Stepping Into History- A History of the "Thousand Steps" (Huntingdon County)

The start of the Thousand Steps
Author's Photo

     It's probably safe to say that some of us dread our commutes to work during the week. Though we all probably have our horror stories from our travels to and from the workplace, we sometimes fail to realize how easy we really have it here in the present.  While many of us probably don't have a treacherous or arduous journeys to work, it was very much a reality for a past generation, especially those working on the craggy mountainside above Mount Union in Huntingdon County. So lets step back in time and explore what it was like working on that rugged mountainside. We’ve got quite the climb ahead of us. Try to keep up….. 

Monument CCC Camp S-121 (Centre County)

The monument at the entrance to the camp
Author's Photo

    Tucked away off the beaten path lies a reminder of one of the best ideas that this nation has ever had, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). Born in 1933 from President FDR’s New Deal, the CCC employed thousands jobless young men during the Great Depression. In Pennsylvania alone, 151 camps were constructed, second in number behind only California. From these camps, the CCC worked on conservation and public works projects. Building roads, constructing dams, fighting forest fires, and planting trees were all examples of their work. Even today, their handiwork is still very much evident throughout the state. Part of this fascinating story can be explored just off the main road (actually the only road) between Monument and Orviston in Centre County.

Coburn Tunnel (Centre County)

Coburn Tunnel
Author's Photo

    Relics of our region’s railroad heritage can often be found in tucked away places provided you take the time to wander a bit. The Coburn Tunnel is one such reminder. Located on a narrow dead end road along the shimmering waters of Penn’s Creek, the tunnel helps to tell the story of how steel rails helped make this region what it is today.

Bald Eagle Mountain Crash Site (Clinton County)

The Piper Cherokee wreck
Author's Photo

    On July 16, 1986, thick fog enveloped Lock Haven’s William T. Piper Memorial Airfield. Not discouraged by the adverse conditions, a pilot in his Piper Cherokee were preparing for take-off. The pilot throttled up and took off into the fog. Bald Eagle Mountain lay somewhere front of him, but the fog prevented him from gaining his bearings. Before he could react, the rocky tree covered slope of the mountain was rushing toward him.

Karthaus Iron Furnace (Clearfield County)

 

The remnants of Karthaus Furnace
Author's Photo

    A partially collapsed monolithic structure stands as a remnant to a forgotten industrial chapter of the quiet river town of Karthaus. Historically, the community was blessed with a plethora of natural resources. While the region's logging history is well known, the quest for iron ore in this section of Pennsylvania is less so. Exploiting this resource would not be without challenges, as one man would soon find out. In a way, this crumbling relic is a testament to him and his endeavor to succeed against the forces of nature.

Hanging By A Wire: The Glen Union Lumber Company (Clinton County)

Glen Union's tramway takes a loaded log car across the river
Image Retrieved From: Sunset Along Susquehanna Waters by Thomas Taber III

    Sometimes the most colorful stories come from the most unexpected places. The tiny riverside hamlet of Glen Union in Clinton County is a perfect example. Looking at it now, you’d never would have thought that in its heyday, it was a flurry of activity. Perhaps most interesting of all, it was the only place in the state that you could see loaded railroad cars suspended in the air. 

The Pennsy- Pearl Harbor Survivor and Avenger

 

The USS Pennsylvania at sea in 1934
Image Retrieved From: www.history.navy.mil

    Today we remember the 2,403 American lives lost on this infamous day 81 years ago. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941 started like any other day, but by its end, the United States and the world were changed forever. One of the witnesses to that horrific event was the USS Pennsylvania.