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2 – Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238

On the cover: Rick Wise of Wise Farms

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The Wise family in the 1880’s: (front row, l. to r.) Adam Wise Jr.; Susannah; Anna Mary (Konrad) Wise; Louisa and Milton, (back) Lewis; Henry; Mary; Katie (Henry’s twin); Sallie; Daniel and Elizabeth. Submitted photo.

The Wise family today: (l. to r.) Emmie; Ben; Tash; Brody, Colben (front); Kathy; Rick, Ashley and Adam. Submitted photo.

A Good Life: The Past and Present of Wise Farm

By Emmet Jamieson for Hometown magazine long the stretch of US 119 that connects Punxsutawney and DuBois, the hills and forests of rural Jefferson County roll on. Tucked away in the verdant scenery are acres upon acres of fertile farmland, as well as the farms and farmers that harvest that land to feed local and distant communities. If you follow PA 410, a branch of US 119, and turn onto the bumpy gravel-asphalt mélange of Cider Mill Road, you’ll see one of these farms.

Its buildings sit on a high hill, and its fields occupy the gently sloping hillside. This is Wise Farm, owned by the Wise family, and its 1837 founding predates PunxRick’s father, William Wise. s u t a w n e y ’s incorporation Submitted photo. as a borough.

Rick Wise and his wife Kathy currently own Wise Farm. The farm, Rick said, covers about 650 acres — 300 for hay to feed the cattle, 300 for row crops, and the remainder for the buildings — and produces wheat, corn, soybeans and oats, which it sells for profit. But Rick said Wise Farm’s main focus is its cattle: 600 head of cattle, about 250 of which are mature, live at the farm. Wise Farm makes the majority of its revenue by selling cattle for buyers to breed with their own cattle, present in livestock shows or slaughter for beef products.

The Wise family has always owned the farm, but Rick said it has changed greatly since its founding. The Wises originally came from what is now Germany, and they immigrated to America on a French ship in 1837. Rick said they did not bring much with them but immediately set to work farming when they arrived in Western Pennsylvania.

“They came with practically nothing, but they made a go of it,” he said.

The Wises built a log cabin at the site of the original farm, but the cabin is gone now. In 1860, the family built the house

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The monument rock and sign at Wise Farm depict the farm’s primary income source, cattle, and its year of establishment, 1837. Hometown photo by Emmet Jamieson.

where Rick and his wife now live.

In the farm’s early days, the Wises were peddlers. They tended fruit orchards and crop fields, and they sold their products door-to-door and in old mining towns

like Stump Creek and Sykesville. Wise Farm did not have cattle until 1922, when William and Marie Wise, Rick’s parents, purchased five Angus cows in Virginia.

- Continued on next page

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427-2424 Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 3

As a child, Rick and his father spent time together enjoying farming. Submitted photo.

A Good Life Continued from previous page It was shortly after purchasing these cows, Wise Farm would shift its focus from crops to cattle.

Why? “It’s economics,” Rick said. “Cattle are just more profitable.”

The Wise family promotes their cattle online at wisecattle.com, where he posts pictures and videos of the cattle that are up for sale. The website’s home page emphasizes the cattle’s quality: It says that the farm’s steers (neutered male cattle raised for their beef) are “competitive” for livestock shows and characterizes the females as having “beautiful udders and great dispositions.” The website also shows off the ribbons that Wise Farm’s cows have earned at livestock shows. In 2018, for instance, seven Wise cows achieved distinctions at state and county level farm shows.

Rick said he and his family use several methods to boost the herd’s quality. Wise Farm’s cattle eat only the hay and crops

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that are grown on the farm. Their son Adam and his wife Ashley are instrumental in their breeding program using artificial insemination, embryo transfer and cross-breeding, which improve the profitability of the cattle by introducing their offspring to “su- Pictured is a view of Wise Farm from Cider Mill Road on a sunny, clear day. The farm is located off Route 410. Hometown photo perior” genes that by Emmet Jamieson. the forefront right now — COVID-19 — corn and wheat. The trade war has intenbolster longevity, carcass quality, and inand although cattle cannot contract the sified since the start of the coronavirus creased growth. Finally, Rick’s son Ben virus, Rick said Wise Farm has seen flucoutbreak as both countries blame the and brother Bill, operate a veterinary tuations in business since the start of the other for the current state of the panclinic located less than a mile from the pandemic. He said he has noticed two big demic and levy mutual immigration refarm and provide services to keep the trends: Crop sales have gone down while strictions. cows healthy, treating the cows for illbeef sales have gone up.

But while crop sales struggle due to the nesses and supplying vaccinations. The Crop sales have declined partially bevirus, beef sales have thrived because of family helps prevent bovine diseases by cause of the trade war between the it. Large meat processing plants have practicing bio security on their farm.

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Ben teaching his son Colben about the importance of cows when A group of cattle at Wise Farm graze on hay from inside the he was just two years old (now seven). Submitted photo. barn. At present, the farm has about 600 head of cattle. Hometown photo by Emmet Jamieson.

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By Melissa Salsgiver of Hometown magazine y favorite thing about picking blueberries is that there are no jagger bushes involved!

My next favorite thing is all the delicious concoctions you can make with them like buckles, crumbles, slumps, grunts, cobblers, and blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup.

An excellent choice for 90 degree days while avoiding turning your oven on are blueberries layered in a parfait with yogurt and granola and whipped cream or a slump which is cooked on the stove top like chicken and dumplings.

I’ve also been told blueberries are even good for you. They are filled with antioxidants and vitamins.

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to pick. They are easy, fun and accessible to pick for all ages - everyone is welcome. Remember to bring your own bucket or container to take them home.

Cameron’s Blueberry Farm is located on Bonner Road in Rossiter, across from Steffy’s United Methodist Church. Blueberries can be picked on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. to noon. The cost is $1.50 per lb.

Ready pick berries can be found for purchase by chance at Lily’s Restaurant located at 535 W. Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney.

Maxim’s Berry Farm in Reynoldsville is another place to pick berries locally.

Maxim’s is located at 624 Haines Ridge Road, two miles west of Reynoldsville off Route 322, follow signs. Maxim’s is open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through August. Sanitized containers are available. Orders are also being taken for ready pick berries, call 412-580-6103.

•••

Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 5

Borough offices were consolidated in the Civic Complex which was built on the block between Penn Street and Front Street. The building was designed by Tasso Katselas who designed it specifically to meet the needs of the community. Elaine Light was chair of the architectural committee of the Planning Commission during the construction of the Civic Complex. Photo

by S.J. Sharp.

A view of the Civic Complex shows the library windows on the park. Elaine Light was instrumental in including the “Groundhog Zoo,” now known as “Phil’s Burrow” as part of the complex because, as she would say, “People come to Punxsutawney to see a groundhog.” The building is integrated with Barclay Square, presenting an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Photo by S.J. Sharp

The Groundhog statue in the Punxsutawney Civic Complex casts his shadow and looks over a section of the area of the town renovated during Urban Renewal in the 1970s. Elaine Light served on the Planning and Zoning Commission which oversaw the Renewal Project. The statue was sculpted by Jimilu Mason, a native of Punxsutawney. Photo by S.J. Sharp.

Honoring Elaine Kahn Light’s Contributions to Punxsutawney

By Coal Memorial Committee for Hometown magazine laine Kahn came to town on an assignment with the Associated Press in 1950 and spent forty-one years in Punxsutawney. During the years she lived in the town, she was an integral part of the community. She embraced it and worked in many ways to help improve it.

She was not shy or demure nor was she brash or brazen. She was self-confident, educated, knew who she was and could see the things she could do to help make Punxsutawney a better place and to ensure that the world knew there was a Punxsutawney.

As a girl, Elaine Kahn didn’t dream about becoming a writer of cookbooks or a promoter of Punxsutawney and the groundhog.

Yet, it happened, one step at a time. Elaine Kahn was born in Pittsburgh where she lived for most of her life before 1950. She

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had an interest in writing and journalism.

While attending Peabody High School she served on the staff of The Civitan, the student newspaper. She was part of the generation which came of age during the Second World War. She attended the University of Pittsburgh during the war years where she was the first female sports reporter for The Pitt News, the college newspaper. She graduated in 1944 and secured her first job with the Associated Press. She was the second female reporter hired by the Associated Press and, during her seven years, spent a good deal of her time covering coal and steel negotiations. Prior to the war, an Associated Press reporter had been a male only occupation.

In 1950, she was assigned to interview Colleen Townsend, the star of the movie “When Willie Comes Marching Home,” which Warner Brothers studio which was

premiering in Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day. The movie was set in a town spelled “Punxatawney,” West Virginia.

When the studio was informed that there is only “one Punxsutawney,” and it is in Pennsylvania, Warner Brothers agreed to premier the movie in the town. It was while attending a luncheon at the Presbyterian Church where Townsend was to speak, that Kahn was introduced by Frank Lorenzo, the president of the Groundhog Club, to Sam Light, a local coal operator and confirmed bachelor. For Sam, it was an introduction to a woman who was her own person as much as he was his own man.

And, she could talk “coal” because she had gained an understanding of the industry while at the Associated Press. By June they were engaged and on September 23, 1950, they were married. They took up residence - Continued on page 8

Elaine Kahn met Sam Light for the first time in Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day 1950. They were married on September 23,1950. They made their home in Punxsutawney during their life together. Photo courtesy of the Light Family.

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Consumers Encouraged to ‘Choose PA Dairy’ and PA Preferred® Dairy Products Dairy is Largest Sector of State’s #1 Industry, Agriculture, But Demand Has Shifted Due to COVID-19

By DairyBusiness News for Hometown magazine he Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, launched a NEW Dairy Campaign, “We Are Your Dairy Farmers: Stronger Together, Buy Local, Choose PA Dairy,” to encourage families to support their local farm families who work hard daily to produce fresh, local milk and dairy products to feed families. During COVID-19, milk is in high demand at grocery stores, but was suspended in other supply chain locations due to business, school and government shutdowns.

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Dairy noted, “We encourage Pennsylvania families and businesses to add dairy to their grocery store list or farm market trips and favorite recipes. We’re hopeful consumers recognize that it takes farmers working with our dairy processors, truck drivers, our farm employees, grocery store workers and retailers to deliver our delicious, power-packed beverage and dairy products to their homes during this critical time in our nation’s history.” The Copenhaver family appears in the new public service announcement.

“Our hope is that as Pennsylvanians hear our message, they appreciate how deeply we care about our animals, as a family, and how proud we are of the

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Is your milk produced on Pa dairy farms?

by Holly Harvatine DairyBusiness News

The new public service announcement is available at PA Dairymen’s Association YouTube: https://youtu.be/gJzTGm2oebE “During tough times, we are all in this together and will get through this together, but it takes a team. People ask what they can do to support us right now, given that the supply chain has drastically shifted away from restaurants, schools, colleges and businesses,” said Dave Smith, executive director, PA Dairymen’s Association.

“Our goal is to educate everyone about the importance of our farmers to their local communities and economies, and when we buy local, and choose PA dairy or PA Preferred® products, we are getting 100% guaranteed Pennsylvania-produced milk.”

Lebanon County dairy farmer and mother Stacey Copenhaver of Talview

I’d like everyone to take a minute to think about the dairy industry and how it impacts your life. For dairy farmers the day to day production of milk is a huge part of their life. Others simply enjoy dairy essentials like milk and dairy treats like ice cream.

Either way, do you know where the milk you drink comes from? Farmers care for the dairy cows, which produce the milk. Then, the milk is transported to facilities where the milk is quality tested and made into the delicious dairy foods everyone likes. After that the dairy products are shipped to local stores for you to enjoy.

You might think that’s the only factor in knowing where you milk comes from, but do you know if you’re getting Pennsylvania milk or milk from other places?

There’s a way to know if you’re getting locally produced Pennsylvania milk referred to as “PA Preferred.” The plant code near the expiration date on the jug of milk, the first two digits, tells you where the milk is from. If the code on the milk is 42, that means the milk is from Pennsylvania.

I would like everyone to check the plant code of the milk you have in your refrigerator or the next one you purchase at the store to see where’s it’s from. I would like everyone to try to drink locally produced, “PA Preferred Milk” to support our local dairy farmers!

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8 – Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238

When Sam Light became President of the Groundhog Club, Elaine realized she had also married the Groundhog legend. She became the unofficial corresponding secretary for the Club. Photo courtesy of the Light Family.

at 119 Church Street, in Punxsutawney, where they lived and she developed her culinary skills using the Betty Crocker Cook Book. They raised two daughters and remained as Punxsutawney residents for the rest of their married life.

The Pittsburgh Sun Telegraph, one of the three daily newspapers in the city, contacted Elaine Kahn Light and invited her to write an article for them for Groundhog Day 1951. Elaine obliged and the story was printed in the prime spot on the front page of the paper. The editor of The Punxsutawney Spirit, not appreciative of this competition, advised Sam Light to “tell Elaine she’s a housewife now.” Elaine did not take this suggestion lightly. She knew she had the ability and Sam’s support and felt there were many ways she could be of service in the community.

In 1952, while on a vacation in South Carolina, she happened upon a cook book published by the Junior League of Charleston which had sold 100,000 copies and thought it would be a good project for the hospital auxiliary. At that time the auxiliary provided the extra, non-medical services for patients and their families. The auxiliary adopted the project and Elaine and Ruth Hamill edited the production of “Cooking with the Groundhog,” which was published in 1958, raising $40,000. Elaine’s fame as a cook book author had begun. She stressed that good ingredients are the foundation of good cooking.

Also in 1952, Sam Light was elected to replace Frank Lorenzo as President of the Groundhog Club. It was then that Elaine realized, not only had she married Sam, she also had married the groundhog legend.

With his enthusiasm and her public relations expertise, they became the dynamic duo behind the promotion of the Groundhog from Punxsutawney to the world stage on February 2. Elaine became the unofficial corresponding secretary of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

Elaine Light and Phyllis Milliron with her pet groundhog, traveled to New York City to publicize “Cooking with the Groundhog.” Phyllis and the groundhog had a short

interview with Dave Garroway, the host of the nationally telecast “Today” show. Later that day Elaine, Phyllis and the groundhog hosted a press luncheon to which chefs and food editors were invited. The visit to New York was successful in raising the awareness of Punxsutawney and its groundhog.

About ten years later, Elaine wrote a second cookbook, “Gourmets and Groundhogs,” to help raise money for Easter Seals.

While writing the book, she had the idea of a groundhog cookie to serve on Groundhog Day. Mervin Wood, of the High School Industrial Arts department, designed one for her. Elaine baked groundhog cookies for the annual celebration on February 2nd that year. They were an immediate success. This resulted in a demand for groundhog cookie cutters, of which there was only one. It was a certain whale cookie cutter that led her to the small company in Pennsylvania which agreed to make groundhog cookie cutters.

Today, groundhog cookie cutters are available everywhere via the internet.

During the decade of the 1970s, Elaine was very involved in the changes that took place in Punxsutawney. She spent her time and used her talent on improvements to benefit the community. She served on the college trust which brought the IUP Branch Campus and the IUP Academy of Culinary Arts to Punxsutawney. She was the chair of

Elaine Light with a Groundhog Cookie, for which she will always be remembered. Photo courtesy of the Light Family.

the architectural committee of the Planning and Zoning Commission during the development of the Civic Complex at 301 East Mahoning Street and was instrumental in including the “Groundhog Zoo” now known as the “Phil’s Burrow,” as part of the complex because, as she would say, “People come to Punxsutawney to see a groundhog.”

It was Elaine Light’s power of the pen that kept the public informed and motivated to have a better Punxsutawney. Her column “The LIGHTer Side,” in the local newspaper, kept citizens informed. In 1973, her “Nobody Will Ever Know” explained “why” the Baptist Towers project, which was planned for the Redevelopment Area, was not funded. In 1974, “A Human Building” described the many features of the Civic Complex architecture, which was a new form for buildings in Punxsutawney.

In 1976, Light wrote “Requiem for A Park and A Dream” when it appeared that the borough council was not going to approve - Continued on page 14

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he application period for 2020 hemp growing permits is now closed, however applications for hemp processing permits will continue to be accepted throughout the rest of the year.

The 2020 season will be the fourth year that hemp will be grown in Pennsylvania. Since the program's modest start in 2017, with the issuance of 14 hemp research permits issued and 36 acres grown under the authority of Pennsylvania's Industrial Hemp Research Act of Jul. 20, 2016, P.L. 822, No. 92 and legitimized by the 2014 Farm Bill, hemp has seen a major increase in the commonwealth.

In 2019, the cap on both number of hemp permits and amount of acreage per permit were removed, and the Department issued 324 growing permits for farms which planted just over 4,000 acres of hemp. In 2020, the Department is committed to continuing to foster the conditions for Pennsylvanians to grow a profitable, sustainable, and in-demand hemp product.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill allowed hemp to be grown commercially and outside of a research pilot program, Pennsylvania will operate its program under a General Permit authorized by the Act relating to Controlled Plants and Noxious Weeds (3 Pa.C.S.A. section 1501 et seq.).

Online Submission of applications now available through PA Plants. See the Application Instructions (PDF) for additional details.

Other changes to the 2020 Hemp Program include the following: Processors of hemp must apply for a permit.

Every property (growing or processing) will require a permit and a separate application. The cost of a permit is $150.

New restrictions for properties include: Outdoor growers must plant and maintain a minimum of 1/4 acre and 300 plants.

Indoor growers must plant and maintain a minimum of 2,000 square feet and 200 plants.

Hemp may not be grown, cultivated, propagated, planted or processed in or within 200 feet of any structure used for residential purposes, without prior written approval from the Department.

Hemp may not be grown, planted, cultivated or propagated within 1,000 feet of a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school property or a public recreational area.

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cuted lease, signed by the property owner and the permit holder must be provided to the Department.

For business applicants, key participants in the business are required to have FBI background checks.

Key Participants - persons who have a direct or indirect financial interest in the entity producing or processing hemp, such as an owner or partner in a partnership, or persons at executive levels in a corporate entity (I.e. chief executive officer, chief operating officer and chief financial officer).

FBI Background checks must be completed within 60 days of the date of application submission.

Hemp varieties to be planted this year must be listed on the application.

Every variety field or lot (contiguous planting of one variety) planted must be tested for THC within 15 days of harvest by a certified sampler and paid for by the permittee.

Hemp permit information and crop acreage must be reported to USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) by the permittee.

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- Continued on page 13

Baking Contests Due to many PSACF Fairs canceling their 2020 events because of COVID-19, the Special Baking Contests will now be held as Open Contests at the PA Farm Show in January 2021.

There will be no pre-qualification requirement of winning first place at a PSACF member Fair.

Please check the website https://www.pafairs.org/p/members/baking-contest for details on how to register and enter these contests.

•••

Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 9

Although an effort to hold a Punxsutawney Fair along the Mahoning Creek began in 1870, it was in 1880 when the first fair would be held at new fairgrounds on a hillside off North Findley Street. It began a series of Punxsutawney fairs to last until the mid-1920s. This artist’s lithograph drawing of the fairgrounds appeared in an 1880 publication of the History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania.

In the early 1900s, with coal mining a major industry in the area, many family farms surrounding Punxsutawney contributed to the growing economy. The agricultural complexion outside of town was reflected in the organization of “agricultural societies” and many exhibitions of crops and animals at fairs. (Photo from the print collection of Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)

“GOING TO THE FAIR”

CANCELLED! Fairs and festivals will wait til next year.

A Look Back at a Hometown Tradition

By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine ften recognized in any written history of the Punxsutawney area in the late 19th century is the extensive complex of industries that developed because of the town’s being located in a large coal district: the many mining towns, coke ovens, railroads, foundries and an iron furnace.

Often overlooked in writing the histories is the larger farming community that surrounded the town. These were family farms that were developed from land that had previously been commercially harvested of the timber that was then sent by

O

raft to Pittsburgh for commercial gain.

For half a year the farmer worked the land to develop his farm and, during the winter months, he would cut timber and move it to the creeks for rafting in the spring.

The earliest farmlands were spotted with stumps and rocks that were not only unsightly but also made the land less productive. As a result, poor crops and inferior fruits were taken to the home markets. The livestock lacked blood and flesh for them to find ready sale at fairs.

As farmers became more aware of the market’s demands for better crops and livestock, the business of farming im-

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Agricultural Exhibition.”

A year later, the newspaper reported the formation of a local Agricultural Society that embraced the portions of Clearfield, Indiana and Jefferson counties that surrounded Punxsutawney.

Land for the first fairground was selected along the Mahoning Creek “near Jenks’ Tannery.” The Jenks’ Tannery was located where the Hampton Avenue S&T Bank is now and where older readers will remem-

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Contributing to the farmer’s awareness and education was a weekly column in the Punxsutawney Plaindealer, a weekly newspaper for a few years in the mid-19th Century. The paper featured articles with such titles as: “Farming as a Business;” “Business Tact in Farming;” and “Enterprise in Farming.” In addition, articles with practical advice were published: “About Pruning” and “Cabbage as Feed for Milk Cows” are examples of articles with a practical bent.

In August 1869, recognizing that nearly every county in Pennsylvania had an Agricultural Society,” with the exception of Jefferson County, the editors of the newspaper urged the organization of one in southern Jefferson County, where Punxsutawney was located.

In their appeal under the title “Agricultural Fairs,” they noted: “The day is not far distant when farming in this section will be made a specialty.”

The census at the time listed 757 farms in the townships surrounding Punxsutawney.

The editors declared to their readers, “Agricultural Societies and Agricultural Fairs are great helps to farmers as stimulating them to extra exertion by comparison with their neighbors; and arousing in them ambition to be a little ahead with their products and general results ... A place of this size which has so large a population (approximately 1500 adults in the area), and so good a farming country around us on every hand, should have an

During the summer of 2020, local celebrations and long-standing traditions that a rural area such as Jefferson County and the Punxsutawney area have had for many generations have been affected by the coronavirus, COVID-19.

With varied guidelines throughout Pennsylvania, situations changed regularly as locations moved from a yellow phase to the green phase and the limitations relating to social distancing and wearing masks. And for the best of reasons safety and health for young and old county fairs, community fairs and festivals that brought people together and provided small towns a boost in economy, have been canceled.

After year-long planning and preparation of events around a farming and agricultural theme or local traditions, decisions had to be made about scheduled events.

In favor of safety and with a certain amount of hope, the joys and memories of a fair or festival must wait for another year.

For this issue, and any memories about local fairs, Hometown reprints a story from August 2006 by S. Thomas Curry, about “Going to the Fair” and the history of the Punxsutawney Fair.

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Pollinators: An Important Part of Gardening and Agriculture

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thriving backyard garden requires homeowners to take steps to ensure the garden has the best environment in which to grow and thrive. The right tools and components, including trowels, rakes, soil, amendments, and fertilizer, can help gardeners create beautiful spaces. It’s also important that pollinators are made to feel welcome in the garden.

The United States Department of Agriculture reports that one-third of all agricultural output depends on pollinators. The USDA

notes that insects and other animal pollinators are vital to the production of healthy crops for food, fibers, edible oils, medicines, and other products. Pollinators also are essential for maintaining habitats and ecosystems that many wild animals rely on for food and shelter.

The U.S. Forest Service says that, without pollinators, the human race and all of the earth’s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive. Pollination done the natural way often yields large, flavorful fruits.

Pollinators are make-or-break components of large-scale agriculture, and they’re just as important in private home gardens.

The Pollinator Partnership, an organization that works to protect pollinators and their habitats across North America, says pollinators include bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, and bats. These animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies. The following are some ways to maintain healthy pollinator habitats.

• Consider the soil and types of plants that will thrive in it before choosing what to plant. Fix drainage issues and plant with sunlight in mind.

• Vary the colors and shapes of plants to attract a greater array of pollinators. Plant flowers close to vegetable gardens to attract pollinators.

• Group plants together when planting to more effectively attract pollinators.

• Select plants that flower at different times of the year so that nectar and pollen sources are available year-round.

• Whenever possible, choose native plants.

• Avoid the use of pesticides.

• Provide a water source for pollinators, such as a shallow dish with stones half-submerged for perching.

Pollinators are important for gardens, whether those gardens are commercial operations or small backyard plots. Allow pollinators to share spaces and be mindful of behaviors that can threaten their survival.

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At any given time, it is estimated that there are around 10 quintillion individual insects living.

Gardeners grow frustrated when seeing their gardens infested with insects.

In an effort to restore their gardens, homeowners might be tempted to eradicate any bug that moves in their yards. But gardeners would be wise to first learn which insects are hurting their gardens and which can actually help gardens in the long run.

HARMFUL INSECTS

Certain insects can be dangerous to animals and plants. The following are a handful of insects that can threaten the vitality of gardens.

Aphids: These insects suck on the juice needed to sustain plants, particularly when they congregate.

Bald-faced hornet: Hornets tend to be an aggressive species that can sting repeatedly. Should you find a nest near an entertaining space or garden, it can cause trouble.

Carpenter ants: These ants will burrow into wood causing damage. They may compromise any wooden structure in and around a home.

Locusts: Various species of locust can damage plants and crops due to their voracious appetites.

Treehoppers: These small, green insects mimic the look of leaves, and their appetites can affect crops and gardens.

Red pavement ant: As they feed on all manner of human food, these ants can quickly overtake areas with their staggering numbers and deliver painful bites.

Grasshoppers: Certain grasshoppers, like the red-legged grasshopper, can decimate food crops and transfer parasites to birds when eaten as prey.

- Continued on page 13

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www.marioncenterbank.com Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 11

The field area at the top of Carlton Avenue and off North Findley Street is used by Punxsutawney’s National Guard Company A. For many Punxsutawney area residents, it is remembered as the location of the Firemen’s summer carnival. Many folks in the past referred to the site as the “old fairgrounds” where the Punxsutawney Fair was held until the 1920s. (photo by S. Thomas Curry)

“Going to the Fair” Continued from page 10 ber the site of the former Mahoning Maid Ice Cream Co. By November 1970, the lumber for the fence and stables was hauled in, and work began in the spring of 1971.

The first agricultural fair in Jefferson County was in early October 1870, for three days on the grounds of the Mountain Park Association near Brookville where for years popular “trotting races” were held weekly.

The editors of the local Punxsutawney Plaindealer, J.A. Scott and W.A. Barr, who, a year earlier, were urging the organization

of an Agricultural Society and Fair in southern Jefferson County, made a visit to Brookville for the fair - “Yankee like, having our curiosity aroused.”

Their report to readers follows: “At the gate, men gave the matter of two dimes and a-half to see the show. It is tame expression to say we looked intently for the animals. A fair in Jefferson County is a new thing, reader, and if ever school boys were anxious to see the elephant go by, we looked in every nook and crevice at the Mountain Park fair. Our labors were rewarded by seeing a considerable number of persons, of both sexes, crowded about the gate and in the road, each looking at the other with looks that plainly said,: Where is it?” There was one fine bull on the in-

Punxsutawney’s Troop D of the State Constabulary (now State Police) was organized in 1905 as one of Pennsylvania’s four Troops. The barracks was on the hillside and the troop used the fairgrounds as a training area. In the circa 1906 photo, the mounted troop is seen marching on the racetrack of the fairgrounds, in review for Punxsutawney residents. (Photo postcard courtesy of Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society)

side, and we learned that in the house were some specimens of the culinary art. We saw nothing on exhibition, except our friend Humphrey, on a stump, with the never failing violin. As a County institution, the fair was not a success; yet the effort is a commendable one.”

Local residents regularly attended the Indiana Fair, where, a year earlier, the newly organized Silver Cornet Band of Punxsutawney made its first appearance.

The effort to organize people in the area to hold an agricultural fair in that period of time was a struggle. Locally, concern was expressed when Scott and Barr had promoted the idea through their Plaindealer voice. People responded to the editor’s suggestion with such questions as asked by

a farmer from Covode: “Is there enough of the spirit of agriculture in the citizens of Punxsutawney and vicinity to encourage a trial?”

After 1870, horse races continued at Mountain Park near Brookville, but fairs and exhibitions did not. It wasn’t until early 1879 when a renewed interest from area men led to forming the Jefferson County Agricultural Society and Driving Park Association.

A study of the old newspapers, as primary sources, could lead one to conclude that a Punxsutawney Fair did not become a successful event until 1880 when 23 acres of land was made available to the Punxsutawney Agricultural and Driving Park Continued on page 14

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Consumers Encouraged Continued from page 7 wonderful, nutritious product we produce every single day. Together we can support small businesses like ours and bolster our local economies by buying and consuming Pennsylvania milk, especially during these challenging and unprecedented times,” added Meadow Vista Dairy farmer and father Justin Risser of Bainbridge, Lancaster County, who also appears in the public service announcement.

In recent weeks, the entire food supply system was abruptly disrupted during government “Stay At Home” orders where universities, restaurants, businesses, schools, cafeterias, and the state and country were literally shut down.

Demand for milk and dairy products shifted to homes, with everyone predominately eating in, not out at restaurants or cafeterias. However, farmers need to continue milking their cows and producing assorted safe, high quality, fresh dairy foods for families. To meet consumer demand during this pandemic, farmers are steadily supplying grocery store shelves and farm markets with their

locally produced, nutritious milk.

Smith also stated, “Now more than ever, we appreciate all who are working diligently in the agricultural industry across the country, along with all our critical workers who are helping to navigate us through this pandemic. We salute our healthcare professionals, emergency responders, government leaders, and law enforcement for their noble efforts. And we commend everyone from our delivery services and postal workers to our veterinarians, our farmers, grocery store workers, truck drivers, take-out restaurants, processors, and others who are essential to the production, delivery and access to fresh foods for our families. People everywhere are hurting so we must also offer our vital support to our charitable food system during these challenging times through “Fill A Glass With Hope®” and through Feeding Pennsylvania and Feeding America food banks and beyond.”

Last month, a new “Family Resources” tab was created for educators and families featuring dairy activities at www.PaDairymens.com: Discover Dairy – Brings the farm to you through this interactive cross-curric-

ular, multi-level lesson series.

Virtual Learning Library for elementary and middle school teachers and students.

Farm Life – A Virtual Experience – Where visitors can explore a dairy farm or meet a dairy farmer to learn more about farm life.

Free educational games, children’s books and songs, arts, crafts, experiments, family and kids-friendly recipes and more.

The Calving Corner – Highlights the live dairy cow birthing center at the PA Farm Show, where dairy farm families share life on the farm videos.

American Dairy Association North East (ADANE) – Offers “Farm Fun” with dairy farm tours and activities.

•••

Industrial Hemp Continued from page 9

monwealth by County and by Zip Code along with contact information for the permits. This information is searchable by county, zip code, permit ID, permit contact name and institution/business name. (Please note that this application is not formatted for mobile devices.)

Location of Medical Marijuana Grower/Processors Because permit holders may not plant within 3 mile of a Department of Health licensed Medical Marijuana Grower/Processor, permit applicants are advised to consult the links to the address listings of Grower Processor locations at agriculture.pa.gov.

•••

Helpful and Harmful Insects Continued from page 11 Caterpillars: Many caterpillars, the precursor to adult moths, will feed constantly on leaves, stems and other parts of plants. The tobacco hornworm moth caterpillar can damage potato and tomato plants.

HELPFUL INSECTS

Plants depend on insects to transfer pollen as they forage, and many insects are quite beneficial to have around. While some pollinate, others are predators of other pests.

Antlion: A foe of ants, they’ll help eat and control ant populations and pollinate flowers. They pose no threat to humans, either.

Big dipper firefly: These colorful insects feast on earthworms, slugs and snails during the larval stage. Fireflies add drama to evening gardens with their twinkling lights.

Garden spiders: Although some spiders can be venomous, many are quite handy to have around the garden.

They’ll help control pest populations that can damage plants and crops.

Dragonflies: These arial artists that zip around the yard are consuming smaller insects that would otherwise pester plants and humans.

Blue-winged wasp: This wasp attacks the larvae of Japanese beetles, helping to control beetle populations.

Bees and butterflies: Butterflies and bees are some of the best pollinators out there, and each can add whimsy to gardens.

•••

Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 13

brought people from Falls Creek, DuBois, Sykesville, Big Run and other towns, Punxsutawney fairs opened with the promise of big days “at the Fair.”

Although going through many changes from the first attempt, the Punxsutawney Fair continued through the early 1920s, when headlines in the daily Punxsutawney Spirit would announce: “ATTENDANCE RECORD IS BADLY SHATTERED.” Nearly 18.000 people crowded the Fairgrounds during the day and the evening of Thursday, August 26, 1920.

In the summer of 1926, when the Punxsutawney Fair Association held its annual organization meeting of stockholders at its annual meeting, it was reported that only 11 of the 250 stockholders attended and

Elaine Kahn Light Artist E. Franks’ lithograph drawing in the 1878 publication of Caldwell’s “Illustrated History of Jefferson County,” depicts the business of farming that developed after an era of lumbering on the wooded hills around Punxsutawney. These farms were a part of the scenic view around many villages in the rural area. These quiet farmlands contrasted with the active mines and coke ovens that developed nearby in the 1880s.

“Going to the Fair” Continued from page 12 Association. The land was off North Findley Street on a hillside north of Punxsutawney. Called “the Fairgrounds” for many years by folk of an older generation, younger folk would later refer to it as the National Guard land or the “carnival grounds.”

A news story in September 1885 reported, “…the sixth annual exhibition of the Punxsutawney Agricultural Society,” and concluded, “On account of the success attending them this season the managers of the Association have decided to commence all future Fairs on the third Tuesday in

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September.” About 12,000 people were reported in attendance on one day of the four-day event. A year later, the weekly newspaper, The Punxsutawney Spirit, in a review of the livestock and crop exhibitions in the 1886 fair, justified the purpose of the annual fairs as a tool of education for farmers: “This shows that our farmers are taking an increased interest in the raising of good cattle and crops, and is encouraging.”

As the Punxsutawney area experienced an industrial and commercial boom in the late 1800s, and street cars and railroad passenger service brought people from populated nearby villages and mining towns, and special “round trip excursions”

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here by sending a birthday card or a thank you card to her at: Elaine Light Grand Oaks #226 5901 MacArthur Blvd NW Washington, DC 20016 2544 This article has been prepared by the Coal Memorial Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society.

Resources used in preparing this article are from Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, The Punxsutawney Spirit and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Comments may be directed to PAHGS, P.O. Box 286, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

Individuals desiring to honor a coal or coal related industry worker in 2021 are encouraged to purchase their tile by June 30, 2021. A Coal Memorial tile may honor persons who worked in any aspect of the coal industry including railroads and ancillary services. Additional information and forms may be found online at www.punxsyhistory.org or may be requested by e-mail at: punxsyhistory@outlook.com, or calling 814-938-2555 and leaving a message.

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During the remainder of 2020, the Coal Memorial Committee and the Society will be exploring ways to use modern technology to provide information on local history for the public.

Please note the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society Facilities are closed to the public until further notice. Gift Shop items may be purchased online and Genealogy searches may be requested by e-mail.

Find us at: www.punxsyhistory.org Email: punxsyhistory@outlook.com

Continued from page 8 the $150,000 in local match money required to be eligible to receive approximately one million dollars in state and federal Community Development Funds.

Fortunately, for Punxsutawney, the borough council approved the local match money which served the “greater good” of the community. Their informed votes made it possible for redevelopment of Barclay Square, which over the years has returned the investment a hundred-fold in economic benefit to the community.

Punxsutawney owes a debt of gratitude to Elaine Kahn Light for choosing to spend forty-one years of her life in Punxsutawney.

Along the way, the community has recognized the gift of her time with us by selecting her as Woman of the Year in 1954 and awarding her a lifetime Membership in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

Elaine Light will be celebrating the 98th anniversary of her birth on August 10, 2020. Punxsutawney residents and friends can show their appreciation of her work

only five of the 16 directors turned out. As interest declined with the changing times, the beginning of the end was apparent.

Soon after, loyal Punxsutawney area people who were interested in fairs attended the area fairs of nearby towns Attending the Punxsutawney Fair on the old Fairgrounds was a memory to many older residents who grew up in the early 20th century, having the experience as young people and children excited about “going to the Fair,” the annual Punxsutawney Fair!

Memories of that familiar site in Punxsutawney today could be from a small number of people who remember attending the Firemen’s annual carnival there each summer in July.

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Learn How to Grow Wild Blackberries

By Allison Gould of The Holistic Homesteader f there is one thing I’ve learned from my stepdad, it’s that raspberries and blackberries are resilient and very hard to kill. Even after mowing and weed-eating them, they come up year after year after year after year, roots still thriving and

I

spreading well below the soil! Why I’m glad he taught me this (even though he doesn’t know it)… it’s a perk when it comes to foraging and growing them in your own backyard. Because no matter what, (poor soil, too much or too little sun, too much or too little water, etc.) the little suckers are probably going to thrive. So, let’s learn how to grow wild blackberries.

First things first, you must locate a patch of wild blackberries! (Warning: never trespass!!!! Ask your friends, family, on social media, etc. if anyone has any that you could forage and take… there’s always someone that knows where there are some, especially older folks).

Okay, moving on.

This is going to be super complicated.

Ready?

With leather gloves on preferably, grab the base of a healthy looking blackberry plant and slowly pull it out, trying to retain the long roots.

Wah-la! That’s it.

Like I said, blackberries and raspberries are hardier than hardy! As long as you have a good section of root, the plant will more than likely grow.

After you’ve gathered as many roots/stems as you need, take them to your growing spot of choice and get ready to plant them!

Dig holes about 4-5 inches deep and 4-5 inches around. Space the holes AT LEAST 2-3 feet apart to allow for growth and spreading.

I normally place 2 rooted stems per hole, because they are wild and they shock of moving them might kill them (but is unlikely).

Even if the plant appears to be dead above soil, chances are the roots are still doing

their thing and are getting ready to shoot a new stem somewhere else. (At least this has been my experience).

All right, so now you need to fill the hole with dirt, pack the soil lightly, and water.

Then wait.

The berries will grow with very minimal effort from you. Just make sure to pay attention to how much water they are getting (wetter is better than dry).

Now, be warned!!!!!!

Blackberries are aggressive growers. They (and raspberries) will continue to spread, so you need to pick a spot that can allow and accommodate that kind of growth.

I placed my plants in between my blueberry bushes. Blueberries and blackberries are excellent companion plants, but I will be very vigilant and immediately remove any stems that are trying to grow where

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Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 15

Although they are not planted side by side in a single plot, local farmers continue in 2020 the tradition of “The Three Sisters,” planted in precontact times by woodland natives.

Here are a cornfield near Oliveburg, a soybean field near Grange and a pumpkin field near Frostburg. Photographs

by Marty Armstrong.

Flags and Farms

Question: What do flags and farms have in common?

Answer: They both have fields.

By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine ake, for example, the Pennsylvania flag, adopted in 1907. The commonwealth’s coat of arms is centered on a field of blue. Interestingly, the design incorporates farming imagery indicating the importance of agriculture then to Pennsylvania. Of course, it remains an important part of the economy today. Pennsylvania’s land area devoted to farming is larger than the total area of at least eight states in the nation and represents nearly 60,000 farms and ranches on more that 7.7 million acres of land.

Zooming into Jefferson County, a county flag illustrates the importance of agriculture locally. Some years ago, a contest was held to develop this flag. The winning design has a field of blue with a few gold stripes, which are transformed into sun-like rays, and includes several aspects of the county’s economy, including farming. Again, while times have changed as to numbers of persons actively farming, plenty of active commercial farming is ongoing. One has only to look around during the growing season to find large fields of grain, their colors changing as they ripen. Also, in these times of farmers’ having more and more expen-

T

A number of years ago, Jefferson County Commissioners initiated a contest among high school students to design a county flag.

On the field of blue are gold horizontal bars, several more of which extend sun-like from the Jefferson County portion of the Pennsylvania map positioned to the left. The Commonwealth is outlined in green and major County economic activities, including agriculture, are illustrated between the rays. The image can be found online at www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-pa-jf.html

sive equipment, many arrange with other landowners to farm their lands as well. As crops are rotated and market prices fluctuate, one sees huge fields of corn, soybeans and, in communities near and far, large fields of pumpkins grown for resale in the fall. As famously said by Yogi Berra: “It’s like déjà vu all over again.”

The Three Sisters Agriculture has a history in the region that

goes farther back in time than one might first think. Native peoples in the Americas had transitioned from strictly hunter-gatherers to add agricultural activities. Staple crops were corn, beans and squash, planted together so that the growing corn stalks acted as support poles for the beans to climb and the leaves of squash and pumpkin vines shaded the ground surrounding the corn stalks and beans. Women did most of the farming. According to “The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in Colonial America” by Dale Taylor, some of the earliest settlers employed this model. It had its advantages because Pennsylvania was not called Penn’s Woods for nothing. To get any farming done at all, trees had to be cut down.

Stumps could be left for a time and the native method of planting the “Three Sisters” in mounds could be employed throughout the space available. As most have learned in school, natives also instructed settlers to fertilize the Three Sisters mounds by including a fish when planting.

Early Settler DIY Settlers of European ancestry quickly learned how to build homes for themselves using what the woodlands provided. Similarly, they learned that they could put food on the table using what the woodlands provided in the way of fish and game as well as edible plants, berries, nuts and the bonus of maple trees which could be tapped. Guns, knives, tools and all things needed to get and make use of the forest’s products had to be made or acquired through trade. They learned that buckskins and furs could work for clothing and bedding. But, knowing that

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other things were possible, settlers were quite willing to make for themselves the things they needed and wanted. They wanted to spin and weave wool for blankets and clothing. That meant having sheep and fields on which they could graze (and making spinning wheels and looms and tools with which to work wool.) They wanted to spin and weave linen to make lighter clothing, sheets and curtains. That meant growing flax on more cleared fields (and constructing needed household and farm tools). Cornbread is good to eat but they wanted bread from grain grown in yet more fields. They wanted milk cows, chickens and pigs.

Before long, residents of the Punx- Continued on page 18

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Both the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry and the Future Farmers of America developed emblems featuring agricultural images. Both have been used as badges or pins and are central to the flags of their organizations. The Grange emblem features a sheaf of grain inside a shield which, for the flag, is centered on a field of blue. The FFA emblem features a cross-section of an ear of corn surrounding a field and plow along with an owl symbolizing education and the American eagle.

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A Good Life Continued from page 3 outbreaks ravaged them, but smaller, local processers that Wise Farm use, have stayed open.

“People want to know where their meat comes from, you know?” Rick said.

“People want to know how we’ve been taking care of the animals, and they know

The soybeans grown on the Wise Farm will be sold to Perdue to produce feed for the poultry, swine, and dairy industry. Hometown staff photo.

our cattle are all natural. Plus, there’s been shortages of meat in stores.”

Rick said this trend of more people buying meat locally started before the pandemic, but he said the pandemic has accelerated the trend. It has accelerated it so much, he said, that local meat processing plants are swamped due to new demand.

Livestock shows, which Rick said are one of the main ways Wise Farm interacts with the community, have been postponed since the start of the pandemic.

But Rick said the farm is helping the community through this time in other ways: Increased beef sales are keeping people fed, and by staying with his family on their farm, he is doing his part to socially distance.

Rick shares the farming lifestyle with all of his family — he works the farm with his son Adam and wife Ashley, Ben, his wife Tash and children, contributes with farm work in addition to his veterinary work and Kathy maintains the farm’s finances and chips in outside. Rick said he encouraged Adam and Ben to get involved with agriculture from a young age, just like his parents did with him.

Rick said that as a result of his upbringing, he enjoys everything to do with working a farm, even the long hours and hard labor.

“I love being outside every day, being around cattle, growing crops,” Rick said.

“That’s why I like to be here. It’s a good life.”

Although he enjoys farming for the sake of farming, Rick said it makes him happy to live in a community that is becoming

Some of these bred Heifers will be sold to other producers, but most will be primarily used as replacements to the Wise cattle herd. Hometown staff photo.

increasingly appreciative of agriculture.

He said he is grateful to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, who he said have recently been more vocal in its support for farmers. Some of the county commissioners have visited Wise Farm, he said, and a new video on the Jefferson County website that promotes the county’s agriculture shows Wise Farm in the opening shot.

Rick said that he feels that people do not give agriculture enough attention since modern conveniences make it possible for one to spend his or her whole life never understanding how much work goes into producing food. He does not

want a spotlight on himself in particular, he said, but he appreciates the county government’s efforts to highlight what he and other farmers do to benefit the community.

“I think agriculture is often under looked,” Rick said. “We should be spotlighted more, not me, per se, but the agricultural communities. I think people that are far removed from the farm don’t realize what it takes to put a wholesome product on their table. So, I’m very appreciative of agriculture having a voice in our area.”

•••

Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 17

Residence and Farm of Theophilus Pantall (owner of the Pantall Hotel, built in 1888) This farm of 200 acres was underlaid with a 7-foot vein of coal. Young Township is just north of Punxsutawney on today’s Route 36 in the general area of the Punxsutawney Area Hospital and Deeley Funeral Home. The artist’s engraving includes horses, cattle, pigs and sheep. Also shown are farm outbuildings, fencing and what could be an orchard of fruit trees in the background.

Caldwell’s Atlas of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, 1878.

Flags and Farms

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rural areas. Meetinghouses called Grange Halls were built. Membership included Continued from page 16 men, women and youngsters old enough to draw a plough. Meetings for a time were sutawney area were pursuing agriculture secret with ceremonies, passwords and rituwith a vengeance. Where possible, each als similar to the other fraternal organizahomestead had orchards for fruit trees, tions of the period. barns for livestock and fields for grazing In the Commemorative History of Henand farming. Nearly all of the processing derson Township, edited by Shirley J. Sharp of animal products and crops was done by and published in 2007, two such Grange the landowners and their families, although, Halls are noted whose members were still mills for lumber, grain and other products meeting. Henderson Grange was formed in quickly developed and individuals devel1906. Their members eventually built a oped specialty skills such as blacksmithing, two-story structure on what is now known which benefited multiple families. as Spring Road; meetings were held there until 2006.

Brady Grange, organized in 1902, moved from an initial location to the former Crossroads schoolhouse mentioned in last month’s Hometown (Issue 237). There was a Grange Hall in Oliveburg where meetHomestead of Phineas W. Jenks ings were held well into This recognizable home still stands at the top of “Jenks Hill” above the the mid- to late- twenticurve which leads north out of Punxsutawney on today’s Route 119.

The area to the left of Jenks Avenue is shown to be under cultivation as eth century. Oliveburg there are what appear to be corn shocks in front of and below a fruit or- postmistress Elsie Burchard. Caldwell’s Atlas of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. 1878. kett was a long-time member and officer.

1878 The two-story hall was located directly Caldwell’s Atlas of Jefferson County was across Route 36 from the Burkett store and published in 1878. Not merely a collection post office and also served as a voting site. of maps, it includes more than 150 illustraIt should come as no shock, then, that there tions of properties and many pages of townonce was a Grange Hall in the nearby comship and community directories detailing munity of Grange. It, too, served as a votlandowners’ occupations. The illustrations ing location and was located in Grange No. include many farms, which show in great 1 on Route 536 at the intersection with Endetail farm animals and crops in the field. terline Road. The building was subseIn addition, a good portion of town resiquently used for a variety of community dences are shown with animal barns, orgatherings and was eventually acquired by chards and even what appear to be corn the Grange Church of God and used for shocks in a nearby field. Of the property church, community and voting events until owners listed in the business directories, church renovations were undertaken to many are described as farmers and many make more space for such things. more have connections to agricultural-reThe Grange continues as a national organlated businesses such as milling or blackization today. The website states: “The smithing. All of these folks found ways to Grange, founded after the Civil War in work together to get tasks done and to move 1867, is the oldest American agricultural adbeyond subsistence farming to commercial vocacy group with a national scope. The agriculture.

Grange actively lobbied state legislatures The Grange Movement and Congress for policy goals, such as the Grange is a word used in Britain to deGranger Laws to lower rates charged by scribe a home with associated farm buildrailroads, and rural free mail delivery by the ings. Indeed, the word “grange” comes Post Office. As a non-partisan organization, from a Latin word for grain, and is related to the Grange supports only policies, never poa “granary” or, generically, a farm. litical parties or candidates. Although the In the U.S. it was adapted for use in 1867 Grange was founded to serve the interests to designate a national organization of indiof farmers, because of the shrinking farm vidual local farmers whose purpose was to population, the Grange has begun to advance farmers’ interests and prosperity. broaden its range to include a wide variety The National Grange of the Order of Pa- Continued on page 20 trons of Husbandry chartered chapters in

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Various Benefits of Farm-to-Table

ew things are more satisfying than biting into a fresh tomato right from the garden or seasoning a meal with herbs picked from a windowsill greenhouse. Restaurants recognize the value of such experiences, and more and more are relying on locally sourced products in their kitchens.

The farm-to-table movement is not new, but it has gained momentum as consumers

become increasingly enamored with the flavor and environmental impact of locally sourced foods. The National Restaurant Association found that farm-to-table food was one of its top 10 trends for 2015. Furthermore, the group says that one in five consumers are willing to pay more for local food, and 41 percent admit that locally sourced ingredients influence their decisions when choosing where to dine.

Newcomers to the farm-to-table dining experience may not understand all the fuss surrounding this popular trend. The following are some of the key benefits of farm-to-table.

• Peak freshness and ripeness: Local produce ripens on the plant and can be harvested at the last possible minute before it turns up on a plate. This helps ensure that it contains the highest amount of nutrients and flavor, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Food that has to travel further is often picked well before it is ready, ripening on the way to stores or other vendors.

• Better for the environment: Food that needn’t travel far before reaching diners’ plates saves roughly 500 gallons of diesel fuel to haul produce a distance of 1,500 miles. This conserves fossil fuels and prevents harmful emissions from entering the

atmosphere.

• Supports neighboring farms: Supporting farm-to-table restaurants and other eateries keeps business local in two different ways.

It not only benefits local restaurants, but it also directly supports neighboring farms, fisheries and other suppliers.

• Accessibility to seasonal choices: Farmto-table eating provides a wide variety of in-season foods. This can translate into tastier foods because they are grown and harvested during their optimal growing season.

• Reduces factory farming: According to O.info, the informational resource powered by Overstock.com, farmto-table and local farming can reduce reliance on large, profitdriven corporations that may focus on maximum production over animal health and welfare. Local farms may be more inclined to treat their animals well and institute sustainable practices.

• Learn about the community: A person might live in an area and never know that a local vineyard is in the vicinity or that a producer of straight-from-the-hive honey is nearby. Exploring farm-to-table resources can open people’s eyes to local businesses doing great work in and around their communities.

Farm-to-table is a popular movement that people are embracing for various reasons.

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www.wayland-farm-supply.com Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 19

Punxsutawney High School FFA Charter members of the Punxsutawney Chapter, (front l to r.) Mildred Reed (Secretary); H. Cook; B. Heitzenrater; J. Pierce; T. Smith; J. Bullers; G. Elbel; G. Doverspike; R. Haag; H. Sherry; B. Lingenfelter; B. Elkin; G. Elbel. (rear) J. Newberry; R. Postlewaite; A. Williams; Dick Yount (Vice President); George Work (President); M. Caylor; E. Snyder; Don Knox (Reporter); H. States; V. Martin; A. Dunmire; R. Knox. Faculty sponsor: Mr. William Mechling, Vocational Agriculture Instructor “Punxsutawney Mirror,” PAHGS Yearbook Collection, 1946.

Flags and Farms Continued from page 18

of issues, and anyone is welcome to join the Grange.” The organization’s flag has the Grange emblem of a sheaf of grain centered on a field of blue. A bit of trivia: A Grange sign can be seen on the “Welcome to Hill Valley” sign in the movie “Back to the Future.”

Question: What do farmers raise in addition to crops and livestock?

Answer: Future generations.

F.F.A. In the 1946 Punxsutawney High School yearbook, “The Mirror,” a new student organization was highlighted—the Future Farmers of America. Comprised of students in the new agriculture program taught by

Mr. William Mechling, the twenty-six members studied farm problems and solutions and worked on varied farm projects.

For each successful project, such as raising livestock or crops, students received one credit.

By the 1960s, the District had built a new senior high school and the former high school on North Jefferson Street was retained for the use of junior high school students. With an increasingly larger numbers of students, each grade was divided into classroom-sized sections or cohorts whose members took all their classes together.

Section 1 in each of the three junior high school grades was made up of band students. In the 9th grade, band students were, as usual, placed in Section 1; agriculture students were placed in Section 2, which allowed them to begin the four-year program of study which they could complete in senior high. The 1968 “Mirror” seems to be the last one in which FFA is mentioned. Mr. Mechling was still the advisor and the yearbook notes that each year, the organization presented a special nature film assembly for the student body. The students had their Certi昀ed Nurse Aides

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own shop where they learned to build tinues to be true as less and less acreage is fences and to maintain and repair farm devoted to farming and residential housing equipment. Officers pictured in the 1968 creeps farther and farther into the same “Mirror” wear their distinctive blue FFA space. Still, in this region, there is plenty to jackets emblazoned with the organization’s see. And what is gone need not recede from emblem. memory. People can and do take the trouAccording to the website of the Future ble to document what has been vanishing Farmers of America, the organization “is the and to refresh the memories of future genpremier youth organization preparing memerations. A list of some of those persons, bers for leadership and careers in the scigroups and events which help to move the ence, business and technology of memories forward is surely not all-inclusive agriculture.” There are more than 700,000 but does include the following: student members today and, nationwide, ● The Past to Present Machinery Organithere are 8,612 local FFA chapters in all 50 zation which is dedicated to preserving the states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

It’s been 50-plus years since the 1969 National FFA Convention when women gained full, national membership in FFA. Readers will Wooden Sausage Stuffer the era of “Settler DIY,” scores of devices were made to facilitate one note, however, that In or another farm or household task. These are featured extensively in Eric P u n x s u t a w n e y ’s Sloane’s “A Reverence for Wood.” Pictured are exterior and interior views 1946 charter mem- of a wooden sausage stuffer. Closed, it rather resembles a duck. When the loose sausage mixture is loaded in, the lid is closed, a casbership included one opened, ing made of intestine is attached over the metal spout, hand-cranking beyoung lady, Mildred gins and the threaded wood dowel inside pushes sausage into the casing which is tied off at desired lengths. Collection of Don Armstrong. Late Reed.

The FFA emblem, 1800s-early 1900s. among other motifs, pictures a plow in the history of farm equipment from past to prescenter of a circular cross section of an ear ent and to educating about agricultural pracof corn. Of course, the organization has a tices of the past. flag where the FFA emblem is centered on ● Many individual family farms which a field of blue. keep up their prized agribusiness heritage.

Back to the future ● The annual Farm Show and Farm Artist Eric Sloane published a series of Progress Days events held at State College. books over a sixty-six-year period. Many Many farmers enjoy the displays and exhihad the stated or unstated theme of “Our bitions of modern farm equipment. Work Vanishing Landscape.” His drawings of horse events are popular and young people barns, covered bridges, schoolhouses, farm who have raised animals bring them to implements, etc. are accurate and reminisshow and compete. cent. He saw that many such images were ● Local county fairs which display and deteriorating, falling down or being totally judge farm products brought by local farm eliminated from the countryside. Sloane families. was saddened that such scenes were van● The Coolspring Power Museum which ishing from view and also receding from educates the public about the machinery memory. The vanishing continues. It con- Continued on page 22

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Once you’ve read this issue of Punxsutawney Hometown, put your knowledge to the test. Correctly answer the following questions about the stories and be entered into our trivia contest.

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In what year was the Wise Farm founded?

For what culinary creation is Elaine Light known?

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a. Groundhog Cake b. Groundhog Pretzel c. Groundhog Cookie

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6. No purchase necessary to participate. All entries must be original magazine coupon (no photocopies).

7. In the event two or more contestants correctly answering all three questions, one winner will be randomly selected and awarded the winning prize.

8. Hometown magazine retains the right to make any final decisions regarding the contest, and by submitting an entry, contestants agree to abide by the rules of the contest.

When was the first agricultural fair held in Jefferson Co. on the grounds of the Mountain Park Association near Brookville? a. September 1912 b. October 1870 c. August 1942

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Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 21

Flags and Farms Continued from page 20 that utilized steam engines. ● All those historical museums which capture the past via exhibits of collections and photographs, educational programs and events and publications. ● The 4H youth organization which continues to include agricultural projects within the larger scope of learning and leadership activities. ● Pennsylvania’s Century and Bicentennial Farm program which recognizes continuous farm ownership of 100 or 200 years. ● Pennsylvania magazine whose latest issue features an extensive article about “Harvest Days” and has many wonderful pictures of Amish farmworkers in the fields. ● Penn Line magazine whose latest issue features an article about the current work of horses in rural Pennsylvania. (Penn Line magazine is published and distributed to rural property owners who obtain electric power from rural electric cooperatives.) ● Local artists who have spent lifetimes painting, drawing and photographing the region’s history as a form of documentation. ● Reenactors who bring the past to life. ● Writers and website developers who document the past in other ways.

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Question: What does the phrase “hayfoot, strawfoot” mean?

The answer requires a paragraph. Most credit the phrase to its use by military drill sergeants when working with unlearned young recruits from rural areas during the Civil War who did not know their left feet from their right. Thus, it was a bit of a problem teaching them to march and maneuver.

The solution was to tie hay around left ankles and straw around right ankles. The fellows certainly knew the difference between hay and straw. When the words “hay” and “straw” were inserted into shouted orders, all knew what to do. Hayfoot, Strawfoot; the Bucktail Recruits is a fictional, but accurate, book for youth written by William P. Robertson and David Rimer about the Bucktails of Pennsylvania. Recent internet research reveals that many folks of Irish descent employed the same strategy in Ireland in an earlier time when attempting to teach young people to step dance. Whatever the true origin, the strategy was a good one and works as long as one has some farm experience or knowledge.

So, one way or another, the agriculture of the past will be remembered even as the agriculture of today adjusts to the needs of the present.

The last word Agriculture comes from a Latin term, agricultura, where agr means field and cultura means cultivation or growing. Former Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society President Marie Hetager Jenks, who lived for many years in the Jenks homestead, often mentioned the meaning of her maiden name which was Norwegian. Marie enjoyed explaining that the ager portion of her name meant “field.” Indeed, she enjoyed all things historical and her intellectual curiosity made conversations with her rewarding.

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22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238

Hometown Community Happenings By the staff of Hometown magazine rom the staff of Hometown magazine and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events coming up in our area: At press time, some events were being cancelled or postponed due to the Coronavirus restrictions. Please check with the host organization, website, or Facebook page for up-to-date information. n Eric Bottenhorn wishes to redeem his gift certificate from McDonald’s for answering the July Hometown Trivia Giveaway questions correctly. Congratulations, Eric. n The Career Women’s Club annual Teddy Bear Picnic will be a virtual, online event during the first week of August. See the club’s Facebook page for registration information. This year’s category will be “Noah’s Ark Two by Two.” n The Punxsutawney Memorial Library was offering some of its services, at press time. Check its website or Facebook page or call the library for more information. n SSCD Church is holding a cash raffle, with the drawing on Sept. 26. First prize is $10,000; second prize is $5,000; and third prize is $1,000. For ticket information, contact the church. n July 29-Aug. 1: Clarion County Fair at the Redbank Valley Municipal Park. n July 30: Music in the Park at Barclay Square, Moore Brothers, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Bring a chair. n July 31 & Aug. 1: Grange’s Helping Hands, free clothing at Grange Church of God, Friday, noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check the Facebook page to make certain this event is happening or call the church at 814-938-2050. n Aug. 1: Girl Scout Daisy Flower Garden Journey Day, 9 a.m. to noon at Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center. Call 814-938-1000 for registration information. n Aug. 1: Peachy Saturday, various locations around Smicksburg. n Aug. 1 & 2: Hazen Flea Market, opens 7 a.m. at the Warsaw Township Vol. Fire Co. grounds. n Aug. 6: Music in the Park at Barclay Square, Sharptones, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. n Aug. 7: Mahoning Market, 9 a.m. at N. Jefferson & Mahoning streets. Food, plants, crafts & more. n Aug. 8: Boy Scout Plant Science Merit Badge program, 9 a.m. to noon at Weather Discovery Center. Register by Aug. 5 at info@weatherdiscovery.org or 814-9381000. n Aug. 8: Fun Day at Grange Church of God, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., crafts, Bible lesson, face painting & food. n Aug. 13: Music in the Park at Barclay Square, Almost Mulberry, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Bring a chair. n Aug. 15: Girl Scout Juniors Get Moving, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Weather Discovery Center. Register by Aug. 12 at info@weatherdiscovery.org or 814-938-1000. n Aug. 15 & 16: Open weekend, Coolspring Power Museum. n Aug. 16: First Annual SSCD School

F

“Fun’raising” Scramble, 1 p.m. at Punxsutawney Country Club. Contact SSCD for registration information. n Aug. 18: Blood Drive, 12:30 to 6 p.m. at SSCD Church. Benefits American Red Cross. n Aug. 20: Dr. F. J. Trunzo Memorial Golf Outing at Punxsutawney Country Club. n Aug. 21: Mahoning Market, 9 a.m. at N. Jefferson & Mahoning streets. Food, plants, crafts & more. n Aug. 22: Blood Drive, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Rossiter Vol. Fire Hall. Benefits American Red Cross. n Aug. 22: Hunter-Trapper Education Class, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brockway Sportsmen’s Club.

To register, visit www.pgc,pa.gov. n Aug. 25: First Day of School in Punxsutawney. Watch for children & buses. n Aug. 29: 2020 Vendor Fair, 10 a.m. at Ringgold Vol. Fire Company. n The First Church of God offers a Celebrate Recovery program. Contact the church or visit its Facebook page for information. n Elaine Light will be celebrating her 98th birthday on August 10, 2020. Punxsutawney residents and friends can show their appreciation of her work in Punxsutawney by sending a birthday or thank you card to her at: Elaine Light Grand Oaks #226 5901 MacArthur Blvd. NW Washington, DC 20016 2544 ••• n Email your hometown community happenings items to hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com.

DCC Student in the News

Colin B. Barnett, a member of the Class of 2020 at DuBois Central Catholic High School, will attend the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh. His field of study will be Molecular Biology.

Barnett, is a parishioner of Saints Cosmos & Damian Roman Catholic Church, Punxsutawney. At Central Barnett was a member of the National Honor Society and active in Campus Ministry, serving as a Student Eucharistic Minister and Altar Server.

Barnett was a Soccer Team Captain and lettered in Soccer and Tennis. He participated in the Reynoldsville Soccer Association.

Barnett graduated from Central having earned nine college credits through the school’s College Within High School Program with Butler County Community College. Barnett received the Dr. Albert Varacallo Education Scholarship and the DCC Key for Social Studies. Barnett is the son of Jay and Siobhan Barnett, Punxsutawney.

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(“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.)

July 24, 1903 — The Punxsutawney Health Club is growing. The members arise at 5 o’clock every morning and walk to Clawson’s spring, a distance of one and a half miles and back. It now consists of Geo. D. Jenks, W. P. Wehrle, George Burkett, H. F. Weiss and A. G. McBride. (The Punxsutawney Spirit) [Note: Clawson’s spring was located in Fairview on the south side of PA Route 36 descending into Cloe.]

August 10, 1907 — The carnival, which is situated near the East End school building, has attracted a great deal of attention. Some of the shows are really good and are well patronized. The merry-go-round and Ferris wheel are as usual the chief attractions and were both doing a land office business. They will pack up belongings and meander up along the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railroad to a place called Johnsonburg.

Though they appeared to do a rushing business during their stay here, it didn’t rush enough and they will go away dissatisfied with the gate receipts. (The Punxsutawney Spirit) August 11, 1886 — A ball ground is being made in the fairgrounds and we may expect some good games of ball before and during the fair. (Valley News) August 11, 1886 — The Walston miners now go to work at six o’clock in the morning and quit at five in the evening, instead of 7 6. (Valley News) August 24, 1904 — The annual exhibition of the Punxsutawney Fair Association is now in progress and the prospects are favorable for a successful week. The stock, especially the cattle, horses and sheep, are above the average. The exhibits of swine and chickens, etc., are not large, but the quality is the best in the country. The racing stables are full, there being about sixty horses, many of them with pedigrees that will insure some record breaking races during the week.

The main exhibition building is completely occupied. The ladies department, which is in charge of Mrs. W.N. Ake and Mrs. M.R. Means, occupies the right side of the eastern corridor, while on the left and in the center are the agricultural display and the canned fruit and bakers’ exhibits. The display made by the merchants is by long odds the best in the history of the association (The Punxsutawney Spirit) August 27, 1868 — At least our Borough authorities have awakened to the fact, that the hogs which have been thronging our Public Square and streets, are a decided nuisance, and have determined to enforce the ordinance prohibiting their running at large. This is a step in the right direction and will materially add to the cleanliness of our town and the comfort of the citizens. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) •••

Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238 – 23

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www.mccabewaldronfh.com 24 – Punxsutawney Hometown – August 2020 - Issue #238