It is a wonderful thing when people come together.

It is especially wonderful when people from different countries come together.

John Owen Jones and Steve Todd, from Pontardawe, Wales, in the United Kingdom, reached out to Catasauqua Main Streets to express an interest in becoming a Sister City with the borough.

Then, they planned a trip to see Catasauqua and learn more about the rich history of the area and Catasauqua’s connection to David Thomas, the father of the American anthracite iron industry and a native of the country of Wales. Thomas changed the course of history for both the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Our towns are a similar size with similar amenities, face similar challenges and have a very similar history and heritage,” Jones said. “Even our local swimming pool is being closed due to age.”

Jones added he was interested in the borough’s Iron Works project.

“It really could put your town on the world map,” Jones said. “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.”

This Sister City connection highlights a positive influence. Jones even noted both cities have a love of music, as shown by the many performances in the Catasauqua area.

A flag-raising ceremony was held featuring representatives from Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association, Catasauqua Main Streets, the David Thomas Mansion, Mayor Barbara Schlegel, borough Manager Glenn Eckhart and state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th. The ceremony at the David Thomas Mansion was brief but meaningful.

Kim Brubaker, one of the organizers of the initiative and Catasauqua Main Streets president, pointed out the positive impact of this for the community. She said both towns have a “small-town mentality.”

She also said the strong interest in the Iron Works and iron history of Catasauqua binds these two cities together.

Jones and Todd were also involved in several other notable events, such as a pub crawl including the Biery House Tavern, a tour of the Lockridge Furnace, a tour of the slate district in Slatington, which was founded by the Welsh, and the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence at the George Taylor House July 4.

“It’s wonderful to have this tie to Pontardawe, Wales,” Brubaker said. “We hope to be friends for years to come.”