Pinpoint: Pennsylvania Fall 2019 Issue

ISSUE 6 / FALL 2019

Off the Beaten Path

g n i t n y or t s i Hau H

Wineries, Part 2 - Eastern PA Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon Ridgewood Winery,

Lernerville Speedway

Birdsboro, Berks County

Monongahela Turns 250 in Style

Endless

Adventure Jefferson, Elk, Clarion, Forest and Cameron Counties.

VisitPAGO.com • (814) 849-5197 BLOG

Haunting History p.28

30 THE HISTORY AND HAUNTS OF EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY 34 CENTRALIA: CEMETERY OF DREAMS 38 RIDGEWOOD WINERY: COME FOR THE WINE, STAY FOR THE HAUNTED TALES

ISSUE 6 / FALL 2019

in this issue TRAVEL TIPS

We've Got Your Back: Six Tips for a Comfortable Trip

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OUTDOORS Pennsylvania’s Best Kept Secret

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT More Than Just Philadelphia's Neigh bor 12 Lernerville Speedway: Evenings of Fun Creating Memories of a Lifetime

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A “Terrifying Treat” - Reaper's Revenge

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SPOTLIGHT Dutch Country Roads

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The (Hi)Story of Lebanon Valley

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FOOD & DRINK Wineries & Wine Trails Part 2: East

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FAMILY The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular

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UNIQUE PLACES All Oddities Great and Small

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HISTORY Celebrating 250 Years of Community

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania is a publication of Pinpoint Publishing, LLC. Editors-In-Chief: Lynda Stewart & Jason Krysinski Editor: Jason Krysinski Creative Director: Lynda Stewart Writers: Jason Krysinski & Gwendolin Schemm Sales & Distribution: Rene Hoy Printing: Gazette Printers Digital: Higher Images

Amish Buggy, House Building, and Jackson Sawmill Covered Bridge. Photos Courtesy of Discover Lancaster.

Off the Beaten Path

PINPOINT PUBLISHING

54

welcome opportunity to visit haunted and mysterious locations. One location, Ridgewood Winery (featured on the front cover), located in Berks County, is haunted and also a winery. Learn the history of this location and about the award-winning wines of the Bill Smith. Also, in the coming pages, you will find out more about Eastern State Penitentiary. We had the privilege of venturing deep into their corridors on a hot summer day. If you’ve never heard of Centralia, don’t miss the article on this ill-fated community in the mountains of Pennsylvania.

Don’t forget, we recently launched a new program called “Where is Your Pinpoint?” This allows you all to share your experiences with us, so that perhaps we can choose these Welcome to the Fall 2019 edition of Pinpoint: Pennsylvania.

places as future features in the magazine. Use the Contact

What a fast and fun summer it has been! We are thrilled to

form at pinpointpennsylvania.com to share your ideas!

share this issue with all of our readers. Under the hot summer sun, we have grown to a magazine distribution of 8,000 in over

As always, we are looking for more distribution points throughout the state. It doesn’t cost you anything and we would love

150 locations statewide.

for you to join the Pinpoint family. Those interested can contact These changes have provided us opportunities to travel

us at info@pinpointpennsylvania.com

throughout the state and bring you more personal and With all that being said, Lynda, Jason, and all of us at Pinpoint:

inspired articles.

Pennsylvania, hope you FALL in love with PA this season!

In this issue, we continue to explore wineries on the eastern side of Pennsylvania. While doing so, we also took the

Go out and make some memories!

Vision

Mission

The vision of Pinpoint: Pennsylvania is to provide an entertain-

The mission of Pinpoint: Pennsylvania is to support busi-

ing and educational multi-channel platform aimed at forming

nesses and travel destinations by increasing visibility and

a community focused on sharing unique Pennsylvania expe-

awareness of their special offerings, creative endeavors, and

riences. We seek to shed light on off the beaten path places

historical significance.

and events, as well as provide unique perspectives on more commonly known locations.

By utilizing content ideas from readers and fellow travelers, we will be giving exposure to these places that may have oth-

As Pennsylvania natives, we are proud to not only play a part

erwise gone unnoticed. Providing residents and visitors, with

in contributing to the success of these businesses by encour-

information of this nature will help consumers plan unique

aging travel, but we are also enthusiastic about educating

activities and trips throughout Pennsylvania.

residents and visitors alike of the unique experiences that lie within the state.

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Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bucks County. Photo by Bill Johnson. Courtesy of Visit Bucks County.

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

Fall

Fall in Pennsylvania offers a flamboyant farewell to summer.

Sweater weather sets in with crisp fall air and cool autumn days.

There’s something magical about the world around you as Mother Nature uses the sunlight to paint the leaves beautiful shades of orange, red, yellow, and purple.

Hike through one of Pennsylvania’s state parks to witness the picturesque colors of the season or get your haunt on as the Keystone state’s Halloween history is still alive and well. Slow down and take a step back to relish in the fall foliage, letting the autumn splendor soothe your soul.

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Enjoy the autumn air with season-inspired events, farm-to-table cuisine, Broadway-caliber theatre, and renowned gardens and arboretums.

Conveniently located to all major highways and the Philadelphia International Airport, Delco delivers something for everyone.

Call 610-565-3679 for trip inspiration and information.

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

VisitDelcoPA

travel tips We've Got Your Back Six Tips for a Comfortable Trip

By Dr Geno Pisciottano It’s no secret that travel can be hard on the human body. Long hours in a cramped car or a crowded airplane cabin can wreak havoc on your spine. Because the body needs movement, stretching, and general activity, this constant sitting can cause stiffness, restrictions in the vertebrae, and eventual pain.

That can certainly put a damper on your vacation. Sitting for prolonged periods of time, puts pressure on various pressure points throughout your spine, which could leave you with aches and pains for the duration of your trip.

Chiropractors can help prepare the back for this change in activity. During an evaluation, a chiropractor will search for and remove restrictions in the spine, which then leads to less discomfort. Even in the absence of pain, a spinal adjustment improves communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This can also improve the functioning of the immune system and can help you avoid illness while you’re away.

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Follow these healthy-back travel tips to make sure your trip is one fun to remember for the good memories and not the pain getting there caused you.

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TAKE REST BREA K S

If you start to feel pain developing in your back, legs, shoulders or neck, pull off and take a break. Get out of the car and

WAR M U P

Before you jump in the car or board an airplane, stretching or taking a short walk to loosen up your muscles and help reduce the amount of pain you feel on the trip.

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stretch, walk around and then resume driving.

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BRI N G PI L LOWS

When traveling by plane, bring a pillow to tuck behind your back to help maintain the proper alignment of your spine

SI T U P P R OP ER LY

and reduce pressure from the hard back of the airplane seat.

Place another pillow behind your neck to keep your neck in

Make sure to remove a thick wallet from your back pocket; sitting on that for a prolonged period is almost a guarantee of back or hip pain. Adjust the car seat so that your back remains straight and you are as close to the steering wheel as possible.

This goes for passengers too! You should adjust your seat, so it is straight. And, for those of you relegated to the backseat, pillows are excellent for keeping your spine aligned when you do not have access to a headrest.

the proper position as you fly.

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C H EC K H EAVY BAGS

While it may be appealing to save money by bringing your luggage as a carry on, only do so if the bag is less than 10% of your body weight. Check any bags heavier than that. Lifting

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heavy bags over your head to load them into the overhead

E X ER CIS E YOU R SH OU L D ER S

storage compartments on board can strain your back, neck and shoulder muscles.

Dr Geno Pisciottano has been a chiropractor in the McMurray

While driving, roll your shoulder backward and forward from

and Canonsburg areas for over 20 years. To learn more, visit us

time to time to keep blood circulating through them and to

at PCCMcMurray.com or Like Us, the Pisciottano Chiropractic

prevent your shoulder and neck muscles from tensing up

Center, on Facebook. We are conveniently located behind

during the drive.

Donaldson’s Crossroads in Peters Township.

If you are traveling soon and have questions, or if you have a great tip to share, please feel free to reach out to Practical Insider Travelers Tips at info@pinpointpennsylvania.com. Until next time, be safe and happy traveling!

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

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Arizona isn’t the only state that hosts the natural wonder of a Grand Canyon.

Pennsylvania has one too.

Story by Gwendolin Schemm. Photos by Michael Yatsko Photography.

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

outdoors

Pennsylvania’s Best Kept Secret

Without a doubt the state’s best kept secret, the Grand

to add greens among the reds, yellows, and oranges of the

Canyon of Pennsylvania is set in the breathtaking Pine Creek

deciduous hardwoods.

Gorge, stretching nearly 50 miles and reaching depths of 1,500 feet. With a radiant display of fall colors, the gorge is home to majestic views, fall foliage, and abundant wildlife.

Make your way to the floor of the canyon to bike or hike along Pine Creek Gorge on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted railroad bed. Named to USA Today’s top ten places to take

The canyon begins in Ansonia, a small community off Route

a bike tour, the Pine Creek Rail Trail provides a gentle grade

6 near Wellsboro and sits in 160,000 acres of the Tioga State

for minimal physical impact whether you choose to bike or

Forest. Twelve miles of the canyon was deemed a National

run along the gorge and take in the color around you. Start

Natural Landmark in 1968.

at Darling Run, and head 16 miles to Blackwell to say you’ve

Perfect for a weekend getaway, Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon

traveled the length of the canyon!

offers a hiker’s paradise with cooler temperatures and color-

Situated on the eastern rim of the canyon, Leonard Harrison

ful displays in the fall months. Take in the jaw-dropping fall

State Park offers visitors sweeping views, rushing waterfalls,

foliage in full color in late September through early October.

and the unspoiled beauty of the Northern part of the canyon.

Grab your camera as you hike the backwood mountain trails

Be sure to stop at the museum and seasonal gift shop after

and witness Mother Nature use pockets of evergreen trees

enjoying the scenery.

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Colton Point State Park, on the western side of the canyon, has multiple hiking trails echoing the rustic charm of Civilian Conservation Trails. Less developed than its eastern rim counterpart, non-experienced hikers should exercise caution as they hike along the dirt trails to take in the breathtaking views and hidden waterfalls, like Bear Run or Chimney Creek Falls.

Plan Your Trip...

Nestled in the breathtaking Pine Creek Gorge, the PA Grand Canyon offers colorful displays as the leaves change, and plenty of unspoiled beauty for the perfect weekend getaway. Make sure to leave ample time to

A magnificent view of the southern tip of the canyon is dis-

explore all the area has like the Pine Creek Rail Trail at the

played from Barbour Rock, a 1.5 mile handicap accessible trail.

floor of the canyon or take in the sweeping views from

If you look closely, you’ll even be able to see the Pine Creek

a horse-drawn covered wagon. Stroll through The Fifth

Rail Trail below. Witness nature’s beauty and take in a sunset

Season, a country home décor shop in nearby Wellsboro

or sunrise from the sandstone overlook.

before stopping for sweets at Peggy’s Candy and Gifts

Pinpoint: Potter & Tioga Counties

There’s something magical about the cascade of autumn leaves. As a cool fall breeze rustles through the trees, autumn reminds us how important it is to relax and watch the leaves turn. Autumn’s tints of reds, oranges, yellows, and purples show nature’s natural glow. As summer bids farewell, the autumnal sunshine bursts through the trees as leaves dance through the crisp fall air. The gentle luster of fall foliage is a mosaic bursting with autumn splendor for all to enjoy.

Photos below by Linda Stager.

just down the road. Plan a trip to enjoy local events such as the PA Apple-Cheese Festival in October, or the Dickens of a Christmas in December.

To check out all there is to do, see, eat, or get directions, visit pacanyon.com

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More Than Just Philadelphia's Neighbor Delaware County may neighbor Philadelphia, but they are certainly a destination of their own. Rich with culture and history, Delco has endless experiences for everyone whether you enjoy fall festivals, the tranquility of the natural world, or the history behind the nation.

Story by Gwendolin Schemm. Photos Courtesy of Visit Delco PA.

Harvest Dinner at Penns Woods Winery

Pinpoint: Delaware County

arts&entertainment

Chadds Ford Great Pumpkin Carve

Spend Saturday mornings at the Swarthmore Farmers Market before heading to the Christian C. Sanderson Museum. Partake in monthly bird walks at Newlin Grist Mill.

Watch as colors illuminate the dancing fountains and shining gardens at the Longwood Gardens Festival of Fountains every day through September 25th. Your spirits will be sure to soar.

Get the European feel as you stroll, shop, and dine at open-air cafes on Wednesday nights in September. You won’t even need your

Delco Arts Film Festival

passport to feel like you’re on Paris’ Avenue de Champs Elyseé!

Keep your Friday nights open and enjoy food trucks, live music, and local beer and wine at the Chaddsford Winery through the end of October.

Mark your calendar on September 15th for the Radnor Fall Festival for a day of family fun with local bands, dancing, and carnival rides. Honor apples at the annual Linvilla Orchards’ Apple Festival on September 14th and 28th.

Delco Arts Delco Studio Tour

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Apple Picking at Linvilla Orchards' Apple Festival

Watch as the North tries to defend against the South at

Plan Your Trip...

the Civil War Reenactment at the Colonial Pennsylvania

Breathe in the crisp autumn air as you hike along the

Plantation on September 22nd. Head back to the Plantation

Chester Creek Trail, an old rail trail following the route

in October for Lantern Ghost Tours.

of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Enjoy the big city feel of

Savor the flavors of Media at the annual Media Food & Crafts Festival on October 6th. Warm up with hot jazz with Mara Lavine and Gathering Time presented by the Lansdowne Folk Club on October 26th. Enjoy music from local school bands and all that Halloween has to offer on October 26th at the Media Halloween Parade.

Broadway magic at Media Theater or rocking performances at Hedgerow Theater. Sing your praise for a handcrafted beer at Ashton Abbey. Witness the authenticity behind an American great at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. Don’t forget to visit the parks, gardens or arboretums in the area, saturated with natural beauty. Commemorate the fallen

Honor the nation’s veterans at Media’s Veterans Day Parade

soldiers who fought for a country that didn’t exist yet

on November 11th. Every restaurant in Downtown Media will

at the Brandywine Battlefield, the location of the

have live music on November 15th and 16th to revel for the

largest battle of the American Revolution.

Annual Jazz by Night Celebration.

Without a doubt, you’ll want to make Delco a destination!

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

For an event schedule and accommodations, see visitdelcopa.com

BUT L E R CO UN T Y

Awesome Things to do Nor th of Pittsburg h!

From th

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Moraine State Park - Hikes along the trails of Moraine State Park are the perfect way to explore the magic of Mother Nature. Featuring 16,725 acres of pure beauty, Moraine State Park is Butler County’s biggest attraction and sees nearly two million visitors a year. This exquisite park offers activities for year-round enjoyment like camping, hiking, biking, boating, cross-country skiing and more!

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Small Towns - The charming towns of Butler County like Saxonburg and Harmony are captivating! These German towns feature museums, shops, restaurants and more! A stroll along Main Street in Saxonburg offers local restaurants and idyllic shops. A stop in the park pays homage to John Roebling, founder of the town and creator of wire-rope and designer of the Brooklyn Bridge. Harmony is a National Historic Landmark District and captivates visitors with old brick and log buildings.

Another interesting town is Mars, where visitors get an opportunity to take a selfie with a spaceship.

Map Out Your Day Planning the perfect day in Butler County just got a lot easier!

Download our mapping tool designed to help you explore the area including popular restaurants, top attractions, shopping and points of interest. You can digitally map out your own itinerary, share your plans via email, SMS or social media and take it with you on your phone.

The interactive planning tool is accessible via our mobile app Visit Butler County, PA! or on our website.

Harmony Inn

e festive to the downri delightful, ght you’ll find a v a ri e ty of charming towns, un ique even breathtak ts, ing attrac tions and distinctive brewpubs throughou Butler Co t unty. Som e ti mes the b treasures est are found off the be path. Butl a ten er County — Explore More.

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North Country Brewing Co.

Butler County Beer Circuit - The craft beer scene continues to thrive. While you’re here, navigate your way through the Butler County Beer Circuit, a self-guided trail of local brewpubs. This self-guided trail features ten different brewpubs, a taproom, and a canning facility; all offering a variety of unique and local craft beers year-round. You don’t have to travel far for refreshing beers and distinctive menu items — explore something new on the Butler County Beer Circuit.

Find more family fun in our free travel guide with itineraries, maps and more. Order your copy by calling 866-856-8444 or see our website:

www.VisitButlerCounty.com

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Lernerville Speedway Evenings of Fun Creating Memories of a Lifetime Story by Rene Hoy. Photos Courtesy of Lernerville Speedway.

The smell of oil, sweat, and gasoline fill the air on a cool Friday night.

The ground begins to rumble as the racers rev their engines. The vehicles crawl from the pit area to their respective starting positions. Soon the freshly watered, grated and manicured dirt track will become slick as ice as the crowds hold their breath in anticipation of the Fab 4 races. The drivers of the 410 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Big Block Modifieds and Stock Cars pick their lines and begin to slide around the corners jockeying for position.

Where is all this fun taking place? None other than Don Martin’s Lernerville Speedway!

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

In October 1967, Lernerville officially opened by running two

Tomson Scrap Metal has been busy making changes to assist

sub-par races. Today, fans are thankful for Don Martin who

in enhancing the fan experience. Since 2016, renovations have

helped turn an old amusement park into one of the top tracks

been made to the bleacher boards, grandstands, concession

in the country. Lernerville has the distinction of being the

stands and efficiency of the track. A live podcast was also

only track that offers three top paying divisions weekly. This

added two years ago. Thanks to closed circuit television feeds,

includes the Peoples TWP DIRTcar Sprints; Precise Racing

fans can grab a drink at either the Front Stretch or Finish Line

Products DIRTcar Late Models; Diehl Auto Group DIRTcar

Bars without missing a moment of the racing action. Closed

Northeast Big Block Modifieds; plus, the ever-popular

circuit feeds are also available at the pit concession stand,

Millerstown Pic-A-Part DIRTcar Sportsman/Stock.

two main concession stands and by the pizza stand.

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If you are looking for something to pique your children’s interest in racing, Lernerville offers a free Kids Club from 6:30pm to 7:20pm before every Fab4 racing event. The children participate in an arts/crafts, games, and have an opportunity to hang out with the drivers. The Kids Club is open to children ages 0 to 12 years old. Every year at the annual Kids Club Bike Raffle the drivers, owners and sponsors donate bikes that are given to club members. When a child attends a Fab4 event, they are given a raffle ticket and an entry into the bike drawing.

Children who do not receive a bike are given a t-shirt, so every child receives something.

The 2019 racing season will wrap up at Lernerville with the 11th Annual DIRTcar Round Up Steel City Stampede which occurs on October 17-19. On Thursday night from 7:00pm to 9:00pm fans will enjoy a free night of hot laps for all divisions.

Plan Your Trip...

Friday night heats up with intense heat races and LM qual-

Don Martin’s Lernerville Speedway is located at 313 North

ifying laps at 7:00pm. Saturday night promises to get your

Pike Road in Saver, PA, and the season runs from April

adrenaline pumping with B-Mains, A-Mains and Enduro 100s.

through October. To learn more and stay connected to the

The festivities will conclude with a huge bonfire including the

events and action at Lernerville, visit lernerville.com and

burning of a boat. You don’t want to miss it!

follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/Lernerville.

Pinpoint: Butler County

A “Terrifying Treat”

Reaper’s Revenge Reaper’s Revenge raises the bar of haunt entertainment with their spine-tingling, adrenaline-pumping, sinister scares. Recognized as one of America’s best haunted attractions, Reaper’s Revenge has four haunts in one, covering every category of scare well.

Story by Gwendolin Schemm. Photos Courtesy of Reaper's Revenge.

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Scranton’s 60-acre scream park provides 90 minutes of terrifying treats for its brave visitors.

An eerie green light shines as a straw-packed wagon creeps into the realm of the Reaper’s Forest. Bloodthirsty zombies and soul-searching creatures torment the wagon through the Reaper’s Castle as the walls explode in flames on the way to the Pumpkin Forest. Michael Myers, the legendary slasher is there to accompany!

And that’s only the beginning.

After deboarding the wagon, enter the Lost Carnival – a twisted nightmare. The home of deranged and demented sideshow freaks, clowns, and other oddities, the circus freaks have made the abandoned, decrepit rides their tormenting playground.

The Ferris wheel, funhouse, and merry-go-round only add to the fun at this no ordinary circus.

Walk through the blood-soaked Tunnel of Love. What lies ahead? Just know, you won’t be able to see it.

Pinpoint: Lackawanna County

Pitch Black Incorporated, a successful light bulb factory, once employed a large amount of the population of Lackawanna County. A gruesome electrical accident stole the lives of many employees, including the wife of the owner in 1924. The indoor maze steals the sight of visitors. The sixth sense is the only way

Plan Your Trip...

to get out. Your deepest phobias will be revealed in the sensory attack. But the outside world won’t be the same.

Get in the Halloween spirit by starting the season with a stop at Reaper’s Revenge in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The

A moonlit post-apocalyptic wasteland awaits as demented

haunt entertainment starts Friday, September 20th and

wasteland warriors prepare for battle against their human visi-

runs through Sunday, November 3rd. Open Fridays and

tors. Sector 13 is the last remaining bridge to the Western side

Saturdays from 6 pm to 1 am and Sundays from 6 pm

of the United States. Chemical warfare, infestation, and medical

to 11 pm through the fall season, the scare park stays

torture are used to terrorize all. Be prepared for mutants and

open until all customers have gone through. Make sure

cannibals that cannot be contained.

to bring your signed waiver!

There’s no break in the action at Reaper’s Revenge. You’ll come

For directions, schedules, or more information, check

face to face with the unknown in a purely insane fashion. This

out reapersrevenge.net

terrifying treat is one you won’t want to miss!

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• • • • • • • • •

F RA N K L IN ADA M S YORK C UM B ERLAND P ERRY DAUPHIN L EBA N ON L A N CASTER B E RK S

spotlight on:

Dutch Country Roads Nestled just east of central Pennsylvania,

Park in Franklin County. The park offers

of the 6,000-acre Civil War Military Park

the Dutch Country Roads region has

16 miles of hiking trails and breathing

in Gettysburg. Take in the haunts of his-

something for everyone! Packed with

taking panoramic views. If you are one

tory through a ghost tour or a paranormal

history, good eats and tons of family fun,

with nature, be sure to visit Cowans Gap

experience in downtown Gettysburg.

you will find yourself at the heart of the

State Park to fish, boat, watch some wild-

Pennsylvania Dutch.

life and even stay in one of their cabins.

Make sure to give yourself a day in

Plan a tour to get a behind the scenes

Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, Adams

Cumberland Valley to take a walk around

look at how Harley Davidson’s motor-

County has more to it than what meets

Boiling Springs, a lake that is literally all

cycles come to life at the Harley

the eye! The area produces more apples

bubbles. Finish the day at Butcher’s

Davidson Motor Company in York.

than anywhere else in Pennsylvania and

Family Fun Farm where you can launch

Before you leave York, check out the

is the fourth largest apple producer in

potatoes, pick your own pumpkins and

Civil War Trail to see what led up to the

the United States! Plan a trip in October

even shoot corn out of a cannon!

famous battles of Gettysburg.

to make a stop at the National Apple

Take in Cumberland Valley a different way

Learn about the nation’s history during a

by planning a stop at Kings Gap State

battlefield tour by horse or carriage ride

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania's Great Lakes Region

Well-known for being the site of the American Civil War and President

Harvest Festival or grab some apple cider at Reid’s Cider House!

Enjoy some sweet family fun with a day at Hershey Park to treat your sweet tooth with some chocolate and fuel your adrenaline on their roller coasters. Replenish your palate with some tasty dishes straight from the farm to your fork at The Mill.

Steam your way into the history of the Americana Region with a ride on Colebrookdale Railroad to uncover treasures of the past. Move to the beat at the Berks Jazz Festival or even participate in a chile pepper eating contest at the Chile Pepper Food Festival before sipping on a hand-crafted beer at Chatty Monk Brewery. Celebrate Christmas year-round at Murdough’s Christmas Barn, or take home some antiques from one of the area’s antiques markets!

Share the road with Amish buggies as you go past 18th and 19th century farms before stopping at Union Canal Tunnel Park where you can take a narrated canal tour through one of history’s forms of transportation. Let Lebanon Valley treat you to all the meals of the day as you relish in the tastes of scrapple, ,opera fudge, bologna, pirogies and soft pretzels – six flavors that define the palate of downtown Lebanon Valley.

You can’t leave Dutch Country without a stop in Lancaster, the heart of it all! Take in the Amish experience, a centuries old ‘plain lifestyle’ that features homemade cooking and crafts.

Finish the complete culture experience with some farm fresh finds. Before you leave Lancaster, make some time to go see the areas two dozen covered bridges, architecturally incredible symbols of the region’s old charm and romance.

With plenty to see, do and eat, you may need more than one trip to take in all the Dutch Country Roads has to offer!

Previous page, Children’s Lake, Boiling Springs, Cumberland County. Photo by Eric Forberger, Courtesy of the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau.

Right, top, Colebrookdale Railroad. Boyertown, Berks County. Photo Courtesy of Greater Reading Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Right bottom, Wertz Candies Chocolate Opera Fudge, Photo by Marshall Kramer. Courtesy of Visit Lebanon Valley.

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Michael Yatsko Photography Aerial Photography

-including events and groups Photography and Drone Instruction Drone Focused School Assemblies Prints Available

michaelyatskophotography.com

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

The (Hi)Story of Lebanon Valley A young law clerk was relinquished from his engagement to a highly soughtafter blossoming girl who later died in a suicide surrounded by conflict. Fifty years later, six blued-eye men sat down and plotted the murder of an innocent man. And the rest? Well, the rest is a piece of Lebanon Valley’s history.

Story and Photos Courtesy of Visit Lebanon Valley.

THE LOST LOV E O F A P RESI DE N T One of the strange mysteries of Pennsylvania history is the

distraught that she went to visit her sister in Philadelphia in

story of Ann Caroline Coleman. The Colemans were one of

hopes of brightening her spirit. In a fit of hysterical convulsions,

the wealthiest families in south-central Pennsylvania back in

her pulse gradually weakened until she died. Later reports

the early 1800s. Robert Coleman was a self-made man accumulating great wealth in the iron welding and forging business. The Colemans had five

showed an overdose of laudanum. Was it suicide by accident or intention, conflicting reports ensued?

Beloved and admired by all who knew Ann, in

grown sons and four younger daughters. Ann

the prime of her life, with all the advantages of

Coleman was considered the outstanding

education, beauty and wealth; in a moment

catch in 1819. Her wealth and social position

she was gone.

were enough to awe most, and it was for that reason she was still unmarried at 23.

The year was 1809 and young lawyer James Buchanan came to Lancaster as a law clerk. Ann Coleman was a mere 13-year-old when they met. As Buchannan worked his way up the ranks, he and Ann’s friendship blossomed, and they were engaged in the summer of 1819.

Father Coleman, now 71, was actively hostile to Buchanan to

Buchanan quoted... “I feel happiness has fled from me forever.” He purposely shunned marriage the remainder of his life and had a standard reply...” Marry he could not, for his affections were buried in the grave. “ How different might the course of American History have been if Buchanan had married Coleman and devoted his life to rural domesticity and the practice of law?

make life difficult for the path of this suitor for his daughter’s hand. This turmoil and more led to gossip about possible

Throughout the years, the Coleman Family contributed greatly to

infidelity. Passionate letters exchanged hands and reluctantly,

the Lebanon area by building churches, parks, and many philan-

Ann released Buchanan from the engagement. Ann was so

thropic additions to the community which is still enjoyed today.

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B LU E-E Y E D SI X It was July of 1878. Four men met to hatch a plan of murder in a hotel room in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.

The men took several life insurance policies out on an impoverished neighbor named Joseph Raber and declared they were planning to take care of Raber for the rest of his life and cover his burial expenses upon his death. The policies totaled $8,000. In reality, the men intended to kill Raber and collect the policy payout for themselves.

The paperwork was signed and soon after, the four men hired two assassins to drown Raber in the Indiantown Run. The coroner declared Raber’s death an accident, and his remains were laid to rest in the Moonshine United Zion Church cemetery.

The men almost got away with it until the son-in-law of one of the original conspirators came forward to police, and the men were arrested in connection with Raber’s death. In an unprecedented court decision, all six men- the four conspirators plus the two assassins- were tried together. This, along with the fact that each suspect had blue eyes, led the newspapers to refer to the men as the Blue-Eyed Six. All six were found guilty of murder in April 1879, though one of the conspirators, George Zechman, was later granted a second trial and acquitted due to lack of evidence against him. The remaining five were sentenced to death by hanging. The executions of the attackers occurred at the county prison.

Today the county prison’s original location is a beautifully restored Farmers Market in the center of town and home to the Lebanon Valley Visitors Bureau, “Visit Lebanon Valley”.

A few visitors in the building and surrounding graveyards claim to have encountered flickering blue lights or glowing blue eyes hovering around the cemetery. Some even say that the blue lights come in a configuration of six, no doubt paying penance for their crime.

Pinpoint: Lebanon Valley

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27

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

Across our state, one step through the wrong doorway can send chills down your spine. The room vibrates with the souls of those who came before you. Some of these souls are tortured and want you to go away, others welcome you with open arms. When you leave, the haunting history of the location has left an indelible memory in your brain.

Haunting History Story and Photos by Jason Krysinski, except where noted.

29

THE HISTORY AND HAUNTS OF

E A S T E R N S TAT E PENITENTIARY

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

One eager step inside the towering stone walls, will leave you questioning why you were excited to be there in the first place.

Not that the visit to the structure isn’t worth the visit, but if you have a sensitivity to energies and lingering spirits, be forewarned.

Around 1787, amidst growing concerns about the conditions of the existing prisons, Benjamin Franklin, and a group of influential individuals from Philadelphia, met and formed the Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons. Dr. Benjamin Rush and others, in the Society, wished to abolish the public shaming and punishments of the current system that was wrought with corruption and extremely overcrowded.

Rush proposed a new idea with the hopes that it would allow convicted criminals to offer true penitence and genuine guilt, which eventually would allow them to reform and re-enter society. The concept would grant those inside the penitentiary the ability to remain anonymous while repenting and finding their way back to the righteous path. It took the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania thirty years to be convinced that this revolutionary idea had merit. In 1829, the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, first opened its heavy iron doors, these doors remained open until 1971.

31

Pinpoint: Philadelphia County

Throughout the early years, prisoners were completely isolated from one another even wearing hoods when out of their cells. Utilizing the Quaker-inspired system of isolation, which allowed prisoners time to reflect upon their wrong-doing, rather than the common corporal punishment tactics of the time, the prison was very strict and very lonely.

As you walk through the prison, you cannot help but be transported back in time and empathize with the hooded individuals that would be silently led across the stone floors.

As you investigate the cramped confines of the individual cells, lighted only by a skylight during day, you can’t help but wonder if any real and meaningful reform was possible, or if the extreme isolation led to even further madness.

Opposite page, top, One of the many cell block halls throughout the prison.

Opposite page, bottom left, In the early days of the penitentiary, prisoners wore hoods, when in public spaces, like the one pictured here.

This page, top, This abandoned barber chair, located in one of the cells in the prison is said to be one of the most photographed sites on property.

This page, bottom, Al Capone had it pretty good, with his fully furnished cell during his time in the prison. This cell, the exact one he stayed in, has been reconstructed to what it would have looked like at the time.

Plan Your Trip...

Full of history and spirits, the Eastern State Penitentiary is certainly worth a visit. They are open seven days a week, 10am-5pm. Each September, it becomes a haunted house attraction, Terror Beyond the Walls.

33

CEN T RA L I A

CE M E TE RY O F D R E AMS

Pinpoint: Columbia County

Routes 42 & 61 Photo Courtesy of Columbia County Historical Society

C E N TRA L IA: TH EN Theories abound as to the origins of the raging underground

Not until 1979, did the locals fully understand the nightmare

fire that would eventually lead to the town’s demise, but most

that was occurring beneath their feet. As the mayor and local

people agree that the problem began in late May of 1962.

gas station owner, John Coddington, was checking the gas

By that time, coal mining was in steep decline and residents had begun to move away. The census of 1950 recorded 1,986 residents in Centralia, which represented a decline from its maximum population of 2,761 in 1890.

At the time of the fire, bootleg mining operations were common as the corporate mining companies had closed their doors. These bootleg mine operators used a technique called “pillar-robbing”, which mined the coal from the mine shaft support pillars. This “pillar-robbing” caused some of the mines to collapse, which lead to an extremely complicated and disorganized mine layout.

The predominant theory is that on May 27th, 1962, firefighters, as they had done in the past, set fire to trash in the local dump.

It is believed that this fire, never fully extinguished and entered an opening which set a coal seam ablaze.

levels in his tanks, he noticed something odd. The temperatures of the gas seemed warmer than normal. When he tested with a thermometer, he was shocked to find that the temperature was 172-degrees Fahrenheit.

In 1981, with around 500 building structures throughout the town, and just over 1,000 residents, it became apparent that there were serious problems below. A large sink-hole opened and swallowed 12-year-old Todd Domboski. If it wasn’t for the heroic efforts of his 14-year-old cousin, Eric Wolfgang, the 4-foot-wide and 150-foot-deep hole would have claimed his life.

As levels of carbon monoxide on the surface and in buildings continued to increase, the government began to take charge.

A wide-spread effort, by means of eminent domain, eventually took place and in turn nearly all the residents were moved out and almost all 500 structures were demolished.

35

C EN TRA L IA: TODAY As of 2019, only a handful of buildings remain and around 5

Driving into and exploring the town of Centralia leaves you

families call Centralia home. The government allows these

with mixed feelings. It doesn’t leave you with the sense of

families to live there for their remainder of their lives. But the

dread or fear. It leaves you with a sadness. This sadness is led

property will return to the state, under eminent domain, once

by the fact that this place was once called home to over 2,000

the last living relative passes on.

fellow Pennsylvanians, but now only a few remain.

For me, upon arriving, I was full of curiosity mixed with a bit of confusion and lack of understanding. In mid-summer, the vegetation had overgrown the surroundings. Full of greenery and trees at the edge of the roads, there wasn’t much mystery.

It seemed pretty simple. There was a town here once and now there’s not. Some roads lead to dead ends, where people clearly had been camping, drinking, and vandalizing the area.

Other roads lead to nothingness or another road.

Confused, I made my way to the Graffiti Highway. This large road was once PA Route 61, leading into and through Centralia.

It is one of the areas most affected by the fire that still burns underground today. The road is cracked and severely damaged in spots. Looking at it, one would think that a terrible earthquake had occurred. But here, you can see humanity everywhere. People have left their mark on every inch of this road. They have even decorated the trees with spray paint.

Perhaps it was the overwhelming energy of this space that opened my eyes to what I was missing in the rest of Centralia.

As I left the Graffiti Highway, I saw Centralia with new vision. I saw Centralia as a lost land. It was a place where families had once shared dreams. Children had grown up here. They left for college or work elsewhere, never to return.

At the corner of the for Main Street and PA Route 54, a brick sidewalk, now falling apart, triggered memories of brick sidewalks from my childhood. In the same space, a stone wall can be seen through the brush and, in the distance, two shrubs stand in the middle of nothingness. Shrubs that have no rightful place here. They are landscaping shrubs. They are not naturally growing here.

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

Across town, Railroad Avenue sits vacant and barren. Once a signature entrance to a housing plan, it’s now nothing more than a crumbling road and overgrown weeds. It’s easy to imagine families walking together hand in hand, neighbors walking their dogs, or children playing in the front lawn sprinklers on a hot summer day. But what was once full of life now sits abandoned.

As I left Centralia and passed their cemetery, it occurred to me that Centralia is not a boring or an overgrown ghost town.

Nor is it a fantastical travesty of human error that deserves to be gawked at, but rather Centralia is a cemetery of sorts. It is a cemetery of the dreams and desires to those souls that once called it home.

Plan Your Trip...

If you plan to visit Centralia, keep an open mind to what lays ahead. This is not a place of terror, do not expect to be haunted by what you discover. Keep an open heart.

This place was once home to many and a growing and thriving community. People still live here, even today. But every trip is different, so if you go, go again and again.

37

RIDGEWOOD WINERY COME FOR THE WINE, S TAY FOR THE HAUNTED TA L E S Located in Berks County, not far from Reading, Pennsylvania, sits a once abandoned farmhouse that is known by many locals as the Glass Family Pig Farm. They say you could stop by and purchase a pig from the roadside stand or a pumpkin in the fall, but in the summer months, you could find the best corn on the cob you have ever eaten. Today, this stone mansion is Ridgewood Winery, named for the wooded ridge directly across from the property, that slaves used to navigate their way to the property when it was used by the Underground Railroad.

Inside, you will find haunted historical Photo Courtesy of Ridgewood Winery.

stories as tasty as the award-winning wine they produce.

Pinpoint: Berks County

THE B U I LDI N G S The main building was built by the set-

The floors of the sitting room are all

tler and Welsh Quaker, James Lewis,

of one wood, planed smooth, and of

in 1725. He used the land to farm pro-

equal size and shape. The window sills

duce and raise cattle. During the time

have decorative carvings inlaid, even

that Lewis owned the property, he

on the top panels. The wood mantel

also helped orchestrate shelter and

around the fireplace is ornately and

aid for the Underground Railroad. It is

meticulously carved. All these features

also said that this main building was

were very rare for the time.

used as a private meeting place for the Committee of five (Ben Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Roger Livingston), during the creation of the Declaration of Independence. In 1806, the property was purchased by the very wealthy Jacob Dick and his wife Susannah Lutz.

Jacob would continue to grow in wealth and status as his produce was sold by Susannah’s father who ran the Reading Market. Using the money that he had accumulated over the years, Jacob built a triple decker barn in 1809 and added the extremely showy and elaborate Federal Wing in 1811. Many of the features in the Federal Wing simply flaunt wealth.

The second-floor master bedroom is large, complete with his and her closets and a fireplace as ornately carved as the one in the sitting room. It’s also the only room in the house with full hand carved wainscoting in addition the fancy window sills that match the sitting room. The guest room is not

Each spindle of the staircase is hand-carved into a one of a kind pieces of art.

nearly as elaborate, but beautiful.

And if you have a guest room, surely you need a trunk room in order to store these bulky pieces of luggage. Just outside of the master bedroom, is a large walk-in closet, said to be used

Hand-crafted and traditional “HL” hinges - standing for “Holy Lord” - are said ward off evil spirits, but do they?”

to store the trunks of would-be visitors.

Of all the rooms in this great house, the trunk room is the one most worth mentioning. But more on that in a moment.

39

T H E PEOPL E

THE WI N E

There is probably no way that either

When Bill Smith began to tinker with

James Lewis or Jacob Dick ever imag-

wine making in his basement, never

ined that more than a hundred years

did he imagine that in a few years, he

after they walked the halls of this

would become one of the premiere

estate, that Bill and Tracy Smith would

wine makers in the state. After all,

turn their beloved property into an

even the folks at the PA Farm Show

award-winning winery.

had told him that no one wins on a

Of course, it’s also very likely that James Lewis never imagined what is Photo Courtesy of Ridgewood Winery.

rumored to have transpired during the Jacob Dick ownership of the property.

R ECE N T AWA R D S 2019 US Competition Gold – Fredonia & Best Sweet Red Metal Winner Silver – Cabernet Franc Bronze – Riesling 2018 US Competition Double Gold – Fredonia

tions and space limitations, the

nearby brothels. A habit, of which, that

Smiths are in the process of purchas-

Susannah eventually grew tiresome.

ing a second location in Bechtelsville,

And supposedly, she slit his throat in

PA. This location will be operational

the trunk room.

by the end of 2019. It is at twenty-six-

During your visit to the winery, I encourage you to visit the trunk room and experience the feel of the room yourself. I won’t give you specifics, but I will

the room differently.

Bronze – Merlot

Silver – Olde Orchard Bronze – Merlot Finger Lakes International Competition

THE F U TURE

calls him, “Jakie”, tended to frequent

Silver – Cabernet Franc

Silver – Summer Blush

win he did.

Due to high demands for their liba-

say that men and women experience

Invitational Competition

open for three short months. But

Rumor has it that Jacob, or as Tracy

Silver – Olde Orchard

Jefferson California International

commercial level after only being

acre farm located about twenty miles from the current property. Here, Bill will be able to grow his own grapes and produce more wine. Tracy will be able to hold larger and more spectacular events.

Plan Your Trip...

Ridgewood Winery is on the National Historic registry for its connections to the Underground Railroad as well as the Lenni Lenape Indian Tribe burials on the property. It is located at 2039 Philadelphia Ave, Birdsboro, PA 19508. They are open 4pm-8pm on Thursday and Friday as well as

Double Gold – Fredonia

12pm-8pm on Saturday and 12-6pm on Sunday. For more on their events,

Silver – Vignoles

visit them at ridgewoodwinery.com. You can also contact them by phone

Silver – Summer Blush

at 484-509-0100 or email at info@ridgewoodwinery.com.

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

Sept. 20 Through Nov. 9 Philadelphia, PA www.TerrorBehindTheWalls.com

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41

Wineries & Wine Trails DIRECTORY PART 2: EAST Dry or sweet. Barrel-aged or fruity. Crisp or soft. Unwind with a glass of wine at one of the wineries in the eastern side of the state. From the vine to the bottle, take in picturesque views of Pennsylvania’s landscapes from the vineyards. Enjoy a purely sensory experience as each area’s wines offer a unique taste for your palate.

Take a trip on one of the many wine trails and get a feel for the wide variety of choices within a region.

In this issue we present the second part of our directory of wineries and wine trails in the eastern half of Pennsylvania. This is our companion piece to the summer issue's feature on western PA wineries.

This is a growing industry in our state and something exciting is always happening.

Check out pennsylvaniawine.com for all the most up-to-date listings of wineries, info on wine trails, and get the scoop on events and festivals!

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

Grace Winery, Glen Mills, Delaware County.

Photo courtesy of PA Winery Association | PennsylvaniaWine.com

43

DUTCH COUNTRY ROADS Adams County Winery

Four Springs Winery

Nissley Vineyards & Winery Estate

Orrtanna - Adams County

Seven Valleys - York County

Bainbridge - Lancaster County

adamscountywinery.com

fourspringswinerypa.com

nissleywine.com

Allegro Winery

Frecons Cidery

Reids Orchard & Winery

Brogue - York County

Boyertown - Berks County

Orrtanna - Adams County

allegrowines.com

reconfarms.com

eidsorchardwinery.com

Armstrong Valley Winery

Grandview Vineyard

Spring Gate Vineyard

Halifax - Dauphin County

Mount Joy - Lancaster County

Harrisburg - Dauphin County

armstrongvalleywinery.com

grandviewwines.com

springgatevineyard.com

Aulenbach Wines

Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery

The Vineyard at Hershey

Oley - Berks County

Orrtanna - Adams County

Middletown - Dauphin County

aulenbachwines.com

halbrendtwinery.com

vineyardathershey.com

Bouchette Vineyards

Hauser Estate Winery

The Winery at Hunters Valley

Lebanon - Lebanon County

Biglerville - Adams County

Liverpool - Perry County

bouchettevineyards.com

jackshardcider.com

huntersvalleywines.com

Broad Mountain Vineyard

J&P Winery

Thunder Ridge Vineyards

Elizabethville - Dauphin County

Grantville - Dauphin County

Spring Grove - York County

broadmountainvineyard.com

jpwinery.net

thunderridgevineyard.wixsite.com/

Bucks Valley Winery & Vineyards

Lancaster County Winery

Newport - Perry County

Willow Street - Lancaster County

Tuscarora Mountain Winery

bucksvalleyvineyards.com

lancastercountywinery.com

Chambersburg - Franklin County

Buddy Boy Winery & Vineyard

Logan's View Winery

Duncannon - Perry County

Loganville - York County

Vox Vineti Wines

buddyboywinery.com

logansviewwinery.com

Christiana - Lancaster County

Cassel Vineyards of Hershey

Manatawny Creek Winery

Hummelstown - Dauphin County

Douglassville - Berks County

Waltz Vineyards & Winery

casselvineyards.com

manatawnycreekwinery.com

Manheim - Lancaster County

Crosswinds Winery at Hershey

Maple Lawn Winery

Hummelstown - Dauphin County

New Park - York County

West Hanover Winery

crosswindswinery.com

maplelawnwinery.com

Harrisburg - Dauphin County

Cullari Vineyards & Winery

Marburg Estate Winery

Hershey - Dauphin County

Spring Grove - York County

Wyndridge Farm

cullarivineyards.com

marburgwine.com

Dallastown - York County

Deerfoot Vineyards & Winery

Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery

Shoemakersville - Berks County

Wrightsville - York County

Larsen Meadworks

deerfootfarm.com

moondancerwinery.com

Mechanicsburg - Cumberland County

DiFrancesco Meadery

Mount Hope Estate and Winery

Wrightsville - York County

Manheim - Lancaster County

Pinnacle Ridge Winery

difrancescomeadery.com

mounthopewinery.com

Kutztown - Berks County

Folino Estate

Naylor Wine Cellars

pinridge.com

Kutztown - Berks County

Stewartstown - York County

The Winery at the Long Shot Farm

olinoestate.com

naylorwine.com

Carlisle - Cumberland County

trvineyards

tuscaroramtwinery.com

voxvineti.com

waltzvineyards.com

westhanoverwineryinc.com

wyndridge.com

facebook.com/larsenmeadworks

thelongshotfarm.com

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

W I NE T RA I L S You don’t have to venture too far to find a wine trail offering a rich wine experience. Savor the flavor of your favorite selection as you indulge in the rich wine culture of Eastern Pennsylvania.

Home to a variety of growing conditions, the wineries along the eight trails on this half of the state will be sure to create a unique or original taste to please your palate.

Home to sixteen wineries, the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail produces award-winning wines. Tasters enjoy the benefits of the region’s climate and soil as they submerge themselves in the delicate varieties.

Wine lovers from all over stop along the way for the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Eastern PA, the seven wineries that make up the trail each create their own unique flavors.

Experience the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, located in a natural grape-growing setting. The trail’s eight wineries have won countless national and international awards for their stellar wines.

Find out more about these and all the wine trails on the Eastern side of the Keystone state, see pennsylvaniawine.com/wine-trails

Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville, Lehigh County.

Photo courtesy of PA Winery Association | PennsylvaniaWine.com

LEHIGH VALLEY Amore Vineyards & Winery

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery

Franklin Hill Vineyards

Nazareth - Northampton County

Breinigsville - Lehigh County

Bangor - Northampton County

amorewines.com

cloverhillwinery.com

franklinhillvineyards.com

Black River Farms

Hackett Winery

Sleepy Cat Urban Winery

Bethlehem - Northampton County

New Tripoli - Lehigh County

Allentown - Lehigh County

black-river-farms.com

hackettwine.com

sleepycaturbanwinery.com

Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars

M&M Vineyards

Tolino Vineyards

New Tripoli - Lehigh County

Bangor - Northampton County

Bangor - Northampton County

bluemountainwine.com

mmvineyards.com

tolinovineyards.com

Boos-Rock Winery

Snicklefritz Cidery @ Pappy's Orchard

Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery

Breinigsville - Lehigh County

Coopersburg - Lehigh County

Breinigsville - Lehigh County

boosrockwinery.com

pappysorchard.com

vynecrest.com

45

PHILADELPHIA & THE COUNTRYSIDE 1723 Vineyards

J. Maki Winery

Sand Castle Winery

Landenberg - Chester County

Elverson - Chester County

Erwinna - Bucks County

1723vineyards.com

jmakiwinery.com

sandcastlewinery.com

A'Dello Vineyard & Winery

Kreutz Creek Vineyard

Stargazers Vineyard

Perkiomenville - Montgomery County

West Grove - Chester County

Coatesville - Chester County

adellowines.com

kreutzcreekvineyards.com

stargazersvineyard.com

Bishop Estate Winery

Old Stone Cider

Stone Barn Cellars Winery

Perkasie -Bucks County

Lewisville - Chester County

Spring City - Chester County

bishopestatepa.com

oldstonecider.com

stonebarncellars.com

Black Walnut Winery

Paradocx Vineyard

Stone & Key Cellars

Sadsburyville - Chester County

Landenberg - Chester County

Montgomeryville - Montgomery County

blackwalnutwinery.com

paradocx.com

stoneandkeycellars.com

Borderland Vineyard

Patone Cellars

Va La Vineyards

Landenberg - Chester County

Landenberg - Chester County

Avondale - Chester County

borderlandvineyard.com

patonecellars.com

valavineyards.com

Boyd's Cardinal Hollow Winery

Penns Woods Winery

Vivat Alfa Winery

West Point - Montgomery County

Chadds Ford - Chester County

Doylestown - Bucks County

cardinalhollowwinery.com

pennswoodsevents.com

vivatalfawinery.com

Buckingham Valley Vineyards &

Rose Bank Winery

Wayvine Winery & Vineyard

Winery

Newtown - Bucks County

Nottingham - Chester County

Buckingham - Bucks County

rosebankwinery.com

wayvine.wine

pawine.com

Rushland Ridge Vineyards

Wycombe Vineyard & Winery

Chaddsford Winery

Rushland - Bucks County

Furlong - Bucks County

Chadds Ford - Chester County

rushlandridge.com

.wycombevineyards.com

chaddsford.com Country Creek Vineyard & Winery Telford - Montgomery County Crossing Vineyards & Winery

GRACE WINERY The Grace Winery barn was destined

Newtown - Bucks County

to craft wine. It’s a historic 1750’s bank

crossingvineyards.com

barn that was originally built to malt

Flickerwood Wine Cellars

barley for distilled spirits. Over the

Oxford - Chester County flickerwood.com Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery Kennett Square - Chester County

years it was used for many other purposes including housing livestock.

Eventually falling into disrepair, it was

galerestate.com

resurrected in a 2008 renovation. The

Grace Winery

winery opened in 2010. We encour-

Glen Mills - Delaware County

age you to sit back and enjoy a Grace

gracewinery.com

Winery vintage in the quiet comfort of country living, plan an event, or spend the night at The Inn at Grace Winery.

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

Photo courtesy of PA Winery Association PennsylvaniaWine.com

Photo courtesy of PA Winery Association | PennsylvaniaWine.com

THE POCONOS Big Creek Winery

Mountain View Vineyard,

Stonekeep Meadery

Kunkletown - Monroe County

Winery & Brewery

Jim Thorpe - Carbon County

bigcreekvineyard.com

Stroudsburg - Monroe County

stonekeepmeadery.com

Blue Ridge Winery

mountainviewvineyard.com

The Renegade Winery

Saylorsburg - Monroe County

Pocono Limited Winery

Stroudsburg - Monroe County

blueridgeestatewinery.com

Stroudsburg - Monroe County

.therenegadewinery.com

Cherry Valley Vineyards

poconolimitedwineryonline.com

Three Hammers Winery

Saylorsburg - Monroe County

Radical Wine Company

Hawley - Pike County

cherryvalleyvineyards.com

Lehighton - Carbon County

threehammerswinery.com

Eagles Rest Cellars

radicalwinecompany.com

Tolino Vineyards

Stroudsburg - Monroe County

R.A.W. Urban Winery & Hard Cidery

Stroudsburg - Monroe County

eaglesrestcellars.com

Stroudsburg - Monroe County

tolinovineyards.com

rowanasherwinery.com

47

UPSTATE PA Antler Ridge Winery

Maiolatesi Wine Cellars

Ulster - Bradford County

Scott Township - Lackawanna County

antlerridgewinery.com

maiolatesiwinecellars.com

Benigna's Creek Winery Inc.

Nimble Hill Winery & Brewery

Klingerstown - Schuylkill County

Tunkhannock - Wyoming County

.bcwinery.com

nimblehillbrewing.com

Capra Collini Winery

Pickering Winery

Blakely - Lackawanna County

Wysox - Bradford County

capracollinawinery.com

pickeringwinery.webs.com

Deep Roots Hard Cider

Red Shale Ridge Vineyards

Sugar Run - Bradford County

Heigins - Schuylkill County

deeprootshardcider.com

redshaleridgevineyards.com

STAGGERING UNICORN WINERY

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery

Settler Fields Vineyard

Andreas - Schuylkill County

Shickshinny - Luzerne County

galenglen.com

setter-fields-vineyard.business.site

Winery is a small batch winery specializ-

Grovedale Winery & Vineyard

Staggering Unicorn Winery

ing in sweet fruit, berry and unique wines.

Wyalusing - Bradford County

Athens - Bradford County

Our wines are never aged and should

grovedalewinery.com

staggeringunicorn.com

Gwen is editing this. Staggering Unicorn

be consumed within four years. The

Hidden Creek Winery

Stone Mountain Wine Cellars

Laceyville - Wyoming County

Pine Grove - Schuylkill County

hiddencreekwines.com

jerseyacresfarms.com

King Cole Winery

Winterland Winery

Schuylkill Haven - Schuylkill County

Dushore - Sullivan County

history of home wine making and family

kingcolewinery.org

facebook.com/winterlandwinery

recipes inspired us to start making wine

Lopez Winery

Long Trout Winery

in our home with fresh picked black-

Lopez - Sullivan County

Auburn - Schuylkill County longtroutwinery.com

name Staggering Unicorn was created by family and friends and represents the uniqueness of our products. Our family

berries. Fruit wines quickly became a favorite for us and our family and friends.

After having great success with the fruit

VALLEYS OF THE SUSQUEHANNA Dalvino Wine Company

Shade Mountain Winery

wines, we decided to expand on flavors

Sunbury - Northumberland County

Middleburg - Snyder County

and now we make over 20 varieties of

dalvinowineco.com

shademountainwinery.com

wine that include some traditional and some very nontraditional.

Fero Vineyards and Winery

Spyglass Ridge Winery

Lewisburg - Union County

Sunbury - Northumberland County

.ferovineyards.com

spyglassridgewinery.com

A few of our traditional wines include: Blackberry,

Blueberry,

Strawberry,

Pineapple-Strawberry,

Freas Farm Winery

Three Dogs Vino

Berwick - Columbia County

Bloomsburg - Columbia County

freasfarmwinery.com

threedogsvino.com

Purple Cow Winery

Whispering Oaks Vineyard

Bloomsburg - Columbia County

Sunbury - Northumberland County

wines include: Basil, JalapeĂąo, Coffee,

purplecowvineyards.com

whisperingoaksvineyardpa.com

Cinnamon, Spiced Orange, Honeysuckle,

Cranberry and Peach. Our nontraditional

Lemon and more.

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

Raspberry,

49

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular Come in costume, grab your trick-or-treating bag, and hang out with everyone’s favorite mysterious but friendly Muppet Count von Count at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place.

Story by Gwendolin Schemm. Photos Courtesy of Sesame Place.

The annual Halloween themed event began in 1997 and runs

Stay a bit later into the evening to enjoy a nighttime version of

on select dates from September 21st through November 3rd

the parade complete with family-friendly Halloween lighting!

as the park is transformed into a happy haunted haven!

Walk through Count’s “spooky” castle, find your way through

Trick-or-treat your way through Sesame Place as you stop along the way to swing, soar, and sail on Count von Count themed rides. Join in the festival fun with everyone’s favorite furry friends during the Neighborhood Street Party Halloween Parade featuring silly and spooky floats, music, and dancing.

You won’t want to miss doing the Jack-O-Lantern jump!

Pinpoint: Bucks County

Abby Cadabby’s Magical Halloween Maze, and take a ride on the Not-So-Spooky Hayride with everyone’s favorites Bert and Ernie. Make sure to stop by Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Costume Party before taking a quick break to decorate pumpkins.

Get warm in Abby’s Paradise Theater as you dance along with the Muppet gang during the Count’s old-time radio show in The Not Too Spooky Howl-O-Week Radio Show. Elmo even gets in on the Halloween fun as he decides to test his luck as a magician in Elmo The Musical Live! – Halloween. You can’t leave Sesame Place before stopping at the Monster Rock Theater to watch as the Count spooks his friends in Who Said Boo?!

Keep a lookout for special day events to spend with your favorite Muppets like The Count’s Batty Birthday Bash and Abby Cadabby’s Fairy Pumpkin Party.

Plan Your Trip...

Less than a days drive from most locations in the state, Sesame Place is the perfect spot for a growing family with young children. Whether it be during the summer for a week-long vacation or a day trip for one of their

A day of not-so-spooky family fun is guaranteed spent with

holiday event, you can find out about their events and

the Muppets at Sesame Place!

plan your visit at sesameplace.com/philadelphia

51

Allentown is a friendly, lively neighborhood of funk and possibility with Black Forge Coffee, upscale eateries, and room for future development. Here, you'll also discover a delightful treasure of a store called The Weeping Glass: Odd Art, Natural History, Unusual Gifts, Ephemera, Oddities, and Sadness.

All Oddities Great and Small Story and Photos by Angela Todd

Several people poke their heads in, hesitating before entering. Co-owner Kelly Braden loves talking to those folks, always taking the time to melt away their "fear of the weird and unknown." She is a consummate educator, and a great storyteller, "When I find something weird, I want to learn all about it. I'm a nerd. I can tell you about everything in this store: where it came from, when it's from, and why we have it here."

The Weeping Glass is full of amazing art and vintage pieces: historic and recently made memento mori, a 19th-century doctor's bag with the original glass vials (some of which still have concoctions in them), contemporary tin work, a Krampus mask, and a Fiji mermaid that Kelly made herself. They have coffin nails (named for their shape), dream catchers, fine art, and taxidermy specimens. You'll see jewelry, porcupine quills, hats, and masks.

The Weeping Glass hosts Allentown Night Market where you'll find sideshow and circus acts, and live bands as they re-purpose empty shop fronts into pop-up exhibitions and vendors.

Above left, Iron coffin nails Bottom left, memento mori Bottom right, 19th-century doctor's bag Above right, Krampus mask

Pinpoint: Allegheny County

unique places The shop also has a wide array of events, such as a marionette

The store welcomes people of all

show by Handsome Devil Puppets, with everyone seated on

kinds, “anyone and everyone inter-

the floor to help replicate childhood wonder. It's intimate -

ested in antiques and oddities from

only 30 people maximum. They even hold taxidermy classes.

tourists, artists, collectors to people

During the winter, they host Midnight Death Parlors. Come at 10 pm for candle-lit ghost or murder stories. Space is limited to 15 people, and tickets include two cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Edgar Allen Poe stopped by to make an appearance on his birthday in January to read from his work, "It's very intimate because you're in this space with a performance artist, and it's them and you and you can hear a pin drop in this building, and it's dark and candlelit. It's very cool." At each parlor you'll receive a death parlor collectible... get them all!

like me, who have this as their daily home decor... I personally like the people who are ignorant to all of this.

My last visitor said, 'oh that looks like the devil.' But actually, it's a Krampus mask. According to pre-Christian lore in Germany, St. Nicolas travels with a Krampus. St. Nicholas gives out the presents, and the Krampus gives out the beatings, depending on whether you've been good or bad."

This year, the Poe event is happening on October 18th. Tickets will go on sale at the end of September.

Kelly & Aaron Doctor have been in the arts community since 2008 and launched their website in 2009. Since then, they have traveled up and down the east coast with their artwork.

Eventually, they brought all their art back to Pittsburgh and started an annual event called The Atrocity Exhibition. The event of side show, circus, and burlesque acts launched once a year for a full decade. They installed pop-up oddity shops in empty storefronts for a couple of years, then missed the brick and mortar experience. You'll be delighted they're back!

Keep up with all of Kelly and Aaron’s projects by following The Weeping Glass on Facebook, and Morose and Macabre on Instagram. The Weeping Glass is always looking for new artists; email at moroseandmacabre@gmail.com them for details.

Plan Your Trip...

The Weeping Glass is located at 817 East Warrington Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15210. Check out this funky shop Wednesday - Friday 1-8 pm, Saturday 12-8, and Sunday 12-6. Visit moroseandmacabre.com for more details!

53

Celebrating 250 Years of Community In mid-August 2019, the City of Monongahela, located at the eastern edge of Washington County along the banks of the river for which the town is named, threw a grand 4-day party to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding. Special events honored the town’s rich history, looked forward to its bright future, and brought out the entire community to celebrate the heritage of the oldest settlement in the Monongahela River Valley.

The once in a lifetime celebration allowed residents, both new and old, to appreciate the city’s cultural charm.

Packed with history, music, food, and even the world’s largest wedding cookie table, the party proved there is magic in their small-town right along the Mon.

Pinpoint: Washington County

Above, Digging up of the 1969 Bicentennial Time Capsule, led

by Monongahela founding-family town member, Donald DeVore in Chess Park. Mementos of a time 50 years poured out of the copper time capsule, revealing a time when the first humans walked on the Moon. Baby shoes, magazines, newspapers, and even a Boy Scout Membership card from 1968 were among the contents now on display at the Longwell House. Photos by Jim Braum Photography.

history

Above, Chess Park, located in the heart of the town was the center of activities for the long weekend. Photo by Mary Ellen Patrick.

Top Left, Mounds Park commemorates the indigenous people of Monongahela. Home to two Native American burial grounds built over 2,000 years ago, the area is now a well-regarded recreational part of town. The celebration honored the history of the Native Americans in the region. Photo by Cayla Komondor.

Bottom Left, The Aquatorium hosted a concert performance from the Washington Symphony Orchestra with a Laser Light Show by Lightwave International on Friday night. Jay Chattaway, a Monongahela native best known for being the composer for Star Trek, made a special appearance.. Photo by Tom Zeni.

Below, As part of Monongahela’s 250th party, the town hosted a Patriotic Decorations Contest to see who could create the most festive décor in the friendly competition. Houses, businesses, and buildings alike were decked out in the nation’s red, white, and blue!. Photo by Susan Gruber

55

This page, Every celebration, especially one 250 years in the making, needs a parade. The 250th Grand Parade featured bands, performers, floats, youth sports associations, businesses even the youngest and oldest residents of Monongahela! Most notably, 226 men sported their best dungarees and carried their handmade sides, Whiskey jugs, farm tools, and Whiskey Rebellion flags to commemorate the peaceful end of Whiskey Rebellion in 1794.

Whiskey rebels were joined by Albert Gallatin, Pennsylvania state Representative, and Benjamin Parkinson, a notable Whiskey rebel later pardoned by President Washington for his role in the rebellion, at Whiskey Point.

Mon Valley’s oldest settlement once grew rye along the frontier that was later distilled into whiskey. A rebellion was prompted by taxes from the federal government in 1791 and was met with thousands of troops sent by President Washington to calm the rebels. Three years later, Albert Gallatin addressed 226 rebels at Whiskey Point, a bluff overlooking the Mon River, persuading them to end the rebellion peacefully.

Led by Washington County Historical Society director Clay Kilgore, the re-enactment brought history alive for onlookers.

Top photo by Lynda Stewart.

All others by Laurie Cochran.

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

Left and below right, In its inaugural year, the Railroad Street Fair opened with a short concert from the Great American Horn Machine, a Monongahela-built contraption celebrating their history with steam whistles from factories, steel mills, and riverboats followed by art demonstrations, street musicians, and food booths.

The street fair was hosted by the Monongahela Youth Main Street Program.

Photos by Laurie Cochran.

Below left and bottom, The celebration was one for the history books – but for more reasons than just Monongahela’s 250th birthday. The Monongahela Historical Society earned itself a place in the Guinness World Record books with the largest wedding cookie table. Their 88,425 cookies smashed the previous record of 18,000.

Photos by Donna Vaccari.

Pinpoint: Pennsylvania

F A M I LY A L B U M I lived in Monongahela for 14 years, just a few blocks up from the library, with my husband and two kids. One day, we decided to clean out the attic that was loaded with belongings left behind by family members who were no longer there. Four generations of Stewarts lived in that 1927 house going back to the 1950s, and we found lots of interesting things there, but by far the most intriguing was the old suitcase full of photos. We were happy just to rescue them from the non-climatecontrolled attic, but another family member took on the ambitious task of scanning all the photos to preserve them digitally. It's my pleasure to share some of them here. ~Lynda Stewart, Co-Editor in Chief

Above, Mon City celebrates the end of World War II, Right, Monongahela City Chief of Police - William H. Stewart.

Far right, Monongahela City Police - Bottom row left to right: George Lowe, Bert Togni, Albert Zavarello, Bob Capicota. Top row left to right: Dino Paula, George Bosco, Bill Urban,

Special thanks to Jeanna Anderson for stepping into

Bill Stewart, Art Skaine.

the role of Stewart Family Digital Archivist.

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