our Iron Works site and its importance in our unique heritage. We welcome and embrace this new and exciting connection.

Follow along on the Catasauqua Main Streets and the Pontardawe Heritage & Visitor Centre Facebook pages to find out more about how this story unfolds. Catasauqua Main Streets and the Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association will continue to partner with this group of like-minded citizens from Pontardawe to formalize our connection to become a Sister City.

Our committee’s mission is Revitalization through Art and Beautification. We hope to solidify the importance of this great site and encourage others to participate in preserving this part of Catasauqua’s history.

Want to get involved? Come to the Catasauqua Main Streets and HCPA’s upcoming volunteer events.

There is a community volunteer open house 6-8 p.m. April 4 at Taylor House Brewing, 76 Lehigh St. Learn more about how you can make a difference in the revitalization of our town!

A town and canal cleanup is planned for 9-11 a.m. April 22. Meet at borough hall, 90 Bridge St. We will need some volunteers to help clean up the canal and D&L Trail trailheads. Dress in fishing waders if you are going in.

Check the Catasauqua Main Streets Facebook page for more details on these events.