MCCLURE HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Era of Railroading through the Valley Sunbury-Lewistown Railroad Originally known as Middlecreek Valley Railroad According to the Story of Snyder County by George Dunkelberger, the beginning of the Pennsylvania Railroad, incorporated in 1846, actually began with the construction of a railroad as early as 1832 from Philadelphia to Columbia, Pennsylvania, by way of Lancaster. Great expansion of the railroad throughout the nation took place the decade following the close of the Civil War. The appointment of a commission to organize the Middle Creek Valley Railroad Company was through an act of legislature passed on March 23, 1865, this provided for the proposed railroad to be extended “…from a point on the Pennsylvania Railroad, at or near Lewistown, through the heart of Mifflin and Snyder Counties eastward and terminate on the east bank of the Susquehanna River at or between Port Trevorton and Northumberland…” and the construction was to begin within three years and be completed within ten. mcclure Picture1 The Middle Creek Railroad Company was organized October 2, 1866, in order to carry out the provisions of this act. Construction began at Northumberland on August 1, 1867, and connected with the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg Railroad, crossed the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, extended south of Selinsgrove and continued west to the Beaver Furnace of the Shade Mountain Iron Company. The railroad played a vital role in the development and expansion of McClure. Work of grading began in the summer of 1867. In 1870, the name was changed to Sunbury and Lewistown Railroad. For two years, 1874-1876 trains ceased to operate. Then in 1876, the Pennsylvania Railroad leased the road through McClure. Finally, it was purchased by the P. R. R. and became an integral part of its system. It was known as the Sunbury-Lewistown branch. In September of 1871 the first train, consisting of a locomotive, a passenger coach and six trucks (open railroad freight cars) passed through McClure and continued on to Beaver Springs. This was a trail run. On November 1, 1871, the first through passenger train, consisting of a locomotive and passenger coach of railroad officials and other notables passed through McClure. After that train, another one with three coaches followed it. The locomotives were beautifully decorated and the coaches were filled with passengers. A large crowd had gathered in McClure to witness the great event. The Rev. L.C. Edmonds, Pastor of the Beaver Springs Charge of the Reformed Church at the time, wrote of the occasion: “On the morning arrival of the first passenger train, people of all grades and shades came flocking to the station all along the line to see. Some of the hill and mountain folk had never seen a train of cars run before that event came to pass, hence there was some fun. One old lady at the McClure station, on seeing railroad wagons moved without horses, she exclaimed, in Snyder County Dutch, ‘Eye wu sin don de gile?’ (Where are the horses?) The answer by “dawdy’ was: “Yaw, mommy, der shmoke moch selli redder rum ga;” (Yes, Mom, the smoke makes the wheels go around.) “Well! Sell beet worhoft ig der alt Bellseboop selver!’” (Well! This beats truthfully the old devil himself.)” A new form of transportation, far superior to the slow horse-drawn wagons was now available. And now, grain, farm produce, livestock, lumber and huckleberries picked on the nearby mountains were funneled into McClure to be shipped to near and distant points, This also worked the other way, for all kinds of items, including automobiles were shipped to McClure by rail, At the peak of operations 24 freight and passenger trains ran daily. Three passenger trains ran daily carrying many passengers, some of which were residents of McClure. The station attendants included a head agent, day and night operator, and clerk and warehouse boy. In 1899, the McClure station was the first one on the S & L line to become an around the clock telegraph office, and Charles Mumma was the first night operator. In 1902, John M. Rauch was transferred from Paintersville to McClure where he was head agent and remained until 1935, when the station was closed and he retired. Keemer Stuck and C. F. Wagner learned telegraphy while Rauch was agent, working the night shift. Mr. Wagner worked in the mountain during the day and in the station at night, sleeping on the benches, so anxious was he to learn the trade, which he followed for 20 years. Other railroad employees were S. H. Kline, A. A. Kline, H. C. Dreese, Earl Snook, Jacob Kinney, Fred Specht, Adam Wagner, Lewis Kahley, John Hughes, Arthur Shirley, John Heeter, Charles Helfrick, Hurley Romig, Jerry Wetzel, Joseph Otto, John Howell, James Goss, Amos Klinger, Aaron Wagner, Wilson Kline and Clair Kline. In 1907, a section shaped somewhat like a Y was put in operation at the west end of town for the purpose of turning engines around so that they could go in the opposite direction. It led off the main railroad bed north to and against the ridge. An engine would back in on one side, a switch was thrown, and then it would pull out the other side, and be on its way. On March 9, 1900, the first successful experiment of transmitting telegraph and telephone messages over the same wire was made on the S & L line. From July 11, 1923 to January 17, 1926, an automatic train control was tested on this road. The system, first tried on any railroad, was used to control train traffic, and was mounted on tower-like structures along the line. Corresponding systems were also in the cab of the engine and in the station. Here at McClure the signal bridge, with its disc on which electric lights were mounted, was located about one-half mile west of the station. The automatic train control, although refined, is now used on all railroads in the country. The heavy passenger traffic continued until shortly after World War I when the wider use of the automobile and better roads planted the "kiss of death on this type of travel. Finally on Saturday, January 16, 1932 the last regularly scheduled passenger train passed through McClure. It was made up of engine No. 5386, a mail and express car and a passenger coach. Charles A. Fisher was the engineer, Charles Laird the fireman, U. Howard Stock the conductor, and Harry Howell the brakeman. None were residents of McClure, Joe Henry Kline, a local model railroad enthusiast, vividly recalls that train as he watched it move through McClure. Photo to the left is of the original water tower that sat on the north side of the tracks in McClure, it is a standard 23,628 gallon tank and sand house; picture taken on July 12, 1917. Pictured below is a map of Snyder County from 1895 dipicting where the Sunbury – Lewistown Railway Co. (S&L Railway Co.) went through the county. The red lines indicate where the tracks were located and the red circles on the tracks indicate that there was a station or an out post at that location.

Station Park is located in the center of town between the Post Office and the one of a kind water fountain. Station park is a quite shaded park with playground equipment for all ages, an open area to start a pick up game of football or soccer, a picnic pavilion, and benches throughout the park. It is used for community events and private gatherings. McClure Station Park Station Park is located in the center of town between the Post Office and the one of a kind water fountain. Station park is a quite shaded park with playground equipment for all ages, an open area to start a pick up game of football or soccer, a picnic pavilion, and benches throughout the park. It is used for community events and private gatherings. Station park was formed after the closure of the local railroad (The Sunbury-Lewistown Railroad). The Dedication Service for the new park climaxed the week-long celebration for the Bicentennial of the United States of America in 1976. Historic Road Sign - 1 , Historic Road Sign - 2 . Keystone Marker Trust has a database of Historic Road Signs - Website Database . Railroad Fountain In 1979, a new fountain sung an old tune of Railroad Days gone by, the new fountain was put in when the new street construction was being completed, in which portions of west Walker and Railroad streets were merged into west Railroad Street. Water cascading down over the sides of a fountain, located at the east entrance to west Railroad Street in McClure, sings a tune of sorts. The notes of trickle, splash and gurgle can be interpreted as a melody of the golden days of railroading. As if by per-arranged plan of long ago, the fountain sits squarely on what at one time was the old railroad bed. Inadvertently, the fountain had its origin in 1867 when the grading began for the Middlecreek Valley Railroad Company. Prior to that, it was decided to locate the railroad on the south side of the valley, resulting in the formation of McClure. Officials of the railroad selected McClure as the place on the line where the steam locomotives would take on water. There were two water towers, the first one erected on the north side of the tracks. The second tower was built on the south side of the tracks, replacing the first. This latter tower was continued in use until 1963 when the railroad ceased to operate in McClure. McClure Station Park Grant Project Documents Station Park Concept Plan Station Park Comprehensive Plan Station Park Land Development Plan Pavilion/Restrooms/ ADA Ramps Plan History & Transformation McClure Bacon Fest INDULGE IN BACON BLISS AT McCLURE'S BACON FEST! Taking place in mid-April around the charming McClure Station Park, the air is infused with the irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon. Can you smell it yet? Join us for McClure's Bacon Fest this April, featuring an array of bacon-infused delights, from mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches to decadent chocolate-covered bacon, maple bacon cupcakes, bacon pancake dippers, and much more! With over 200 vendors lining the streets, it's a bacon lover's paradise. Visit http://www.mcclurebaconfest.com/ for more information and savor the anticipation of bacon goodness! McClure National Night Out Held inside McClure Station Park on the first Tuesday of August. The event is hosted by the McClure Revitalization Committee. Nation Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and emergency service while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your surroundings. Follow McClure Station Park @McClureStaionPark

This is an Award if Special Thanks And Recognition for someone that has done something great for our community. SPECIAL THANKS AND RECOGNITION In recognition of outstanding contributions to the McClure community, the McClure Borough Council proudly presents the Special Thanks And Recognition (S.T.A.R.) Award. This accolade is bestowed upon individuals who have made a significant difference in our community, embodying the spirit of dedication and service. The primary objective of the S.T.A.R. Award program is to acknowledge and express gratitude to those who, through their efforts, positively impact the McClure community. It serves as a heartfelt "Thank you for your hard work" to individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life in McClure. We invite community members to actively participate in this commendation process by nominating individuals they believe deserve this special recognition. To submit a nomination, kindly send an email to the McClure Borough Council at mcclure_1867@ymail.com, providing details about the nominee's contributions and the reasons behind their nomination. Your participation helps us honor those dedicated to making McClure a better place to live. Let us join together in acknowledging and celebrating the remarkable efforts of individuals who have left an indelible mark on our community. MEET THE S.T.A.R. RECIPIENTS CAMERON KLINGLER Fall 2019 Recipient Cameron Klingler received this award for his Eagle Scout Project in Station Park with the addition of five new smaller flag poles and the revitalization of the flag pole area. This has added a new level of patriotism to Station Park. WYATT WAGNER Winter 2019 Recipient Wyatt Wagner received this award for his Eagle Scout Project that helped to kick start the McClure Borough's Hometown Hero Banner Program. This program helps to showcase and honor our great "Hometown" veterans. ANDREW OLDT Summer 2020 Recipient Andrew Oldt received this award for his Eagle Scout Project of new welcome to worship signs on both entrance to our town. He replaced the old and worn out signs with bright new signs; giving our town's entrances a great face lift. JUDITH PHEASANT Winter 2021 Recipient Judith "Judy" Pheasant for her decades of public service to numerous organizations in town and her countless hours of work serving veterans locally and over seas. BARRY E. GOSS Winter 2021 Recipient Barry E. Goss was the longest serving tax collector in the history of McClure Borough up until January 22, 2021, when he decided to hang up his hat. Barry has served as McClure's Tax Collector since 1976, to put it into perspective the McClure Borough was established in 1966. Gavin G. Treaster Spring 2024 Recipient Gavin Treaster received this award for his Eagle Scout Project at the McClure American Legion Post 942 with the restoration of the Korean War Cannon and the landscape area surrounding the cannon. This has helped to preserve the cannon for many generations to come.

A showcase of McClure's Hometown Hero Banners. MCCLURE HOMETOWN HERO BANNER GALLERY Our town is very proud of our Hometown Heroes and would like to show them all year long on this page for all to see. Presentation ceremony of THE first eight banners Each Submission is given the opportunity to write a short biography about themselves or their service member. Links below have those short bios. Banner Class of 2019 Banner Class of 2020 Banner Class of 2 021 Banner Class of 2022 2019 Banners 1/1 2020 Banners 1/1 2021 Banners 1/1 2022 Banners 1/1 2024 Banners 1/1 2024 Banners

Information and Application form for the McClure Hometown Heros Banner Program. HOMETOWN HERO BANNER PROGRAM The Hometown Hero Banner Program is a tribute to veterans, with connections to McClure Borough and West Beaver Township. Banners are displayed on streetlight poles and utility pole around McClure, as living memorials to the men and women from our community who serve/have served our country. Each banner is unique and honors a specific hero including their picture, branch of service, era of service. This program is non-political and non-partisan. This program could not have been possible with out the hard work and dedication from Wyatt Wagner. This was his Eagle Scout Project; thank you very much Wyatt. If you are a Hometown Hero, or would like to honor a Hometown Hero as part of this program, please complete an application and mail it to the McClure Borough at 1 N. Forbes Street, McClure, PA 17841, or take it to the Borough Secretary on Thursday night between 5pm and 8pm. Any questions contact borough secretary at 570-658-8006 or by email at mcclureborosec@gmail.com BANNER GALLERY EXPLORE PAST SUBMISSIONS: To view all the banners submitted in previous editions, simply click the button below. The image below captures the original eight banners showcased during the presentation ceremony. Banner Gallery BANNER APPLICATION FORMS Banner Size - 24" x 48" ~ Price in Application form. Application can be delivered to the McClure Borough Office, by mail or email the information to mcclureborosec@gmail.com . Banner Printable Form Banner Fill-able Form FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When are the Banners Hung Up? The Banners are hung between Memorial Day weekend to Veterans Day. When are the Banner application accepted? The Banner application forms are accepted between January 1st and April 1st of every year. It can be downloaded on this page. Then send it by email, mail or delivered to the McClure Borough Municipal Building at 1 North Forbes St. Where can I get a discharge form (DD2-14) papers and photos for my service member? There are two different possible websites that can help: Is there going to be a proof provided? After all applications are submitted to the McClure Borough, they will be submitted to the production company to make a proof of the banner and will be emailed to the sponsor for final approval and at that time any corrections. Do I have to mail in the application? No, you don't have to mail the application if you live close. It can be dropped off at the McClure Borough Office at 1 N. Forbes Street. It can also be emailed to Borough Secretary at mcclureborosec@gmail.com

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Sun, Jun 09 | McClure Bean Soup Grounds Wine Bingo Wine Bingo McClure Bean Soup grounds. 20 games for $20 Doors open at Noon, bingo starts at 1:00. Door prizes, raffles, rip tickets, 50/50 Food will be available for purchase. Time & Location Jun 09, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM McClure Bean Soup Grounds, 7 E Ohio St, McClure, PA 17841, USA About the event Wine Bingo McClure Bean Soup grounds. 20 games for $20 Doors open at Noon, bingo starts at 1:00. Door prizes, raffles, rip tickets, 50/50 Food will be available for purchase. Show More Share this event

In the know All Posts National Statewide Borough Search Jul 23 Road Closure Due to Creek Restoration Project Road Closure due to Creek Restoration Project: Currently underway is the Creek restoration Project, which will result in the road being... Apr 18 Transforming Our Community Together! Public Notice: The McClure Borough Council wishes to inform residents of upcoming projects slated to commence this year. The projects are... Apr 17 2024 Primary Election On April 23, 2024, Pennsylvania Primary Election Day will take place. For residents of McClure Borough participating in the electoral...