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1968: Mifflin County’s plan for a new library

In the late 1960s, the Mifflin County Library was located at 35 South Brown Street, which was the corner of Brown and Water Streets. As I’ve mentioned before, the library was stuffed to the gills with books. Books were stacked everywhere, on tables, on the stairs, on the floor as well as on the tops of the shelves. We were once again in need of a new building and the library board, as well as the director, Mrs. Stuckenrath and the commissioners were aware of the fact. I found an article dated June 14, 1968 discussing the problems the commissioners faced; not only with the library ...

At long last … the Cross Street bridge is back open!

Seven years ago the Cross Street bridge was deemed unsafe for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Located between Cedar Springs Road and Jefferson Street in Mifflintown borough, the bridge served as one of two routes to the library. The other route, by Washington Avenue and Cross Street, is a tight turn for right/left turns. Now that the Cross Street bridge is back open, traffic is freed up to visit the library, go to and from the district schools on either side of Cedar Springs Road and allow for easy access for large vehicles (delivery trucks, emergency services, etc.) I remember when ...

A Christmas to remember

It began in a very unusual way. A class of four-year-olds presented a Christmas pageant that began with the three virgin Marys marching out onto the stage. As they stood there, they, of course, were waving to their parents. It’s not every Christmas pageant that has three virgin Marys, but over the years the school had acquired three Mary costumes, and so, quite naturally the script was revised. This gave a chance for more children to be involved and kept down the squabbling over who got the starring roles. The two Josephs walked up behind the Marys. Then twenty little angels came ...

Hanukkah: Restoration and Rededication

Do not fear the words of sinners, for their splendor will turn into dung and worms. Today they will be exalted, but tomorrow they will not be found, because they will have returned to the dust, and their plans will have perished. My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law, for by it you will gain honor. (1 Maccabees 2.62-64) Now, we who observe the law to the best of our ability recognize the law does not save, however, it indeed does bring honor in the courts of the Most High as Psalm 1 says, blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord. As we have been ...

Musings from God’s mountain

A true account is told of a group of young people who had gone to the Caribbean on a mission trip. They didn’t travel there for luxuries the area is known for. Instead, they visited a leper colony on the island of Tobago. While there, they held a worship service. We can only imagine the impression that must have left on the hearts and minds of those young teens, as the emaciated lepers filled the bare pews, waiting to worship the God they loved. There was this one memory, though, that is deeply engraved in the souls of all who attended. The pastor had asked for song selections from ...

Christmas and sandwich talk

Hello from the kitchen! Christmas is fast approaching! This year, it’s our turn to host the whole Kauffman family, so lots of food to be prepped. I’ve chosen a non-traditional buffet meal consisting of chicken in the filling, garlic butter little red potatoes and mixed veggies. But for now, let’s talk sandwiches. Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? Since teaching myself to make bread and rolls, I’ve upped the level on a sandwich and what should go into it. I make sandwiches using rolls, bagels and even waffles. Make your regular waffle batter but add chopped sage and ...