August 14, 2013
ANNUAL PICNIC & GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP
August 14, 2013
Austin T. Blakeslee Natura Area, Pocono Pines, Pa.
Speakers: Gloria McCullough and Ann O’Hara, “Rafting and Lumbering on Area Waterways”
The picnic and general membership meeting was held at the pavilion of the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area along the banks of the Tobyhanna Creek. Vice President Scarlett Rehrig convened the meeting at 11 a.m. U.S. Marine veteran Frank Foy led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Scarlett announced upcoming HATT events. These included "The Manhattan Project" given by Fred Lehrer as part of our Summer Lecture Series, on August 22 and 27, both at 5:30 p.m.. The next membership meeting is September 11, 10:15 a.m. at Clymer Library, with presentations by Dr. Alberta Finch, entitled “19th Century Medicine” and “Dentistry through the Ages” by HATT member Dr. Don Jones. HATT’s annual historical excursion was also announced again, for September 25 to Allentown, to three venues.
Scarlett then turned over the microphone to Fred Lehrer, program chair. Fred introduced our program presenters, authors Gloria McCullough and Ann O’Hara of the Wayne County Historical Society, who presented “Rafting and Lumbering on Area Waterways.”
Their presentation centered primarily on the logging industry along the upper Delaware River, beginning in the 18th century, through until the end of the 1800s. Due to the size of the Delaware River, logs were assembled into large ”rafts’ in both width and length, to float downriver to the sawmills, as far south as below Philadelphia in some cases.
They spoke of life as it was for the workers, the processes used, and the tough life experienced. Many specific, personal accounts were shared of life in logging camps and of rafting down the river. Their presentation contained exceptional information about this industry and how life was in it.
Next on the agenda, Rick Bodenschatz presented some factoids of the lumbering industry in Tobyhanna Township, researched from a number of publications. Again, many details of operations were presented, and the characters involved, including names that survive in families with us today. Many operations were quite large, including 50,000 acres harvested by William Dodge, and thousands of acres further taken by Isaac Stuffer and Albert Lewis. By 1900, Tobyhanna Township, except for a few isolated patches, was barren of first-generation growth timber.
Following the program presentations, Scarlett made a number of other announcements:
- HATT, in conjunction with the Clymer Library, is going to develop a “Local History Section” within the library. A permanent working committee is needed. See Rick Bodenschatz for details.
- The first organizational meeting of “Home for the Holidays”, HATT’s Christmas concert on December 14, is on August 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the library. We need volunteers, and performers for the community chorus. See Rick for details.
- The 2012 Audit Committee was announced, made up of Roy Tolley and Pat Quigley. Their findings will be reported at the annual membership meeting in November.
- Results of HATT’s successful participation in Tobyhanna Township Community Day on July 13 were announced.
- Pat Baker, annual dinner chair, announced the details: Wednesday, October 9, 6 PM at the Lake Naomi Club. 3 entrée’s to choose from, $30 per person. Amy Leiser, executive director of the Monroe County Historical Association, will present "The History of Monroe County."
The reading of the minutes of the July meeting was waived, and the treasurer’s report was suspended for this month.
The meeting was then adjourned. Scarlett then invited all attendees to a feast of grilled trout, all caught from the Tobyhanna Creek since this past spring by local fishermen. Scarlett, assisted by member Jim Forcella, prepared the trout on the charcoal grill while our program was being presented. Attendees brought salads and deserts. It was an epicurean delight.
Our thanks to Scarlett for all the hard work that went into this annual picnic, and for the paper goods and beverages she provided.
Although the day was a bit chilly with the threat of rain, HATT won the day, as 59 attendees enjoyed our beautiful, natural setting of the Poconos in Tobyhanna Township.
Postscript: Gloria McCullough, one of our speakers at this meeting, met with a tragic accident the following week, and died from her injuries. We are all saddened by this shocking news, and wish to express our sincere condolences to Gloria’s family, friends and colleagues.
Respectfully Submitted:
Rick Bodenschatz
