LAUREL MOUNTAIN BORO NEWSLETTER
DONNELL MEMOIR January 2009
I received the following letter in early February, and was given permission to post it. I invite anyone who had connections to Laurel Mountain Borough (aka Laurel Mountain Park) to share their experiences and remembrances on the Laurel Mountain Borough newsletter, www.laurelmountainboro.wordpress.com Information can be emailed to laurelmountainboro@yahoo.com (please type Laurel Mt. Boro comments in the subject line) or snail-mailed to Carolyn C. Holland, P. O. Box 300, Laughlintown, PA, 15655. I will also take information over the telephone, 724/238-3493.
January 28, 2009
Mrs. Carolyn C. Holland
Thank you for Laurelmountainboro’s blog—it brings back many good memories of my youth. I grew up at the Park. My parents built a cottage on Locust Road [pictures enclosed] in 1934 when I was about to enter first grade. It was expanded a few years later shortly before electricity became available. We lived at the cottage during the warmer five months plus several weekends on each side of the warm period. For 13 years my father and I commuted daily to work and school. When school was out, mornings typically were spent with friends getting acquainted with Laughlintown and the area’s woods, streams, sawmills, logging trails (opportunities fo radventure were limitless)—then swimming in the afternoon. For a couple of years (1942+/- a few) Don Turrill and I “helped” his father with morning chores (some related to Rolling Rock)—caring/raising pheasants, ducks, turkey, and dogs come to mind.
The last time I visited the cottage was in 1951. I wanted my bride to see the area that meant so much to me. We spent a few days of our honeymoon there before going on to Niagara Falls.
Although it is old news to current residents, developments over the past 60 years gleaned from you blog and the Tribune Review 06/15/97 Paul Peirce piece “Laughlintown: Two Centuries of Hospitality,” that caught my attention:
—There is grass instead of blackberries near the eastern entrance pillar.
—15 MPH!!! That speed would have damaged suspension systems 60 years ago.
—Tennis courts disappeared. It was awesome to watch Steve Harwig and his challengers play—but court maintenance was hard, demanding work.
—Gas is now available—leading to year-round residents. GREAT
—The Borough has evolved from individual landowners to a municipality—from care by Harry Lohr to central planning/action by the mayor and council.
Mrs. Holland, I have a request. Please advise if my parents’ cottage still exists—a one word email will suffice. It was located on the east side of Locust, a little over half way between White Oak and Hemlock. Incidentally, it was sold in 1953 for $11,000.
Sincerely,
Donnell
SITE LINKS:
www.beanerywriters.wordpress.com/
www.carolyncholland.wordpress.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/carolyncholland/2810322370/ Ligonier Calendar front
www.laurelmountainboro.wordpress.com
www.ligonierliving.blogspot.com
ADDITIONAL READING:
THE WRITING LIFE: There’s a World Out There?
THE WRITING LIFE CONTINUES
PENNSYLVANIA WEDDING, (LAMOINE) MAINE ROOTS
PITTSBURGH STEELER FANS: THE YOUNGEST
ICE HARVESTING: BIG BUSINESS IN EARLY AMERICA
HOW TO HARVEST AND STORE ICE (ICE FARMING)
FERAL BIRDS: THE LATEST COMMUNITY HAZARD
REFLECTING ON MY WRITING LIFE IN 2008
USING A NEW CAMERA WHILE TRAVELING
OF FIREFLIES AND LIGHTNING BUGS
BEAR CONFRONTATIONS: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
BEAR CONFRONTATIONS: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL, WEATHER PROPHET EXTRAORDINARY
WHAT RIGHTS DO CATS HAVE, I ASK
PONDERING THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION PORTAPOTTY PROBLEM
CHILDREN LEFT HOME ALONE (or in cars alone)
WRITER’S CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS, COMPETITIONS & EVENTS: Feb. 5, 2009
