Columbia-Montour Quarterly Vol. 17: July - September 2025

Enjoy a quarterly snapshot of our region with the latest edition of our quarterly digital magazine!

2025

Quarterly

Volume 17 July - September

Your All-Access Guide to Columbia & Montour Counties!

800.847.4810 iTourColumbiaMontour.com

📷 by: Riverside Adventure Company

KATE VILCHECK

GREEN’S FRUIT FARM

@CLEEH27

CONTENTS Table Of

Mastering the Waters: A Passport to the Big Catch

Red Majesty: Raising Deer in the Heart of Pennsylvania

Upcoming Area Carnivals, Fairs & Festivals

@LWLH

Groove Out to Weekly Summer Concerts

History Under Your Nose: The Carousel that Crossed the County

2025 Covered Bridge Photo Contest Winner Announced 22

Events Calendar 24 Telling the Story of the Point Barn 32 Member Spotlight 42 Summer Showcase: The Fishyaker 44 Echoes of History in Montour County 38

Your Summer Adventure Begins in COLUMBIA & MONTOUR Counties

MUSIC IN THE PARK | CHECK OUT PAGE 13 FOR A LIST OF OUR AREA’S WEEKLY SUMMER CONCERTS!

Mastering the Waters: A Passport to the Big Catch Are you a fishing enthusiast? We’ve launched a brand new initiative for Columbia & Montour Counties: a Master Angler Passport! Organized through the popular fishing tournament company, iAngler, this program allows visitors and residents alike to get out on the water in our counties and record the fish species you catch in the iAngler mobile app. This is a FREE passport designed to be fun for the public. Those anglers who catch enough species throughout the year will be awarded the title of “Master Angler” for Columbia & Montour counties in 2025. They will also receive corresponding commemorative prizes for reaching the Master Angler tier, and will be entered to win a year-end Grand Prize drawing. Each passport-holder must submit their scores via the iAngler Tournament app. Participants may only use cellphone cameras for recording fish. Location and date/time functions must be turned on. Photographs should be taken at maximum resolution.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES: • Largemouth bass • Smallmouth bass • Sunfish (Various Types) • Yellow perch • Rock bass • Crappie • Brook trout • Rainbow trout • Brown trout • Golden Rainbow/Palomino trout

• Channel catfish • Flathead catfish • Bullhead catfish • Sucker • Carp

• Northern Pike • Chain Pickerel • Walleye • Muskellunge (Muskie) / Tiger Muskellunge • American Eel

anglers will also receive fun fish decals for each species caught - 20 are available !

TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS: Passport holders are divided into two categories: YOUTH: 15 years of age or younger ADULT: 16 years of age or older *age at time of registration* 2025 PRIZE CATEGORIES:

YOUTH: Catch six different identified fish species to be awarded a Master Angler Patch & Hat combo. ADULT: Catch nine different identified fish species to be awarded a Master Angler Patch & Hat combo. Stickers will also be awarded for each identified fish species caught. A GRAND PRIZE will be drawn and awarded to one youth & one adult that accomplished the Master Angler designation. This year’s grand prize will be a Nucanoe Flint series kayak (MSRP $1,099). Each identified species caught will earn one entry into the grand prize drawing. Eash identified bonus species caught will earn ten entries into the grand prize drawing. Please note – you can submit as many of each species as you’d like, but will only receive an entry per unique species. For instance, if someone catches and submits ten of a single species, they will still just receive one Grand Prize entry. Again, the Master Angler Passport is a “Catch, Photo and Release” tournament. We are fishing for fun, and to help sustain the fish population in the waterways of Columbia & Montour counties. At the same time, our goal is to get people out and about in our area and on the water fishing. Please be aware that in order for a fish species to count for the passport program, it MUST have been caught within the two-county boundaries and will be approved only after being verified with your location data provided from your phone photo upload. Please note that you do not need to immediately upload the fish photos; instead focus on getting the fish back in the water as quickly as possible after photographing it. You can upload the photo after the fish has been released, or even back at the boat launch or at your car. However, the photo needs to be taken right after the catch, as the photo metadata is what we will be using to verify time/location caught.

Grand Prizes

patch & hat combo awarded to all qualified master anglers

Plan Your Summer Visit Today! Plan Your Summer Visit Today!

www.The-Childrens-Museum.org www.The-Childrens-Museum.org 570-389-9206 Bloomsburg Children's Museum 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 570-389-9206 Bloomsburg Children ' s Museum 2 West 7 th Street , Bloomsburg , PA 17815

Red Majesty: Raising Deer in the Heart of Pennsylvania by Linda Sones

I love visiting the Rolling-Hills Red Deer Farm in Catawissa. The deer are beautiful, the farm is pic- turesque, and the people are truly a joy to be around. Naturally, I was curious why they chose to focus on red deer, so I asked Dolly about it and learned some interesting facts! In 1993, Lloyd and Dolly George toured Dou- ble Diamond Deer Farm and the Elk Country Visitor

Center with four other couples. Lloyd became very interested in deer and was advised to visit the “Red Deer” farm in the Benezette area, which is now closed. This prompted Lloyd to envi- sion a transformation from a beef farm to a venison farm. At that time, he was managing two beef farms, along with growing crops and peaches. A short time after, two pastures with 10-foot fencing were completed, and they acquired 14 females and one male, whom they named Adam. Thus, the Rolling-Hills Red Deer Farm was born in 1994. These deer were smaller compared to those at the other red deer farm, so after conducting some research, they became more selective about the deer they purchased. The plan was to raise the deer for meat, just like cows. However, a farmer must wait two years before a red deer can be harvested. To address this waiting period and to satisfy public interest, they built a gift

Visitors can tour the farm on a wagon and feed the deer - plenty of great photo ops are available! Photos courtesy of Rolling Hills Farm.

shop and a special wagon for visitors to ride into the fields for a closer view of the animals. Many people mistakenly assume the deer are elk; in truth, they are a species of deer that originated in Europe. The red deer is one of the largest deer species, with a male called a stag and a female referred to as a hind. Eventually, hunting was introduced as a means to help finance the farm. They also had an in- formational booth at the Ag and Farm Show in Harrisburg each year. Additionally, partici- pation in events like the Bloomsburg Fair and the Covered Bridge and Arts Festival helped promote the farm and brought many visitors. Families on vacation, schools, and travelers passing through the area all would stop by to see these majestic creatures! I recall one tour when Lloyd got off his tractor and picked up a calf to bring in close to the wagon for guests to see. The hinds and stags

are not afraid of the wagon because they know the people on the wagon are provided with treats for them. Some deer would even step onto the stairs leading into the wagon just to ensure they wouldn’t miss out on being fed. Lloyd always entertained guests with silly jokes, playfully interacting with the kids, and teasing the adults throughout the ride. On one occasion, I took some state tourism employees out to the farm for a tour, and Lloyd was in rare form, poking fun at everyone, including Dolly. A couple of times, when Dolly dismounted to manage a gate or pick up something that didn’t belong in the pasture, Lloyd playfully started to leave without her. I think he did it just to see her run.

Sadly, Lloyd, the patriarch of this incredible farm, passed away in November 2023. His son, Jared, has now stepped up to help Dolly manage the farm and continue providing tours. Since Lloyd’s passing, Jared has added a new feed bunker to meet the growing demand for feed. The herd today has expanded to over 500 head of red deer. Calves are born in June, and until the birthing season is over, an accurate headcount will have to wait. Jared is also planning to fence in some of the fields to protect them from the white-tailed deer and other grain eaters that invade the grain fields. Every time I tour the Rolling-Hills Red Deer Farm, I leave with amazing pictures and wonderful stories. If you’re interested in taking a tour, call the farm at 570-356-7482. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Reservations are re- quired. You can also visit them on their website or Facebook. In memory of Lloyd George, May 1942 – November 2023.

A visit to the Red Deer Farm is a clear hit with the little ones!

63 Pinnacle Drive Catawissa, PA 17820 570-356-7482 Tours: May-October by Appointment. Closed Sundays. www.RedDeerAtRollingHillsFarm.com Enjoy an hour long hayride on our 250 acre farm while feeding the deer. Plenty of fun for everyone! Rolling Hills REDDEER FARM Come see the majestic red deer! It’s fun, educational, and hands-on for both adults and children.

gital quarterly 25 ad_Layout 1 3/19/25 5:46 PM Page 1

Old Forge is the perfect place to unwind with family and friends while enjoying fresh, outstanding food and hand-crafted beverages. We offer a full menu created by our chef, featuring Lunch, Dinner & Appetizers. FAVORITE PLACE! LET US BE YOUR

We offer up to 16 of our very own beers on tap with 2 additional on the hand pumps. We also feature a selection of wines and a cocktail menu. Daily Features & Special Dietary Options Call for Take-Out Orders! Beer To Go: Cans, Growlers, or Crowlers. Taco Tuesday • Wednesday Trivia Thursday Wing Nite Fun Seasonal Events Live Music Every Other Friday & Sat.

532 Mill Street • Danville, PA 17821 • 570.275.8151 OLDFORGEBREWINGCOMPANY.COM

GROOVE OUT TO Weekly Summer Concerts

July 8 – West Branch Barbershop Chorus July 15 – Grove Church Choir July 22 – Clickard Consortium July 29 – John Sweeney & Mike Hickey August 5 – Strawberry Ridge

DANVILLE Tuesdays thru August 6th 7:00 PM Held at Memorial Park

July 9 – The Shoreliners July 16 – Big Bone Daddy July 23 - Sunbury City Band July 30 - Legends Oldies Band PLUS:

BLOOMSBURG Wednesdays thru July 30th 7:00 - 8:30 PM Held at the Bloomsburg Town Park

August 7 (Thursday at 5 PM til Dusk) – 68th Annual Ice Cream & Cake Festival Featuring the Catawissa Military Band

BERWICK Thursdays thru September 4th 7:00 PM Held at the Jackson Mansion Lawn

July 10 - Legends Oldies July 17 – Swing Masters July 24 – Back Track July 31 - Rose Ostrowski August 7 - DJ Tom Rood

(Kids Night; 6:30 - 8:30 PM) FREE balloons, games, and bounce house

August 14 – The Rob Taylor Band August 21 – All That Glitters August 28 - Guilty Pleasure September 4 – Memory Lane Free Cake & Ice Cream Night

Bring your lawn chairs and relax to good music in Columbia & Montour Counties all summer long! Concerts are FREE.

by N ate W iggin

History Under Your Nose T he C arousel that C rossed the C ounty

For those of us that may be a bit more seasoned in terms of years on this earth, is there anything that brings back fond childhood memories quite like the remembrance of the local, small town carnivals, fairs, or amusement parks? The sounds of joy on a warm summer evening as people experience the sights, sounds, food, rides, games, or just catch up with friends they may not have seen all year. We are fortunate in the region of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania to still have many of these small town events that lock in all of the really great stuff from days gone by. You know, days when there were not as many distractions or life happenings to pull our attention and time in multiple directions at once. The days when a Saturday afternoon trip to a park for a picnic, or a trip to the local amusement park (of which there used to be so many that dotted the landscape. Thankfully, we still have Knoebels), or the local carnival put

on by different civic organizations would be something that we looked forward to all week. We were rarely disappointed when the time arrived for one of those scenes as memories were made at every turn. There was a time in the late 1800s and early 1900s when amusement parks and picnic groves were huge draws in terms of crowds. Entire families would gather to just spend a leisurely day of relaxation and fun seemingly without a care in the world. One such place was located in Columbia County along the Susquehanna River in Lime Ridge near the mid-point between the town of Bloomsburg and the Borough of Berwick. In its earliest days, this place was known as Shawnee Park. My research indicates that it opened around 1900 as more of a picnic park. The local trolley company known as The Columbia & Montour Electric Railway ran trolley excursions to the park. That aspect meant many

The original entrance to Columbia Park in 1919. The park was located along the Susquehanna River in Lime Ridge. [2}

carousel. Columbia Park had a carousel. It was privately owned and operated by a man named Jerome Pifer. [1] The details of how long that carousel operated at Columbia Park are in question, at least from what I can see. An article on treasurenet.com states the Pifer carousel was taken out around 1910. However, according to Commonwealth University Archivist and Historian, Robert Dunkelberger, there was a private outside entrepreneur who operated a carousel there until 1919. I am not sure if maybe there was another privately owned carousel in between, or if the 1910 date is incorrect. For the purpose of this article, it really doesn’t matter because 1919 is the important date for us. After the 1919 season, the trolley company purchased its own carousel for the park. It was a portable Allen Herschell 1920, three row carousel. The Herschell Company produced over 3,000 carved wooden carousels in its North Tonawanda, NY factory specializing in portable carousels that could be moved from town to town. The carousel featured 36 jumping horses, 2 chariots, and a 146A Wurlitzer organ. It was a grand piece of equipment to be experienced at Columbia Park. However, like most trolley parks

people could go for a day at Shawnee Park very easily just by catching the trolley. “In 1902, the park underwent several substantial upgrades. These upgrades included: a swimming pool, croquet grounds, a shooting gallery, a bowling alley, a dancing pavilion, and a restaurant. There was a report in THE COLUMBIAN newspaper on July 31, 1902 that over 3,000 people attended a company picnic at the park put on for employees of the local silk mill. Then in 1905, the trolley company took over the park altogether. They added lighting to really enhance the experience and expand the hours with the goal of making it one of the finest attractions in the region. They also added a platform sixty feet in length near the tracks, but they kept the park as having free admission.” [1] The park had some amusement rides such as swings, and according to one report there may have even been a small roller coaster added to the park around 1915. The trolley company even had summer cottages located here that were available to rent. [3] Of course, the star attraction of any amusement park is often the carousel. If any one item or attraction was going to evoke feelings of nostalgia, it would definitely be an old time

The original home of the carousel in Columbia Park. Photo circa 1919. [2]

The Columbia Park trolley station, circa 1910. [2]

A crowd walking from the trolley station down to the park entrance. [2]

of the time, Columbia Park experienced a period of decline. This next part is actually the key element of our entire article: The carousel was then sold in 1940 to the Millville Fire Company who placed the carousel in the community park for use during their annual carnival. I was told by current Millville Fire Company Captain, Kevin Martz, that for quite some time the fire company would assemble and then tear down the carousel each year only using it for the carnival. Jim Brown, also a current member of the Millville Fire Company, informed me that the current carousel house was put up in the 60s.

Today, the beautiful 1920 Herschell Carousel is permanently housed inside that gorgeous building on the grounds of Millville Community Park. Although it is a Herschell portable carousel, it now has a permanent home. The carousel was originally steam powered, but was then converted to being gas powered in the 40s. That engine ran the carousel all the way up until the 1990s when the carousel was eventually switched over to being powered by electricity. The gas engine is still on display inside the carousel house, by the way. The outside of the carousel building is adorned with painted scenes depicting the history of Millville

ll Sum25 - Half_Layout 1 6/23/25 3:43 PM Page 1

The carousel in 1946 after it was moved from Columbia Park to Millville. [6]

E njoy A ll T hat W E H ave T o O ffer !

• Comfortably Appointed Rooms for a Wonderful Getaway • Outstanding Fine Dining at The Farmhouse at Turkey Hill • Unique Hand-Crafted Beer and Casual Dining at Turkey Hill Brewing Co. Visit our website and check the specials page to see our current lodging packages. Call or book online today!

innatturkeyhill.com • turkeyhillbrewing.com 570-387-1500 • 991 Central Road, Bloomsburg, PA T he i nn, F armhouse & b rewing C o. at turkey hill

and the area, and the original Wurlitzer organ is still in operation. The carousel itself was restored and repainted in 1986. The carousel has been a part of the annual Millville Carnival for so long that many take it for granted not realizing just how incredibly historic it is. I can tell you from my own experience, that approaching the carousel building and hearing the laughter, music, and the sound of the operating carousel will wash you in a sense of magical nostalgia not to be taken lightly. A ride on one of the original, beautifully hand-carved horses will carry you right to the spot where everything in life is grand as you hold on while your horse jumps through the air plowing through childhood memories. As you hand your ticket to the operator, you are about to experience a machine that has been thrilling young and old alike for over 100 years. As the original Wurlitzer organ belts out each tune, it is easy to see why carousels are so attractive. Life outside that carousel building has changed greatly since this carousel opened in 1920 at Columbia Park, but inside the carousel building time has stood still. The carousel was open each night of the Millville Fireman’s Carnival this year. The carnival, historic and special in its own right, celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2025. If you missed the carnival this year, be sure to plan to attend next year. It is usually held in late June. If you want small town America charm and to go where there is a huge sense of community, then this is definitely a place to visit. Columbia Park actually still exists, just not in the same capacity that it once did. There is a little league ballfield, playground, tennis courts, and picnic areas. From my younger days, I can remember a large building still standing that had been converted to a skating rink at some point, but that is no longer there. I was not able to locate any pictures of the carousel when it was at Columbia Park. Robert Dunkelbereger (Commonwealth University Historian and Archivist) states, “the lack of pictures of the carousel may be because it was privately owned, and just moved to the park during the summer. There were many pictures taken of the park in 1919 for the purpose of a “park valuation”. Because the carousel was still not owned by the park at that time, it would not 18

ABOVE: The banquet hall at Columbia Park, circa 1910. [2] BELOW: The bowling alleys at Columbia Park. [2]

ABOVE: Carousel restoration work in 1986 by Bob Eves, Don Thomas & Ned Eyer. LEFT: The carousel is the circular shaped structure in this aerial shot from 1942.

Columbia Park still exists today and is open to the public. Above, the author visited the park and tried to match up the present day location of some of the historical photos.

The historic 1920 Allen Herschell carousel in its current home at Millville Community Park. Consider a visit to see it!

have been included in those photos.” All reminders of what once was are gone. It is easy though to walk the grounds and “imagine” the excitement of the crowds as they stepped off the trolley onto the platform all ready for a day at the park….and a magical spin on the carousel. “The Carousel that Crossed the County”... a little History Under Your Nose that you may not have even realized was there. You may know the carousel, perhaps taking a ride or two yourself through the years. Now you know the full story. Acknowledgements: I really need to thank a couple of people who were instrumental in helping me with different aspects of this article. Robert Dunkelberger, Commonwealth University Archivist and Historian, provided me with some facts on Columbia Park. More importantly, he provided me with some photos of the park taken during its heyday. I have looked over these photos at length just trying to put myself into each one to experience the scene. I am extremely grateful for the help and effort from Mr. Dunkelberger. I am also thankful to the author of an online article on treasurenet.com (known only as “Jeff of PA”) who did some really great research about Columbia Park including providing aerial shots of the park.

Sources: [1] treasurenet.com “Shawneee Park aka Columbia Park” Jeff of PA. 3/10/2017 [2] Andruss Library Special Collections. CU - Bloomsburg. Robert Dunkelberger. Historian & Archivist. [3] Images of America. Early Columbia County. Columbia County Historical & Genealogy

Society 2009. Page 101 [4] vintagecarousels.com [5] patternflower.blogspot.com

[6] “50th Anniversary. Millville Community Fire Company. 1937- 1987” Compiled by James Brown & Millville Fire Company Friends and Neighbors. - On loan from the private collection of James Eves, Millville.

enjoy nate’s “history under your nose” articles? click here to follow his page on facebook!

the carousel today Some shots of the carousel today in Millville Community Park. The three panels below are just a few of the stunning art scenes that are painted around the outside of the carousel.

The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce this year’s Covered Bridge Photo Contest winner. The winning image will be featured as the 2025 Covered Bridge Puzzle. The puzzle will be released in the fall as the fifteenth installment in the Visitors Bureau’s limited-edition series, and will feature the Creasyville Covered Bridge for the first time. Margie Hunsinger’s snapshot of the Creasyville Bridge in Columbia County was selected as this year’s overall winner. Margie has been an avid amateur photographer for many years. A member of Susquehanna Women’s Imaging Society, she is rarely without her camera. She loves learning and trying any type of photography. Her favorite scenes are landscapes and she is always on the lookout for interesting locations. Margie is also the 2015 and 2021 Covered Bridge photo contest winner. She lives in rural Columbia County with her husband Sam. Several other photographers were

recognized in this year’s contest with an honorable mention designation: Brandy Whitenight (photo featuring Kramer Covered Bridge), Gary Brown (Creasyville Covered Bridge), Mark Koskulitz (Stillwater Covered Bridge), Jimmy Tighe (Sam Wagner Covered Bridge), and Doug Turner (Wanich Covered Bridge). The Visitors Bureau would like to thank everyone who submitted photos to the contest. The Creasyville Bridge, built in 1881 by T.S. Christian for a cost of $301.25 was probably first known as the Derr Bridge. This Queenpost Truss bridge is located near Iram Derr’s sawmill, and spans Little Fishing Creek between Jackson and Pine Townships in Columbia County. It is found on Creasyville Bridge Road, off Creasyville Hollow Road north of Millville and Iola.

The 2025 Creasyville Covered Bridge puzzle will be in stock in early fall – cost will remain $18, tax included. Puzzles are 550 pieces and supplies will be limited to first-come, first-serve. No pre-order will be taken this year. When the puzzles are in stock (possibly by early October), the Visitors Bureau will send an email out to their “Covered Bridge Enthusiasts” list, publicize the news on their website, and share a post on social media. Individuals interested in purchasing a puzzle this year should plan to visit the Welcome Center in November or December to purchase, or call the Center to arrange for shipping. To sign up for the Enthusiasts email list and be notified of the puzzles’ arrival, please visit: mailchi.mp/cmvb/covered-bridges . A donation of $2 from every puzzle sold will be made by the Bureau to the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association to go toward restoration and preservation of local covered bridge treasures. The Columbia County Covered Bridge Association restores, preserves, and advocates for the covered bridges of Columbia County for historical and recreational purposes. Their purpose is simple: they recognize the historic importance of the covered bridges as a public treasure to be available to, and be enjoyed by, the public. This non-profit association protects the area’s covered bridges not only for today, but also for future generations.

The Bloomsburg Fair Association would like to Thank everyone for your continued support of the Bloomsburg Fair. 620 W. THIRD Street, Bloomsburg, PA. 17815 g

2025 Weis Markets Grandstand Entertainment Grandstand Ticket Office 570-387-4145 or visit www.bloomsburgfair.com/Grandstand Watch the Bloomsburg Fair website for updates W Preview Day is Friday, September 19th, 2025 2

Harness Racing

Anne Wilson

Dustin Lynch

The Oak Ridge Boys

Bullride Mania

Jeff Dunham

Cooper Alan

Ludacris

Truck and Tractor Pulls

Third Eye Blind

Styx

Bullride Mania Tuesday, September 23 @ 6:30 PM Ludacris With Special Guest DJ Infamous Wednesday, September 24 @ 8:00 PM Third Eye Blind With Special Guest New Medicine Thursday, September, 25 @ 8:00 PM Championship Demo Derby

17 Weis Markets Grandstand Events Schedule Styx Friday, September, 26 @ 8:00 PM Championship Demo Derby Saturday, September 27 @ 12:30 PM Truck and Tractor Pulls Saturday, September 27 @ 6:00 PM

Harness Racing Fri., Sept. 19/Sat., 20 Shows @ 11:00 AM Anne Wilson With Special Guest Jordan Feliz Friday, Sept. 19 @ 7:30 PM Dustin Lynch With Special Guest George Birge Saturday, September 20 @ 8:00 PM

The Oak Ridge Boys Sunday, September 21 @ 2:00 PM Jeff Dunham Arti fi cal Intelligence Tour Sunday, Sept. 21 @ 8:00 PM Cooper Alan With Special Guest Thomas Mac Monday, Sept. 22 @ 8:00 PM

@MIKIHOSS

EVENTS CALENDAR

brewskis ’ bluegrass brunch Last Sunday of the month Brewskis Coffee and Bar 570-317-2865 bloomsburg library bridge club Every Monday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org craft pizza night Every Monday Craft Catering at the Links at Hemlock Creek 570-594-8134 - http://www.craftcateringllc.com

ONGOING

danville growers market Every Saturday thru November 22 Downtown Danville between Cole’s Hardware and Voelcker’s Beverage 570-284-4502 – visitdanvillepa.org bloomsburg fair farmers market Every Saturday thru August Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-441-2059 - facebook.com/bloomfairfarmersmarket

american mah jongg Every Tuesday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org

bloom yarnies Every second and fourth Saturday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 - bloomsburgpl.org komodo dragon feeding Last Saturday of the month Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland 570-538-1869 - reptiland.com

danville summer concerts at memorial park Every Tuesday through August 5 Danville Memorial Park 570-284-4502 - VisitDanvillePA.org

BERWICK WORLD WAR II WEEKEND Presented by Stuart Tank Memorial Association Inc D-Day Dodgers Po River Crossing: The Final Major Engagement in Italy Friday, July 18 th - Saturday July 1 9 th - Sunday July 20 th Riverfront Test Track Park – South Eaton Street Berwick PA

dungeons and dragons Every Tuesday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org

river poets First Thursday of the month Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org

montour county genealogical room Every Wednesday Boyd House Museum 570-271-0830 - montourcountyhistoricalsociety.org bloomsburg town park summer concert series Every Wednesday through August 7 Bloomsburg Town Park 570-784-7123 - bloomsburgpa.org

summer concert series at the jackson mansion Every Thursday through September 4 Jackson Mansion Lawn 570-752-2723 - berwickborough.org montgomery / boyd house tours Every Sunday

Montgomery House Museum & Boyd House Museum 570-271-0830 - montourcountyhistoricalsociety.org beyond the blue - two fish out of water Now thru August 16 Artspace Gallery 570-784-0737 - artspacebloomsburg.com

quaker steak & lube bike nite Every Wednesday Quaker Steak & Lube 570-389-9464 – quakersteakandlube.com play traditional mahjong Every Thursday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org

made by fire Now thru July 25 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org

@YONDERFANJ

EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY

sculpture unveiling in berwick July 4 St. Charles Park 570-578-9412 - berwickartsassociation.com mexico road at the iron fork July 6, 13, 20 & 27 The Iron Fork 570-275-4003 – ironfork.net maker camp ii - summer camp July 7 – 11 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org taylor ’ s version summer camp July 7 – 11 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org farm school at rohrbach ’ s

sideways stories from wayside school July 10 – 27 Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble 570-784-5530 - bte.org

4 wheel jamboree July 11 – 13 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-784-4949 - 4wheeljamboree.com

blues and brews July 11 & August 15 Rock God Brewing 570-284-4096 “ may the force be with you ” day July 12 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org gillespie park – toy story movie night July 12 Dr. Charles Gillespie Park 570-661-1936 - downtownbloomsburg.org pre - k enchanted fairy garden - summer camp July 14 – 18 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org lego engineering - aviation July 14 – 18 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum – Discovery Corner 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org

July 7 & August 4 Rohrbach’s Farm 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net music in the garden , an evening with jesse and friends July 9 Folk’s Butterfly Farm 570-394-7298 - folksbutterflyfarm.com

briggs farm blues festival July 10 – 12 Briggs Farm 570-379-3342 - briggsfarm.com

s Country Grill 22 - Half_Layout 1 6/9/22 10:40 AM Page 1

DineIn • TakeOut • Catering Westovers Country Grill creates delicious, good ole’ fashion home cooking in a nostalgic country setting. From comfort food like BBQ to delicious steaks and pasta, you’ll love every bite. We even make homemade desserts! Stop by anytime, especially if you’re on your way to nearby Ricketts Glen.

Dine inside or relax outside on our all weather outdoor deck/pavilion. It’s also the perfect place to have your next party, event, or business gathering.

4438 Red Rock Rd. Benton PA 17814 570-925-0330 Open at 11am Tuesday-Sunday

B.Y.O.B. Welcome!

@BRIARCREEKFARMS

EVENTS CALENDAR

gillespie park – turtle trouble with the bloomsburg children ’ s museum July 19 Dr. Charles Gillespie Park 570-661-1936 - downtownbloomsburg.org pioneer day July 19 Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train 570-875-3850 – pioneertunnel.com aloha hawaii – a tropical dinner event July 20

JULY (CONTINUED) art with anne ii - summer camp July 14 – 18 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org benton rodeo and frontier days July 15 – 20 Benton Rodeo Grounds bentonrodeo.com

Wesley United Methodist Church 570-784-1407 - wesleybloom.com

free hearing screening July 15 Bloomsburg Senior Center 570-784-8050

montour delong community fair July 21 – 26 Montour DeLong Community Fairgrounds 570-437-2178 - montourdelongfair.com maker camp iii - summer camp July 21 – 25 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org fired up ! ceramics summer camp July 23 – 25 & July 28 – 29 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org run forest run – bloomsburg ymca 5 k and 10 k July 26 Weiser State Forest 570-784-0188 - bloomsburgy.org

2025 gardening series in berwick July 16, August 20 & September 17 Berwick Innovation Center 570-316-6519 - extension.psu.edu/columbia-county

world war ii weekend July 18 – 20 Berwick Test Track 570-350-9675 - berwickstuarttank.org aire pride - apalooza July 19 Bloomsburg Fair Grounds airepa.org

40th Annual Frontier Days Celebration

July 15-20 2025 Voted “Best in the East”

3D Barrel Racing Wednesday

Fun Horse Show Tuesday

APRA & IPRA Sanctioned Championship Rodeo Thur., Fri., & Sat.

Bull-A-Rama Sunday

No Pets Allowed

Grounds Open At 4pm

385 Mendenhall Lane • Benton, PA 17814

Camping Available • Great Food & Vendors For More Information: Call (570) 925-6536 Please Leave Message. bentonrodeo@yahoo.com www.bentonrodeo.com

AUGUST

susquehanna river paddle & cleanup July 26 Susquehanna River 570-784-8279 - itourcolumbiamontour.com susquehanna valley watershed festival July 26 Cara Park 570-317-9456 - columbiaccd.org shake it off : 4 th annual daddy daughter dance July 27 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org efforts at imitation July 28 – September 5 The Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org creative arts i - summer camp July 28 – August 1 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org music in the garden , an evening with mel rivers July 30 Folk’s Butterfly Farm 570-394-7298 - folksbutterflyfarm.com

pages to pavement : library color run August 2 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-387-8782 - cctlibrary.org celebrate berwick August 2 Market Street Berwick 570-752-2723 - berwickborough.org myth busters - summer camp August 4 – 8 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum – Discovery Corner 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org

@HOEBANNY

AUGUST (CONTINUED)

creative arts ii - summer camp August 4 – 8 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org music in the garden , an evening with jeff tomassacci ( jeff jams ) August 6 Folk’s Butterfly Farm 570-394-7298 - folksbutterflyfarm.com susky 5 slama - jama ( kayak adventure

blues and brews August 15 Rock God Brewing 570-284-4096 gillespie park – chalk art creation August 16 Dr. Charles Gillespie Park 570-661-1936 - downtownbloomsburg.org john john brown at the exchange listening room August 20 The Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org

series ) August 8

Susquehanna River / Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-784-8279 - itourcolumbiamontour.com

nature in the abstract August 21 – September 27 Artspace Gallery 570-784-0737 - artspacebloomsburg.com

mifflinville peach festival August 8 & 9 Mifflinville Carnival Grounds 570-204-5200

artfest August 23 Downtown Bloomsburg 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org

verses in the vineyard August 8 Three Dogs Vino 570-387-8782 - cctlibrary.org gillespie park – moana 2 movie night August 9 Dr. Charles Gillespie Park 570-661-1936 - downtownbloomsburg.org community day car and tractor show August 9 Oriental Masonic Lodge #460 - Orangeville 570-683-6511 - facebook.com/OrientalLodge460 american girl - summer camp August 11 – 15 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org build a bar top arcade - summer camp August 11 – 15 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum – Discovery Corner 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org

all home days August 30 – September 1 Memorial Park - Elysburg 570-441-7310 - facebook.com/AllHomeDays

SEPTEMBER

danville heritage festival September 5 – 7 Downtown Danville 570-284-4502 - visitdanvillepa.org ber - vaughn craft fair September 6 Ber Vaughn Park 570-752-2723 - berwickborough.org fall arts and crafts festival September 6 Mill Street, Downtown Danville 570-284-4502 - visitdanvillepa.org

bbq and brew music festival v August 15 – 17 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds facebook.com/BBQandBrewMusicFestival

doggy dive at knoebels September 7 Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 - knoebels.com

@BIKEWALKBLOOMSBURG

parks and recreation September 8 – October 17 The Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org kings return ( a - cappella quartet ) September 11 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu

touch a truck September 13 Rohrbach’s Farm 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net 2025 bloomsburg fair September 19 – 27 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-784-4949 - bloomsburgfair.com

@TLSMOLOCK

andré mehmari trio ( jazz / world music ) September 24 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu national geographic live : from roots to canopy ( multimedia ) September 30 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu

Telling the Story of the Point Barn

by Dick Cormell

When my wife Iris and I purchased an old homestead along Route 11 in 1998, we had no idea the impact it would have, not only on our lives, but also on the lives of others and the surrounding community. The homestead included some farmland, a dilapidated house that we had to tear down, and a barn filled with bats, manure, and trash from a number of previous tenants. As soon as all the papers were signed, we wasted no time in stabilizing the barn. It was jacked up and the foundation was totally replaced. Next came the roof, and after that, in every year, we’ve made capital improvements large and small. In 2002, I learned that my good friend, Dennis Faulk, was retiring from the federal prison system and looking for a second career. So I called Dennis and told him I would like to show him my barn. His instant response was “Let’s sell stuff.”

With nearly 15,000 square feet of floor space there was plenty of room, so we started going to auctions and rummaging through attics and garages looking for antiques, old books, furniture -- anything that might sell. And the Point Barn was officially in business. Then in 2004, my wife Iris expressed a desire to open her own flower shop, and in just a few years, that has grown to a full blown floral and garden operation specializing in fresh cut flowers and unique finds for the home and garden. Meanwhile, ever since I can remember, I was interested in woods, timber and the lumber industry, particularly in Pennsylvania, where the diversity and quality of hardwoods such as cherry, walnut, ash and maple is second to nowhere else in the U.S. So I ended up in the timber harvesting business and as a byproduct, became something of an 33

expert on woods. Moreover and equally importantly, I became friendly with some of Central Pennsylvania’s finest Amish woodworkers.

Those friendships, my love of hardwood furniture and design, and the encouragement of Iris, lead us to start our own line of hardwood furnishings in 2007. I had always been intrigued with the Edelweiss flower, not only because of the song of the same name from the movie, “The Sound of Music”, but also because the flower symbolizes love and affection. So I went to see my Amish woodworker friends and asked if they could carve an Edelweiss flower into whatever piece they were crafting. They said they could, and Edelholz was born. (The literal translation for Edelweiss is “noble white;” Edelholz, thus, is “noble wood”). Edelholz offers a full line of furnishings that include tables, chairs, rockers, stools, bread boxes, cutting boards, lazy susans, dinner plates, and more. Every piece is made from timber harvested by one of our logging crews and has a hand carved Edelweiss flower on it. The timber is harvested, logs are milled, lumber is kiln dried and the furnishings are assembled -- all within 25 miles of the barn. Edelholz also offers a full line of wooden kitchenware that includes egg flippers, pie servers, spatulas, rolling pins, and King Kong salad forks.

A local potter, Mike Yoder, also makes a variety of items to complement our line, including stoneware jugs for our maple syrup, kitchen crocks to store our kitchenware, and small crocks for our line of candles with fragrances from the hardwood forest. In the fall of 2008, a friend and sales rep of a local lumber company lost his job because of the sour economy and foreign imports. Adam soon joined us in creating Adam and Eve’s General store, which specializes in products made only in Pennsylvania, including locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, cheese, stoneware, ironworks, hams, and things that a general store would carry. Adjacent to Adam and Eve’s is the Pennsylvania Wine Stable, which sells wine from Juniata Valley Winery and offers free wine tasting paired with fine cheeses from the Amish General Store plus a variety of wine-related products, from cork screws to bottle carriers. So, today the Point Barn complex offers a multitude of things old and new in a relaxing atmosphere that anyone would enjoy. We want you to stop by and pick up a bottle of your favorite wine and, if you like, fill your glass and stroll among the thousands of square feet of unusual and interesting items.

See ya there.

Richard Cormell, Owner

Farms-Winter25-HalfPg._Layout 1 1/6/25 11:03 AM Page 1

570-799-5888 Hours: Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun: 7:30am-5pm Serving Breakfast 7:30-Noon Closed January Restaurant & Farm Market Banquet Hall with available Catering Christmas Tree Farm Check Website for Special Events!

Located 1 Mile Off Rt. 42 In Numidia 270 White Church Rd, Elysburg, PA

www.ponducefarms.com

CREEK IS AN EXAMPLE OF COLLABORATION, PERSISTENCE IN TACKLING ABANDONED MINE DRAINAGE ISSUES Echoes of History in Montour County

by Jenn Puckett

On my last birthday, I became a quinquagenarian. For those of you who don’t know what that means - I don’t sit on the ground anymore without a plan of how to get up after. Vinyl records make me nostalgic and I was raised to “Give a hoot, don’t pollute.” You get the idea. Next year is a big birthday for the nation too, our semiquincentennial. 250 years since a newborn nation took its first steps. If I try to imagine what 1776 was like, the Montgomery House are those thoughts brought to life. The walls hold the echoes of hundreds of conversations and actions of the people that made Danville and the surrounding areas what they are today. What seems to me was like was just yesterday is what my son thinks of as the ancient history. I often grumble, when I replace an appliance, “But we just bought this!” I like to think a new dryer should work longer than 2 years, but that’s probably because I am from an age where things did last. Unlike my new-fangled appliances, the Montgomery and Boyd House both illustrate the saying “They just don’t build them like that anymore.” Standing in the main room of the Montgomery House, I felt as though I stepped into a magic portal.

The Business & Industry Room in the Boyd House is fascinating for local history buffs!

It’s very easy to believe General Montgomery is just in the next room. (The General’s son, Daniel opened the first trading post and the town began to be known as Dan’s Town and later Danville.) There is a deep sense of endurance that emanates from the house, overlayed with the obvious care and maintenance which is evident everywhere. It felt somehow permanent and fragile together. The Montgomery House has been carefully furnished and decorated with not only items that are representative of the past but real historical artifacts. Intricate needlepoint samplers and framed original documents adorn the walls along with beautiful artwork. An upstairs bedroom contains some of Abigail Geisinger’s own belongings. Abigail is well known to the locals as the lady who started Geisinger Hospital, brought about by her belief that folks shouldn’t have to travel far away for medical treatment. In honor of her husband, she purchased land for the George F. Geisinger Memorial Hospital, which opened in 1915. Today Geisinger Health Systems spans 10 hospitals, employees over 25,000 people and 1700 doctors! That’s just one of the dozens of local anecdotes we learned about. We learned about the history of iron and its impact on Danville, saw documents signed by Benjamin Franklin. Dozens and dozens of arrowheads and other tools, all collected locally are on display. Unlike other historic homes I’ve visited in the past, I really felt like this is a place where some of the work of building our nation was done. We stepped right next door to the Boyd House and if I was feeling like a stepped in to history before, we now were fully submersed in it. In one room, there were volunteers from the Montour County Historical Society in the Genealogy Room, surrounded by neatly organized volumes of records, occupying shelves and filing cabinets. They open this room every Wednesday and for a small fee, you may find some of your own ancestors and their stories too. The area that really hit home for me was the Military Room. I’ve seen various US military historical collections but I’d never seen one quite like this. My grandfather, who I was very close to growing up, served his country during WWII, leaving his wife and very small children

behind to drive artillery trucks in France. It was fascinating to see the generations of folks who served their country in times of need, at home and abroad. From antique weaponry to uniforms and more, this is one of the largest, best organized military collections in PA. In the Business and Industry Room, we found a huge array of local history, not limited to the iron heritage of the area. A huge advertising banner from the old Grange dominates the far wall and the room is filled with all sorts of items – all neatly organized and displayed beautifully. There’s so many unique items and tidbits of history here. And the folks at the Montour County Historical Society are excellent stewards of those things. I learned more about our local history and how it applied to the beginning of our nation in a single visit here than I ever learned in school. This is site that everyone should visit, especially now as we are on the cusp of our nation’s 250 birthday. It is humbling to remember where we have come from and think about of the genuine challenges of the future. Looking back, we can sometimes see our way forward. The Montgomery and Boyd Houses are open every Sunday through October for tours. You can contact the Montour County Historical Society at 570-271-0830 and learn more on their website, montourcountyhistoricalsociety.org. P.S. - Remember at the beginning when I said I am a quinquagenarian? I’m still not telling you what that means; if you want to know how old I am, you’ll just have to look it up. But living in these parts keeps me young at heart. We’ll see you out there! •

The Boyd House

616 Walnut Street Danville, PA 570-275-1310

Lunch • Dinner • Takeout • Delivery Something for everyone... entrees, appetizers, burgers, salads, soup and don't forget the fresh cut fries! Offering a full bar with a variety of domestic, imported, craft, and seasonal beers. Family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating. Open for lunch and dinner.

www.ltevansrestaurant.com Online Ordering Available!

JIMMY TIGHE

@TOM_G462

@THE.PATHFINDERS

@WANDERINGLENSPHOTOS

MATTHEW ALLEN

@EAST_COASTERS_

Member Spotlight The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the following businesses as recent new members to the organization! beauty & bubbles , llc 321 East Front Street, Berwick, PA 18603 facebook.com/p/Beauty-Bubbles-LLC-61556432870350 • 570.317.8228

We are a professional grooming salon catering to dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds. At Beauty & Bubbles, we prioritize quality over quantity and always place your dog’s health first. We are open 7 days a week and sell all natural treats from Biscuit Authority with a fresh supply monthly. All the products we use are made in the USA!

benton landscape supply 4095 Maple Grove Road, Benton, PA 17814 facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574470828437 • 570.441.2651

At Benton Landscape Supply, we believe that every outdoor space has the potential to be a stunning oasis. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a DIY enthusiast, our extensive selection of high-quality materials and supplies will help you bring your vision to life!

black dog customs , llc 146 East Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 bigtopteams.com • 570.784.6025

Black Dog Customs, formerly known as Big Top Teams and Wagner’s Trophies, is still providing the same quality service and produces the community has come to know. Our specialties spell out TEAMS: T-shirt decorating, Embroidery, Awards, Metal engraving, Sublimation. Everything is customized to your needs. black ops security services / b . o . s . s . firearms 142 West Front Street, Berwick, PA 18603 blackopssercurityservices.com • 570.520.4085 We offer custom in-house rifles, NFA Sales, laser engraving, Executive Protection, Armed/Un- armed Security, Security Consulting, Training, Quick Reactionary Teams, Emergency Action Planning, and more!!

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47

itourcolumbiamontour.com