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On the Road Again with Merle
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Rookie82
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A few years back I saw some milkweed growing in the back field, and so made a point of making sure to not brushhog it down, hoping to get more monarch butterflies to come. Each year the plot of milkweed has been growing. It now is nearly a 40 foot diameter circle, and the butterflies have been coming. When I checked the plot yesterday I found a few hungry caterpillars eating away on the milkweed leaves. Merle got an up close look.
I also came across this little guy. I wonder what big adventure he had planned for the day. I’m sure getting stepped on by a giant wasn’t on his list.
I went for a walk yesterday evening and got a nice shot from of Merle looking down the road.
For dinner last night my wife and I went to a local bar/grill that has some of the best buffalo wings around. My wife is from Buffalo, and even she agrees! Merle wasn’t needed for eating wings, but he was happy to check things over.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
I also came across this little guy. I wonder what big adventure he had planned for the day. I’m sure getting stepped on by a giant wasn’t on his list.
I went for a walk yesterday evening and got a nice shot from of Merle looking down the road.
For dinner last night my wife and I went to a local bar/grill that has some of the best buffalo wings around. My wife is from Buffalo, and even she agrees! Merle wasn’t needed for eating wings, but he was happy to check things over.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
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Rookie82
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Here's a bit of history of the specific area my family hails from.
We went for a walk across the Woodcock dam, which contains Woodcock Lake. It is a 1 mile wide dam, built in the mid 60’s and early 70’s in order to help control the amount of water that reaches Pittsburgh (100 miles downstream) in order to control flooding. This is a common place that locals use to walk/jog across for exercise, as it is paved and flat, and has no motorized vehicles, and is easy to measure your distance as there are markers every ¼ mile.
Here is a view from the parking area on the north side. Merle loves the fresh air.
When I reached the mid point, looking east towards the lake, I can show you all a little history. The meandering Woodcock Creek used to run down this valley, and everything on the south side of the creek was my grandfather’s farm, or his cousins farms.
In 1962 the US Flood Control Act was passed, and they sent my grandfather a letter in the mail stating that they would be taking over control of the majority of his property in order to flood the area to make a lake. They said that they would be taking an additional ¼ mile of land around the perimeter of the lake to encourage a recreational natural environment, and tourist facilities (campground, boat launch, beach, parking). Then they sent another letter stating that they needed his remaining farm fields in order to excavate and haul out the earth in order to build the dam.
He and others had meetings and tried to fight it, but really there is no fighting the Government. When all was said and done, my grandfather was left with the house and barn, and 30 acres of forest. His cousin lost everything, including his house and barn. They were given checks for “fair value” of the acreage that they lost, and told “Sorry about your bad luck.”
The family has often joked that it should have been named “Bradshaw Lake”.
I understand the need to protect thousands downstream from flooding, and therefore it was justified to harm dozens of families in this valley. But it’s still hard when it happens to you. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. The Bradshaw’s were not the only families that were put out in this area, and the Flood Control Act built dozens of lakes all over the country in various targeted areas.
Here is a view showing the land that was taken.
Of all the land that was taken for flood prevention, only about ¼ of it actually is covered by water. The rest could have remained with our family, but oh well. The campground and beach have since been closed, only the boat launch remains active.
Here is a overhead map to illustrate an approximate location of original property lines, and then the leftover property lines.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
We went for a walk across the Woodcock dam, which contains Woodcock Lake. It is a 1 mile wide dam, built in the mid 60’s and early 70’s in order to help control the amount of water that reaches Pittsburgh (100 miles downstream) in order to control flooding. This is a common place that locals use to walk/jog across for exercise, as it is paved and flat, and has no motorized vehicles, and is easy to measure your distance as there are markers every ¼ mile.
Here is a view from the parking area on the north side. Merle loves the fresh air.
When I reached the mid point, looking east towards the lake, I can show you all a little history. The meandering Woodcock Creek used to run down this valley, and everything on the south side of the creek was my grandfather’s farm, or his cousins farms.
In 1962 the US Flood Control Act was passed, and they sent my grandfather a letter in the mail stating that they would be taking over control of the majority of his property in order to flood the area to make a lake. They said that they would be taking an additional ¼ mile of land around the perimeter of the lake to encourage a recreational natural environment, and tourist facilities (campground, boat launch, beach, parking). Then they sent another letter stating that they needed his remaining farm fields in order to excavate and haul out the earth in order to build the dam.
He and others had meetings and tried to fight it, but really there is no fighting the Government. When all was said and done, my grandfather was left with the house and barn, and 30 acres of forest. His cousin lost everything, including his house and barn. They were given checks for “fair value” of the acreage that they lost, and told “Sorry about your bad luck.”
The family has often joked that it should have been named “Bradshaw Lake”.
I understand the need to protect thousands downstream from flooding, and therefore it was justified to harm dozens of families in this valley. But it’s still hard when it happens to you. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. The Bradshaw’s were not the only families that were put out in this area, and the Flood Control Act built dozens of lakes all over the country in various targeted areas.
Here is a view showing the land that was taken.
Of all the land that was taken for flood prevention, only about ¼ of it actually is covered by water. The rest could have remained with our family, but oh well. The campground and beach have since been closed, only the boat launch remains active.
Here is a overhead map to illustrate an approximate location of original property lines, and then the leftover property lines.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
Last edited:
Rookie82
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One silver lining to all this, my grandfather negotiated a contract with government representatives, using their sympathy for his situation as leverage, and we have a lifetime contract with the US Government to use the maple trees to collect maple sap in the spring. We need to maintain all the property to clean up any trace of our activity, and no equipment can remain after the season is over. We were told just last year that it is the only contract with the Gov in all the US for maple syrup production. In addition, the lifetime rights pass down through the generations, so my dad and myself are part of this contract now, as long as we are not making maple syrup in a commercial capacity for a business.
This is a photo of some of the maple trees we tap, which used to be the fence line for the edge of Grandpa's old cow pasture 60 years ago.
On the other side of the dam to the west is Woodcock Creek Park, but everyone I know calls it “Stainbrook Park” because it was the Stainbrook farm, and this was their cow pasture. It is a nice area with picnic shelters and a playground for kids. The creek meanders through, and the Gov do keep it well mowed and maintained. It is a nice scenic area. My youngest sister got married there on the banks of the creek a few years ago.
Merle was hoping we would stay and drop a line in the creek for some trout. Maybe next time!
Walking back across the bridge I noticed a Great Blue Heron sitting in the water, hoping that I didn’t see him.
Next time we will show a lot of the history of the Meadville area.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
This is a photo of some of the maple trees we tap, which used to be the fence line for the edge of Grandpa's old cow pasture 60 years ago.
On the other side of the dam to the west is Woodcock Creek Park, but everyone I know calls it “Stainbrook Park” because it was the Stainbrook farm, and this was their cow pasture. It is a nice area with picnic shelters and a playground for kids. The creek meanders through, and the Gov do keep it well mowed and maintained. It is a nice scenic area. My youngest sister got married there on the banks of the creek a few years ago.
Merle was hoping we would stay and drop a line in the creek for some trout. Maybe next time!
Walking back across the bridge I noticed a Great Blue Heron sitting in the water, hoping that I didn’t see him.
Next time we will show a lot of the history of the Meadville area.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
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abbydaddy
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We've been planting milkweed out at our vineyard for just this reason. Hopefully some day down the line we can have lots of butterflies.
Rookie82
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For today's post, we gave Merle a little trip around town, taking in some historical sites.
First up, the David Mead cabin. The town of Meadville was named after David Mead, a military general during the Revolutionary War, who led a party through this area in 1788. Here is a replica of his cabin that was built along the banks of French Creek, at this exact location.
The main river on the edge of town is French Creek, which was named by George Washington himself, who first explored this area in 1754. It was an important area, because it was the main connection linking the Ohio River to the Great Lakes, allowing cargo to be transported by water instead of land. Washington came to this area to become allies with the Indians, and to ask that the French give up claim to the area, as they had forts along the riverbanks. Tensions became strained, and the French and Indian War broke out soon after.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
First up, the David Mead cabin. The town of Meadville was named after David Mead, a military general during the Revolutionary War, who led a party through this area in 1788. Here is a replica of his cabin that was built along the banks of French Creek, at this exact location.
The main river on the edge of town is French Creek, which was named by George Washington himself, who first explored this area in 1754. It was an important area, because it was the main connection linking the Ohio River to the Great Lakes, allowing cargo to be transported by water instead of land. Washington came to this area to become allies with the Indians, and to ask that the French give up claim to the area, as they had forts along the riverbanks. Tensions became strained, and the French and Indian War broke out soon after.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
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Rookie82
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Next is a view of our local Market House. It is in the heart of town, and was built in 1870. It is the oldest continuously run market in all of Pennsylvania. They offer on Saturday mornings a nice selection of locally grown fruit and vegetables, along with other crafts and objects. The 2nd floor houses a small art gallery, dance studio, and stage with audience seating area.
Here is an old photo of the market house, likely 100+ years ago. And also photos of how it looks today.
After that we stopped at the Baldwin-Reynolds House. This house is now a museum showcasing the culture and history of this region of Pennsylvania. The house was built in 1842 by Henry Baldwin, a US Congressman who later became a Supreme Court Justice. He had fallen in love with a house in Tennessee, and so copied the design and layout and had the house replicated in Meadville. The house then passed to nephew William Reynolds, who was a pillar in the Meadville Community. He was involved in many businesses in the area, from water & gas, to railroad, and was the first Meadville mayor.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
Here is an old photo of the market house, likely 100+ years ago. And also photos of how it looks today.
After that we stopped at the Baldwin-Reynolds House. This house is now a museum showcasing the culture and history of this region of Pennsylvania. The house was built in 1842 by Henry Baldwin, a US Congressman who later became a Supreme Court Justice. He had fallen in love with a house in Tennessee, and so copied the design and layout and had the house replicated in Meadville. The house then passed to nephew William Reynolds, who was a pillar in the Meadville Community. He was involved in many businesses in the area, from water & gas, to railroad, and was the first Meadville mayor.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
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Rookie82
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So Meadville’s nickname is “Tool City” and “The Tool & Die Capital of the World”. People often wonder why this part of the country is so involved with pocketknives, well it goes hand in hand with the industries that thrive here. There is a mixture of railroads, waterways that feed both to the Great Lakes and to the Mississippi River, lumber, iron ore, coal, crude oil, and farming. In order to keep up with all of those industries, we needed to create everything here instead of having it shipped in.
Not only that, but ¼ of all residents in this area are employed by a tooling job of some capacity. For a small town, there are over 100 businesses here that manufacture parts for automotive, military, aerospace, railroad, engines, etc. Every kid in every school in the area goes through at least a fundamental course in reading blueprints and using machinery.
In 1909 an engineer named Gideon Sundback invented the modern zipper, and ran the Talon manufacturing factory here in Meadville. From then up through the 1960’s, it was said that 70% of all the world’s zippers were made by Talon. Nearly every family in the area had a father, son, or husband working for Talon. As employees were trained and specialized, some broke away to start their own businesses and specialize in other areas, or created parts independently to supply to Talon. This also helped this area during the Great Depression, as clothing related businesses kept as busy as ever.
By the 80’s most manufacturing (including zippers) had moved over seas, and the Meadville location closed. The factory was left abandoned for years, and it now is mostly torn down, and what is left has been renovated to provide housing for those with special needs.
Here is a photo of what the factory looked like in it’s heyday, and also a photo of all that is now left.
Meadville still creates the tooling used for manufacturing all over the world, even though there is nearly 0 manufacturing done here. But with the increase in plastics, every mold needs to be designed and created before it can be mass produced somewhere else. Meadville is also home to Channellock tools.
I think Merle fits in well in this tool town.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
Not only that, but ¼ of all residents in this area are employed by a tooling job of some capacity. For a small town, there are over 100 businesses here that manufacture parts for automotive, military, aerospace, railroad, engines, etc. Every kid in every school in the area goes through at least a fundamental course in reading blueprints and using machinery.
In 1909 an engineer named Gideon Sundback invented the modern zipper, and ran the Talon manufacturing factory here in Meadville. From then up through the 1960’s, it was said that 70% of all the world’s zippers were made by Talon. Nearly every family in the area had a father, son, or husband working for Talon. As employees were trained and specialized, some broke away to start their own businesses and specialize in other areas, or created parts independently to supply to Talon. This also helped this area during the Great Depression, as clothing related businesses kept as busy as ever.
By the 80’s most manufacturing (including zippers) had moved over seas, and the Meadville location closed. The factory was left abandoned for years, and it now is mostly torn down, and what is left has been renovated to provide housing for those with special needs.
Here is a photo of what the factory looked like in it’s heyday, and also a photo of all that is now left.
Meadville still creates the tooling used for manufacturing all over the world, even though there is nearly 0 manufacturing done here. But with the increase in plastics, every mold needs to be designed and created before it can be mass produced somewhere else. Meadville is also home to Channellock tools.
I think Merle fits in well in this tool town.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
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Rookie82
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In the center of town is Diamond Park. The 3 acre parcel was originally set aside by David Mead in 1795 as an area where the PA militia could do practice drills. Over the years it became surrounded by churches and local government buildings, including the courthouse. The park has many historical monuments, a giant fountain, and gazebo which is open for public use.
Meadville also has a sister city, which is Fismes, France. It is located about 60 miles northeast of Paris. The relationship started during World War I when US soldiers in the 28th Infantry Division, comprised mostly with soldiers from the Meadville area, came upon French forces in the town of Fismes, who were under a strong German attack. The battle was particularly brutal, with a lot of 1-on-1 hand to hand combat, and there were very heavy losses on both sides. In the end, the Germans retreated, and the French honored the US men who fought to save the town of Fismes.
Next time I’ll show you a really special treat that I’m sure none of you have ever saw before!
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
Meadville also has a sister city, which is Fismes, France. It is located about 60 miles northeast of Paris. The relationship started during World War I when US soldiers in the 28th Infantry Division, comprised mostly with soldiers from the Meadville area, came upon French forces in the town of Fismes, who were under a strong German attack. The battle was particularly brutal, with a lot of 1-on-1 hand to hand combat, and there were very heavy losses on both sides. In the end, the Germans retreated, and the French honored the US men who fought to save the town of Fismes.
Next time I’ll show you a really special treat that I’m sure none of you have ever saw before!
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
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All these pictures make me want to move and become your neighbor... Don't worry though, I'm not moving.
Rookie82
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Well I'm just showing the highlights. There is a lot of unnoteworthy rundown buildings and houses around too. Although severe crime around here is virtually non-existent, there is quite a bit of petty theft and public drunkenness.All these pictures make me want to move and become your neighbor... Don't worry though, I'm not moving.
btb01
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Great posts, Carl, thanks for showing Merle such a good time so far! 
Looks like you did a nice job on the cider press!
Sounds delicious (as does the apple butter you mentioned). Do you ever make any hard cider?
It’s always fun reading about your family’s syrup-making. Is there anything y’all don’t do?!
I don’t think I could it any better than John did: “Now THAT’S a breakfast!”
Beautiful shots!
Sorry to hear about your family’s land. I’m sure the “fair value” they were paid doesn’t come close to compensating for land that could have been kept in the family for generations.
Reminded me of this song from Old Crow Medicine Show.
Thanks for the interesting tour of the town, Carl. The Market House, in particular, is a handsome building, and appears to be well maintained.
Funny story with our cider press. My paternal grandfather always made cider every year, and I remember helping when I was young. After he passed away in 2003, the hobby fell away. Then about 10 years ago I asked my Dad where the old press was, and I wanted to make some cider. We found pieces and parts to it all over, and it was basically just broken garbage. I took on the project of rebuilding it, and by the time I was finished the only original part left was the screw!
Looks like you did a nice job on the cider press!
Using grandpa’s secret formula blend of 6 different apple types, it’s the best cider you’ve ever tasted.
Sounds delicious (as does the apple butter you mentioned). Do you ever make any hard cider?
It’s always fun reading about your family’s syrup-making. Is there anything y’all don’t do?!
All this excitement over maple syrup got me wanting some pancakes with eggs and bacon for lunch! Merle was happy to belly up to the table.
I don’t think I could it any better than John did: “Now THAT’S a breakfast!”
I went for a walk yesterday evening and got a nice shot from of Merle looking down the road.
Beautiful shots!
Sorry to hear about your family’s land. I’m sure the “fair value” they were paid doesn’t come close to compensating for land that could have been kept in the family for generations.
Reminded me of this song from Old Crow Medicine Show.
Thanks for the interesting tour of the town, Carl. The Market House, in particular, is a handsome building, and appears to be well maintained.
Rookie82
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It is non pasteurized, so if you leave it in the fridge longer than 5-7 days, it will started to harden on it's own. But usually it doesn't last too long. We freeze 12 gallons for ourselves, and thaw out 1 each month to have.
heh, well there is always new things to try out. And with so much family around, we all sort of try and specialize in certain things, and then share the fruits of our labor with each other. My mom's brother has really perfected making homemade sour kraut, so in November we usually have a truck load of cabbage delivered and we all chip in with that. My dad's youngest brother raises Angus beef, so we help butcher a few every year. Same with hogs for ham/pork. I gave a good try at raising meat chickens, but came to the decision it is just easier/faster/cheaper/quieter to buy chicken at the grocery store!
Hyesouljah
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Rookie82
another brilliant post. It’s unfortunate the government seized your family’s land but it’s really cool how you have that government contract to harvest maple syrup. The history in Pennsylvania is incredibly rich and it’s been added to my top states to visit with my significant other. I absolutely love learning about the rich history we have in this country. Thank you again for the awesome posts.
Rookie82
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Early morning today, Merle got out for a walk down the road with my wife and I. The sun coming up over the neighbors cornfield looked pretty nice, so we stopped for some photos. Surprising, a young whitetail buck was interested in what we were doing, so Merle got a photo with him as well.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
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Rookie82
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This was a treat for Merle, probably the highlight of his trip to PA so far. I took Merle out to see the Pymatuning Reservoir. This is a nice man-made lake on land that was previously a very large swamp, covering both sides of the Ohio/Pennsylvania state line. It is a quiet scenic area, but the main attraction is the spillway, which connects the upper portion of the lake to the lower main portion.
The spillway is advertised as “Where the Ducks Walk on the Fish!” and it is actually true. It is one of the top 5 biggest attractions in all of Pennsylvania, and thousands of people come year round to feed the fish. The carp have been fed stale bread by tourists for over 80 years, and the fish have learned to pack in and fight for scraps of bread. They are so thick with fish, that the ducks and geese have to walk across the backs of the fish to try and get their own piece of bread.
It's hard to really experience this without seeing it for yourself. Big ugly carp covering every inch of the surface of the water. The sound of thousands of fish sucking for bread, barely even getting under water long enough to breathe, and then back again. Kids laughing and throwing bread as far as they can. Ducks and geese pooping on tourists without care.
I had to take precautions that Merle didn’t jump out of my hands, as I’m sure he would be in the belly of a giant carp faster than you could blink your eye.
As a kid, my parents would stop at all the grocery stores and ask for any expired stale bread. Then we would head out to the spillway with a truck load of bread, and spend an afternoon chucking it high into the air before it plummeted down into the writhing mass of fish scales and ugly yellow lips. Now they opened a bread stand at the parking area where you can buy a loaf of stale bread for a dollar.
Usually there is water pouring over the concrete spillway, but with such little rainfall this summer that isn't occuring. It actually is nice and quieter this way, so you can hear the fish better in my video.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
The spillway is advertised as “Where the Ducks Walk on the Fish!” and it is actually true. It is one of the top 5 biggest attractions in all of Pennsylvania, and thousands of people come year round to feed the fish. The carp have been fed stale bread by tourists for over 80 years, and the fish have learned to pack in and fight for scraps of bread. They are so thick with fish, that the ducks and geese have to walk across the backs of the fish to try and get their own piece of bread.
It's hard to really experience this without seeing it for yourself. Big ugly carp covering every inch of the surface of the water. The sound of thousands of fish sucking for bread, barely even getting under water long enough to breathe, and then back again. Kids laughing and throwing bread as far as they can. Ducks and geese pooping on tourists without care.
I had to take precautions that Merle didn’t jump out of my hands, as I’m sure he would be in the belly of a giant carp faster than you could blink your eye.
As a kid, my parents would stop at all the grocery stores and ask for any expired stale bread. Then we would head out to the spillway with a truck load of bread, and spend an afternoon chucking it high into the air before it plummeted down into the writhing mass of fish scales and ugly yellow lips. Now they opened a bread stand at the parking area where you can buy a loaf of stale bread for a dollar.
Usually there is water pouring over the concrete spillway, but with such little rainfall this summer that isn't occuring. It actually is nice and quieter this way, so you can hear the fish better in my video.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
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Rookie82
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Here is the video, listen to the carp sucking!
Before you ask, this is a “No Fishing Allowed” area.
Tomorrow will be an exciting day for Merle, and I’m sure you will all enjoy it also.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
Before you ask, this is a “No Fishing Allowed” area.
Tomorrow will be an exciting day for Merle, and I’m sure you will all enjoy it also.
(images removed due to BF Attachment limits)
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Rookie82
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It may look from my photos like the fish are trapped in that concrete pool area, but that isn't so. This is connected to the rest of the 26 square mile lake, so they have plenty of space to spread out. They just prefer to congregate in this section to fight for bread.