Trio of boroughs has rich past, bright future

By MIKE REUTHER Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Williamsport and its bedroom communities comprise much of the population and commerce of Lycoming County.

However, other municipalities in the county away from its more concentrated urban center are part of its fabric.

The boroughs of Muncy, Hughesville and Montgomery, each with its own distinct character, are much alike in their smaller, slow-paced way of life.

Each features downtown centers of main streets with shops and businesses as well as local governments and school districts that help guide the communities.

While none of the municipalities boasts of populations surpassing 3,000 people, they are more than dots on the map that exist merely to “get somewhere else.”

Montgomery lies along the Susquehanna River, a community of 1,570 residents, according to the U.S. Census.

Its beginnings can be traced to 1783 when John Lawson established a homestead.

Nicholas Shaffer built a mill in 1795 but the community failed to sustain growth.

According to John F. Meginnes in “The History of Lycoming County,” a sawmill owned and operated by Jonathan Bower was the only building in Montgomery in the mid-1850s.

Growth came to the borough with the machine shop industry.

Montgomery was finally incorporated as a borough in 1887.

For many years through 1975, Montgomery Mills was a thriving manufacturing industry in the borough, providing jobs for families within the community and elsewhere.

Among its products were fabric, tassels, drapes, blinds, and carpeting supplies.

The mill reportedly employed as many as 1,600 people.

Montgomery is served by the Montgomery Area School District, a fire department, and volunteer groups such as the Montgomery Lions.

The Montgomery Red Raider high school football team each year plays against the rival Muncy High School Indians in a game known as the Battle of the Shoe.

Donna Miller, borough coordinator, noted the more recent infrastructure improvements in Montgomery, which have included replacement of a waterline on Brooke Street as well as repaving work there.

“I am applying for grants to do the same thing on Wagner Ave and Broad Street,” she said. “Our Little League bridge was replaced last fall.”

Other improvements have included the replacement of pavilions in the community park.

Miller noted that a mural will be displayed at the Little League building recognizing Montgomery as the second community in the U.S. to charter a Little League.

Annual events in Montgomery include Easter Egg hunts at the town park, a kids’ fishing derby at Heritage Park in May sponsored by the borough, a firemen’s carnival in May, and the Riverfest in the community park in June.

The community also holds a July 4th fireworks display.

“We are working again this year to have cleanup week May 22 to May 27,” Miller said. Community yard sales are set for May 20.

A Memorial Day parade and a Halloween parade are held each year in the borough.

Located along the Susquehanna River between Mongomery and Hughesville can be found Muncy, a borough of 2,663 residents.

The name Muncy comes from Mun- see, a Native American tribe that lived in the area.

The borough can trace its origins to 1787 when four brothers, Silas, William, Benjamin, and Isaac McCarty, came from Bucks County.

Ten years later, the borough was laid out by brothers William and Benjamin, according to the Muncy Historical Society.

In the early years of the community, Muncy was known as Pennsborough in honor of William Penn.

Early industries which helped the community thrive included lumbering. A canal and later a railroad brought additional commerce to the borough.

Among the major employers in the community are UPMC Muncy, the Muncy School District, and Andritz, Inc., a foundry and manufacturing facility for Durametal refiner plates used in the pulp and paper industries.

Parts of Muncy lie within flood-prone areas, including the borough’s downtown.

Some property owners victimized by flooding have agreed to Federal Emergency Management Agency buyouts.

Borough officials are working with the Army Corps of Engineers for ways to minimize flooding in the future, according to Council President Bill Scott. Muncy is served by a volunteer fire company and various civic groups and organizations.

“We are building a new fire department building right outside of town,” Scott said.

Scott said the borough is using grant funding for community improvements.

Plans are under way to use $129,300 in funding to repurpose space at Crossroads Corner at Water and Main streets, $162,000 from PennDOT for school crosswalk upgrades, and $25,000 to refurbish basketball courts at the Ward L. Myers Elementary School.

“A lot of people in town want a dog park,” Scott said.

STATION HOUSE RESTAURANT & CATERING

Muncy held a Memorial Day Parade last year, a traditional event in the borough which had been canceled for a couple of years due to COVID-19.

“It was a huge success,” Scott said. “We are very proud and excited to have successfully brought back to life the Muncy Memorial Day Parade and look forward to building into it an annual tradition, bigger each year.”

Each September, The Corvettes on Main Street Car Show brings numerous visitors to Muncy for the one-day event.

Some of the newer businesses in Muncy include Rich Port Adventure Company, a canoe and kayak rental service at 50 Angletown Road; Axe of Faith, 10 S. Market St., and Basil Wood Fired Kitchen and Lounge, 213 N. Main St. Jeptha Hughes is credited with laying out the borough of Hughesville in 1816.

The town began to slowly grow with the construction of a grist mill by Jacob Clayton. A tavern built and a school built between 1820 and 1830 further grew the community but it was not until 1852 when Hughesville was incorporated as a community.

Among the early industries were a chair factory, a wagon shop, distilleries, a sawmill, and a planing mill. Hughesville is served by the East Lycoming School District, the Hughesville Vol. Fire Department, and various civic and volunteer organizations such as the Rotary of Hughesville.

A Halloween parade and Memorial Day parade are annual events in the community.

Each year in July, the Lycoming Fair is held at the fairgrounds in Hughesville, attracting thousands of people to the more than weeklong event.

The 2,000 U.S. Census lists Hughesville as home to 2,155 residents. At its peak in 1960, 2,218 people lived in the community.

Corral clutter with a mudroom

(Family Features) — Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes. These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.

Luxurious mudrooms in high-end homes can sometimes boast custom cabinetry, full bathrooms, laundry facilities, showers for pets and direct pantry access.

Regardless of whether your mudroom is an actual room or just a small space near the front door to hang bags and jackets, the organizational basics are the same:

Corral Clutter: One of the most important items in any mudroom is storage for shoes, pet supplies, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items. If built-in storage isn’t in your budget, put up a sturdy shelving unit with a bin or basket for each family member.

Get Hooked: Securely anchor a row of strong hooks along the wall for coats, hats, scarves or other seasonal accessories that may otherwise find themselves dropped on the floor upon arriving home.

The Station House, 44 Montgomery St., Montgomery, is your stop for a friendly atmosphere and a taste of old-fashioned, hometown cooking. In addition to its restaurant, Station House also caters and is willing to work with customers to create the perfect menu. From soups and salads, sandwiches to entrees and a variety of breakfast options, Station House has something for everyone.

COLE’S COFFEE, CRAFTS AND CONSIGNMENT

Mud Happens: Mudrooms are meant to handle dirt so nix the carpet and lay down tile or hardwood flooring. Pick a stylish rug to catch dirt in its tracks while also adding a design element to the space.

Shoe Space: Place a wooden bench or sturdy coffee table near the door so everyone has a place to sit while removing shoes. Slide a few baskets or bins underneath as an alternate location for storing backpacks and other gear when not in use.

Take Command: Create a family command center by adding a small cabinet or desk with a corkboard above. It makes for a perfect spot to stash keys, charge cell phones, open mail, sort school papers and post the family calendar.

Find more organization tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

CENTURY 21 Colonial Real Estate has served a five-county area for 40 years, including Lycoming, Montour, Union, Northumberland and Sullivan counties. The firm’s website says their experience and negotiation skills can help sellers and buyers accomplish their moves in a timely and professional manner. CENTURY’s highly-trained staff can help with customers with all their real estate needs, even beyond buying and selling.

Chores to tackle to get your home ready for spring

(Family Features) — After months spent largely indoors while harsh elements battered your home’s exterior, many homeowners are throwing open the windows and embracing spring’s arrival.

Every home requires ongoing maintenance to ensure it’s living up to its aesthetic and functional best. This checklist can help you create a comfortable home setting for enjoying the warmer months.

Check gutters — During the colder months, debris can accumulate in the gutters, which can be problematic when spring rains arrive. Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing efficiently away from the roof and house. When they’re backed up, they can cause water damage in a short amount of time. Faulty guttering can also cause slow leaks that lead to damage you may not discover until major repair work is needed. Properly functioning gutters are clear of debris, flow freely and are securely attached to the home.

Inspect the roof — Your roof takes a real beating in all kinds of weather conditions. Making it a common practice to carefully inspect the roof with the change of seasons can help you identify potential problems while they’re still in early stages, before a big storm hits and major damage occurs. Some roof issues can be addressed with simple repairs you can do yourself while others may require a professional. A roofing expert can help you determine whether any trouble areas can be patched or if a more complete restoration is in order.

Replace the dryer vent — Upgrading your dryer vent is an opportunity to conserve energy and prevent flammable lint build-up in your dryers. One option for updating the exhaust system is a paintable version of InoVate’s Prime DryerWallVent. Engineered for both vent replacement and new construction, the vent includes features such as a gravity-assist damper, integrated magnets and a drip edge to provide extra protection from the elements as well as pests. A large, clean opening and lightweight angled damper promote exceptional airflow efficiency.

Service air conditioning units — Your heating and cooling system works hard to keep your indoor climate comfortable when extreme temperatures make the outdoors unbearable. That’s why it’s important to have your systems serviced by a professional, and spring is a smart time to do so before they’re hard at work throughout the warmer months. Service can correct problems and ensure everything is operating efficiently, which can lead to money savings as well. Repair window screens — Throughout the winter, your home’s window screens can accumulate a layer of dirt and grime that isn’t just unsightly; it blows indoors when you open the windows to welcome a fresh breeze. What’s more, if your screens have rips and tears, pesky bugs and other critters can make their way into your home more easily. Cleaning and repairing your screens can make your home more secure and help protect your indoor air quality. Find