An Update on Bullskin

  Hi all.

  NO, I know, this isn't the post I promised. Not quite yet. Bear with me, please.

  I do have a small, but special update.

  I thought it would be good to mention something about having attended the March 20 meeting of the Bullskin Historical Society and how I was impressed to see the Presentation given by Lannie Dietle from Texas.I had the satisfaction of meeting Kim Brown, the President too. Others include, Bonnie Brougher and Connie Rhodes, along with a special mention of the Treasurer, Beverly Quinn as I knew her and her husband, Bud and son, Rick, from when I was growing up. All fine people. I was almost embarrassed to be noted as the blogger of the resident local history sites. The small recognition was much appreciated and when I manage things time wise, I look forward to getting back for more and to talk to them again.

  According to their website, they started up in the late 90's and they use the old renovated stone cabin for their meetings. The ribbon cutting was in 2006. It was provided by donation of the Eutsey's who own the land around here on Park Road at the Mt. Vernon Furnace site.

       

courtesy of Bullskin Historical Society

The township itself began officially in 1794.

  Some of their projects are the Artesian Well, down the road, the Bell Monument and what is known as the 'Hemminger' Grist Mill on Keefer Rd off of Rt. 982, though it last went by the name of Spaugy's MIll before it went out of use altogether. I have an article with some info on it, as well as a few other posts you can find through the subject menu. By the way, their e-mail is here, so get in touch and become a part of history!

  Lannie's input was enlightening and just as informative as his e-mails have been over the past months, having the honor of collaborating with him. He is the author and researcher of a book about  "The Turkey Foot Road" and it was great for me to get to meet him here. He wrote a guest article for the blog a while back and knows a ton of stuff concerning his ancestry.
  
As he explains, ( but just very briefly here and not in his exact words), this very old road originates down from the Cumberland area in Maryland, crossing into Pennsylvania north and westward angling up through Somerset County. The TFR entered Fayette County near  Confluence,(most of Confluence is contained within Somerset County), eventually travellng through Normalville and Mill Run; it then ran along what is Quail Road and on between Breakneck and Spruce Hollow Roads, on toward the Country Club and angled down  near to the Fire Department at Woodale, passing northwest and working around Iron Bridge to Dexter Road in Upper Tyrone. On toward Mt. Pleasant, joining up with parts of the Braddock Road.

  That may sound forthright and fairly simple, but there were other disused branches along the way and barely discernible changes made in a lot of turns and twists. Lannie has much detailed material gathered for those more intrigued by it, as well as pointing out the whereabouts of many of the old taverns and wagon stands, etc., set up for the teamsters, stagecoaches, cattlemen and various others, starting, of course with the Indian trails themselves.

  Well, we got to question him, and he responded courteously to the inquiries. His co-author, Mike McKenzie was also there and Francis, another informative fellow from Somerset, familiar with the TFR in that area, traveled along with them. They are also connected with the Mount Savage Historical Society in Maryland run by Dan Lashley. They restored the old 'Union Mining Company' building there. It was a real nice time, with cake and coffee afterwards. I can honestly say, I was one of the last to leave, so that should give you an idea of how much it was enjoyed on my part. Very 'cool'. It was all very accommodating and I thank them for inviting me.

   There was even a second cousin I hadn't known of, and what a revelation it was meeting  him! We exchanged some stories of our family tree.This was particularly fascinating. Do you know how that feels? All I can say is, wow.

   So, it's always good to get away from the computer for a while, (not for too long :), and get out among folks that live near these places. It helps when they are so interested, like myself, in the region and it's history and make some friends too. The Society is so well informed and knowledgeable concerning their township. It was a winning trip, for me, hands down.

   Now, don't worry, I have an article coming very soon as I have to upgrade my computer and may be offline for a few days, so I want to get that much uploaded first. Better yet, I may just purchase a new one! We'll see...
   Take care.

    --- Histbuffer