Seasons

Saturday, August 4, 2012

BSW DayTrippers~~Discovering Local History

DayTrippers Tour of the Huebner Onion Homestead in Leon Valley

Shady Retreat at the Onion House near Bandera Road

Carol Poss, Author and Tour Guide, and the Leon Valley Historical Society Presenters, Darby and Mike

Historical Artifacts Found on Homestead

Cemetery Marker August DayTripping

Living in Braun Station, I make a lot of trips up and down Bandera Road throughout the week. When driving through our Sister Town of Leon Valley, I sometimes check out the progress of the pioneer homestead known as the Onion House. It's located right along Bandera Road so it's easy to spot. I've watched over the past years as it has gone from near ruins to a National Register of Historic Places. With leaders like Carol Poss, the Leon Valley Historical Society has made some big strides. It's now open for touring and activities. Today our DayTrippers travel club checked out our local history and made some discoveries that are practically in our own backyard.

Built in 1862 by Joseph Huebner, the Onion House was also once a stagecoach stop. Travelers going from San Antonio in the 1800's, to the towns in the Hill Country, would stop there. It was considered a hard drive from San Antonio. The house is actually named after the Onion family. The John F. Onions have been noted in Texas Law. One was a member of the Texas Legislature, another a longtime district judge, and his twin brother an attorney.

Local legend says that the Onion House is haunted. Our tour guide related to us that a San Antonio paranormal group, aka "ghostbusters" will be visiting next week to look for ghosts. Our DayTrippers group hiked over to the cemetery via the Huebner Creekbed and natural area trails to pay our respects to the past. A fenced-in cemetery grave and shrine marks the spot.

The above 4 photos depict
the Onion House tour, featuring the home's restored interior, molasses press, fireplace, and historical marker.

The

The above

The above 4 photos depict the Onion House tour, featuring the home's restored interior, molasses press, fireplace, and historical marker.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Wellsboro, the Home of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon

Enjoying the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania . . .

by Cindy Morawski

Upper View in Leonard Harrison State Park

Following the Water through the Gorge

Cruising on my Bike

Pine Creek Trail

Paul's Ready for More Bears

Pine Creek Rail-Trail

Paul and I rented Raleigh Cruisers through the Pine Creek Outfitters. We biked about 20 miles from Ansonia to Blackwell on the converted rails to trails one early morning last Wednesday. Surprised by a black bear near Marsh Creek at the beginning of our ride, we started our bicycling adventure through the gorge with some unexpected wildlife. The bear broke through the weeds by the creek to our right, surprised at visitors on the trail, he stopped and studied us, then scrambled up the hill and into the woods. Midway through our ride, we also discovered an eagle fishing on the creek. The eagle successfully dipped down and scooped up a large fish with its talons. We continued to watch as it headed for a high retreat in a nearby tree to enjoy its breakfast. Other notable wildlife along our bike trail included chipmunks, crows, ravens, hawks, and deer. A small fawn, who startled us by leaping out of the woods, was the last sighting before we concluded our ride in Blackwell.

The trail is open year-round, and it's also open to horseback riding, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing. It's a beautiful way to see the canyon.

Wellsboro, the County Seat of Tioga County

Wellsboro was named for Mary Wells, the wife of the pioneer founder. Around 200 years old, this town today has the charm of a bygone era. Gaslights, grassy boulevards, a town square and green, and its own diner give its visitors a glimpse into the past. Paul and I enjoyed our three day stay in Wellsboro. We toured the shops, local library, art center, and a local farmer's market as well. An early summer evening ride on the Tioga Central Train to a nearby lake was our final activity before we had to leave. Delicious wines and appetizers were part of the train's fare. Wellsboro's hospitality has had us thinking ever since we departed about a future return trip.