Local Historia

In 1848, the first canal boat—the “George Crane”—arrived at Bellefonte from Milesburg with a celebratory crew of locals and board members of the Bald Eagle and Spring Creek Navigation Company. The board members included owners and partners representing Eagle Iron Works, Valentine and Thomas Iron Works, Howard Furnace, Centre Furnace, and Milesburg Iron Works (Linn…

Throughout Pennsylvania, one predator has captured the imagination of generations: the mountain lion. We are enamored by the thought of such an elusive and dangerous animal, whether serving as the mascot of a great university or being reported by the hundreds of hunters who claim to see one stalking the Pennsylvania woodlands each year. Today,…

If you visit Bellefonte’s Talleyrand Park during the winter months, take some time to appreciate the old railroad snowplow alongside the playground. Dating back to the late nineteenth century, the plow has brought joy to countless children and railroad history fans alike. The railroad plow and caboose have been displayed next to the Bellefonte Train…

Logan Branch, Logan Fire Company, Logan Street, Logan Avenue, Logan Valley. All across central Pennsylvania, the name Logan is almost as familiar a branding as the name of any U.S. Founding Father. Who was this mythical Logan, and what did he accomplish in his lifetime that impacted our area to such an extent that we…

The Folk Gathering at Greenwood Furnace State Park has occurred annually for the past 18 years. The historic setting and natural beauty provide a perfect encampment for musicians with diverse backgrounds and skill levels. My wife, Alyson, and I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this year’s event, along with scores of others who visited from all…

As students hurry through campus on their way to class, it’s easy to miss the natural beauty of Penn State’s grounds. From the Old Main Lawn at University Park, to the pond at Altoona campus, to the Arboretum at Behrend, a tradition of excellence in agriculture, landscaping, and design serves as a point of pride…

In October 1879, the world changed forever. From his Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratory, Thomas Edison finished the first iteration of his newest invention: the incandescent lightbulb.  Several inventors at the time were working on this project, each competing to see who could get the most efficient bulb to market first. The genius of Edison’s…

The Village of Lemont has distinguished itself in historic and cultural character over the years. It has been shaped not only by its geographical location, but by creative and caring Lemonters. The village would certainly not be what it is today without, well, the village.  Lemont (le mont, French for “the mountain”) is located in…

The storied history of America’s greatest pastime is littered with names that spark the imagination of all sports fans. Baseball legends like Ruth, Cobb, Robinson, and Mays elicit the romanticized view of baseball’s glory days, where kids would impersonate the Bronx Bomber calling his shot or try for an over-the-shoulder deep-fly grab on the street…