EMHR Grant Helps Restore Historic Wheaton House at Salt
Springs State Park
MONTROSE PA - Through a series of grants Endless Mountains Heritage Region
has supported efforts to develop Salt Springs State Park as a local and regional
recreational destination and learning resource for regional residents and visitors.
Friends of Salt Springs Park recently restored the fireplace chimney of the
Wheaton House that serves as the park's Visitor and Environmental Education
Center. The building provides a place to interpret conservation as well as the
agricultural lifestyle and heritage of Susquehanna County.
The chimney restoration project was partially funded by a $5,000 grant from
Endless Mountains Heritage Region. The chimney, constructed of local brick,
was originally used for both cooking and baking. Wayne Rounds repaired damaged
masonry and Patrick Dalton repaired metal parts and dampers to bring this central
feature of the house back to functional status.
Salt Springs Park is proof that a small but dedicated group of people can accomplish
wonderful things. The original 405 acres of the park encompasses the former
Wheaton family farm six miles north of Montrose in Susquehanna County.
The Wheaton family once hosted a variety of community activities in the idyllic
setting. In a former era formal dances were held in an upstairs ballroom. Many
local residents recall church or school picnics that included hikes along the
scenic gorge carved by Fallbrook Creek and tasting water from the farm's salt
spring. The farm was eventually abandoned and the buildings neglected. Community
residents formed a group to restore and preserve it for future generations.
The park is now owned by the Commonwealth but managed by Friends of Salt Springs
Park, Inc. The group purchased 300 additional acres adjoining the original park
to protect the gorge and expand trails. Over the past few years this non-profit
organization has accomplished projects as varied as conservation educational
programs, trail development, installing a reliable water source for the camping
area and restoring the historic Wheaton House built circa 1840.
Other projects in the park funded in part by Endless Mountains Heritage Region
include installation of handicapped access to the western portion of Fallbrook
Gorge and providing a potable water source for the camping area.
The Endless Mountains Heritage Region was approved as a State Heritage Park
encompassing Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties in1998. Since
then projects to preserve or restore historic buildings, improve recreational
opportunities and foster the regional economy have been funded through Endless
Mountains Heritage Region grants in all four member counties.
For more information contact Endless Mountains Heritage Region, 10 Park Street,
Towanda, 18848, email emhr@epix.net, or call 570-265-1528.
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Wyalusing Group Saves Historic Building
WYALUSING PA - A historic commercial garage, once an active part of Wyalusing's
downtown suffered decline and neglect through three years of vacancy. Now it
is owned by the Wyalusing Community Corporation and already back in use.
Recently the group received a $17,000 grant through the Endless Mountains Heritage
Region to assist with restoring the building's façade to its original
pre-1910 appearance. Urgently needed repairs such as replacing rotted beams,
joists and damaged siding will be accomplished and the building made handicapped
accessible.
Efforts
by Wyalusing Community Corporation prevented the building from being demolished
after it was abandoned and neglected. Now it is once again a viable part of
the town, housing the Greater Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce and the Blue Heron
Art Gallery. Displays highlighting local history and encouraging exploration
of natural resources are featured in the gallery.
Partnering with the chamber Wyalusing Community Corporation hopes to encourage
small businesses and develop new local markets for agriculture. Special community
activities take place in the building such as portions of the annual North Branch
Arts Festival and Tastes of the Endless Mountains Food Fair.
The
building serves as an anchor site for preservation of Wyalusing Creek that flows
along the property's rear border. The Wyalusing Community Corporation also plans
to use portions of the building to incubate new businesses. Preserving and adaptively
re-using the garage building adds to the ambiance of the historic downtown area.
Community
and business support for this project is strong. Wyalusing Borough and Wyalusing
Industrial Development Corporation are solidly behind the effort. The Greater
Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce contributed $5,000 to the project, Northern Tier
Regional Planning and Development Commission, local banks and other large businesses
have made substantial donations. But many contributions have come from local
residents and small business owners.
Wyalusing Community Corporation believes the building restoration will add to
the downtown attraction of visitors interested in heritage and architecture.
These tourists are among those who stay the longest in an area and spend the
most locally, an economic benefit for the town.
Wyalusing
Community Corporation made a second application this year to the Endless Mountains
Heritage Region, which is administered by DCNR through the Pennsylvania Heritage
Park Program, for additional funding for the project. Announcements concerning
grant awards are usually made in the fall.
The
Endless Mountains Heritage Region's total economic impact on the Endless Mountains
Region since it was organized as a State Heritage Park in 1998 is approaching
$4 million, according to EMHR Executive Director Robert Veleker.
"I can't emphasize enough the importance of having a grant program so readily
accessible to local organizations. They can obtain significant amounts of funding
to help them realize their dream, completing projects that will better serve
residents and travelers to the region," said EMHR Executive Director Robert
Veleker.
EMHR
is one of 11 designated state heritage parks. Encompassing rural Bradford, Sullivan,
Susquehanna and Wyoming counties, the heritage park is organized around an agricultural
theme.. Membership is open to non-profit organizations, businesses, industry,
organizations and individuals throughout the region.
EMHR
strives to fund projects that build regional partnerships conserving and promoting
cultural, natural, recreational and scenic resources unique to the region. The
organization is a 501c3 non-profit organization and welcomes donations.
For more information contact Endless Mountains Heritage Region, 10 Park Street,
Towanda, 18848; emhr@epix.net; 570-265-1528, or explore EMHR on the web: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org.
More information about the Heritage Parks Program is available at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.
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Susquehanna River Sojourn Underway
SAYRE PA - Excitement was high as119 paddlers launched their canoes and kayaks
from Riverfront Park for the start of the Fourteenth Annual Susquehanna River
Sojourn June 24rd. This section of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River
was selected as Pennsylvania's Feature River of the Year by the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources earlier this year.
At
a kick-off dinner the night before Sojourn Coordinator Dana Lomma termed the
event 'the largest ever" Susquehanna Sojourn. 140 paddlers, local officials
and supporters attended the dinner at the Elks Club in Sayre.
Keynote speaker at the dinner was Michael DiBernadinis, secretary of Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He assured the group he would
be paddling with them the first day. He stressed support for an $800 million
bond issue proposed by Gov. Ed Rendell's to support conservation efforts and
'open up' waterways like the Susquehanna for recreation. DiBernadinis said as
Pennsylvania's industrial strength wanes it is vital to pursue new ways to use
the state's natural resources and beauty.
Before
a paddle touched the water Chief Mike Medicine Shield Taffe of Eastern Delaware
Nations offered an opening prayer centered on the inter-relatedness of all creation:
"Elan Kumankwa" in Lenape. He called the Susquehanna "The Mother
of All Rivers" and wished the paddlers well as they embarked "on a
journey my ancestors knew well."Afterward as the group listened to a safety
lecture he quietly slipped off to the water's edge to offer tobacco for their
success and safety.
Events like the Sojourn draw attention
to developing new economic strategies such as attracting recreational visitors
to the state's waterways. The Sojourn strengthens communities along the river
through building public awareness and partnerships. As part of this year's theme,
"Windows to the Susquehanna", programs at stopovers will highlight
the culture, history and recreational resources of the communities along the
river. Participants will learn about current local initiatives and meet committed
people who are working to improve and protect the river's natural qualities.
After launch the paddlers' first chance break was scheduled near Tioga Point
where Ted Keir would meet them to talk about the once-thriving Indian settlement
there. The week-long river journey will include overnight stops at Hornbrook
Park, French Azilum near Towanda and Wyalusing. The paddlers will pass Wyalusing
Rocks, a well known scenic stop and historic site and sacred Native American
site on Route 6 now owned and cared for by Eastern Delaware Nations. Leaving
Bradford County they will stop over in Meshoppen, Tunkhannock and Falls before
ending their journey approximately 90 miles downstream in West Pittston on June
30th.
The week-long paddling expedition is designed to elevate local awareness about
the need to restore and protect the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay.
"The North Branch of the Susquehanna River from Sayre to Pittston/West
Pittston is one of the most beautiful stretches of water in the Chesapeake Bay
watershed," said Coordinator Lomma. "Throughout the week, we hope
to provide Sojourners the opportunity to appreciate the North Branch's unique
culture and history by experiencing it first hand and interacting with local
communities."
The
Endless Mountains Heritage Region and The Pennsylvannia Environmental Council
each received $45,000 Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network grants from the National
Park Service to extend the Susquehanna River Trail from Sunbury north to the
New York border. The project is one of 32 new grants totaling over $1.3 million
to support locally initiated initiatives at sites and water trails in the Chesapeake
Bay Gateways Network. Maps of the North Branch Susquehanna River Trail are being
developed.
The Susquehanna Sojourn is sponsored by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers,
Chesapeake Bay Commission, Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, and the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection.
Support and assistance for the 2004 Susquehanna River Sojourn is provided by
the Bradford County Conservation District, Bradford County Planning Commission,
Canoe Susquehanna, Endless Mountain Heritage Region, Endless Mountain Outfitters,
Endless Mountain Visitors Bureau, Lender's Fresh Bagels, North Branch Land Trust,
Osram-Sylvania Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission, Procter and Gamble, City of Pittston, Susquehanna River Basin Commission,
West Pittston Borough, Wyoming County Planning Commission.
For more information contact Endless Mountains Heritage Region, 10 Park Street,
Towanda, 18848; emhr@epix.net; 570-265-1528, or explore EMHR on the web: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org.
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Forksville Folk Festival Wins EMHR Grant
FORKSVILLE - The Forksville Folk Festival was recently awarded a $3,000 Endless
Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) grant to document the event's kaleidoscope
of cultural and sensory experiences.
The festival presents a lively weekend of entertainment and experiences annually
the last weekend in June. The festival is held at the Sullivan County Fairgrounds
on Route 154. Dates this year the Festival are June 25, 26 & 27.
The Festival is sponsored by Forksville Folk Festival & Circle of Friends,
Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting folk music
and folk art traditions. The group's mission falls well within the realm of
EMHR's interest in preserving and enhancing the region's culture.
EMHR is dedicated to preserving the Endless Mountains Region's heritage and
provides project funding for local non-profit organizations and municipalities
toward that end. EMHR also focuses on historic preservation and development,
tourism, recreation, economic and cultural development, agriculture, and community
planning.
"Endless Mountains Heritage Region encourages people with ideas who want
to do something within the region to draw people here," said Dan Jackson,
president of the Forksville Folk Festival and Circle of friends.
Jackson personally believes strongly in EMHR's mission. He has dedicated a great
deal of time to EMHR. He initially served a member of the steering committee
working toward state establishment of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region
as a Pennsylvania State Heritage Park. He was elected to serve two terms as
an EMHR board member.
Because of the sparse population base here it can be difficult to raise funds
to do things that would be easy in other areas, such as raising funds to support
a fledgling festival, Jackson explained. EMHR support was integral during the
planning and development phase of the Forksville Folk Festival and other activities
the group sponsors.
Public radio station WVIA-FM has also been supportive and involved with the
Forksville Festival from the start.
"It is an intimate gathering of people who are there to enjoy the music,
the setting, the stories and each other's company," said Erika Funke of
"ArtScene" who will MC the Sunday evening World Music Concert. Those
who want a preview of the festival can tune in to WVIA the week before the event.
"We will present an interview and comprehensive overview of this year's
event on our weekly arts magazine "ArtScene," Thursday, June 17, with
a rebroadcast on Sunday, June 20. Music from this year's guest artists will
be included," said Funke.
"WVIA-FM will also review recordings of this year's performances for possible
broadcast as part of the station's celebrated "Homegrown Music Series"
produced by George Graham." She added there is a possibility WVIA will
record and broadcast future Forksville Folk Festivals as a featured series.
"The festival should be really good this year," said Jackson. "We
have Sharon Katz & The Peace Train who were nominated for a Grammy in 2003
performing Sunday evening." That group toured South Africa in 2003 after
Apartheid and again recently.
"They called and asked to perform at the festival," Jackson said.
He replied that he was very gratified their small festival couldn't afford a
world-renowned group. The group felt so strongly about performing at the festival
this year they adjusted their fee, Jackson explained.
"Other performers are doing the same thing to help," he said. Musicians
and storytellers who perform and visitors to the festival are taking the beauty
of the Endless Mountains out to the world," Jackson said with conviction.
"The Forksville Festival has grown in three short years to include a remarkable
world music roster of artists, maintaining the high quality of folk and traditional
artists without sacrificing its commitment to fine regional musicians,"
Funke said.
Word has spread in the music world that the Forksville Folk Festival is "real."
"The Forksville Folk Festival reflects the care and love of folk traditions
on the part of those who founded the event," explained Funke. "The
artists are treated with respect and so many of them have said, even the legendary
Tom Paxton who has played everywhere, that they loved performing at Forksville
and that they would most certainly return. The Forksville Festival has a commitment
to showcasing the finest regional talent while bringing some of the most exciting
artists from the national scene to Sullivan County."
The Forksville Folk Festival documentation project will result in CDs and videotape
extending the reach of the festival's impact through donations to libraries,
schools and sales to individuals. The documentation project will include video
from the first two festivals as well as this year. Like the festival itself,
it is an endeavor with far-reaching results.
"The demographics of the typical folk festival audience suggest they are
interested in nature and the environment, in traditional arts and crafts. People
drawn to Forksville for the first time will be introduced to the natural beauty
of the area and may very well plan to return to camp and hike and spend tourist
dollars," said Funke. "The Forksville Festival audience would seem
a natural constituency for the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and its programs
precisely because of the festival visitors' abiding interests. And the region
can be justly proud of the high caliber and nationally celebrated artists that
come to Sullivan County each year to perform at the event."
Visitors will find it a challenge to see and do everything available during
the three-day festival, from sampling ethnic regional foods and listening to
a variety of music to viewing Native American and craft exhibits or listening
to traditional tales against a magnificent backdrop of mountains.
"It is very important, I think, that the Forksville Festival has as a focus
storytelling," Funke said. Certainly there is an exciting line-up of singer-songwriters,
contemporary balladeers, if you will. But the storytelling stage where the spoken
word has the power to engage our imaginations with words alone is given a place
of honor. The relaxed and warm atmosphere encourages interaction between and
among the performers and the members of the audience, too, she added.
Festival attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to enjoy entertainment
running almost continuously on two outdoor stages. Special concerts on Saturday
and Sunday evenings are presented inside the grandstand building, which has
bleacher-like seating.
Some of the Sullivan County Fair buildings are over a century old, a fitting
setting for a festival with its roots in Appalachian tradition. Some of the
were songs brought to the mountains by Scottish and Irish settlers. Some bear
the influence of rhythm and themes borrowed from First Nations People who were
already here.
The first Forksville Folk Festival featured Tom Paxton, The Neilds, Alice Peacock,
and Mustard's Retreat. The following year John Gorka headlined the Saturday
night show and featured a group called Full Frontal Folk. A special Woody Guthrie
evening tribute took place Sunday with The Mammals, Full Frontal Folk, Jay Smar,
Tom Flannery, Lorne Clarke, and Van Wagner.
The lineup of music entertainers this year includes Erik Balkey, Patti Witten,
Spook Handy, Stefanie Fix, Ekendra Dasa and Laurie MacAllister in a Friday night
'Singer-songwriter Showcase' followed by a song circle with the group Psych-A-Billy.
The Saturday lineup of artists includes The Kossoy Sisters, Dave Fry, Aengus
Finnan, Bethany Yarrow, Hickory Project, Sadie Green Sales and Joe Jencks. The
Saturday night concert will feature Full Frontal Folk, We're About Nine, Andy
& Denise. Sunday Roselyn Hibbard, The Druckenmillers, LisaBeth Weber &
Maggie Marshall and Voxology will appear on the outdoor stage. 'Spirit Wing'
will be on hand to share Native American stories and interactive drumming.
Sunday Night the World Music Concert with MC Erika Funke of WVIA radio will
feature Sharon Katz & The Peace Train and the East River Ensemble.
Storytelling events will feature Fiona Siobhan Powell with Celtic tales, The
Schonwalds with sea chanteys, Van Wagner performing Pennsylvania story songs
and KJ presenting stories and songs.
Last year The Aerie Coffeehouse opened in donated space in nearby Eagles Mere
as a second project of Forksville Folk Festival & Circle of Friends, Inc.
The venue accommodates 40 and is open May through October. Concerts with featured
artists are held Saturday nights, most Friday evenings are 'open mic' nights
encouraging local songwriters/performers to share work.
More information is available by emailing: forksvillefolk@epix.net or calling
570-924-4142.
The Endless Mountains Heritage Region maintains an office at 10 Park Street,
Towanda. Board members are drawn from Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming
Counties, representing heritage organizations, local government, tourism, agriculture,
business and industry, and other groups. Individuals, businesses, non-profit
organizations and industries can support this important regional effort through
memberships, making it possible for EMHR to continue funding important regional
events and projects. Endless Mountains Heritage Region can be reached via email
at emhr@epix.net; or by calling 570-265-1528.
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Troy Landmark to Undergo Renovations
TROY PA - A Troy landmark
will soon undergo renovations thanks in part to a $20,000 grant from the Endless
Mountains Heritage Region. The Gregory Mitchell House built in 1822 as a stagecoach
stop and inn is now part of the Bradford County Heritage Museum complex located
in the northeastern corner of Alparon Park, home of the Troy Fair, on Route
414.
Joe Hare, Bradford County Heritage Museum President, is gratified that some
of the project's funding came through the Endless Mountains Heritage Region
an organization he helped bring to into existence. "I worked with that
to get it started," he said. "It's something the region needed, and
I hope it continues."
Hare indicated Bob Veleker, Endless Mountains Heritage Region executive director,
and the rest of the Hare Heritage Region staff were especially helpful as the
current project developed providing information and guidance. "The Endless
Mountains Heritage Region will really benefit the region in the long run,"
Hare said. He feels the State Heritage Park is an invaluable part of developing
tourism throughout the region. It is also an important part of the region's
historic preservation effort, funding projects similar to this one throughout
the region.
The historic Mitchell House has many stories to tell. Besides sheltering early
travelers, it served as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the 1840s
and 1850s. The Greek Revival exterior of the building retains all original woodwork
and shutters. Inside are traveler's rooms, an innkeeper's room and a ballroom.
Period shrubbery and landscaping surround the building, and a pair of tall 'marriage
trees' frame the entrance. Planting a pair of matched trees near the entrance
of a house was a Victorian custom honoring a new marriage. Many old farmhouses
of the period still have a pair of venerable maples at either side of an inviting
slate walk leading to the front steps. As children were born new trees were
planted in celebration creating the familiar row of trees in front of many rural
homes. The Mitchell House grounds also include a kitchen herb garden, a period
garden and a dye garden. Flax grown there is used to demonstrate fiber production
for visitors.
The current project, which Hare hopes will begin this spring and conclude in
the fall, will preserve and restore the building's early 1800s ambiance. After
renovations are completed the building will be repainted in period colors. Once
the work is finished the group expects to apply for the building to be included
in the National Historic Register. Project costs are expected to total $61,000.
Planned renovations to the Mitchell House include raising the house off its
foundations to execute foundation repairs, which will necessitate disconnecting
utilities, and separating fireplaces and chimneys from the foundation.
Cellar walls will be repaired and leveled, sills replaced where needed, and
repairs made to the cellarway. Window sashes, sills and glass will be replaced
with materials as close to original as possible, as will exterior window shutters,
siding and trim. The chimneys will be capped with waterproof tops.
Once the work is done, busloads of school children and adults will once again
be able to visit the Mitchell House. Many of the younger generation have no
idea what kind of farm equipment our ancestors used. In 2002 the museum complex
hosted 600 school children. Hare indicated spring tours of the museum are already
underway. The group is developing plans with a Mansfield University for students
to give classes at the museum. An archeological dig may also develop through
the University. An agricultural conference also funded through the Endless Mountains
Heritage Region is scheduled at museum later this year.
The Bradford County Heritage Museum is grounded in education, illustrating the
agricultural roots of the Endless Mountains Region through exhibits in the main
building, a sugar shack and the Mitchell House. Nearly everything in the museum
is related to food, fiber or transportation.
Displays highlight many pieces of equipment manufactured in the community including
an engine made at Troy Engine and Machine Works, which once shipped engines
worldwide, and a buggy produced by a Mansfield factory. The museum includes
many hand-made farm tools and horse-drawn machines and in December acquired
a collection of 50 additional buggies, carriages and wagons. Hare indicated
the group has applied for a second Endless Mountains Heritage Region grant to
help house the new collection. Plans are in process to move a building from
another area of the fairgrounds to the museum complex.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region maintains an office at 10 Park Street, Towanda.
Board members are drawn from member counties, representing heritage organizations,
local government, tourism, agriculture, business and industry, and other groups.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region is strongly invested in regional community
goals and maintaining a high quality of life in the Endless Mountains Region.
Activities are focused on promoting historic preservation and development, tourism,
recreation, economic development, cultural development, agriculture, community
planning and implementation. Individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations
and industries can support this important regional effort through memberships.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region can be reached via email at emhr@epix.net;
or at 570-265-1528.
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Susquehanna River North Branch Water Trail Advisory Meetings
Scheduled
TOWANDA PA - Interested parties are invited to attend the second round of
Advisory Committee meetings for the Susquehanna River North Branch Water Trail.
Meetings are scheduled for 1 p.m., March 23 at the Susquehanna Depot Borough
conference room; 2 p.m., March 25 in the Sullivan Room at Shadowbrook Inn and
Resort in Tunkhannock; and 2 p.m., March 30 at the Community Corporation Building
at 121 Main Street, Wyalusing.
Advisory Committee attendees will be updated on the developing water trail project.
Funding for the water trail was made possible by a $45,000 grant from the National
Park Service administered by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR). Information
will be available at the meetings on several upcoming special events and activities
on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River.
On display at each meeting will be selections from "River Towns Along the
Susquehanna", a photo exhibit on loan from Bradford County Historical Society.
The public will be able to order copies of photographs in the exhibit from the
Society for a fee.
The headwaters of the North Branch begin in New York, entering Pennsylvania
near Sayre in Bradford County. The river continues through Wyoming County, joining
the Susquehanna River near Pittston and West Pittston in Luzerne County. This
88-mile stretch of the North Branch primarily flows through the small towns,
rural landscapes and rolling hills that make up the Endless Mountains Heritage
Region.
A map is being developed encompassing the river's course through the Endless
Mountains Region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Groups developing water trails
on sections of the river in New York State and Luzerne County are coordinating
efforts with EMHR.
EMHR Executive Director Bob Veleker indicated, "This project will link
towns and municipalities, tie in with other associations like Route 6 and the
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, and better utilize the Susquehanna River for
recreation and conservation purposes."
He will give a status report on the Chesapeake Alliance Sojourn scheduled June
23 through June 30, a river journey to raise awareness of the environmental,
recreational, tourism and heritage values of the river. The sojourn will start
in Sayre and finish in West Pittston/Pittston.
The first round of Advisory Committee meetings were held last fall in Bradford,
Wyoming and Susquehanna Counties, attracting representatives from municipalities
and coordinators of projects along the river corridor. Representatives of the
Fish and Boat Commission, National Park Service, outdoor enthusiasts, business
leaders and people who live along the river attended.
EMHR is a State Heritage Park encompassing Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and
Wyoming Counties. Veleker is enthusiastic about the water trail's positive impact
coupled with activities of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, a statewide
initiative focused on the entire river.
The new water trail will become part of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network
that provides access to scenic, cultural, geological, historical points of interest,
attractions, and activities along the river.
The North Branch water trail will outline routes for canoe, kayak and small,
motorized watercraft. It encompasses a recreational corridor adjacent to the
river identifying access points, boat launches, day use and overnight camping
areas. Veleker sees it as an opportunity for regional partners to plan a "community
friendly" water trail along the Susquehanna.
EMHR strives to fund projects that build regional partnerships conserving and
promoting cultural, natural, recreational and scenic resources unique to the
region. The organization is a 501c3 non-profit organization and welcomes donations.
For more information contact Endless Mountains Heritage Region, 10 Park Street,
Towanda, 18848; emhr@epix.net; 570-265-1528, or explore EMHR on the web: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org.
More information about the Heritage Parks Program is available at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.
For more information on DCNR's rivers program, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us and
click on "rivers."
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Endless Mountains Heritage Region Supports Center for Anti
Slavery Studies Renovations
MONTROSE - Thought to be a stop on the Underground Railroad, the Silver Lake
Bank building on Church Street will soon resume its place as a pivotal center
of community activity.
Thanks in part to funding from the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR)
renovations to the historic building will be started soon. Built in 1816 by
Dr. Robert Hutchinson Rose, the building was placed on the National Register
of Historic Places in 1975.
It serves now as headquarters, educational center and museum for the Center
for Anti Slavery Studies (C.A.S.S.) a local non-profit organization formed in
1996. The group is focused on promotion and recognition of the early history
of the Underground Railroad and Abolition Movement in Susquehanna County and
preserving the rich heritage of 1800-1900.
The Silver Lake Bank is
the oldest building in Montrose and once housed the first bank in northeastern
Pennsylvania. The EMHR grant of $50,000 for renovating the structure requires
an equal amount of matching funds and administration costs of $4,800. Completing
the project is expected to cost $164,800.
In addition to the EMHR award C.A.S.S. received $50,000 from the National Park
Service Save America's Treasures program. Donations from Proctor & Gamble and
Taylor Meat Packing Companies for $22,000 dollars are also earmarked for renovations.
The renovation project grew out of a previous Endless Mountains Heritage Region
grant of $25,000 to help C.A.S.S. develop long-range plans. Those funds were
used to discover, collect artifacts and preserve history relating to the Abolition
Movement and Underground Railroad in Northeastern Pennsylvania. EMHR grants
and guidance are especially valuable for C.A.S.S, according to Sherman Wooden,
president of the organization.
"It has enabled C.A.S.S. to research and discover a wealth of history and knowledge
in this region and the important role that this region and persons played in
the early development of this nation," he explained.
During the 1800's Montrose played an important part in the Underground Railroad,
a network of free blacks and white abolitionists who helped escaped slaves flee
north to freedom. Between 50,000 to 100,000 slaves sought freedom in Northern
States and Canada from1818 to 1865. Slave-catchers armed with warrants to arrest
fugitive slaves once roamed Montrose streets only to be foiled by abolitionists
like Horace Brewster. Brewster's activities were documented in "Waiting for
the Lord," a book by Debra Adleman, a Susquehanna County Historian available
through C.A.S.S.
"EMHR has provided excellent guidance and encouragement in our efforts to research
the rich history that is in this region pertaining to the Abolition Movement
and the Underground Railroad System," Wooden said. He credited EMHR workshops,
seminars networking as instrumental to the group's mission. "This technical
assistance has helped motivate us to try harder and work to finish our dreams
of bringing this region alive with individuals searching for answers that cannot
be found in textbooks," Wooden said.
The town's founding fathers were an intricate part of an Anti-Slavery Society
formed in 1836. These prominent townsmen, doctors, judges, businessmen and ministers
were "conductors" of the Underground Railroad who dedicated their wealth and
resources to help the cause, sometimes hiding fugitives in their own homes.
C.A.S.S. has identified 18 sites in Montrose, including their headquarters that
served as stops on the Underground Railroad. Between 1793 and 1866, Abolition
activities were against federal law in the United States. Secret activities
throughout the Endless Mountains Region between 1836 and 1866, such as the Underground
Railroad, are now of great interest and importance to both historians and visitors
from local, national and international levels.
"It has added a new and positive importance to Montrose as a main place for
escaping slaves," Wooden said. "But a very special place for those who settled
here to preserve the "Rights of Human Beings" no matter what their religion,
race or creed. Montrose stands for other communities throughout the N.E. part
of Pennsylvania that served as havens or homes to lots of groups of individuals
seeking freedom and a chance to succeed in this new country."
In 1840 the Silver Lake Bank building belonged to Abolitionist Francis Blake
Chandler, whose wife was the daughter of Judge Jessup, a member of the Anti-Slavery
Society. The Anti-Slavery Society spawned the Liberty Party, which later evolved
into the Republican Party.
The resistance to slavery in Susquehanna County resulted in many escaped slaves
settling here and in the surrounding region rather than continuing on to Canada.
The African-American population in Susquehanna County grew from nine to 247
in the century between 1800 and 1900 through support of local Abolitionists.
Local oral traditions indicate between 1840-65 the Silver Lake Bank building
served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The building fits Endless Mountains
Heritage Region's criteria of a historic site worthy of preservation and capable
of generating regional and national heritage visitor interest.
"We have a story to tell and the people here have the history and homes to share
this history with others who are interested in searching for answers about the
early development of this region and the country," Wooden said.
Exterior renovation plans include painting, excavation of foundation to resolve
moisture problems, new roofs on the building and porches, new porch flooring,
replacement of front steps, deteriorated wood siding and gutters and drains.
Interior work will include a new furnace, appliances, bathroom fixtures, energy
efficient windows, wallpaper replacement and painting.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region became a State Heritage Park organized around
the theme of agricultural heritage in 1998. The organization has since provided
funding for organizations like C.A.S.S. in each of its member counties: Bradford,
Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming.
"There is so much history here, so many places to discover in this region. Families
and friends could spend a vacation just traveling through this pristine wonderland,"
said Wooden.
EMHR promotes historic preservation and development, tourism, recreation, economic
development, cultural development, agriculture, community planning and implementation
projects. Members of C.A.S.S. are helping accomplish EMHR goals though inventorying
or acquiring local historic sites connected with Abolitionist history, interpreting
and presenting this little-known portion of regional history.
Although closed for repairs the Silver Lake Bank Building will soon be used
to host a variety of events such as community and regional meetings, and fundraising
events such as luncheons, teas, and receptions. Continuing education classes,
exhibitions, displays, shows, performances and multicultural studies are planned
following renovations.
C.A.S.S. was instrumental in gaining recognition for the achievements of the
Honorable Jonathan Jasper Wright, the first Black admitted into the bar in Pennsylvania.
Judge Wright's birthday has been celebrated with special ceremonies at the Susquehanna
County Courthouse for several years, educating the public about this notable
native son. Through C.A.S.S. efforts a historic marker was dedicated in Springville
in 2001 in honor of Judge Wright.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region maintains an office at 10 Park Street, Towanda.
Board members are drawn from member counties. They represent heritage organizations,
local government, tourism, agriculture, business and industry, and other groups.
EMHR is strongly invested in regional community goals and maintaining a high
quality of life in the Endless Mountains Region. Activities are focused on promoting
historic preservation and development, tourism, recreation, economic development,
cultural development, agriculture, community planning and implementation. Individuals,
businesses, non-profit organizations and industries can support this important
regional effort through memberships.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region can be reached via email at emhr@epix.net;
or at 570-265-1528. The Center for Anti Slavery Studies can be reached via email
at C.A.S.S.@emcs.net or by calling 570-278-6837.
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LeRoy Restores Three-Room School Building with Endless Mountains
Heritage Region Grant
LEROY - Saving an old three-room school may not sound like an earthshaking
project. But of residents of this tiny community on scenic Route 414 between
Canton and Monroeton believe it is key to their community revitalization plans.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) agrees. EMHR, a State Heritage Park
encompassing Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming and Susquehanna Counties, awarded a
grant of $3,000 toward preserving and restoring the building for community use
as part of a museum complex. The grant will be used toward restoration of hardwood
floors, wooden trim, doors and wainscoting.
"This
building was originally the LeRoy Consolidated School. It brought together one-room
schools from the area. After the school combined with Canton District it became
a community building," explained Matt Carl, project coordinator. A planned
tour of the future museum will interpret how communities throughout the state
made the transition from numerous one-room community schools to consolidated
districts.
The
old LeRoy school remained a community hub even after it was closed as an educational
center. Fundraisers, family reunions, and meetings still take place there. LeRoy
Little League uses it to operate a concession stand. During LeRoy Old Home Day
each July 4th it is the center of exhibits and activities.
Carl
commented that 25 years of hosting community events has taken a toll on the
building. "We want to restore and update the building, make it an attractive
place for people to enjoy for years to come," he said.
Started
in 2001, LeRoy Heritage Museum, a subsidiary of LeRoy Community Association
heads the restoration project. The organizations plan to restore both the school
building that operated between 1930 and1970, and the LeRoy Open Hand Grange
built in 1876, which is right next door.
In
1975 the Open Hand Grange purchased the vacant school building, later re-selling
it to the Community Association. When the Grange closed in 1999 the Community
Association became owner of both historic buildings. The LeRoy Community Association
also maintains a ball field and playground on the grounds.
Members
of the LeRoy Heritage Museum hope the buildings will one-day house their ever-growing
collection of photographs, artifacts and records. The site will attract heritage
visitors and strengthen the local economy. Members proudly point out that the
LeRoy General Store, just down the street from their site, re-opened in April
2003 after being closed seven years. They view this as tangible evidence of
a renewed economy sparked in part by their efforts.
Storeowner
Mike Miosi agrees. He anticipates his business increasing and is proud of his
building's history. According to Miosi, the store was a community landmark occupying
the ground floor of the International Order of Oddfellows building that was
constructed in the late1800's. Prior to closing in 1995, the store had operated
continuously for 125 years. Miosi and his wife Lisa bought and restored the
building where they now offer groceries, deli items, subs and pizza in a charming
early 1900's atmosphere. Sturdy captain's chairs and a rocking chair entice
customers to get comfortable, sampling baked goods and gourmet coffee served
from an antique train station counter. The Community Association believes their
plans to develop a heritage tourist site will encourage additional small business
development.
"The
LeRoy General Store reopening is a real benefit to our community," said
Carl. He is sure once the community building and the grange are restored and
a park atmosphere developed visitors will stop and stay to explore. The road
past the site is used to access Sunfish Pond Park, a bonus for the project and
the General Store, he noted.
EMHR
Executive Director Bob Veleker is gratified by the overall effect of this project
on the tiny community.
"This is not just about dollars awarded primarily for heritage tourism
projects with attendant economic development implications. Perhaps a more important
result is the effect of building community capacity," said Veleker.
In the case of LeRoy, the effort to preserve and present the area's history
has unified the community. In August 2001 a group of volunteers of all ages
painted the school's exterior. During a community work-bee in November 2002
a group of young people from a local drug/alcohol rehabilitation house worked
side by side with LeRoy Heritage Museum Directors to clean the building's basement.
"A
lot of people are interested in preserving the local history and buildings.
They're interested in preserving places they've known all their lives. Many
people grew up here, went to school here," said Carl.
Support comes from people in surrounding towns and even those who moved away
after they grew up. Donations have been received from across the country from
former residents and their descendants who once lived in LeRoy.
"…many
thanks for what you are doing to keep alive the history of a tiny town with
deep roots!" said supporter H. Clark Griswold of Connecticut.
"I
am really interested in the project and the Association. I grew up in LeRoy
and my parents lived there for 45 years," wrote Phyllis Jolley, Florida.
This
is the second grant LeRoy has captured through EMHR. The previous $15,000 implementation
grant was used to start restoration of the Grange building. Among other services,
EMHR provides grant-writing help for small organizations like the LeRoy Heritage
Museum.
"Helping
non-profit organizations develop the capacity to write grants and manage projects
has provided me with a great deal of satisfaction," said Veleker.
But
EMHR does much more than fund projects for the fledgling organization; its staff
offers valuable guidance and expertise.
"EMHR provided a way to network with other organizations and museums, to
see what they're doing," said Carl. "EMHR staff answered our questions,
they're always willing to help in any way."
Carl
indicated the tiny Community Association didn't really know how to get started
on their ambitious projects three years ago. Through EMHR the group learned
how to incorporate the history of the region and the community into their project.
EMHR's Education and Affinity group was particularly helpful, bringing project
coordinators together to exchange information and ideas.
EMHR
is currently undergoing its third membership campaign. Although some of the
organization's activities are funded by DCNR, which administers the State Heritage
Park Program, other critical operating expenses are not fully funded. EMHR hopes
to expand its memberships among individuals, families, business and industry,
municipalities and non-profit organizations bridge the gap. EMHR Membership
helps support projects, events and activities that enhance the quality of life
in the Endless Mountains Region.
EMHR
is a 501c3 non-profit organization and welcomes donations. For more information
contact Endless Mountains Heritage Region, 10 Park Street, Towanda, 18848; emhr@epix.net;
570-265-1528, or explore EMHR on the web: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org.
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Economic Impact of Endless Mountains Heritage Region Grows
TOWANDA - Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) has demonstrated growing
importance as a regional resource for organizations and municipalities planning
or implementing certain types of projects. The organization's total economic
impact on the Endless Mountains Region since it was organized as a State Heritage
Park in 1998 reached $3,790,000 this year according to EMHR Executive Director
Robert Veleker.
"I can't emphasize enough the importance of having a grant program so readily
accessible to local organizations. They can obtain significant amounts of funding
to help them realize their dream to complete a project that will impact on their
ability to better serve not only travelers to the region but also local residents,"
said EMHR Executive Director Robert Veleker.
Approximately 40 projects are underway throughout the region due to funding
received through EMHR. Approval of funding for an additional 11 projects throughout
the region was announced last month. EMHR's impact reaches a wide variety of
community projects such as strategic planning; building preservation, restoration
and re-use; park improvements; museum exhibit enhancement and events. Veleker
and his staff work closely with project partners, looking for creative ways
to accomplish their needs, even suggesting other funding options if a particular
project doesn't meet EMHR criteria.
A seminar on grants and funding opportunities is sponsored by EMHR each spring.
That event is planned for May 27 this year. "The Endless Mountains Heritage
Region is proud to be a facilitator in this process," said Veleker. "One of
our primary missions is to help organizations in the region build the capacity
to take on larger projects." EMHR is one of 11 designated state heritage parks.
Encompassing rural Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties, the
heritage park is organized around an agricultural theme. The staff, board and
membership work hard to maintain and enhance the unique rural character and
culture of the Endless Mountains. Membership is open to non-profit organizations,
businesses, industry, organizations and individuals throughout the region.
EMHR strives to fund projects that build regional partnerships conserving and
promoting cultural, natural, recreational and scenic resources unique to the
region. The organization is a 501c3 non-profit organization and welcomes donations.
For more information contact Endless Mountains Heritage Region, 10 Park Street,
Towanda, 18848; emhr@epix.net; 570-265-1528, or explore EMHR on the web: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org.
More information about the Heritage Parks Program is available at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.
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Endless Mountains Heritage Region Captures $240,000 for
Four Counties
TOWANDA - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary
Michael DiBerardinis recently announced that Endless Mountains Heritage Region
(EMHR) will receive a total award of $240,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania
Heritage Parks Program. Most of those funds are earmarked for projects planned
by regional organizations which applied for grants through EMHR. The remainder
provides management and administrative support for EMHR.
and Economic Development Groups.
EMHR
approved 14 projects at the regional level that were submitted to the Heritage
Parks Program for funding. DCNR, which administers the Heritage Parks Program
approved 11 of those projects.
Projects funded were to:
· Upgrade facilities of the Laporte Community Hall;
· Record and document the Forksville Folk Festival;
· Renovate the Mitchell House/Inn in Troy Township, Bradford County;
· Renovate the Towanda Borough Hall;
· Renovate and restore the LeRoy Community Building;
· Restore the Wyalusing Community Building;
· Restore the Wheaton House Environmental Education Center at Salt Springs
State Park;
· Restore the Silver Lake Bank Building in Montrose;
· Restore the chapel in Evergreen Cemetery in Factoryville;
· Develop Endless Mountains land-based protection guides;
· Study and recommend future uses of both the Susquehanna County Historical
Society's Museum/Library building, and the Old Susquehanna County jail.
In
2002 EMHR received $318,000 through the Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program,
$78,000 more than the current award. Announcement of Pennsylvania Heritage Parks
Program funding is usually made in the fall. Announcement of the 2003 awards
was delayed until state budget issues were resolved this month. DCNR announced
a total of 78 Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program grants totaling $2.8 million
statewide.
DiBerardinis
indicated heritage tourism contributes to a better economic future for the state.
"Pennsylvania's heritage parks are multi-county regions that build tourism
opportunities around a particular industrial theme such as railroads, steel
mills, coal mines, oil fields, canals and highways. They offer visitors the
scenic beauty and recreational assets of state parks, forests, rivers, lakes,
greenways and trails combined with the historical and cultural aspects of the
region."
Pennsylvania
Heritage Parks Program grants require matching funds, which can be a mix of
private, local and federal dollars, increasing the economic impact of the award
to the Endless Mountains Region. EMHR is one of 11 designated state heritage
parks and encompasses Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties.
EMHR has funneled approximately three million dollars into the region. The heritage
park is organized around an agricultural theme, attracting visitors interested
in Native American culture, early settlers, agricultural themes and rural activities.
EMHR
strives to fund projects that build regional partnerships conserving and promoting
cultural, natural, recreational and scenic resources unique to the region. The
organization is a 501c3 non-profit organization and welcomes donations. For
more information contact Endless Mountains Heritage Region, 10 Park Street,
Towanda, 18848; emhr@epix.net; 570-265-1528, or explore EMHR on the web: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org.
More information about the Heritage Parks Program is available at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.
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© 2004 Endless Mountains Heritage Region
