In 2008, after decades of seclusion, Forest City’s Pierogi Man emerged triumphantly onstage at the Old Home Week Pierogi Eating Contest. It was a moment of intense emotion for the people of Forest City, many of whom believed the Pierogi Man was nothing but a legend.
Since the first documented appearances of the Pierogi Man in the 1860s, he has been known as both an enigmatic force of nature and a selfless good samaritan. After a particularly gruesome mine accident in 1931, in which the Pierogi Man suffered severe injuries while saving a group of miners from a collapsing shaft, the Pierogi Man was for the most part unseen until last year’s unexpected appearance. The News was lucky enough to catch up with the reclusive creature to discuss his extended hiatus, what he’s been up to since last summer, and what his plans are for Old Home Week 2009.
News: Thanks for sitting down to chat with us. You’ve been an incredibly difficult man to track down for nearly your entire existence. Prior to last year’s Pierogi Eating Contest, you had virtually been off the grid for more than 70 years. What were you up to during that time?
Pierogi-Man: As some folks have correctly deduced, I was the victim of a pretty nasty accident in the mines in 1931.
News: Is it true that you saved a dozen men?
PM: I think it was actually only 10 or 11, but that doesn’t matter. I was just doing what anyone else in my situation would have done. My brothers in the trenches would most certainly have done the same for me.
News: What was the extent of your injuries?
PM: A massive piece of coal knocked me on the noggin during the mine collapse and cracked my head open. I must have been out cold for days. When I came to, I could feel the wound on my head, and there were chunks of mashed potato all over the place. I tore up a few pieces of cloth from my long pajamas and used them as a bandage, which probably saved my life.
I spent the next 77 years trapped in a mine. There were points where I never thought I’d see the light of day again, let alone the smiling faces of the honest folk of Forest City.
News: How did you get out?
PM: I dug myself out with my bare hands. There must have been a few hundred tons of earth on top of me. Every time I pondered giving up, I’d think about the people in town. They’re the greatest people I know, and I couldn’t give up. They needed me.
News: So you got out of the mine last summer, correct?
PM: Yes, sometime in mid-July. Upon returning to the surface level, I spent a few days re-acclimating myself to daylight. You have no idea how intense the sun can by when you a) have been in pitch black nothingness for 77 years and b) have eyes that are basically one massive pupil and are one foot in diameter. Needless to say, it took a few weeks before I could look without squinting (laughs).
News: How did you feel about the reception you received at the 2008 Old Home Week?
PM: It was without a doubt the greatest time I’ve ever had. You have to realize that before I got trapped, there was no Old Home Week. So the entire spectacle – the floats, the fire trucks, the food vendors, the fireworks — was amazing. Before I got trapped, you were lucky if you had a Model T. Now I’m getting driven around in the parade in a convertible. I’m shooting dice at the beer tent. I’m appearing on WNEP. It’s been quite the rush.
News: So what have you been up to since last summer?
PM: You know, the usual. Saving orphans from burning buildings. Fending off packs of wild dogs. Mowing people’s lawns for free. Volunteering at William Penn apartments. Oh, and I finally read all of the Harry Potter books. They were okay.
News: What do you have planned for OHW 2009?
PM: I’m really planning on living it up this year. I’m going to check out the vendors on Main Street, get a foot long chili dog from the Rotary stand, watch the light parade, jam out to Flaxy Morgan, and drink a fresh-squeezed lemonade. On Saturday I’ll be in the parade again, and I’ll be on stage and in the crowd during the Pierogi Eating Contest.
News: Will you be making an appearance on WNEP again?
PM: I will! On the morning of July 31, I’m going to be doing some segments with Ryan Leckey from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. We had a lot of fun doing it last year, and it’ll be a nice opportunity for me and some folks from town to talk about how great Old Home Week is.
News: Any last thoughts for the readers?
PM: I just want to remind everyone that the 2009 Old Home Week Pierogi Eating Contest is going to be on Saturday, August 1st at 3 p.m. at the Showmobile on Main Street. Contest entry is $15 and includes a great 2009 Pierogi Eating Contest t-shirt. We’re going to cap the number of entrants at 25, so be sure to sign up early. Also, this year we’re giving all proceeds to the Forest City Salvation Army Service Extension Center. If you can, bring some non-perishable canned goods: the person who brings the most gets a free t-shirt and a picture with me! All of the information is at http://oldhomeweek.info, so go there to get all of the details. Thanks, people of Forest City! I’ll see you during Old Home Week!
