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Old Dogs, New Tricks 19th Century Fish Camp Father - Daughter Fish Tales
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Decades before our Marcellus boom, Dorcie Calhoun tapped $47 million in Pennsylvania gas cash By Matt Connor
APRIL 2011
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Volume 6 Issue 4
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Mountain Chatter
By the Mountain Home Staff Pianists, a chili cookoff, and a Wellsville Trout Derby.
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Looking Back
By Joyce Tice Unused and unmarked or posted and sent, postcards tell a story of a time and place.
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The Lunker
By Fred Metarko A lucky excursion with a man of the cloth. Was there divine intervention?
“Friends” forever
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Tackle 'em!
Pine Island Comeuppance
By Dawn Bilder Two ex-racing dogs find a happy home, thanks to a Wellsboro couple and Keystone Greyhounds.
By Larry Bordas Reflecting on a unique bond between the author and a 19th Century Lycoming County fisherman and wordsmith.
Dave Milano
By Mary Myers A father and daughter have an inhospitable meeting during a fishing excursion.
Nothin’ But a Hound Dog
By Matt Connor Natural gas in NorthCentral Pennsylvania? Been there, done that. Clinton County’s Dorcie Calhoun made and lost a fortune in gas gushers over half a century ago.
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Whoosh!
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The Better World
By John & Lynn Diamond-Nigh The King James Bible, in all its humane nobility, passes its 400th anniversary.
By Sarah Bull Don Kelly and his tomcat, Chief, keep a line on anglers at his “everything for fishermen” shop, the Tackle Shack.
Cover art by Tucker Worthington
sarah bull
Top: A natural gas well goes up in flames in Leidy Township, Clinton County, 1951. Center: A favorite fly from the files of Dr. Thaddeus S. Up De Graff. Bottom: Tackle Shack’s Don Kelly samples one of his store’s fishing poles.
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24 Winter vs. Yogamama
By Jae Zugarek After Yogamamma calls out winter, “J. Frost” tells his side of the story.
27 State of the Artsfest
By Lori Duffy Foster Athens Artsfest takes on a life of its own.
30 A Woman Called Nika
By Cornelius O’Donnell Nika Hazelton carved an unpretentious niche in the food world.
33 Finger Lakes Wine Review
By Holly Howell What grows together, goes well together.
35 Chainsaw Melody
By Dawn Bilder Former lumberman comes into his own as a sculptor.
46 Back of the Mountain Spring is here, my dear.
Publisher Michael Capuzzo Editor-in-Chief Teresa Banik Capuzzo Associate Publishers George Bochetto, Esq. Dawn Bilder Managing Editor Matt Connor Copy Editor Pete Boal Staff Writer Dawn Bilder Cover Artist Tucker Worthington P r o d u c t i o n M a n a g e r / G r ap h i c D e s i g n e r Amanda Doan-Butler Contributing Writers Sarah Bull, Angela Cannon-Crothers, Jennifer Cline, Barbara Coyle, Georgiana DeCarlo, John & Lynne Diamond-Nigh, Patricia Brown Davis, Lori Duffy Foster, Donald Gilliland, Steve Hainsworth, Martha Horton, Holly Howell, David Ira Kagan, Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Cindy Davis Meixel, Suzanne Meredith, Fred Metarko, Karen Meyers, Dave Milano, Tom Murphy, Mary Myers, Jim Obleski, Cornelius O’Donnell, Audrey Patterson, Gary Ranck, Kathleen Thompson, Joyce M. Tice, Linda Williams, Carol Youngs, Jae Zugarek C o n t r i b u t i n g P h o t o g r ap h e r s Mia Lisa Anderson, Bill Crowell, Anne Davenport-Leete, Ann Kamzelski , Ken Meyer Advertising Director Todd Hill Sales Representatives Christopher Banik, Michele Duffy, Richard Widmeier Subscriptions Claire Lafferty Beagle Cosmo Mountain Home is published monthly by Beagle Media LLC, 39 Water St., Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, 16901. Copyright 2010 Beagle Media LLC. All rights reserved. To advertise or subscribe e-mail info@mountainhomemag.com. To provide story ideas email editor@mountainhomemag.com. Reach us by phone at 570-724-3838. Each month copies of Mountain Home are available for free at hundreds of locations in Tioga, Potter, Bradford, Lycoming, Union, and Clinton counties in Pennsylvania; Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, Yates, Seneca, Tioga, and Ontario counties in New York. Visit us at www.mountainhomemag.com. Get Mountain Home at home. For a one-year subscription to Mountain Home (12 issues), send $24.95, payable to Beagle Media LLC, to 39 Water St., Wellsboro, PA 16901. Look for Home & Real Estate magazine wherever Mountain Home magazine is found.
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MOU NT A I N Chatter A Song And Smile It’s said that music has charms to soothe the savage beast, and sometimes not-so-savage ones as well. Pets often seem to respond as well to the strains of Vivaldi or Gershwin as their human compatriots. Indeed, music and pets, together or separately, are staples of our lives that make it all worth living. And as spring awakens around us, opportunities to help others blossom as well. So it is that Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries is hosting its third annual Chili Cook-Off for Critters on Saturday, April 30th at Rockwell’s Feed, Farm, & Pet Supply on Shumway Hill Road in Wellsboro from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone who wants to enter their favorite chili recipe is welcome to register as a chef in the competition. Registration forms are available online at www.secondchanceas. org or by calling 1-888-724-6188.
It’s said that music has charms to soothe the savage beast…
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This year, there’s a new, additional competition: Best decorated table. Chefs will decorate their space to match the theme of their chili. Judging will start at 11:15a.m., and immediately thereafter the chili tasting begins. For a mere $5 ($2.50 per child 12 years old or younger), one can taste all the myriad chili variations. To register, call Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries. All proceeds help support
Tioga County’s animals in need. Another way to lend a hand this spring is to sponsor Mansfield University student Hanako Henty, a talented pianist, who has the opportunity to do an internship with world-renowned pianist, Santiago Rodriguez. Please call Dr. Nancy Boston at (570) 662-4715 with your donations. ~Dawn Bilder
Railway To Heaven Last month the staff of Mountain Home was saddened to hear about the passing of Will Huffman, who operated Williamsport’s Train Expo for twenty years and was so memorably featured in our November issue. Just one week after the close of the 2010 Expo, held as part of Williamsport’s Victorian Christmas celebration, Will was diagnosed with cancer. We’re told by a family friend that Will was very proud of his appearance in this magazine, but not nearly as proud as we were to feature the 81-year-old in our pages. And if there’s a train with a route to heaven, we’re sure Will’s ride was a smooth one. ~Matt Connor
Angling For Some Family Fun Fishing for some enjoyment and a way to help others and make money at the same time? The Wellsville, New York, Trout Derby is great family fun with 450 fish and over $25,000 in prize money. The derby is an annual fundraising event sponsored by Wellsville Lions Club Charities, Inc. Every year, between 2,000 and 3,000 people flood in from as far away as Utah and Florida for the event. Fish are tagged and numbered from one to 450. When a person catches a tagged fish at the derby, they know they’ve won some money. At the 2010 derby, the capture of a single
trout won attendees from $25 to $5,172, depending on the fish. Another way to win money is by catching the “Community Fish,” which last year earned the person who caught it $2,586 and the person who entered a dollar-achance raffle for it the same amount. The derby will take place Saturday, April 16 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, April 17 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is $20. For more information or to register, visit www.trout-derby.com ~Dawn Bilder
Now’s The Time To Grow Your Business. Our area is experiencing rapid growth. Is your business ready to capitalize on it? We have a complete suite of business financing options including start-up loans, loans to renovate and expand your current business, term loans, lines of credit and much more. Our Cash Management solutions can save you time and money. We offer Remote Deposit Capture, Lockbox, online banking solutions, merchant services and numerous accounts just for businesses. Check out all of our business services online: www.cnbankpa.com.
Toll-free: 1-877-838-2517 Ask to speak to one of our commercial lending specialists. Member FDIC
Loans are subject to credit approval.
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Well Ahead Of His Time Wildcatter Dorcie Calhoun found natural gas in the region decades before the Marcellus Shale gas boom
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By Matt Connor
t could very well bring the biggest economic transformation in Northern and Central Pennsylvania history, ushering vast wealth into municipalities long entrenched in rural poverty and turning them into boom towns. Natural gas extraction from the Marcellus black shale region of Pennsylvania will drive $8 billion to $15 billion of annual spending in the state, according to some experts, and the industry will generate an estimated 200,000 jobs, not counting the personal fortunes, and money flowing to lawyers, journalists and environmentalists. It will likely boost U.S. natural gas distribution by hundreds of trillions of cubic feet during the next few years for the previously flattening U.S. natural gas industry, an astounding change in the state’s economic fortunes that would have been impossible to predict fifteen or twenty years ago. And yet one man did know about vast natural gas resources hidden undergtround, and that was more than six decades ago.
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Dorcie Calhoun was a struggling farmer who lived with his mother in Leidy Township, Clinton County, when, on January 8, 1950, his life changed forever. That was the day a gusher of natural gas roared out of a 5,659-foot mineshaft on the Calhoun farm, ushering in a colorful though brief era of natural gas “wildcatting” in the Renovo area. “KETTLE CREEK GAS WELL BLOWS ON SUNDAY” screamed the huge headline on the front page of the Renovo Record newspaper on Monday, January 9, 1950. “One of the most spectacular pieces of news to break in this section occurred yesterday afternoon at 3:25 o’clock when the drilling operations, which have been in progress since last May in the Kettle Creek area, were rewarded with a tremendous gusher of natural gas which soared to a height of 100 feet at its peak,” the newspaper reported. Suddenly, Dorcie’s prospecting company, largely supported by $100 stock purchases by local individuals, was flooded not only with natural gas but with liquidity. The Lock Haven Express estimated that the well would yield about $3,000 worth of gas daily. That’s about $27,000 per day today, based on the consumer price index, a hefty return for the few hundred locals who ponied up the cash to invest in Dorcie Calhoun’s drilling endeavors. Quoting “out of state expert” estimates, the local media reported the potential total value of the well to stockholders at $500,000, or about $4.5 million today. As a result, Renovo, where much of Dorcie’s stock had been sold, became an overnight boom town. Bank accounts swelled, new cars flooded downtown streets, jewelry stores experienced huge upticks in business, with suddenly wealthy housewives happily spending their husbands’ newfound riches. And, at least according to published accounts, one local gentleman took to lighting his prodigious cigars with flaming $10 bills. “It was exciting,” said Dewey Calhoun, Dorcie’s son, during a telephone interview from his Florida home last month. “Everybody was making money and then all the sudden, bingo, it all dried up and that
was it. My dad blew everything. He kept buying drilling rigs and starting drilling wells here and there and eventually went bankrupt.” To visit Renovo today one could hardly imagine the massive wealth the village so fleetingly experienced all those decades ago. With a population of only 1,200 and a median family income of about $20,000 annually, Renovo is today a shadow of its old boom town days, though even this little municipality has the potential to rebound thanks to the Marcellus Shale gas industry. “Dorcie told me that he made $5.6 million in his time, and that was a fortune,” said Lock Haven attorney Charlie Rosamilia, who knew Calhoun well during the last years of his life. Indeed, $5.6 million in 1951 is the equivalent to $47.4 million today. “We used to go into his house in those last few years before he died and he’d have blankets hanging down, and you’d pull the blanket aside to go into a room, because there were no doors,” Rosamilia said. “When you went into his bedroom he’d have a mattress on the floor with a formfitted sheet over it and he’d get out of bed and leave the outline on the mattress from where he’d laid.” Calhoun died in near-poverty, but for a while he—and an awful lot of other people— made an awful lot of money on natural gas in Clinton County. Soon after Dorcie’s initial windfall, other wildcatters began digging wells in the Renovo area, and large national energy companies began investing there. One gusher after another—some that dwarfed the Calhoun discovery—shot up through rigs all over the region, creating instant wealth for several locals. “Want to drill for natural gas?” was the lead sentence of a local newspaper story from April 1950. “In Clinton County it is becoming almost fashionable. The fever started last January when a group of selfdescribed ‘shoestring wildcatters,’ innocent of the well driller’s lot, capped a 4,200pound well in the mountain wilderness of Leidy Township. “Today that well is pumping four million cubic feet daily through pipelines leading to New York cities. Using amateur trial and error methods, backed by feverish money raising, the group of farmers and small
Top: Local reporter Peter Stevenson interviews Dorcie Middle: From left, investors Doc Wertz and Jack Smyth with Dorcie in downtown Renovo Bottom: Dorcie’s mother, Minnie, was his company’s largest shareholder
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A 1951 oil painting of Dorcie Calhoun executed by Jeanette E. Nordstrom, now in the possession of the Clinton County Historical Society.
businessmen sank a mile-deep shaft. It struck the gas-rich Oriskany sands.� Oriskany sandstone is a white quartz mineral that is an important natural gasbearing material when encountered at great depth. It produced at least a trillion cubic feet of natural gas in West Virginia in the early 1960s. “If you want to join the rush,� the article continued, “it will cost between $50,000 and $60,000. You’ll need nerve to gamble that cash 6,000 feet into the earth’s secrets.� It wasn’t just the local press that followed Renovo’s natural gas boom of the early 1950s. Reporters for national magazines like Collier’s found themselves traversing the winding, often unpaved back roads to the Calhoun farmhouse in Leidy in those long-ago pre-Interstate 80 days. “My dad enjoyed being famous,� Dewey Calhoun said. “He really liked that. He was in a lot of magazines. I forget what all he was
in. He used to get letters from women all over the world wanting to marry him. He used to get them from Germany and all over.� The Dorcie Calhoun story was as attractive to journalists as it was to lovelorn single women seeking millionaire husbands. How could it not be? It had so many irresistible elements. Born January 2, 1905, in an old farmhouse still owned by extended members of the Calhoun family, Dorcie became convinced from an early age that there was priceless mineral wealth deep below the Kettle Creek cornfields of his home region. “They had gas on the farm for years before they even hit the gas wells up there,� said Dewey Calhoun. “They had a shallow well that they had drilled and that’s what they ran the house on, their lights and heat and cooking. That was in the house for years before the wells. “He always said that he always imagined
that there was gas there, partly because they dug those shallow wells and stuff.” Rosamilia said Dorcie knew there was natural gas in the region “based on what was not the most scientific evidence in the world. What he used to say to me was, when he was young he used to see gas bubbles coming up out of Kettle Creek. That was a big piece of evidence, to him, that there was gas in the area.” Described as a simple man, or even a “yokel,” Dorcie worked hard on the farm and managed to hold onto his family’s property even during the dark days of the Great Depression. Going into debt to buy a bulldozer, he became the official “road builder” and “tree uprooter” of the county during the 1930s and ’40s. But times were so tough that he kept falling behind in his payments, and the vehicle would be repossessed until he was able to earn a little extra money to get it out of hock. “He was just a farmer type,” said Dewey. “He didn’t farm though. He had a bulldozer, and that’s what he did mostly, ran a bulldozer. He worked on the turnpike when they were building the turnpike and stuff like that. He worked a lot for the state, fire trails and stuff like that. He was very friendly. He’d talk to anybody, but there was nothing fancy about him at all. He never went past the eighth grade.” “He was kind of a country bumpkin,” said Rosamilia. “He had a bit of a speech impediment, and he did not come across as the most educated person in the world. But he had his own ideas.” In 1949, after years of being called a fool and a dreamer, Dorcie managed to round up enough shareholders in his natural gas drilling company to purchase a used oil rig that he had installed on the side of a hill on the family farm. Incredibly, that wasn’t even the spot where he originally intended to erect the drill. “Every now and then we hear about an actual incident so outrageous that a fiction writer would be ashamed to admit that he had written such a story. Luck, or serendipity, typically has a great deal to do with such tales. The story of how Dorcie Calhoun discovered natural gas in the Ridgeley Sandstone in the Leidy field, and in so doing ushered in a new age of deep drilling in the Appalachian Basin, is just such a tale,” wrote John Harper in an article for the Pennsylvania Geological Survey. “After forming the Leidy Prospecting
Company, Dorcie bought an old dilapidated drilling rig used in the shallow oil fields around Bradford, McKean County, and hauled it back to Leidy. As luck would have it, it was raining hard when the equipment caravan arrived, and the lead truck got stuck in the mud little more than a few hundred feet up the road to the top of the mountain, the site that had been chosen for the first well. When it became apparent that the truck would not move, Dorcie simply decided to drill on the spot.” Harper speculated that Dorcie’s original choice for his first well would likely have come up dry, his company would have failed, “and the drilling ‘boom’ of the 1950s may have been delayed or may never have occurred.” Instead, eight months later, and after myriad mishaps and spit-and-glue repairs on the old rig, the well blew with the highest force of rock pressure ever reported east of the Mississippi. How to account for this extraordinary stroke of luck? Some—including Dorcie himself— believed an unseen hand may have contributed to his sudden inexplicable success. “This notion about gas came to me in a dream one night, just like I always know it in a dream when one of my good friends is going to die,” Dorcie told Collier’s in 1951. The serendipitous gas gusher was certainly a head-scratcher for a number of experts who had already studied the area. Collier’s quoted Wellsboro District Supervisor Eugene Seifer, of the New York Natural Gas Corporation, as saying his company had sunk nearly 200 wells in the East and only about twenty percent of those had been productive. “We have the finest geologists and millions of dollars’ worth of the most modern equipment—but we haven’t had a real ‘comer’ since 1945,” Seifer said. “Yet this Dorcie Calhoun and his friends sink a single well by guesswork, using a decrepit old piece of equipment, in an area where every deep hole ever dug was dry—and they bring in one of the biggest new gas fields this side of Texas.” But even during the peak of natural gas exploration of the early 1950s, it wasn’t a constant shower of money. On one occasion a stray spark ignited fiery catastrophe that cost Calhoun a fortune. “Savage, raging, Frankenstein-like, a 125-foot plume of yellow flame screamed skyward at noon yesterday from Leidy Prospecting Company’s second natural gas
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…when he was young he used to see gas bubbles coming up out of Kettle Creek. That was a big piece of evidence, to him, that there was gas in the area.
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well,” the Associated Press reported on June 13, 1950. “Its ear-splitting roar could be heard five miles away.” This second well had been even more successful than the first, spewing three times the amount of natural gas before the catastrophic fire struck. Dorcie reported that the conflagration burned up the equivalent of $200 per minute while it raged, the equivalent of $1,825 a minute today. At that rate almost $12 million had been burned off before legendary Texas oil fire expert Paul “Red” Adair was called in to snuff out the flames with a nitroglycerine explosion. The glory days of Clinton County wildcatting were in their twilight by the end of the 1950s, and at the time of Dorcie’s death in 1975, most of the gas wells in the area were being used only for storage purposes, operated by Consolidated Gas Supply Corporation. Today Dewey still controls the leases on those storage fields. “It’s not really very lucrative. A little bit. Not much,” Dewey said. “It was designed
back in the fifties. Any dividends I receive are paid from that.” That and the family farm are all that is left of the once great Calhoun fortune. It was said that at its peak Dorcie’s company was paying his mother—the largest stockholder—the equivalent of about $84,000 per month in today’s dollars. Dorcie himself was a modest fellow who still bought his clothes from the ArmyNavy surplus store even during the height of his wealth. His only extravagance was a fondness for a certain American-made luxury automobile. “He always liked Cadillacs,” said Dewey. “That’s about all he did with the money. He never did anything with the house. It was an old farm house and they all lived in it. Just Cadillacs, that’s all he bought.” The money’s all gone now. But the natural gas, that’s still abundantly present under the Pennsylvania soil. Asked how his father would feel about the current Marcellus Shale natural gas boom, Dewey chuckles a little. “Oh,” he said, “he’d be all excited.”
Looking Back
Send Me A Postcard Joyce M. Tice
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alling all deltiologists; that’s postcard collectors. Postcards tell the story of their time and place. From the time the earliest picture postcards became available, collectors have gathered them up and saved them in albums, or shoe boxes, or drawers. Just as uncirculated coins or unused stamps have the greatest collector value, unused postcards are sought after. They exist in great abundance. As a historian, I value both a dated postmark and a message. I like to see where the postcard started
and where it was sent. But, for resale value, unused is preferred. The first postcards were issued in 1893 at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, but they reached wide popularity starting in 1901 when the postal service allowed private printers to publish them. Unused postcards can be dated by the back with the undivided back the standard from 1901 to 1907. After 1907 the divided back had a line separating space for the message from space for the address. A good resource for additional information can be found at http://bibliomania.net/ gruetzcards.html. Because the variety of postcards is so immense, most collectors choose a few areas in which to concentrate. The early local scene postcards are a wonderful
window to the streets, buildings and parks of a century ago, one that we would not otherwise have available. In my museum I have the album of Margaret Jupenlaz Rathbun, created in the 1940s. It contains a page for each state with a postcard of the state capital, a license plate image, and a summary of demographic information. To accumulate that in the 1940s would have taken some time and effort. Today it might take a few minutes on eBay. My own current focus is the large letter postcards. The cards are beautifully colored with scenes embedded in the letters that spell the name. These are primarily from the 1930s and ‘40s. There are cards for each state, most cities, major parks such as Yellowstone, regions such as Death Valley or the Scenic Northwest. I have them for the New York World’s Fairs, the Iowa State Fair, and many more. There are also many World War II era examples of military bases. As with any collection, it becomes addictive. I even found one from Havana, Cuba, in Owego a few years back on a lucky day at a very good price. Curt Teich and the Tichnor Bros. were major publishers of these cards, although some smaller printers might do just local examples. William Jubb produced many in New York State. The Teich cards can be dated quite precisely by the numbering system. Many of my cards will be on display in the Fabulous 1890s Museum Tent in Mansfield in late September. Stop in to see them. Joyce M. Tice is the creator of the Tri-Counties Genealogy and History Web site (www.joycetice. com/jmtindex.htm). She can be reached at lookingback@mountainhomemag.com.
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O U t d o O rs Camping and Fishing with a “friend” Enjoying a common bond with the author of Bodines By Larry Bordas
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ach time I drive down Route 14 between Roaring Branch and Trout Run, almost without fail, my thoughts drift back to the fishing and camping exploits of my friend, who each summer would set up his camp for three or four weeks along the banks of Lycoming Creek near the small village of Bodines. His customary camp consisted of three large wall tents and could hardly be described as “roughing it.” One tent, which was used for sleeping, consisted of a comfortable bed, a small table and lamp, a chair and a storage chest. A second separate dining tent was set up with a table and benches. While cooking with a Dutch oven and cast iron pots, over the open pit campfire, was the preferred method of cooking, a third tent was equipped with a stove and used for cooking in case of rain. The center and main gathering place of
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the camp was around the pit campfire with log benches and chairs, all protected, neatly tucked beneath a large tarp suspended overhead between the trees. Every detail for the comfort of the campers was available, including a camp cook that was hired to prepare the meals, gather firewood, and attend to the daily chores around camp. The food and dining at the camp was spectacular. In addition to the camp’s basic food pantry, nearby farmers were happy to supplement and sell to the campers a bounty of fresh vegetables, eggs, meats, pies, homemade bread, and jellies and jams. With the necessities of food and shelter taken care of, occupants of camp would joyfully spend the day either relaxing around camp or fly-fishing in nearby Lycoming Creek. I’m sorry to say I never had a chance to camp or fish with my friend along the banks of Lycoming Creek. My friend is gone now, having passed away some years ago, in fact more than 120 years ago. While I never actually met my friend in person, I feel I know him having been introduced in the pages of his book Bodines or Camping on the Lycoming. Thaddeus S. Up De Graff, a surgeon from Elmira and the author of Bodines, published this detailed account of his years of camping and fishing on Lycoming Creek and the surrounding area in 1879. You may think it is strange for me to think and refer to Dr. Up De Graff as my friend, but when you think about it, isn’t a friend simply someone with whom you share and enjoy a common bond? In reading his stories, I could go back to 1879 and share the simple camp life of relaxing around a campfire, “listening” to the stories. I was, almost, able to stand in the
same streams, cast a fly for trout or visit with the people that lived in the Lycoming Creek valley and get an understanding of what life in my neighborhood was like 130 years ago. Much remains the same here along Lycoming Creek, but naturally there are some changes. Since then the Northern & Central railroad is gone, cars have replaced the stage line that ran up the valley, and the dirt road running alongside of the creek has been paved and named Route 14. But fortunately, some things have not changed. The hills are still green, covered with the oaks and maples, the evening breeze still has the sweet smell of white pine, and the streams are still alive with trout that rise for the evening hatch. Dr. Up De Graff, like most fly fishermen of the 1800s, used primary wet flies for his fishing, which means the flies were designed to sink below the water surface. One of his favorite flies for Lycoming Creek was a fly of his own design. It is named the Hamlin in honor of his best friend and fishing companion. While some fishermen like to keep their most successful flies a secret, Dr. Up De Graff was quick to share his favorite fly with other fishermen on the stream and in his book. I have used the Hamlin on many occasions with success, and I would like to share the Hamlin with you. Hook Tail Body Wing Hackle
Size 10-12 Black with white tip Black wool or quill White quill Black
Mountain Home contributing writer Larry Bordas is a fisherman and fly tier from Lycoming County. He has been published in Fly Angler Online.
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Outdoors
The Lunker
Divine Intervention? Fred Metarko
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“A GRIPPING PAGE-TURNER” -- bestselling crime novelist Michael Connelly
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ather Raj came to the United States from Bangalore, South India. Through the Diocese of Scranton, he was assigned to serve at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Wellsboro. Dio De Guzman, a parishioner, helped him to get familiar with the area. They explored places of interest and visited the nearby towns. Both of them like to fish, so they spent some of their free time checking out the local waters. When Father Raj learned that I had a boat, he casually said, “It would be nice to fish on some of the lakes from a real bass boat.” I said nothing, but stored that information for later use. It took a little while, but finally a nice day arrived and our schedules jived. We met at the parish office and made the short ride to Nessmuk Lake. The weeds were thick around the launch area, so we headed to the bank along Route 287 and fished toward the dam. It was a hot afternoon with a bluebird sky and flat water, which makes fishing a little tougher. We tried a few of Dio’s lures and some of my favorites: the fish weren’t co-operating. As we moved down the lake Father Raj said, “We haven’t had a bite in all this distance, are you sure there are fish in this lake?” I replied, “Oh, ye of little faith, we will catch fish. There are lots of them in here.” Then Dio added, “We should catch something. We have a direct connection to ‘up there,’ right here in the boat with us.” Just a few minutes later Dio had a nibble, but with no luck. His next bite was a hook-up, and he had the first fish in the boat. Then Father Raj had a tug on his line, and one more fish flopped onto the floor of the boat. It was my turn next, and I added the third keeper to the livewell.
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back flap)
Dio De Guzman(left), Father Raj, and Fred Metarko with their day’s catch.
We were near the far end of the lake, and Father Raj had to return soon. It would take time to get back to the launch, so we called it quits for the day. Back at the parish center, pictures of our catch were taken to record our success. Those fish weren’t lucky enough to receive CPR (catch/photograph/release); they were headed to the frying pan. Father Raj said, “In India when you have three good fish in your hands, you have a nice meal.” We each caught a fish in a short time on a tough day. Now, I don’t know if Father Raj did quietly ask for a little help, or if it was just luck, or we had a good guide. I wonder… Event: Tioga County Bass Anglers Fishing & Hunting Flea Market Date: Saturday April 9th Time: 8a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Tioga Firehall, Tioga, PA Admission: Free Wanted: Vendors (table fee: $10) Contact: Tioga County Bass Anglers Address: 429 Dunkleberger Road, Millerton, Pennsylvania Phone: (570) 549-8365
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Outdoors
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Comeuppance at Pine Island Run A father-daughter angler adventure By Mary Myers
M
en are proprietary about their favorite fishing holes. They’re happy to tell you the size of their catch if it’s a whopper, but not where they caught it. “Pine Creek” or maybe even “Up Asaph” is about as explicit as they get. If you walk along the banks of Pine Creek or any of its likely tributaries, chances are you are walking a path well worn by many a fisherman before you. So how secret can a fishing hole be? But my dad, Lyle “Cap” Wilcox, did have his favorites. On many a young spring morning, he skipped classes at the old high school on Grant Street in Wellsboro and hopped the freight train bound for Pine Creek. Most often he dropped off at Pine Island Run. That’s where, several years later, when I was about fifteen, we pitched dry camp, my Dad and I. “Dry camp” means you’ve just dragged your skidding feet and bulging backpack down the mountainside, and it better not rain because you have nothing to keep dry under. Like a tent, for example. Through the weekend, Dad did the fishing, and I did the exploring and the dishes. He had tried to teach me how to cast a dry fly, but after observing that my lure hit the water like a young robin, he had given up and allowed me to wander off on my own pursuits. I could yell for him if I needed him, he said, and he would come, bifocals and waders permitting. The Canyon was emptier then, seventyfive years ago. The sense of its solitude grew stronger as its evening light weakened. We built up our campfire pretty sure that its flame was the only one pricking the dark for more than a mile in any direction. Except for one other: The kerosene lantern the trackwalker swung down the double set of rails every night. Each time we camped there, we went up to greet him on his lonely tour of inspection. His name was Gordon Gitchell, due in time to become the grandfather of our wellknown, highly respected county historian,
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Scott Gitchell. Mr. Gitchell always told us he liked his job. I envied him. How nice, I thought, to be paid for being where you wanted to be anyhow. I was surely where I wanted to be. Though what with the pine roots under my hipbones and the possibility of a resident rattlesnake taking an evening slither in the direction of my prone body, I did not sleep much while there. And so on this particular morning I welcomed the early breakfast routine with Dad. After we’d mopped up our bacon and eggs with our scorched bread, we lingered for a while, hunched companionably by the fire. Mist was still rising from the Creek when we heard voices and thrashing through the bushes along its near bank. Two men emerged from the undergrowth, one of them cursing audibly. “I knew I smelled smoke. Somebody’s already here,” he fumed to his buddy. “And this here’s where I hooked that big one last Saturday. The one I was tellin’ you about. Now look! Somebody got here already.” Dad, bristly with beard, considered the
The Canyon was emptier then, seventyfive years ago. The sense of its solitude grew stronger as its evening light weakened. ranting newcomer through the steam from his tin coffee cup. “Well,” he said amiably, “Good morning to you, too.” Silence. Dad called out, “I didn’t catch ‘em all. Plenty left. Help yourselves.” There was no reply, and none when Dad asked after a minute, “Just for the books, how long have you been fishing here, son?” Wellsboro resident Mary W. Myers is an occasional contributor to Mountain Home magazine.
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Best Friends
A pair of adopted racing dogs brings spring into the steps of a local couple By Dawn Bilder
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Caleb Williams
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ith weary shovelers and carefully padding pedestrians serving as a backdrop on a downtown Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, streetscape, a pair of greyhounds—one dark, the other tan—bound outside onto the new, deep snow resulting from yet another late winter blizzard. The ex-racing dogs have previously lived in only snow-free locales, and they find this cold, funny substance utterly enchanting. They start running together, sliding around, kicking up snow, doubling back to face one another, as if to say, “Do you feel this, too? Isn’t it great?” They may very well be the only living creatures in the area that are happy to see snow on this date. “It’s like watching kids from Georgia play in the snow for the first time,” chuckles octogenarian Cal Cobb, who recently adopted the greyhounds, Lil’ Bit and Miss Paisley. In addition to being playful and fun, greyhounds make beloved pets because they rarely shed or bark, groom themselves like cats, and lack a dog odor because their skin doesn’t hold oil as does that of most dogs. They are an ancient breed, and, in fact are the only breed of dog to be mentioned in the Bible: “There are three things which go well, yea, which are comely in going; A lion, which is strongest among beasts and turneth not away from any; A greyhound; A he-goat also.” Having lived on a farm most of his life, Cal has owned many dogs, but adopting greyhounds has fulfilled a childhood dream: “When I was a little boy, there were a couple of greyhounds I loved in a yard that I passed every morning on my way to school, and they would run up to me with tennis balls.” Cal
Body & soul
says with a laugh. “They were a bad influence. I was often late for school.” Apparently they weren’t too bad of an influence, because Cal went on to become a local teacher for children with special needs for thirty-four years. His wife of fiftyeight years, Ruth, also in her eighties, was a teacher for twenty-nine years, teaching fifth grade science. They adopted Lil’ Bit in August after reading in the July 2010 Mountain Home about local greyhound rescue, and soon wanted a second. “Mother needed a birthday present,” Cal says with a smile, referring to Ruth. “Lil’ Bit was my birthday present, and we got Miss Paisley for her in December.” “They have been great for us,” says Cal. “For one thing, they’ve made me more active. They’re a joy to walk because they rarely pull on the leash. And I can honestly say that I’ve never known dogs this friendly. Cause: Greyhound Adoption How to Help: Provide a permanent home or foster home for greyhounds Contact: Hal and Janet Lambert Phone: (570) 888-9999 Web Site: www.keystonegreys.org
They get along with the neighborhood cat and with other dogs. And I’ve lost close to thirty-five pounds.” “And they make us more patient with each other,” adds Ruth. “They make us more of a family.” The Cobbs adopted Lil’ Bit and Miss Paisley through Hal and Janet Lambert, who run the Sayre, Pennsylvania, satellite of Keystone Greyhounds, an adoption organization for former racing greyhounds. “Miss Paisley was adopted through our Seniors-for-Seniors Program,” says Lambert, “which waives the $250 adoption fee for people fifty-five years or older who adopt greyhounds who are eight years or older. Keystone Greyhounds is able to do this through a $3,500 grant from the Doris Day Animal Foundation that our treasurer, Dr. Jim Shadle, husband of the Keystone Greyhounds president, Dianne, obtained.” The Doris Day Animal Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization founded in 1978 by legendary actress Doris Day. It merged with the Humane Society of the United States in 2007. Their mission is to “help animals and the people who love them.”
They make us more patient with each other. They make us more of a family. What started as a boyhood dream for Cal has become a golden-years’ dream-come-true. “Greyhounds make great friends,” he says. From the bright and happy faces of Miss Paisley and Lil’ Bit, the feeling seems to be mutual for these extraordinary dogs with so many positive qualities. Their only flaw? They’re probably hoping for more snow.
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Body & soul
The Better World
The Seventh “Killer App” John & Lynne Diamond-Nigh
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he King James Bible turns 400 this year. Robert Alter, himself an artful translator of the Psalms, extols in particular the ways in which the King James Bible nourished the formation of American literature and culture—more so even than those of England. “To the American novelists,” he says, “from the 19th century onward to the 21st, the language of the Old Testament continued to suffuse culture even when the faith in scripture has begun to fade. . . . The KJV helped foster a general responsiveness to the expressive, dignified use of language, to the ways in which the rhythms and diction of a particular kind of English could move readers.” A big claim for one book, one translation. Of course the printing press came first. The combative historian Niall Ferguson has spelled out what he calls the six “killer apps” that have given the West, in the last 500 years, its incomparable verve: science (he underlines the printing press), medicine, competitiveness, property, consumption, and work ethic, noting how an industrious, democratic (and British) form of Christianity in North America led to
such different results from another, more authoritarian, Spanish form in South America. As we said, combative. Perhaps you can recall old-time preachers who always prayed in public using King James English, as if that was God’s own, and only, language. Thine be, he shalt, thou wilt, etc. (Remember the old marriage joke,Wilt thou? And he wilted.) Beyond that amiable delusion, Alter points out, the King James Version “is often inaccurate,” throwing into doubt another old notion, that this particular version of the Bible, like the original Greek and Hebrew, is God’s own golden penmanship. Still, if Alter is right, Ferguson might have included the King James Version as his seventh “killer app.” People who never in their lives read another book of good literature, read their Bible every day. Alas, that habit is waning: “The practice of reading the Bible aloud, of reading the Bible at all…has drastically diminished.” Our new scriptures around the family table are the twittering, wrist-twitching shorthands of Facebook and Twitter. But we are still close enough in time to be heirs of this majestic translation; how much has the dignity of democracy itself, a dignity cast across social classes from the richest to the poorest, been the product of the heart-deep rhythms, enchanted symbols and humane—nobility without end—of the King James Version? John writes about art and design. Lynne’s website, aciviltongue.com, is dedicated to civility studies.
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A First Heritage
Winter Responds
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Editors Note: In the March issue of Mountain Home, columnist Yogamama posted an “Open Letter to Winter” in which she declared she was “breaking up” with the season.
feel that as Yogamama has shamelessly brought our relationship into a public forum that I be given an opportunity to share my perspective. Let me begin at the beginning—do you remember the sheer joy you used to feel when you had a snow day? Do you remember how your sled used to caress my hills of white? Do you remember the taste of snowflakes? As you got older (and you did get older) you chose to spend less and less time with me, you chose to live in the memory of other seasons instead of being fully present in our relationship. You wrote at length of your garden, but who do you think provides all those flowers with a cozy rest deep in the earth’s embrace so they can bloom for you? Do you believe the snow melt doesn’t give all the rivers and lakes the water they need for you and your kayak? If you are disillusioned into thinking that readying the entire natural world to display itself for your enjoyment each spring is easy, let me assure you, it is not. How often did you put on snowshoes, cross country skis or ice skates? Did you walk any trails, view a winterscape from a mountaintop or hike to see a frozen waterfall? Have you any idea the amount of energy it takes to create the atmospheric pressure to turn the sky the color of pewter brushed with silver? It is simply hurtful to say the sky is “gray.” Honestly, I urged you time and time again to rediscover that girl I fell in love with, but you turned a cold shoulder to all my attempts. I have tried to help you appreciate the beauty of evergreens, I have provided you with a yard of sparkling diamonds after a snowfall and gave you the magic of being
inside a snow globe during a blustery storm. True, I never promised you a rose garden in January, but stop and think how many gardens there would not be in June if they had no winter’s rest. I must confess my confusion as I feel you are the one who has changed, not I, yet now you blame me for making you into something you are not. Ultimately you are responsible for your own happiness. Even I do not have the power to change your attitude in regards to our relationship. I am ageless and will survive with or without you. But I agree, we do need a break. I hope that during this separation of seven or eight months you will gain a greater appreciation of the beauty I enable in every season. I am prepared to try again, if you will see me with no preconceived ideas, if you will be open to all that I am and can be for you. I will be waiting for you towards the end of November with a silver sky and fresh snowflakes. Please meet me halfway and catch one on your tongue like you used to do. Jae Zugarek, a.k.a “J. Frost” is an amateur maple sap collector and dance instructor at First Position Dance Studio in Wellsboro and a server at Hotel Manor in Slate Run. She resides on Oregon Hill.
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A rts & L eisure Lisa Kwasnoski, Michelle Kwasnoski, Paul Bozzo, Kurt Priester
When in Athens…
Artsfest started as a ceramics demonstration—now it attracts thousands By Lori Duffy Foster
D
avid Webster didn’t expect much that warm spring day twelve years ago when he and a few of his ceramics students set up pottery wheels outside their high school in Athens. They just hoped a few folks would stop by to learn about their art. The last-minute event attracted a good crowd. So they did it again the next year with more wheels and a little promotion. Even more people came. The third spring, they invited a few other artists to demonstrate their techniques and sell their art. The crowd swelled to more than 1,000. This year, Webster and his students expect more than 25,000 people April 30 and May 1 for Athens Artsfest, now a juried art show with more than 175 booths featuring
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handmade art and foods of all kinds. The festival was moved to the campus of Harlan Rowe Junior High School years ago to accommodate the growth. Athens Artsfest boasts three stages of entertainment, carnival rides, and, of course, a tent full of pottery wheels where festival-goers can try their hands at ceramics. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. both days. They run until 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free. “We’re not really trying to make money,” Webster said. “We’re just trying to bring the community something they can enjoy and be proud of.” Webster credits the people of Athens and the school district for the festival’s success. Volunteers come from all corners of the
Event: Athens Artsfest Location: Harlan Rowe Jr. High School Address: 116 West Pine Street, Athens, PA Contact: David Webster, Artsfest Organizer Phone: (570) 888-7766 or (570) 888-2623 Email: dwebster@athensasd.org Web Site: athensartsfest.com
small Pennsylvania borough, which is nestled between the Susquehanna and Chemung rivers near the New York State line. “It seems that the show has become a really neat community event. Everybody is taking part,” he said. “It’s a friendly town. The artists are treated very well here. It’s just a nice show to go to.” The festival committee raised $30,000 for See Artfest on page 28
arts & leisure
Two sessions beginning May 23, and July 6
Over 150 in class and 100 online courses! Complete information on courses, tuition, registration at summer.mansfield.edu 27
Artfest continued from page 26
expenses this year. Everyone pitches in to cut costs and provide free activities, he said. The high school football players provide nighttime security throughout the weekend. The girls’ soccer team will host a shoot-out in the athletic fields this year for the first time. The school district provides the facilities. Employees volunteer their own time, cooking for the artists, providing technical support and helping to set up. More than 100 students work to promote and advertise the event. Students have their own tent at the festival where they display and sell their work. The community feel is one reason Mansfield artist Paul Bozzo is returning for his fifth consecutive year. The retired elementary school art teacher doesn’t need to rent festival booths to sell his artwork. Bozzo, a texture painter with a unique technique, can hardly keep up with the orders he already has. “I enjoy it. “It’s a great weekend,” Bozzo said. “There are four or five people around me who are the same each year. It’s kind of a community. It’s the only show I do.” Like most of the participating artists, Bozzo
demonstrates his technique for the crowd, slathering joint compound on canvas, making impressions with common items and then faux painting the works with layer after layer of color. As far as Bozzo knows, he created the technique, which he enjoys sharing. Two of his demonstration videos have attracted about 50,000 views each on YouTube. The demonstrations help sales, too. “I kind of sneak up on people,” Bozzo said with a laugh. “They stop to see the plastering. Then they get interested and they look at it and some people say I wasn’t really coming
to buy a painting, but I’ll have to take one of those.” The festival that began as a simple student demonstration has become so popular that most artists like Bozzo participate by invitation only. “We’re trying to get the best there is,” Webster said. “I don’t think there is a show anywhere around like ours. I’d like to see it continue to grow.” Lori Duffy Foster writes in Knoxville, Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband and four children.
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Read & Feed
The Opinionated Mrs. Hazelton Cornelius O’Donnell
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ell-prepared food is one of the greatest pleasures in life and one within the reach of anybody who can read and who cares enough to take the trouble to do things well.”—Nika Standon Hazelton Hey, that’s the reason I write these occasional profiles of (sometimes) forgotten food writers, a description that, sadly, fits the above writer. My fascination with Hazelton began many years ago as I drove west on Interstate 80. I was listening to NPR’s All Things Considered and a cookbook author, Nika Hazelton, was describing her joy when the first local asparagus appeared in the
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market. To mark the event she started giving an all-asparagus dinner each year. I thought it a delightful idea. And I remembered that I had several of her books on my shelves. (Little did I know she had written thirty.) I recently worked my way through most of the books and found some gems. Nika’s first book was a slim volume, Reminiscence and Ravioli, published in 1946—mostly stories of life at her Uncle Mario’s Tuscan villa, interspersed with sixty “loosely written” recipes. Measurements? What measurements? The Best of Italian Cooking appeared in 1967, followed in 1978 by an updated version—The Regional Italian Kitchen. But Italian cooking was only one of her fortes. I have a copy of Hazelton’s 1967 The Swiss Cookbook—her memories of “magnificent food, superb yodeling, and very up-to-date cheese making.” I read with amusement this startling paragraph in the introduction to the book: “I apologize to the readers who may miss a favorite (Swiss) recipe, and if they will write to me care of my publisher, I will do my best to get it to them.” I now know about “Life in a Swiss Chocolate Factory,” “The Pleasures of Swiss Trains,” and “How Swiss Cheese is Made.”
You have to wait until you are onethird through the book’s essays before the recipes appear. I love this line: “Certain parts of Switzerland are more Swiss than others…with Emmental one of the Swissest of all.” It’s the area that gives us one of the great cheeses of the world. Continental Flavor (1961) I found some gems in this Hazelton cookbook, a collection of “Haute Cuisine, Family, and Peasant” recipes. To quote the author: “Some are easy, some inexpensive, others are neither.” More Hazelton: “Cooking is for eating, and for eating with pleasure.” She abhorred “the mystique which seems to surround so much cooking nowadays. Much high-flown twaddle is written about herbs, wines, gourmets, epicures, and the like when some of the best cooks who ever lived were and are quite illiterate and unsophisticated.” And this was 1961! As Molly O’Neil of the New York Times wrote in her 1992 obituary of Nika Hazelton, ”As cooking became trendy and precious in the United States, she seemed to raise a speculative eyebrow. Facing a group of wine writers in New York several years ago, Mrs. Hazelton waved aside questions about white truffles and little-known family
Food & Drink
vineyards. “I’m here to show you a meal from Tuscany that has the virtue of not being too expensive and not taking much genius or fuss to prepare,” she informed her audience and proceeded to demonstrate the proper way to make escarole and rice soup.” I Cook as I Please One of the first books I reread was published in 1974: I Cook as I Please: Travels, Opinions, Recipes. The title makes a promise and the book delivers. It has 160 Italian, French, and German recipes plus chapter-long essays on food including one on “Guests” that anyone who entertains should be made to read. Fascinating, too, are her chapters on various kitchens—English and Italian mainly. A noted food writer of the time, Cecily Brownstone, called it “the most exuberantly witty of all autobiographic cookbooks.” And such books crowd the bookstore shelves today. The author was well equipped to write such a book. She was born in Italy in 1908 to a German diplomat father and an Italian mother, Maria Leoni, who wrote a classic book on Italian cooking just after World War I. She was educated in Switzerland and England at the London School of Economics and started her career as a newspaper reporter covering the League of Nations. She married and moved to the U.S. in 1935. With her first husband she lived in Brazil for a time, visited Norway and spent time in various parts of the U.S. But her last kitchen was on Riverside Drive in New York City overlooking the Hudson River. Collecting or Evaluating Cookbooks Being a reviewer of cookbooks, I particularly enjoyed her long chapter on such volumes. Take this observation: “Personality cookbooks and bedtime escape reading is not dictated by the desire to cook. If the recipes are good and usable, so much the better. Most cooks have a collection of recipes clipped from magazines, newspapers, friends, etc. and stuffed into drawers or boxes. ‘One day, when we have time, we’ll sort
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Food & Drink
them and file them.’” Sound familiar? The average cook may have a bunch of cookbooks, but uses from three to four of them from time to time. At this time, Hazelton was a cookbook reviewer for the New York Times Sunday magazine and the editor of the Woman’s Day’s Encyclopedia of Cookery. What she looked for in a book is what she delivered in her own recipe books: “Recipes should be clear, workmanlike, easy to follow, and to the point.” As one reviewer said: “She wrote books that were straightforward, personal, and unpretentious.” An Asparagus Recipe I don’t remember the recipes the author described on that long-ago radio program, but here is one she called Flemish Asparagus found in her two last books: Take 3 pounds asparagus spears cut into even lengths. Peel the stems if thick. Tie 6 pieces into bundles and steam them, covered, standing upright in a little water. Cook until just tender but still crisp. Lift out with two forks and drain bundles on paper towels. Then place on a napkin-lined platter (to absorb any remaining liquid.) In the meantime, make the sauce: combine 4 hard-cooked eggs, shelled and mashed with 1 cup of butter, melted, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoon chopped parsley. Place in a saucepan, stir together and warm over low heat (do not boil) place in a sauceboat and serve with the asparagus. You might find the books in a secondhand bookstore, or on line at Alibris. com. Or Abe books.com. Check your library, too. As you might have gathered, Hazelton’s books make great reads. Parting Words I found the last chapter of As I Please particularly touching. Here it is in its entirety: “At this stage of my life, my favorite kitchen is the one I do not have to be in.” Chef, teacher, and author Cornelius O’Donnell lives in Corning, New York. 32
Food & Drink
Finger Lakes Wine Review
Here’s To Good Dirt! By Holly Howell
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hey say “What Grows Together, Goes Together,” and this pairing couldn’t be a better example. Shtayburne Farms is a new cheese-making facility on the west side of Seneca Lake in the town of Rock Stream. The name “Shtayburne” is the Amish (Pennsylvania-Dutch) word for “Stone River,” a close translation to the name of the town. I had the pleasure of watching master cheesemaker Loren Hostetler make a batch of fresh cheddar the other day. I was amazed at how quickly that rich, thick country milk was handcrafted into a block of tasty curd ready to be aged. It is literally a matter of hours from milking to the “aging” room for these glorious cheeses. It just doesn’t get any fresher than that. The Shtayburne website (http://www. shtayburnefarm.com/) best describes their secret: “Good dirt. Thick with Nutrients. Rich soil—among the richest in New York’s Fingerlakes region. Here, the hearty forage grown in that soil feeds our dairy
herd every day.” And you can truly taste the heart of the Finger Lakes in this cheese. So it made sense that a good wine pairing could be located nearby. Sure enough, Lakewood Vineyards is just down the road, and one of my favorite regular wine stops on Seneca Lake. Happily, I found a cheese cooler in their tasting room full of Shtayburne cheeses. On a recommendation from the staff, I tried the Shtayburne Farms Smoked Cheddar Cheese with a glass of the fruity, sparkling Lakewood “Candeo” wine. This lovely effervescent wine is almost like candy, but with a surprisingly elegant, dry finish. It is made from the Cayuga grape, grown on vines that are nourished by that same wonderful Finger Lakes dirt. I loved the wine just on its own. Lots of ripe apple fruit on the nose, and a refreshing palate with a hint of “grapiness” that finished clean and balanced. Then a bite of that beautiful smoked cheddar. Unlike so many other smoked cheeses, this one lets the flavor of the cheddar shine through, with just the right accent of smoke. The soft, creamy texture manages to coat every taste bud. Then the wine and cheese together, and it’s a party. They are so much more than just the sum of their parts. Neither one overpowers the other. Instead, the flavors harmonize perfectly. The wine cuts through the richness of the cheese to unleash a hidden layer of earthy complexity. The cheese, in turn, tones down the acidity in the wine, allowing all that delicious fruit to fill your mouth. This is a total reconnection of the earth’s flavors. Makes you really appreciate good dirt! Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators and a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court of Sommeliers in England; Contact her at wineanddine@mountainhomemag.com. 33
Home & real estate
The Russells with two of their recent creations.
Carving A New Career
How a prayer, a tree, and a chainsaw led an Ansonia man to a new life Story and Photo by Dawn Bilder
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welve years ago, Ansonia, Pennsylvania’s Frank Russell said a prayer for a new direction. A logger by trade—logging was the only source of income for him and his wife, Pat—he was having trouble making a living because all of the muddy, soupy days were keeping him from work. One day soon after making his plea to the Man Upstairs, he found himself cutting down a large pine tree for a neighbor. He trimmed off all the branches and began burning them in a fire in a field not far from his neighbor’s 34
home. It was taking a long time, and he grew bored. Looking down at the bare, 6’ by 4’ tree lying not far from the fire, he decided to have some fun. He took his chainsaw and carved the tree into a giant mushroom. He had never carved anything with his chainsaw before. “A few days later,” says Frank, “some teenagers saw the mushroom from the road, parked their car, jumped the fence, and walked the two hundred yards through the field to get to it. I saw them out there standing on it and taking pictures of each other.” Inspired, he decided to try another
tree-carving project, this time his subject was a trout, again shaped from a large tree using his chain saw. His wife Pat painted the freshwater creation, and they placed it at the end of their driveway. Immediately, passersby began pulling over, posing in front of the trout with their fishing poles and taking photos. Soon people were requesting trout and mushroom sculptures for their personal gardens and lawns. Merchants also requested them for the retail trade. See Carving on page 43
REAL ESTATE
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REAL ESTATE
#33 BAILEY RUN PRIZE – come to Wharton #36 SNOWMOBILERS, GREAT CABIN, GREAT Township to see this 3 bedroom camp with all LOCATION – Cabin in Sweden Township the amenities. $68,000.00 situated on 4.55 mostly wooded acres. 1 bedroom with additional loft area., .75 bath. Subdivision Road joins snowmobile trails. This is a must see. $92,500.00
#2 GREAT COUNTRY LOCATION – 35.58 acres with home or lodge, property is on both sides of the road. Home has 5 bedrooms, 2 ¾ baths. Barn on property. Near ski slopes, Pine Creek and you can snowmobile or go four wheeling right from property. Call for more details. $287,500.00 36
#14 AMAZING LOG HOME ON APPROX 11.5 WELL MANICURED ACRES – features 3 BR, 3 BA & 2 separate kitchens & family rooms. Ideal for in laws, family or friends. Paved circle driveway, open floor plan, stone fireplace, wood laminate floors, finished basement & large outbuilding. Must see to appreciate!! $299,000.00
REAL ESTATE
WWW.PENNOAKREALTY.COM
65 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901 (570) 724-8000 We proudly support and contribute to “Goodies For Our Troops”
Ordinary People Providing Extraordinary Service!
Spacious ranch located on the edge of Wellsboro overlooks a very private backyard. 3-4 BRs, 2 baths, large kitchen, hardwood floors, additional living space in full, mostly finished basement w/ground level walkout. 2 car attached garage and large peaceful deck off the back with views across the valley. MTH 120671 $185,900
Location, location, location - minutes from Route 6, Charles Cole Hospital, golf course, restaurants and State Land. Recently remodeled 5 BR, 3 bath home has large deck w/hot tub, new metal roof on large barn, pool, large “eat-in” kitchen w/island, office, sun room off kitchen, walk-out full basement - ideal business location on 29 acres. OGMs (not leased) are not included at this price but are negotiable. MTH 119844 $269,900
Three lots totaling 43.22 acres with a nice mix of wooded and open areas. Private location, hundreds of timber company acres all about, not far from the NY border and in the heart of the “Pennsylvania Wilds” - this is your opportunity to have your future camp or full time residence site ready for your move! Partner with family or club members for an excellent family lodge or club camp site. MTH 118092 $124,900
Nice clean, well kept, maintenance free hunting camp - borders native trout stream in the back and 4028 acre State Game Land #204 across the road. Privy - no well - nice setting. MTH 120641 $39,500
Great 3.43 acre rural building lot in a quiet location, yet minutes from I-99. Over 1,000 feet of road frontage on a gently sloping corner lot. MTH 119724 $29,900
Perched high on a hillside offering beautiful views and seclusion with access, this almost new 1 story contemporary has a long list of expensive upgrades radiant heat throughout, vinyl shake siding on home & garage, Superior Walls basement, distinctive gable accents with large windows, cathedral ceilings, and is nicely landscaped w/fenced area for children or pets.” OGM’s leased but will transfer. MTH 120699 $489,000
Spectacular views with quick access to Route 6 and minutes from Main Street, Wellsboro, this 10 acre parcel is an ideal location for a new home. Paved road yet an out of town location, this property has access to municipal sewer and the drive way has been constructed. Parcel has been enrolled in Clean & Green providing reduced taxes on the land. Seller desires to retain Oil, Gas & Mineral Rights). MTH 120434 $99,900
Business opportunity on Route 6 in Galeton, Potter County. Commercial building formerly used as auto repair/service station. Current owner has made renovations, current Certificate of Occupancy. Variety of possible uses for private or profit. Gas tanks and canopy included. MTH 120000 $99,000
Excellent investment opportunity - 6 units at a great location where you can walk to everything, approximately 1 block from the Coudersport courthouse. This is a very well maintained operation with a low turnover of tenants. Each unit has its own gas meter and tenant pays for heat. MTH 119901 $229,000
Classic turn of the century 6 BR Victorian has a beautiful cherry eat-in kitchen w/ center island, wood floors, original detailed woodwork & fireplace, 6 stained glass window accents, large sun room and laundry room off the kitchen. Warm and comfortable w/newer roof, windows and blown-in insulation; large corner lot, front and side porches. MTH 120647 $199,000
63+ acres with ranch home, barn, machine sheds and several outbuildings. Perfect size for horse boarding or a small beef operation. Fencing and a pond, Westfield schools. Additional tracts that adjoin this parcel are also available. This property has an Oil & Gas Lease - seller is retaining the rights. MTH 119804 $299,900
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Call the office at 570-723-8484 114 Tioga Street (Rt. 6 across from Pizza Hut) Wellsboro, Pa. 16901
www.mountainvalleyrealtyllc.com Come hunt, fish, play, live ...
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94+/- AC IN BORO OF WELLSBORO - A substantial opportunity for development potential within the Borough of Wellsboro. Further & pertinent info is available. Access to Public sewer and water. $1,500,000 #120040
GREAT EXPOSURE, CONVENIENTLY LOCATED! Two-story corner property with building offers two lots and ample parking. Convenient and only one block from Main Street or Route 6, Wellsboro, Pa. In the heart of the Marcellus Shale Gas Exploration Maintenancefree exterior & great exposure! For offices or retail. Has 2nd flr apt.$290,000 #119976
HIGHLY ESTABLISHED BED AND BREAKFAST! This established Wellsboro Bed & Breakfast can now be yours! This elegant 5 bedroom B&B also features Innkeeper’s living quarters on premises, 2.5 acres, 2 car garage, parking availability, established clientele lists, lovely furnishings and a lot of history! $425,000. #120493
GRAND OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A VERY NEAT & CLEAN MOTEL FACILITTY...w/14+ bdrms, 11 bths, laundry room, billiard room, lg office, central kitchen, din & fam rooms, new metal roof, new windows,& spacious front porch. Space to operate & occupy. 2 rooms are spacious efficiencies. 1.15 ac on Main St w/parking, easy entrance, oversize garage w/shop area. $249,000 #119437
COMMERCIAL BUILDING RT 6, TIOGA COUNTY - Great exposure along busy Route 6 between Wellsboro % Mansfield. Ample parking & room for more. Attractive bldg blt in 2005 offers unique custom crafted wood amenities for your offices or retail business. Radiant flr heat & C/A. Efficient! Come grow with our area Business Boom.#120411 $349,000.00
LUCRATIVE TAVERN ON BUSY RT. 287/OLD BUSINESS RT. 15...near the I-99/Rt. 15 onramp between Tioga & Lawrenceville. Business offers excellent track record on paper. Turn-key operation with substantial regular customers. Bring your expertise and foresight. Commercial kitchen, all current equipment up to regulations. Only serious inquiries $579,000 #120185
Wellsboro Property with many possibilities! Are you looking for an office building or home with office space offering 4 or more bedrooms? Located on Rt. 287 just south of Wellsboro this property offers spacious quarters, attached 2 car garage and room for business! Formerly owner occupied sub shop and gas station! $155,000. #120698
Land Close to Canyon and Bordering State! 49.8 private acres, bordering State Forest Lands in Delmar Twp! This parcel is priced to sell and would be an awesome spot for your home or camp. Land is just minutes to Wellsboro, Pine Creek, Canyon etc. $129,900.#120667
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES FOR THIS 2 UNIT! Endless possibilities for this property-currently set up as a 2 unit with 2 kitchens, 2 baths, 2 hot water heaters and gas meters. Original single family home had 4 bedrooms and a newer roof and windows, 200 amp electrical service. Backs up to Pine Creek. $72,000. #120542
THIS IS YOUR GETAWAY PROPERTY! Offers 16.44 acres, ideal as camp or small home. Retire here, vacation here, Private wooded setting with great space to play, hunt, hike, etc. and a short drive down to Cowanesque Lake. Close to Rt.15/I-99 into NY State or to Mansfield or Wellsboro.$135,000.#120499
Level lot waiting for a new home! 1.6 acre lot in the countryside waiting for your home or mobile. Property has perc site, sits in nice rural setting and in Wells Twp. $32,500. #120678
IDEAL COUNTRY SETTING CLOSE TO WELLSBORO - Seeking large family! This spacious home with formal fireplace and open floor plan offers 4-6 bedrooms and 3 baths. Portion of home used as apartment. Substantial outbldgs. for farmette or self employed. OGM’s transfer to buyer. 15.19 +/- acs just 3 miles to Wellsboro, Pa.$355,000. #120342
CHARMING VICTORIAN IN BLOSSBURG! Distinctive elegant home offers 5 plus bdrms each with closet,telephone & tv jacks. Two baths and laundry on the second flr and laundry rm on the first flr. Beautiful oak doors and trim throughout,& hardwood flrs. Close to Rt.15/I-99, Mansfield and EZ to WIlliamsport. #120382 $250,000.
AFFORDABLE 3 BEDROOM HOME. Make this affordable 3 bedroom ranch home yours! This home was built in 1997 and has 3 bdrms, 2 baths, and is just east of downtown Wellsboro on an owned lot. Conveniently located to Rt. 6 and easy drive to Mansfield.#120381 Make your appt today! $79,000.
ATTRACTIVE RUSTIC INTERIOR-4-5 BDRMS! Home features Tongue-N-Groove walls/ceilings, open floor plan with vaulted ceilings and new carpet. 2.96 acres! with awesome views. Priced to sell. Make your appointment right away!! OGM’s transfer with property.$139,000. #120361
FISH, HUNT, KAYAK, HIKE, SNOWMOBILE, RELAX! This 3 bdrm log sided home is walking distance to State Lands & Pine Creek! Cabin is meticulously kept. 1.45 acres in priate setting. Features 2-car detached garage. Located near Rexford Village. Ride snowmobiles from property to the PA. Grand Canyon. Make your appointment today! $235,000 #120261
ADORABLE 3 BDRM COTTAGE ON OVER 3 AC. Efficient 3 bdrm home with long mountain valley views. Recently remodeled interior offers beautiful new kitchen and bright cheerful rooms overlooking the valley. Short drive to Rt. 15 and NY State. 3.69+/-ac. $129,000 #119935
WARMTH, STYLE, CHARM and GREAT PRICE - Enjoy this lovely 3 bdrm home with a beautiful open kitchen & dining room. Conveniently located. Walking distance to all town amenities. This home is ready for you to move in! Make your appointment today! Affordable! $86,000 #120239
WATROUS VILLAGE NEAR PINE CREEK 4 bdrm, 1.75 bath 2 story home offers 2 lots Previously used as camp and includes all furnishings if you desire them. Offers 14’x 22’ refurbished garage with upper level. Walk to Pine Creek. Close to State woods and snowmobiling! $79,000. #120205
RUSTIC, UNIQUE, STONE-FACED 3 BEDROOM HOME...on 3.3 ac between Wellsboro & Morris. Very private setting! Make this beautiful home your retreat with roomy floor plan & rustic charm. Features new roof, windows, doors, flooring,2 new QuadraFire stoves, 2 fireplaces, cathedral ceilings,& 36’x41’ pole barn. Unique home! $325,000 #120194
30.25 AC NEWER HOME CLOSE TO WELLSBORO - Lg stocked pond, 2-car garage, 2-story barn & 30.25 beautiful ac. Custom features! Breakfast nook w/built-in seating, bay window in dining room, & fireplace in living room. Backup generator, whole-house fan, & choice of coal or propane heat. $399,000 #119992
BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS...over the meadows & beyond! Meticulously maintained Lindel cedar log multi-level home. Raised basement for add’l living space. Elegant & rustic w/open flr plan. A/C, Harmon coal stove, lg. new garage, new well & spring, 22.54 ac open & wooded land. Corner property with long frontage. $399,000 #119956
100% OMGs- YOUR CASTLE IN THE WOODS ON 65 AC - Indescribable detail in this custom home w/unique post & beam design, open floor plan, cathedral ceilings, lg windows & double glass doors throughout.Access the lg deck from 4 rooms. Custom amenities including lavish master bathroom.65+/- acs offer future timber potential & 100% OGM rights. $785,000.
PRIVATE SETTING OVER PINE CREEK Distinctive Pine Creek cottage w/multi-level decks leading right to the creek. Lg screened porch for entertaining & dining. This home is one of a kind! Not just a camp, this is a special, secluded setting on the Creek! Bring the Kayak, canoe, fishing rod, snowmobile and 4 wheeler. $289,000 #119806
THIS PRIVATE SETTING OFFERS A MIX... of woods and open mountain views. Like being on vacation year-round, this efficient, rustic cottage offers a sunroom, several decks, porch, & skylights that make it very unique. 100% OGMs convey; not yet leased. All this, about 6 miles to downtown Wellsboro. $174,000 #119985
AWESOME VACATION GETAWAY HOME ON 3.79 AC - close to Kettle Creek State Park & Creek. This newly constructed, log-sided two-story cabin is waiting for you! Enjoy the peaceful tranquility from the deck, nestled on a mountainside in the woods. Call today for details. $199,500. MLS#120482
IDEAL LOCATION FOR YOUR HOME... whether a camper, mobile, doublewide, etc. Nice, cleared yard offering long beautiful valley views beyond. Balance of property wooded. Perc is complete. Natural gas, public water hook-up, electric, phone, and cable available at the road. $49,000 #119828
A CAMP OR STARTER HOME IDEALLY LOCATED...for the outdoor enthusiasts. Hills Creek Lake is nearby with some great fishing. State Game Lands within walking distance. REDUCED to $85,000. #119762
GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY...with this 3-unit home in Westfield. Spacious home with great rental potential for you! Property is being sold as-is. Priced to sell... Make an offer! $44,900 #119795
WHAT A GREAT LITTLE LOG HOME. WALK TO PINE CREEK! 2 bdrm, 2 level living w/ decks all around. Vacation rental or full-time living. Raised lower level offers laundry, 3/4 bath, den or master bdrm space with lg. stone fireplace. Rustic cathedral open flr plan for kit, din rm, liv rm. EZ to Wellsboro or Galeton. Make offer.$109,000 #119504
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WOODED BUILDING LOT! Ideal location for your building site whether planning a camp or permanent residence with elecric right at the road. 1000s of acres of woods in this neighborhood! Tucked in from the world yet a township maintained road. $39,000 #119334
VERY NICE HOME FOR ONLY $49,000...What a steal! This home is in the quaint town of Galeton, is in great condition, and has many nice features. Hardwood floors and open floor plan are just the beginning. Why rent when you can own a nice house like this!?! Galeton Boro, Potter County. $49,900 #118939
JUST A SWEET FULL-TIME or SEASONAL HOME, 1.75 AC - and detached oversized 2 car garage. Offering new roof and kitchen, this 3 bdrm. home has hardwood floors throughout! Comfortable, cozy, efficient in a beautiful Country setting, an easy drive to Coudersport in Potter County. $129,900 Motivated seller says make offer! #119270
INCOMPARABLE VIEWS BEYOND THE NEW BARN...from this comfortable country home. Ideal equestrian use farm or barn would make outstanding hunting lodge or large home. This property is an extremely large opportunity for large acreage and gas rights! 100% of seller’s owned OGM’s will convey to buyers. Property has prime hunting and substantial wooded acreage along with pastures for your food plots! Make your appointment today! $875,000 #1120003
.45 ACRE BUILDING LOT ON THE COUNTRY... with public sewer available. This half acre lot is mostly wooded and would make a great spot for your home or camp. Priced to sell! Jackson Township, Tioga County. $18,000
6.82 ACRES NEAR GERMANIA IN THE PERFECT SETTING...for your home or cabin to be built. Land is in secluded location with septic and well already installed. This private spot has the best of both worlds, a wooded setting and views. Snowmobile right from your property! State lands nearby. Abbott Township, Potter County. $99,000 #119134
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REAL ESTATE
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REAL ESTATE
LARGE FARMHOUSE WITH VIEWS - Warm Farmhouse on one acre featuring 1.75 baths, 4-5 bedrooms w/2 bedrooms up and 2 down, large attic for storage, large 2 car garage. This home is well maintained with fantastic views and large enough for any size family/group. Vinyl siding and replacement windows throughout. REF#10254 $160,000
3 HOMES ON 14+ ACRES WITH POND - Sit on your back porch and watch the wildlife, fish in your pond, or have a picnic by the stream! Three houses on 14.37 acres. Two of the three houses come fully furnished. The third house is being rented on a month-to-month basis. A great place to raise your kids! REF#10212 $324,900
FORMER ONE ROOM SCHOOL HOUSE - Former ONE ROOM SCHOOL HOUSE. This property is perfect for those who want an inexpensive piece of the country. This could be a year-round residence OR a great camp. Most furnishings go with this property along with a very nice 12x10 shed. Easily winterized. Wood Stove NOT included in sale. REF#10231 $57,900
MOBILE HOME ON 15 ACRES CLOSE TO STATE GAME - Nice mobile with addition close to thousands of acres of Game Lands. A deck overlooks the pond. A lot of road frontage, possible sub-division. Remodeled kitchen and bath room. Most of the furniture can stay if buyer wishes. Great for a family getaway and a hunting camp too. REF#10114 $84,900
Motel/Bar/Restaurant Close to PA Grand Canyon - Located right on Route 6 very close to the PA Grand Canyon this Restaurant/Bar/Motel w/6.3+ acres! With the liquor license included and 29 rooms for year-round boarding. Nice bar and dining rooms for events and casual dining. There is also a quaint stone cottage, and a 3 bedroom home that is presently set up as an office. REF#10274 $1,395,000
WAGON, HORSE AND TRAIL RIDES CAN BE YOURS - Chuck Wagons, trail rides, horses, travel, and the outdoors! This company is built on eco-tourism: http://www. naturequestadventures.com. Three different businesses can be sold separately but there is a trail riding business, a wagon business (thru the PA Grand Canyon) and an outfitter for eco-toursit type travel. All inventory included. REF#10275 $300,000
SMALL HOME GREAT FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS - This property GIVES RENT PROTECTION! Give your family peace of mind-The payments are less than rent on this home-No more rent increases from Greedy Landlords!! This 2/3 br home features a newer heater, modern Kitchen, stream... Sleep well at night knowing your investment is locked in. REF#10276 $49,900
GERMANIA HOME CLOSE TO STATE LAND - Well maintained Germania home. Large eat-in kitchen with many cabinets and an island, formal dining room, spacious living room. Over 1700 sq.ft. Enjoy the beautiful view from the comfort of a covered porch with sky lights. Near to many state forest, game and recreation lands. Close to Cherry Springs State park and Denton Hill. REF#10162 $185,500
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REAL ESTATE
LIST WITH ME TODAY! Chris Gilbert - Realtor 570-404-1268 or chris.gilbert@yahoo.com
RANCH HOME – 14+/- AC – RICHMOND TWP 3 BRS, 1 bath, eat-in kitchen. Property also features 24x36 pole bldg, 26x50 pole bldg, 20x12 Gambral wood shed, and 40x18 Greenhouse. OGMS CONVEY!! JUST $325,000 120474-M
RANCH HOME – 28+/-ACRES 3BR, 1 bath home with stone exterior. Sits on 28+/- acres in Northern Tioga County. Mix of field & wood with oversized detached 2-car garage and workshop. ONLY $184,900 120425-M
GREAT LOCATION IN BLOSSBURG This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home will be available to show November 1, 2010. Large lot with 1 car garage/barn. Nice deck! Public water & sewer, natural gas all available. GREAT PRICE $78,000 120292-M
12.81+/- ACRES – RICHMOND TWP This property offers beautiful views, a pond, existing sewer & well with a pad where a mobile home sat previously. Property sits at the end of a long private road. JUST $119,000 120453-M
14.96+/- ACRES SULLIVAN TWP – This lot fronts RTE 6 and Scouten Rd. From the building site at the back corner of the lot you can see for miles. The lot slopes towards RTE 6 and Scouten Rd providing an ideal location for your dream home. JUST $99,900 120404-M
GREAT VIEWS ONLY A FEW MILES FROM HAMMOND LAKE! This solid split-level home features 3 BRS, with possibility for a fourth on lower lever, circle driveway and great views along with a nice deck and patio awaits you! Make this your dream home! ONLY $165,000 120405-M
GORGEOUS PARK LIKE SETTING!! RICHMOND TWP Majestic home offers master suite, unbelievable decking, huge open kitchen, attached oversized 2 car garage, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, & fireplace. Just minutes from town yet private. Just $449,000 120392-M
NICE LOT .42ACRES IN THE QUIET TOWN OF TIOGA. Build your new home here. Close to Hammond Lake. Well and septic already on property. Easy commute to Corning, Mansfield, and Wellsboro. Call today to see this lot. $35,000 120573-M
GREAT HUNTING & RECREATIONAL PROPERTY!!! 50+/- ACRES – WARD TWP Property is profiled and per’c, has logging roads and gated access. Build your dream cabin on this wooded lot. Association fee is $200 year which includes year round road maintenance. This is the property you have been looking for! CALL TODAY! $185,000 120508-M
13.39+/- ACRES RUTLAND TWP - Great location for your new home or a cabin where you can enjoy the wildlife and long mountain views. Easy access and plenty of road frontage along gravel township road. Utilities available! There is an approved sewage site for your new home. JUST $59,900 120545-M
COUNTRY ROAD TAKE ME HOME!! 10.8+/Acres – Potter County - Come see this beautiful 2 bedroom, 1 bath, spacious kitchen offers tile countertops and plenty of cupboard space, tongue & groove ceiling and walls throughout, oversized 2-car detached garage. Other out buildings include 3 storage sheds and a 2-story barn. DON’T MISS OUT CALL TODAY!!! ONLY $116,900 120240-M
GREAT HOME NEAR RTE 15 EXIT IN LAWRENCEVILLE 4 bedrooms, partially finished basement, attached two car garage, and nice rear deck. All this on an oversized lot with public water and sewer. Just minutes from Corning and Painted Post with an easy commute to Mansfield or the Cowanesque Valley area as well. JUST $135,000 120367-M
ONE OF A KIND!! OGMS INCLUDED!! Just outside of Mansfield 3 BR, 2 bath farm house and operating dairy farm. Barns & outbuildings all impeccably maintained, great rolling cropland. Road frontage on two roads, possible access to public sewer, subdivision possibilities, blueberry bushes and other fruit trees on the property as well as a private airstrip. ONLY $1,150,000 120362-M
SPACIOUS WELL BUILT BOREL HOME between Laceyville & Wyalusing. Over 4+ Acres. Close to RTE 6 with easy commute to Proctor & Gamble. This Ranch home offers a great floor plan, 4 BRS, 21/2 baths, sunroom w/ hot tub, oversized 2 car garage, 3 bay pole garage, and plenty of storage. OGMS convey!! JUST $299,900 120410-M
99.44+/- ACRES – SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY – 100% wooded land to build your dream home on or use for recreation. Hunt on your own land or take a short drive to fish in the river. This is a great property. Come take a look!! ONLY $160,000 120662-M
GRAND ESTATE!! 169+ ACRES WITH ALL THE OGMS!!!! Close to PA Grand Canyon, two homes, multiple barns, high tensile fencing, & mountain stream. Main home built in 2000, open floor plan, granite counter tops, fireplace, master suite, long drive, total seclusion. Trails throughout park-like setting. Second home with 3 BRS and 3 baths is set up as a bed and breakfast. ONLY $2,999,000 120184-M
The Real Estaters of Mansfield 1671 South Main St, Mansfield, PA 16933 42
Office 570-662-2138 Chris: 570-404-1268
Carving continued from page 34
Within a year, Frank was able to quit logging for good. He expanded his carving into bears, sheep, chickens, anything people wanted. He also started making furniture, like dining tables, coffee tables, chairs, and plant tables with animals carved at the bottom. Nowadays this talented chainsaw carver can’t keep up with orders coming in from all over the country, and is usually backed up for two months. Despite their busy schedule, Frank and Pat try to go to as many shows as they can in Canada and the United States. Two and a half years after he started carving, Frank took second place at the Mid-Atlantic Chainsaw Carving Competition and has continually won
first and second prizes at major carving competitions ever since. He’s appeared on FOX news, ESPN, Good Morning America, and many other shows. He and Pat love their new life of business and traveling. Pat does all the sealing and painting of the sculptures and handles all the sales. “I love that we work together with it all,” she says. Was she surprised by this sudden explosion of talent from her husband? “No, not at all,” says Pat. “He always loved his chainsaw. And he was always creative with painting and drawing. The only thing that surprised me in the beginning was that he was able to carve so well with a logging saw before he got a carving one. Most of all, I’m happy because he enjoys it so much.” Frank will use walnut, cherry, cedar, oak, and butternut wood, but his
Immediately, passers-by began pulling over, posing in front of the trout with their fishing poles and taking photos.
Event: Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations Artist: Frank Russell Locations: Mansfield YMCA, April 16 & A.J.’s Outdoor Power Equipment, April 9 Phone: (570) 724-7694
favorite wood is white pine because it’s easiest to carve, finish, and repair. His most popular order is the giant bear. What’s his favorite sculpture? “I like challenges,” says Frank, “so whatever my latest challenge is, that’s my favorite.” He brings out a replica of 31-point deer antlers. “Pretty soon I’m going to carve a big deer to go with these.” So what started as a small prayer became, as it often does, a huge blessing. “I always think,” says Frank thoughtfully, “‘What if I had carved that first mushroom in a place where no one from the road could have seen it?’ Then none of this would have happened.” He pauses and adds with a grateful smile, “The Good Lord knew what we needed.” Pat nods gently beside him.
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M ar k et P lace Shop Around the Corner
Reeling Them In By Sarah Bull
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hadowed by Chief, a sleek blackand-white cat, Don Kelly steps from behind the counter of his shop. An air of ease surrounds him as he walks over to a display of fly-tying materials made by The Gaines Company. He regards them with reverence and awe. “These poppers amaze me because they are made just a few towns over in Gaines and they are some of the best in the country. I used them for years before I moved here and never realized I was moving so close to where they are created.” Poppers, for the uninitiated, are special lures that mimic the sound of prey fish swimming across the top of the water. As Don moves throughout Tackle Shack— the largest fishing retailer in Tioga County— he talks about his merchandise passionately, using terminology well known in the fishing world but which seems like a second language to the novice. Tackle Shack, bought in 2009 by the Kelly family, is run exclusively by 23-year-old Don except during the busy times, when his mom and brothers help serve the hundreds of customers that will swarm the shop in the period leading up to trout season opening day—April 16th. “This is the one day a year when people get together to fish with their family and friends to celebrate their fishing camaraderie,” says Don. “It’s a huge tradition that has been going on for many generations. It’s like Christmas for fishermen!” During this busy period, Tackle Shack overflows with fishermen swapping their legendary half-exaggerated fishing tales. Their accomplishments are celebrated on the “Tackle Shack Braggin Board”—a corkboard adorned with pictures of customers’ prize catches. The merchandise in the store is as diverse as its customers. The walls and shelves of the retailer are lined with fishing equipment: Over 50 different companies supply the shop with merchandise.
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Shop: Tackle Shack Address: 9683 Route 287, Wellsboro, PA 16901 Phone: (570) 724-5138 Web Site: www. wellsborotackleshack.com Email: tackleshack@frontiernet.net Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellsborotackleshack Weekly Updates: www.tiogacountyfishing.com Fishing Licenses: $22.70 Trout Stamp: $9.70
“We carry the largest selection of gear for everything from trout and panfish to big game species such as hybrid striped bass and muskies,” says Don, beaming. “If it can be caught in Tioga County, we’ve got the gear and bait to catch it.” Don’s expert knowledge of his products, as well as his willingness to give personalized demonstrations in his “fishing den,” is one reason for the store’s popularity. “Anyone can sell fishing equipment, but I’ve made it my goal to help my customers catch more fish, not just sell them gear,” Don says. “That is one of the major benefits of owning the shop.” Though soon Tackle Shack will be booming with business, for Don, the most enjoyment comes from interacting with new and experienced fishermen. “My favorite part is meeting people on a daily basis from all different backgrounds, skill levels, and areas. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some of the best fishermen here. And I especially love
seeing little kids coming in here with their first fish, all excited to tell about it.” Store Mascot As Chief hops up into a floating fishing basket at the front of the store he stares at Don with contented eyes. “I never thought I’d own a cat, and then one day a customer came in and dropped him off when he was just this big,” Don says holding his hands out in a shape the size of a softball. Though Tackle Shack has seen many experienced fishermen, the real Bass Pro can be found darting in and out of aisles of rods and reels, just feet from the large bait tank, living every cat’s dream. As he looks down from atop his fishing basket throne, purring softly, it is evident that Chief is the king fisherman here. Sarah Bull is a student at Mansfield University and an occasional contributor to Mountain Home.
MARKETPLACE marketplace
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B ac k of t h e M ountain
Showing the Colors
Photograph by Suzan Richar, www.gcphotoclub.org
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