The North Mountain Historical Society

Meeting: March 2002

March 8, 2002

The History Buffs met at the Brass Pelican on Monday, March 18, 2002. Jim Vance chaired the meeting and asked each one to introduce themselves and tell where they were from. There were 55 present, possibly the most we have had at any meeting. Jim then asked Pastor Howard Leh to return thanks as breakfast was served.

Following the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, Jim introduced Professor Duane Braun of Bloomsburg University who spoke on the effect of the glaciers on this area of Pennsylvania. Professor Braun had charts showing the temperature changes in the area over thousands of years. He also had maps of Pennsylvania showing just where the glaciers covered this area. There is a marker along Camp Lavigne Road near Harry Longs Bridge showing the terminus of one glacier. Betty Minervini told us this was placed under the auspices of the Grassmere Garden Club.

Professor Braun projected all his charts and maps on a large screen thus making the information available to everyone. He explained that there were four glacial events in this area- another is expected in the distant future. He told us that the changes in the landscape- valleys being excavated and rivers and stream courses being changed came from sand and gravel being deposited in different places. He mentioned different wide valleys with just small streams running through them making it plain that at one time a much larger stream or river had coursed through that area.

Professor Braun then opened the meeting for questions and very capably answered the many questions put to him. It was brought out that the lakes and falls at Ricketts Glen State Park are the result of glaciers.

Our thanks to Professor Braun for a most interesting and informative presentation. Our next meeting will be April 15, 8:30 A.M. at the Brass Pelican. The speaker
will be Mrs. Vinidee McHenry who will speak on the history of the McHenry Distillery.