Where Our Story Began: Honoring 75 Years of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation

Bill Conrad and Jake Meyer, both recognized with Emeritus status, were instrumental in the establishment of the Elk County Community Foundation in 2000. Their leadership and vision helped lay the groundwork for the organization, with early financial support from the Stackpole-Hall Foundation.

Stackpole-Hall Foundation 75th Anniversary Tree Presentation- Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation, presents a commemorative certificate to representatives of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation in celebration of its 75th anniversary. ECCF donated a tree through the Shade Tree Commission in honor of Stackpole-Hall's longstanding generosity, leadership, and commitment to the Elk County community.

The Stackpole-Hall Foundation's current Board of Trustees includes Alexander Sheble-Hall, Chairman; William C. Conrad; Heather L. Conrad; Francis Grandinetti; Megan Hall; Frank Kaul; Richard Masson; William J. Olson; Devon Turner-Riley; Rory Sheble-Hall; Beatrice D. Terbovich; and Laurey S. Turner.

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For 75 years, the Stackpole-Hall Foundation has played an important role in strengthening Elk County through philanthropy, community leadership, and a commitment to future generations.

Established in 1951, the Foundation has supported countless organizations, programs, and initiatives that have improved the lives of individuals and families throughout the region. As the Stackpole-Hall Foundation celebrates this remarkable milestone, the Elk County Community Foundation is proud to recognize an organization whose generosity and vision helped make its own establishment possible.

The idea of creating a community foundation in Elk County developed through nearly a decade of conversations, research, and planning among community leaders who believed in establishing a permanent charitable resource for the area.

William C. Conrad, former Executive Director of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation, reflected on those beginnings in the Foundation's 2001 Annual Report. He explained that a committee of community leaders, including individuals associated with Stackpole-Hall, determined that Elk County could support a community foundation.

Conrad also credited Jake Meyer as a driving force behind the vision, identifying Meyer, Hamlin “Ham” Johnson, Richard “Rich” Masson, and himself as four individuals who played important roles in the early development of the organization.

In January 2000, the decision was made to organize the Elk County Community Foundation. Rich Masson served as its first Board President, alongside founding trustees who shared a commitment to creating a lasting charitable resource for the community.

Recognizing the potential of this new organization, the Stackpole-Hall Foundation committed a five-year, $250,000 seed money grant to help establish and sustain its early operations.

Stackpole-Hall also established a separate $100,000 administrative fund in memory of Benn F. Goodrich, who served as the Foundation's first Chairman from 1951 until his retirement in 1987.

These investments provided more than financial assistance. They demonstrated confidence in the vision of a community foundation and helped provide the stability necessary for the organization to begin serving Elk County.

The relationship between the two foundations continued to grow well beyond those early years.

Stackpole-Hall has supported the Community Foundation through charitable funds, scholarships, memorial contributions, and investments in its operations and long-term sustainability. Its assistance has included support for scholarship administration, technology, strategic planning, succession planning, and the Summer Jobs Program.

Over the past 25 years, the Stackpole-Hall Foundation has contributed more than $1.15 million to the Elk County Community Foundation, demonstrating its continued commitment to strengthening local philanthropy and investing in the future of Elk County.

Among the lasting examples of this generosity is the Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund, which continues to support charitable organizations and community projects throughout Elk County.

Another meaningful example is the R. Dauer Stackpole Scholarship Fund, established with a $100,000 contribution from Stackpole-Hall in 2022 to support an Elk County graduate attending the University of Pittsburgh. In 2025, the Foundation made an additional $100,000 contribution in memory of Dauer Stackpole, honoring his decades of leadership and dedication to the community.

The Foundation's legacy is also reflected in the continued involvement of the Stackpole and Hall families. Generations of family members have helped guide the organization's charitable mission, preserving the values established by those who came before them while responding to the changing needs of the community.

Today, the Stackpole-Hall Foundation continues this tradition of leadership through its dedicated Board of Trustees. The current Board includes Alexander Sheble-Hall, Chairman; William C. Conrad; Heather L. Conrad; Francis Grandinetti; Megan Hall; Frank Kaul; Richard Masson; William J. Olson; Devon Turner-Riley; Rory Sheble-Hall; Beatrice D. Terbovich; and Laurey S. Turner.

The Foundation's work continues under the leadership of Executive Director Jennifer Dippold and Finance Director and Board Treasurer Barbara Glatt. Together with the Board of Trustees, they remain committed to preserving the Foundation's history while continuing its mission of supporting charitable causes and strengthening communities throughout Elk County.

In celebration of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation's 75th anniversary, the Elk County Community Foundation donated a tree in its honor through the Shade Tree Commission. This living tribute serves as a lasting expression of our appreciation for Stackpole-Hall's generosity, leadership, and decades of service to the community. Just as the tree will continue to grow, so too will the legacy of philanthropy established by the Stackpole and Hall families.

The Elk County Community Foundation is especially grateful for the confidence Stackpole-Hall placed in a group of community leaders more than 25 years ago. That original investment helped transform an idea into an organization that continues to connect donors with meaningful opportunities to give, provide scholarships to local students, and support nonprofit organizations throughout Elk County.

As the Stackpole-Hall Foundation celebrates 75 years of giving, we extend our sincere congratulations and appreciation to the families, trustees, staff, and community leaders who have contributed to its extraordinary history.

What began as an investment in an idea has become an investment in generations. The Elk County Community Foundation is proud to be part of that enduring legacy.