As high rises and other modern structures continue to replace or dominate historic buildings and districts in our area, what is left are memories and a few photos of early streetscapes that people have wisely documented or captured over the years. We owe thanks to Helen Breon Volz (1937-2015) for writing her memories of living […]
The Centre Furnace Mansion Kitchen Garden has been a favorite garden feature of the Mansion’s grounds. The garden’s hardscaping has been in need of repair and improvement. This need is now urgent after necessary damage to the garden occurred as a result of the first phase of the Mansion’s restoration work. Estimated at $10,000, our […]
Early photographs from the 1880s and 1890s show a garden in front of the Mansion, located near the steps that led guests from the circular driveway to the front staircase. It had become overgrown with, among many things, Lilies of the Valley and a menacing rosebush when Centre Furance Mansion gardener Margery Johnstone and her […]
A gift for the purchase and planting of approximately three dozen period lilacs was given to the Centre County Historical Society in 2005 to honor Laura Bower with her favorite flower. This rich collection, given in her memory by her son, Jeffrey M. Bower, has been named Laura’s Lilac Bower. Lilac varieties have been chosen […]
Many, many people have helped in the restoration of the Centre Furnace Mansion and grounds for public use, but few have given more commitment than Lois and Everett McLaughlin. In 1993, a memorial gift of a gazebo was given in Lois’s honor as a lasting tribute, given by the McLaughlin family – Everett, children Elliot […]
Iron Objects of the 18th and 19th Centuries Everyday Iron explores the progression from “furnace to market”, with a special emphasis on the role of the blacksmith. This exhibit featured a rich and wide variety of over 100 iron artifacts from CCHS, private collectors and other local historical organizations, this broad range of artifacts made […]