Who knows this seemingly defunct Western Pennsylvania company?

[Kevisima]

A million years ago, 1974, I was introduced to a professional fireworks company in Western PA. I believe the general manager went by the name of "Mr. Bill". This is NOT the Zambelli Fireworks Company.

I thought I remembered it as Kent Fireworks but having searched the web I can find no reference to Kent Fireworks except for a company in Ohio that sells consumer grade fireworks.

I lived south of Pittsburgh then and it was a short drive,less than 2 hours, from my parents house to this factory. It was in the hill country and away from the closest town.

Build shacks were numerous and scattered across the green hills with the requisite distance between them. You could see them from the modest parking lot and were on your right while the business office was to your left.

Anyone know/remember the place and it's name? They were super friendly to me, showed me around and took my name and phone since I offered to help them out during their busy season. I only fired one of their shows that summer(with two other more experienced shooters). It was my 1st time and I had the time of my life! Of course this was when all mortars were buried 2/3rd of their length and sandbagged as well. The only above ground mortars were the finale tubes and boy did they raise hell! I love those old school cylinder shells. Almost all had a REPORT, not like the gutless, sky puking, communist Chinese shells we see today.

Thanks for your help.

[eoneuk]

Perhaps PYROTECNICO (Vitale) from New Castle, Pa.

[Kevisima]

After several years and the benefit of😀AI, I learned that it was KEYSTONE FIREWORKS of Dunbar, PA.(Not "Kent" fireworks, and NOT New Castle).

It seems they stopped production at that original build site once the founding father of Keystone passed away around the turn of the century and got into purely merchandising communist Chinese fireworks like the rest of the retail sector has done.

Very disappointed that they're gone from Dunbar and gone retail like most of the remaining companies.

Besides giving the communist Chinese our money, today's pro shells have no report or "bottom shots". That was the biggest thrill for me and most of the people who watched the local displays. It was a very American tradition: bottom shots or multiple salutes during the display, if not just a few extra heavy salute shells during the display for wondrous added effect.

I just thought I'd provide the answer to my own mystery here so anyone with stories about Keystone might provide some memories and reminiscing as I'd enjoy hearing from anyone else and Keystone of Dunbar PA.

Have a happy 4th of July. 

The next BIG 4th of July is coming! 250yrs in 2026! I remember the bicentennial in 1976, anyone else? Love to hear your comments. Thanks.