Summer at the Brown Farm

A rare trip to Laurel Hill Settlement in the middle of summer. Headed up - to geocache and get apples from what's left of the old 150 year old orchard.

I have to say - it's beautiful with all the lush green of summer - but rather uncomfortable with all the muggy weather and bugs - which must have been even worse 200 years ago - with all the livestock.

Heading over towards the cemetery and what's left of the orchard. This shot shows where the old cabin used to be.

This is one of the three apple tree's left - this grand old lady of the forest has a charm and a history all its own.

It's hard to tell from this photo - but what you are looking at is the cemetery full of weeds and tall grass.

I call these apple trees - the three sisters.

Pennsylvania Grand Review - Honoring USCT - John E. Smith

African American Patriots and the Civil War. Imagine my surprise when a reader from Montana, George M.  brought to my attention that John E. Smith from Laurel Hill Settlement/Browns Farm is mentioned in the current issue of American Heritage. For more on the life of this one soldier from the Laurel Highlands click 3rd-usct-john-e-smith-laurel-hill

The Pennsylvania Grand Review will serve as a commemoration of the November 1865 event of the same name organized by the women of Harrisburg to honor the United States Colored Troops who were not permitted to participate in the Grand Review of the Armies, a military procession and celebration held May 23-24, 1865 in Washington, D.C., following the end of the Civil War.

The Grand Review will include exhibition, presentation, and conservation projects that will reveal the hidden histories of the USCT. This commemoration will culminate November in Harrisburg.

For information can be found on the official website:

http://www.visitpa.com/trip-ideas/pennsylvania-grand-review/index.aspx

Brown's Farm - New Flags

 

Took a couple of new flags up - since the old ones had seen better days.

 

 

Apple Trees in Bloom

Twisted Tree

 

Cambria/Westmoreland Line

 

The Three Sisters at Browns Farm

 

Browns in April

Mound at Browns Farm

 

Mound in the Distance

Browns Farm is chalked full of earth and rock mounds, besides a couple of sets of nice walls.

 

In a couple of weeks, I'll be starting up again to write about the proper history of the area. Right now though, I don't have the time, since the weather has been so nice. I've been spending part of every weekend up there.

From Lower Section of Browns

Browns Farm - Cast Iron Wheel

Found this on the lower section of Browns Farm.

These are from the Lower Section at Browns Farm - Lower Yoder Township

Browns Farm in Early April

Spent quite a few hours up at Browns all weekend long. Unfortuately the snakes are now out up there. But otherwise I have to say nothing beats seeing the place in the Spring. These are all from the lower section.