Howard Iron Works (Centre County)

 

 Pennsylvania's industrial history is a diverse and fascinating topic. For many of us when we think about industry in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh and its "Rivers of Steel" come to mind. However Centre County has its own unique industrial heritage to celebrate. The county's "Valleys of Iron," fed the fires of nineteen iron furnaces and forges for well over a century, no doubt contributing to the economic foundation that made the region what it is today. A remnant of this forgotten industrial past lies hidden,   waiting to have its story told.

From Forest to Mill- The Lock Haven Paper Mill Splash Dam (Clinton County)

A log that once made up the dam still survives in the stream
The north abutment lies in the background
Author's Photo

Connections to the past can be found in all sorts of places. While some are easy to spot, others lie hidden in remote corners of our Commonwealth waiting to have their stories told. One such relic can be found in the wilds of Sproul State Forest. Though unassuming at first glance, it tells the story of one community's industrial heritage.