Monday, August 30, 2010

Wallace-Cross Mill



In a world full of technology and everyone afraid to either live with, or without it, I always find comfort in a place where time seems to have stopped. Tucked away on a rural road in southern York county lies one of these hidden treasures.

The Wallace-Cross mill was built in 1826, and is a rare example of a water powered grain mill. Most of these mills have been destroyed or have been upgraded tremendously. This small rural mill was able to bypass all this technology and was still operating successfully up until the 1980's.

Today the mill has been restored to how it looked in the 1950's, during it's pinnacle time when the mill was in operation 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The mill also contains exhibits as well as operational equipment and is open for public tours.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Great American Holly Tree

Located on the grounds of the Indian Steps Museum, hovering higher than the two-story museum, Is thought to be the largest American Holly tree in North America.

The tree was just a tiny seedling when the Pilgrims originally landed at Plymouth Rock. Today the holly tree acts as a living American artifact.

Each year a small branch is taken from the tree to commemorate the museum and the beautiful land that surrounds it.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Indian Steps Museum




Embedded in the walls of the Indian Steps Museum are thousands of artifacts from various tribes of Native Americans. These relics are placed in such a way as to tell their story and to forever share their history and ancestry with visitors from all over.

The museum originally came to fruition after local Attorney John Vandersloot purchased a tract of land near the Susquehanna river. While excavating the land he unearthed numerous artifacts including arrowheads, stone tools and pottery. Some of these findings predate even the Egyptian pyramids.

In 1908 Attorney Vandersloot began to build a museum to forever enshrine his findings. In 1912 the museum was completed. Inside you'll find beautiful stained glass windows, a large sandstone table, stone stairs, and stone fireplaces all of which help to enrich the natural beauty.

After Mr. Vandersloot's passing the property was acquired by a few of the utility companies who operate nearby. Eventually the property made it's way into the hands of the Conservation Society of York County. Today they still maintain the museum, which has been regarded as one of the finest museums in the United States, as well as the nearly ten acres of beautiful river hills that surrounds it.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Codorus Furnace Phantoms


Hidden along back roads near the Codorus creek lies an industrial treasure from centuries past.

The Codorus furnace was first built in 1756 by William Bennet, on land he acquired from William Penn. Bennet only operated the furnace for 6 years before selling it. The property eventually made it's way into the hands of James Smith. Mr. Smith was a member of the Continental Congress, as well as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but apparently not very business savvy. After losing $25,000 he also sold the property.

Not all times were hard for the furnace. During the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812, the furnace supplied the Continental Army with cannons and cannon balls. The furnace also helped to replenish General Washington and his troops dwindling supplies, during their harsh winter at Valley Forge. Surprisingly this small furnace helped to regularly employ 60 men until operations ceased in 1850.

Though not everyone believes all who were in the industry have completely left. Numerous spirit investigators and paranormal groups believe there's still a spiritual presence in the area. Many local passerby's have also spotted a woman in a white dress roaming around the furnace and it's surrounding areas.

Monday, August 9, 2010

York County Hidden Treasures


Wallace-Cross Mill
Originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza
In the August Outta the Way zine we'll take you on a stroll through the backwoods of rural York county. We'll take you on a visit to a few industrial giants from the past, including an iron furnace haunted by spirits, and an old family grist mill. Take a tour of a home built to celebrate the Native Americans. Walk amongst the thousands of artifacts on a land the Native Americans found to be very important. Lastly we'll visit a beautiful rural train town, still looking eerily similar to the days of the 1800's. Still awaiting it's chance to fully blossom. So get outta the way, because we're going Outta the Way!