Lumber, Grist, and Paper Mills

In the preceding blog the first definition of industry given in Merriam-Webster had been “the habit of working hard and steadily.” The second definition of industry in the same resource is “a group of businesses that provide a particular product or service.” The early industries in Pennsylvania fit this category. As towns sprang up, Read More

Early Agriculture

The early Pennsylvania colonist farmed. After he arrived in this country, he chose his land, built a rough shelter, cleared land by chopping down trees, and planted his crops so he would have food for winter. The settler deposed of the fallen trees by burning them and then sold the ashes or used them to make soap. Neighbors helped chop up or pull out tree stumps using sturdy horses, mules, or oxen.

Only after preparing his field, did the settler Read More

Hunters, Trappers, and Traders

Pennsylvania had many kinds of industries over the years. The simplest definition of industry is “the habit of working hard and steadily.”[1]  From beginning times, Pennsylvania people labored to meet their basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter.

Woods covered most of Pennsylvania before explorers came to the New World. Native Americans Read More

Industry in Pennsylvania

I have begun the daunting task of adding to my series of educational workbooks, a book on the history of industry in Pennsylvania. Does everyone know the three biggies? Read More

Millerstown Holiday Craft Show 2016

J & D Wood Crafts

“Why did I pick this lane?” I wanted to park so I could go to the Millerstown Holiday Craft Show in Millerstown, Pennsylvania, but found myself trapped in my car in front of the Greenwood Elementary School where the craft show is held. Read More

D. J. Ernst Books

From time to time, I stop at D. J. Ernst Books in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. I browse the shelves, looking for good source material to use when I write children’s educational workbooks. Mr. Ernst has a really good selection on Pennsylvania history. During my last visit, I found two books that I wanted and read more 

Serving Prisoners in Pennsylvania

Former Juniata County Jail

Recently, I read in my Bloomsburg alumni magazine that four Pennsylvania institutions have been selected to participate in a pilot program called Second Chances Pell. The program will allow qualified inmates from seven different prisons to receive money to attend college. Each must be due for parole within five years. Research shows that prisoners who become educated during prison have a higher rate of not returning there. The colleges participating are Bloomsburg University, Indiana University, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Villanova University.

Reading this fact made me think about prison ministry. My own venture into that arena Read More