Relief Map of COLUMBIA COUNTY, Pennsylvania
Surrounding areas are also included. Reproduced from Army Map Service
than
Maps. Used with permission. Boundaries of Columbia County, other
SUPERIMPOSED.
LINES
INK
STREAMS, HAVE BEEN EMPHASIZED BY ADDITIONAL

.

.

North Mountain

CONTENTS
Geography

of

Summary

9

Columbia County

Scenic Tours of

Agricultural and

Home

Economics
19

Extension Office
Agricultural Stabilization

Ambulance

Armed

Services

and Conservation 19

— regular enlistments

in

.

15

Municipal Directories

17

Highway Commission

Pennsylvania State
Policing

15

Political

-

.

18

Part

7

8

Real Estate Assessments

17

9

Red Cross

16

Bloomsburg Fair
Board of Assistance

18

Scenery, Enjoying

18

School Enrollments

17

Sealer of Weights

18

Sightseeing Tours

2

Soil Conservation,

Chambers

The Pennsylvania

Commerce

of

Child Welfare Services
Cities, Classes of

Civil

Defense

17

Bloomsburg State
Columbia County Names
Columbia Countians of Distinction
College,

Department
Fire

and Waters

and Waters, Department
Geography of Columbia County
Forests

Historical Society

Highway Commission

of

— Pennsylvania

Hospitals,

Historical Society
torical society

Society holds meetings in

Columbia County

Unit for

19

2
3

3

4
4

18
9

Voter Qualifications, Pennsylvania
Weights and Measures, Sealer of

13

Economy

2

Youth

15

Population Growth, 1840-1960

Further Reading and References
Acknowledgments

21

Land Use

21

Population by Political Divisions, 1950 and

Picture Credits

21

21

active his-

parts of the county.

These deal with interesting topics of the recent as well as
the more remote past. This, our current, effort, the Columbia County Guide, demonstrates the interest of the

Statistical Tables
Population Growth,. Columbia- County

5
.

10-11

5
16

TABLES

21

Services

library in Bloomsburg.

all

Columbia County Government
Borough Government in Pennsylvania
Township Government
Bloomsburg Town Government
Local Administration of Government
Columbia County Schools, Chart with

Veterans' Affairs

''Tax Anything"

— Columbia County has an
museum and

14

6

GRAPHIC CHARTS

16

16

with

and Measures

5
14

,

18

1

General

14

Districts

2

State 18

Historical Society

Our County

and Adjoining

Columbia County

8

2

of Forests

Inside front cover
Political Subdivision of

Law

17

Protection

Map, Columbia County Region

Townships, Classes of
Trolley Cars
Union School District
United Funds

5
17

Counties, Classes of

MAPS
Relief

14

Existing Authorities

Authorities,

The

14

Columbia County ....

Library Facilities

16

12

of County's History

7

Columbia County Taxes
of Pennsylvania

in

Columbia County

1960

Society in the present-day welfare of the county.

7
8
10-11

9
13

Knowl-

edge and understanding of the struggles and efforts embodied in our region's history, recent as well as remote,
are a necessary foundation for civic loyalty and devotion,
as well as

Berwick Hospital

community

building.

s

—

-%

-^

to

ty

->

<t

O

o

X—
t-o
vo —
CNO

(j

Ko
;*

°

00
uj _D

a

~j

Or
CL

o

o'

u
3 E u

_

to

ID
-3

k.

O
—

LU to

S^s^
S «u«..

f-,

-M

—
3
LL-~>
O >N

03

cr w1— «u
CO m^

—
Q

I

—

v.

£*

""

3

<u

Qs

.

">

->3>

?-2^&

u.

R

*•

Z>

V-

1—

(/>

-

1

3 CJ-~

a

w

zz

O-a

i.

*,l

i

8°:^T3a
X

<

—

K

.

T3 *

j?
~=

Si

cr-ft

i

SO

=-=

3 -S c °
'S.- g-o

CL-ft.

Is"s^
tj

ty
-ft

c

tu

-tt

u_

W
to

o

CO

3

z

+^
*-

£
p
W

D O U
40

•

-w
to

3

T3

b;

<

-ft

C
*u

O

c c

tr

ty

ty

k k W

a

a

<o

^

k*-j

ty
t^

O

y

-ftp-ft.©—
n a-o

OCk

<U

!

«u*-»

»*

^

-^

_J

V, jO-M tU ?>••*
-^
to tu *- v--»*-»* to to-»*
tu-f* g.
(y
\n lo-ft;** to"a-5-o
to

W.

a

)

(

o+j

ft-ft.3
<u ^j
*«

>

to

2

ty

^

to
to

<u

3

to-c

o
o

U_ U-

a
UJ

cj

rJ

CO .2

>

^>

W
UJ UJ
hCO cc

O
—
CD O

tu

-0

CO
LU

"3

ty

^^

k

CO

to-«: -^

^

-""S-^
v.

c

^

o

-^,

(M r, -t

man

Ml
SB-3

w^
O

to

--»

t©
<u
?3

>v

Q

3

w

to
tu

tn

—

a
o

ty
-~»

-O

a

5

*- -t:

il

"a

-to

7"

O
rr

§s

-ft tu

.5-

<r
1

<0

5 *

5?

fe

r

>

<

J

<•£>

v,

c -c

1

V
(0

3

Y1

Ja

i»

^

y

y

10

a=

-a

3

Cr

«^

-c:

^. -u -&

V
*)

c

ei

+j

w w c
O nKfto
a ^,

.2

a3 ^
H
*

to

010

k.

i

E - a

<->

n

O

-«

«
K

3 a

^i
(0

e §

CN

o
O

-0

a

-r ~

'

a c
c o

c
iiv

is-

_J (3

£ O

C"-

i

OJ 2t-ft^-^,

,

ble

tO lO

°
^ °° ^

^ o'
o o' o' 10 tH o ~
oommtoj-rri—
CO 00 CM >—

--O

E_l

i-H

CO

°i.

1

r

C/)

OO

o

0000000 r
-d,ooooooo^:
o 000^0000 ^

I.

O-M

13

T
m

C

on.

1—
<I -J -w

"V-**-,

ZD 0^
"3 +o

^,

Q

O

-

>- *^,cco

O 3

w

>

fc

Q.Q £
a_o

tJ--J
to to «u

—
^ —

Qt

3

<u
*o"«-i

c

u

"3

-ft

DS

CO
CO

<_)

)

U
-^

tu

1-

^

CO
en

-c
to <u
k-q
?s

d"cj

s

••

>t-j

co+o-a+o «-*£«
to

cu

-ft &.' «-,-a

* ju

to L.

JU ^ l/)~o ~
^
U k ty •«„—*

co

t.'

V
t—

C

-

(jo

~

U_

-*->

to jr
I.

»

3—

?r
<t
V—

-MtoC
3 Wt*
O—C4oO

"-,

W.

—

to

tu

•*:

3

-

~ W

tr

to
. to to
-to
-ft-*o
*U
<y -**
-x* k.

+0 to
«0-«

to"

V-

V-

to

to

CO

V-

-ft
to
<u

Ly

t£i

+>

to

tr

-

3

+o^i
-<= c ^ a
to

n

>\

S§§SS8.§S
Oooooio»r>c

—

,111
l~ <u 3
«—

k

to
r»

3

to

J3

«SO

<

-M

a

E

o

ty

OT3

ty

UJ

k.

O

O

CS

* S-,

C

•**

10

*^»

3

»*

s

-M

*
Sh

C w

o

t«

'3

e

-ft

13

c

S

—

~

to

>-

—

to

"«

o c

to

.1

to

cc

^3

to

3^

n

o

OJ
_J
<1

o

E^)-c:

W W

to

V.
ty

"U

u —j
E o
"3

to

C -o
a a

CO

to
to •*»

GO

-

W

c o
a +0
V-

->-

3

tu

10

g

>E5

—
O
z
O
—

f

^

o

CO

to
«u

+j

cc

« *n

LL

O

c
o

0=
ty
0=
=3

V.
-t*

CO

w

ft)

^;

a

o

"no
a 3

E o o

O -c:-ft
w
*o O
to-t^^O

C

3

-ft+o

to

<u -C*Cl

tu
to *-•

to
•**

0-T3

-ft

o

V-

•

.co

—

V.

-n
j

.

<\j

r

D Q

ty
to

to

0"*~-,

Z•
ZD CO

V,

t)

to

J

S
>

+0

to

O C

O
r*

c a 3

<a:

^
5

H-,

^o

"f

"

-fi-»*

3 W

-o

o

-w
to

,x

O

^T

UJ
CC

3
»

f

)

UJ

a,

•«-,

T,

oC
(X

LU
_J

!

—

to

O

_

o

a

to

CO

V-

u

tu

to

T1

40

To"

tu

+-»

LL.

"tt
V-

O

u

tu

k.

LU

—
X
O

tu

O
<<

-ft

O
t.

-o

5

—

CJ

O

-j

C3

Ci

-i

t.

1°

-2

«

"
-

C
3

i=

S " 2 e
Advice

E

"S

&

J>

-

«

g

O QJ
- >

1

to

3C
O

.2

p —

°

_

W

n

•

"75

.So

^

O

a
£

c£
._
52
!>

to

bn 40

>

(

"j;

Bbou
u

—

V.
-Ci

>

c y:

o

"

Vork

-,

c
_
w Ou

LL

LU
fc CJ

-u

^3 ^

a.
-*

UJ
J> f)

O

v.

zz.

o

(J

d c

u_

_J

ft
h-

o

^1

-& .-

-*; -*o
+->

«

Oo X v
^

a*

to

*o

3

Old

to

to

£*"

,_

^3 "*s
a jj

1-

03^;
tn o -^

^^"^
o

(o

^

^ S

<t ,.

^^

—K

a.

LL

+J

— >

^P

S

^E«
-a

c

O 3

K

Cr tu

•

CD
UJ
cc

CO
a:
UJ
h-

a-S

"It

c «.-^

»»

10

CO

A
s 2

c

c
S
3
E o
1 o -c
1-^. E

03

**

<u

<

c

a ;>"

j
Uo

^

>

Wn
to a

-o

to

fc_'

UJ
CO

«

i— ZD

c^2^

to tta

O
—
cc-c:

—

a

LU

ho

v o-a

.

cc
<t
cc
h-

-6 CO

SOLICITOR

DIRECTOR,

VETERAN'S

AFFAIRS

LJ
Legal
ana

—

»

'

1

X

UO LU

u?^

o

=j

r-i

ll.

-jo

a.

-

H

00

u
<

< a

(_

CO
CO
uj
co
co

5
xo
<CuJ

4

i

1

UJ

o
cr

a.

<

cc
<t
t—
CO

O S

k-

o

O^S
— o
-»->

<

I.

<c^~-^-a.
2 ^ »>
,

o

-J
Cfcl

<t

k

co

h

»-

a

•5

s-,

_

C

C

"13

—o

«
uj

3
W

O

a

a

1

o c
U>
•-

f

K

1

<£

1

>

i

in

£-

tio

e Tj a
_
c o
c a w
~
O

(/)

c c

o

-2

>-

_m

(

tj

—>

L_

01

w

rn

rn

If)

()

1=

A

CD

ID

"O JC

^

*. •

rr,tj

,

o
^

CO

a O

a

ID

,

3

1

*•

U "D
» o

->-

a

—
w w*
C k
3T3
'

co
CO

d

3

s

LL

3-33
P?
CO
CO

C3

to

1

C

0)

> a.

_J

1

>- >.

>

1

XI

i»

o

ii
s:

tj

CO

Z
z

—

o

1

1
•

1

<u

UJ

1

-Cl

Oy—

^

Q.

W-

r*

bo

"tl

V-

i_U^

o

n

Z.

r

«
cr

o-«

*»

-«X

< «

-J

0-

1

—

2£

co

—
O
}—
Z <-*f
—
u*»*
o
O- ^
Q_

t5

1

X

LU

.o

CO

V-S
o-r*

CLQQ

Z
S

O

to

t—

a-

CL
-<t

—

1

C3

O

U
CEcu—
LUCE

o

CO

3

»

-Cl

V,

*>a
<LU M

i— ooa

a- co
ct-M
co O."

3

t_
I

I

uj

a.

^

Oo
i;

•^4

-w

-O

o
o

fc

3
-tt.

40

SX
w
<u
-*=;

-W

J

3
r

tu

^

-o

w

|

1

O

H
^

to

cc

~a

c
U
UJ

1

1

a

2

io
5=

UJ

•«*

t-

«

1

]

co

l

<

C

«

i

O
co

o

1

<

c
a

1

1

1

t—

1

'JO

6-,

.

w
a

t-

-o
V.

o
u

-a

>s

-•*

V

©
c

-*-»

>N

-o

C
o

"a

a.

^

to

V

•-

o

w

••*

u

v\

-»*

to

*-,

•*

•*-,

E
E
Q

o
k
u

tj

T3

-c:

o

u
"*->

-o

c

*o
V.

^

o

1-

T3

->

Q^

3

X

-o

o
w
u

UJ

o

^

E

c

V

B

4-i

O

3

u

to

•«

»J

E

^
*—i

u

•<a.

3

E

CO

K

o
V)

O
*"=

-*o

"*~*

«T

P
t
Vfc.

1

1

>

to

<y
-vj

c^c§

CD

O

?N

"^3

a

o

w

V

w

-(

tj

o

1

O

>v

T3

u
W

to

tj

g

.

to
*T^

4)

3

•

^
*o
W)

W

••

a.

V

to

to

k-

O

V
o
-Cl
O

W

a

c

'

»»

>
u

C>

U

to

c
o

5»i

C^.

V

•*

T3

o
CC
<
O
CO

a

-«>

w

tJ

to

M

<U

"

-«

a

L

c

ei

r.

-a

»"

E

-C
b-

^

—

-a

u

k.

tj

3

S>

T3

a.

i
n

C J

*j

^S

lo

v
^
o

i

~~*

<£)

o

Q
cn
5
O

U

to

q:

u.

13

«

-0

ataj

-a

o

t-i

^>

to

v.

»•
--i

"*°
1

JJ

O

to

-a

u

—^

~t3

u-

to
v-

-

a
ct
o
cc

-to

CL

UJ

L

T1

^3
-O

—

U-

n

a

(O

3
c

O

e-

o
-^

W
O
-<:
o

-G*

o

C

1

•u

a -o

z

G

r

Lk=
<*i

O

-i

CL

<u

Z —4
— c
h- •*
<

uj

Q

u

cr

o u w

F

V

3

•-

—
>«

*-i

=0

C
~a

1

1

+j

3

b«

o
L.

3 K.

-o

coa

O
•u

UJ

fc

1

Z.

a.

W

1

l

O

cr

UJ

CO

_J

a

|

1

"a

E
fc

>

co

<t

to

^o

1

£ a
*)

>-

Cm
1

*0

to

O

-c

<

^oo *ju

z
o
— -»*

•k)

C3

c
o-c a -a
*--

O
<
O
CD

-a

|

>s
•o

Q-CL

CJO

V.

1

-c:

n,
-Jfc UJ

>

N

1

VI

to
to

t>

>>

a

txra

o
co ^5

a

— —

J

1
- -J
4io cc
UJ

<

10

z

O
L.
ID

<

(O

—
—

o n

<o

>~
-J

U
._

tr

o
u u

O Q.

Oir>

.

4-

c
3

uujOOi/l

i

r

j

a

>1

t—

o

.—

•a

O

li-

o:

O
O

Dzini<
o<
rttNK uJiV.

-o— cro*

+
CO

CO
1

x

1

i

i

c

F
CU

l-

;/i

c

in

l

Cm

to

fn

O
<t

-

Q_

en

(U

o

1_
ID

3

cu

CO
to

o

(0

a
or

o

co

5

O
O

—>. ^_o

-rj

-.*

tf)

V

-u

—

I

(O
•

^

in

c
o

"O

•

1CC

LJ
C£

UJ

—

—

3
o
u

T3

C

I

12

T3

-Cl

JZ

-C -m

«

o

£

-—

-5

—

l_

CO
a>

>
I

Q.

JZ

—
—

4-

—

(D

O
ID

4- 4-

o

—
—

10

CJ

M-

c

3=

I

>*-

O

U
3 <
O uj
O (L

3

O

LU

jz
4-

X

E
O

Q.

h-

i_

10

s10
v+-

<l

<i)

o h

L.
C)

(1)

—m
u

>

o
fl

^

T
(/)

O

io,

4i_

3
O

I

Z
O
—
CO
o0
LU
CO

CD >-

i

L"3

—

O

*-

o

O

C

1-

•»

fu

- 5J
•t

z
;

c

o

o
—o
Q

in

c
<
o

1~

•s

LU

>

x>

h-

(D

Z

•

Q
—

<-,

(D

"V

UJ
i_

o

u
S_

>
—

Q

U.;

—

T

H

CD

<
-3

13

(J

4-

"D

10
V-

JO

4—

O
C

»4-

JZ

o
C0
C
Cc
3 CO co
O (0
E O c
•—
JH - (D
4-

<r-?>

ID

4-

C

L.

.—

g o
(0
U l- c
CO

—

—

o

—
—>
O

1- 41_

JZ

4-

13

-3
4-

C

.—

L.

O

ID

'J)

JZ

O

JZ
\~

C
CO
(C
>^4- >
s_
(0

—

3

>-

O

to

!_

C
c

Cl 4i_

3
O

U

—

Q.

L.

>*-

4-

—o

o

X>

L.

tO

O

4-

•—

n

L

o
4-

>

ro

<)
1_

4-

c

d)

(D

V)

>.

01

L.

10
(0

3 (- (D
a I) m
F J
o (0 0>
c
o
c 4-

u

TJ

—

CL

•

4-

()

M-

—

4-

L.

J

o

h() CJ

a
_i
<r

C)
*
c\i

o— ^
<
E
(D

LU
a. "o
u_

c

•>

—

to
(0

•

Cl

Cl
o
—~ <
UJ
hto

3
-5
UJ

X
f-

•

»
:>^

S(0

E
E

e
to

41-

3
3 o
CO

t_>

(O
1

>hsL
LU

nj

o

*—
L.

JC 4I.

—

B>

4-

•— CJ

1_
mi

XJ

a>

c

>
>

•—

4-

O
U
C

>-

n c

c

o

.—
4—

4-

tn

(0

C o CO

J

o
F

(0

JZ •—
o 4-

•—

to
!_

o

JZ 4—

*"
p!

hi

T

V

h-

JZ

*

U)

—

**-

in

c

J3

t )

a&

-3

T
hX
—

a>
m(0

«

-C

—
(V
H
co
—

3
F

(0

L

(D

CO

l_

to

If)

(0

o

U
JZ

to

(D

cu

3

F
U

4-

4-

c

8 3
to

"C?

(0

o

< c
—10 o J- —
O

o

LU

01

to

(0

V)
V)

n
~>

JZ

-(—

m
10

JZ ro
4- -— J_

u

4-

—c

o c
o —

c

to
(0

r

—a

-iC

—c

<0

i_

3 E
•—>

I-

y

J3
>~
V)

<u

(0

•—

O

s_

•— *4- JZ
4- W- 4—

tn

•
i_
ID

Q

O

.-

CL

•

ID

•—
4-

-

1_

c c
cv

c

O

3

.-

to

-

—

(D

-o

*

—a
—

DCl

Cl

1-

1

T3

ID

o c 4c — o
•—
.—
E
i• 4C CO 10

—C
O

X3

— F

CO 3
LU -Q LU
CC CO
C_ t^
O -J
LU O

CO

CL
<—

+-

3
»
>-

cn

(0

JZ 44- 1-

c

UJ

o

C

—
— 3
O
CJ
(D

*»

f—
CC

••—

O C
Q
3
Q
~3

T3

QJ

•
(!)

to

—

to

(U

CO

c_)

3

CO

(0

o

o

>

co

c
3

u —
<
3

O

Cl

~o

X) -C
X)
0) H- U_
14-

1_

ID

to

4- (X
C LU
Z> hQ cc

(D

CL
D.

10
i_

ro 4-

4-

CO

JTJ

2»
C.

ID
co

<n
i/i

l_

c

O ——
Ll.

4-

in

+-.- c
o O

3

l_

o

O

3
(0

o
JZ
4-

1-

CO

jz h-

m.

JZ

*s=

HI

n

—

L.

J3

•—

CO

"O

C X

a u

L.

III

44—

N

(D

> c

S h- uj -j "a o
4- CC
4CD

-T

4-

c
—
4- 3
—
—
"o

">

jz
4—

O
O

(D

CC

JZ

o

O

d lE

c_
cc

10

a

—

1-0

Z

Ll.

<D

o
o

T3 4-

c

O

—

—

i_

3

.

to

i-

ID

CO

O

XJ

>~ — o
a b —

f)

.— 3

—

ra

ZQ.
< m-

10

a>
JZ

1-

•

•

-4-

O o

L

(U

4-

•*-

w-

E

4-

(0

(/)

XJ

4-

n

L
(D

!_

X

(J

-1 co
C_

o
O

tz

JZ

U
O

CO

(0

ID

O O

ID

c
**-

— O
>
mm
—F
o

CO

O

<J

JZ

*•

%

*i
H-

ID

ID

c

«
g •"*

(D

O

X

— o
n

._

.-

S

o
—
=;
*- 3-

i/;

i

CO

(0

3
— < O
O
UJ

D

•
in

D.
JZ 3
4- CO

H- JZ
cc 4-

i_

c
'—>.—

i.

co

a>

o

i

C

i-

i

L

I

—

(D

1

a-

to

t^

0'<

C

I

10

—

4-

•

o

I

c
'<"-

4-

j

!

.

C
—

c;

.—

CO

:

jz
+- 1DC
co
»
TJ CO

I

I

o

3

w

1

•- jz
-o +-

c_

D5 JZ

1—

\

4-

CO

JZ

3

=>

-*-

h-

i_

-*—

to

+-

I

m

cu

z
S

1

.—

ill

<f>

o C

o

—C

Z
O LU
>
c
3
O U_ -5
— o

3
o

II'

c_

cu

L.

,

L

QJ

3
O

tr >-

—

l-

u

>-.

OJ

>

o
2

1_

L <
C)

a)

>^
4-

c
3
c o
o o

—C 4— Q 3—12 O
3
< o o o —
4O
ro

z

l_U

(_>

ID

3
o
I—

I— uj

u_
3 o

u>

o

Q

«*
I

£
4-0E

CC

1

<_J

cj

1-

a;

j:

3
O
o

=>

CO

CJ3

<

l_

—

LU 4-

o

1

10

$

—

H-

o

(0
1_

to

4.—

If)

Q c
L
a LL

—

——

4

10

in

M-

10

O

410

10
io
1a>

o

o 3
o XI

E C
0)

—

fi

—

c
•

W
1_
O

4-

0)

ID

l_
10
ID

(0

—™

.»

O
c

o c
O

ft

3

—
4—

D.

—

-4-

a.

o

3

Q.O

o

.c

01

10
io

3

3

•

—O

01

•

_

<D

V)

CL

u

—

L_

10

•— SL

o>

10

.—

to

—
x>

4-

VI

o

->

tO

co

—
q
10

i_

>

io

4-

-C

3

l_

3

J'CN

c

>-

3

(0

E

c

(J

1_

•—

«
XI

U)
L.

ft

O

to

10

to

01

.—

X

X)

o
•

i_

4-

Q —

10

C~- XJ

E
3

10

4- 4-

U

o

—
o
o

I.

4-

4-

4-

<0

10

o

.—

Q

>.

E

—C

>

— 2
O
ttl

i-

4-

<

Oj

cc

t-

E
—
Q

</)

Ll

M
o|
>l

1-

2:

o
—

LU|

ft

LU

_1

C

Q
a
<
o
CD

(-

<

N z

(0
ft

4-

ai

—

O
c
X
u
10

ID

CO

to

111

E

<

L.

4-

Z

L.

L.

to

OJ

CL

n

o
.

en

en
xj

3

1

.0
—

z
—
4—o a
<
CD

Jfe

1_

4—

4-

—
o

o

10

4-

u

3
1_

4l/)

c

o
o

C

0)

o

"a

4-

>

to
L01

1_

CL

x:

.-

oi

c
L.
01

oi

C

— —
Q_

..
•

OJ

c

CC

>.

XJ

GO

z
o
H
o
z
r>
h_

a
LU
X
O
X P
s o

•«
10

O
iO

E
Oi

>

Oi

en

to

3

S h.1

a.

01

ai

—3

L.

10

01

>

L.

10

-3
—

—
4t/)

E

01

ro

4-

ro

4-

10

10

4-

XJ
L.

C

4- >1UJ

Cl

d)

r2
3 O

1.

O

x: cj
4-

— <
3 —

C

<C

C

1_

1_

10
0>

to
II

rT

Q

0)
01

10
01

0)

01

i-

x: 4- 4-

en
CO

—
—

C

XI

ID

<0

io

4—

(0

•

—

L L
ID

OQ

4-

E

in

E

oi

O
—

ft.

O
4-

10

y

3

01
OJ

4-

i_

1»

10

—

4-

to

U)

w
•4-

10

•

CO

l.
to

.

o
o
X
o
X
o

01
ft.

3

V)

4-

1—

c

41
t)

•—

tu

4-

XI

B—

c

10
u>

<

<0

o

o

4-

01

4to

L
CJ
C-

XI

Q.

4-

10

E

(0

01

en

L.

E = 3
C

0)

S
x:

<U

j: —
to

O E

•^
x:

S

io

X)
i.

>~
XI

(0

o
CD

UJ

—

a:

io

ft

3 "a3
H
z—
—
—>
o
-3 X)
c
<—

»—
Cl

3

L.
••

m
O
— »—
S
XJ
or
OI
0)

0)

CL XI

OJ

>
to
OJ

Loj

CO

X!

LU XJ
CO C

E
3
C
c

4-

3
CO

—

3
IB

•>

oj

fD

to
10

4
to

CIO

C
to

ft.

••

CD

c>

>^

3
4- x:
C o
CO

o >P o
• Z
E 3 Cl
o c
3 1—
Z)
1o >- 3
4— o
en 4- o 4- 4.— — MC
C c
4—
3
< 3
o clx: onoo
4- —
CQ O —3
CL X>
E x: s
E
O 4- ZJ XJ XI
-J c c
en
43 —
O
CO CD Z O — —
O

4-

>-

to

•

io

C
3
O

ft

<H

01

•

ft.

J_

0)

l_

01

L.

•

OJ

ID

10

i.

i-

(0

to

01

^-

01

-4-

10

ID

cti

D u m

8j

3

K—J

a

rt

cj

10

cq

M

-S

§

(J

in

i!
ra

r

)

^

in
h-

0)

ta

_i

XI

3

u

c
3
o

-4-

C

ft

01

pL.

OJ

-j

o

4-.
•

Xi ^^

«

—
—
PQ
m O
o 2
CC

0J

3

-

3 5

£
3
j

J

01

•

4- x:
t_ 44-

—
*

OJ

x:

01

i
3

cj

l.
01

>v

4- XJ

J 4to VJ

~
OJ

CL

-o

o

o ca u
" H'ii _

X!

3

to

3«S2

lT

60

G"
OJ
«J

CJ

^
s

H

"H.

5

» S S
g 3

a;

.

bo

U

>
" O

—=
q

CU

CO
rj

ca

3
4J
S °
cu

S
XJ

-S

X!

<

3 U
„

CJ

"^

g-a-S

3 3 «
ca
TJ

XI

bo

—

'>
3 4J
u .£ XJ

3

C

-

a)

3 X) O
« 3
3
.

bo

— ~
O.

£

>-

si 33
p
a ° '%
°
,« cu

-a J3

O

M

IU

c?XJ
.3

cu

S

ta

J3 X3 XJ

cj
in

"
£
CJ
„

'u'B

if*3
£

-a'

3

sh

XJ

ftl

C
*

° O :"
^3 u
tj
-a
'3 T3 "9

'r.

t/3

3
V 33
O XI 3

>

o w u

-a

y
:«S3

to

to

<

cu

rj
« o

'5

?

CL

O

o

—

cu

'4iSS'
c

L

tu

s-,

J3

s-4

3

01

i

a

SS
-°

£!

J

to

Cl

<U

.5

a

„|g°

3

C E c
u
c

cq

3

3i

J3

CJ

10
•

.

ai

UJ

o
>~
4-

hi

c

t

u

OJ

C) 4-

o

>,

o

^

0)

J

•=

M

•S3

t_

4-

rr
LU

X

3

.H -S XJ

• ft

01

4-

j

a

•

z
—
n

<o

OJ

o

cj=

O
c S 3

L.

3

Cl

•

-ftn

.-2

o U

1

u D

i)

U

o 3
cu

i—(
»-H

o
3

QJ
10

>

4-|

o

4-

10

i—i

LO CO

•—

c

—

to

no

rn

10

iu

ft.

ft.

c

c

01

H
^

I.

(D

(0

u

wi

XI

o

L.

)

CD CO

x}-

L.

<)

i
t

—
—

i_

—

CM

•

n

m

tn

O'^'-^-CMO-^'m
i-H

to

CJ 4_i C
r.

O
m

^CMOO^iOCT)

o
O

U

>- X

o

2

CJ

=

OJ

•—

io

0J

*

CO

——
-*
to

x;

^>

3

3 ^7

3 CD
O "^
C

r •—

t

"S "°

w

o

01

p

ft.

XI

G

>.

—

CO

10

o

<

3

ft

01

<

CO

4^

*

«r

3

— -

•22

(0
to

c

.

4—

•w

to

•

in

to

XJ

O
o

—
O

4—

to
1/1

0)

3

C

„

s

UJ

l_

4-

3

xa

Oi Oi CM CM •+
cc
Tf r^ co Oi
co co -h co ^t* co

4-

"?

CJ

3
...

^ M
m

CJ
tyj

C J

CO

rH Ol
CO Oi
Co
lo en ld -t
rf cj. C)
r-*
-^
CO CM -^

o 3

J

ID

• ft

Cl

0)

01

o

c

10

01

4—

a

S

m

CJ

()

>.

"5

=3

CL
CL 4-

^".

a

>

3

t )

~)

o
o

t.

C

L.

to

10

Q.

c

-2

>.
4-

>

h- 4-

c

«i

O

to

01

—

c

b,

Cl

0)

o

c
C CJ XI
C 40)
T3 01 10 o —
43
O !_ to 4- 10 XJ
— SZ (0 JZ -3 10
3
10
—
4o
10
o o
O
o
c .- o CO OJ
C CO — (0
3
O x:
_c CD —
10 XJ
c
to
u s C0 4- 1—
c c
C4- O
"OS
— •—
C
to
10 "
10 —
4- 1_ XJ O
4• <0
»
O •—
—
J£
»
—OL_ <D 3 —ito —>ft
X. O 0J •« 3
01
CD
o O I- • 4- •
44- O
>
>~
XI
10 4o — 3 E C l_ (0 4.— C ft 4- 4- 1_ OJ 0) O c
Q .- 10
O 01 X O CD • 3
OJ CD
L. XI
o
0i
01
L. "J
Cl
«X tj L o
01

3

CO

>-

L£
3

O
4c
O

c
l.

CO

1

01

ft.

••

(0

in
iu

X

ft.

01

ft.

L

4-

ft

0)
0)

to

XI

>^o H

o

c

.^

Cl

0>

C
< •—

tO

01

<

01

L.

O-

ir

LL,

a:

10

h

E
3

L.

OJ

u
c

4-

tn

10

M

ttt

4- 4-

t-

0)

(0

O
4-

o

L.

LU

S

-2 — 5
™
5
0> Ol ."
S J=
= tn 3 O
"
o
^
c
i 2 a cm 3 o

c

•

in

r.i

i

°

J"
«

•

4t-

to

>

CO

•

10

C

i

01

10

TJ

XI

ai

10

u

h-

t

u c

73 -S T3

CJ
L.

J
n

o

o
n

oi

01

3

_j

01

01

tll

^

•• cc

10
0)

OJ

4-

—
n

to

ai

10

hi
rr

•«

a
»

in

tr

>-

CM

o

(/)

4-

^s -c
E-

Cl

4-

)

trt

pq

a

—

(

3

>

tr.

f*.

E

UJ

0)

10

ft3

L.

|t~N

v

(0

1-

•4-

^

01

OJ

Q

I

to

CD CD

10

F

M-

L L

O
L O
O C

S

OJ

.

S
« Z
Cl 3
C 3 _l — 4O
c
1- o —
C
— o 4- CJ — 3 —«
c o
c j:
> u
M_l —
o
— — E
x:
< •o co
re
> o
XJ x>
« o
o
is
o P
c
en •
z
Z
—
•
LU
x:
—
O
O LU _£ 4o — — CL 1— —
S
M- O — E Z
_l C
4• _1
XI O LU CO
4- —
—
o CO
4— O. >
C
•3—1
DX!
«
1— —
•
E
XJ 4—
4ID

(0

O

— C
c
(0
ID
0)
10 XI
3
o 4c c CQlO L O « O
3 01
O I. o
O
3 t_>
u. 10 i_ -*C
OJ
XJ
HI
O
— oi en c
L. 4(0

=;

to

L.

4—

en

to

o

•—

r

x: to
CL x:

3

(j

4—

O E

-4-

o

4•

10

c

L.

L.

c »

co—S

4- Lu

ai

XI

1-

10

OJ

^.
nj

V

o

—

C

—

IV

10
ft.

>.

t-

to

J

a

UJ

CD

c T3

ii

u c

F

10

6
o

3

—

a>

ul

c3

h

—

CJ
(J
C3

r
5

aa
4- .- Cl S S
— * H 1U c3-4-1«

R
5

o
o —3

•

O

ft

ftfl

-4-

[

3-4-

M-

~?3

i

c

£

«D
4- O

1

x:

CC
LU 4-

Q —
O 0. X
1—
S

XI

i.

•— L-

c

ID

o
h-

10

u

c

o

1

..

ID

to

Q

—

10
01

xj

s

to

—

o

L.

01

QE

c c

o

ft.

X

73 4-

MTJ «-

4-

4-

o

(0

«

a c

10

a

O

CL

i_

ft

Cj

(0

X)

CL

to

10

<
Z

c

1

1

i_

4 »

-£

(0

—D

OJ

•— •—

o

LT\

1_

•—

c

10

TJ

XI

Li-

Oj

> o

•

o

x:

10

+-

-5

3

a>

—10 3

C

XJ

to

o

— XJ
c
— —>
-3 •— « 4—
4-

•

(0

.

LT- -t—

(0

(0

Q.

1/)

:£

.* -J
O CO

x:

<

-»

«

o
o

4-

10

Z>
CD

ID

'

)

ft

o

co

•

C

ft

4- lu
C Lt

—^ — — —

N o c x: o
3 1_ 10 4- 1_)
01 —
u
(/) XJ x:
a C _J o «
C 4O
CD
S 01
M- 4«
—
C
0)
to
^+oi
i_
o •—
o c • —
to
• x:
0)
Cl
3 en o
4- c
10 CD
J
J 1— — X> D.
c .— (0 01

4-

I-

O

Ct

a)

O Uffl

n

CJ

O

01

3

o
o

c
s
o

c

••

c
to

O

e

UT-

to

j;
4-

M-

4-

Q

>~
XJ

XI

1_
OJ

3

o

0)

Oi

x:
4-

(D

—c o

4—

E

1

CO

o

XI

x:
4-

o
o

—

—— —

1,

g

B
O

c
3
C a

Q

S 3 3 „
C 3
3 o.°

«•-

i

o

bcaJe

to

—

Miles
Arthur S. Clay Map, igio, Revised and
published i960 by Columbia County Historical 'Society. For additional copies
address the Society

5

fiescopeck Tvp

KEY
TO
COLUMBIA

C<?

APJOINING COUNTIES

r^

TOWN5HIP5

80ROUSH3

-*

^ ^

<S

"&.S
Ml

)

Colombia County Court Room

Pennsylvania Voter Qualifications

Persons 21 years

of age of Pennsylvania birth, ipso facto citizens of United

and Pennsylvania. Residence qualifications: If
into the district
from another Pennsylvania
district, 2 mos. from outside the State, 1 yr., except native
States

—

moving

even numbered years of one committee man and one
committee woman from each district, to hold office for
2 years, and to have charge of its party organization in the

born Pennsylvanians returning to the State, 6 mos.
Local and municipal elections in Pennsylvania are
scheduled for years without Presidential or Congressional
elections,

i.e.,

in the

odd numbered

years.

—

Political Party
To qualify as a recognized Political
Party in a county, one of its candidates in the next preceding election must have polled at least 5% of the votes

any elected candidate. Only the Democratic and
Republican parties qualify as such in Columbia County.
Pennsylvania law recognizes a political party's political
committee elected according to the rules of such party.
The rules of both Democratic and Republican parties
provide for the election at the spring primary election in
cast for

A county committee includes all the
committee members plus the state committeeman,

respective districts.

;

district

who

has also been elected by party vote at the same pri-

mary.

The county committee

holds

its

in the case of

Biennial Meeting in even

each party

numbered

years at

which meeting officers are chosen (chairman, vice-chairman) and other matters cared for.
Each party has an executive committee chosen according to its own rules. Each party must file its rules with
the County Board of Elections. The rules then become a
public document.
At the close of registration, September 19, 1960, registered voters included: 15,666 Democrats; 11,905 Republicans, 13 Prohibitionists, 256 non-partisan, and 8 inde,

pendents.

COUNTY

TAXES

A
C
L U M B
Taxes Levied by Columbia County Taxing Bodies for the Yeap

X
Benton
Berwick
Briar Creak
Catawi ssa
Centra ia

12, 190

76,l*7l*.85* 1*2.20#

7.50

13,350

39.059.70

27.37

10.50
12.50
15.00
10.00

6,738

1*3.273.19

1*5.36

3,1*70

13.683.60

31.31

6,973.08

36.13
55.09

I

Mi

I

Ivi

I

le

Orancevi le
Sti llwater
B loomsburg
( Town
I

TOmSHIPS
a m. CLASS
Beaver
Benton
Briar Creek
Catawissa
Centre, N
Centre, S
Cleveland
Conyngham
Fishing Cr.
Frank lin
Greenwood
Hemlock
Jackson
Locust
Madi son
Main
Mifflin
Montour
Mt. Pleasant
Orange

10.5

21

31

15

26.5

472,010

I2,50f 29.1*3

22
23
20

32

1,1 15,1 10

3U-5

1,01*6,250

35,681 28.52
36, 09^ 27.81

20

2

16

k.5

10

3

19

2

9
2
3.5
2
3.5
6
li

19
15

13.5

2-5

26
27

3
1-5

26

2.5
3.5

21
21

3

Pi ne

IB

27

Roaring Cr.
S^ott
Sugar loaf

ll*

3.3
3.1

15,505 23.19
20.60E 29.98

50

21*

l*.75

2.5

BIO

36
32.75
26
22
30
29.5
25
67

1*

31*

1*1*1,

629,260
1.736,670

1

1*5,152 2

1*88,610

lb.7i*9

^31*, 390

16,032

,253,1*90

713,020
675,ol*?
80 ,970
1

301,320

1. 91*

18.76
85

21*.

33.97E 30.20
17,825 23.01*
1*5, 22E 1*0.82
21*
26.93

10,21*5

15

21,230
59,390

650.77
73.03
57.33
1,1*53.86

172.20

i+,<5 98.75

20.00

37,752.36

151.01

55,1*13.82

221.66
293.28

73,318.68
1*,

150.59

71*6

166.19

729

ll*i*.6l*

%575.ll*

22.30

231*

00

39l*.88

110,101.91*

1*1*0.1*2

660

li.OO

807,780
1*23,690

15,38'

36,eoo

29l*.l*0

2B.81*

21* ,1*20

6"y, 160
1*1,760

195-36
52 1. 28

3l*,3e

20.96

1*0,1*26

1*0.63

1*97.31*0

15,55=
I6.I7S

376,310

13,81*'

392,01*0
3,319.1*20
1*85,610

10,58'

23.72
36.77
51.27
27.00

I0l*,56i

32-1*5

11*7,635

12,671

29.27

27,550

1*93.830

363,*»b3.55
1*5,050.00

169. 81*
1*75.12
1*39.28

5l*,9IO

332.1*0

1*32
1.01*6

18,080

37

1,185,580
1,138,750

11*.

1*11

IjC',360

37.5
29
35.5
31.5
32.5
36.8
27
31.5
26.1

1,092,31*0

31*.1|20

6 C ,070
1

162,692.72
18,256.50

199.92

223.36
1**1*. 08
275.36
520.56
312.92

5.00
5.00
5.00
325 3.00
363 5.00
690 5.00
1.57 5.00
87c
515 5.00
251* 3.00

36.71*

59.51*

21.60

27 S5 C 25.16
29,88. 31.39

25.5

262.21*
61*5.57

51*,260

39.

9, 161*. 00
ll*,887.00

21*e.72

31,090
32,780
eo,69o
21*. 990
27,920

21*,

33l*-08
199- 12

890
10

lltL.38

27,220

217.76

18,

I

20,51*0

92.96

1*79

69. 0l*

37,535.11*
ll*, 10 1.96

150.11*

00
322
857 2.00

56.1*0
72.71*

5l*8

18, I81*.00

25 1,300.00

1,007.20

233
353
233

325

37
181.08

932.1*19-86

IO0.57
3,729.67

1,360

220.1*0

300.00

1.20

355

1*7,61*1*. 12

161,.
I,

23.2U0.nc
17,259.00

53.M

10.00
10. CO
12.50
io.qo

10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
12.00
15.00
15.00
10.00
1.00
15.00
10.00
10.00
|5.00
12.50
15.00
10.00
15.00
10.00
10.00
I

8.1*1*5

1,930

2,663

1,650

90,615

6,165
6,1*80

15,690
1*,225
5,1*1*!

767,1*88.00
I7.0B8.8I

581*,

772. 61*

22, 355. 1*6
27,1*09.78
62,139.31*
15,21*6.95

21.757.69

6,900
6,855
8,70b
7,725
3,810

1*2,765.91*

190

1*7,61*2.1*0

10,935
3,510

1*7,636.1*7

25,127.56
511,1*68.56

57.55'
1*2.91*

32.58
39.90
33.12
26.61
33.73
38.01
32.1*6
1*9.16

13,921.91*

35.81
39.32
38.08
36.70
38.67

38,590.30

3l*.86

1*,330

37,1*60.36
20,983.1*0

39.35
38.08

10,281*

1

1

,

9,900
7,185

33,01.9.93

16,709.50

1*5,336.1*2

27.61*

8,220

li9,036.1*8

1*9.53

l*,o63

19,890.86

3D. 3?

3,1*9

20,326.08
19,357.76

1*7.33
29.71*

5,295
3,1*95

ll*,l*3l*.9l*

36.82

27,900
5,325

137,372.75
13.220.60

1*2.52
1*2.08

Total oh Summary, where applicabue
1*08,873 2,1*52,335.50 1*6.11,
50,206,235
2,1*68,095 19, 71*1*. 76 S,l*20, 596.23 25,831.17 31,338
Supplementary explanations and notes:
This table is based on tax duplicates or advance esti mates of i960 taxes.
Actua co ect on according to experience closely anrrox imate advance estimates. Data were secured from offici
sources and from a Pennsylvania Economy Leaque Report, I96C.
Co umn B7
"Tax duplicate" in this and other columns, by local usaae, means the tax rolls of taxes levi ed.
Column E|. "Taxables" means adult taxpayers.
Columns headed, "Per capita tax", E , E3. E^, is a special usage designating a tax of a set amount on each ndi vi dua taxpayer , or "Taxab le."
2
"Per capita" as used in Columns Bg and F
and means the burden of the given tax, or taxes, if distributed
2 is according to the dictionary def
pqualty on every man, woman, and child, to be distinguished from per capita taxes noted above.
Column F ,
*Thls Berwick total has been increased by a special occupation tax of $10. CO levied
The approxi960 on all income earning occupations.
imately {56,891 collected from Borough taxpayers of this occupation ta:
rcreases
hen added to the total of these other four taxes in this tabulation,
the total from $7 10,593.53 to $767,1188. 00.
#This Catawissa total has been increased by a special wage tax in i960 of .QC5. As in the case of Berwick, the approximately $18,501 collected
Catawi ssa. when added to the total of these other four taxes In this tabulation. Increases the total from 857,973.97 to $76,1,74. 85I

I

I

i

I

i

I

,

i

ECONOMY

THE

CASH RECEIPTS FROM COLUMBIA COUNTY FARMS,
Food Crops
&
Vegetables

Frutts

COLUMBIA

OF

COUNTY

I958

Horticultural Forest
Specialties Products

Dairy
Products

Other
Livestock
Products

Poultry

Total

& Poultry

all

Products Commodi

t

Government
Payments

Total Cash

Receipts

ies

$1,913,000 $195,000 $957,000
$1+0,000 $2,888,000 $1,1+13,000 $3,675.ooo $11,081,000 $312,000
$11,393,000
There were an estimated ,600 farm families. Using these figures yields an average of $6,925 per farm family
without government payments, $7,120 per farm family with government payments, gross figures in each case. (Derived from Pennsylvania Crop Reporting Service, Annual Summary, I959.)
1

TIMBER

ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROWTH ON COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND. (In thousands of board feet, except as Indicated.)

Hardwoods Softwoods

Annual Value Surplus Growth
over Cut
Annual Estimated at
or Deficit
$15.00 M
Cut

Totals

Net Surplus

,6.12
,660
12,825
-9.553
3.272
$192,375
5.26b
26,91
78,900
36,W>1+
1+1,721+
3,768
37.956
The annual cut of Saw Timber, 12,825 M, plus Pole Timber, 5,260 M, gives 18,080 M, which conservatively estimated at $15 per M gives an estimated $271,200 In value. (Derived from Pennsylvania
Statistical Abstract, I960, pp. 1+0-1+1.)

Saw Timber
Pole Timber

1

1

I

MINERAL INDUSTRIES
Plants producing coal, sand, gravel, clays, and peat, had a value of production estimated at
(Derived from Mineral Statistics of
$6,186,000 in 1956, latest date for which figures available.
Pennsylvania, Department of Internal Affairs, April, 1959. P» 5-)

MANUFACTURING PLANTS IN COLUMBIA COUNTY
Wages

Employes
No. of
Capital
Plants Expenditures
during 1959
2ET

Food and kindred products
Textl le mi
products
Apparel and related products
Lumber and wood products
Printing and publishing
Stone, clay, & glass products
Fabricated metal products
I

I

I 753.800

3,227

17

173,700

1,8)42

93,100

156
109

' 5,977,000
12,302,300

Value of
Value added
by
Production and
Related Activities Manufacture
$

27,905,300
1+9,713,500

826, 300
1+12,100
1+36,700

8

6,1+00

66

7

231

236,200
1,098,600

1+1

15I+.I1OO

13

106,500
8,900
1,636,800

3,550

18,287,200

12,676,700
1,359,800
881,800
706,900
3,653,900
583,000
89.501+, 300

107

$3,720,1+00

10,659 $1+3,730,800

$186,985,200

1+

Total manufacturing Industries

.1+37

909,600

3

Machinery, except electrical
All other industries

l

IU

k

Sa laries

1

,600

1+,

T

I2,1j75,600
21,1+86,800
6,838,1+00

665,700
603,ij00
1+62,100

1,519,600
21+9.500

36,032,200
$ 80,333,300

The following are leading plants in their respective communities and areas:
Bentoni Benton Industries
(shirts). Otto G. Little & Co. (lumber products); Berwick: *American Car & Foundry Division of ACF Industries (transportation equipment), Clewell's Container Corp., Consolidated Cigar, Vaughn's Bakery, *Wise
Potato Chip Co.; Bloomsburg
Bloomsburg Mills Inc. (weaving), *J. L. Dillon Inc. (Florists, growers and
wholesalers), *Magee Carpet Co., Mi Ico Undergarment Co.; U. S. Radium; Catawi ss» : MaxI Mfg. Co. (high
pressure forged steel pipe unions and check valves). Regal Shirt Co.; Mi Ivi le *Girton Mfg. Co. (dairy
equipment and supp iesi Ml Ivi le Lumber Products, MI Ivi le Plani ng; Orangevi le i Orangevi lie Manufacturing Co. (floor and warehouse trucks). Making use of the county's basic mineral resources:
The
Alliance Clay Products, Mi f f nvi le, uses the rock formation of Bloomsburg red shale for brick and tile.
The
Several companies. Including Bloomsburg Sand k Gravel Co., use deposits of glacial sand and gravel.
Baker Lime Quarry of Lime Ridge utilizes limestone formations. Coal deposits in the southern districts
are still producing, largely by open pit mining.
:

I

I

I

I

I

*

i

I

:

I

I

I

I

Among the leaders in the nation in their industrial group.

BLOOMSBURG STATE COLLEGE AS AN ASSET

IN

THE ECONOMY

i960 Data:

Pay rolls, Instructional staff of 106 received $668,000; the non-instructional employes,
including persons serving with the contract caterer, ll+O, received $1+13,000; total 21+6 employes received
$1,086,000. Capital expenditures attributed to year i960, estimated at $828,800.

The "Tax Anything Law," is the popular designation of
Act 481 of the 1947 General Assembly. By this law the
General Assembly delegated its general taxing powers to
local districts, although with important exceptions to be
noted.

By

this legislation counties,

from such delegations are

receipts of public utilities, prod-

ucts of manufacturing, lumbering, farming,

Authorities

and mining.

—

Institutions called Authorities have been
authorized by the General Assembly of Pennsylvania to

townships, boroughs,

towns, school districts, excluding certain classes of districts
not existing in Columbia County, may levy taxes on any

make

class of objects, instrumentalities, services, persons,

the legal limit of

possible forms of capital construction when the borrowing capacity of a political subdivision is at or close to

not

preempted by the Commonwealth. Excluded, however,

its

thorities are created

8

borrowing capacity. Municipal auby counties, boroughs, towns and

;

Pictured above are the contour strips on the Frank Kisner farm,
Mt. Pleasant Township, Bloomsburg R.D., taken in the spring of 7 957.
This picture was imprinted on envelopes to accompany the soil and

LAND USE
iSS 60

IN

ail

1975
Forecast

Survey
-100*

100*-

Best Types Crop Land

29. S*

c

&)ASSLANOS
a.

2.3

8,200

a.

151,300

Urban Areas
AaterAreas
Other Uses

5.6 J
.gi

a.

.7*

g.Si

Rds,

a.

s

23.000 «. 7-5 *
3,ooo a. i.»-J

)

31.400 «

Idle Etc.

20

%

1

i

zed.

e

*

Land use data by courtesy Col. Co. Soil ConservationOffice.

school districts.

Such

and construct

specified

authorities issue bonds, condemn land

improvements: sewage and

dis-

posal plants, park planning areas, bridges, schools or school
facilities,

and

others. Administration

the authority or

it

may

lease

back the

may

be directly by

facility to the creat-

ing governmental subdivision or school district in return
for a rental sufficient to cover expenses and debt service.
If

administered directly by that Authority, financing

on a fee for service

is

basis.

The Pennsylvania Authority is a unique institution. The
Authorities can generally borrow money only on interest
about one-half to one per cent higher than districts
creating them can borrow. There is also a State Public
School Building Authority which the local school district
may choose as the construction agency for a given school
rates

facility, in

which case

Catawissa Municipal, (water and sew-

Millville, municipal water.

mentary school. The existing authorities are: Benton
Area Joint School Authority, the Bloomsburg School
Authority, the Central Area Columbia County Joint
School Authority, the Fishing Creek Valley (Benton
area) Joint School Authority, the Southern Area Columbia County School Authority.

—

this state authority issues the

The Geography of Columbia County Columbia Counnorth and south, extends from the rugged escarpments
of North Mountain to a group of parallel mountain ridges
at the extreme south, Little Mountain, Big Mountain,
and Locust Mountain.
Twelve miles south of North Mountain, jutting up
from the surrounding low lands, is Knob Mountain. This
is really the abrupt termination of a great "V" shaped
mountain extending eastward, the southern arm making
Lee Mountain, the northern arm, Huntington Mountain.
Another ten miles southeasterly brings knob-like Catawissa Mountain, also in form resembling a "V." Its northern arm, after the interruption of the Mainville Gap,
becomes Nescopeck Mountain. The southern arm, after
a broad half circle, becomes Little Mountain and extends
far west beyond the limits of the county. In the open end
between the Nescopeck Mountain and Catawissa Mountain are to be found a hogback mountain, McCauley, and
farther south of it, Buck Mountain. The general trend of
ty,

About 51,000 are potentially grass land, although only
about one-fourth is used for this purpose.
About Li9,000 acres are best suited for trees and grass.
Ll.3>000 acres are potential woodland.
About 300 acres are too stony for any use except wi Id
1

;

!'

COLUMBIA COUNTY'S LAND POTENTIAL
lii?,OCO acres in Columbia County are potentially of the
best quality crop land, level or gently sloping
land of
high productivity. Only about three fourths are so utiI

— Berwick Muni-

School Authorities State Public School Authority
helped local districts to build: Millville high school and
elementary school in Pine Township; Hemlock- Montour
Jointure to build the William W. Evans Memorial school
Roaring Creek Valley Jointure to build the Numidia ele-

49*

45*

30,500a.

and Purposes

:

Woodlands

a.

2

er)

°

235,300 a.

17,400
+2,70O

sold from Post Offices

cipal Authority.

posal) parking;

7,qoo

960 and

facility following which lease-back and
debt service provisions are similar to those of the Muni-

Existing Authorities

?6-4 i

7

cipal providing for the Parking and for sewage disposal;
Bloomsburg, Park, Municipal (for sewage and trash dis-

02. Soo a.

a.

in

over the United Sfafes.

and constructs the

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Area: 4S4 so. mis.: 309.600 acres

112,200

water conservation postage stamp

bonds

these mountains, with exceptions as noted,

is

slightly

north

of east to south of west.
Just west of Berwick, a moderate hill emerges from the
general level, and becomes higher as it extends west, becoming a full scale mountain west of our county. "Turkey

Bloomsburg, is actually part of
formation called Montour ridge.
Hill," north of

(GEOGRAPHY

this

Continued on page 12)

general

—

r

I

1840
1

8

COLUMBIA

i960

-

U

I860

1850
1

1870

1

1880

1

_

1

COUNTY

POF

1890

IS

i

Starting before 1810 roads and bridges for horse drawn traffic

River transportation before 1800, dec

I

i

ni

ng af ter coning of canals and railroads

Canals from 1852

ti

I

1900

I

1

Rai Iroads come to Columbia County

85^4.

Farm machinery becomes widespread develop!

Predominately

local

Local

industries producing for

local markets

iron mines support foundries and furnaces

Academies, esp. Blcomsburg

Lit,,

Institute which grows into Normal Schc<p

-50,000

-40000

—

o
o
o

—30,000—
24,243.

>

-20,000

—

17,955

o
l-

<

-10,000

—

-0-

o
00

o
m

o

o

00

92

00
CO

00

o
CT>

CO

c
c
c

GROWTH

LATION

I

1920

1910

S

h

-

1930

i960
940
1

1

I

1950

I960

1

1

State Highway Commission brings improved roads for motor traffic

m horse drawn to steam then motor powered, also grows in variety

Industries with wide regional, national, and international markets develop
hen

I

to Teachers College

ine after

then

to State Colleqe

|OLO

53,460

53,150

51,414

-50.000

48,803

48,349

48,457

Berwick

>*>,

//

"3
CO

•

CO

•

(0

-

40.000
River Districts

£

30,000

Bloomsburg

o"

20,000
Lower
Upper

I

Fishing
Fishing

Little

Fishing

Creek
Creek
Creek

10,000
§J2.
CO
en

'.

l

o
en

o

O

O

CM

ro
en

o

co

en

CD

o
CD
CO

Catawissa
Catawissa

Valley
Roaring Creek Valley

Cntrlia- Cnynghm.

;

location of the county seat near the western border in

Danville, 30 years of agitation led to

its removal to BloomsThis in turn led to further dissatisfaction
until the county of Montour with Danville as the county

burg
seat

in 1848.

was

set

up

in 1850.

Further history of the county is related to the chart on
the preceding two pages. The grouping of districts on this
chart: Berwick: Berwick Boro. River Districts: Briar Creek
Boro., Briar Creek, Mifflin, No. Centre, So. Centre. Scott
Twps.; Bloomsburg: Bloomsburg Town; Lower Fishing
Creek: Hemlock, Montour, Mt. Pleasant Twps.; Upper
Fishing Creek: Benton, Orangeville, Stillwater Boros.. Benton, Fishing Creek, Jackson, Orange, Sugarloaf Twps.
Little Fishing Creek: Millville Boro., Greenwood, Madison.
Pine Twps.; Catawissa: Catawissa Boro. (Earlier part of
Catawissa Valley)
Catawissa Valley: Beaver, Catawissa,
Main Twps.; Roaring Greek Valley: Cleveland. Franklin.
Locust, Roaring Creek Twps. Centralia-Conyngham Cen:

;

Old House, Hemlock Township

:

;

(GEOGRAPHY

Continued from page 9)

tralia Boro.,

Viewed from the side, these mountains for the most
part have a long level profile of a fairly uniform height.

Like

(GEOGRAPHY

Indians,

who

to find

an outlet for the surplus

production, timber and timber products, farm crops and

and the wealth still to be derived from the wildand forest. Land transportation first by pack
horse, then with the coming of turnpikes and bridges, by
horse drawn vehicles was in each case slow and costly. At
stream and river freshet times canoes, then durham boats,
clumsv arks and clumsier rafts, took cargoes, including the
valuable timber of which they were constructed, all combined worth thousands of dollars, to downriver markets,
but at bitter costs in losses of life, cargoes, and boats, from
river hazards. Improvements were demanded. The North
Branch canal started to function for our region in 1832.
and gave our region access far up the branches into New
York and to the Atlantic Ocean ports, excepting during
the winter months. The railroads reached us in 1854, and
livestock,
life

Continued on page 14)

— The powerful Susquehannock

frontier or pioneer communities, the pressing

need was transportation

North Mountain at places reaches 2,300 or 2,400 feet
above sea level; the others mentioned up to 1,700 or 1,800
feet. However, the mountains reach only about 1,000 to
1,500 feet above the valley floor.
A lower group of elevations spread widely between
these mountain ridges. They reach heights of possibly 800
to a thousand feet, but only four to six hundred feet above
the valley floors. Their summits for the most part form
fine rolling hilltop farms, except where streams have
carved deep valleys with steep, sometimes precipitous
sides. The stream bottom lands provide farms as rich as
might be desired.
History

all

Conyngham Twp.

at

one time controlled the entire Susquehanna Valley, had,
by the time of William Penn, succumbed to attacks of
many enemies, white and red, as well as the white man's
diseases. Their Iroquois conquerors, the Five Nations of
the Mohawk Valley, allowed several wandering tribes to
occupy our region. In 1768 by the Treaty of Stanwix the
Iroquois sold a vast area embracing our area of Pennsylvania to the heirs of William Penn. This sale was against
the wishes of the occupying groups, chiefly the Delawares,
and partly explains Indian hostilities to come later.
A few settler without legal authorization, "squatters,"
along with fur traders, had already come into our region.
After this treaty, settlers migrated in considerable numbers. Settlers from Connecticut claiming the Wyoming
Valley region and others from eastern Pennsylvania clashed in armed conflicts with bloodshed. The conflict was
finally settled by Decree of Trenton, 1781. The Revolution also brought Tory-Patriot conflicts to our region accompanied with frontier forays, battles, captures, death,
and destruction at the time of the attacks on Wyoming
Valley to the north. With the end of the Revolution, 1783,
migration surged into our region fostered by a fever of

of stream

after 20 or 30 years their competition challenged the canals,

which

finally

succumbed

in 1900.

And now

the rail-

roads in turn are fighting for their lives in competition
with the newer automotive and air forms of transportation. Transportation improvements made it possible for
our region to exploit its endowments of natural resources.
In addition, local industries producing largely for local
markets were able to find outlets for their surpluses in
the metropolitan regions. Records are meager, but large
amounts of timber must have been boated and rafted

down

the river.

In 1822 iron ore was discovered in the hills north and
west of Bloomsburg. Smelting furnaces sprang up, first
using charcoal derived from forests and then later anthracite coal. Bloomsburg became a great iron town. Two
furnaces and associated industries producing pig iron and
fabricated iron products made Bloomsburg a bustling
manufacturing town with railroad and canal taking out
its products. By 1890 the more accessible ores had been
exhausted and the remnants could not support an industry
in competition with the richer resources from the Lake

land speculation.

Superior region.

Soon the isolated settlers' cabins received neighbors,
farms were cleared and pioneering changed to a more
settled agriculture. In 1772 Northumberland County was
set up including a vast area north and west from Sunbury.
County after county was cut off; Columbia in 1813, with

In the
sport

late

decades of the nineteenth century, Williamcapitol of the world. The opera-

became the lumber

its Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company extended to embrace the untouched forests of the North
Mountain region, north Columbia County extending into
Sullivan. For a brief time until the forests were exhausted

tions of

a name reminiscent of the then popular patriotic song,
"Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean." Dissatisfied with the

(HISTORY
12

Continued next page, column 2)

Local

Government

Columbia County

Units of

With Recent Population Figures
1960 Data from Preliminary Releases of United States Census,

Summer

of 1960

Columbia County has nine

municipalities.

Ranked

ac-

cording to population, they are:
1960

Gain

Population

Population

Loss

14,010
10.633
2,000
1,986

13,336
10,614
1,812
1,427

890
878
348
424

975
954
398
437

189

193

1950
Municipality

Berwick Borough
Bloomsburg. Town
Catawissa Borough

1.

.

2.

3.

Centralia Borough
Benton Borough
Millville Borough
Briar Creek Borough
Orangeville Borough
Stillwater Borough

4.
5.

.

6.

.

.

7.

8.
9.

.

.

The County has twenty-four second class
Ranked according to population they are:
1950

Township
1.

Scott

2.

Briar Creek

3.

Mifflin

4.
5.

Hemlock
Greenwood

6.

South Centre

7.

Conyngham

8.

Locust

Fishing Creek
12. Cleveland
1

2,258
1,546
1,478

3,231
1.876

1.

14.

Benton
Beaver

15.

Mount

16.

Pine

17.

North Centre

18.

Catawissa

19.

Main

20.

Orange

21.

Sugar loaf

13.

1,306

1,251

842
2,009

1,125
1,108

1,182

1,107

801
942

990
952
923
774
687
686
656

904
826

.

747
776

649
674
678
502
552
387
625
456
445
424

Pleasant

.

.

22. Franklin
23.

Roaring Creek

24.

Jackson

.

COUNTY TOTAL

+

13

4-

4

+

4-

now somnolent community of Jamison City
up to its pretentious name of city, with concentrated
lumber and tan bark industries. Our southern townships,
Beaver and Conyngham, but chiefly Conyngham, exploitlived

ed resources in anthracite coal in the late nineteenth century. Those at Beaver are worked but little, if at all. The

973
330

Since the turn of the century with the reduction or
exhaustion of most of our primary resources, the economic
base of the county has come largely to rest on the skill and

—

162

205
55

who have brought indusour county, diversified to a degree, but not sufficiently so. Consult the table on page 8. The efforts of
leaders finally placed in our midst an important institution of higher learning in its dollars and cents impact on
our region as well as in its educational influence, the
Bloomsburg State College.
enterprise of industrial leaders
tries to

901
75
189
10
19

52
60
90

War days were not only a time of prosperity.
sometimes bitter in their denunciations, were opposed to the Lincoln administration. Alleged threats of
resistance resulted in the occupation of the county by
soldiers. Violent or outrageous incidents took place to the
shame of both factions.
Civil

Critics,

7

23
33

651

645
573

71

551

1

440
433
425
392
360

53
192
31
53
64

-

The disturbances in the
name of Molly McGuire's
trials,

310

53,150

1950

1960

Gain

Population

Loss

16,700

—

4-699

Salem Township,* Luzerne
County (Partly in Berwick
School Jointure)

Nescopeck

Borough,*

2,859

3,281

4-422

1,907

1,924

+

17

694

639

-

55

2,051

2,228

4-

177

Luz-

erne County
erne County
Ralpho Township, Northumberland County, part of
Southern Area Columbia

County, School Jointure
County Units

murder

and executions by hanging.

culties.

A study of the Population Chart, pages 10 and 11,
shows remarkably small changes in population numbers
from 1860 to the present. The tendency of the districts
near our larger centers of population, see Table page 1 2,
to increase at the expense of the built-up sections, is especially evident in the river districts and Salem Township,
Luzerne County, adjacent to Berwick, and also in the
townships adjacent to Bloomsburg. Scott Township's gain
is especially marked.

Nescopeck Township,* Luz-

* Luzerne

convictions,

Now in the mid-century decades, economic growth has
been slowed down. Leaders are working to overcome this
situation and are encouraged by the promise of the Keystone Shortway, part of US Interstate Rout 80, which
is to pass directly through the center of the county and
should overcome permanently our transportation diffi-

+

Twenty-Sixth Judicial Dis16,001

anthracite regions under the
in the late 1860's resulted in

violence in the southern end of our county with

Montour County (with Columbia County) forming
trict

Continued from preceding page)

in 1910, the

4-283

-

North Mountain.

Conyngham-Centralia coal measures still are yielding, but
on a reduced scale and largely by open pit mining.

Loss

+
+
+
-

to

+

Gain

53,460

Population

Municipality

(HISTORY

townships.

1960

1.640
1,298

Looking up Coles Creek Valley

50

4-

Population

Montour
Madison

9.

10.

- 674
- 19
- 188
-559
+ 85
+ 76

Population

1,093

+

—

.

.

closely associated with Berwick's trading

and com-

muting area.

13

Approaching Berwick

Policing

— Pennsylvania

takes great pride in

its

State

Catawissa Creek, rising east of Aristes, in the far south,
on the outside of the horse-shoe curve of
Catawissa-Little Mountain. In doing so, it seems also to
prefer the "hard way," cutting its valley through numerous rock formations finally to find its outlet in the river

one of the first such bodies created, and still one of
the best. The Bloomsburg Barracks has Columbia County
as its complete district. It is staffed by one sergeant, one
corporal and eight troopers. In districts without organized
police, the State Police provide policing: enforcement of
traffic and criminal law and the maintenance of peace.
Bloomsburg, all the boroughs excepting Briar Creek and

follows a course

Police,

at Catawissa.

The Roaring Creek

branches, north and south, spend
upper courses differently. The northern branch
drains the rich farming land of Roaring Creek Valley, although some of its sources lie in the horseshoe mountain
rim at the east. The southern branch rising in the deep
and wooded Brush Valley, after yielding of its water to the
impounding dams of the Shamokin Water Company,
cuts brusauely through Little Mountain at Bear Gap.
their

and also the townships of Conyngham and
Montour, have organized police forces. In such districts
the State Police give assistance on request of the head of
Stillwater,

The different forces cooperate closewith each other. The constables have powers of arrest
and serve papers of the justices of the peace.
the local department.
ly

Sealer of Weights

and Measures

—

northern county
and then the
combined streams cuts through bordering hills in rapids

flows north, across the "grain" like

Columbia County's
and Measures in 1960 examined for
accuracy 2,425 scales and measures in the county, of
which 42 were adjusted and 30 condemned. 23.829 packaged commodities were checked, of which 2,200 were
condemned. Recently, prosecutions for fraudulent viola-

counterparts, picks

Sealer of Weights

tions

have been

and

ive

many

North Mountain

From

The

results are that at

almost canyons.

One

scenery of Columbia County provides a wealth of

and rugged
mountain terrain. View the broad expanse of the North
Branch of the Susquehanna as it enters the county at
Berwick with a backdrop of Council Cup (Kanzel Kopf
or pulpit head). At Bloomsburg the broad flood plain
formed by the river and Fishing Creek are rimmed with
the sharp bluffs of River Hill. The river makes its way

beautiful broad vistas, distant landscapes,

streams

some places there are broad,
make narrow
interesting exception to the

southward trend is the steplike pattern of Fishing Creek.
Its south-bound current absorbs Huntington Creek from

through a sharp gorge, the Catawissa Narrows, affording
a view of distant Catawissa Mountain. At the south is
somber Brush Valley; at the north the impressive mass

Knob

can again turn south. Twice again the stream
is deflected to the west when it strikes Turkey Hill below
Lightstreet, and then at the Red Shale cliff's at Bloomsburg, until it merges with the River at the '"Point," between Bloomsburg and Rupert.
Briar Creek, the only other considerable stream on the
"North Side" of the county, similarly cuts through obstructing rock formations to join the river at the com-

Mountain,

hours of delightful tourof the County's history,

—

The

the east at Forks and then flows west until, past

many

Much

Enjoying Our County and Its Scenery
In Columbia
County are to be found these routes: Federal US 11:
State roads, designated Legislative routes numbered in
the 19,000's; County; and Township roads.

gentle valleys, at others the harder rocks
valleys,

full.

standable.

flow south, cutting "across the grain" of hard and soft
layers.

will take

cliffs,

Columbia County scenery a

understood from these basic geographic facts. Its transportation problems and advantages also become under-

streams called rivers,

this area, these

to be called

mineral, agricultural, and timber resources are to be

tributaries, takes its rise in the extens-

region.

gives the

ing to enjoy to the

the previously deserted valley at Danville.

its

and knobs,

wide variety that

Continued from page 12)

many

what used

This combination of streams and meadows, ridges,

The generally east-west trend of mountains and valleys
have been able to control the stream flow only in part.
The Susquehanna river, North Branch, after cutting
through mountains south from Shickshinnv to our east,
flows westward in a channel on softer rock formations for
about twenty miles. Then it abruptly deserts the easy
channel down Dutch Valley in order, it would seem, to
cut through the rocky formations at the south thus forming the Catawissa Narrows. Then in a few miles it cuts
back again through the same difficult formations to reach

along with

waterfalls to join the river at

gaps,

Fishing Creek, larger than

its

the northern branch,

Roaring Creek Station.

rare.

(GEOGRAPHY

up

it

of

North Mountain.

We here outline for you nine circle tours. None is
mentioned that does not have many picturesque views, if
not grand and arresting vistas. If road turnings are missed,
there will still be alternative and rewarding prospects. In
each tour, any point other than the one suggested may be
made

munitv of the same name.

the beginning.

Each

other unexpected delights.

14

trip in reverse direction

Many points of historic

adds

interest

Airplane view of central Berwick.

will also

reward the

ommended

tourist. Advertisers

have

our county with

listed rec-

dining places.

Trip 1. Northeastern tour: In 1807 the Susquehanna
and Tioga Turnpike Company was organized to build a
road north from Berwick to Tioga, continuing the turnpike from Lehigh, constructed in 1787. This route went
north over Lee and Huntington mountains to modern
Jonestown then farther through part of Fishing Creek
Township to Luzerne County's Huntington and Fairmount townships and on northward to Elmira (earlier
called Newton, New York). Take Leg. Rt. 19,040, then
No. 894 over Huntington Mt. to Jonestown and Huntington Creek. Huntington Mountain, Creek, and Township carry the

man and

name

are well distributed over the County.

The Berwick YMCA serves men as well as boys. A program of indoor and athletic games and other activities
are made possible by gymnasium and swimming pool and

of a distinguished Connecticut states-

jurist, signer

of the Declaration of Independ-

Samuel Huntington, and thus

other

important
influence exerted by Connecticut in the settlement of our
ence,

recall the

TOURS

Confined on page 19)

ship,

also

;

;

;

;

;

Zehners, Iola, Roaring Creek Valley, Central, Stillwater,

and

Fernville.

—

Youth Services
The Columbia-Montour Council of
Boy Scouts of America serves Columbia and Montour
Counties generally with Luzerne county neighboring Benton and Berwick, and Riverside, Northumberland County, near Danville. Eight hundred adult leaders aid 2,350
boys in 188 Cub, Scout, and Explorer units. Camp Lavigne in Sugarloaf Township provides the highest standard of camping facilities. The central office at Bloomsburg
serves the three districts of Green Briar, Berwick area,
Fishing Creek, Bloomsburg Area, and Montour, Danville

available to

500 boys and

serves about

girls.

—

—

der requirements similar to the active reserve in the armed
services. The armed services maintain enlistment offices

Bloomsburg, and the National Guard at Berwick and
The Berwick Armory includes the 1068th and
1069th Transportation Companies and the Armory at
Danville, the Howitzer 104th Armored Cavalry. Women
may enlist in the Auxiliary units of each service for periods of two, three, or four years.
at

Danville.

The Selective Service System of the United States is
represented in the County by the local Board No. 50,
made up of five members appointed by the President of

area.

The Columbia County

is

Regular Enlistments
All the armed services
Army,
Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard
accept volunteers within the established quotas. Reserve enlistments in
each of the services are also possible under similar arrangements. The Reserve enlistments require 6 months of
full time basic training followed by a stated time in the
Reserve, usually 3 years. Reserve personnel must give 2
weeks of active duty each year plus 48 training sessions,
approximately 100 hours, each year in the vicinity of the
home region. Enlistments in the National Guard are un-

libraries in the State. Its

Light Street, Millville (2 stations) Numidia (2 stations)
Orangeville Library, Pine Summit, Waller (2 stations)

and

—

unique in having one of 26 traveling
headquarters are at the Bloomsburg Public Library and it provides books and magazines
for 24 stations: (Bendertown, Benton (3 stations)
Briar
Creek, Derrs, Espy (2 stations) Greenwood, Jerseytown,
is

comparable program

a men's dormitory. Fees are moderate.

junior-senior high school youths with paid adult leader-

Berwick, Bloomsburg, and Orangeville. Col-

umbia County

A
is

Approximately 500 enjoy the program.
The Bloomsburg Youth Center, initiated by the Kiwanis Club, provides a broad indoor recreational program for

Library Facilities in Columbia County include free public
libraries in

facilities.

women. There

region.

(SCENIC

central office in Bloomsburg. Five

its

hundred adult leaders aid 1,400 girls in 67 active units.
Camp Creasy near Bloomsburg is used for day camping,
especially for the Brownies, and Camp Louise, on a splendid 180 acre mountain site south of Jonestown, recently
acquired, is in use with further development pending.
In 4-H work, Head, Heart, Hand, and Health, boys
and girls, 10-20, are trained in skills and citizenship. The
Columbia County Program is one of the strongest in the
state. Our 1,000 participants, more or less, frequently win
distinction in district, state, and national contests. Leaders

Council, Girl Scouts, Inc., serves

15

Civil Defense organizes stand-by alerts among neighboring districts or companies in such situations.

Columbia County's

fire protection rests in these 28 volcompanies: Beaver, Benton, Berwick (Defender.
Eagles, Ranger, Reliance, West Branch),
Bloomsburg
(Friendship, Liberty, Rescue, Winona), Buckhorn, Catawissa, Centralia, Espy, Light Street, Lime Ridge, Locust
Dale, Main Township, Mifflin Township, Millville, Montour, North Mountain, Orangeville, Summerhill, Valley
Chemical (Numidia), Wilbuiton: No. 1. Wilburton: No. 2.

unteer

fire

Next time your

Mountain view.

in order that

the United States.

The

at the risk of

headed by the Clerk chosen by the State Director of the Selective Service under
office

to all parts of the county.

life

and property,

to help

it

generously.

from

eligible

lists.

service available

types of organizations are

Berwick and Bloomsburg members join the
fee. The pooled resources make
possible the purchase of ambulances and equipment.
Emergency calls to members are covered on a fee per call
basis. In the other type, of which Catawissa is an example,
a sponsoring organization, the Lions Club in this case,
raises funds and secures the equipment. Emergency calls
are then on a fee per call basis for all.
organization for a modest

The Board

400 annually.

Ambulance

— The Berwick United Fund

Two

in effect. In

determines eligibility according to established rules. The
Clerk carries out the decisions. The office registers about

United Funds

members, be sure

its

money

tries to raise

better protect your

— Organizations make such

Ambulance

places, currently Berwick High School; John May's residence, Centralia; and Catawissa High School. Quotas
assigned to Columbia County are filled according to date
first,

company

local fire

may

is

Federal Civil Service regulations. Male youths within five
days after their eighteenth birthday must register in the
Clerk's office in the Court House, or at other designated

of birth, the oldest

it

organizations:

burg, Catawissa,

area includes

Benton, Berwick, Blooms-

Conyngham and

Millville.

Centralia

and Mt. Carmel. Your chamber of commerce, nearest hospital, or town
or borough police department, will aid you with detailed
have

Columbia County west as far as Ft. Jenkins Road, Mifflin
Township, Nescopeck, Nescopeck rural routes, Wapwallopen, and most of Salem Township, Luzerne County.
The Columbia County United Fund includes the rest of
Columbia County excepting, also, Conyngham-Centralia

facilities

available in nearby Ashland

information.

—

Red Cross
Two Red Cross Chapters, Berwick and
Bloomsburg, function for most of Columbia County. The
National Red Cross, operating under Federal Charter, is
a voluntary organization of wide popular support. It

districts.

General Hospitals are located

at both Berwick and
Bloomsburg. Each serve their respective municipalities as
well as neighboring communities. At Danville is the Gei-

charters the local chapters.

come under

Conyngham and

Centralia

the entire region the

Carmel chapter. Berwick
covers neighboring parts of Luzerne County.
In all natural disasters and emergencies, the Red Cross
takes the initiative in organizing relief and aid. There is

cal services to

a high degree of cooperation with the Civil Defense.

singer

Memorial Hospital. Besides serving

as

a general

hospital for the Danville area, this institution provides for

more specialized surgical and medibe found usually only in large metropolitan

centers. All three hospitals are in the process of enlarge-

the Shamokin-Mt.

Personnel are trained in

ment. Berwick will add 54 to its present 92 beds and the
Geisinger 100 to its present 307 beds, plus a thirteen room
operating suite and additional facilities. There will be a
substantial but as yet undetermined addition to the 99
beds at Bloomsburg.

life

saving,

and

All chapters collect

Bank, which

is

first aid, in

is

and process blood

at Wilkes-Barre. "Priority

ceive aid

from

may, and most do,

One" means 90%

on

call of the chief.

The

fire

chief

is

elected by

First aid

A

The com-

members of the
and companies,

fire

and then

civilian

and

lost

children facilities are provided at most

gatherings.

primary responsibility of the chapters

is

to render

service by counselling to persons in emergencies.

The Junior Red

panies, including the fire police, have a military type
organization with a chain of command under the fire
chief.

more of

special donors.

equipment, and supplies. Besides fire personnel, each
company has a unit of fire police for the purpose of protecting property and directing traffic, sworn in for these
purposes by proper authorities. Fire police are subject, in
fighting

or

needs will be met to the extent possible, after which requests will be channelled through the local chapter for

re-

their political districts respectively: hous-

fire

Blood

hospitals will be met. In lower priorities civilian hospitals'

ing,

addition, to

for the

the quota has been secured. In this priority the needs of

provided for the County by 28 volun-

teer chartered fire companies. All

nursing, in

located at a central place, for our region,

military hospitals, veterans hospitals,
Fire Protection

home

to give instruction in such activities.

Cross program enlists the aid of school

children through modest contributions in building

up

funds for children in disaster situations, U.S. or foreign,
school supplies and library books. The Junior Red Cross
has a program for international student exchanges of
scrap books, music albums, and art albums.
College students aid blood donor recruitment.

de-

partment. By custom, all districts
including those outside the county, will aid in emergencies be-

yond the capacity of an individual company or district.
Calls for help go through the local chief for approval. The

16

;

The Columbia County Unit of Civil Defense is in the
Eastern Area of Pennsylvania, part of a nationwide Civil
Defense Organization. The Board of County Commissionby act of the State Legislature with
supporting Federal legislation, is responsible for Civil Defense in each county. This Board appoints, subject to the
as authorized

ers,

Governor's approval, a County Director. He in turn appoints a director for each political subdivision. Their
functions include safeguarding lives and protecting property in all types of disasters, with special emphasis on

and resources provided A county-wide radio
communication system is operated from Berwick and
Bloommsburg as centers. Two hundred trained men as
auxiliary civil police are on call. RACES, an organization of licensed amateur radio operators, are alert to
supply communication in case of breakdown of other
Services

:

channels. First aid training has been given to over 200

women

persons with over 150 young

trained for

home

matching funds are joined
with those of the State and County to cover certain exnursing. In general, Federal

The

penses, especially equipment.

services are entirely

all

all

Aid resources include

:

One

complete

types of bandages, compresses,

types of antiseptics

and

and

first

aid unit

sanitary cups

antibiotics regularly replaced

emergency hosBloomsburg, one in Berwick, equipped
completely for prompt operation; medical and surgical
equipment; antiseptics and antibiotics with potency maintained by continuous replacement, and standby electric
generators. "The doctor won't even need to bring his
to avoid potency decline; four 200-bed
pital units, three in

stethescope.")

Municipal Directories, which are frequently revised, are
and greater Bloomsburg
areas. Rural routes are included. Berwick, in addition,
includes Salem Township and Nescopeck, while Catawissa is covered by the Bloomsburg volume.

available for the greater Berwick

.

Missionary,

authorship of primers for illiterate adults in over 165
languages, bringing literacy to millions by the plan of
''each

one teach one."

Dr. John Edwin Bakeless, 1894Army, res., ret., University teacher,

.

Colonel, United

journalist, author,

editor, in fields of literature, history, biography,
ics,

econom-

public affairs.

Chambers

Commerce

of

area; the one for
in addition to

— The

greater Berwick area

and shopping
Bloomsburg, Catawissa and RD areas

Bloomsburg; Orangeville.

a translation of the Indian name. Catawissa borough, at
first Hughesburg, from settler who laid out town, super-

seded by Indian name. The weight of evidence is that
this name is derived from several Indian dialects always
meaning "pure water." Stream and township also so
named. Fishing Creek, stream and township, translation
of Delaware Indian name, Namescesepong. RoaringCreek, stream and township, mentioned in very early recpresumed to be translation of the Indian Popeme-

Moses VanCampen,

scout

and

frontier leader of rang-

Revolution.
State Senator,

1861; United States Minister to Ecuador,

1858-

1861-1863;

United States Senator, 1863-1869.

William Hartman Woodin, 1868-1934. Prominent
manufacturer at Berwick; Secretary of Treasury under
Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Dr. George

Edward Pfahler,

internationally as the pioneer

named

1874-1957. Recognized

and leader

in

radium

ther-

internationally as one of the world's five

pioneers in radiology.

17

Espy, from Josiah Espy; Eyersgrove, from Jacob Eyer;

Jerseytown, settlers from New Jersey; Orange township
and Orangeville from settlers from Orange County, New

York, and Orange, New Jersey (there is no Orange CounRohrsburg, from Frederick Rohr, a Prussian
ty, N.J.)
veteran of the Napoleonic Wars.
;

Famous Persons

— Presidents Cleveland, Jackson, and

Madison townships. Others: Benton borough and towntownship, Senator Thomas Hart Benton; Conyngham
ship, from President Judge John Nesbit Conyngham;
Huntington creek and mountain from Samuel Huntington (see Scenic Tour 1, p. 15) Jamison City from Colonel
township, from Governor Thomas Mifflin Franklin townprinter,
ship, from famous statesman, scientist, author and
;

;

Benjamin Franklin.

— Greenwood,

Mt. Pleasant townships and

Stillwater borough.

—

Hemlock townReminiscent of Timber Resources
and stream and Pine Summit, Pine Creek and Town-

ship

River rounding

guarding the Susquehanna frontiers during the

Charles Rollin Buckalew,

tung.

ship.

Columbia Countians Who Have Gained
More Than Local Distinction

er forces

Some of Columbia County's Names: Indian Names Briar Creek, stream, township, and borough. This form,
or Green Briar, appears in earliest records suggesting it is

Scenery

includes, in general, the Berwick industry

apy;

1884-

ords,

voluntary.

with

Frank Charles Laubach,

atomic attack.

perils of

First

Dr.

educator, preacher. Missionary activities include the co-

bend

of

mouth

of Fishing Creek.

The Columbia County Board of Assistance

made up

is

of seven unpaid laymen, appointed by the Governor under

Pennsylvania law. It prepares estimates which are reported for approval to the State Secretary of Public Welfare.

The Board

appoints, under Civil Service regulations,

a Director to administer the program.
"

i

--/.--

•^MR

:~--^sefrs>

He

dispenses relief

following Board decisions and in compliance with Stat:
law. Relief

is

dispensed from State funds matched in some

cases with Federal funds in the following classes:
1.

Old Age Assistance

to

needy Pennsylvania residents

over 65.

River entering Catawissa

Narrows

at Rupert.

—

Pennsylvania State Highway Commission
Columbia
County is a part of Highway Engineering District No. 31,
with headquarters at Montoursville.

The headquarters

in

Bloomsburg is for maintenance and snow removal on the
553 miles of state highways in our County. Minor construction on these roads, including bridges, is performed
in the slack summer months. The work force of 120 laborers, headed by a local superintendent, is aided by a staff
of three assistants and an office force of five. When a road
is adopted by an act of legislature, it is given a number
and comes under the jurisdiction of this department.

2.

Pensions to those with major or total blindness.

3.

Aid
ents

dependent children lacking one or both parfrom divorce, death, or other cause.

4.

Aid

to those totally,

5.

General assistance to needy unemployed employ-

to

ables

and

Department of Forests and Waters,
District,

No.

20,

of Pennsylvania,

embraces Columbia, Montour,

and Northumberland Counties, along with the Western
Section of Luzerne and the Muncy Valley section of Lycoming. The District Office is in Bloomsburg and is headed by a District Forester. Services: Fire protection, 10
towers, those of Catawissa
ty;

and

Aristes in

fire

Columbia Coun-

administers state forest lands, none in Columbia; ad-

ministers State Parks,

Luzerne, and Dry
nearby.

none

in

Run and

The Waters

Division

Columbia but Ricketts Glen,
World's End, Sullivan, are
is

centered at Harrisburg.

The Columbia County Child Welfare Services are headed by an Acting Director chosen by the County Commissioners on recommendations of the State Secretary of
Welfare under Civil Service regulations.

The Acting
pointed

tey

is assisted by two case workers apCounty Commissioners on recommenda-

Director

the

tions of the Acting Director.

The Acting

Director

is

as-

by an advisory board appointed by the County
Commissioners after nomination by a nominating comsisted

mittee of the Board.

The

services rendered:

(1)

Place-

ment

of children in foster homes. (2) Protective services
to children in sub-standard home conditions. (3) Services
to unmarried mothers. (4) Child adoption services. (5)
Institutional placements for retarded, delinquent, and

handicapped children. Board, medical, and dental care,
and also clothes may be supplied. Financing is from the
County Institution District with State reimbursement.
The State pays salary of the Acting Director, and the
Institution District pays the caseworker with

reimbursement.

18

50%

State

their families.

The County' main

The Bloomsburg

is in Bloomsburg with
and Centralia.

office

cation offices in Berwick

appli-

Columbia County
and Mechanical Association,
century and more of life, has come to be one of the
Fair, officially the

Agricultural, Horticultural,
in

its

greatest fairs in the State.

During the annual Fair Week, beginning

in the last

days of September, a quarter of a million people are in
attendance. Exhibits appropriate to the
well as school

Wyoming

permanently disabled.

and hobby

interests,

official

name,

as

reach uniformly high

standards. Races attract those of sporting interest and a
wide spectrum of entertainment is always topped with

outstanding talent at the evening shows.

Roaring Creek Rapids and falls

The Columbia County Work Unit of the
servation Service

is

U.S. Soil Conheaded by a Work Unit Conserva-

appointed by the Pennsylvania State Conservation

tionist

Service under Civil Service regulations.
established in 1950

and

is

The

office

was

located in the Court House.

The office provides technical and engineering assistance
for members of the Columbia County Soil Conservation
This service:

District.

2)

assists district

trict in

1)

members

supplies county soil surveys;

of the Soil Conservation Dis-

developing long range conservation of land resour-

ces appropriate to the soil characteristics along with fac-

View

in

Fishing Creek Township.

and drainage; 3) assists farmer members in
the establishment and carrying through of such plans.
tors of slope

(SCENIC TOURS Continued from page 15)
North from Jonestown via 19,069, or a variety of other
interesting roads, including those in neighboring Luzerne
County, to Red Rock, Luzerne County.
Side trips may be made to magnificent Ricketts Glen
State Park; n. to Central and Jamison City; route 16, Elk
Grove, Nordmont, LaPorte and to state park at World's
End, Sullivan County.

The Columbia County Conservation District has 750
members out of the 1,510 farmers eligible. The members'
farms combined make up 67,500 acres, or about 50% of
the available acreage. National figures show that in every

:

year since 1945 the gross income of conservation farmers

has increased, whereas the income of conventional farmers
reached a peak in 1951 and has decreased ever since. In

1945

4%

of the farmers in this county

had

basic conserva-

1954 the number had risen to 25%. These
farmers in the 25% produced 45% of our gross agrition plans; in

HOTEL MAGEE — Beautifully
with television and

decorated rooms
Children

Columbia County Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Office is set up under the United States Department of Agriculture and is located in Bloomsburg. It

free.

Continuing,

tracing the valley of Fishing Creek; Ben-

s.

where stands a Theodore Burr
covered bridge, Columbia County's memorial to covered
bridges; Forks; Orangeville; Knob Mountain; Light
ton; thence to Stillwater,

which

Street,

near

is

site

olutionary fort; across
tour Ridge

and

;

cliffs

and

of red rocks, the Bloomsburg red

swimming

pool, skating area; intersection with Rt.
n.,

with alternative (a)

which takes you past the old limestone quarries,
some still active, or (b) old Berwick road through villages
reminiscent of old canal days, Espy; Almedia Lime Ridge,
site of Revolutionary Fort Jenkins; Briar Creek; and
Rt.

encourages programs for agricultural conservation by promoting good practices and administers the conservation
reserve (soil bank) with the production adjustments as to
wheat allotments on permitted acreages.
Established farmers in the County compose the Conservation Committee, which in turn chooses, under Federal
Civil Service rules, the Office Manager. He also reports
to the Farmers' Field Man in the United States Depart-

ment

of Agriculture.

turn

;

War Monument; down Market
this road past Bloomsburg Town

242 at river bridge and airport;

US

Mon-

Civil

Street to river, left at

Park,

Hill, actually part of

into Bloomsburg, county seat with courthouse

at fountain

s.

Rev-

of Fort Wheeler, a frontier

Turkey

location of extensive nineteenth century

iron mining; past
shale

cultural output.

air-conditioning.

1 1

;

Berwick.

Agricultural

Office.

different in

every way.

.

paid by the County Commissioners. The Fundamental
function of the office is to bring the findings of research to
the farms and home. Advice is made available on livestock

farm and garden
and health.

culture,

home management,

.

will find hospitality,

.

.

.

Trip 2. North Central area: Alternative trips are (a)
Bloomsburg Main Street at Iron, turn n. on 42 then

—

after crossing creek Leg. Rt. 19,029 to

Greenwood Valley

Route 254, this route e. to Rohrsburg, or (b) Bloomsburg to Orangeville on 339, then follow signs to Rohrsto

burg; n. to junction of Leg. Rt. 19,060; Waller; turn left,
Leg. Rt. 19,061 down Little Fishing Creek Valley through
(Continued on next page)

19

The

Home

nutrition,

charm and convenience
inexpensively. You will be agreeably surprised how homelike a hotel can be.
Here you

and

the Pennsylvania State University. Office expenses are

feeding,

HOTEL BERWICK — So

and Home Economics Extension

Economics Extension Service
maintains an office for the County in Bloomsburg with a
staff of five, headed by the County Agricultural Agent
and the Home Extension Economist. All are employees of
Agricultural

View from Montour Ridge, looking up Susquehanna

River.