Home Care In Pomoroy, PA

More than four decades after a property owner inquired about protecting the land, 70 acres along McMichaels Creek have been opened to the public as the Pomeroy McMichaels Creek Nature Preserve.

The Pocono Heritage Land Trust, which owns the property today, didn’t exist yet when a member of the Pomeroy family wrote to The Nature Conservancy in 1978.

Don Miller — a naturalist who would go on to found PHLT — was working for the Monroe County Conservation District and volunteering for The Nature Conservancy, and was called upon to walk the property and produce a “biological assessment of the property and its value for protection.”

The Nature Conservancy responded that while the property was worth protecting, other sites had higher priority and the funding wasn’t available, Miller said at the preserve’s grand opening on Sunday, June 5.

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However, The Nature Conservancy did say that it would support the formation “of a local land trust that would be able to do that kind of work in the area here, and protect those properties that are not of national or international significance, but are of regional and local significance,” Miller said.

In 1984, the Pocono Heritage Land Trust was founded.

Still, the Pomeroy family property wasn’t immediately protected. A real estate agent touted the property’s potential for housing development — an idea that didn’t come to pass — and PHLT didn’t have the money right away.

This is the first time that PHLT “used its own money to be able to buy and protect” a property, Miller said.

“That’s because it’s a difficult thing to do. It takes a lot of resources, a lot of financial resources, to buy and protect property in a very volatile — and a very elevated, or escalated, or exaggerated — real estate market like we have in the Poconos,” he said.

“That’s not an easy do,” Miller said. “That’s 36 years of fundraising to be able to establish enough money to be able to buy and protect the first piece of totally purchased Pocono Heritage Land Trust land. So there’s a lot to celebrate about this particular piece of land.”

Miller led visitors on a walk through the preserve, pausing along the shady streamside trail to point out interesting or uncommon trees and plants. (They smelled the leaves of a spicebush, a plant whose berries can be dried and used as an allspice substitute, but took his word on the scent of skunk cabbage.)

The creek is a Keystone Select waterway, meaning that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks it with retired breeding trout.

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Rail Gap: New Pocono Heritage Land Trust preserve offers hiking, fishing opportunities

“This stream attracts an incredible number of fly fisherman, all kinds of fisherman,” Miller said, adding that only artificial lures are permitted, along with “limited catch and keep.”

The Brodhead Chapter of Trout Unlimited will begin work this summer on stream upgrades that will improve fish habitats.

“The shallower the water is, the more it heats up,” Miller said, which isn’t good for cold-water fish. Large boulders, logs and other structures can slow down water and create deeper pools.

“The idea is to narrow the flow a bit. So to put some deflectors that narrow the flow of the stream, which creates deeper water and faster-moving water in those zones where the structures are placed,” Miller said.

Thirty structures will be placed in two phases of a $120,000 project.

This is the second preserve opened by PHLT in under a year. Last August, the Rail Gap Nature Preserve, where visitors can walk part of the old Wilkes-Barre and Eastern Railroad route, was opened to the public.

Pomeroy McMichaels Creek Nature Preserve is situated between Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm and Hickory Valley Park. Its address is 675 Hickory Valley Road, Stroudsburg.

Shoppers at Pomeroy's department store in Harrisburg fondly recall the Tea Room.

The unpretentious restaurant operated on a mezzanine where diners would watch shoppers below on the sales floor.

"It was more of a social place. The food was very simple and very unassuming. It was good quality but there was nothing fancy on the menu," said Michael Lisicky, author of a recently published book, "Shop Pomeroy's First."

The Pomeroy's Tea Room served the same purpose as other tea rooms operating at department stores across the country, only without a stuffy, fancy atmosphere, said Lisicky who has written several books about department stores.

It was more like a luncheonette. Popular menu items included sandwiches, cheese sticks and the signature cinnamon sticks.

The Reading-based department store opened its first branch in Harrisburg in 1878 along North Third Street. By 1939, Pomeroy's relocated to Market and North Fourth streets where it built a five story building with display windows, air conditioning and a restaurant.

Pomeroy's stores were solid, working class stores, Lisicky said. They expanded to Pottsville, Wilkes-Barre as well as Camp Hill and Colonial Park.

The store tea rooms were social gathering spots and a place to take a break from shopping. They served a purpose.

"I can't imagine it was a revenue leader but it kept you from leaving," Lisicky said.

Claudia Stein Decima, who grew up in Harrisburg and now lives in Dauphin, said as a young girl she would head downtown on Saturday afternoons. The trips almost always included a stop at the tea room.

She recalls taking the escalator up to the tea room and glass windows overlooking the main shopping area. She also remembers ordering egg salad sandwiches on cheese bread and the hot cinnamon sticks.

By the late 1980s, The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. acquired Pomeroy's. The Harrisburg store closed while the Camp Hill and Colonial Park stores were renamed as Bon-Ton stores.

Unfortunately, Lisicky said he was unable to find photographs of the actual tea room in Harrisburg. He also tried to locate the recipe for the cinnamon sticks but was unsuccessful.

Today, those who grew up in the Harrisburg area and remember Pomeroy's light up at the mention of the store, Lisicky said.

"People can't think of downtown Harrisburg without thinking of Pomeroy's," he said.

Throwback Thursday is a series taking a look back at bygone restaurants in the Harrisburg area. Jimmy Rosen, owner of The Old Sled Works in Duncannon and Kyle Weaver, co-author of "Diners of Pennsylvania" have kindly shared their expertise, old photographs and memorabilia for Throwback Thursday. If you have photographs or information to share about former restaurants, please email Sue Gleiter at sgleiter@pennlive.com.

In my continuing quest to visit all the covered bridges in Pennsylvania, I set out one October day to check out the covered bridges of Juniata and Snyder Counties. My first stop for the day was the covered bridges in Juniata County, Pennsylvania.

Juniata County is home to three covered bridges after one collapsed in early 2017. Despite not having a large number, the bridges of Juniata County really span a broad range of quality. Two of the bridges are very well maintained, including the longest surviving covered bridge in Pennsylvania. On the other hand, there is also one bridge in the county that is likely to fall over if you look at it the wrong way.

Unfortunately, since the bridge in poor condition is privately owned, it is unlikely that it will be repaired. Eventually, it will collapse and be lost forever, as Dimmsville Covered Bridge did in 2017. However, while it is still standing, it is somewhat interesting to see what a dilapidated bridge looks like.

The covered bridges in Juniata County are located in two separate areas, with the two nicest bridges being located south of Route 22 and the two covered bridges in poor condition located north of 22.

For ease, I’m going to cover the bridges west to east, which coincidentally is also south to north. If you are just visiting the covered bridges of Juniata County, Pennsylvania, you are looking at roughly 35 miles of driving over the course of an hour, plus, of course, however much time you spend at the bridges.

Should you want to see even more covered bridges after viewing these four, it’s easy to combine these covered bridges with the four in Snyder County to make a day of covered bridge viewing.

For each bridge below, coordinates have been provided. To use them, simply copy/paste both numbers into your GPS. There is also a map at the bottom of this article so you can see where each bridge is located.

Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge

If you only have time to visit one covered bridge in Pennsylvania, this is the one to see.

Not only is this the longest covered bridge remaining in the state, but it is also one of the most beautiful. While you can’t drive across it anymore, visitors are allowed to walk across the bridge. There are also several signposts that explain the bridge’s history and restoration, along with a guest book visitors can sign.

The bridge itself spans 278 feet over Tuscarora Creek and was built in 1902 to replace a flood-damaged bridge that was built in 1870. The bridge is owned by the Juniata County Historical Society and finished a refurbishment in 2009.

Getting to Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge: Getting to the bridge is relatively simple if you know where you are going. And, while parking isn’t that difficult, you will have to pull off to the side of the road. Make sure to pay attention to private property when parking in the area.

The best parking area for the bridge can be found at the following coordinates, which are at the end of Covered Bridge Road: 40.493209, -77.470833.

While in the area, don’t miss the fabulous Tuscarora Academy Museum.

Port Royal Covered Bridge

Also known as Lehman’s Covered Bridge, Port Royal is a very well-maintained bridge just outside of Port Royal, Pennsylvania.

The bridge is privately owned, and while there is a sign prohibiting driving across the bridge, there is not a no trespassing sign, so I’m assuming that walking across it is perfectly acceptable as long as you’re respectful to the bridge and surrounding area.

The bridge was originally built in 1888, though a sign on the bridge says 1858. It was destroyed by Hurricane Agnes in 1972, but the Lehman family rebuilt the bridge and have kept it looking quite beautiful over the ensuing years.

Port Royal Covered Bridge is 107-feet long and hasn’t been painted, giving it a beautiful, natural appearance against the forested East Licking Creek below.

Getting to Port Royal Covered Bridge: Port Royal Covered Bridge is located just off Routes 333 and 75, only a short distance outside of Port Royal, Pennsylvania. There is a small dirt parking area next to the bridge, which is big enough for a few cars.

This is your best bet for parking, as there is nowhere to park on the far side of the bridge.

Port Royal Covered Bridge can be found at the following coordinates: 40.529295,-77.395388.

Dimmsville Covered Bridge (Collapsed)

Update 4/17/17: Dimmsville Covered Bridge has collapsed and isn’t likely to be rebuilt. The information and photos have been left up for posterity.

Unfortunately, the name of this covered bridge is quite fitting, as its future is quite dim. Of all the covered bridges I’ve visited in Pennsylvania, Dimmsville might be in the worst shape. In fact, I can’t imagine it surviving even a minor flood or snowstorm.

Looking at the pictures of the bridge, it likely isn’t hard to see the problem. The top of the bridge is leaning at a significant angle, and the sides don’t look very sturdy either. Given the bridge’s age and private ownership, it’s not entirely surprising that it’s in such a state, but it’s still a bit sad to look at.

Dimmsville Covered Bridges was originally built in 1902 and spans 100 feet over Cocolamus Creek. The bridge sits entirely on private property, so good vantage points are difficult to find.

Fortunately, the bridge that bypasses the bridge is very close, offering a nice view for visitors. Even though the road isn’t heavily traveled, keep in mind you are walking and viewing from a public road and use caution.

Given the sad state of the bridge, this is definitely one to see soon before it gets destroyed.

Getting to Dimmsville Covered Bridge: The bridge is located in Greenwood Township, north of Route 22, in a very rural section of Juniata County. There isn’t really anywhere to park, but pulling off to the side of the road is possible given how infrequent traffic is. The coordinates for the bridge are 40.60663,-77.13869.

East Oriental Covered Bridge

Also known as Meiser’s Covered Bridge or Sheaffer Covered Bridge, this is another dilapidated bridge that sits on private land. At 90-feet long, the bridge over Mahantango Creek is the shortest covered bridge in Juniata County.

Built in 1907, the bridge is one of two that connect Juniata County and Snyder County. The other being the nearby North Oriental Covered Bridge.

According to my research, this bridge is owned by two different people. One wants to restore it, but the other doesn’t. Because of that, the bridge continues to deteriorate, and even from a distance, you’ll be able to notice sideboards missing. Fortunately, though, the bridge doesn’t appear to have a major slant like Dimmsville Covered Bridge.

The area around the bridge is all private property, but the Juniata side of the river isn’t posted. However, I would still recommend staying off of the private property. Because of this, the best view for most will be the bridge over Mahantango Creek, which sits about 200 yards downriver from the bridge.

If you are looking for a closer view, walking in the water is likely acceptable, but you’ll of course get wet. Fortunately, the creek here is fairly shallow most of the year.

Getting to East Oriental Covered Bridge: East Oriental is northeast of Dimmsville Covered Bridge and sits in a similarly rural area of Juniata and Snyder Counties. The area around the bridge is taken up by farmland and several homes. It can be found at the following coordinates: 40.638674, -77.001221.

There is a bit of space to park your car on the Juniata County side of Mahantango Creek where the guardrails end. It’s worth noting that while this isn’t posted, it may very well be private property, so please be respectful. From the parking area, you’ll have to walk about 50 yards to the bridge to get a good view of the East Oriental Covered Bridge.

Please use caution as this is a public road and appeared to be used by a fair number of cars.

If you are looking to see more covered bridges, this trip pairs well with a visit to the four covered bridges in Snyder County and the 14 Perry County covered bridges.

[If you need help using the coordinates listed in this article, read my explanation here.]

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something at no additional cost to you.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 200 historic covered bridges ranging from 24 feet long to nearly 300 feet in length. But, have you ever wondered which covered bridges in PA are the longest?

If you have, I’ve got you covered here with the 10 longest covered bridges in Pennsylvania.

(Note: This list only contains historic covered bridges that are standing at the time of publication and are publically accessible. Covered bridge length can be a topic for debate and some bridges have several different lengths listed in different sources. I have done my best to make sure this list is as accurate as possible.)

10. Colemanville Covered Bridge

Colemanville Covered Bridge is the first of three covered bridges in Lancaster County to make this list. It is 170 feet long.

Colemanville Covered Bridge can be found near Pequea and crosses high above Pequea Creek. It was originally built in 1856. After being damaged several times by floodwaters, the bridge was raised high above the creek in the 1990s.

This is not only one of the longest of Lancaster County’s covered bridges but also one of the most beautiful.

9. Hillsgrove Covered Bridge

Hillsgrove Covered Bridge is one of three historic covered bridges in Sullivan County, PA. And, at 171 feet in length, it is the ninth longest covered bridge in Pennsylvania.

This bridge crosses Loyalsock Creek near the popular Worlds End State Park. It was originally built in the 1850s and has been repaired many times in recent years due to flooding.

Interestingly, this bridge was the first covered bridge in the United States to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

8. Dreibelbis Covered Bridge

Dreibelbis Covered Bridge is located near I-78 in the northern Berks County community of Lenhartsville, PA. It is one of five historic covered bridges in Berks County and the second-longest of the bridges found there.

Dreibelbis Covered Bridge is 172 feet long and crosses Maiden Creek. It was built in 1872.

7. Dellville Covered Bridge

Dellville Covered Bridge is the seventh longest covered bridge in Pennsylvania, coming in at 174 feet in length. It is the longest of the 14 covered bridges in Perry County, PA.

Dellville Covered Bridge was originally built in 1889 over Sherman Creek. Sadly, it was burned to the ground by arsonists in 2014. However, it was beautifully rebuilt using the original locations and specifications and reopened in 2019.

Today, it is one of the most beautiful spots in Perry County.

6. Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge

Coming in at number eight, we have Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge. This covered bridge is listed at 180 feet in length, making it the longest covered bridge entirely within Lancaster County.

This bridge is located near both Route 30 and Route 222 in the north-central portion of the county. It crosses the Conestoga River.

Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge was originally built in 1843 but was destroyed by Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Fortunately, it was rebuilt the following year.

5. Rupert Covered Bridge

Of the 21 covered bridges in Columbia County, PA, none are longer than Rupert Covered Bridge in Bloomsburg.

Rupert Covered Bridge is 185 feet long and crosses Fishing Creek near its confluence with the Susquehanna River. It’s unique for being directly adjacent to a railroad track.

This bridge was built in 1847 and is in excellent condition today.

4. Pine Grove Covered Bridge

Pine Grove Covered Bridge is the fourth-longest covered bridge in PA and crosses 198 feet over Octoraro Creek. The bridge spans two counties and is the longest covered bridge in both Chester County and Lancaster County.

Pine Grove Covered Bridge was originally built in 1884 and is one of the southernmost covered bridges in the state. It is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking.

This is the longest covered bridge in PA that you can still drive across.

3. Wertz’s Covered Bridge

Wertz’s Covered Bridge is located on the grounds of the Berks County Heritage Center and is 204 feet in length. This bridge was originally built in 1867 and is the longest covered bridge in Berks County.

Wertz’s Covered Bridge is no longer accessible to vehicles but visitors can walk or ride a bike across it while enjoying the Union Canal Trail and the Tulpehocken Creek.

2. Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge

Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge is the second-longest covered bridge in Pennsylvania at 205 feet in length. It is one of two historic covered bridges in Franklin County, PA.

Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge was originally constructed in 1849 and utilizes a Town truss, which is rare among PA covered bridges. It has been repaired several times over the years and was raised five feet in the 1970s to keep it high above the waters of the Conococheague Creek.

The bridge is located within Antrim Township Community Park near Greencastle, making it an easy spot to visit.

1. Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge

Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge is far and away the longest covered bridge in Pennsylvania coming in at a whopping 278 feet in length. While this pales in comparison to what was historically the longest covered bridge in PA (which was over a mile long over the Susquehanna River between Columbia and Wrightsville), this is still an impressively long bridge and a wonder to see.

Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge is one of three covered bridges in Juniata County, PA, and it’s worth the effort to seek this spot out if you love historic spots. In fact, this bridge is so long that it’s hard to capture all of it in photos, so seeing it in person is definitely a great idea.

This bridge was originally built in 1870. It underwent a complete refurbishment in 2009 and is in great condition today. While you can’t drive across this bridge, it’s still a great spot to walk across and enjoy.

Looking for even more great spots to visit in PA? Check out our list of the 7 Man-Made Wonders of PA, the 7 Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania, and our PA Bucket List.

More lanes coming to stores under partnership with Toshiba

Weis Markets partnered with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions and systems integrator Pomeroy to bring self-checkout to its shoppers.

Sunbury, Pa.-based Weis Markets now has Toshiba’s latest self-checkout solutions in “the vast majority” of its 198 Mid-Atlantic stores, Toshiba said Tuesday. Plans call for Toshiba and Pomeroy to deploy additional Self-Checkout System 6 lanes across the regional grocery chain’s physical footprint in 2020. The retailer has stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia.

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“The inclusion of Toshiba self-checkout systems across our stores improves our overall customer experience,” Weis Markets Chief Information Officer Greg Zeh said in a statement. “Beyond affording our clientele a more personal checkout, Toshiba’s technology and operational expertise have helped improve throughput and overall store performance.”

Including both cash and cashless systems, Toshiba noted that its solution gives Weis shoppers a choice of checkout options, allowing the grocer to create a frictionless payment experience for customers. The system also optimizes each lane’s utilization as it speeds the checkout process, the Research Triangle Park, N.C.-based technology provider added.

Related: Western Beef set to expand self-checkout

“We are excited to be able to create a more personal shopping experience for Weis Markets’ customers by lessening checkout times while also improving the grocer’s front-end operational efficiency,” explained Bill Campbell, senior vice president and head of global sales for Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. “Toshiba closely collaborates with all of our retail partners to design and implement tailored solutions to enhance the user experience and our customers’ unique operations.”

Hebron, Ky.-based Pomeroy is the primary systems integrator responsible for project management, providing software integration and testing. The IT services firm works with Toshiba and Weis on the deployment of Toshiba’s POS and self-checkout solutions across all of the grocer’s stores. Weis also uses Toshiba’s TCx POS technology in all of its East Coast locations.

“The extraordinary collaboration and synergies with Weis Markets and Toshiba fueled the project’s success,” commented Aaron Hagler, vice president of grocery and retail solutions at Pomeroy. “We were truly a seamless team empowered by Weis Markets’ executive, IT and retail operations leadership.”