Washington at the Point, 1753
by John Buxton

“Washington at the Point, 1753”
For September we have chosen a favorite of ours due to its historical significance relative to our own back yard. During the winter of 1753, young George Washington laid his eyes on what is now Western Pennsylvania for the first time. He was 21 years old and had recently attained the rank of Major in the Virginia Militia.

John Buxton, one of the most respected elite historical painters in the nation, created the original oil painting. He enjoyed a successful illustration career of 31 years before becoming a full-time historical painter. John Buxton was also a native of western Pennsylvania.

In December 2003, the Frame-Up & Gallery joined other Main Street Specialty Shops with its grand opening.  The business at 60 West High Street occupies the storefront that was the Purman Bank in the late 1800’s and then, in the 1920’s, was the home of Waynesburg’s first Telephone Company.  The building, owned by William Thomas and Ewing Pollock, was recently sold to Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful our local non-profit organization dedicated to the historic preservation of downtown.

The proprietor, John McCall, spent his working career in Industrial Management positions; however, his second love became that of custom picture framing.  While working in St. Louis, Missouri, John befriended an individual that owned two frame shops in the City.  He quickly picked up the basics and soon it became more than just a hobby.  Because he was used to working on projects that did not come to fruition for long periods of time, custom framing a piece of art to John meant “instant gratification”.

In the early 80’s John returned to Waynesburg to assume the position of Borough Manager and also opened “Samuel P.Hoopers” a frame shop located in the lobby of the Fort Jackson Hotel.  Later, he moved to Tennessee to assume another “real job” but then returned again, eight years later, to retire and place his “more than a hobby” into a business.  Now partnering with Susan Stoy, they dedicate their creative talents to those art interests of the area.

John is active in the Professional Picture Framer’s Association.  He has the most up to date equipment available and is constantly interested in developing new skills that are readily shared in his industry.  10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday are his hours but, chances are, you will find them there just about any hour, enjoying, instant gratification.

Visit the Frame Up and Gallery at:
60 West High Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370
724-627-0552
Cell: 724-998-7692
Email: theframeup@windstream.net
Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Call to make an appointment to meet after normal business hours.