SAXONBURG — A woman is re-energizing efforts to restore some of the borough's history.

John Roebling's Historical Society last week appointed Rebekah Sheeler to be the new part-time manager of the Saxonburg Main Street Program.

As the manager, Sheeler will spearhead the Streetscape plan to establish a historic district along Main Street down Rebecca Street to Roebling Park.

Sheeler brings extensive experience to the post. She is a former executive director of the Butler County Historical Society.

During the past two years, she has taught various classes, including county history for the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Slippery Rock University.

Sheeler, a West Liberty resident, also was the Lawrence County tourism director and the Main Street manager for New Castle.

Having lived in Germany for a year, she brings first-hand experience of what Saxonburg founder John Roebling had in mind in designing the borough.

Ray Rush, chairman of the historical society, said Sheeler has seen in Germany what only is conceptual in Saxonburg.

"She knows what it's like to live in a town with underground power lines and cobblestone roadways and pathways," he said.

One of the draws to the job for Sheeler is working in Saxonburg. A history buff, she always enjoyed visiting the borough.

"I'm excited at the potential," she said. "I always thought this was a charming little village."

The estimated $3 million project includes the installation of street poles with light fixtures that look historic, trees, brick walkways and landscaped strips similar to how the borough looked in the 1800s.

Along with seeking donations to help fund the work, Sheeler will work with Saxonburg businesses.

"I'll just go and knock on their doors," she said about having no reluctance to interact with business owners.

Some business owners previously expressed concerns about retaining customers while work is done along Main Street.

But Sheeler points to Slippery Rock as an example of how there can be aesthetic improvements done downtown without hurting a municipality's businesses.

"The contractor never closed down the street," she said.

And Sheeler even knows firsthand the perspective of a business owner. She and her late husband, Brad Sheeler, owned a business operating mainly in the New Castle area selling canoeing supplies and gear.

One of her goals is to keep future generations from leaving Saxonburg by meeting their needs while preserving the borough's character.

"If they don't stay, your community is doomed," she said about small towns in general.

Sheeler points to other municipalities that their improved Main Streets, such as Sewickley, Volant and Hadenfield, N.J.

"It has made their community thrive," she said about Sewickley in particular. "People actually go there to shop."

Already a quaint Butler County town with a rich history, Saxonburg can become better, she said.

"We need to have tour buses come here," she said.

The historical society recently was awarded a $50,000 state grant to help fund restoration of business storefronts.

Rush said owners can receive matching funds of up to $5,000 each to do $10,000 worth of work. Based on inquiries from Saxonburg business owners, he expects at least five of them to apply for the grant money.

Of the total amount, $30,000 is allotted for work done to the business facades. The remaining $20,000 will go for administrative costs.

The historical society already received an $85,000 state grant. Most of that — $55,000 — is allotted for the Main Street manager's salary over a three-year span.

The rest of the salary will be paid from fundraising. Sheeler is being paid $20 an hour for an average 20-hour work week — the same as her predecessor, Jeff McLaughlin of North Braddock, who was hired in November.

Rush declined to comment on McLaughlin's departure, but praised Sheeler's qualifications.

"When it became necessary to fill the position, the first person I thought of was Rebekah," he said.

Sheeler is a Realtor with Hays & Hartzell Realty and a substitute teacher in Moniteau School District.

She hopes to spread her enthusiasm for historic revitalization.

"If we're successful, the economy in the town and area will benefit," she said.