WINTER BLUES

It's been a long, long week. I was overjoyed when Friday finally rolled around. The new showroom set up has been a stressful one. And if you guessed I was a bit happy then to do nothing all weekend, you'd be right. We had some of the coldest temperatures this winter yet, at least with the gales we had. My thermometer read 18 today at around 1pm. The only time I ventured out was to fill the bird feeders and put out new suet's. It has been a frenzy too with the birds. I was able to have dinner one night with a friend in Pine Grove Furnace... but other than that, I have kept my social schedule cleared for my own alone time. A selection of very obscure films were viewed this weekend, and just a few oink fest. But there is always time to catch a few snaps around town.

I have always been intrigued by the Frankenberger Tavern. Other than rumors of hauntings, I didn't know much about it till a few years ago. The tavern is recognized as the oldest building in the borough. It was built by George Frankenberger in the forest then, now Main Street, between Harrisburg and Carlisle, in 1801.The place offered passing cattle drovers and farmers a place to get a warm meal and a place to sleep. The guest would sit by the fireplace and share the news from where they had traveled.

I pass this church on the way to work. The Peace Church was built in 1798 by a reformed congregation. It's a historic structure of limestone in Georgian style. In 1806, the local Lutheran congregation was invited to share the building " in peace" for their services. The church's builder was Martin Rupp. The interior of the church is notable for its wine glass pulpit, a balcony that's wraps around three sides and a Conrad organ that was installed in 1807. It looks so charming in all seasons.

If one is familiar with Mechanicsburg; there seems to be a church on every corner! I have no idea how they all stay as active.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Our public library, the Joseph T Simpson Library, I'm a member there and the Camp Hill Library alike, but this locating is a pleasant day spent for a getaway to escape. The building was an amazing repurpose. The renovated stone grain warehouse dates back to the 1840's...and has found new life as a gorgeous library of three floors of books, resources, DVD'S, and music and other library services like story times. poem readings, and other events all free for residents.

I was a swell place to grow up in. And since being back, I have learned more about the history of the little hamlet, that I didn't take much time in my youth to learn about.

JUBILEE DAY

And yes...all these building are still standing! 

Today is the day that the fair little hamlet of Mechanicsburg has its day. Dubbed by promoters as the largest one-day street fair in the East Coast and now possibly country has been an annual tradition in the small town here since its inception in 1922. It has become such an industry unto itself that the name Jubilee Day even has its own trademark. In fact, the town's population swells to ten times its normal size during the event. Thank heavens we don't live near Main Street!!!  Shirley from over at Boots and Braids asked me what it was about. Besides eating!!! And I didn't know it's origin. Apparently, the event got its start in nearby Gettysburg, when some Mechanicsburg businessmen attended a similar celebration and brought it up to town. It was dubbed Farmers and Merchants Day to thank customers of downtown businesses and to attract lots of new customers to the downtown and town in general. By holding it in June, the local merchants were sure of attracting the local farming community which had just got its crop in the ground and didn't have much else to do. The town quickly embraced the idea and it continued to grow. In changed its name in 1930. During the second world war the event was not held at all, otherwise ran uninterrupted every year except for the two years of the pandemic and one year due to very heavy rains. At first, the livestock judging was considered one of the main highlights of the event. But it has now grown from these humble beginnings to become the mammoth street fair of today which closes the main street and several side streets down for the day, and it starts from dawn till sunset to accommodate over 70,000 visitors!

And if offers every food one can think of. While walking, one can hear the hardening of the blood vessels and arteries, and the seams of many a persons outfit crying for help. All types of fair foods ..but the funnel cakes, candied apples and greasy foods seem to be the most popular, while there are also many healthy options too...in addition to live music and bands, there are rides, and many artisans and crafts people selling their wares and handy craft. It's been since I originally moved to the Philadelphia area in 2000 since I have been, except once five years ago on a visit home. But when I was young, it was a tradition we'd go every year...we even called it Jubilee month. We'd go and eat, and run into everyone we knew, stuffing our faces! And they still even have a Jubilee Queen, but I didn't throw my hat in the arena for that. But wouldn't that be funny? Last time I was there, I did however run into Harrisburg queen Ito, who was in full drag. She is stunning...and the crowd had no idea that it was even a man I suspect. Will we go tonight?  HELL YES!  but the Mistress has a plan. We go, park, walk the sidewalk along the main street, scope out the Camp Curtain Pulled Pork Sammich stand, and the funnel cake stand, split up, divide and conquer and meet back up on the sidewalk, head to the car, and bring it home to eat it in peace and quiet. Hey.!!!..we have more style and clothe than to let everyone else see us eat like fieldhands and gobble like hogs!!!!