Welsh brought unique culture to corner of York County: Linked in with neat York County history stuff, Sept. 5, 2012
Neat stuff below: Old Cyclorama/Foustown’s stack
Many people have heard about Delta but its remote location in southeastern York County makes it a bit of a trek for many to visit. But it is worth the visit, including checking out the Old Line Museum, right, a repository of information and exhibits about the Welsh. Those miners worked the slate hills around Delta from about 1850 to 1920. Also of interest: 100 years later, Delta’s slate clock, housed in Old Line Museum, keep ticking. and Digging Coulsontown: ‘This is not Indiana Jones.’
Neat stuff from all over …
The York Weekly Record takes readers around York County in photographs and in words in the spread: Local historical preservation societies share glimpses of past.
For example, the story describes the Delta-Peach Bottom Welsh:
“They brought the skill and experience they learned in the slate quarries at home, and brought their families in search of religious and personal freedoms and a better life. They also brought their unique culture, including art, music and poetry, said volunteer Ruth Ann Robinson.
” ‘The slate industry was dirty and dangerous but offered these immigrants hope for prosperity and a better future for their families,’ ” she said.
“Slate is fireproof and was popular as roofing material. The slate that came from Delta was some of the best in the world.
“The museum contains photos and memorabilia from the slate industry and other examples of local history. The slate clock made by a local slate splitter is a unique treasure.
“Slate tombstones carved by a Welsh immigrant with three-dimensional figures and poetry can be found in several local cemeteries, Robinson said.
Visitors can experience a piece of the Welsh culture in the second Sunday in October when the Welsh language is used in The Rehoboth Welsh Church, she said.
Those seeking more information can contact: oldlinemuseum@aol.com or email info@deltawelshheritage.com.
Catching up: The Hanover Evening Sun brings everyone up to speed on the status of the old Cyclorama building in Gettysburg.
Forum of the day, I: – Exchangers are discussing: Military history share day set for Dallastown.
Forum of the day, II: Big Lots, in the former Ultimate Electronics store, will join BAM (formerly Borders) in the Meadowbrook Village Shopping Center. Will Big Lots attract you to shop in that once-popular part of Springettsbury Township? Background: That corner of Springettsbury Township has seen a lot of change.
Late last week, this is what was left of the landmark Foustown smokestack near Glen Rock. Sherri Dennis, a descendant of William Foust, lamented its demolition in a comment on this yorktownsquare.com post: ‘As a direct descendant of John and Billy Foust, I am so sad that the smokestack is coming down. That was the only thing I could relate to my Foust Heritage.’
