Mount Jewett Pa.

Papa’s World – Memorable events!

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Place: Kinzua State Park Bridge – Marcus – Tammy 0 Cassidy and Taylor – Jennie- Maddy and Sherry.

Where: Mount Jewett, Pa.

This railroad via- -duct was constructed in the 1800s-

to transport coal to Erie and I believe Pittsburg.

At that time it was the highest RR bridge in the country.

Over 300 feet straight down to the valley floor.

Several years ago – a tornado came through the valley

and half the iron bridge toppled down.

Today – they remain where they came to rest on the valley floor.

Sherry grew up just a couple miles from here.

The remaining bridge was reinforced and a see-through floor was installed on the remaining

end of the structure.

The bridge then became a state park-

with a fantastic museum and teaching center on history

of the area and the bridge.

This bridge when constructed spanned almost a mile across the valley floor.

The remaining bridge was converted into a walkway-

with a viewing platform at the very end.

You can walk out there ( I do not as I am afraid of heights) and look through a safety glass floor-

straight down 300-plus feet to the floor of the valley.

As in the picture above you can see the iron grid supports where they came down –

that day when the Tornado came through.

It is a spot where an episode of FINDING BIGFOOT was filmed years ago!

Today – if you are in NWPA near Bradford –

It is a bucket list state park to visit-

in the valleys where the Seneca Indians once roamed.

Thus it would become a MEMORABLE MEMORY!

Sherry with her sister Bonnie and Maddy in front –

On the main street of Mount Jewett, Pa.-

During the yearly SWEDISH FESTIVAL EVENT held in August of every year

for the past nearly 50 years!

The mural is a section of the Swedish community of immigrants who settled in the town in the 1800s.

The heritage of the Vikings is celebrated every year during the festival.

Maddy in the breakfast-lunch dinner that is excellent in homemade food!

Also is full of Swedish memorable items on that heritage-

Sherry and Maddy at the Mount Jewett Swedish Festival information booth in town.

Before Sherry’s mother passed away –

this was a yearly trip we made back

to Mount Jewett to her mother’s house.

All the grandkids grew up knowing this town –

and home to GIGI – Sherry’s mother-

who lived here all her life.

Her own mother was born in Sweden and they relocated here-

And it became a large Swedish immigrant community.

In GIGIs living room –

Maddy sits with Taylor on the left –

and Cassidy on the right – see just how Cassidy adores her cousin.

Wrapping up this blog –

late friends sit to the left – they passed away a few years ago.

my son Troy in yellow –

and then Papa.

This was at the parade that has become a must-see –

and dozens of communities

participate – the parade is like the grand final before the carnival and Firehall

Chicken BBQ and games of chance begin!

Thus it now comes to a close to a this blog-

MEMORABLE EVENTS!

Papa and Sherry – thanks for reading-

PAPA’S WORLD –

my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Some more good times in pictures!

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This picture not only shows Cassidy – Sarah and Taylor

when they were younger –

But was taken in Sherry’s mother’s backyard.

Every spring time this bush bloomed with purple flowers.

Looking out the breakfast room window off the kitchen –

You could see this huge bush-like tree.

Back in NWPA in the Swedish settlement of Mount Jewett –

a place we would return to often after moving to NVA!

This town was settled by immigrants from Sweden in the 1800s.

Her mother lived in this house after Sherry’s father passed away.

The house was right behind the Lutheran church

and Barb would walk out of her side door

and fifty feet at the side entrance to the church.

It is a small town –

today –

most all the store Fronts are vacant.

But – we have so many good memories of the town –

the house and her mother’s presence there.

MORE GOOD MEMORIES!

Sherry hits the golf ball –

you can see the flight it takes –

look at two o’clock from her head-

As the flight takes it to the center of the fairway.

What makes this a good memory for us –

Is this in OHAU –

on a course in the mountains?

Part of this course is in the rainforest –

it actually was raining on that part-

the other part not raining.

Those mountains were quite high

and the cliffs

were where tribal battles were fought among the different islands.

The tribe from OHAU was forced to retreat there

and eventually forced over the cliff

to their deaths.

We saw wild pigs –

mongooses – exotic birds.

Many of the holes –

I just took a stroke and went to the other side of the ravine-

It was a 200-plus-yard carry over the ravine!

You can see how lush the course is.

We can now say we played golf

in the middle of the ocean on OHAU!

ANOTHER GOOD MEMORY!

Back in Olean at DAL-TILE –

formerly American Olean Tile Co.-

We worked with artist Eric Jones

who was in the design department –

which made ceramic murals

out of the small tiles we manufactured –

You can submit a picture

and he would make it real with the tiles.

Today he runs his own business back in WNY –

Every winter he does snow sculptures –

The Buffalo Bills come to mind!

Here is one he did that portrays the mascot-

of the SAINT BONAVENTURE BASKETBALL TEAM!

His snow sculptures are in demand

from corporations and he also has been on TV-

Where he carved pumpkins and won the challenge.

A very gifted artist who also does caricatures.

This is another GOOD MEMORY!

Our life together spans some 43-plus years –

a second marriage for both of us –

two sets of children –

her two girls and my two sons.

Our journey together-

has taken us through six different houses –

and one condo.

Three of the houses we had built.

We span four states –

five if you count the state we were raised in.

We have many friends –

some closer than others.

We worked a combined 79 1/2 years for the same company

and retired from that company.

We worked in NYS and NVA.

Today we are in OIB – N.C.

near the border of S.C.

We enjoy exploring – entertainment in NMB –

and Wilmington.

We travel back and forth to NVA

where most of the family and grandkids are.

We golf – go to the beach

and volunteer for the Protection of Sea Turtles –

Coastal living for seniors –

helping out at the store and library.

And through our church –

the Brunswick County Food Pantry.

Living a Meaningful Senior Life –

provides MORE GOOD MEMORIES!

On OHAU – traveling together

and making GOOD MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Good Times in Pictures!

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Long time friends and HS classmate – Fred and Lynda – in Florida!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Papa – second from left and my best friend to my right – Bobby – on a canoe trip down the Alleghany River in my sophomore to Junior year.

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

All these years later – from my HS canoe trip – Bobby and his wife Pam with Sherry –

STILL PADDLEING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS – GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

When they were little – the twins – Taylor and Cassidy!

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Time spent with neighbors and friends – Diane and Steve with Sherry and Papa-

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

At the AIRBNB on the North Shore of Oahu – with our friends Cindy and Buck – on the covered lanai.

GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

MOUNT NEBO – SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MOUNT JEWETT, PA – where Sherry grew up!

PAPA’S WORLD – GOOD TIMES IN PICTURES – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Outside Mount Jewett – KINZUA BRIDGE!

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Just outside the little Swe3dish Community of Mount Jewett, Pa. –

Sits on a railway bridge built in the 1800s –

That at the time was considered the highest bridge of its kind-

310 feet high trestle bridge over what is known as THE KINZUA VALLEY –

li NWPA!

A Native American name for the area!

This bridge was built to get coal to Erie and Pittsburg!

The valley was so steep that a railroad down and up the other side –

just did not make sense!

It is now a state park with a fantastic museum showing construction and what it looked like-

Before the Tornado came through and took half of it down!

The down construction still lies on the valley floor and up the steep hillside-

just as it was the day it came down.

Today there is a viewing platform at the standing end –

That you can stand on structured glass and peer straight down 310 feet!

Of course, I have been out once or twice and even across the whole thing before it came down.

At one time there was a steam locomotive still carrying passengers across!

Here is the glass floor you can stand on –

Of course, I no longer venture out there as my fear of heights kicks in! LOL

I sit on the benches before the walkway and watch my friends – family, and others make the trip out!

But – I will say – now that it is a State Park –

If you are ever in the area – it is worth the visit –

and the Museum is a class act –

Even showing a video of that fateful day it all came down from the tornado!

The valley floor and yes there is a trail you can hike down and up the other side –

if you are in shape to do it! LOL

Here you see the twisted steel beams from the 1800s lying twisted on the valley floor!

Papa and Sherry are on OIB!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A day of positive reflections!

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Jim – Cindy and Sherry – we have been friends for 40-plus years!

Get together – golf – fun – laughs – a POSITIVE REFLECTION!

Bob – my grade school – High School buddy all those years ago-

Now – we both are mid-70s and this is a POSITIVE REFLECTION!

Who she is and I am proud of her-

A POSITIVE REFLECTION!

The Kinzua Bridge – half came down in a tornado –

Now a state park just outside Mount Jewett, Pa.

This is the area Sherry was raised in!

A POSITIVE REFLECTION!

This says it all for Sherry!

A POSITIVE REFLECTION!

Well – not a POSITIVE REFLECTION – but it is ME!!!!!

Sherry – sitting on the bank of the ICW-

Sorting shells for our granddaughter-

A POSITIVE REFLECTION!

Our great country – where we live –

A beacon of light –

and this says it all!

A POSITIVE REFLECTION!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – HELENNA – friends helping!

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Linda – and her husband –

a high school classmate from Mount Jewett –

where Sherry lived!

They live about five miles from the airport –

being used by private Helicopters-

coordinated to fly into areas –

that are shut off or hard to reach!

She and her husband have been buying items –

to be flown in-

and we have been covering the cost for them.

With their help –

we have managed to get the supplies-

closer than the trucks can.

Sometimes it takes connections –

Connections from childhood to adults –

Both now living in NC.-

although hours apart –

to bring comfort to those in need.

God and faith –

work in ways that you would never think of!

We found out the truck is back –

and will continue to shop and deliver there!

Our friends in Hickory will continue to do the same.

Close to $3000.00-

has come in from donations –

We will continue as long as donations keep coming in –

and after that –

will do what we can –

with what we have.-

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD:

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A look back in time!

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It only seemed like it was yesterday –

Taylor and little Cassidy –

Carrying her umbrella!

Both had their name tags on –

and they were on their way to the school bus!

Cassidy and her cowgirl boots!

Taylor with her shy look-

and she still does that today!

Now they are 14 years old –

and in the eighth grade –

And little Cassidy is catching up to Taylor –

who is 5’8″ tall!

Takes after their MORMOR –

who is 5’10” –

Cassidy cheerleads –

and Taylor rides horses.

Cassidy does gymnastics –

and Taylor works in a horse barn.

A LOOK BACK IN TIME!

Here are two of my oldest buddies –

Buck – on the left –

we were neighbors in WNY –

many memorable times –

Buck and I took his wife Cindy –

and Sherry golfing!

They had never golfed before –

and made fun of us for cleaning the balls!

They wore mittens –

a lot of fun times

and since then –

we have traveled the world on vacations with them.

They moved to N.C. –

and when we moved to OIB –

we ended up 38 miles from them!

In the middle is Jimmy –

who also grew up in the same town as I did –

in NWPA – ELDRED!

We played softball together all those years ago.

He worked for the same company as did Sherry and I.

After we transferred to NVA –

He transferred to Va. Beach –

with the same company as we did!

Now – we are all retired –

and he and Dottie –

also moved to N.C. –

although 3 1/2 hours away.

We all still get together 2 or 3 times a year.

A LOOK BACK IN TIME!

A look at the KINZUA VIA DUCT RAILROAD BRIDGE –

just outside Mount Jewett, Pa. –

Where Sherry was raised.

Today it is a state park –

once when it was built –

was the tallest RR Bridge in the nation!

Today it stands as you see above –

It was almost destroyed by a Tornado –

Now it is a state park –

and you can walk out to the end –

A thick glass floor allows you to look down to the valley floor –

over 300 feet.

The other half of the bridge lays where it crumpled down-

as a testament to the construction back in the 1800’s!

Sherry’s father used to ride his snowmobile across it –

after the trains stopped using it!

This is the Allegheny National Forest-

and the Kinzua Valley –

An Indian name –

and the Seneca Reservation are about twenty miles away!

Today – hunting for bears turkey and deer.

A segment of FINDING BIGFOOT was filmed here!

Also, wild Elk herds are nearby –

And the town of Mount Jewett –

Has a Swedish yearly festival.

This whole town was settled-

and built by Swedish immigrants!

Mount Nebo Cemetary-

and the church still stands –

built in the 1880s by the men of Sweden.

Sherry has many relatives in that cemetery-

along with her mother and father.

A LOOK BACK IN TIME!

Second from the left – MY FATHER – Clarence Russel Fitzsimmons –

Known as BOB or FITZ.

A member of the school board –

and the town council.

Part owner of the Western Auto store –

and A supervisor for the South Penn oil company in NWPA!

An avid golfer and bowler.

Coach of the Eldred Town Team baseball.

He graduated from High School-

as a Sophomore-

But his father –

a teacher and superintendent –

Kept him in school for two more years –

as there was nothing he could do being so young!

He was a “DOWNHOMER” –

A term given to people –

who was from the Brookville and Corsica area in PA.

He met my mother –

who also was from that area-

and they married.

She was an Aiken –

IRISH CATHOLIC –

My dad was an IRISH PROTESTANT –

His mother was a Kennedy.

Made for many dynamic interchanges at the family dinner table.

But – although he was six feet tall –

and her a little over 5 feet-

She ruled the roost.

He passed away at 59 –

when I was but 19 from cancer.

Gone but not forgotten in my mind.

A LOOK BACK IN TIME!

Papa and Sherry on the ICW in Little River – Vareen Gardens – S.C.

Thank you for reading my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

It is but a little look back in time of our family –

friends, and places we hold dear in our hearts!

PAPA” ‘S WORLD – A LOOK BACK IN TIME!

Papa’s World – Sherry’s mother – “GIGI”! MORMOR!

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Debby – GIGI – (Barb) – Sherry and Tammy – generations of Swedes!

GIGI’s mother was born in Sweden – and the town that she lived in where she raised Sherry –

Mount Jewett, Pa. was built by Swedish immigrants back in the 1800s.

Every year they hold THE SWEDISH FESTIVAL in August.

A three-day festival with a parade- vendors – rides – and chicken BBQ!

Dinner at the church and games galore!

Here are four generations – all ladies and girls except for the first-born grandson –

Bode is being held by the oldest granddaughter Maddy!

She loved her grandkids and they adored her.

Mother and daughters – the bond is tight –

The heritage continues – daughters and mothers into the grandkids and beyond.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – SHERRY MOTHER – GIGI (BARB) GENERATIONS.

Papa’s World – A memory of past times in pictures!

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Back when their parents sold their home and before they moved into another one – they stayed with us –

Here they – the twins – Cassidy and Taylor – in their hiding place as I played hide and seek with them –

PRICELESS MEMORY IN PICTURE FORM!

We called her “TINY” when she was little – today – she is 5’10” tall!

She would come to me and sit on my lap – or when smaller – crawl over and tug on my pant leg to be picked up!

ANOTHER PICTURE OF MEMORY PAST!

Taylor – Tammy and Cassidy – all share one thing in common –

Thier birthdays!

Born on their mother’s birthday – the TWINS!

MEMORY OF PAST TIMES IN A PICTURE!

Cindy and Buck – Sherry and Papa – back in NWPA for a visit –

this is the Kinzua Bridge State Park – near Mount Jewett where Sherry was raised.

The other three were raised some 40 miles away.

We all came here when young!

A MOMENT IN TIME WITH A MEMORY IN A PICTURE!

In the Alleghany Mountains in NWPA – a trip back to our roots to play golf at Smethport – CC.

All four of us lived in the area –

MEMORIES IN A PICTURE!

PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – A MEMORY OF PAST TIMES IN A PICTURE!

Papa’s World – In the wind and rain of a Tropical Storm – we watched our granddaughter play soccer!

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This was the storm that came into Va. and turned North – lots of rain – and strong winds.

We all met in Lynchburg,Va. at Randolph College to watch our Ella play.

Although they lost – they still are 5 wins and 2 losses.

It rained the entire game and at times poured – the field is artificail but slippery!

A view of the field from the stands.

Family of grandkids and boyfriend encouraging them on.

Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A lifetime full of memories!

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Over the years we have experienced so many fond memories – family and friends!

The family gathers back in NWPA where it all started at Mount Nebo – a Swedish Lutheran Church built by ancestors in 1886 – in Mount Jewett, Pa.

The church today still holds special services throughout the year and the town has a yearly Swedish Festival celebrating the heritage of the immigrants from Sweden who settled here!

The church is now considered a historical church as it is eight-sided and modeled after a church still in Sweden.

Some nineteen years ago – Sherry and I and her mother Barb and sister Debbie – journeyed to Denmark – Sweden, and Norway for a ten-day bus trip exploring the countries!

Going back to where her ancestors came from was a highlight for Sherry and her family!

Some day we would like to take a trip to where my ancestors came from in Ireland!

Now we have a set of twins – Cassidy and Taylor who just turned thirteen years old!

Here is what they came home to all those years ago!

Cassidy and Taylor with their mother Tammy – all three have the same birthday which was not planned!

At three years old – while selling their home – the family moved in with us – and here they are at our front door – Cassidy on the left and Taylor on the right.

I still remember the time I found them in the downstairs half bath – with the door shut and they had set up house playing in there – so cute!

Today Cassidy and Taylor with Bode who will turn nine – Cassidy is 5′ 4″ and is gaining on Taylor who is 5’7″ and will be close to 5’10 when done growing!

Bode is also going to be tall and all three take after Sherry who is 5’9″ – Ella is 5’9″ and Sarah is the same as our other granddaughters. Maddy is 5’6″.

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD —– A LIFETIME FULL OF MEMORIES!

Papa’s World – Growing up Sherry – the young years!

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She is the kindest person I know – always helping others – volunteering!

Sherry in the middle – Debbie to the left and Bonnie to the right – growing up in Mount Jewett, Pa.

The early years were in the Alleghany mountains of NWPA.

Near the Kinzua bridge – a little Swedish community.

Near Bradford, Pa. the early oil boom town of the 1800’s.

Sister Bonnie – mother Barb – sister Debbie and Sherry at their house outside of Mount Jewett.

Sherry – Barb – Bonnie and Debbie – they always had neat cars!

Sherry with her sisters and her father Bill – she reminds me of her father.

Sherry – her graduation from H.S. in 1967. Then onto Lab school in Philadelphia, Pa.

These are her early years – before I met her in 1979 – 1980. at work for A.O.T.C. in Olean, N.Y.

We were married on 6-25-82.

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GROWING UP SHERRY – THE YOUNG YEARS – PAPA’S WORLD livinglofedoingitmyway.com

Papa’s World – Memories from the past – part Seven!

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Historical Mt. Nebo Lutheran Church

In North-Western Pa. in the midst of the very ancient Alleghany Moutains –

Sits a village known as Mount Jewett.

A town was built and settled by Swedish Emigrants.

Sherry’s mother and her mother were Swedes – her grandmother was born in Sweden.

Memories of past generations.

Historical Mt. Nebo Lutheran Church

Built in 1885 by the Swedish men – this is a replicate of an actual EIGHT-SIDED church still existing in Sweden. This church was built for them and services were held there regularly through out the 1900s until the early ’60s.

When a new church was constructed by the ancestors of the Swedes of the 1800’s!

Memories of generations!

Today it is on the Historical resgister

It is completely surrounded by graves of those early settlers and this view is almost from the graves of Sherry’s parents and family members.

The interior of the church is a Octogon and consists of two levels.

The mural behind the altar was painted by a traveling artist and signed in the early 1900s.

All the original altar – organ – pews and communion vessels remain.

Memories of a congregation of immigrants.

Nearby is the historic Kinzua railroad bridge – the highest bridge built at the time in the 1800s.

A tornado came through and took down half the bridge – today it is a tourist area and a state park.

It also was the location for the TV series ” FINDING BIGFOOT”!

Memories of a long-gone dream of transit railroad through the mountains.

The little Swedish coffee shop

KAFFE SOL – Swedish for coffee shop – sits in the heart of the town of Mount Jewett.

If you like homemade cooking and great tasting treats of cinnamon rolls etc.

Then this is a must to stop and eat.

But it closes in mid-afternoon so they can go home and start that homemade cooking all over again.

Memories of sights and smells of the past in NWPA!

The center of town and their little town square.

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MY SIGHT: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

MY CONTACT: fitztdf@aol.com

PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – The first time I met Bill – Sherry’s father.

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We had been dating for a couple months – and now it was time

she told me – to meet her parents!

I had a 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix and this was 1981.

It was a burgundy red with a half white leather top.

All leather inside to match the burgundy and bucket seats!

My thought was maybe he would like the car

and then like me! LOL

So goes a nervous mind of a 31 year old!

Bill was a man – and a vet of WWII.

Serving in the war and told me a few stories.

Sherry told me he had been in a motorcycle accident some years before.

And had been injured really bad

to the point he almost died.

He was a master carpenter and did all the remodeling

on their home – building additions

and was currently building a chimney

and facing it with bricks as we drove up and parked.

She told me just be normal – but he was imposing – 6′ 2″

Sherry got her height from him and his personality

I was later to find out.

She reminds me so much of him.

We got out of the car

and he later told me he thought I was a State Trooper

because I looked like a State Trooper friend of his named Carl.

Sherry Debby Bonnie standing just to the right of the front porch he had put on and was facing the chimney with bricks

He stopped as we walked up and she introduced me and we shook hands.

It was a firm grip – a grip of a Vet and father if you know what I mean.

He had Three daughters – Sherry being the oldest.

We both had been married before

and man I was nervous.

Debby Sherry Bonnie

But – after a few words he made me feel at home

and ever since that day – he became a second father to me.

Teaching me all about construction –

I still can not master it but at least I know some things!

My own father passed when I was 19 and the last years of his life

he spent in a battle with lung cancer.

Bill loved to cook – as did Barb – but I remember him standing

in the kichen at the stove watching over the fry pan

making breakfast – smiling that crooked grin he had.

Sherry Bonnie Debbie Barb Bill

That first day back then started a friendship

that lasted some 18 or 19 years until he passed away.

He told me many a story – both about the War

and his early life growing up in Ludlow

where my brother in law Bill grew up.

Cindy Tom ( Papa) Sherry

We have been together 39 1/2 years Married 38 years

and every time I look at her

I see Bill – certain little things I notice.

And a lot of people tell her that I look like her father

some who did not know us asked if I were his son.

Tom ( Papa) Sherry

Yep – that day in 1981 I drove my car up the driveway

and by the way – he liked that car!

Just another day of memories

and one that I cherish to this day-

THE DAY I MET BILL!

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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

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Papa’s World – The wonders of the KINZUA BRIDGE

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Hundreds of years ago – this was the land of the Seneca ‘ s –

One of the five nations in Western Pa. and New York State.

And in this land – was a river and mountains and a valley –

The river – the Allegany – the mountains the same –

and the valley – ” THE KINZUA ” !

GOOD MORNING

Both Sherry and myself

were born and raised in this beautiful part of Penna. and NYS .

Her in a little hamlet called Mount Jewett –

a SWEDISH founded community on top of the mountains –

And me – in the river valley in a little town called Eldred.

Both situated within the boundaries of the Allegany mountains

and what the Indian nation called ” KINZUA ” !

Land of the Senaca’s THE KINZUA VALLEY

Back in the late 1800’s – a way to bring coal to a place to store and sell –

You had to go up and down in these mountains –

A long hard trip –

So – a solution was to build a bridge – spanning this valley –

And to ship the coal by RAIL !

Thus was born ” THE KINZUA BRIDGE ” !

What is left of the bridge

At the time of construction ( I think in record time of months )

It became one of the WONDERS OF THE WORLD –

At its highest point – over 300 feet straight down –

and almost a half mile long !

Disaster struck – a TORNADO

The bridge was used for years and years –

undergoing a complete renovation in the years to follow to strengthen it –

As the trains became larger – heavy – and loaded with coal.

Then – it was deemed the end of transporting the coal era –

And became somewhat of a tourist attraction –

A look down from the bridge

The bridge – became a ride across –

with a steam locomotive carrying passengers .

After years of this – it was deemed unsafe –

But the locals still walked across it

and many rode snowmobiles across it

( Sherry’s father rode across countless times on a snowmobile )

Today – a historical site

About 12 to 15 years ago – disaster struck –

they had just begun restoring the old bridge-

It was going to be safe once again –

They were done for the day –

BUT A STORM WAS BREWING !

Conditions became perfect for Mother Nature !

The winds increased in the valley –

And a TORNADO ( rare ) formed –

The bridge went down – half of it !

One half left

In the years that followed – it was deemed as both historical

and a State Park – with a multi million dollar museum –

and bus loads of tourist all year around.

Glass floor installed

You can now walk out on it to the platform

and peer straight down through a reinforced GLASS FLOOR –

300 feet straight down – not for me –

There is a bench before you walk out –

That is my seat until all come back !

The entrance to the visitor center & Museum

The Visitor center and museum – gives a detail history of the construction

and a timeline and pictures of the destruction from the Tornado.

Along with interviews of eye witness ‘s and rescues !

The old rail road grade

The OLD RAIL ROAD GRADE has been resurfaced

and made into miles of walking and hiking trails

through the top of the valley.

Also known as the ” KINZUA DAM “

Several miles away – part of the valley was made into a dam –

No houses are allowed as it is one half state property –

And the other half belongs to the SENACA INDIAN NATION.

The marina on the KINZUA RESERVOIR

Boating and water sports and fishing is allowed – must purchase a license.

Miles and miles of shoreline in both NYS & Pa.

The area is beautiful – full of wild life –

much as it was hundreds of years ago.

The Senaca Nation owns and runs the Casino –

And the reservation encompasses much of the land in both states.

OLMSTEAD MANOR

In the little town of Ludlow Pa. –

Is the site of the OLMSTEAD MANOR –

Built in the early 1900’s –

We have stayed here many times –

It still has the old phones – that you would blow into –

And the names of all the family who lived here-

With the number of the phone and which room they resided in !

There is a one lane bowling alley in the top floor !

Buck – Cindy – Sherry – Tom

All our friends are from the area – and we go home –

The Bridge is a must stop to see destination.

I hope you liked the blog and a little bit of information –

On the Allegany foothills and the KINZUA VALLEY & BRIDGE !

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

If you would like to read more – just type in the following

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Sherry & Tom
PAPA’S WORLD