The Montgomery Area Historical Society gave an excellent presentation about the Last Raft on Thursday, July 19th. Bill Poulton’s lecture was a fascinating window into this unique chapter of local history. He has done extensive research into the journey of the Last Raft that was taken from the vessel’s log book. The Last Raft was supposed to honor the history of logging in central Pennsylvania but ended in disaster when it crashed into a railroad bridge between Montgomery and Muncy in March of 1938. During his presentation, his wife Linda ran a PowerPoint slideshow that featured numerous photographs of the history of the timber industry in Pennsylvania and of the Last Raft.

He outlined the journey of the Last Raft on its day by day course that was supposed to end triumphantly in Harrisburg, but tragically cost seven people their lives. Thankfully most of the nearly fifty people on the raft were rescued. It took several weeks to recover the bodies of the victims. Mr. Poulton also showed the audience the auger that was used to build the Last Raft.

The Montgomery Area Historical Society preserves the history of Montgomery, Clinton Township, Brady Township, Washington Township, White Deer Valley, and Alvira. The Society has a museum housed in the Adam Room at 3 West Houston Avenue where they host a second Saturday Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a third Thursday program where they feature a presentation on a local history topic at 6:30 p.m., followed by an open house with light refreshments. They also host different special events throughout the year, including the popular open house at the Stone Church. To help raise funds for the organization they sell Montgomery-themed memorabilia such as blankets and Christmas ornaments and offer paid memberships to the Historical Society. All Historical Society events are free and they welcome members of the Society and the public alike.

THOT “A capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others. It is the key, or one of the keys, to the already solved problems. And not only so, it gives a relish and facility for successfully pursuing the yet unsolved ones.” Abraham Lincoln

Happy birthday wishes go to Kelly Solano who will be marking her special day on July 27th.

If you are interested in joining the Montgomery Lions Club, please contact Roger McRae at 570-971-2825.

Hometown Hero banner orders are due on September 6th. Forms are available at the Montgomery Borough Office, the Clinton Township Office, and Montgomery Weis.

Montgomery Events

Fri. July 27 Teenagers (ages 12-17) are invited to the Montgomery Public library to attend a “Kindness Rocks” program from 1-2 p.m.

Sat. July 28 St John’s Lutheran “Brick” Church will hold their yearly Blueberry Festival from 3-7 p.m. There will be lots of hot food and blueberry desserts, along with games and activities, a basket raffle, and a book sale. The church is handicap accessible and air-conditioned.

Weds. Aug. 1 Toddlers Tales will have a Pet Rocks-themed event at the Montgomery library from 11 to noon. Please preregister and plan to accompany your child.

Fri. Aug. 3 There will be a Rock Party Family event at the library.