FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Walking Tour of Archaeological Sites
Rivertownes Members Experience
History of Industrial Complex
March 24, 2002 --
Dr.
June Evans, who spent five summers completing an archaeological examination of
the area along the Susquehanna River between Marietta and Columbia, conducted a
walking tour for members of Rivertownes PA USA. She discussed numerous sites
located in and around the Chickies Rock County Park, including the remains of
the Henry Clay Tenement, the Vesta Furnace office building, the S.S. Haldeman
mansion, the Chickies Lock complex, and the St. Charles Furnace complex. Dr.
Evans, a retired Millersville University professor, is an active member of
Rivertownes PA USA.
The
goal of Rivertownes is to stabilize and restore the Vesta Office building;
stabilize the north wall of the Henry Clay Tenement; construct a bridge over
Chickies Creek to link the river trail; stabilize and cap the Henry Clay and St.
Charles furnace ruins. Signage will also be placed to explain the story of the
iron furnaces and their importance in the development of the river towns.
Rivertownes
also hopes to reopen the canals, restore the lime kilns and eventually connect
the two counties with ferries reminiscent of the early part of the 20th century.
Rivertownes meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Wrightsville House at
7:30 PM and would welcome anyone who has an interest in the preservation of
local history to attend.
Dr.
June Evans, who spent five summers completing an archaeological examination of
the area along the Susquehanna River between Marietta and Columbia, conducted a
walking tour for members of Rivertownes PA USA. She discussed numerous sites
located in and around the Chickies Rock County Park, including the remains of
the Henry Clay Tenement, the Vesta Furnace office building, the S.S. Haldeman
mansion, the Chickies Lock complex, and the St. Charles Furnace complex. Dr.
Evans, a retired Millersville University professor, is an active member of
Rivertownes PA USA.
