Who We Are

Greetings,

We are extremely pleased with the positive feedback received thus far and hope that you too enjoy the Official Website of The M.L.S. King Living Legacy Guild. Little did we know when we began our extensive research on Myrtle Louise back in December of 2010, that it would soon become a life long passion. Now, with a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in Myrtle Louise's memory, we are so fortunate to have such a committed Board of Directors team and incredibly supportive members. This interactive website now allows us to reach the greater public and share our mission with the world! Myrtle Louise was a woman way ahead of her time, a truly compassionate individual who stepped far beyond the confines of our small town to pursue her bigger than life dreams. It is that same zest for life which has inspired us to carry on her legacy through the performing arts, education, and advocating for historic preservation. The Fundraising Campaign to purchase her former home and transform it into a living history museum was launched on August 16, 2013 and is now in full swing. We invite you to become a member and donate of your time, talents, and funds to make this dream become a reality, for all to experience and enjoy! Thank you all so much for your continued support!

Most truly,

Our History

The inspiration which gave birth to this one-of-a-kind organization, was THE BITTLE BROS. ongoing extensive research on Myrtle Louise Stonesifer-King (Louise Howard, Halo Meadows), which they began in December 2010. On May 6, 2012 they established The M.L.S. King Living Legacy Guild, a non-profit organization whose mission “is to preserve, share, and carry on the legacy of Myrtle Louise Stonesifer-King (Louise Howard, Halo Meadows) through the performing arts, education, and advocating for historic preservation!” It was founded with the distinct purpose of raising the funds necessary to purchase and transform Myrtle Louise’s home into a living history museum. They then carefully selected a group of talented individuals who would serve as the initial Board of Directors: Clinton Bittle, President; Clifton Bittle, Vice President; Leslie Breighner, Secretary/Treasurer; Tom Stonesifer; Nancy Doerflein; Shirley Marshman; and Doris Clousher.

THE BITTLE BROS. first goal was to install a lasting monument in the sidewalk in front of her home at 14 S. Queen St. After much time, effort, and great anticipation, Myrtle Louise’s “Littlestown Walk of Fame Star” was proudly unveiled to the public on November 3, 2012. Thanks to the supportive citizens of the Littlestown Community and all over the country, THE BITTLE BROS. and The M.L.S. King Living Legacy Guild were able to turn this seemingly impossible dream into a living reality. At this same time, we presented Herbert “Herbie” Sell and Marvin “Babe” Breighner with the very first Littlestown Living Legacy Awards™. See the Littlestown Living Legacy Awards™ page for more information on past recipients and the story behind it all.

On May 5, 2013 we called to order our First Annual Membership Meeting, in which membership was opened to the public who were interested in becoming members. Aside from the Board, we were delighted with a turnout of twenty extremely interested citizens. The meeting began with the introduction of the Board of Directors to the public for the first time, followed by the election of the Board of Directors for staggered terms of one, two, & three years, resulting in the unchanged, initial Board. The above named Board of Directors are also the seven Charter Members of the organization.

On August 16, 2013 THE BITTLE BROS. proudly presented A Good Ole’ Cabaret, sponsored by The Guild, to an audience of approximately 200 people at the History Plaza on the Square of Littlestown. For the annual Good Ole’ Days Parade, we entered a float, which incorporated both The M.L.S. King Living Legacy Guild and advertised for A Good Ole’ Cabaret. Later, the float was transformed into the stage for the following evening’s performance. The energy filled show featured a wide assortment of classic and contemporary song selections sung by THE BITTLE BROS. and Roxonne Hall Schloyer. Herb Sell played the show in its entirety, tickling the ivories long into the night. There were even appearances by some of the most well-known female celebrities, with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Temple, Mae West, Lucille Ball, Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh, and of course, Myrtle Louise. At the beginning of the evening, it was publicly announced that the Fundraising Campaign deemed necessary to purchase and turn Myrtle Louise's former home into a living history museum, had commenced. Just as entertainment used to grace the Square of Littlestown, it has once again returned and was well received by those in attendance. Due to its overwhelming approval, A Good Ole’ Cabaret will continue as the annual Friday night entertainment for the Good Ole’ Days festivities. So, keep a look out for more information on this year’s show and remember, BE THERE OR BE SQUARE! To view photos of past shows and see what's in store next, visit our Performing Artspage!

For more recent history, please visit our Fundraising Campaign page!