Well, it’s that time of year once again.
When Mother Nature blesses us with warmer weather I create my list of places I’d like to visit over the next few months. These may not be your typical tourist attractions, but they are certainly worthy of a closer look.
From the bygone days of the trolley…
Long-time readers may remember the story I wrote highlighting a former transformer building from the early trolley lines in the area. Easily overlooked and tucked away in rural Heidelberg Township, that building offered an intriguing look into the past.
I’m happy to report that an identical building exists in Jackson Township and I’ll soon be checking it out. My father, Carl Stough, shared the photo below which gives you a glimpse of the second building.
Despite its questionable condition, I’m thankful that it’s still standing after all these years.
While we’re on the topic of York County trolleys, I also have my eyes on a former trolley stop just outside of Menges Mills. The property is owned by the parents of a school friend and I’ve already received permission to swing by to photograph it.
Home Sweet Home…
Sitting on the edge of a wooded area and not far from a gently-flowing stream, an abandoned brick farmhouse has been calling my name. The parents of the elderly property owner once lived in the house, but it’s been sitting empty for decades. It’s hard to say if it would be safe to go inside, but I was told to stop by for a visit any time so he could show me around.
I certainly can’t argue with his hospitality.
Gone but not forgotten…
For at least two years, perhaps a bit longer, I’ve been searching for a small cemetery near Saginaw. Wogan Burial Ground is the final resting place of at least eight people, one being that of Revolutionary War veteran George Wogan. During his service, he was a guard at Springettsbury Township prisoner-of-war site Camp Security.
Cemeteries on private property can be tricky to visit, and this one is certainly no different. I’ve been told it sits on the edge of a former quarry near the Susquehanna River, but its exact location hasn’t been easy to pinpoint. The aerial image below, courtesy of Bing.com, shows the area where the cemetery should be located.
I’ve sent a letter to the owner asking for permission to search for the burial grounds. If granted, I’d also enjoy documenting the building from the former quarry operation, which appears that they are still standing.
A trip to southern York County…
The Stewartstown Railroad has been in the news for years as efforts are underway to save the threatened railway. There are several buildings and structures with its operation, and I’ve been given access to document all of them.
While in Stewartstown, I’d also love to explore the former Ramsay Theater that rumors say used to have a bowling alley in the basement. This is another site that contact with the owner is needed, which is some thing I’m working on.
Photo credit: Cinema Treasures (submitted by David Shelleman)
The list goes on and on…
Now don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the end of the list and is only a starting point. I also have plans to visit some abandoned or neglected churches, schoolhouses, barns, cemeteries, and anything else that crosses my path along the way. I not only expect the next few months to be busy, but also extremely memorable.
What sites would you like me to visit and write about? I’m open to all suggestions.
In other news…
Preserving York is seeking local businesses who would be interested in sponsoring our 2013 fundraising event. Several have already made the commitment while others have asked for additional information. If you would like to know more, please send me your contact information and I’ll see that you receive it promptly.
