Quincy Township to launch effort to preserve its History

At their July 7 meeting the Quincy Township Park Committee will discuss creating a Quincy Township Heritage Park Historical Society as part of its mission.  The Township has a rich history and heritage that ought to have a home and an organization that works together to display and preserve artifacts and photos for the enjoyment of the community.

Quincy Township is home to Pennsylvania’s First State Park, Mont Alto State Park.  Pennsylvania’s First TB Treatment Facility, originally known as the White Pine Sanitorium, today the South Mountain Restoration Center.  Pennsylvania’s First Forestry College, known at its founding as Mont Alto Forest Academy, today the Penn State Mont Alto Campus.  Franklin County’s Standard Oil Pumping Station at Knepper’s Station.  One of Franklin County’s Oldest Water Systems, the Tomstown Pump.  The Metcalfe Engine Company also known as Quincy Engine Company.  The Quincy Orphanage and Home.  The Wertz Family Fruit Farms, which has a historical connection to the Underground Railroad.  These are just a few of the places that deserve having their stories, photos and artifacts preserved.

Efforts have already begun in the Quincy Township Office located at 7575 Mentzer Gap Road.  Displays on the walls tell some of the story of the one-room schools throughout the Township, another the beginnings of the Quincy Orphanage and Home, the Tomstown School Bell is on display as well as a series of photos when Route 997, the concrete highway was built through Quincy in 1924 thru 1927.  These are just seeds to get the organization started and spark interest in preserving Quincy Township’s History and Heritage.  

Quincy Township Supervisor Rev. Lee E. Daywalt will present the concept to the Park Committee at this meeting and invites anyone interested in being a part of the Historical Society to attend.  Concept sheets will be distributed, ideas discussed and a little Quincy History shared.  The meeting begins at 6:30pm at the Township Office 7575 Mentzer Gap Road.