The Old Paint Mill (Lycoming County)

The Paint Mill as it looks today
Photo Retrieved From: Google Maps

First off, I would like to thank Joe Ulrich, a follower of the page, for bringing this topic to my attention. I was completely unaware of this building and its wonderful history before he mentioned it. I have learned so much from the amazing people that make up this page. For that, I thank all of you.

So let’s dive into yet another interesting tale, this time from Antes Fort, Lycoming County! The subject of this trip into the past is the Old Paint Mill, a structure that now lives out its days as a popular social hall along PA Route 44. The building’s name should be a hint to its origins, however I was surprised to find out that it was just one chapter of its “colorful” story.

The Bellefonte & Snow Shoe Railroad

The switchbacks
Image Retrieved From: Railroad Museum of PA Archives

The attached photos give a glimpse into one of the region's pioneer railroads, the Bellefonte & Snow Shoe (B&SS). Construction of the B&SS began in 1858 and was completed a year later. Running between its namesake communities, the railroad was primarily built to access the rich coal fields around Snow Shoe. To reach the mountaintop community, the tracks switch-backed up the Allegheny Front at Gum Stump, a small village north of Runville.