Enjoy a quarterly snapshot of our region with the latest edition of our quarterly digital magazine!
2024
Quarterly
Volume 14 October - December
Your All-Access Guide to Columbia & Montour Counties!
800.847.4810 iTourColumbiaMontour.com
📷 : @PHOTOGP.DK
📷: BRITTANY KERSHNER
@KIKISORICK
CONTENTS Table Of
History Under Your Nose: Secrets of the Mini Lady Liberty Statues 4
2024 Sweets & Spirits Trail 15 8 Events Calendar
@THEFARMINBLOOM
16 Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Close to Home Edition
2024 Covered Bridge Puzzles Have Arrived! 23
250 Years of History in Catawissa 28 24 A Little Something Sweet: Shaffer’s Cake & Candy
Member Spotlight 32
Finding the Stories Behind the Signs; Part IV 34
@INCREDIBLEPOPCORN
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Your fall Adventure Begins in COLUMBIA & MONTOUR Counties
📷: BOB ERLSTEN
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HISTORY UNDERYOUR NOSE
Secrets of the Mini Lady Liberty Statues
by NateWiggin
M
ore often than not, there are unique or unusual items, landmarks, or features along the paths of our daily travel that tend to become just part of the background. For example, living in Columbia County, Pennsylvania one can easily take for granted the beautiful covered bridges we have. There are so many in fact that they tend to be- come part of the background, and maybe only appreciated when surrounded by fall foliage. That exact thing happened to me before I had an “awakening”, and I realized just how incredible each struc- ture is. Now, I am on a quest to see them all, as many of you know. (my count stands at 137). Perhaps where you live the same thing has happened. You know, the old, falling down grist mill, the statue in the park, the monument in town square, the buildings or houses that were obviously of importance at one time now standing vacant, or the old factory buildings. Today, I am going to enlighten you to two very distinct items that definitely fit the bill of History Under Your Nose (HUYN) , but they are mostly just overlooked.
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In 1950, the Boy Scouts of America celebrated their 40th anniversary as an organization. J.P. Whitaker was Scout Commissioner of the Kansas City Coun- cil. He had an idea in 1949 that would spread a sense of Patriotism across America through the Boy Scouts as the organization celebrated the anniver- sary. His idea was to commission Mini Statues of Liberty that could be bought by Scout organizations to place in their local communities. The cost of the original mold was $3,500, and the statues were made in Chicago. There were about 200 statues created. Each one was 8 ½ feet tall without the base, made of sheet copper (stamped), weighed 290 pounds, and cost about $350 each to purchase ($4,400 in today’s money). These statues were cre- ated between 1949 and 1952. They were put up in 39 states and some US territories. Over the course of time, many of these statues were neglected or lost. Of the 200 made, only around 100 remain. That brings us to the “Under Your Nose” part of this article. For the last 40 years I have seen, walked by, and driven by two of these statues, but I never had a clue as to their origin. The first statue is located on the lawn of the beau- tiful Jackson Mansion on Market Street in Berwick. This statue was dedicated on February 5, 1951. It was purchased as a gift to the town by the American
The first mini Statue of Liberty is located in front of the historic Jackson Mansion in Berwick.
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The plaque on the Berwick Statue of Liberty.
An article from the Berwick Morning Press on Thursday, January 25, 1951 describes the planned dedication of the new statue.
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Car & Foundry Company ( AC&F). She sure looks beautiful with the mansion as a backdrop. Anyone who has ever driven through Christmas Boulevard in Berwick has driven right past her. The second statue in our region is located in Bloomsburg. This one stands on the corner of Market and Fifth Streets right in front of the main entrance for the Bloomsburg Memorial Elementary School. I did not find much information about the statue, but it seems as though it was also dedicated in 1951. An article from the Press Enterprise in 1986 did mention that the spikes on the headpiece were missing at one point. So, the next time you drive by one of these you will know the backstory, and you can enlighten those around you. Thanks again for reading along with this edition of History Under Your Nose, wherever you might be see- ing this. If you enjoyed this article, you are encouraged to join the HUYN family on Facebook.
LEFT: An article from the Press Enterprise on Saturday, July 5, 1986 discussing the re-dedication of the Statue at the Bloomsburg Elementary School. ABOVE: The Statue in front of the Elementary School and a close-up of the dedication plaque.
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📷: BEN PREPELKA
EVENTS CALENDAR
MULTI-MONTH / RECURRING
first day hike with nature journaling and the pa master naturalists First day of each month Montour Preserve 570-850-1166 • montourpreserve.com
prone to wonder and wander at artspace October 3 – November 10 Artspace Gallery 570-784-0737 • artspacebloomsburg.com hallo - fun at knoebels Weekends in October
komodo dragon feeding Every last Friday of the month Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland 570-538-1869 • reptiland.com ferry street growers ’ market Saturdays thru November 23 Ferry Street, Danville visitdanvillepa.org/main/danville-growers-market brewskis ’ bluegrass brunch
Knoebels Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 • knoebels.com
tour the montgomery house and boyd house museums Every Sunday Bloom Street, Danville 570-271-0830 haunted weekends at the jackson mansion October 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 25 & 26 Jackson Mansion 570-759-8020 • berwickhistoricalsociety.org
Last Sunday of the month Brewskis Coffee and Bar 570-317-2865 retherfords zoo - themed corn maze and zain train rides Daily thru November 1 Retherford’s Farm Market, Benton 717-756-2287 fall fun at rohrbach ’ s farm market - corn maze , pumpkin picking and more Fridays & Saturdays thru November 1 Rohrbach’s Farm Market 570-356-2597 • rohrbachsfarm.net
tina martyniuk solo show October 14 – November 22 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 • exchangearts.org
holiday artspace member exhibit and sale November 14 – January 5 Artspace Gallery 570-784-0737 • artspacebloomsburg.com
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rs 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!
@BARRYANDCATHYBECK
EVENTS CALENDAR
RECURRING (CONTINUED)
42 nd annual covered bridge & arts festival October 3 – 6 Bloomsburg Fair Grounds 570-784-8279 • itourColumbiaMontour.com
cash and carry xi at the exchange November 25 – December 27 The Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 • exchangearts.org
berwick ymca designer purse and gift card bingo October 3 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 570-752-5981
joy through the grove November 29 – December 31 Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 • knoebels.com
13 th annual riverfest October 4 – 6 Berwick Test Track 570-752-2723 • berwickborough.org knoebel lumber 5 k October 5 Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 • knoebels.com
a christmas carol November 29 – December 28 Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble – Alvina Krause Theatre 570-784-5300 • bte.org
2024 berwick boulevard December 7 – 31 Market Street Berwick 570-204-0983
warrior run fort freeland heritage days October 5 & 6
Fort Freeland-Hower Slote House 570-538-1756 • freelandfarm.org
OCTOBER
croctoberfest October 5 Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland 570-538-1869 • reptiland.com
down on the farm : children ’ s sensory event October 2 Nanny’s Indoor Play Place 570-854-8401 • facebook.com/100090946612280
machine de cirque : ghost light : between fall and flight ( contemporary cirque ) October 8 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 • bucknell.edu/WeisCenter
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FALL 2024
BLUEGRASS Sister Sadie Friday, Nov. 15 7:30 p.m.
JAZZ/SAXOPHONE Lakecia Benjamin Quartet Thurs., Oct. 24 7:30 p.m.
DELTA BLUES Tab Benoit Sat., Dec. 7 7:30 p.m.
Bucknell.edu/WeisCenter 570-577-1000
harry potter day October 12 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 • the-childrens-museum.org pumpkin festival at ol ’ country barn
charly lowry ( americana ) October 17 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 • bucknell.edu/WeisCenter murder in the library October 18 - 20 Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 • bloomsburgpl.org the camp lavigne wine festival October 19 Camp Lavigne 570-784-2700 • columbiamontourbsa.org dinosaurs vs . unicorns October 19 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 • the-childrens-museum.org
October 12 & 13 Ol’ Country Barn 570-925-6295 • olcountrybarn.com
halloween and fall foliage train rides October 12 Autoneum - Bloomsburg Plant 570-661-1936 • downtownbloomsburd.org 2 nd annual craft show at the butterfly farm October 12 & 13 Folk’s Butterfly Farm 570-394-7298 • folksbutterflyfarm.com columbia montour pride outfest 2024 October 13 Market St, Bloomsburg airepa.org ghosts and goblins play night October 16 Nanny’s Indoor Play Place 570-854-8401 • facebook.com/100090946612280
9 th anniversary celebration at three dogs vino October 19 Three Dogs Vino 570-389-0151 • threedogsvino.com
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BLOOMSBURG TREEFEST
EVENTS CALENDAR
OCTOBER (CONTINUED)
2024 pennsylvania power sports show October 25 – 27 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds - Industrial Arts Building 888-411-PSSA • pasnow.org open play at nanny ’ s October 25 Nanny’s Indoor Play Place 570-854-8401 • facebook.com/100090946612280 BOO ! burg 2024 October 25 Seventh Street, Bloomsburg 570-317-2596 • ExchangeArts.org pumpkinfest October 26 Nanny’s Indoor Play Place 570-854-8401 • facebook.com/100090946612280 2024 catawissa halloween parade October 26 Main Street Catawissa 570-784-6378 • facebook.com/CatawissaHalloweenParade
cirque kikasse : SANTÉ! ( contemporary cirque ) October 19 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 • bucknell.edu/WeisCenter berwick ’ s first annual coffin races October 19 Tri-County Lumber & Supply Co. 570-752-4500 • facebook.com/tricountylumberandsupplyllc
danville halloween parade 2024 October 24 Mill Street, Downtown Danville facebook.com/DanvilleHalloweenParade lakecia benjamin quartet ( jazz / saxophone ) October 24 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 • bucknell.edu/WeisCenter
mifflinville fall festival October 26 & 27 Mifflinville Carnival Grounds
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570-799-5888 Hours: Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun: 7:30am-5pm Serving Breakfast 7:30-Noon
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
OCTOBER (CONTINUED)
quartetto di cremona ( classical ) November 3 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 • bucknell.edu/WeisCenter the exchange ’ s listening room presents brooks williams November 6 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 • exchangearts.org bu players present anti - hero : revenge of the sw * fties November 7 – 10 BU Players - Alvina Krause Theatre 570-389-4409 • buplayers.org
ashland in autumn October 27 Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine 570-875-3850 • pioneertunnel.com
dinosaur halloween costume party October 27 The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 • the-childrens-museum.org RUBBERBAND : ever so slightly ( contemporary dance ) October 29 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 • bucknell.edu/WeisCenter nai - ni chen dance company October 29 Susquehanna University - Degenstein Center Theater 570-372-2787 • susqu.edu/artsandevents/ halloween monster mash children ’ s party October 30 Nanny’s Indoor Play Place 570-854-8401 • facebook.com/100090946612280
sean mason ( jazz / piano ) November 7 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 • bucknell.edu/WeisCenter
sound clinic at phillips emporium November 8
The Music Hall at Phillips Emporium 570-387-8027 • musichallatpe.com
jesus christ superstar by tim rice & andrew lloyd webber November 14 – 17 Susquehanna University - Degenstein Center Theater 570-372-2787 • susqu.edu/artsandevents/
NOVEMBER
sister sadie ( bluegrass ) November 15 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 • bucknell.edu/WeisCenter
valley chemical fire company stop , drop and run 5 k November 2 Valley Chemical Fire Company bit.ly/3XTgYUV 2024 columbia montour sweets and spirits trail November 2 – 10 Wineries throughout Columbia and Montour Counties 570-784-8279 • itourcolumbiamontour.com ailey ii November 2 Haas Auditorium - Commonwealth University, Bloomsburg Campus 570-389-4409 commonwealthu.edu/offices-directory/arts-bloom
MAROONED! a space comedy ( puppetry / theatre ) November 16 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 • bucknell.edu/WeisCenter the women ’ s center , inc . 50 th anniversary celebration November 16 The Barn at Frosty Valley 570-784-6632 • thewomenscenterinc.org
rustic remedies at phillips emporium November 22
The Music Hall at Phillips Emporium 570-387-8027 • musichallatpe.com
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DECEMBER
jolly jamboree November 23 Elysburg Fire Department 570-441-7310
4 th annual red brick chapel craft and vendor show December 6 & 7 The Red Brick Chapel 717-418-1825
run for the diamonds November 28 Downtown Berwick 570-759-1426 • runfordiamonds.com
tab benoit ( delta blues ) December 7 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu/WeisCenter
7 mountains media parade of lights November 29 Main Street, Bloomsburg facebook.com/HannaRadio winterfest at the bloomsburg fairgrounds November 29 & 30 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-784-4949 • bloomsburgfair.com
melt December 7 Haas Auditorium - Commonwealth University, Bloomsburg Campus 570-389-4409 - commonwealthu.edu/offices-directory/arts- bloom
downtown berwick winterfest December 13 & 14 Downtown Berwick 570-752-2723 - berwickborough.org
treefest 2024 November 29 – December 8 Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg 570-784-5530 • bte.org
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark CLOSE TO HOME EDITION
by Jenn Puckett
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When I was a kid, probably about 9 or so, I went on a family camp- ing trip to Ricketts Glen State Park. The duty of the scary tale to be told in the dark fell to my uncle, who told us the story of Screwy Louie, the totally not made-up recluse that resided just a few moun- tains away from Ricketts Glen. Probably. Anyway, the exact loca- tion of Louie was unknown. He was raised like a wild animal by an insane mother who was possibly a witch or…something. After years of being chained up in a shack and fed raw squirrels, Screwy Louie went on a rampage and that was curtains for the maniacal mother. The psychotic shut-in then cleverly eluded all law enforcement and continued on to that day murdering those he considers outsiders. And he was last sighted two mountains over just a few months ago. Or so people said. He was, of course, nocturnal. I know not one of us kids believed him. We played along and made smores. The fire died down and other campers nearby began to head for their sleeping bags. Kids were told to hit the restrooms and brush our teeth at the bathrooms a short walk through the woods. On the way back to camp, all of the completely cool kids who were 100% not afraid, jumped a mile and bolted for the safety of the fire when an ominously low and totally insane laugh was heard in the dark. We may have screamed. My uncle said we did, but this was pre-internet and cell phones, so it’s my word against his...
story continues on the next page ... if you dare !
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It’s been decades since I was that gullible kid but I remain susceptible to spooky tales, and I’m known to fall for a jump scare. I’ve been in the Knoebel’s Haunted House more times than I can count and something still gets me every time, even when I tell myself it’s coming. My husband loves the dark ride and wanted to share it with our son, taking him on it at the tender age of 5 only hear him tearfully exclaim “I could have died in there!” when it was over. One of my toughest parenting moments was not dissolving into laughter while my traumatized son sought comfort. He’s a teen- ager now and as far as we can tell, the only result of this experience was to make him a skeptic. But I highly recommend that you create memories with your own impressionable children during Hallo-Fun weekends at Knoebels. The vast majority of the park is decked out for the spooky season and there are plenty of family friendly attractions; the Haunted House trip is optional.
But while I can now see the humor in the tale of Screwy Louie, there are some spine-tingling tales based in truth around these mountains and valleys. The two Hooded Graves near Catawissa are an excellent example of this. “Hooded” graves are a rare phenomenon of cages being placed over gravesites. They are more common in England where they are called “mortsafes” and these are the only two I’ve heard about in the States. But why on earth would anyone cage a corpse? The legend as I originally heard it was these two women who both passed in 1852 were consid- ered witches and so dangerous they would rise from the afterlife and continue their dark deeds unless their physical bodies were imprisoned. That’s not that unbelievable that folks may have thought that way, even 100 years or so after the Salem Witch Trials. In reality, the real reason the cages are there is much less supernatural, but no less macabre.
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In June of 1852, Sarah Ann Thomas Boone and Asenath Campbell Thomas passed away within 6 days of each other. Both were young women in their twenties, and seem to have been related: possibly sister-in-laws. Historical records indicate that both women had both recently given birth. In fact, it is likely Asenath passed away during childbirth, as her daughter (of the same name) was born the day Asenath passed away. Sadly, her daughter is buried near her, aged just 4 months. That is about all I know about these two. The families, for whatever reason, had both graves “hooded” with metal cages. Did they believe that the tragic loss of both these women was because they were involved with the occult? That seems unlikely. The missing piece to this mys- tery may lie in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. Throughout most of the 1800’s, Philadelphia was considered a world leader in advancing medi- cal treatment and education. Schools such as the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Med- ical College as well as private anatomy schools were focusing on pathological anatomy. Popu- larized in France, pathological anatomy was focused on discovering the causes of death and understanding the effect different diseases had on tissue and organs. That meant students and professors needed access to newly deceased bodies. Not only did some in the medical field object to this, the public (unsurprisingly) found it distasteful as well. But, as true now as it was then, if there is a demand for something, someone will find a way to supply it. This demand led to grave robbing in rural areas and sending the bodies to the schools in Philadelphia. These young women would have been highly desirable in the academ- ic world – both were young and had recently been pregnant. Most of the cadavers the schools were obtaining were executed convicts or vagrants with no one to claim them. The cages may have been there to dissuade opportunistic thieves from disturbing the bodies. Whether it was because of witches or grave robbers, I found both explana-
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Hooded Graves Photos by Beth Fetterman
tions a little hair raising. The Hooded Grave Cem- etery is tucked away in a hidden spot but perhaps it wasn’t remote enough for the families to leave their loved ones unprotected.
Far more accessible than the Hooded Graves are the beauti- ful historic mansions and homes that have been lovingly restored and
cared for by various historical societies throughout our region. With all old places, there is always an air of mystery about them. The echoes of lives lived and lost in them feel almost like a voice in a distant room. I won- der at their day-to-day life and how many tragedies and triumphs are simply lost to time. The curators of the Jackson Mansion in Berwick invite the public to come see for themselves in October with special Haunted History Tours. This is one of the only times of the year they open the third floor to visitors. The mansion was home to both staff and family and anyone who has watched Downton Abbey knows that the real drama went on downstairs. I’d rather have a chat with the cook and the maids than Colonel I’m sure the Colonel would have plenty of historical facts to tell me but the staff knows the stuff I really want to hear.
If you are looking for a more visceral, realistic experi- ence, check out the Haunted House in Elysburg. They have been scaring the daylights out of guests for 49 years! They’ve added new scare zones this year and the fear is real. This is not a nostalgic dark ride and is not to be confused with the one at nearby Knoebel’s. The Elysburg Haunted House is for the “bring it on, I can take it, enter at your own risk” types. The actors are fantastic and rather sadistically enjoy their roles. Get your thrills and chills while knowing that all the proceeds go to the local fire departments.
Colonel Clarence G. Jackson
Get Your Scares at the Elysburg Haunted House!
Haunted History Tours of the Jackson Mansion
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Come see us this spooky season for these and other fall events, learn about all our area has to offer on our website – itourcolumbiamontour.com. I dare you! • Knoebels Amusement Resort is open for Hallo-fun each weekend throughout October! Learn more at knoebels.com/hallo-fun. • Catawissa Hooded Cemetery is located along Long- wood Road in Catawissa. This a narrow back road with little to no parking. • The Jackson Mansion offers haunted tours on select Fridays & Saturdays in October: Join them on one of six nights of tours: October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26. Learn more at berwickhistoricalsociety.com • The Elysburg Haunted House is open every Friday and Saturday in October, learn more on their Facebook page at facebook.com/ElysburgHauntedHouse ...the exact whereabouts of Screwy Louie are currently unknown. ~
Knoebels Welcomes Hallo Fun Weekends at the Park in October!
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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!
2024 Covered Bridge PUZZLES ARE HERE!
The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau’s 14th annual Covered Bridge puzzle showcases the Johnson Bridge in Columbia County. The new puzzles are available for the general public on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. Puzzles are sold for $18, tax included. A $2 donation from every puzzle sold will be made by the Bureau to the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association. Very small quantities of 2022 and 2023 puzzles (featuring the Parr’s Mill Covered Bridge and the Jud Christian Covered Bridge respectively) still remain available for purchase as well. Once the puzzles are sold out, they are never re-printed. Puzzles may be purchased in person at the Visitors Bureau Welcome Center, located at 121 Papermill Road in Bloomsburg during normal business hours (Monday – Friday; 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM). Puzzles are also available to be shipped anywhere in the continental United States for an additional shipping charge. Mail orders may be placed by calling the Welcome Center at 570-784-8279. This year’s puzzle photo was taken by Tony Berard, who was honored earlier this year as the 2024 Covered Bridge photo contest winner. The Johnson Covered Bridge was built in 1882 by Daniel Stine. Stine built this three-panel Queenpost truss bridge for approximately $750. The Johnson Bridge is 61 feet long and spans Mugser Run in Cleveland Township, just east of Knoebels Amusement Resort and west of Numidia. The bridge’s namesake is most likely Adam M. Johnson, a farmer who owned the land where the bridge is located. Johnson also owned a boot and shoe store near this site. It is believed the bridge was originally built to provide a safer crossing of Mugser Run to reach his farm and store.
And a reminder that an easy way to visit the historic covered bridges of Columbia & Montour Counties is through the Visitors Bureau’s free mobile passport program that allows users to “check-in” at each bridge using their phone’s GPS proximity. The program offers directions and more information about each bridge along the way. Once travelers have used their passport to check-in at 13 bridges, they will receive a free commemorative patch as well as a handmade wooden replica ornament of the West Paden Twin Covered Bridge in Orangeville. If users complete all 25 bridge visits prior to December 31 of this year, they will also be entered in a grand prize drawing for an overnight getaway package in Columbia County as well as a piece of original artwork from area artist Pam Thomas. Those interested in signing up for the free passport may do so by visiting the Visitors Bureau’s website and navigating to the “Covered Bridges” page.
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A Little Something Sweet
Shaffer’s cake & candy supply
by Linda Sones
Annette Comodore. Annette worked alongside Joan and over the next 16 years learned all aspects of the business. By 2017, Joan’s health was in rapid decline and Annette had acquired 16 years of experience. Due to her failing health, Joan sold the business to Annette and shortly afterward, Joan passed away. Annette ran the business until 2022 while working a second job. Ultimately, her work hours conflicted so Annette decided to sell the business. In the summer of 2022, David and Sara Trovitch bought the business with hopes of establishing Shaffer’s new long-term home at their recently acquired property at 145 Main St. in Berwick in what was formerly known as Beach Haven. Sara and Dave have hopes that Shaffer’s Cake and Candy will be a complement to the community as well as to the property they purchased next to the store, the Beach Haven
There is a little hidden gem in our neighborhood, tucked away off the beaten path. A place with a variety of cake-making sup- plies and sweet treats. A place with knowledgeable people and a place with history. This place is Shaffer’s Cake and Candy Supply. In the 1970s in the town of Berwick, Carolyn Milloway and her husband decided to start a business. They called it Milloway’s, and it was run as a cake shop out of their home at 439 East 8th Street. It quickly became successful, so they started to make candy to sell as well. Her cake customers wanted to learn to make the cakes and candies, so they would offer advice and started to stock and sell the chocolates and other supplies that were needed to create these delights to the people.
In December of 1985, Carolyn and her now ex-husband sold their cake and candy business to Joan Shaffer. Joan made the business what it is today. Joan started offering other
United Methodist Church. The church closed its doors and was eventually sold at auction. The Trovitchs now use the church as a venue for a wide variety of events.
items commonly needed for weddings and parties. The store was also partly a craft shop. In 2001, business was doing very well and Joan needed to hire someone to help. She hired
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Over the years there have been six cake and candy supply stores in a 75-mile radius and today Shaffer’s is only one of three (not in- cluding Hobby Lobby or party chain stores). Shaffer’s has become a staple in this community and other local communities. Their website has made it possible to be known all over the country. Supplies were shipped as far away as Hawaii with repeat business to Texas, North and South Carolina, and other states for some customers during the “on” seasons. The Trovitchs believe that Shaffer’s Cake and Candy can be an asset to the former community of Beach Haven. This type of busi- ness is mostly seasonal with busy times around Easter and Christ- mas. They work tirelessly every day to bring the property back to its former glory, to provide top quality treats and provisions, and to share their knowledge with everyone. Consider shopping with them the next time you need candies, cakes, or supplies!
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BILL SISSON
A truly special museum filled with displays and artifacts which celebrate the manufacturing of the Stuart Tank by the American Car & Foundry in Berwick and honor the brave veterans of WWII. Stuart Tank Memorial Museum
FREE Admission
Tuesday 11-5 • Friday 2-8 • Saturday 11-5 Or By Appointment
in Mid July every year at the Berwick Riverfront Park Test Track (dates on website)
Look for our Annual WWII Weekend
309 North Vine Street Berwick, PA 18603 570-350-9675 www.berwickstuarttank.org
Six Luxury rooms for today’s distinguished travelers who are looking for a comfortable home away from home! Wandell Inn 240 Main Street Benton, PA 17814 570-394-7033 www.wandellinn.com
A Picturesque Inn Nestled in the charming Village of Benton Pennsylvania... just a short drive from both Ricketts Glen State Park and Bloomsburg University. Each one of our six guest rooms is uniquely designed and features works by local artists. Our complimentary coffee bar awaits your visit.
@RYGUYSOTELO
@PEDSDOC97
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@JULIE.KUZNICKI
@JACOBGUITON
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250 Years of History in Catawissa
Article courtesy of Catawissa Borough
Note from the Visitors Bureau: Catawissa Borough, established in 1774, is situated on the Susquehanna River with a current popula- tion of approximately 1,550 people. The community is in the midst of celebrating its 250th Anniversary in 2024, so we wanted to take this opportune moment to reflect on its origins. The area where Catawissa is now situated was originally owned by William Henry in 1769. Catawissa was laid out in 1787. At this time it was referred to as Hughesburg or Catawissey. The lots of the town were distributed out by lottery. When boats began to commonly travel along the Susquehanna River, Catawissa became locally im- portant. Talk of a school in Catawissa began in 1796, and a school was built there in 1800. The Catawissa Fire Company was found- ed in 1827. The Catawissa Deposit Bank was incorporated in 1871. The Catawissa Water Company was formed in 1882. A number of Masonic establishments were built in Catawissa in the mid to late 1800s. The Catawissa Friends Meetinghouse was listed on the Na- tional Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Mifflin, Mayberry of Montour County, and part of Union Township in Schuylkill County, it was reduced in size by the formation of Roaringcreek Township in 1832, Franklin in 1843, and Main in 1844. It is the oldest subdivision of the county and contains the oldest settlements. Authorities differ as to the meaning of the Indian name “Catawese.” Redmond Conyngham, after whom the township of that name was called, stated that the Piscatawese had a settlement here. Stewart Pierce stated that the Shawanese had a town here in 1697. The word “Catawese” occurs in several of the Indian dialects, and means “pure water.” The greater part of the eastern portion of the township is occupied by the majestic Catawissa mountain, the brow of which overshadows the town. In the summer many parties are made up to visit this eminence, from all parts of the county. It was a favorite resort of the Indians. Within a short distance of the summit is a fine, ever-flowing spring. Beside this stood for many years an immense gum tree, the only one for miles around, which was looked upon with reverence by the savages. The tree was overturned by a high wind some years ago and has rotted away, but younger descendants of the forest monarch are springing up to take its place.
Beginnings
Catawissa Township was formed from Augusta in 1785, and orig- inally included all of Weaver, Conyngham, Franklin, Locust, Main,
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Catawissa’s Main Street is seen here in 1910.
cupied the old site of their town. Their fishing operations were interfered with by Wilkinson, who was made to swim the river to escape their arrows. He tried to explain to his friends that he was only gauging the depth of the water, and thus earned the nick- name of “Tom Gauger.” In the same year a party of Indians made a raid on the settlement, scalping and killing John Furry, his wife and two daughters. Three sons, John, Jonas and Lawrence, were absent at the gristmill at Sunbury and thus escaped, while anoth- er son, Henry, was taken captive. Years later the three brothers met Henry in Montreal, Canada, where he had developed into a prosperous trader after his imprisonment there by the French had ended. This was the era of the “great retreat,” during which most of the settlers of the valley fled from their homes in fear of Indian raids. The Quakers, owing to their confidence in the Indians’ promises to the Penns, remained. This confidence was never betrayed. In 1787 William Hughes laid out the town of “Hughesburg, in the County of Northumberland, State of Pennsylvania, North America, on the banks of the northeast tract of the Susquehanna River, near the mouth of Catawessey Creek, about twenty miles above Sun- bury and about one hundred and six miles above Philadelphia.” William Gray and John Sene were the surveyors. According to the custom of the day the lots were disposed of by lottery. William Henry was the original owner of the tract in 1769, the patentees were later Edward and Joseph Shippen, and from them the title was transferred to William Hughes. In 1789 John Mears, a phy- sician and justice of the peace, secured title to sixty-five lots. In 1796 the Roberts addition was laid out by James Watson. Although the original town plot was large it was but thinly set- tled. The first industry established was the tannery of Isaiah Willits, in 1780, at the corner of Third and South Streets. The ferry was then run by Knappenberger & Willits. The first merchant was Isaiah
The first European to visit Catawissa was James LeTort, a French trader, who bore messages of amity to the Delaware chieftains and the celebrated Madame Montour in 1728, presenting each a “strowd match coat,” as a token of friendship. After the visit of this French trader no mention is made of the place until 1754, when Conrad Weiser, the noted Moravian missionary to the Indians, writes from Shamokin, mentioning in the letter the Indian village of “Oskohary,” which was identical with the Catawissa of the pres- ent. At that time the chief of the village was the famous Lapackpit- ton, a Delaware. Soon after this date the place seems to have been abandoned by the savages as a place of residence. The first settlers in the Catawissa Valley were a number of En- glish Quakers, from Maidencreek and Exeter in Berks County, who came by way of the valley of the “North Branch.” They arrived between 1774 and 1778. Before their arrival a number of persons had obtained patents from the Penns, among them being William Collins, William Hughes, James Watson, John Lore, John Mears, Isaiah Willits and John Lloyd. Other settlers arrived at different pe- riods, most of them following the trails over the Broad, Blue, Lo- cust and Little mountains on horseback. The first house in the vi-
cinity of Catawissa was built by Moses Roberts in 1774. Among those who reached Catawissa in 1782 were Michael Gei- ger, Joseph McIntyre, John Furry, Thom- as Wilkinson, George Huntzinger and Conrad Wamphole. Soon after their arrival a party of Indians came and oc-
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the former mill, on the same side of the creek. The Shoemak- er mill was purchased by John Clark and Benjamin Sharpless in 1809 and the machinery removed to the stone mill (McKelvey mill) across the creek, which they had just built. In 1811 Mr. Sharpless established a paper mill in the old Shoemaker mill, which was later enlarged, and then torn down when the owners rebuilt on the present site, a group of four large brick buildings on the north side of the creek. At the time of the rebuilding of the Brobst mill there was a regular line of boats on the Susquehanna and the proprietor became the chief man of the town of Catawissa, operating the mill, a store and other enterprises. Other merchants of the days of the town’s early growth were Thomas Ellis, Stephen and Christopher Baldy, Daniel Cleaver, Ja- cob Dyer and Samuel Brobst. There was little money then in cir- culation, trading being conducted by the interchange of products and goods. The shad fisheries ranked among the principal sources of income, fish being exchanged for salt, at the rate of six cents each. From an old magazine in the possession of the Columbia County Historical Society the fact is gleaned that in August, 1801, there were but forty-five houses in “Catawissy,” one of which was stone and the rest mostly log. At that time an old Indian burying ground near the river had washed out and some of the skeletons were exposed to view. One of the first buildings in the town was a market house, built soon after the village was laid out in lots. There appears to have been but little need for this public building and it soon became a home for the stray cows and hogs of the place. An old resident said that it was a noted resort for the elusive flea and was declared a public nuisance. It was decided in 1820 to demolish it, and a short time thereafter a loud explosion in the night sounded the knell of the building. Slight effort was made to discover the per- petrators of the deed, and the building was not replaced. In 1831 a proposition was made to build a town hall and market house on the site, but the proposal brought on an acrimonious discussion which defeated the project and caused the dissolution of the only fire company in the town.
Hughes, who opened a store at an early date on the river bank near the foot of South Street. Joseph Heister followed with a store on Water Street, near Main. He sold out to John Clark, who kept it for some years. The few farmers remained near the town, for better protection from the Indians, the most prominent ones in those days being the Watsons, Jacksons, Lounts, Lloyds and Hayhursts. The first justices of the peace were George Hughes and William Mears. The first mill in the county was built on Catawissa Creek in 1774 by a member of the Society of Friends whose name cannot be as- certained. It was so crude in construction as to be frequently out of repair, in which event the farmers had to go to Sunbury to get their grist ground. In 1799 Christian Brobst rebuilt this mill. It was later operated by Hollingshead & Scott, and last by T. M. Fields, who received it from his father. It was burned in 1912. The fall of water was slight, so the wheel was one of the widest and smallest in diameter of any in the county. In 1797 a mill was erected on the north side of the creek, by Jonathan Shoemaker, and at once received the cream of the patronage of that section of the town. In 1709 Christian Brobst built a mill about a quarter of a mile above
A $5 bank note from the First National Bank of Catawissa.
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A train and horse-drawn carriage travel side by side along the Susquehanna River just outside of Catawissa. This would be a part of present-day State Route 42.
The rapid increase of population and the demand for homes was the cause that led to the organization of the Catawissa Land and Building Company and the Catawissa Mutual Building Fund As- sociation, in 1865 and 1870, respectively. The result of their for- mation was a period of building activity, extending from 1869 to 1873, during which many persons who otherwise could not have obtained money were enabled to own homes. The demand for homes and lots caused F. L. Shuman to purchase the Zarr farm and lay out the Shuman addition in 1882. One of the prominent citizens of Catawissa was Clark F. Harder, who built the planing mill in 1866. He made it one of the chief in- dustries of the town, and in 1885, during the building boom, put up seventeen houses, furnishing his own materials from the mill. Most of the better class of residences of that date were built by him. Today, Catawissa has evolved into a thriving little riverside com- munity. The Catawissa Bottling Company produces the iconic Big Ben’s soda, and nearby attractions like Rohrbach’s Farm Market and Rolling Hills Red Deer Farm provide opportunities for fun for visi- tors. So, the next time you’re in town, be sure to stop for a bit and appreciate it! ~ 31
From an old history, published at Philadelphia in 1847, the infor- mation is had that in 1840 Catawissa had a population of 800, ex- ceeding that of Bloomsburg by 150. The town then contained three churches, several stores and taverns and upwards of two hundred dwellings. There were a foundry, a paper mill and several tanneries in and near the town. The Germans predominated in the popula- tion then. The building of the Catawissa railroad was a blessing to the town and caused a rapid increase of population. Six months after the opening of the road the headquarters were established in Cataw- issa and extensive repair shops built in 1864. Thus the town be- came the home of many operatives, and as the other roads came in became quite a railroad center. These operatives brought their families, established homes and became important factors in the growth of Catawissa for a number of years, until the extension of the Reading road from Shamokin to Milton caused a removal of much traffic from the Catawissa division and reduced the number of employees in the repair shops. There are still a number of em- ployees of the Reading and Pennsylvania roads in the town, but few compared with the past.
Member Spotlight The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the following businesses as recent new members to the organization!
friends of camp louise shikshinny Shikshinny, PA 18655 friendsofcamplouisepa.org
Friends of Camp Louise is a registered 501(c)(3) organization responsible for the res- toration, maintenance, and operation of Camp Louise Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education (Camp Louise C.O.R.E.). Camp Louise is located on Jonestown Mountain approximately five miles north of Berwick, PA in Briar Creek Township. It is a 177-acre camp with a 25-acre lake.
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At Fritzy’s Gun Works, our mission is to provide the best hunting gear while promoting safety and responsible outdoor recreation. We strive to be a one-stop-shop for all your hunting and shooting needs.
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Member Spotlight The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the following businesses as recent new members to the organization!
good time golf , llc 1138 N Market Street, Berwick, PA 18603 facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558566506493 • 570.764.3001
Good Time Golf is a driving range and mini golf course in Nescopeck. Bring the family for a day of friendly competition on the beautifully landscaped course, which is complete with a waterfall. Good Time Golf also has baseball and softball pitching machines so you can practice your swing.
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At Rose and Thorn Counseling we believe that everyone has the ability to find peace and have a meaningful and fulfilling life. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that mental and emotional well-being are integral to overall health, and that therapy can be a powerful tool for achieving this balance.
st . luke ’ s lutheran church 9 St. Lukes Way, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 stlukesway.org • 570.784.5035
Welcome to our church! We are a community of believers who gather to worship God and grow in our faith. Join us for inspirational worship and fellowship at our church service this and every Sunday at 9 am. We offer Sunday School classes for all ages, so bring your family and friends and deepen your understanding of the Bible with us!
susquehanna university 514 University Ave, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 susqu.edu • 570.374.0101
Susquehanna University is a private liberal arts college in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Its name is derived from the original Susquehannock settlers of the region. Founded in 1858 as a missionary institute, it became a four-year liberal arts college in 1895.
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by Laura Klotz, MarkerQuest Blog edited to fit magazine by CMVB Staff
Finding the Stories Behind the Signs
Part IV
One woman’s quest to photograph and research all of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's historical markers recently brought her back to Columbia & Montour Counties. NOTE: Parts I thru III of Laura’s explorations were documented in previous magazine editions, which you can read by clicking here.
some discrepancy about the precise origin of the name. Some sources claim that it was named for Andrew Montour, a mixed race interpreter during the colonial era; he was of Oneida and Algonquin Native American heritage, though he also had a French grandfather. He spoke at least five different languages, including three Native tongues, and served as an interpreter for both Conrad Weiser and Count Zinzendorf during their var- ious expeditions. One of his sons later fought in the American Revolution.
I’ve lived in eastern Pennsylvania for over forty years, which is the closest I’m going to get to telling you how old I am. My maternal grandfather’s family has lived in Lehigh and Northampton Counties since before the American Revolution, and the various branches of my family tree are tied to the commonwealth’s history in a lot of different ways. I’ve been fascinated with these blue and gold markers since I was a kid, but when you’re driving past them, you don’t often really have the chance to read what they say. I always thought that was unfortunate since they seemed interesting, and as an adult, I’ve occasion- ally wondered if most people pay attention to them at all. I decided that this project would be a fun way to make sure that at least a few more people get to know about them and the information they contain. So, with the blessing of the Pennsylvania Historical and Muse- um Commission (the people who have been putting the signs up for over a hundred years), I launched this blog. Because I’m a very well-rounded sort of nerd, I decided to treat it like one of the collection quests in my video games, and this is my quest log. Montour County Montour County has the distinction of being the small- est county (by area) in all of Pennsylvania. It measures just 132 square miles, two of which consist entirely of water. Unlike some of our other counties, its name is unique throughout the United States, although there’s
The marker is in front of the Montour County Courthouse at 253 Mill Street, Danville.
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Other sources, including the county marker, state that it was actually named for his mother, a French and Oneida woman known as Madame or Mrs. Montour; her first name may have been Elizabeth, or possibly Isabelle, but this is unconfirmed. (She was a member of the same family which produced a wom- an known as Queen Esther, who will be the subject of a future blog post.) Like her son, she spoke mul- tiple languages and provided interpreter services to many of the European transplants. She was born in a village known as Otstonwakin, which was located near what is today the community of Montoursville. It’s known for sure that Montoursville was named for Madame, but whether the county was named for her or her son is unclear. It’s an interesting puzzle that will likely never be solved. The seat of Montour County is Danville, which I’ve visited for a few past blog posts. It was first laid out in 1792, at which time Montour County didn’t exist; it was then part of Columbia County. Danville was in- corporated as a borough in 1849, and the following year, Montour was established as a separate county with Danville as its seat. The county lines were re- arranged a little bit in 1853, giving some townships back to Columbia while changing the borders of a few others, but it has been as it is ever since then. Danville is probably most famous for the Montour Iron Works, which in 1845 produced its first “T rails” for railroad tracks. They were definitely the first ones manufactured in Pennsylvania and very likely the first in the United States, although there is a tiny dis- pute about that; you can read more about it in one of my past blog posts on the subject. During the colonial era, what is now Montour Coun- ty was - like most of its neighbors - home to a garri- soned fort to protect settlers from wild animals and hostile attacks. Like many of those other forts, it has a historical marker of its own, so I’ll be telling you more about it in the future. Fort Bosley was named for John Bosley, who constructed a grist mill near what today is Washingtonville. It was fortified after the Battle of Brandywine, where General Washing- ton’s defeat led to the construction of many such forts to defend residents from the British. It was the only fortified location in all of Montour County during the Revolutionary War. Montour County has contributed plenty of soldiers to the various wars since well before its establish- ment as a separate county. The earliest known re- cord of a company is of the Danville Militia, which served in the War of 1812. It had roughly one hun- dred men, but the names of only two have sur- vived - Captain Samuel Yorks, who commanded the outfit, and one of his subordinate officers, Thomas Bell. Slightly better records survive of the members of the Danville Blues, a rifle company from around the same time who were commanded by a Captain Isaac Blue; they unfortunately lost a number of their men to an epidemic of what was known as Black Rock Fever. When the Civil War broke out, a unit of one hundred men under the command of Captain William McClure called themselves “the First in War”
TOP: A portrayal of Madame Montour and her son Andrew in a painting by John Buxton. BOTTOM: Danville’s Soldiers & Sailors Civil War Memorial, located at the intersection of Bloom Street and Church Street.
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