A few weeks ago, while waiting for our evening “take-out” dinner being prepared at a local restaurant establishment, the gentleman sitting next to me, with obviously nothing better to do, decided to engage me in conversation. Little did he know at that time what lie in store for him!

He began the conversation, in a most familiar manner by first asking me if I was a “permanent” resident of the area, or, as he was, simply a seasonal visitor. He was somewhat amazed when my reply was that, in fact, I and my wife were, indeed, permanent residents, and would never have it any other way. Thereupon, he continued…was I born here…if not, where, then was my birthplace…and, why, in “Heaven’s Name” would I and my wife EVER relocate permanently to this Region?

WELL…

That attitude opened a “Pandora’s Box” of my replies…something he never expected.

Of course I replied that my original birthplace was in the northern Region of Pittsburgh, a community entitled Millvale. My wife, Carolyn, was originally from Pittsburgh’s Northside. I also indicated that my parents had been transitory/seasonal occupants of North Shenango since 1953. This was, in fact, where all childhood memories of my Family were most profound and treasured in my Heart.

His amazement as I continued weaving my tale grew…I could see it in his eyes and in the undisturbed attention he paid to my every detail.

When I had completed my side of the conversation, he continued….

“WHY WOULD I EVER WANT TO LIVE HERE YEAR-ROUND? THERE’S NOTHING TO DO HERE EXCEPT IN THE SUMMER, AND THEN THERE’S NOT THAT MUCH EVEN THEN!”

HERE I GO…

In 2007, I was approached by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to serve on the Crawford Lakeland Scenic Byway Committee, a “subdivision” of the Pa RT 6 Scenic Byway Commission. I agreed…and, I was appointed as the Co-Chairman, along with a well-known resident of Conneaut Lake.

It was my responsibility to document the positive qualities of the Region (North Shenango Township, in particular). The results of my documentation would serve as the basis for the Commonwealth to designate the area as worthy of Scenic Byway classification.

In August of 2007, I presented my results to both the Commonwealth representatives, and to the Supervisors of North Shenango Township.

The following information is what I presented to both parties.

CRAWFORD LAKELAND SCENIC BYWAY:

North Shenango Township, Route 285, Intrinsic Qualities -

SCENIC:

Almost everything about Pymatuning is huge. At 21,122 acres, it is the largest state park in the Commonwealth. The 17,088 acre Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake in the Commonwealth. At the western-most terminal of State Route 285, the most beautiful panoramic vista of this large body of water can be enjoyed.

Along the corridor of this same route large stands of native hemlock may be observed. As the traveler proceeds along the highway, he/she may note the following scenic attractions:

• The Pennsylvania Game Commission Waterfowl Management Area

• The Migratory Bird Observation Facility

• The Pennsylvania State Game Lands

• Access to the Hartstown Swamp/Wetlands

• The original Espyville Station Railroad Terminal Building

• Several buildings erected by the area’s original inhabitants (described below)

• The “Causeway” as it crosses Pymatuning Reservoir

ARCHAEOLOGICAL:

The Shenango River Watershed originates in a large wetland area in Conneaut Township, Crawford County, and flows in a southerly direction from Pymatuning Lake approximately 70 miles to a point just south of New Castle in Lawrence County. There it joins the Mahoning River to form the Beaver River, which, in turn, empties into the Ohio River. Tributaries in Crawford County include Paden Creek, Linesville Creek, and Crooked Creek.

Interestingly, “Pymatuning” is taken from the Iroquois language and literally means “the crooked-man’s dwelling place.”

Along the low lands of the Shenango River as it passes through North Shenango Township, numerous remains of the Mound Builders have been, and can still be, observed. Besides a number of mounds from thirty to fifty feet in circumference but of slight elevation, two circular forts have been found…each enclosing approximately one-half acre of ground. One is located near the bank of the river on Tract 31, and another on Tract 34. The embankment is not high, but each is/was surrounded by a moat, which indicates their construction for the purpose of defense. Heaps of stones, piled-up in square form like rude altars, have also been found along the banks of the Shenango.

CULTURAL:

Pymatuning State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

The North Shenango Township Community Center offers a wide and increasing program of events. Among these are monthly Music Fests, weekly classes in the Martial Arts, weekly get-togethers, and special child-oriented festivals at Halloween, Christmas, and Easter.

North Shenango Township is home to several regional and nationally recognized artists.

HISTORIC:

Shenango Township, one of the original subdivisions of the County, was created on July 9, 1800.

Espyville, in the western part, was laid-out in 1833 by John Espy.

Although the original village did not attain any great size, it contained a store, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, one paint shop, a jelly factory, a cider mill, a saw and planning mill, a school, three churches, about twenty families, and the only post office in the township. All of these original buildings (or their remnants) are still observable along Route 285.

Originally, there were three churches in North Shenango. The Methodist Episcopal at Espyville was organized with seven members at the house of Aaron Herriott in 1831.

Center Chapel, a Methodist Episcopal edifice, is located about one-half mile east of Espyville Station. It was founded in 1825.

The North Shenango United Presbyterian Church was organized in 1849 by Rev. H.H. Thompson

Joseph Wright taught the first school about 1804, in a deserted cabin, which stood at Elliotts Corners in the central part of the township.

The North Shenango School stood at the current site (and in the current building) of the North Shenango Community Center.

The remnants of the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad tracks cross over Route 285 at the approximate center of Espyville Station. The structures of the original terminal (now an antique store) and the original post office/stationmaster’s office (now a private residence) still exist at this site.

NATURAL:

Natural areas have unique scenic, geologic, or ecological value and are set aside for observation and to protect outstanding examples of natural interest and beauty. Pymatuning has two natural areas, both accessible from Route 285. The 725 acre Blackjack Swamp has unique natural communities. In the northern part of the lake is Clark Island which has 161 acres of mature hardwood and white pine forest.

Pymatuning Lake drains into the Shenango system from two outlets. The first is Crooked Creek, which flows through the Pymatuning Marsh and through the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Game Lands #214. The gamelands area extends on either side of Crooked Creek almost to Adamsville. Over 30 species of mammals and 60 species of birds are year-round residents of the watershed.

The second outlet to Pymatuning is the Shenango River, which flows out the western lobe of the lake between South and West Shenango Townships.

The most significant bald eagles’ nesting areas in Pennsylvania are located within the waterfowl area.

RECREATIONAL:

Perhaps one of the most attractive features about North Shenango Township is the tremendous variety of recreational opportunities it offers.

Tuttle Campground, beach, picnic areas, boat launch and Espyville Marina can all be reached from Route 285.

Espyville Marina and Concession: A 170-slip marina accommodates yearly moorings from April 1 through October 31, in addition to having a variety of rental watercraft available to lease by the hour, day, or even week. This facility also has snacks, bait, tackle, firewood, and a good selection of fishing gear. Located on the northeast side of the 2.5 mile causeway, it is easily accessible from Route 285. An 850 foot breakwall doubles as accessible fishing pier and attracts fishermen as well as boaters and sightseers to this beautiful marina.

Fishing: The 17,088 acre Pymatuning Reservoir is a warm-water fishery. Common species are walleye, muskellunge, carp, crappie, perch, bluegill, and largemouth & smallmouth bass. Ice fishing during the winter months is also popular. Fishing licenses from both Pennsylvania and Ohio are honored anywhere on the lake, but shore anglers must possess the appropriate state’s license.

Hunting: About 10,300 acres are open to hunting along the Route 285 corridor. Common game species are deer, rabbit, squirrel, and waterfowl.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Wildlife Management Area has controlled shooting during the annual waterfowl season. Special areas are also established for duck hunting. Public hunting is available in many areas surrounding the controlled shooting section.

Hiking: There are trails available in the Tuttle Campground area. In addition, North Shenango Township has joined with the Linesville Community to develop and promote the Pymatuning Vision Trailways Plan, which intends to develop a hiking trail around the perimeter of the lake.

Winter Recreation: In addition to ice fishing, North Shenango offers several roads and trails accessible for the snowmobile enthusiast. Cross-country skiing is likewise gaining popularity throughout the township.

(Also included in my report was the following information. Although the information concerning the much beloved and missed Tuttle Campground & Beach is no longer relevant, it was included in my original report. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, this area will once be “resurrected”, and will once again become a significant resource for our Region.)

Swimming: The Tuttle Beach is open from late May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. The beach has bathhouses with restrooms.

Camping: Tuttle Campground has modern facilities including showers, flush toilets, and accessible campsites. About half the campsites have electricity. Pets are permitted on specific sites. There is a boat launch, playground, camp store, and amphitheater. The walking trail is a loop that begins near the camp store.

The Tuttle Campground Campstore and laundry facility has a variety of camping supplies including washers and dryers, food, ice, firewood, candy, souvenirs, and “essentials” that are often hard to find in standard stores. The campstore is generally open from mid May through Labor Day.

THEN…

As my take-out order was now presented to me, I finished my explanation of why this Region has become my and Carolyn’s home…and, why, despite all the possibilities which have presented themselves to us over the years, we have NEVER considered relocating or abandoning our current home.

My conversation partner seemed to apparently understand what I said to him, for, as I rose to leave for home, he grabbed my hand with all the strength he could muster. He graciously thanked me for my words, and promised that he would NEVER again question the significance of our wonderful Area…or its incredible residents and history.

The clouds which had previously shrouded his vision parted and disappeared into the mists of Understanding.