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COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
Wyalusing Heritage Communities Program
2010
Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance
WYALUSING HERITAGE COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER/Subsection
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
iii
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
1
BACKGROUND ACTIVITIES – DESCRIPTION
3
3
COMMUNITY INVENTORIES
Location Map
Demographics
Economics
Historic/Architecturally Significant Buildings/Sites/Themes
Cultural History
Wyalusing’s Colorful History
Selected Other Wyalusing Area Heritage Resources
Historic Markers
Wyalusing History Trail
Inventory of Community Events/Activities
Local Comment Summary
Inventory and Survey of Businesses
Business Survey
Recreation Related Resources
Physical Conditions
Transportation System
Community Visual Conditions and Design Analysis
Signage
Zoning
4
5
6
8
14
19
27
28
31
35
37
39
41
44
53
55
57
64
69
72
i
WYALUSING HERITAGE COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER/Subsection
SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION
Public Input
First Workshop – The Wish List
Second Workshop – Planning Charrette
Third Workshop – Draft Presentation and Comments
Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview
IMPLEMENTATION
Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts
Tourism and Economics
Implementation Matrix
Summary of Recommendations
Interpretive Planning Statement
Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement
Wayfinding Planning Statement
Heritage Resource Development/Community Needs
Planning Statement
Select Funding Sources
Page
81
81
81
83
88
90
94
94
95
99
110
116
118
120
122
123
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This planning effort represents a relatively new approach to heritage planning
being implemented by the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance. In essence the
Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program is a local tourism strategy
that builds on the unique qualities of each identified Route 6 Heritage
Community, within the context of the themes of the larger Route 6 Corridor. The
Heritage Communities Program develops a place-based heritage strategy that
strives to make each community an even better destination for visitors, and in
turn adds to the visitor experience offered by the Route 6 Corridor. It is a
competitive program, and Wyalusing was among a number of communities that
submitted applications.
The concept was locally developed during early Route 6 heritage planning and
refined with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources (DCNR) who insisted that the Heritage Communities Program be
premised on the engagement of the community. In short, DCNR wanted this to
be “grass roots” and not “top down” planning requiring the establishment of the
Heritage Community Stakeholders Groups in each Heritage Community. This
was envisioned to be a group of area residents who met throughout this process
and even spearheaded several early action implementation actions. Members of
the Wyalusing Stakeholders Group represented a cross-section of the community
and met on numerous occasions between February 2009 and February 2010,
and also helped during this period in conducting Community Workshops and a
Planning Charrette. In addition, many other residents participated in various
public forums such as during the focus group meetings during the Planning
Charrette and at the various Community Workshops.
Major project funding for the Heritage Communities Program is provided through
the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, through the
Heritage Areas Program under the PA Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources and a local contribution from Wyalusing.
Last but not least, a special thanks to the residents and business communities of
Wyalusing who not only embraced this program and participated, but more
importantly showed a genuine love for the community.
iii
WYALUSING HERITAGE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corridor
COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
Background
A Community WorkPlan is a requirement of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage
Communities Program. It is intended to establish an action-oriented framework
for local heritage and community planning and implementation in Heritage
Communities along Route 6. This is a WorkPlan for the Wyalusing area that is
focused on the Borough and the immediate surrounding region. It reflects the
analysis of various inventories and field surveys by the Pennsylvania Route 6
Heritage Development Corporation planning team as well as the extensive public
and stakeholder group participation that occurred during the planning process.
While the document is important in itself the process gone through to prepare it is
probably more important. In this regard local engagement is not only important
but is required.
The process involved the engagement and discussion with a local Stakeholders
Group that was involved throughout the planning period. The document attempts
to aggregate and synthesize the input and recommendations of this Group, also
taking into account public input received at Community Workshops and a
planning charrette. The document and process also involves original and
secondary research gathered by the Route 6 planning team. The WorkPlan is
organized as follows:
 Wyalusing Heritage Communities Program
 Community Inventories - Themes and Sites, Heritage, Community
Events, Businesses, Physical and Non-Physical Needs and Visual
Conditions and design Analysis
 Public Input review and Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview
 Issues and Opportunities Statement
IMPLEMENTATION - Planning Statements and Implementation Strategy
Overview
The Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program recognizes that the
action-oriented framework requires attention to both physical and non-physical
needs that address the Visitor’s Experience and the Community Context. Each
has an impact on the other, and the latter frames and directly affects the former.
Thus the Community WorkPlan must enhance the Wyalusing area as a
destination and a stopover, without negatively affecting the quality of life and
1
community characteristics that make it a great place reside. In essence then,
this entire process is an attempt to address tourism in a context-sensitive
manner. In this regard, we recommend a number of enhancements:
Visitor Experience Enhancement – “things to see and do”







Establishment and maintenance of a local implementation coordinating
committee, bringing together numerous existing agencies
Local promotional effort – including, tours, itineraries and web-based
information
The reinforcement of Wyalusing as a “hub” among numerous regional
resources and destinations
Wayfinding Signage – at critical existing and suggested attractions and
resources
Slowing people down and keeping them longer via additional shopping,
and dining experiences and inclusion of specific “Tour Routes” and
suggested changes to the Walking Tour
Conservation enhancements via a recognition/awards program and
suggested changes to municipal zoning ordinances
Coordination with the Wyalusing Valley Museums, the French Azilum site
and numerous travel serving businesses
The Community Context – addressing local needs



A concerted revitalization effort focused first on the historic Main Street
Business District, then Front Street and the Route 6 commercial area,
addressing streetscape, pedestrian visual quality and related
enhancements
Gateway Enhancements along Route 6 providing a welcoming, pedestrian
linkage and picnic area
Trail development – land and water - for visitors and local residents alike,
linking the community with nearby resources and attractions and the larger
region as well
2
The Heritage Communities Program is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Route 6
Heritage Corporation, focused on strengthening the many vibrant communities
along the Route 6 Corridor in Pennsylvania. The Program was developed by
local stakeholders involved in the development of the Pennsylvania Route 6: Our
Heritage and a Destination for the Future – Framework for Action during 200103. These stakeholders have developed the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage
Communities Program that requires communities – their leaders, business
community and residents – to buy into the heritage tourism concept and process.
The program provides assistance to Route 6 communities in first identifying and
localizing heritage tourism sites, resources and themes; then developing ways to
enhance and refine these resources; and finally a way to sustain local heritage
tourism. This assumes a very inclusive grass-roots process involving local
residents, which will have an important side-benefit of making the community a
better place in which to live as well as visit.
The key to the Program is to identify and capitalize on the unique qualities of
select communities on the Corridor that reflect the themes of Route 6. These
themes are as follows:






Warrior’s Road honoring the epic stories of the warriors of many races,
genders and times fought or lived along the Corridor;
The many Natural Opportunities utilized and enjoyed by hunters,
fishermen, oilmen, tanners and miners of the region, and the changes in
the view of natural resources;
The rough terrain required Engineer’s Challenge to be met by spectacular
feats of civil engineering that made Northern Pennsylvania and its
resources more accessible;
The region has provided New Beginnings and Safe Havens for a diverse
group including Connecticut Yankees, French Aristocrats and escaping
slaves;
Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs of the region whose
ideas and achievements inspired and transformed the region and the
country; and
The region’s recognized position as an Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise
offering active and passive recreational opportunities year-round.
The Program is premised on providing technical assistance to the communities in
interpreting and localizing these themes.
The unique qualities of the Pennsylvania US Route 6 Corridor are created and
affected by the communities along its length. Descriptions of the Corridor often
tout the unhurried, small-town ambiance that has not been traded for a “brand
3
name drive-through identity”. The Route 6 Community identity is authentic and
individual and is not contrived. Route 6 heritage planning recognizes that this
“community identity” must be maintained and strengthened if heritage tourism is
to prosper along the Corridor.
A request on behalf of the Greater Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce was a
successful applicant in the fourth round of the Heritage Communities Program,
following Smethport, Corry/Union City and Potter County (i.e. Austin,
Coudersport and Galeton). A local visioning and participation process was
carried out to establish the elements of a local heritage tourism effort meeting the
orientation of the Pennsylvania Route 6 tourism effort while addressing local
issues, themes and resources. This approach is identified in this planning
document – referred to as a Community WorkPlan. As such, it is an actionoriented document that builds on past tourism planning, as well as regional and
local efforts.
Community Inventories - Community and Area Overview
There is a very strong identity and attachment to Wyalusing and a core of highly
motivated and engaged people who want to improve it. The concept of
“Wyalusing” appears to transcend the Borough itself and includes Wyalusing
Township as well. The relative location and approximate distance between
Wyalusing and other nearby communities is below:
Community
Towanda
Tunkhannock
Montrose
Laporte
Athens & Sayre
Scranton (near I-81)
Wilkes-Barre (near I-81)
Carbondale
Waymart
Binghamton, NY (near I-81
& I-88)
Elmira, NY (near I-86)
Williamsport (near I-180)
Bloomsburg (near I-80)
Approximate
Distance
15 miles
24 miles
28 miles
26 miles
32 miles
49 miles
51 miles
54 miles
60 miles
49 miles
51 miles
64 miles
62 miles
4
!
4
PA 706
Limehill
mp283
R
20
1
X
S
!
Asylum
mp284
X
ASYLUM TOWNSHIP
4
SR
!
S
R
10 0
SR 2
WYALUSING TOWNSHIP
03 8
2
Merryall
SR 2025
Homets Ferry
!
100
Spring Hill
!
mp285
X
SR
10
6
07
TUSCARORA TOWNSHIP
Viall Hill
!
PA 187
mp286
87
PA 1
Cherrytown
X
SR
20
1
5
!
mp291
mp292
X
X
6
SR 201
2
!
WYALUSING BOROUGH
mp287 !
Wyalusing
Terrytown
X
mp290
SR
X
mp293
X
20
mp288
1
3
X
mp289
TERRY TOWNSHIP
2
SR
X
002
!
Rienze
!
Browntown
!
Sugar Run
0
20
SR
BRAINTRIM TOWNSHIP
SR 4006
1
!
Rocky Forest
SR 2010
WILMOT TOWNSHIP
SR
!
S R 2 0 04
SR 4 0 0 4
WINDHAM TOWNSHIP
R
20
1
7
1
2 00
New Era
S
0
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
Miles
FIGURE - Wyalusing Borough Aerial Image
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Demographics
The 2009 estimated populations for Bradford County, Wyalusing Borough,
Wyalusing Township and the combined area of Wyalusing Borough and
Wyalusing Township are identified on Table 1 in addition to the actual Census
figures for 1990 and 2000. As shown, Wyalusing Borough experienced a
significant decline of nearly 18% in population between 1990 and 2000. During
this same period Wyalusing Township saw an increase of 8.6% and Bradford
County had nearly a 3% increase. Between 2000 and 2009, Wyalusing Borough
continued to experience a population decline of just under 6%. This declining
population between 2000 and 2009 in line with a decline experienced at the
County level with Bradford County showing a decline of 2.6%. Taken together,
the combined area of Wyalusing Borough and Wyalusing Township had a 2000
population of 1,905 and an estimated 2009 population of 1,884. This is an
overall decline of 2.6%. Overall, the data suggests that the population in the
Borough is on the decline while population in the Wyalusing Township is
increasing. The forthcoming 2010 Census will verify if in fact the estimates and
population trends are in fact accurate.
TABLE 1
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE – 1990-2009
Wyalusing Heritage Communities Program Area
Area
Bradford
County
Wyalusing
Borough
Wyalusing
Township
Combined
Area
1990
2000
Population Population
%
Change
19902000
2009
Population
Estimate
%
Change
20002009
%
Change
19902009
60,967
62,761
2.9%
61,131
-2.6%
0.3%
686
564
-17.8%
531
-5.9%
-22.6%
1,235
1,341
8.6%
1,353
0.9%
9.6%
1,921
1,905
-0.8%
1,884
-2.6%
-1.9%
Source: US Census Bureau
Population projections are available through 2030 on a county basis through the
Pennsylvania State Data Center, using standard accepted methods. Table 2
summarizes some major data and trends from these projections for Bradford
County.
6
TABLE 2
POPULATION PROJECTIONS: 2010 – 2030
Bradford County
Factor
2000*
2015
2020
2025
2030
62,761
County
60,664
Population
%
NA
-3.3%
Change
% Change
NA
+2.1%
in PA
Bradford County Population
% 65+
15.7%
18.4%
59,844
59,359
59,094
58,680
- 1.3%
- 0.8%
- 0.44%
- 0.7%
+1.2%
+1.4%
+1.4%
+1.1%
20.7%
23.3%
26.2%
28.7 %
% 25-49
27.1%
25.8%
24.8%
25.6%
34.5%
2010
29.8%
Source: Detailed Population Projections; PA State Data Center; 2008.
* Actual Census figures; others are projections
Projections suggest a relatively steady population during the 30-year period,
anticipating a very slight but continuing decline at a time the state’s population is
expected to increase slightly during the same 5 year periods. In terms of
percentages, the projected 2025-30 minimal decline of 0.7% is noteworthy
suggesting that the mortality of the Baby Boomers is largely offset by retention or
expansion in the younger age cohorts.
During this 30-year period the County is expected to experience a continuation of
the maturing of the population base, as reflected in the percent composition of
those 65 years of age and of the population older from roughly 16% in 2000 to
29% in 2030. At the same time, the percent composition of persons in the familyforming/sustaining cohort between the ages of 25 and 49 is expected to decline
from 35% to 26% of the population.
Recent Trends
The long-term social/economic impacts related to extraction of gas from
Marcellus Shale were under discussion during the planning period. Population
projections preceded the Marcellus boom in northern Pennsylvania. Likewise,
the job opportunities and contribution to individual wealth accrued due to drilling
were not anticipated even in the near past. Impacts on the community (i.e.
housing, roads, environment, etc) and tourism (i.e. aesthetics, truck traffic, etc.)
were noted locally as well as in other affected Route 6 communities recently.
Clearly, drilling will likely create its share of opportunities and issues.
7
Economics
Employment and Number of Establishments
The economic base of the Bradford County has undergone change throughout
the recent and distant history. Economists look at employment bases in several
ways, including by place of residence (where employees reside) and by place of
work (where people work regardless of where they live). The decennial Census is
the place where information by place of residence is available on a municipal
basis. Given the age of available Census data (i.e. 2000) this data is not
meaningful at the time of this writing in early-2010. Given the fact that detailed
2010 Census data is not anticipated for awhile, this study uses more recent place
of work data even though it is available only on the County basis. Overall, place
of work data has been found to be a better barometer of local economic activity
in Route 6 economic analyses anyway.
Before reviewing this data for Bradford County descriptive background
information is reviewed. Table 3 reviews and compares information from two
recent County Business Patterns reports. County Business Patterns is an annual
series that provides sub-national economic data by industry. The series is useful
for studying the economic activity of small areas; analyzing economic changes
over time; and as a benchmark for statistical series, surveys, and databases
between economic censuses. Businesses use the data for analyzing market
potential, measuring the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs, setting
sales quotas, and developing budgets. Government agencies use the data for
administration and planning.

County Business Patterns covers most of the country's economic activity. The
series excludes data on self-employed individuals, employees of private
households, railroad employees, agricultural production employees, and most
government employees.

The information is establishment based. An establishment is a single physical
location at which business is conducted or services or industrial operations are
performed. It is not necessarily identical with a company or enterprise, which may
consist of one or more establishments. When two or more activities are carried
on at a single location under a single ownership, all activities generally are
grouped together as a single establishment. The entire establishment is
classified on the basis of its major activity and all data are included in that
classification. Table 3 identifies them as firms in the respective years compared.

Paid employment consists of full- and part-time employees, including salaried
officers and executives of corporations, who are on the payroll in the pay period
including March 12. Included are employees on paid sick leave, holidays, and
vacations; not included are proprietors and partners of unincorporated
businesses.
8
TABLE 3
ECONOMIC PROFILE AND CHANGE - BRADFORD COUNTY 1998-2007
Wyalusing Heritage Communities Program Area
Economic Sector
Forestry, fishing, hunting, and agriculture
support
Mining
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Transportation & warehousing
Information
Finance & insurance
Real estate & rental & leasing
Professional, scientific & technical
services
Management of companies & enterprises
Admin, support, waste mgt, remediation
services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment & recreation
Accommodation & food services
Other services (except public
administration)
Unclassified establishments
Total
1998
2007
Employees Employees
%
Change
1998
Firms
2007
Firms
%
Change
66
51
156
392
6,002
511
3,136
505
428
571
20-99
33
20-99
100-249
406
5,131
434
3,068
589
267
664
72
-50%
NA
NA
4%
-15%
-15%
-2%
17%
-38%
16%
NA
23
11
7
116
72
55
293
65
25
83
28
16
26
8
114
70
49
289
77
28
81
28
-30%
136%
14%
-2%
-3%
-11%
-1%
18%
12%
-2%
0%
375
100-249
441
250-499
18%
NA
78
2
83
5
6%
150%
123
20-99
3,900
63
1,180
214
86
4,154
119
1,286
74%
NA
7%
89%
9%
30
8
114
15
110
26
7
151
24
109
-13%
-13%
32%
60%
-1%
591
0-19
18,449
652
0-19
18,093
10%
NA
-2%
158
12
1,306
167
1
1,359
6%
-92%
4%
Source: US Census Bureau; County Business Patterns
Note: Ranges in italics are all that are available for certain sectors, precluding determination of exact percentages
9
Data presented on Table 3 above suggests the following trends as reflected in
employment and/or number of establishments:

Employment in manufacturing is very important even though employee
levels (-15%) and number of firms (-3%) have declined during the 19982007 period. Another local anchor retailing has also sustained slight
losses on both fronts (-2% and -1% respectively).

On the positive side, health care and social services have sustained
impressive increases in employment as well as the number of
establishments involved. This sector added 254 employees and 37
establishments in the period reviewed.

On the negative side, the forestry, fishing, hunting, and agriculture support
sector experienced a 50% drop in employee numbers and a 30% decline
in the number of employers.

Two sectors classically associated with tourism (in addition to retail) are
the arts/entertainment/recreation and accommodations/food services. The
arts/entertainment/recreation saw significant increases in the number of
employees (89%) and establishments (60%). Accommodations/food
services also experienced an increase in number of employees (9%);
however this sector experiences a 1% decline in number of
establishments during the 1998-2007 period.
Unfortunately, reliable information on a small municipal basis is only available via
the US Census, reflects data by place of residence and more recent data is not
anticipated until 2012.
Other relevant economic figures and trends are
summarized below:

Place of residence data shows that the total civilian labor force (not
seasonally adjusted) in Bradford County for December 2009 was 31,000,
of which 28,600 were employed and 2,400 were unemployed. The
unemployment rate was 7.8% at the time the statewide rate was 8.5%.

The average weekly wage for Bradford County in 1st Quarter 2009 was
$664, 77% of the statewide weekly wage of $861. This would be
equivalent to $16.60 per hour or $34,528 per year, assuming a 40-hour
week worked the year around.

Average weekly wages varied considerable among the County’s economic
segments in 2008 (most recent annual figures available by segment)
o Accommodation and Food Services
$196
o Health Care and Social Assistance
$803
o Manufacturing
$849
o Retailing
$407
10
Market Segmentation
Econometrics is a field always showing sophistication and even localization. One
approach in understanding economic markets is the Nielsen Claritas PRIZM
segmentation system that brings together household and geographic level data.
PRIZM attempts to capture demographic and lifestyle data to help companies
target their customers. It also provides those not marketing a good or service
with a “snapshot” view, perhaps oversimplified, of how small areas (i.e. Zip Code
level) may be profiled. The PRIZM model contains 66 segments consistent at
both the household and geodemographic levels. The 66-segment model resulted
from standard demographic measures – Age, Income, Presence of Children,
Marital Status, Homeownership and Urban/city. The most common PRIZM
segments and larger social groups identified for Wyalusing Borough and
surround area (18853) are as follows:



Back Country Folks (Downscale, Older Mostly w/o Kids) - Strewn among remote
farm communities across the nation, Back Country Folks are a long way away from
economic paradise. The residents tend to be poor, over 55 years old and living in
older, modest-sized homes and manufactured housing. Typically, life in this segment
is a throwback to an earlier era when farming dominated the American landscape.
Crossroads Villagers (Downscale, Older w/o Kids) - With a population of white-collar
couples and families, Crossroads Villagers is a classic rural lifestyle. Residents are
high school-educated, with downscale incomes and modest housing; one-quarter live
in mobile homes. And there's an air of self-reliance in these households as
Crossroads Villagers help put food on the table through fishing, gardening, and
hunting.
Golden Ponds (Downscale, Mature Mostly w/o Kids) - Golden Ponds is mostly a
retirement lifestyle, dominated by downscale singles and couples over 65 years old.
Found in small bucolic towns around the country, these high school-educated
seniors live in small apartments on less than $35,000 a year; one in five resides in a
nursing home. For these elderly residents, daily life is often a succession of
sedentary activities such as reading, watching TV, playing bingo, and doing craft
projects.
The above three segments are within the larger Rustic Living social group. These
segments represent the nation's rural towns and villages, having relatively modest
incomes, low education levels, aging houses and blue-collar occupations. Many of the
residents, a mix of young singles and seniors, are unmarried. No doubt overgeneralizing, PRIZM suggests that these consumers spend their leisure time in such
traditional small-town activities as fishing and hunting, attending social activities at the
local church and veterans club, and enjoying country music and car racing.

Simple Pleasures (Lower-Mid, Mature Mostly w/o Kids) - With more than two-thirds of
its residents over 65 years old, Simple Pleasures is mostly a retirement lifestyle: a
neighborhood of lower-middle-class singles and couples living in modestly priced homes.
Many are high school-educated seniors who held blue-collar jobs before their retirement. And
a disproportionate number served in the military, so many residents are members of veterans
clubs
11
The above segment is within the Middle America social group, which is
categorized as including lower-middle-class homeowners living in small towns
and remote exurbs. Typically found in scenic settings throughout the nation's
heartland, Middle Americans tend to be white, high school educated, living as
couples or larger families, and ranging in age from under 25 to over 65. Like
many residents of remote communities, these conservative consumers tend to
prefer traditional rural pursuits: fishing, hunting, making crafts, antique collecting,
watching television, and meeting at civic and veterans clubs for recreation and
companionship.

Big Fish, Small Pond (Upscale, Older w/o Kids) - Older, upper-class, collegeeducated professionals, the members of Big Fish, Small Pond are often among the
leading citizens of their small-town communities. These upscale, empty-nesting
couples enjoy the trappings of success, including belonging to country clubs,
maintaining large investment portfolios, and spending freely on computer technology.
The above segment is within the Landed Gentry social group which consists of wealthy
Americans who migrated to the smaller boomtowns beyond the nation's beltways. Many
of the households contain Boomer families and couples with college degrees, expansive
homes, and professional jobs--they're twice as likely as average Americans to
telecommute. With their upscale incomes, they can afford to spend heavily on consumer
electronics, wireless and computer technology, luxury cars, powerboats, books and
magazines, children's toys, and exercise equipment.
Again, the above segments and social groups are an oversimplification for the
sake of market understanding, but the demographic data taken into consideration
by the Nielsen Claritas PRIZM system suggest the existence of lower income
segments of the Wyalusing community.
Tourism Spending Patterns
General spending and related economic impacts for tourism are included in a
series of reports entitled The Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism in
Pennsylvania (Global Insight), which tracts spending patterns at the County level.
Between 2004-07 visitor spending in Bradford County increased by 2.6%, from
$78.16 million to $80.20 million. However the percentage share of the total
county economy from visitor spending fell from 2.0% in 2004 to 1.6% in 2007.
The following summarizes visitor spending by category (dollars in Millions):
Category
Transportation
Food & Beverage
Lodging
Shopping
Entertainment
Other
TOTAL
2004
$19.26
$23.04
$ 3.74
$22.58
$ 5.92
$ 3.62
$78.16
2007
$18.41
$23.33
$ 3.94
$25.82
$ 4.48
$ 4.22
$80.20
% Change
- 4.41%
+ 1.26%
+ 5.35%
+ 14.35%
- 24.32%
+ 16.57%
+ 2.61%
12
The largest individual segments are food and beverage and shopping, each
showing increases. All segments with the exception of transportation and
entertainment showed increases during this period. The decline in transportation
and entertainment spending also was seen in the other Pennsylvania Northeast
Mountains region counties during this period (i.e. Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe,
Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming).
Tourism Employment Impacts
The same report noted above reveals that in 2007, 1,149 people in Bradford
County were directly employed in tourism-based businesses, approximately 3.3%
below the figure for 2004. When adding those persons indirectly benefiting from
tourism (i.e. suppliers of tourism businesses, impacts of buying power from those
directly employed in tourism, and other secondary beneficiaries), a total of 1,761
persons are affected by tourism employment, representing nearly 7% of the
County’s economy. Wages from those directly employed in tourism businesses
amounted to $30.9 million in 2007, approximately 2.1% higher than the 2004
figure. Again, when considering those directly and indirectly benefitting from
tourism, the 2007 figure is around $54.7 million.
Localized Information
The Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan (2008) helps localize the
direct impacts alluded to above. In 2008 the following summarizes the tourism
infrastructure in the Wyalusing area:



There were 16 establishments categorized as offering accommodations and food
services, including motels/inns, diners, restaurants, fast food and campgrounds;
There were 5 arts, recreation and entertainment establishments, including golf
courses, marinas, galleries and of course the Park; and
There were 16 tourism-oriented retail/service establishments ranging from boat, RV
and motor cycle dealers, gift stores, convenience stores, a winery and various retail
stores.
Finally, the Pennsylvania Travel Profile presents an overview of overnight leisure
travel for the Endless Mountains Region (2007), summarized as follows:
Median Age:
Median Household Income:
Traveling Party:
Primary Purpose of Stay:
Average length of Stay:
Primary Accommodations:
Top Activities:
Secondary Activities:
Average Per Diem Expenditures:
Average Per Trip Expenditures:
48
$55,900
Adults Traveling Alone
Visiting family/friends
3.5 days
Private Home
Dining, Shopping & Sightseeing
Nature-based Activities & Outdoor Sports
$97.60/person
$592
13
Historical and Architecturally Significant Buildings, Sites, and Themes
This subsection outlines existing and demolished structures and sites having
some role in the heritage of Wyalusing. The Study Area includes the Borough of
Wyalusing and Wyalusing Township in Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
National Register Sites and Properties
The National Register of Historic Places was established by the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 as the standard for preservation efforts (Section 101).
It is the “hall of fame” of places that are important to the American people. To be
eligible for listing on the National Register, a property must pass a rigorous
review at the state and federal level. It is not easy to list a property on the
National Register, so the properties that are listed are truly worthy of
preservation.
The National Register recognizes several categories of resources including
single objects, structures, or buildings and groups of resources within a site or
district. Regardless of category, the resource must possess integrity of location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The property
must also be significant, as determined by these criteria:
It must be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of our history; or
It must be associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
It must embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction, or
o Represent the work of a master, or
o Possess high artistic values, or
o Represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may
lack individual distinction, or
It must have yielded, or be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or
history (abstracted from 36 CFR Part 60.4).
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC)
maintains an inventory of historic properties. It includes not only those that have
been listed on the National Register but also those that have been determined to
be eligible for listing. It also lists resources that have been reported by
professional and amateur archaeologists and historians that have not been fully
evaluated regarding the National Register criteria but which appear to meet those
criteria or are important to a local community.
The PHMC records identify three (3) properties that have been listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. These are summarized on Table 4. In
addition to these, two (2) properties have been determined eligible for listing on
the National Register. These are summarized in Table 5.
14
TABLE 4
PROPERTIES LISTED ON THE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Wyalusing Borough Heritage Communities Program
Municipality
Wyalusing
Borough
Wyalusing
Township
Location
Downtown
Description
Wyalusing Historic District
Resource
Category
Comments
District
Grovedale Lane
Welles, Ellen & Charles F.,
Building
House built
House (Grovedale, “Old Red
1822
House,” P. Dean Homer
Funeral Home)
Wyalusing
Grovedale Lane
Welles, Ellen & Charles F.,
Building
Township
House Boundary Increase
Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CR GIS; accessed May 15, 2009.
TABLE 5
PROPERTIES DETERMINED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR LISTING ON THE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Municipality
Description
Resource
Category
Comments
Wyalusing
William Camp Property
Building
Built 1821
Township
Wyalusing
County Bridge #41, SR 7237 Structure
Steel bridge
Township
built 1902
Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CRGIS; accessed May 15, 2009.
The PHMC lists other properties in their database that have historical value.
They were recorded but have not yet been evaluated or are ineligible for
inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Also included are bridges
which were submitted by PennDOT; near Wyalusing, several bridges have been
determined to be ineligible for listing on the National Register. These resources
are summarized in Tables 6 and 7.
15
TABLE 6
KNOWN HISTORIC STRUCTURES
Wyalusing Borough Heritage Communities Program Area
Municipality
Address
SR 2014
SR 187
Asylum
Township
Standing Stone
Township
Terry
Township
Wilmot
Township
L.R. 08160
Bridge 08
SR 187
SR 7203
SR 2017
L.R. 08023
Bridge 08
SR 2018
SR 7225
L.R. 08035
Bridge 08
SR 2016
SR 2010
SR 2011
L.R. 08010
Bridge 08
SR 7235
SR 409
Wyalusing
Township
L.R. 14 Bridge 08
S.R. 0706
S.R. 0706 Bridge
Over Channel
Route 6,
Wyalusing Rocks
Overlook
SR 2010
Historic
Name
National
Register
Status
Resource
Category
Year
Built
F. X. Homet Farm
Bridge
Bridge
French Azilum
Bridge
Undetermined
Ineligible
Ineligible
Undetermined
Ineligible
Building
Structure
Structure
Site
Structure
1954
1929
1793
1936
Bridge
County Bridge #4
Bridge
Bridge
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
1917
1992
1955
1909
Bridge
County Bridge #30
Bridge
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Structure
Structure
Structure
1929
1989
1924
Bridge
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
1956
1941
1915
Welles Cabin
County Bridge #39
Undetermined
Ineligible
Building
Structure
1806
1907
Van Ness Property
Camptown Village
Resource Study
Area
Bridge
Merryall Manse
Bridge
Camptown Baptist
Church
Bridge
Bridge
Ineligible
Ineligible
Building
District
1920
Ineligible
Undetermined
Ineligible
Ineligible
Structure
Building
Structure
Building
1950
1844
1940
1872
Ineligible
Ineligible
Structure
Structure
Marie Antoinette
Overlook and Inn
Undetermined
Building
1936
Bridge
Ineligible
Structure
1940
16
TABLE 7
NATIONAL REGISTER STATUS SUMMARY
Municipality
Wyalusing
Borough
Wyalusing Twp
Asylum Twp
Standing Stone
Twp
Terry Twp
Wilmot Twp
TOTAL
Number of Category
Resources
1
2
1
4
1
2
2
2
5
1
5
1
11
8
5
3
1
1
3
1
1
61
District
Sites
District
Buildings
Buildings
Buildings
Buildings
Sites
Sites
Structures
Structures
Building
Sites
Structures
Sites
Structures
Building
Sites
Structures
Sites
Structures
National
Register status
Listed
Undetermined
Ineligible
Listed
Eligible
Ineligible
Undetermined
Eligible?
Undetermined
Eligible
Ineligible
Undetermined
Undetermined
Ineligible
Undetermined
Ineligible
Undetermined
Undetermined
Ineligible
Undetermined
Ineligible
The Wyalusing Historic District includes most of the downtown (Figure 1). The
district contains both residential and commercial properties and includes 166
contributing and 18 non-contributing buildings.
Areas of significance – Commerce and Architecture
Properties associated with events that had significant impact on history
Period of significance: 1840-1930
The District encompasses 177 acres and is roughly bound by Prospect,
1st, 2nd, 3rd, & Noble Sts. & Taylor Ave.
A Walking Tour guide titled the "Wyalusing Historic District Walking Tour"
identifies structures and historical annotations.
17
FIGURE 1
WYALUSING BOROUGH HISTORIC DISTRICT
18
Cultural History
The area we know today as Pennsylvania has been inhabited since the end of
the last “Ice Age.” As the continental ice sheets retreated across northern
Pennsylvania, the ancestors of today’s American Indians soon arrived on this
tundra-like landscape across northern Pennsylvania.
After the last Ice Age, the people of North America adapted to the changing
environment. As the climate warmed, new plants and animals flourished.
Mastodons, mammoths and other large animals that could not adapt to the
warming environment became extinct and were replaced by the types of animals
we see today.
Hunting a deer required a very different strategy than hunting an elephant-sized
mammoth. The cold weather spruce forests were replaced by nut-bearing
deciduous trees. Low-lying wetlands teemed with frogs, turtles, snakes, and
other edible animals and plants. Rivers supported freshwater clams, mussels,
and fish. Seasonal migrations of geese and ducks provided yet another reliable
food source. For the next 8,000 years, hunters and gatherers successfully
exploited the landscape that we know today as Pennsylvania.
One benefit of the milder climate was a more dependable food supply of wild
food. With more food, people began to live together in larger camps. They knew
their environment intimately, and moved throughout the seasons to take
advantage of available food resources. They could move to an upland forest
camp in the fall to collect acorns and hickory nuts. In the spring, they might move
down along the river to take advantage of the upstream migration of shad.
Summer might find them near wetlands (frogs and turtles) or berry patches. In
the course of the year, they might also spend time near their favorite stone
outcrop gathering chert or other rocks to be made into stone tools.
About 1800 BC, the people in eastern North America discovered that they could
take certain actions to encourage the growth of their favorite plants. Competitive
species were removed (weeding) giving the preferred species a selective
advantage. Eventually, seeds were collected and curated from growing season to
growing season. Some seed-bearing grasses, such as amaranth or
chenopodium (goosefoot) were probably encouraged in this way and became
important food staples. This artificial selection also led to a more stable and
predictable food supply, and with more food, populations grew. They had taken
the first steps toward the development of agriculture, and would soon become a
population dependent on the food they could grow rather than the food they
could find.
As people became more dependent on the crops they grew, they became
increasingly settled. The seasonal nomadic hunting and gathering ways gave
way to planting and harvesting schedules. Surplus food supplies required
19
storage, and stored food needed to be protected from the bacteria, mold, and
appetites of hungry animals and also from other groups of people. Family ties
were important, but now several different family groups lived together in villages
and towns. Social organization became more complex. With a plentiful and
reliable food supply, it was no longer necessary for every person to engage in
gathering food. With the new “free time,” specialists emerged to redistribute food
and other resources within the community. Trading relationships were
established with others hundreds, even thousands, of miles away.
New artifacts came into use. Finally, the atlatl was replaced by a new weapon,
the bow and arrow. Arrows were tipped with small thin triangular chipped stone
points. Fire-hardened clay containers become common. These pots were fragile,
but they were waterproof and efficient cooking and storage vessels. They could
also be decorated with motifs and themes that were not only practical but also
culturally meaningful.
By the 1500s, many of the native people in Pennsylvania had been impacted by
the arrival of European traders, settlers, and missionaries. In some areas, they
met directly, in others, their material culture, ideas, and germs were passed
along indirectly.
Many archaeological sites have also been recorded near Wyalusing Borough,
indicating that people have lived in this area for thousands of years. The
significance of these resources, summarized in Table 8, has not been evaluated
for inclusion on the National Register. A summary of the cultures represented by
these sites is also provided in Table 8. The known historic and archaeological
resources in and around Wyalusing Borough represent a broad range of time
periods extending back to the earliest occupation of North America, as indicated
in Table 9.
Recorded Sites
To date, 32 historic structures, buildings, and sites and 26 archaeological sites
have been identified near Wyalusing. Many of the archaeological sites represent
more than one prehistoric culture, that is, they are multi-component sites that
were inhabited more than once since the last glaciation. Systematic surveys to
locate cultural resources have been limited, so it is likely that there are more
historical and archaeological resources that have not been reported.
20
TABLE 8
KNOWN CULTURAL RESOURCES
Cultural
Stage
Paleo Indian
Time
Period
14,000 8,000 BC
Lifestyle
Characteristic Artifacts
Big game hunters; followed herds
of mammoths and other Ice Age
animals; nomadic; lived in small
bands of people
Hunters and gatherers; seasonally
nomadic; hunted deer, elk and postIce Age mammals, birds, and fish;
large camps of related and
unrelated people
Fluted projectile points
Large projectile points and knives
Used high quality stone materials
0
Short, broad projectile points
Thick, narrow projectile points
Baskets, fishing gear, grinding stones
Used atlatl
Depended on nuts, seeds, berries in
addition to hunting
Variety of stemmed and notched projectile
points
Carved stone bowls
Used atlatl
11
Burial mounds
Clay pottery
Bow and arrow replaces atlatl
Small thin projectile points
Clay pottery
3
Unknown
11
Archaic
8000 –
1800 BC
Transitional
1800 –
1200 BC
Hunters, gatherers, and limited
gardening; also used resources
from rivers (fish, shellfish)
Early/Middle
Woodland
Late Woodland
or Late
Prehistoric
500 BC –
1200 AD
800 AD –
1550 AD
Village farmers; stockaded villages
Prehistoric
UD
Village farmers; large stockaded
villages; complicated relationships
with other groups; in Pennsylvania,
longhouses (Iroquois) and “petal”
houses (Monongahela) are known
Unknown
# of Recorded
Occurrences*
3
7
*Includes multi-component archaeological sites.
UD – Age Undetermined
21
TABLE 8 continued
Cultural
Stage
Contact
Time
Period
1550 - 1700
18th Century
1701 – 1800
Early 19th
Century
1801 – 1850
Late 19th
Century
1851 – 1900
Early 20th
Century
1901 – 1950
Historical
UD
Lifestyle
Characteristic Artifacts
Indians have initial contact with
Europeans, either directly or
indirectly (through other Indians);
begin to adopt some European
traits, such as log houses and guns
Frontier farmers (European,
African, and Indian); small towns
Glass trade beads
Glass bottles
Metal tools and containers (iron, brass,
copper)
European pottery (e.g. tin-glazed)
European pottery (creamware, pearlware)
Chinese porcelain
Local redware and stoneware
Iron hardware
Forged nails
Creamware, pearlware, porcelain
Local stoneware
Machine-cut nails
Durable, mass-produced pottery
(ironstone)
Machine made tools and goods
Ethnic traditions
Mass-produced goods
Plastic
Wire nails
Unknown
TOTAL
Farmers, millers, machinists; towns
established around waterpower;
roads and canals
Farmers, industrial workers, new
immigrants; industrial revolution;
steam power; railroads
Specialists; farms and cities;
electricity; internal combustion
engines; highways
Unknown
# of Recorded
Occurrences*
2
4
3
1
19
5
69
*Includes multi-component archaeological sites.
UD – Age Undetermined
22
TABLE 9
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Site Number
Name
Location
Site Type
Culture Period or
Components
National
Register
Status
Standing Stone
Twp
Asylum Twp
Asylum Twp
Open
Prehistoric
Undetermined
Open
Open
Prehistoric
Late Woodland
Undetermined
Undetermined
Standing Stone
Twp
Wyalusing Twp
Wilmot Twp
Wyalusing
Borough
Wyalusing
Borough
Wyalusing Twp
Standing Stone
Twp
Open
Prehistoric
Undetermined
Open
Open
Open
Prehistoric
Prehistoric
Prehistoric
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Open
Prehistoric
Undetermined
Open
Open
Undetermined
Undetermined
80
Wyalusing,
Friedenshutten
Wyalusing Twp
Village
81
Wyalusing,
Friedenshutten
Wyalusing Twp
Open
94
Vanderpoel
Rockshelter
95
Don Brown
Asylum Twp
Rockshelter
Prehistoric
Archaic
Late Woodland
Historic, 1700-1800
Archaic
Transitional
Late Woodland
Historic – contact1800
Archaic
Transitional
Late Woodland
Historic – contact1800
Prehistoric
Asylum Twp
Open
Undetermined
102
Wells
132
Newton
134
French Azilum
135
136
Asylum Twp
Open
Archaic
Transitional
Early Woodland
Late Woodland
Archaic
Terry Twp
Open
Prehistoric
Undetermined
Asylum Twp
Open
Historic – 1793-1850
Undetermined
Asylum Twp
Asylum Twp
Open
Open
Archaic
Late Woodland
Undetermined
Undetermined
53
54
59
Wells
60
66
67
68
69
70
77
Schmoll
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
23
TABLE 9 (continued)
Site Number
Name
145
Newton 1
146
Newton Mammoth
163
Stevens 1
165
Lewis
201
LaFrance
211
Meglich Barn
Foundation
262
Welles Property
Tenant House
Location
Site Type
Culture Period or
Components
National
Register
Status
Asylum Twp
Open
Archaic
Undetermined
Asylum Twp
Paleontologica
l
Open
Prehistoric
Undetermined
Early Archaic
Middle Woodland
Late Woodland
Undetermined
Middle Archaic
Late Archaic
Eligible?
Historic – 18001925+
Eligible?
Standing
Stone Twp
Standing
Stone Twp
Wyalusing
Twp
Wyalusing
Twp
Wyalusing
Twp
Open
Open
Open
Farmstead
Undetermined
Undetermined
Local History
The development of Wyalusing in the 18th century has been well documented. Its
location at the mouth of Wyalusing Creek along the North Branch of the
Susquehanna River made it a desirable location for its transportation potential.
Throughout the 18th century, the town was located on a contested landscape.
Earlier, the Five Nations of the Iroquois had won the land by wiping out the
Susquehannock (Andaste). They continued to exert their control on the Lenni
Lenape (Delaware), by soundly defeating them and then adopting them as the
sixth nation of their confederacy. But the hearts and souls of the Munsee had
been captured by the Moravian missionaries, and they converted to Christianity.
As the Six Nations, they allied themselves with Anglo settlers who fought against
American independence.
To complicate matters even more, the Anglo settlers also disputed the rights to
this same land among themselves. Connecticut extended its boundary into
northern Pennsylvania, and by the War for Independence, the North Branch had
become a haven for British sympathizers and loyalists. By the 19th century, all
disputes between Indian nations and colonial provinces were settled, and
Wyalusing became an important agricultural, lumber, and transportation center in
Bradford County. Table 10 lists some important events in Wyalusing history.
24
TABLE 10
WYALUSING CHRONOLOGY
Date
Event
1723 – 1729
German Palatinates from upstate New York travel down the Susquehanna to
settle near Harrisburg, opening a route into what is now Bradford County.
At the request of the Governor of Virginia, Conrad Weiser visits Wyalusing to
mediate between the Six Nations (Iroquois Confederacy) of New York and the
Five Civilized Tribes of the Carolinas. Weiser makes several visits to arrange
a treaty with the Cayuga of the Six Nations.
Moravian missionaries Cammerhoff and Zeisberger see the remains of an “old
town” of the Andastes (known today as the Susquehannock, a people said to
have been exterminated by the Iroquois) at Wyalusing.
A band of Munsee (Lenni Lenape or Delaware) settle near Wyalusing. The
Delaware were part of the Six Nations.
A portion of present Bradford County is purchased by Pennsylvania from the
Six Nations.
Christian Frederick Post visits Wyalusing.
The Delaware at Wyalusing are converted to Christianity by Zeisberger.
Wyalusing is abandoned during Pontiac’s War. The Indians travel to
Philadelphia, where they are put under arrest for a year. At least 56 die of
small pox in the summer of 1765.
The “Christian Indians” return to Wyalusing; Moravians establish a mission,
Friedenshütten, or “tents of peace.” It took the place of the Indian town and
occupied the flats in the bend of the river opposite the mouth of Sugar Run
creek. The town consisted of 29 log houses, 13 huts, 7 stables for horses and
a church, surmounted by a cupola containing a bell.
Village at Wyalusing moved to higher ground.
Land around Wyalusing bought by Pennsylvania from the Six Nations under
the Treaty of Fort Stanwix (New York).
Settlers from Connecticut begin to move into northeastern Pennsylvania;
acting governor John Penn warns the Indians at Wyalusing not to encourage
“the New England people who are endeavoring to take the land from the
[Pennsylvania] proprietaries.”
A great flood inundates settlements along the Susquehanna, including
Wyalusing.
Wyalusing and other missions are abandoned when all (151) remove to the
Tuscarora’s Valley in Ohio.
The Strope and Van Valkenberg families settle at Wyalusing; they move down
the river to Wysox in 1776.
Connecticut formally assumes territory in northern Pennsylvania by organizing
the town of Westmoreland and expanding the boundary of Litchfield County
westward. James Wells and Amos York of Connecticut settle at Wyalusing.
At the outbreak of the American Revolution, British Loyalists (Tories) and
Connecticut Yankees settle along the Susquehanna River, behind British
lines. They allied with British Rangers and the Six Nations to harass the
supporters of independence.
To limit the Indian/Tory insurgency, Col. Thomas Hartley destroys several
Indian towns near Wyalusing, including a battle at “Indian Hill” about five miles
east of Wyalusing, and Queen Esther’s Town near Milan.
1725-1750
1750
1752
1754
1760
1763
1763-1765
1765
1767
1768
1769
1771
1772
1773
1774
1775
1778
25
TABLE 10 - continued
Date
Event
1779
In a renewed and more intensive effort to reduce the Indian/Tory insurgency,
General John Sullivan mounts a campaign against the Six Nations along the
North Branch of the Susquehanna. His camps at Wyalusing were instrumental
in carrying the campaign into southern New York.
Escalating violence near Wyalusing causes all settlers – Tories, Indians, and
supporters of independence – to abandon the area until the end of the war.
The provisional wartime government of Pennsylvania petitions the Continental
Congress to adjourn a court to settle the boundary dispute with Connecticut.
The court meets in Trenton, New Jersey, and finds that Connecticut has no
claims to the disputed lands in northern Pennsylvania.
Public road construction begins. The first follows the road built by Sullivan in
1779.
Wyalusing Township created. By this time, the population of Bradford County
was about 1,100 (about 200 families).
French refugees arrive at nearby Asylum (French Azilum).
All land in present Bradford County is secured by both the Susquehanna
Company of Connecticut and by Pennsylvania warrants.
All remaining disputes between Connecticut and Pennsylvania are
extinguished by the Compensation Law.
Ontario County is created from Luzerne and Lycoming counties; in 1812, the
name was changed to Bradford County; the county was incorporated in 1828.
John Hollenback builds a large grist mill at the mouth of Wyalusing Creek.
Charles F. and Ellen Welles build their brick house, known locally as “The Old
Red House” and “Grovedale Farm.” In 1894, it was enlarged with a frame
addition.
Construction of the North Branch Canal begins between Wilkes-Barre and
Elmira, including a basin in Wyalusing near Grovedale Farm; the town
becomes a successful commercial center.
Wyalusing Township assumes its present boundaries.
The Sunbury and Erie Railroad (later, the Lehigh Valley Railroad) begins its
takeover of the North Branch Canal towpaths for the railroad bed.
Construction of the North Branch Canal is completed.
The Lehigh Valley Railroad, connecting Pittston and Waverly, is completed
and the first train arrives in Wyalusing.
Wyalusing has eight stores, two academies, and three churches with a
population, including the township, of 1,693.
Taylor Packing Company built in Wyalusing.
The Eastern Delaware Nations acquire Wyalusing Rocks.
Taylor Packing Company is acquired by Cargill Regional Beef with the
capacity to harvest up to 2,000 cows per day.
The Wyalusing Historic District is identified and nominated to the National
Register of Historic Places.
Arrow United Industries takes over masonite plant
The Eastern Delaware Nations planned a Cultural Center at Wyalusing Rocks.
1779-1783
1782
1790
1790
1794
1796
1799
1810
1821
1822
1826
1837
1850
1857
1869
1870
Ca. 1940
1999
2001
2003
2008
26
Wyalusing’s Colorful History
The Wyalusing area has a wealth of heritage resources and a colorful history that
includes the following:

The community is promoted as “one of the oldest Native American
settlements in America”.
o
o
Early Native American History, site of Gahontoto and was inhabited by a
native tribe called Tehotachsee (other sources identify tribe as
Susquehannocks or Andaste). This small tribe was completely exterminated
by the Cayugas in wars waged before the Native Americans knew the use of
firearms and fought with bows and arrows. In 1752, Chief Paupunhank, along
with approximately twenty families, built the village of Wyalusing on the ashes
of where the destroyed settlement had stood earlier. Their houses, for the
most part, were constructed of split logs.
Intersection of two major Native American Trails – Great Warrior Path
(Shamokin – Tioga) and Wyalusing Path (West Branch – Binghamton)

As is the case with much of the northern tier, the area was in the
Pennsylvania/Connecticut land dispute and the Yankee/Pennamite Wars.

During the Revolutionary War, white settlers in the town sought refuge at
the settlement of Wyoming, Pennsylvania. In 1778, Wyalusing was burned
to the ground by Native Americans sympathizing with the British. After the
Revolutionary War, the settlers slowly returned to the town.

Through the 1800s, Wyalusing served as a hub for the shipment of logs
down the Susquehanna River and grew as a commercial center for the
surrounding farms. The Welles Mill Company, established along the
Wyalusing Creek in 1820, was a prime reason settlers came to reside in the
town and farm the surrounding countryside. The present town is comprised
of farmlands once owned by the Gaylord family.

As the town grew, it became a shipping center on the North Branch Canal
which followed the Susquehanna River through this region and crossed the
Wyalusing Creek by way of an aqueduct. Still later, in the mid-1800s, the
railroad was built through this area and Wyalusing became a main shipping
point for livestock, grain, lumber and flagstone. The town’s business section,
which was built mainly between 1820 and the early 1900s has been
fortunate in escaping any serious fires such as have swept through other
towns in this area. Consequently, the charming and largely original store
fronts still exist today.

Wyalusing was incorporated as a borough in 1887, the same year as the
town’s newspaper, “The Wyalusing Rocket-Courier,” began publication.
27
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In the mid-1920s, Wyalusing became a main shipping center for fresh milk,
and the nucleus for a vast dairy industry. The logging industry, after
subsiding for a period of time, has again come into prominence in order to
meet the supply needs of local timber industries. The Cargill Plant, the
former Taylor Packing Co., Inc., located in the area and is presently one of
the largest meat processing industries on the east coast.
Source: Wyalusing Area Chamber of Commerce
Selected Other Wyalusing Area Heritage Resources
Wyalusing Hotel: The Hotel has been the
center of the area’s social activity for over 100
years. Founded in 1860 as the Brown Hotel,
the building is one of the architectural
masterpieces designed by J. Morgan Brown,
Wyalusing’s illustrious “Gingerbread Man”.
Brown, an architect/contractor, had a special
talent for creating gingerbread profusion of
ornately cut wood. He created intricate
decorative facades for a number of buildings
in the area. The Hotel’s “Mississippi Riverboat” porches are a perfect example of
Brown’s handiwork. A great deal of yesteryear still remains at the Hotel. The
original two-story barn, used as a “first-call” livery stable, and the ice house still
stand at the rear of the building. At one time the brick portion of the hotel, built in
1882, was capped with a massive wooden façade with ornate gingerbread
cutouts. The newer section of the Hotel, where our dining room is located, was
originally the Brown homestead and was constructed in 1894. Please spend a
minute or two in our lobby area where you will find many pictures of the Hotel
from years gone by. The Hotel has on display guest registers and rate sheets
from the late 1800s and early 1900s. (Source: Wyalusing hotel web page)
LeRaysville Phalanx: This early communal living experiment (Dr. Lemuel C.
Belding) lasted from 1844-46 on 600 acres of farmland/forest north of
LeRaysville. The buildings were then dismantled and moved to LeRaysville, with
some existing into 1970’s.
LeRaysville: LeRaysville was named after an early land baron, LeRay
deChaumont, a French gentleman, who was sole owner of 86,000 acres of land
which included large portions of present day Bradford, Susquehanna and
Wyoming Counties. The majority of the region’s Amish community resides in the
LeRaysville area. Their horse-drawn carriages are a common sight along the
local roadways and traditional charming architecture is reflected in the town’s
older homes and community bandstand. The area is known for excellent deer
hunting, numerous other outdoor activities, the LeRaysville Cheese Factory,
28
Gibbs Perennial Gardens, an annual Labor Day Celebration and Summer
Bluegrass Music Festival.
Camptown: Stephen Foster’s popular “Camptown
Races” was penned while Foster was visiting his
brother in Towanda. At the time, a popular horse
race, “five miles long” was run between Camptown
and Wyalusing and is believed to have been the
inspiration for Foster’s immortal song. Foster’s first
published song, “Tioga Waltz,” was written when he
was a student in Bradford County. The present-day
version of the Camptown Races, a cross country foot race, is the region’s oldest
10 K race and one of the most challenging. It’s held every year, the first weekend
in September and includes the community’s annual Old Home Day celebration.
Wyalusing Rocks: Wyalusing Rocks is located just
west of Wyalusing on Route 6. Once used by the
Iroquois as a river traffic lookout and signaling point, it
rises 500 feet above the Susquehanna River and
offers beautiful views of the River and abutting
countryside from Route 6.
The Ellen and Charles F. Welles House: Located at 1 Grovedale Lane in
Wyalusing Township, this house was listed on the National Register of Historic
Places on May 20, 1999
French Asylum: French Azilum is located approximately midway (14 miles +/-)
between Wysox and Wyalusing via PA Rt. 187. French Azilum, or Asylum, was
appropriately named for it provided a natural setting of undisturbed calm and
pastoral serenity for a group of French exiles who settled here in the autumn of
1793. It was a haven far removed from the dangers of revolution, imprisonment,
slave insurrections and yellow fever. To them it was Azilum, a place of refuge.
Some of the refugees, because of their loyalty to the King of France, had left
France to escape imprisonment or death at the hands of the French Revolution.
Others had fled the French colony of Santo
Domingo (Haiti) to escape the carnage of
mulatto and slave uprisings inspired by the
declaration of equality of the radical French
Assembly. According to an unverified story,
even Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France,
and her two children were to settle here.
Several influential Philadelphians who were
sympathetic to the exiles also saw in their
plight an opportunity to profit financially. To
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this end, Stephen Girard, Robert Morris and John Nicholson, Pennsylvania’s
comptroller general, abetted the purchase of a large tract of land in the northern
wilderness of the State. Approximately 1,600 acres were acquired, three hundred
of which were laid out as a town plot with a two-acre market square, a gridiron
pattern of broad streets and 413 lots of about one-half acre each. By the
following spring some thirty rough log houses were built. In time several small
shops, a schoolhouse, a chapel and a theatre appeared around the market
square, along with a gristmill, blacksmith shop and a distillery. Dairying and
sheep raising had begun. Orchards and gardens were planted, and the
manufacture of potash and pearlash was established. Of the more than fifty
structures erected by the refugees, not one remains. The four hundred-odd halfacre house and garden plots, so carefully planned and then abandoned, were
absorbed into larger tracts of farmland and tilled for generations by later
occupants. The LaPorte House, built in 1836 by the son of one of the founders
of the colony, has delicately painted ceilings and interior décor which reflect the
French influence, elegance and refinement of an earlier day. (Source:
http://www.frenchazilum.com/history.html)
Marie Antoinette Overlook:
The Marie
Antoinette Overlook is a scenic overlook on
Route 6 that affords a magnificent view of the
French Azilum village site, as well as the River
and rural countryside. Many travelers believe
that this segment of Route 6 is among the most
scenic in the state.
Wyalusing Valley Museum:
The Wyalusing
Valley Museum Association was started in 1976
headed by William Keeler and James Eaton and
many other Wyalusing residents as a tribute to
the bicentennial of our nation. The displays were
located in the Wyalusing Borough Hall and
lasted one year. In late 1979 a group of citizens
concerned about how to preserve the history of
Wyalusing got together to reform the Wyalusing
Museum and set up a committee and by 1980
the Wyalusing Valley Museum officially opened in the basement of the Wyalusing
Public Library. Today the museum has benefited from a generous gift from Kay
Welles Homer of leasing the Bixby house and barns on the Welles Estate. The
Wyalusing Valley Museum is located in the Bixby House in Wyalusing Township
just east of the Borough and just off of Rt. 6 on SR 2010 across from the
Wyalusing Valley Jr./Sr. High School. The estate area is historically significant
having a role as dairy farm from 1820-1970’s. Other nearby facilities over time
included lumber, planing, grist and flour mills, a dairy, a creamery and canal
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facilities, in short, facilities that formed the industrial and commercial heritage of
Wyalusing.
The nearby “Red House” (circa 1822 in private ownership), Bixby House and
Barn are on National Register and are all on what is known as the Grovedale
Farms. A 2004 Interpretive Site Master Plan
identified conditions and recommendations
including various structural and non-structural
recommendations for the facilities that include
the Museum (presently Bixby House), a barn
(proposed uses include agricultural/dairy
interpretation, exhibit space, catering, theatre,
receptions, conferences) and a Carriage Barn
(used for storage; proposed uses storage and
support).
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Bixby House focuses on early years of Wyalusing with exhibits including a large
arrow head collection, vintage tools, local keep sakes, a doll collection, memorabilia
from the Wyalusing Schools, Civil War and World War II collection, vintage wedding
dresses, a library and many photos;
The Barn houses a Hook and Ladder Fire truck and appurtenances from The Audux
Hook and Ladder Company one of three fire companies in the 1800’s., vintage farm
tools, and a scale model of the old Welles Mill that was destroyed by fire;.
The Carriage Barn houses two horse drawn carriages, horse drawn sleighs and
more vintage farm tools.
Historic Markers
The iconic blue and yellow PHMC Historic Markers
identify important historic sites, events and resources
and are readily recognizable by heritage-tourists,
residents and the casual traveler.
Table 11
summarizes the twenty-four (24) PHMC markers
found to be especially critical for the Study Area. The
markers emphasize the importance of the region
around Wyalusing during the 18th century, particularly
during the American Revolution. The Susquehanna
River provided a convenient passage through the
Endless Mountains of northern Pennsylvania, first
followed by Native Americans, then by General
Sullivan and his army during the American Revolution
in an attempt to subdue the Iroquois. A review suggests a possible underrepresentation of timbering/lumber and nature themes.
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TABLE 11
HISTORICAL MARKERS - Bradford County
Name
Location
Category
Text
Asylum
Mount Rock lookout off US 6, 5
miles N of Wyalusing
Early Settlement, Ethnic &
Immigration, Government &
Politics 18th Century
Azilum
U.S. 6, 4.5 miles N of Wyalusing at
lookout
Cities & Towns, Early
Settlement, Ethnic &
Immigration
Azilum
Junction U.S. 6 & Pa. 187 at Wysox
Settlement, Ethnic &
Immigration
Bradford County
County Courthouse, Main St.,
Towanda
Government & Politics,
Government & Politics 19th
Century, Military
Fort Sullivan
Pa. 199 in southern Athens
American Revolution, Forts,
Military, Native American
Fort Sullivan,
Soldiers’ Burial
US 220 & 309, Athens
American Revolution, Forts,
Military
Friedenshutten
U.S. 6, 1.3 miles SE of Wyalusing
(Missing)
Early Settlement, Native
American, Religion
Indian Hill
U.S. 6, 4.6 miles E of Wyalusing
American Revolution, Military,
Native American
A settlement of French Royalists who Fled the French
Revolution in 1793 was established in the valley directly
opposite this Marker. It was laid out and settled under the
direction of Viscount de Noailles and Marquis Antoine
Omer Talon. It was hoped that...
The broad plain which can be seen from this point was the
site, 1793-1803, of the French refugee colony. The Great
House, built for Marie Antoinette and her son, was there
and an entire village founded.
Site of the famed French refugee colony is a few miles
south. Here exiles laid out a town and built La Grande
Maison for the Queen and her son, the heir to the throne
of France.
Formed on February 21, 1810 from Lycoming and
Luzerne counties. Named Ontario County until 1812;
renamed for the second U.S. Attorney General, William
Bradford. County seat of Towanda was incorporated 1828.
Famous for Sullivan's March and David Wilmot.
Here, between the Chemung and Susquehanna
commanding both rivers, Gen. John Sullivan built a fort
Aug. 18, 1779. With a camp on the flats, it was base for
the central N.Y. campaign and defeat of the Tory-Indian
alliance.
Here within the confines of Fort Sullivan were buried,
August 14, 1779, several soldiers killed the previous day
in a skirmish at Chemung, as attested by Soloman Talada,
soldier in the ranks, who returned to live in Athens the rest
of his life. This statement...
Moravian mission founded at Wyalusing Indian town,
1763, by Zeisberger, who built a model Indian town.
Abandoned in 1772, when pastors Ettwein and Roth led
some 200 Indians to the mission of Friedensstadt on the
Beaver River.
The hill just southeast was the scene, Sept. 29, 1778, of a
battle between Col. Thos. Hartley's men from Fort Muncy,
and the Indians. Two days before, Hartley had burned
Queen Esther's town near present Athens.
32
TABLE 11 - Continued
Name
Location
Category
Text
Indian Hill
Battlefield
Off US 6 - Cornell Rd., ~5 miles E
of Wyalusing, 1st right past Indian
Hill marker traveling east
Native American
Joseph Elliot
Lime Hill, US 6, W of Wyalusing
American Revolution, George
Washington, Military, Native
American
Lime Hill
U.S. 6 at Limehill, 3.7 miles N of
Wyalusing
Native American
Lime Hill
Battlefield
US 6, 3.7 miles N of Wyalusing
Native American
Sullivan
Expedition
Against the
Iroquois Indians,
1779 –
Breakneck Hill
Sullivan
Expedition
Against the
Iroquois Indians,
1779 –
Sheshecunnunck
Sullivan
Expedition
Against the
Iroquois Indians,
1779 – Standing
Stone
Off US 220 between Towanda and
Ulster (MISSING)
Native American, Paths &
Trails
On September 29th, 1778 on the hill one mile south east of
this marker in the most desperate engagement between
Indians and white men in Bradford County, Colonel Thomas
Hartley defeated the Indians. He left Fort Muncy September
21st. On the 27th burned ...
Second in command at the Battle of Lime Hill April 14, 1782.
He killed the Indian who shot Mrs. Franklin and rescued three
of her four stolen children. He was in the engagement at
Trenton December 25, 1776 and was presented with a sword
by General George...
Here Apr. 14, 1782, a party led by Sgt. Thos. Baldwin tried to
rescue a woman and her children held as Indian captives. In a
four-hour battle, three children were saved but the mother
was killed.
April 14, 1782, Sergeant Thomas Baldwin's Party in
attempting to rescue Mrs. Rosewell Franklin and her four
children who had been captured by Indians, met the enemy
near this spot after four hours of fighting. Three of the children
were rescued but Mrs. Franklin...
BREAKNECK HILL Narrow pass over which Sullivan's Army
marched August 9, 1779 is visible across the river in a
Southeasterly direction. Six miles of Sullivan's March are in
plain view.
E side of SR 1043 in Sheshequin
Twp., 2.3 miles N of the bridge into
Ulster
Native American
15 miles from Standing Stone, seventh and last encampment
of Sullivan's army on march from Wyoming to Teaoga August
10, 1779, lay on these lowlands by the river.
SR 2016, Standing Stone
Native American
9 1/2 miles from Wyalusing, sixth encampment of Sullivan's
army on the march from Wyoming to Teaoga August 8-9,
1779, was on river lowlands opposite the Standing Stone.
33
Name
Location
Category
Text
Sullivan
Expedition
Against the
Iroquois Indians,
1779 – Teaoga
Sullivan
Expedition
Against the
Iroquois Indians,
1779 –
Wyalusing
Sullivan’s March
Corner of Tioga (PA 199) & Main
Sts., Athens
Native American
Teaoga. Indian village 3 miles distant from
Sheshecunnunck, site of Sullivan's army encampment
August 11-26, 1779, lay one and one-fourth miles south of
this point.
US 6, 1.4 miles SE of Wyalusing
Native American, Religion
10 1/2 miles from Vanderlip's farm. Fifth encampment of
Sullivan's Army on the march from Wyoming to Teaoga,
August 6-7, 1779, was on site just west of this road
marked by the Moravian Indian town monument.
U.S. 6, 1.4 miles SE of Wyalusing
Native American
Sullivan’s March
SR 1043, Ulster, (Missing)
Native American
Sullivan’s March
U.S. 6, ~6.2 miles NW of
Wyalusing, at Standing Stone Twp.
Bldg.
U.S. 220, 1.3 miles N of Ulster
Native American
Warriors Path
GAR Hwy. (US 6), 1.3 miles N of
Wyalusing
Native American, Paths &
Trails, Transportation
Wyalusing
GAR Hwy. (US 6) at S end of
Wyalusing; GAR Hwy. (US 6) at N
end of Wyalusing
Settlement, Native American
Wyalusing Rocks
U.S. 6 & U.S. 309, 1.3 miles N of
Wyalusing at lookout (Missing)
Environment
Gen. John Sullivan's army camped just west Aug. 5-7,
1779, en route to attack the New York Iroquois. A major
campaign, destroying 40 villages and ending the IndianTory frontier menace.
Gen John Sullivan's army camped on the Sheshequin
Flats opposite, Aug. 9-10, 1779. The seventh and last
overnight stop on the way to Tioga Point.
Gen. John Sullivan's army camped on the nearby river
lowlands Aug. 8-9, 1779 en route to attack the Six Nations
Iroquois. Sixth camp between Wyoming and Fort Sullivan.
Gen. John Sullivan's army camped on the Sheshequin
Flats below, Aug. 9-10, 1779. The seventh and last
overnight stop on the way to Tioga Point.
A great Indian highway from Six Nations country, New
York, to the Catawba country in the Carolinas. It made its
way through the Allegheny Mountains by following the
Susquehanna and Juniata valleys.
Named for an early town of the Munsee Delaware’s, which
occupied the flats south of the present town. In 1760
Munsee’s under Papoonhank welcomed Post here, on his
way toward a great Indian council beyond Allegheny
River.
Lookout on Warriors Path, entering Pennsylvania from the
headwaters of Delaware, Susquehanna, and Chemung
Rivers. Over it traveled Six Nations war parties against
southern Indians, and peace missions to Philadelphia.
Sullivan’s March
Native American
Source: PHMC website (phmc.state.pa.us; accessed May 27, 2009)
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Wyalusing History Trail (part on On-cell System)
A locally-developed heritage tour was finalized during the planning process,
keyed to and linking more than twenty (20) heritage sites via a cell-phone based
interpretive program. The sites are identified on Table 12.
TABLE 12
Site
#
1
Name
Description
Gohontoto
Early Andaste/Susquehannock Village near present day
Park Place identified with French contact in 1616. Iroquois
defeated inhabitants, destroyed village and claimed area.
Overlooks junction of Great Warrior Path & Wyalusing
Path; Native American lookout for River traffic; Sullivan
used Great Warrior Path
Skirmish between Native American war party who captured
Roswell Franklin & children and a rescue party of 8
settlers; on April 7, 1782 NE of PHMC marker on Rt. 6.
Marie Antoinette Overlook affords view of site of village for
refugees from the French Revolution
Descendants of French refugees settled and operated mill
& ferry.
Grassland used for hay for livestock by Native Americans
and settlers later; near Homets Ferry
2
Wyalusing Rocks
3
Battle of Lime Hill
4
French Asylum
5
Homets Mill & Ferry
6
7
Misiscum/Indian
Meadows
Standing Stone
8
Camptown Races
9
Camp Homes
10
Stephen Rought’s Grave
11
Battle of Indian Hill
12
Browntown
13
M’chwihilusing
Gray sandstone 25 ft. high, 13.5 ft. wide & 4 ft. across on
the Susquehanna River at NW boundary of French
Asylum, first described by a member of Sullivan’s March
PHMC Marker in Camptown identifies this as probable
inspiration for the song.
The homes of the three sons of Job Camp, Revolutionary
War veteran and settler of Campton, remain in Camptown
Member of the famed 141st Regiment (Bradford Regiment)
awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor who was
wounded and captured at Chancellorsville and died in
1919 at the age of 79. The American Legion Post 510, the
Rought-Hall Post in Laceyville, PA is named in his honor.
He is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery
Site of skirmish between force led by Col. Thomas Hartley
and Native Americans pursuing him after action against
Indian and Tory villages in September 1778.
Village named after Thomas Brown, earliest settler in 1787
whose 1791 grave is the oldest in the County.
Native American town began by Paupunhank in 1752 and
the site of a Moravian mission in 1763. On site evidence
shows habitation in 1000 AD but anecdotal evidence
suggests habitation for 8000 years
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Site
#
14
Name
Description
Friedenshutten
Native American town was rebuilt village on higher ground
after 1765, with name meaning “huts of peace”. Town
ultimately had 29 log houses, 13 huts, 7 stables and a
church but was abandoned in 1772 when Native
Americans and missionaries moved westward.
On the site of the former school built in 1793 and
Presbyterian Church.
A force led by General John Sullivan passed through the
area in 1779 on a punitive campaign to destroy Native
American villages and croplands. The force consisted of
3,500 continentals, an artillery regiment and a flotilla of 200
boats. The social and economic implications of Sullivan’s
March are critical in that it depopulated a large tract of
Native American land that encouraged white settlement.
The first white settler’s house (1765) occupied by a
Connecticut settler in 1776 that existed until the 1900’s
near the bridge to the high school.
On acreage owned by Charles Welles, the house was
constructed in 1822 and expanded in 1893. The Bixby
House next door was built by Welles in 1843 and is now
the Wyalusing Valley Museum. The farm complex is now
on the National Register.
Millpond dam is north of Rt. 6 and canal basin site and
warehouse is behind the mill.
15
Wyalusing Cemetery
16
Sullivan’s March
17
Nathan Kingsley House
18
Old Red House
19
Welles Mill and Canal
Warehouse
Canal Towpath
Most preserved section of North Branch Canal is located
just below 90-degree turn on Canal Street.
Incorporated in 1887 with structures built from 1850’s
Wyalusing
21
through the late-1800’s.
Major John Taylor family settled here in 1792 and
Taylor Chimney
22
descendants show continuous ownership to present day.
Chimney from original home is in field of house built by
Bascom Taylor in 1860’s. Family owned Taylor Packing
Company that recently became Cargill.
Prominent early land owner of all of present day Wyalusing
Gaylord Land Purchase
23
that owned an octagonal house at the intersection of First
and State Streets that burned in 1899.
Extended to Wyalusing in 1867 and ended canal era.
Lehigh Valley Railroad
24
Daycare Center is on the site of former station.
Believed to be built in 1806 by some of the workmen who
The Old Log House
25
erected houses at French Azilum, providing an idea of
what houses may have looked like in that settlement.
House is on the National Register.
Source: From a Wyalusing Community Corporation brochure originally edited by Michael C.
Kilmer, David LaFrance and Wendy Gausted.
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Community Inventories - Inventory of Community Events/Activities
Comprehensive inventories of events are not readily available for all activities,
although the Greater Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce does maintain a
thorough listing with information of major activities. Some signature events
identified in this and other area websites and public input are summarized below:
Event
Location
Timeframe
Chamber of Commerce Dinner &
Auction
Wyalusing Valley Motorsports Park
Wyalusing
March
Surrounding Area
May-October
Village Value Day (town yard sales)
Wyalusing
June
Eastern Delaware Nations Annual
Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser
Blue Heron Gallery – shows
Surrounding Area
July
Wyalusing
Summer & Fall – and
Antique Appraisal Show
Wyalusing
July
Wyalusing Volunteer Fireman's
Parade and Carnival
Historical Float Trip
Wyalusing
August
French Azilum/Sugar
Run
Meshoppen
August
Wyalusing Valley Museum Wine
Festival
Old Home Day/Camptown Race
Wyalusing
September
Surrounding Area
September
Sullivan County Fair
Forksville
September
North Branch Arts and Music
Festival
Wyalusing Fall Festival
Wyalusing
October
Wyalusing
October
North Branch Artisan Trail
Wyalusing and
Surrounding
Camptown
October
Wyalusing
October
Flaming Foliage Festival
Forksville
October
Sullivan County Fall Festival &
Lumberjack Competition
Community theater
Forksville
October
Wyalusing
Schedule varies
as scheduled (8/year)
Wyoming County Fair
Camptown Races, Bar-B-Que, and
Crafters
North Branch Triathlon
September
October
37
Other events include Weekly Farms Market, a Bridal Show and various Craft
Shows. Based on the dates of the Wyalusing area events shown above, the
Summer-October period is especially active with events while the winter/early
spring part of the year appears to have a void of activities and events. Program
consideration of events associated with the winter theme and spring events
seems to be logical.
A synthesis of the group dynamics yields the following identification of
attractions, activities and events held by the general public, as reflected in
discussion at public meetings, workshops and feedback by the local
stakeholders.
Key Stories – “things that everyone should know about Wyalusing”
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Residents feel it has the “shortest Main
Street in Pennsylvania”
Only public art gallery in Bradford County
Birth place of Philip Van Doren Stern,
author of The Greatest Gift that inspired
It’s a Wonderful Life
Long Native American heritage with
Eastern Delaware Nation
Friedenshutten heritage
Gas drilling and Marcellus Shale – costs
and benefits
A very “Community Minded” town
Residents note it is the smallest town with its own
newspaper
Many local clubs reinforce community spirit
Bio-mass heat plant at High School
Unspoiled countryside surrounds community – much
protected by conservation easements
Land use regulations help preserve community
Scenic and historic designation reflects appreciation of
preservation
Wyalusing Rocks and Marie Antoinette Scenic Overlooks
Music heritage (i.e. community theater, music society)
Stable industry base
“Insurance capital” of the region
Horseshoe calking machine was invented and manufactured in Wyalusing (photo
above to the right) by the L.S.P. Calking Machine Company
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Local Comment Summary
Numerous attractions, businesses
and resources were noted during
the
research
and
planning
process, many of which were
noted in the above tables. Overall,
the following summarizes the
central themes associated with
these resources.
TYPE
DESCRIPTION
Outdoors
The community is near the Susquehanna River, which is
also designated as a Water Trail, and is becoming more
recognized as an outdoor recreational resource. Route 6
itself is especially scenic between Wysox and Wyalusing,
carved along the hillside affording many scenic views of
the River, the Valley and the geology.
There is a moderate assortment of specialty and
convenience commercial establishments in the region, as
well as other nearby shopping opportunities in the
Towanda area. The compact downtown business district
just off of Route 6 is quite visually attractive.
The Wyalusing Valley Museum is a major resource in
interpreting the industrial, community, Native American,
agricultural and other local heritage themes of the area. It
is operated by the Wyalusing Valley Museum Association
following the recommendations of an Interpretive Site
Master Plan.
While there are no State Parks in the immediate area, Mt.
Pisgah, World’s End, Ricketts Glen and Salt Springs
State Parks are relatively close. In addition, the Loyalsock
State Forest is to the southwest and several State Game
Lands are nearby to the south and west.
Marie Antoinette and Wyalusing (Prayer) Rocks Scenic
Overlooks are near Wyalusing, both offering spectacular
views of the River, French Azilum and the valley.
Publicized events and activities are quite varied. A
calendar is maintained by the Greater Wyalusing
Chamber of Commerce on its website.
Regional resources such as French Azilum, the
aforementioned scenic overlooks, Friedenshutten, and
the locally developed Wyalusing History Trail.
Commercial
Museums
State Parks and Related
Recreation/Amusement
Community Calendar
Attractions
39
Local Attractions include various commercial, community and recreational sites
and locations in Wyalusing and Wyalusing Township that were identified during
field work and in community meetings, as summarized below:
Type of Resource
Resource
Signature Commercial Sites –
Local and nearby
Numerous business along Main Street and
Route 6
Grovedale Winery
The Wyalusing Hotel
LeRaysville Cheese Factory
Red House Bakery/Deli
Friedenshutten Site
Wyalusing Public Library
Wyalusing Valley Museum
Fireman’s Field
Marie Antoinette Overlooks
Wyalusing Rocks/Prayer Rocks (Native
American near proposed Eastern Delaware
Nations Cultural Center Site)
Susquehanna River and River Trail
French Azilum
North Branch Art Trail
Wyalusing Walking Tour (90+/- identified
historical/architectural resources)
Quilt and Barn Tour
Community Sites and
Resources
Recreational/Open Space Sites
and Resources
Other Heritage Sites/Resources
40
Community Inventories - Inventory and Survey of Businesses
Wyalusing is a charming community
having several small retail businesses
that are only open during the day.
Wyalusing’s downtown business district is
about one block long and is located
slightly off of but accessible from Route 6.
Wyalusing has a compact but strong
pedestrian
scale
business
district
emphasizing preserved/restored facades, A number of resources are available
including lodging, shopping, eating establishments, a walking tour, the Wyalusing
Valley Museum and the National Register Wyalusing Historic District. On-street
parking is available within the business district. Perhaps the most noticeable
business is the Wyalusing Hotel, an eating/lodging establishment in a restored
historic structure. The following summarizes the types of businesses in these
areas as identified in a windshield survey in August 2009 with greater detail given
to the in-town businesses:
Wyalusing Business District – Main Street
OIP: restaurant, pizza
PerNickety/Brewed Awakening: “Gifts, Gadgets, Gift Baskets” coffee shop/gift
shop Cappuccino, lattes some gift items.
Main Street Sign Company
Claudette’s: Bridal shop and alterations, wedding cakes.
Amica Professional Services: Domestic counseling.
Forget Me Not Gifts/ Sharon Share Alike/ Just In Time: Small Co-op offering a
mix of craft items, gifts and antiques.
Dietz Monogramming & Screen-printing:
Dr. Ottaviani: Optometrist
Willow Tree/Country Gift Box: Co-op, Antiques, country gift items, used books,
clothing.
Allstate Insurance: Gannon Associates
Mama O’s: Restaurant, pizza
Linda Mahoney: Real estate, Century 21
Dr. Jeffrey Hainley: Dentist
Flower Abbey: closed
Miller’s Pharmacy: small pharmacy
Wyalusing Hotel: Lodging and restaurant.
Iddings Insurance, Progressive Insurance Co.
Wyalusing School District Office:
Jaime’s Place: Hair styling salon and assortment of hair products.
Kevin T. Downs Financial Services
Memorial Hospital Family Medical Center
Chamber Building/ Wyalusing Community Corp. /Wyalusing Industrial
Development Corp. / The Blue Heron Art Gallery: A community activity and arts
center
41
Marsh, Main & Church Street
The Clothes Closet: Resale clothing shop, adults and children.
Marsh Street
Downtown Auto Center: Car repair
Mosher Chiropractor
Dr. Wywiorski: Optometrist
Church Street
Jane Dietz: Accountant
Library
Post Office
McHenry Funeral Home
P & G Credit Union
Diana Black’s Art Studio
Peoples Bank
Route 6 West
Sanford & Son Antiques
Professional Building
Bills Tires: Professional Building
Rocket- Courier /Rocket Shopper: Newspaper
The Ram Zone Bar
Dandy Mini Mart
Frank Melley, C.P.A.
Napa Auto Part
The Hayseed Group: Professional building
First Liberty Bank & Trust
Tuscarora Wayne: Professional
Wyalusing Farm & Home Shopping Center:
Who knew Consignments
Joes Tobacco Super Store
Dollar General
Guthrie Clinic
Bob’s Restaurant
Wine & Spirits
Plaza Pharmacy
Mini Mart
Burgess Construction
Route 6 East
AFLA C / Nationwide Miller Ins. Agency
Steve’s Sports Den
Timeless Treasures
Claire’s relishes, antiques
Century Farm Meats
Ace Hardware
42
Wyalusing Creek Plaza:
Wyalusing Florist & Gift Shop
Subway
Wyalusing Back Stage Video
Verizon
Wyalusing Family Chiropractic
Genesis Salon
Pinescreek Contractors
Wyalusing Valley Construction
Peoples Bank
Carquest Auto Parts
Wyalusing Beverage
Health Fitness and Karate
D & B’s Car Wash
Rocky Forrest Real Estate
Grovedale Winery
Keystone Law Firm
Perceptions – Views from an Outside Visitor
There may be some gaps in the
“specialty retail” that many pedestrianscale business districts try to attract and
retain, such as jewelry, clothing and shoe
stores. Facades and other aspects of
“curb appeal” are important. While some
stores have attractive exteriors due to
past façade enhancements, others show
signs of wear. Business signage could
be enhanced and made clearer
especially for the visitor. Ads that mention
something like “…the old Smith building …” may be perfectly understood by
local residents but not by visitors. Likewise, residents may know where the offstreet parking lot is located but not visitors.
43
Business Survey
A survey of businesses was conducted during mid-2009. The questionnaire was
developed in consultation with the local Stakeholders Committee. The
stakeholders helped develop a listing of commercial and services businesses
most closely associated with tourism and addresses and personally dropped off
questionnaires, with completed questionnaires returned to the Consultant.
Overview of Responses: Stakeholder Group members distributed the questionnaires
personally, focusing on those businesses particularly serving visitors and vacationers. A
total of twenty-six (26) responses were received representing an overall return of nearly
50%, which exceeded our internal 25% target. The detailed returns are as follows:
TYPE
Lodging: Motel, hotel, B&B, etc.
Retailing: Gifts, convenience goods, hardware, etc.
Eating/Drinking Establishments: Restaurants, taverns,
etc.
Food Products/Services: Food products, snacks,
groceries, etc.
Recreation services: Guide, outfitter, sporting
equipment, etc.
Attraction: Amusement, museum, entertainment
establishment, etc.
Medical/Dental Goods/Services
Other Professional Services: Legal, accounting, etc.
Automotive Goods/Services: Fuel, service, automobile
parts, sales, etc.
Financial Services: Banking, real estate, insurance,
etc.
Personal/Household Services: Plumbing, contracting,
hairstyling, repair, etc.
Rental
Business Services: Data processing, copying, etc.
Storage/Wholesaling
Non-profit agency/organization
Other
No Response
TOTAL
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
0
0.0
26
4
2
15.4
7.7
0
0.0
0
0.0
1
3.8
3
1
0
11.5
3.8
0.0
3
11.5
4
15.4
1
0
0
2
5
0
3.8
0.0
0.0
7.7
19.2
0.0
100%
44
Business Operations: Overall, the responses are from long-term (20+ years) fulltime operations together employing 1,460 persons, with nearly 99% being fulltime employees. It should be noted that one large company employs 86% of this
total, skewing the figures somewhat. The remaining businesses reporting
employment together employ 210 people, 191 full-time and 19 part-time.
a. Number of operational years for responding businesses: Long-term orientation
RANGE
1 year or less
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
No Response
TOTAL
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
0
0.0
6
23.1
5
19.2
3
11.5
12
46.2
0
0.0
26
100%
b. Business a full-time or part-time operation: Full-time orientation
TYPE
Full Time
Part-time
No Response
TOTAL
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
19
73.1
4
15.4
3
11.5
26
100%
c. Number of people employed in businesses: Full-time Orientation. Part-time
profile in keeping with seasonal business orientation
TYPE
Full Time employees
Part-time employees
TOTAL
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
1,391
95.3
69
4.7
1,460
100%
d. Business hours varied greatly among the respondents. The “typical business
day” is difficult to generalize, due to the special needs and markets of the
businesses. As an illustration, nearly as many businesses open after 8:00 AM as
those who open between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. While half close at 5:00-5:30
PM, nearly 44% close between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The later closing is likely
anticipated due to the need to serve the visiting public, perhaps differing
Wyalusing Borough from some other comparably sized Route 6 communities not
as associated with visitors and seasonal residents.
45
Although 11 of the responding businesses note Saturday hours only 4 list
Sunday hours as well, again differing the community from other Route 6
communities. A few of the responding businesses indicated by appoint and/or
24/7 hours.
Perceived Busy Days/Seasons:
a. Most indicated no difference in their “busiest day”.
Saturdays were also noted as busy days.
DAY
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
No Difference
No Answer
Monday, Friday and
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
6
23.1
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
5
19.2
3
11.5
0
0.0
11
42.3
1
3.8
b. Summer was indicated as a busy season for businesses however, just as
many indicated that they perceived no difference among the seasons; Multiple
Answers allowed given some seasons “tie” for certain businesses; % reflect
percent of total responses
SEASON
Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Autumn (September through November)
Christmas Season (Thanksgiving through
New Year’s Day)
Winter (January through March)
Spring (April through May)
Other
None; all seasons are generally the same
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
9
34.6
6
23.1
4
15.4
5
1
1
9
19.2
3.8
3.8
34.6
46
Ownership: Local orientation within community and County.
LOCATION
A year-round resident of Wyalusing
Borough
A part-time resident of Wyalusing Borough
A year-round resident of another Bradford
County Community
A part-time resident of another Bradford
County Community
A part-time resident of adjacent Wyoming
County
Other; none of the above applies
No Answer
TOTAL
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
12
46.2
0
2
0.0
7.7
0
0.0
1
3.8
0
11
26
0.0
42.3
100%
Route 6 Location: The relative importance of US Route 6 for business at the
present time is evident in that 46% rate it as either very or somewhat important.
IMPORTANCE
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Minimally Important
Not Important
Other
No Answer
TOTAL
Sales and Trends:
communities
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
10
38.5
2
7.7
0
0.0
3
11.5
1
3.8
10
38.5
26
100%
Overall positive characteristics and trends among the
47
a. The estimate of business’ annual gross sales or revenues volume suggests a
majority of businesses responding reporting sales/revenues earning in excess of
$100,000 and especially those with a relatively high volume (+$250,000) of
business.
RANGE
Under $25,000 per year
$25,000 - $50,000 per year
$50,001 - $100,000 per year
$100,001 - $250,000 per year
Over $250,000 per year
No Answer
TOTAL
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
1
3.8
4
15.4
1
3.8
2
7.7
5
19.2
13
50.0
26
100%
b. Sales/revenue volume trend in the prior 12 months is stable, perhaps reflecting
recessionary impacts in the larger economy and positive factors at the local level,
with 23% experiencing stability, 19% having decreases and 19% having
increases.
TREND
Increased
Decreased
Stayed about the Same
No Answer
TOTAL
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
5
19.2
5
19.2
6
23.1
10
38.5
26
100%
48
Customer Base/Characteristics
a. There is somewhat of a variation in the “typical” daily customer/client base,
with 23% having 25 or fewer customers, 23% having between 25-100 and only
12% having more than 100 customers/clients per day.
RANGE - # of customers/clients per day
Under 5
5-10
11-25
26-50
51-75
76-100
101-200
Over 200
Clients/Customers do not come to business
No response
TOTAL
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
2
7.7
3
11.5
1
3.8
4
15.4
1
3.8
1
3.8
1
3.8
2
7.7
1
3.8
10
38.5
26
100%
b.Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “local” residents (i.e.
people who live in and around Wyalusing Borough): There is a variation among
the respondents although few appear to be overwhelmingly dependent on local
residents only. A third of those offering a response suggest that locals account
for over 70% of their customer base, comparatively a somewhat high percentage
with the remaining respondents indicating locals account for under 50% of their
customer base.
RANGE – estimated customer base
91 – 100%
81 – 90%
71 – 80%
61 – 70%
51 – 60%
41 – 50%
31 – 40%
21 – 30%
10 - 20%
Under 10%
No Answer
TOTAL
“Local”
#
%
2
7.7
2
7.7
1
3.8
0
0.0
0
0.0
3
11.5
3
11.5
2
7.7
2
7.7
0
0.0
11
42.3
26
100
“Regular”
#
%
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
2
7.7
1
3.8
1
3.8
4
15.4
4
15.4
14
53.8
26
100
“Casual”
#
%
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
1
3.8
0
0.0
3
11.5
4
15.4
4
15.4
14
53.8
26
100
49
c. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “regular” visitors and
tourists (i.e. visiting local families, hunters/fishermen, seasonal residents, etc.
who you may be seen a number of times over the years): The “regular” visitors
appear not to be important to a substantial number of businesses with 100% of
the responders indicating regulars accounted for under 50% of their customer
base and nearly 70% of those offering a response indicated regulars accounted
for under 20% of their customer base.
d. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “casual” visitors and
tourists (i.e. people “passing through” who you see only once): Again, these
visitors appear to comprise relatively low percentages of the customer base
among the businesses, with nearly 92% of the responders indicating casual
visitors accounted for under 30% of their customer base and two-thirds of those
offering a response suggested they account for under 20% of their customer
base.
e. Overall summary: Moderate dependence on local residents with a low
dependence on the regular and casual visitors.
Tourism and Business in General:
a. Clearly those businesses that are open to tourists have sustained less than
positive trends in tourism traffic with 35% noting a decline or no changes in
recent years and 23% experiencing increases in recent years.
TYPE
Tourist traffic has increased
Tourist traffic has decreased
No change in tourist traffic
No tourist traffic in this business
No Answer
TOTAL
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
6
23.1
4
15.4
5
19.2
8
30.8
3
11.5
26
100%
50
b. Identification of the following factors that describe present business planning:
Planned expansions are more in the way of expanding the offering of goods and
services (31%) than physical expansions. No indications of plans to close or sell
were received and just over 57% are not considering any changes presently.
CURRENT PLANNING
Considering a physical expansion of my business’ physical plant
Considering expanding my offering of goods or services
Considering hiring new employees
Considering selling or closing my business
Not considering any changes at the present time
No response
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
4
15.4
8
30.8
6
23.1
0
0.0
15
57.7
0
0.0
Future Enhancements: Respondents were asked to identify no more than the
three (3) top improvements they think would improve the community as a
business or tourism destination. Multiple responses were encouraged with
percentages reflecting percent of the total respondents favoring each type of
improvement.
a. Results on the following page suggest a mix of structural and non-structural
improvements. The most popular improvements that are seen as enhancing the
community as a business or tourist destination are:
38.5% of the respondents identified storefront/façade improvements
among the top improvements.
38.5% of the respondents identified seeing new types of businesses
among the top improvements;
19% of the respondents identified having Improved property maintenance
among the top improvements; and
19% of the respondents identified having Hospitality training for business
employees among the top improvements
51
TYPE
Storefront/façade improvements
Improved property maintenance
Streetscape (i.e. benches, landscaping)
Improved street maintenance
Streamlining ordinances/regulations
New types of businesses
Coordinated advertising/promotion
More events and festivals
Better signage to businesses/destinations
A local visitors information center
Rehabilitating and maintaining the large older homes
Hospitality training for business employees
Additional Tourist destinations/activities
Other
- Additional Parking
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
10
38.5
5
19.2
1
3.8
0
0.0
1
3.8
10
38.5
2
7.7
0
0.0
3
11.5
1
3.8
0
0.0
5
19.2
4
15.4
1
3.8
b. New business development is a popular enhancement as noted above. The
following types of new businesses were noted as being needed and could be
sustained in the community (NOTE: due to multiple answers; percentages reflect
the total respondents for each type of business): There is a feeling that new
eating/drinking establishments are needed and a small specialty retail orientation
prevalent among respondents, with notable need for recreation and
entertainment service establishments.
TYPE
Eating and drinking establishments
Larger retail stores (i.e. appliance, auto, etc)
Smaller specialty stores (i.e. antique, gifts, crafts, etc.
Professional services
Personal services
Convenience stores
Recreation and entertainment services
Other
Wyalusing
Borough
#
%
14
53.8
1
3.8
11
42.3
1
3.8
2
7.7
0
0.0
7
26.9
9
34.6
52
Community Inventories – Recreation Related Resources
Wyalusing is within the Up State PA - Pennsylvania Northeast Mountains Region
as identified by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development
(www.visitpa.com) and the Endless Mountains Heritage Region as designated by
the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This region has a
reputation as the ultimate getaway spot for skiers and snowboarders and for
general outdoor enthusiasts. The cultural heritage of Pennsylvania is evident in
this area as well, with museums and tours that bring the region’s unique history
to life. The landscape features a blanket of rolling hills, interspersed with
charming historic towns, hamlets, farmsteads, pastures, and peaceful rambling
roads. The North Branch of the Susquehanna River intersects the Region at
various points, allowing for breathtaking scenic opportunities. The general area
in and around Wyalusing reflects this branding, and the segment of Route 6
between Wyalusing and Wysox is particularly scenic.
Bicycle/Hiking Trails
Bicycle Route Y – This bicycle route follows Rt 6 through Wyalusing Borough.
Bicycle Route Y provides a strategic connection to out-of-county, off-road trail
facilities such as the Iroquois Trail in Wyoming County and the Pine Creek Trail
in Tioga County.
North Branch Susquehanna River Trail - The mission of the Susquehanna River
Trail project is to promote environmentally responsible recreation on the
Susquehanna River and its islands. The trail encourages resource awareness,
stewardship, and conservation. Originally spearheaded by the Alliance for the
Chesapeake Bay, the Susquehanna River Trail is the first modern water trail in
the Chesapeake Bay watershed and one of a growing number of water trail
projects in North America.
The 51-mile water trail extends from Sunbury to Harrisburg, incorporating 22
campsites on 20 different islands designated for day use and primitive camping.
Access sites serve as trail heads with enticing, naturalistic signage welcoming
visitors to the River Trail. Canoeing and kayaking are promoted as great ways to
experience this unique wilderness.
Regional Recreation Areas
Recreation is very important to Bradford County. Activities such as hunting,
fishing, hiking, swimming, snowmobiling, and sightseeing are major attractions
for residents and non-residents of this region. The following highlights some of
the Bradford County Plan (2004) identifies the following recreational areas:
53
Mt. Pisgah State Park is the only State Park in the County. It covers
approximately 1,300 acres just north of Route 6 in the western part of Bradford
County. This park has a number of facilities including a swimming pool, court
area, and pavilions. There are also 10 miles of hiking trails (some of which are
designated for cross country skiing also), 9 miles of snowmobile trails,
approximately 1,100 acres for hunting, and Stephen Foster Lake provides fishing
and boating opportunities.
Tioga State Forest covers 160,000 acres in Bradford and Tioga Counties. Most
of the forest in Bradford County is located in Armenia Township, although there
are some small sections in Columbia, Troy, and Canton Townships. The
composition of the forest is a result of 50 years of timber cutting and occasional
fires. The forest has picnic areas, scenic vistas, including Lamb’s Lookout, hiking
and biking trails, and groomed snowmobile trails.
There are three Bradford County-owned parks as listed below:
Hornbrook County Park located in Sheshequin Township along the
Susquehanna River offers seasonal camping, showers, a boat launch, and
a newly installed playground. This park is approximately 30 acres in size.
Mount Pisgah County Park is located in Springfield Township. The park is
615 acres and offers multiple activities including primitive camping.
Sunfish Pond County Park is located in LeRoy Township. The park offers
seasonal camping, a 25-acre trout stocked pond, boat launch, and a newly
constructed fishing pier.
Wyalusing Borough
The Wells Memorial Park is located in Wyalusing Borough and provides a
gathering spot for community events such as the annual Wyalusing Valley
Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Carnival. Wyalusing Borough Park Pavilion
is available to rent on a per day basis
54
Community Inventories - Physical Conditions
This subsection provides an overview of various physical characteristics, facilities
and services available in the three communities, with attention emphasized on
those most affecting the traveling public. The source of the information is the
Bradford County Comprehensive Plan (2004), PAMunicipalities.com and input.
Public Safety Services
Police protection in the Borough is now provided in part by Laceyville Borough
forces. This is according to a recent report in the Rocket Courier. The report
indicated that the Wyalusing Borough Council agreed unanimously agreed to
proceed with a plan to have Laceyville Borough provide police protection in the
Borough. The Borough along with the Township is also covered by the State
Police. The Wyalusing Valley Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection
to the Borough and Township.
Educational/Cultural
The Wyalusing Area School District spans portions of two counties. In
southeastern Bradford County it includes the Boroughs of New Albany and
Wyalusing and Townships of Albany, Herrick, Overton, Stevens, Terry,
Tuscarora, Wilmot and Wyalusing. In northwestern Wyoming County it
encompasses the Borough of Laceyville and Braintrim Township and the
northern and eastern portions of Windham Township. The district operates
Camptown Elementary School, New Albany Elementary School, Laceyville
Elementary School, Wyalusing Elementary School and Wyalusing Valley JuniorSenior High School.
The Bradford County Library System,
established in 1981, is comprised of nine
member libraries. The libraries share
resources, provide interlibrary loans,
rotate video collections, and hold
librarians’ workshops. All of Bradford
County’s libraries are networked for easy
information access. The Bradford County
Library system headquarters is located on
Route 6 near Burlington and is also the
bookmobile and literacy program headquarters. Services such as children’s
programs and reading clubs are available at the headquarters and may be
available at the branch locations as well. Branch libraries are located in the
following communities – Athens,
,
, Sayre, Towanda, Troy,
Ulster and
. New Albany Community Library, located in New Albany,
is a Bradford County Library affiliate.
55
Historically, the Wyalusing's Public Library was a gift to the community in 1902
from Francis R. Welles. Welles fervently believed in the value of education in
improving the world. He felt that by making books accessible to people, he was
lending a helping hand in their education. Welles stocked the Wyalusing Public
Library with books from his personal collection to that end. The Library Hours
are as follows:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
10 am - 8 pm
3 pm- 6 pm
10 am - 8 pm
3 pm - 6 pm
10 am - 8 pm
9 am - 4 pm
Water and Sewer Services
Wyalusing Borough is covered by public water and sewage. The Wyalusing
Municipal Authority oversees water and sewer service within the Borough. Water
and sewer coverage is more limited in the Township.
56
Transportation System
There are a several major highways in the Wyalusing Area. The major roads are
graphically depicted below and narratively described and all are described on
Table 13 in terms of traffic volumes by segment.
57
Pennsylvania U.S. Route 6
Route 6 is a major arterial highway in the County and region and carries the
highest traffic volumes as noted on Table 13.
It is just as important
transportation corridor for Pennsylvania as it is for Bradford County. Economic
development, tourism, connectivity, and local and regional heritage are all
impacted by Route 6. From the west, Route 6 enters the county at Mile Post 245
near Sylvania and continues through Troy at Mile Post 251. The route follows
east-west to it intersects with US Route 220 near Towanda. Then the route
generally winds north-south along the Susquehanna River to Wyalusing, Mile
Post 287. Route 6 enters Wyoming County at Mile Post 294 near Laceyville.
In the Wyalusing area, traffic volumes are approximately 4,500 – 5,000 vehicles
each day to and from the center of the Borough northward. The same general
volume of vehicles is found along Rt. 6 south of the Borough to and from SR
2010 southward, with a considerable portion being trucks (16%) in along this
segment. Volumes increase considerably up to 8,000 vehicles each day to and
from the center of the Wyalusing to the intersection of SR 2010. Truck traffic
along this stretch is around 9%.
Bicycle Route Y, one of six long-distance bicycle touring routes in the state,
follows Route 6 through the Borough
PA Route 706
Route 706, a minor arterial, provides an east-west connection from Wyalusing to
points in Susquehanna County including its county seat Montrose, and ultimately
to US Route 11 and Interstate 81 near Milford. Overall, traffic volumes are
highest (4,223) on the segment starting in the Borough at Main Street along
Taylor Ave into the Township and considerably lower (2,530) on the segment that
connects Route 6 along Church Street to Main Street.
PA Route 187
This north/south collector highway connects PA Route 87 (south of Wyalusing)
and Towanda/Wysox (north of Wyalusing) to SR 2010 just outside of Wyalusing.
PA Route 187 ultimately extends to the north through Towanda/Wysox to Route
17/I-86 in New York State. Volumes are relatively light (less than 1,000 vehicles
per day) on segments extending north/south from SR 2010. Volumes closer to
2,000 are recorded closer to Towanda/Wysox.
State Route 1074
SR 1074 is Main Street in Wyalusing connecting Rt. 6 to PA Route 706.
Volumes along Main Street are slightly over 2,000 vehicles per day. This
segment along with PA Route 706 (Church Street) establishes two main access
ways from Rt 6 into the center of the Borough. As noted above, Church Street
carries, on average, 2,530 vehicles a day which is nearly 400 more vehicles per
day than Main Street.
58
State Route 2010
SR 2010 is an important link to Rt 6 and to the Wyalusing area as it carries
around 4,600 vehicles per day over the Susquehanna River to and from PA
Route 187 and Rt 6, accessing the Junior/Senior High School Complex. SR
2010 connects to Rt 6 just south of Wyalusing. Volumes on SR 2010 south of
PA Route 187 are much less at just over 1,600 per day.
TABLE 13
Major Highway Profile/Traffic Volumes
Route
US Rt.
6
PA 706
PA 187
SR
1074
SR
2010
Location
Segment
AADT
Comments
Truck
Volume
Wyalusing
Borough &
Township
Wyalusing
Borough &
Township
Wyalusing
Township
From Church Street
north into Wyalusing
Township
From Church Street
south to Rt. 2010
4,469 Link between
7%
8,083
9%
From Rt. 2010 south
5,074 Link between
Wyalusing
Borough
From Rt. 6 to Main
Street (SR 1074)
2,530
7%
Wyalusing
Borough &
Township
From Main Street (SR
1074) north along
Taylor Ave to Brewer
Hollow Rd.
From SR 2010 north
4,223
6%
699
5%
From SR 2010 south
703
10%
Main Street between
Rt. 6 and PA 706
2,147
8%
Between Rt. 6 and PA
187
4,673 Link over
6%
1,604
8%
Terry
Township
Terry & Wilmot
Township
Wyalusing
Borough
Wyalusing
Township
Wyalusing and
Towanda/Wysox
Wyalusing and
Tunkhannock
Terry
From PA 187south
Township
Source: PennDOT, (counts from 2007-09)
NOTE: AADT= Annual Average Daily Traffic
Susquehanna
River/accesses
Jr/Sr High
School
16%
59
Average Daily Volume
PA
7
18
5,000 plus
X
mp286
3,000 - 5,000
6
2,000 - 3,000
1,000 - 2,000
WYALUSING TOWNSHIP
E3
rd
PA
Johns St
sh
Mar
2nd St
St
1st St
SR 1 0
St
7
18
Church St
St
mp287
Hi
gh
X
3rd St
St
5th St
Ga
ylo
rd
Riverside Dr
TERRY TOWNSHIP
Less than 1,000
PA 706
74
SR 20
10
6
X
WILMOT TOWNSHIP
0
0.5
mp288
1
Miles
Wyalusing Borough Region
Traffic Volume Map
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Air
There are two public general aviation airports located in Bradford County, Blue
Swan Airport located in near Sayre and Bradford County Airport located to the
south of Towanda approximately 15 miles from Wyalusing. Bradford County
Commissioners assumed control of the County Airport in 2000 which is now run
by the County Airport Authority.
The Bradford County Airport is arguably the single most important General
Aviation airport facility in Bradford County and the entire Northern Tier region.
The next closest air carrier services are available at Williamsport Regional Airport
in Lycoming County, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Luzerne
County and Elmira/Corning Regional Airport and Binghamton Regional Airport in
New York State.
Rail
Two rail freight lines operate within Bradford County. The Towanda Monroeton
Shippers Lifeline is 5.6 miles long and runs from Towanda to a feed mill in
Monroe Borough. The Norfolk Southern Railway Co. operates a rail freight line
that runs from within New York State to Wyoming County where it connects with
the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad. The Reading and Northern
Railroad Company is a regional railroad in eastern Pennsylvania that operates
over 300 miles of track. They primarily haul coal out of eastern Pennsylvania for
shipment throughout the United States, Canada, and exportation throughout the
world. The railroad also hauls paper, lumber, plastics, fertilizer, stone, sand, road
slat, brick, fly-ash and other products. Currently no rail passenger transportation
facilities exist in Bradford County.
Bicycle
In 2001 the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission
completed the Northern Tier Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan that
established a solid policy and planning direction for the five-county region
including Bradford. The Plan identified 15 corridors of regional significance
including three corridors that travel near Wyalusing: US 6, PA 187 and PA 706.
Rt 6 (Bicycle Route Y) - Route Y follows Rt 6 through Wyalusing Borough.
Bicycle Route Y provides a strategic connection to out-of-county, off-road
trail facilities such as the Iroquois Trail in Wyoming County and the Pine
Creek Trail in Tioga County.
PA Route 187 - is located in Bradford and Wyoming Counties, connecting
Lovelton to the New York state line. With its poor roadway surface, some
area bicycling advocates have judged PA 187 as "the worst major road in
Bradford County." The roadway however is a good north-south through
61
route for bicyclists, with its favorable terrain and lower traffic volumes than
on PA 14.
PA Route 706 - passes through Bradford and Susquehanna Counties from
Wyalusing to Milford. Regional bicycle advocates agree that PA 706 is
"one of the few good connectors" into Susquehanna County. It is
preferable for bicyclists to travel on PA 706 than on Rt 6 east of
Wyalusing.
The Northern Tier Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan identified the
following three action items for Bradford County:
Development of off-road trail mapping
-road trail systems/greenways trails
Boroughs
Transportation Issues
The 2004 Bradford County Comprehensive Plan identified a number of
transportation related trends and issues:
_
Currently no rail passenger transportation facilities exist in Bradford County. Discussions
at the Northern Tier Regional Transportation Advisory Committee concern the future use
of the Norfolk Southern Rail Line in Bradford and Wyoming counties and possible
economic development opportunities that might support passenger rail. A multi-county
rail authority has not been established at this time.
Maintenance program planning is needed at the local level. All 51 municipalities in
Bradford County maintain their own roads with the assistance of the PENNDOT Liquid
Fuels Program with funds allocated based on road and population criteria established in
the 1930’s. Municipalities may require assistance in prioritizing critical transportation
projects on the Twelve Year Program. The Dirt and Gravel Program may assist
communities where water quality issues may be present.
Aviation facilities at Bradford County Airport continue to be up-graded and functions as a
business class airport. Recent expansions have included the runway, hangars and fuel
facilities. The airport receives funds from the Bureau of Aviation and private contributions
from local industries. Consideration is being given to future runway expansions.
The Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission recently developed
and adopted a Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for all five counties in the Northern
Tier.
More coordination efforts are needed between state, county and local governments in
establishing bike/pedestrian routes and trails in providing connections to downtown areas
and recreation facilities, including the Susquehanna River.
Truck traffic through downtown areas is creating concern in some communities as it
affects traffic flow, safety and tourism. The need for bypassing communities and more
direct linkages to major highways continues to be an issue.
Bridges represent an important link in the County’s transportation system, even when
they carry low volumes of traffic. The County has an enormous inventory of aging locally
owned bridges. The County and its municipalities will be faced with a greater stock of
mature bridges that will require greater maintenance and rehabilitation attention.
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
The importance of the roadway network to Bradford County cannot be overstated. While
the county’s roadway network does not constitute the entire transportation system, it
62
does represent the backbone around which the other modes interact. In a large, rural
county where destinations are far apart, the condition and performance of the roadway
network is critical. These performance measures include safety and bicycle/pedestrian
accommodation (shoulder widths), economic development and land use planning (access
to the KOZ site and other industrial land in Sayre), public involvement (context sensitive
design), mobility (access to markets outside of the county) and capacity (truck climbing
lanes).
The 2004 Bradford County Comprehensive Plan delineates a number of
suggested transportation related priorities:
Identify rural state roads that could be turned back to local municipalities for ongoing maintenance
Develop a County program to provide local matching monies for road and bridge
improvements
Work with NTRP&DC on establishing a regional position for contract
administration of local bridge projects
Continue providing financial assistance to EMTA
Maintain existing rail lines for freight and passenger movement
Continue to support ongoing improvements at Bradford County airport
63
Community Inventories - Community Visual Conditions and Design
Analysis
Overall, the Wyalusing area is located within one of the most scenic sections of
Route 6 in Pennsylvania, with the segment between Wysox and Wyalusing
affording commanding and spectacular views of the Susquehanna River, the
mountain cuts and geology and the Wyalusing valley especially from the Marie
Antoinette and the Wyalusing Rocks Scenic Overlooks along Route 6.
Wyalusing has two distinct business districts, one along Route 6 and the other
centered on Main and Church Streets.
Wyalusing Main Street District
This is a compact business district,
comprised of the historic central
business area. There are several
business establishments including an
historic hotel/restaurant, gift shops, a
coffee shop, a bank, several eating
establishments, several professional
offices and other small retail stores.
The Central Business District has
period lighting, many new sidewalks,
instances of restored facades and
landscaping. Overall exterior conditions
range from fair to very good, although there are several small vacant stores.
The business district is very walkable and
relatively pedestrian friendly, although vehicle
and truck traffic appeared to be considerable
during the business day at various junctures
during the field study/meeting phase of this
planning process. In many cases the word
“charming” may be overused and even trite, but it
describes the atmosphere of this business area.
Several other Route 6 communities have
business districts largely devoid of landscaping,
which is certainly not the case in Wyalusing. On
the contrary, the community was planning a tree
replacement program during this planning
process focused on planting trees more in scale
with the relatively small planting area and
perhaps with a different canopy.
.
64
Route 6 Business District
A larger business area abuts
Route
6,
encompassing
commercial, services and mixed
residential
and
commercial
development.
The area has
more of a highway-commercial
than pedestrian feel to it, and
includes two distinct small strip
commercial shopping centers as
well as free-standing businesses.
These are the businesses the
Route 6 traveler would first see
when entering Wyalusing from
the east or west. They appear to
be more in keeping with a
suburban than urban design with
much of the frontage devoted to
off-street parking.
The two
shopping
centers
include
approximately 25 businesses
ranging from small retail stores
and eating establishments to
service
and
professional
businesses.
Gateways
Gateways to the community along Route 6
have a certain generic and/or non-descript
quality when compared to the downtown
business and residential areas, even though
the Historic District is prominently signed and
promoted at the gateways. In short, Route 6
lacks the “charm” of the Main Street and the
Historic District.
65
Historic District
Of course, Wyalusing is more than a
“downtown” or a Route 6 business area.
There are well-kept residential areas, much
of which is within the National Register
Historic District. The District also includes
the downtown business area as well as a
portion of the Route 6 business Area, and
numerous public buildings and churches.
The Walking Tour brochure noted earlier
describes a number of the structures in the
Historic District in relation to the historic
and/or architectural context, and includes a
reference map to aid the visitor.
The District includes an eclectic assortment of
building styles and uses, although many
reflect the ornate Victorian style that defines
the “Wyalusing Palette”.
There are no design standards in place,
nor was any interest in such standards
expressed
during
the
Heritage
Communities Program planning process.
Residents appeared to favor a less
restrictive “Wyalusing Approach” to
preservation, essentiality comprised of
existing community spirit/pride, recognition
and subtle peer pressure.
66
During the preparation of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan
(PA Rt. 6 Heritage Corporation; 2008), a number of Route communities
underwent a visitor readiness study that was carried out by the Pennsylvania
Downtown Center staff. Wyalusing was not one of those communities, although
field work conducted during this planning process yields the following information
in a format comparable to that included the Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourism
Infrastructure Plan:
Appearance:
 Sidewalks appear generally clean and
safe
 Welcome signage is present at the Rt. 6
gateways
 Wayfinding signage for the Main Street
area resources exists but only partially
visible to the Route 6 traveler
 Outside of town there is signage to
major tourist destinations
Public Space:
 Small visible/accessible public spaces
 Some visible benches
 No visible public restrooms
 No public phone visible
 Nearby accessible public area to have a
picnic
 No visible public areas to walk a dog
Public Safety
 Good maintenance of sidewalks in the business
districts
 Crosswalks are marked with signalization along
Rt. 6 portion
 Reasonable posted speed limit and relatively
heavy traffic in business districts
 Bicycle Route Y is partially marked/visible and
fairly wide in town but narrower east of town
 Street signs are fairly easy to read
 Fair street lighting on period standards in
downtown area and generic standards on Route
6
67
Parking
 No visible bicycle racks
 Easy
to
find
on-street
unmetered parking limited due
to compact downtown area
 Private off-street parking lots
behind
or
on
side
of
businesses in downtown and
on frontage along Rt. 6
 Public lot on Marsh Street not
well signed
 No visible parking for tour
buses or RV’s
Visitor Impression: Visitors can easily bypass
the Wyalusing Downtown Business District on
Route 6 in either direction. The Rt. 6 traveler
must turn off of Rt. 6 to visit the residential
areas, much of the Historic District and the
downtown business district at several
intersections, via one signalized (Church
Street) and/or one unsignalized (Front Street).
The downtown business district is centered on
Main and Church Streets is quite compact and
walkable.
There are moderate-sized small highway
commercial business areas to the north (west
on Rt. 6) and south (east on Rt. 6), generally
more highway than pedestrian oriented and
not well linked to the pedestrian scale
downtown. The streetscape along Route 6 is
more generic and less attractive than that
downtown.
68
Signage
There are examples of good, acceptable
and
inappropriate
signage
among
businesses in the Wyalusing area. While
signage is an intensely personal matter to
most businesses they have a role in the
overall visual attractiveness of the
business district and the general
shopping experience, factors which
should temper the “individual” concept.
Several key factors should be kept in
mind when discussing signage.

Past studies and theory has shown that on-site signage is the most costeffective means of advertising, costing as low as $0.06 per thousand
readers (and potential customers), when compared to other media;

Perpendicular signage (i.e. projecting signs over a sidewalk) attracts both
vehicular and pedestrian traffic in downtowns, while front wall signage is
more difficult to see by both;

Signage should promote the product or experience offered rather than just
the name of the establishment or organization for maximum curb appeal.
In other words, signage should answer the question “why stop” and must
do it in approximately four seconds to attract motorists. Obviously,
pedestrians have a longer time to study signage; and

Attractive, informative and professionally done signage says something
about a business, as does hand written, uninformative, temporary and/or
unattractive signage.
Many communities have separate signage regulations apart from zoning, while
others address them in zoning. There are arguments on both sides, but many
communities like the enforcement flexibility offered by a freestanding ordinance.
Both the Borough and Township of Wyalusing address signage in their zoning
ordinances. Sign regulations, whether in a zoning or other ordinance, generally
addresses the following:




Type of signage permitted: wall, perpendicular, free standing, awning,
window, etc.;
Number of signs permitted and/or maximum square footage of signs;
Location of signs – on buildings, setbacks, etc.; and
Special requirements – flashing, neon, sandwich boards, etc.
69
Wyalusing Borough
The Zoning Ordinance contains various
standards and requirements related to signage,
ranging from general standards to requirements
applicable to individual zoning districts. On the
more general side, interior illuminated signage is
permissible as are portable signs twelve square
feet of less in area, while pennants and the
outlining of buildings with lights are prohibited.
Among the more specific requirements,
perpendicular signage is limited to hanging no
more than twelve (12) inches from a building, a
rather low/small maximum for perpendicular
signage in business districts. In addition:

In the B-1 Business
District
(essentially
downtown) businesses are
limited
to
one
(1)
freestanding
sign
not
exceeding 25 square feet
and no more than two (2)
building
signs
not
exceeding 75 square feet
in total. Thus, businesses in the B-1 District may have a total of 100
square feet of signage, a rather generous maximum amount in a compact
pedestrian oriented business district.

In the B-2 Business
District (mostly along
Rt. 6) businesses are
limited to one (1)
freestanding sign not
exceeding 32 square
feet and no more
than two (2) building signs not exceeding 100 square feet in total. Thus,
businesses in the B-2 District may have a total of 132 square feet of
signage, basically reflecting a rather typical maximum for a highway
oriented business district.

Home Occupation signs in the R-1 and R-2 residential Districts appear to
be limited to four (4) square feet, adequate for typical home businesses.
70

There are no separate regulations or discussion for signage in the
National Register Historic District, thus the requirements of the respective
zoning districts would relate to and regulate signage.
Wyalusing Township
The Zoning Ordinance contains various standards
and requirements related to signage, mostly in
the form of general standards applicable to signs
in all zoning districts.

Many communities find it appropriate to
relate sign requirements by Zoning District.
Thus, for example business sign
requirements
in
the
Neighborhood
Business District would be different than those in the Highway Commercial
District. Standards for signage in Wyalusing Township appear to apply to
any and all districts across the board, with no separate regulations for
each Zoning District.

There are two maximum sizes for Business Identification signs, one
allowing up to 64 square feet and the other up to 48 square feet. The
former appears to relate to manufacturing/industrial uses and the latter to
commercial uses, but this is not readily apparent to the reader.

Some communities permit
a variety of signage types
(i.e. wall, freestanding, etc.)
within a maximum per
business, with lineal foot
frontage used in some
measure (i.e. 1 square foot
per every 2 lineal feet of
frontage, etc.) to arrive at a
maximum threshold. The
Ordinance spells out maximum requirements for wall (60% of surface
area) and directory (8’X12’ with 16 square feet per individual business
sign) signage. It is not clear if these requirements are accumulative in
nature, how they relate to the Business Identification signs noted above
and if there is in fact a maximum square footage for all signs on a given
premises.
71

There appears to be a discrepancy in signage for Home Occupations in
the Ordinance. Signage requirements (Section 11.3.6) identify a rather
generous 12 square foot maximum while Home Occupation requirements
(Section 11.13.1 [k]) identifies a more restrictive and more common 4
square foot maximum.
Zoning
Zoning regulations exist in both Wyalusing Borough and Wyalusing Township.
These regulations were reviewed primarily in the relationship among land use,
heritage tourism and US Route 6.
Wyalusing Borough
Land use within the Borough is governed by a zoning ordinance, dated 1997,
within the framework of land use powers as enabled to municipal governments
under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). The ordinance
made available for this planning activity provides for nine (9) districts, comprised
of three residential (R-1, R-2 and R-3) districts differing mainly in permitted
residential densities and lot sizes, two (2) commercial districts (B-1 [downtown]
and B-2 [highway commercial], an industrial district, a public district (government,
community, open space, etc.), an agricultural district and a conservation district.
See the Zoning Map on the following page.
In relation to PA Route 6 Heritage Communities Program planning, two areas
within the Borough are of particular importance:

US Route 6 traverses the western and southwestern sections with parts of
five (5) districts abutting the roadway. The B-2 District covers the largest
area of the five districts, essentially from the northwestern border to just
before 2nd Street, which includes a shopping center, several commercial
businesses and open/farmed land (advertised for sale during this planning
in 2009). Other prominent districts include the Industrial (Arrow Industries)
and small tracts within the B-1 districts.

The Downtown area (roughly including Church, Main and Bridge Streets
and an abutting section of Taylor Avenue includes four (4) zoning districts
within a rather compact area, primarily in the B-1, but parcels in the R-1
Residential and Public Districts and even a parcel in the B-2 District
(Peoples Bank and Post Office).
72
HOMET CROSS RD
HOMET HEIGHTS
RD
a River
Susquehann
ROUTE 6
COUNTY BRIDGE RD
ALL
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RD
Wyalusing
Township
Legend
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Wyalusing
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Agricultural District
Business 1 District
Business 2 District
Conservation District
Industrial District
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Residential 1 District
AV
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PEARL ST
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BOW
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Terry
Township
Maps Created Using
Bradford County GIS Data
Author: Ellen S. Crowley,
Community Planner
Edited, April 2008 , July 2008,
September 2008, November 2008,
January 2009
A brief review of the ordinance suggests that it provides fairly typical levels of
land use guidance and protections for the community. Zoning ordinances should
be regularly updated (i.e. 5-10 years) and the ordinance reviewed shows no
signs of recent updating. When the Borough decides to carry out a
comprehensive update, the following Route 6 heritage-oriented suggestions are
offered:

Home occupations are defined fairly well and include a number of specified
general provisions/regulations and are possible in the R-1 and R-2
Residential Districts as Special Exceptions (review and action by Zoning
Hearing Board). The provisions specify that no more than one non-resident
be employed, the home occupation takes up no more than 25% of the floor
area and other signage, use and parking requirements. However, nothing is
mentioned about whether exterior changes are allowed or prohibited that may
affect the residential appearance of the structure. This later fact may be
critical since a good portion of the R-1 District is within the Historic District.

There are several apparent typographical errors (i.e. minimum lot width in R-1
and Public Districts), inaccurate/non-applicable references (i.e. “floating”
setbacks in Section 1205 but nothing is mentioned there and this section is
actually noted as “reserved” for future use), as well as some unclear and/or
inconsistent definitions (i.e. terms single, two- and multi- family dwellings” are
included in definition although single-, two- and multi-family residence
appears in relevant District requirements) and critical undefined terms.

The major distinction between the B-1 and B-2 Districts involves dimensional
requirements (i.e. setbacks, minimum lot size, etc) rather than permitted uses.
Many of the permitted uses in the B-2 Business (Highway Commercial)
District mirror permitted uses in the B-1 (Downtown) Business District blurring
the distinction between them, even though the B-2 District includes a number
of highway-oriented and/or higher-intensity commercial uses. In addition, the
B-1 District permits certain highway oriented uses (i.e. commercial
establishments with drive-in facilities, convenience stores) that may be better
placed in the B-2 District alone. This may impact tourism-oriented business
development within the downtown.

Accommodations are potentially important in this HCP/tourism planning
process, being mentioned at various junctures in the public engagement. The
zoning Ordinance essentially treats “hotels” (defined to include 10+ rooms
and a common entrance) and “motels” (undefined but typically including
individual room entrances). The former is more pedestrian scale and the
latter more of a highway orientation, suggesting that hotels may be better
suited for the B-1 and motels for the B-2 Districts. In addition, Bed &
Breakfast establishments are permitted uses in the B-2 (not the B-1), even
though they may be more appropriate for a downtown than a highway
commercial district (NOTE: A B&B is shown as an example of a Home
74
Occupation thereby reviewable as a Special Exception in the R-1 and R-2
Districts, well in keeping with the ambiance B&B’s typically seek.)

The Borough may be characterized as relatively built-up but the R-1 and R-2
Districts include rather deep front yard setbacks (30 feet) which if followed
may result in a layout not in keeping with the traditional layout of homes in the
Borough. Consideration a specification for a floating setback based on
adjacent existing building setbacks and/or maximum setbacks, both as means
of maintaining the historic urban layout. As noted earlier, the Ordinance
appears to allow this yet the reference cited (Section 1205) does not in fact
relay this concept.

The Agricultural District essentially serves as a “catch all” for numerous uses
having little if any relevance to farming, including allowing certain potentially
controversial uses as Special Exceptions such as junkyards, adult-oriented
entertainment/retail and “dumps”. Most assuredly the Borough is trying to
address its responsibilities under MPC to provide for all reasonable uses,
however this consideration should be balanced with other preservation and
protection afforded by the Agricultural District and whether those potentially
controversial units may be better suited for another district (i.e. Industrial). In
addition, the term “dump” is outdated and actually refers to an essentially
illegal activity under current solid waste management laws and regulations.

Section 16 of the Ordinance spells out off-street parking requirements,
including dimensional requirements, standards related to parking for
handicapped persons and the fairly standard requirements related to use
categories (i.e. retail, restaurants, banks, etc.).
o Many communities find it convenient to interface handicapped parking
requirements with those in the International Building Code, the
International Code Council (ICC), the American National Standards
Institute and/or other recognized standards that do not appear to be
referenced in the existing Ordinance.
o In addition, a phrase is included that appears to offer some flexibility in
meeting off-street parking requirements for existing structures is there
is “no change in use”. A change in use or building size would trigger
the off-street requirements. This latter requirement may affect
commercial development especially in the compact “downtown” area
rather than the highway commercial area that has more room for offstreet parking.
Alternatively, some communities waive off-street
parking requirements for “downtowns”, perhaps up to a certain square
footage, since there may be a supply of on-street or commonly used
off-street spaces available.

The Zoning Map (in the Borough Office) clearly outlines the boundaries of the
National Register Historic District (NRHD) that includes properties in the B-1,
Public, R-1 and B-2 Districts. The Ordinance does not have any special
75
requirements for properties in the NRHD, such as an Overlay District that
would have certain land use, dimensional, demolition or even design
standards that would regulate activities within the NRHD. Inclusion in a
NRHD alone has no impact on land use or related zoning matters, essentially
only offering protective measures in publicly funded activities, activities that
may require a state/federal permit and providing certain tax incentives for
select types of development. The Overlay concept would appear to make
sense for Wyalusing since the multiplicity of underlying zoning districts within
the NRHD.

There have been many changes to Pennsylvania MPC in recent years,
rendering sections somewhat outdated, as examples:
o
Forestry is permitted in all districts
o
No-impact Home Business are permitted in all residential districts
o
Administrative changes (i.e. timeframes, procedures, etc.) with hearings,
etc.
Wyalusing Township
Land use within the Township is governed by a zoning ordinance, dated 2003,
within the framework of land use powers as enabled to municipal governments
under the MPC. The ordinance made available for this planning activity provides
for five (5) districts, comprised of the following:





Highway Commercial District: a linear strip abutting US Route 6 just north
and south of the Borough;
Industrial District: essentially the land sustaining the Cargill Plant
northeast of the Borough;
Neighborhood Commercial District: including land south of PA Rt. 706 and
at the intersection of PA Rt. 706 and SR 1017 both in Camptown;
Residence District: much of the remaining village of Camptown; and
Agriculture-Residential District: comprising what appears to be over 90%
of the Township, excluding the areas noted earlier.
The Township Zoning Map is on the following page, showing that Route 6 in the
Township is primarily within the Agriculture-Residence District, with the exception
of small strips in Highway Commercial near the Borough. This massive District
permits various agricultural, residential and low-intensity non-residential uses (i.e.
B&B’s, schools, etc.) as permitted uses but a varied assortment and number of
commercial and industrial uses as Conditional Uses (review and action by
Township Supervisors). Likewise, much but not all of land abutting PA Routes
409 and 706 (see the Loop Tours) is also in the Agriculture-Residence District,
with the exception of a moderate sized Industrial District embracing the Cargill
property and the Camptown area. In essence, the Ordinance leaves varied
developmental forms possible even though many require review and action by
the Supervisors.
76

The Residential District (most of Camptown) permits nearly all of the
permitted uses allowed in the Agricultural District but far fewer Conditional
Uses. The Neighborhood Business District (small sections of Camptown)
permits relatively low-density retail and services commercial development
and relatively few Conditional Uses.

The Highway Commercial District permits an assortment of commercial
and institutional uses as permitted uses and various Conditional Uses,
including fast food restaurants, nightclubs, adult oriented businesses, light
industrial, warehousing, etc.

The Industrial District permits an assortment of light manufacturing and
agricultural uses as permitted uses and various Conditional Uses,
including industrial parks, junk yards, adult oriented businesses, solid
waste facilities, etc.

Dimensional requirements are established by general use (i.e. residential,
commercial, agriculture, etc.) an applied for each specific use in whatever
district it is located (remembering that the Districts allow a mix of uses
after review and approval by Conditional Use). For example, the following
are for commercial uses, regardless of the District:
o Minimum lot size - 0.75 acre
o Minimum lot width – 100 feet
o Minimum front yard setback – 40 feet
o Minimum side yard setback – 30 feet
While this may simplify zoning enforcement it does not recognize the
differences among varying types of districts, In essence, a commercial
building requires the same front setback in the Highway Commercial
District along Route 6 as it does in the Neighborhood Commercial District
in Camptown.

The ordinance shows a great deal of flexibility in terms of those employed
at home by offering home occupations and home based businesses, with
the former being somewhat more restrictive than the latter. Among the
distinctions between the two are the number of non-resident employees,
the exterior alterations/appearances and the approval process. Home
Occupations are permitted accessory uses for occupations as follows:
o Professional offices for individual practitioners
o Rooming and/or housing of not more than two (2) persons.
o Custom dressmaking or tailoring.
o Foster family care for not more than four (4) children
simultaneously.
o Day care that provides care for six (6) or fewer children at any one
time who are not relatives of the care giver.
o Tutoring for not more than four (4) children simultaneously.
78
o Mail order or sales businesses not involving customer contact on
the premises or wholesale brokering not involving stock on the
premises.
o Businesses involving the use of personal computers for sales or
services and which do not involve customer contact on the
premises
o Single chair beauty shops and barbershops.
The
ordinance
specifically
prohibits
certain
occupations/uses
including adult businesses, commercial stables, veterinarians, commercial
kennels, motor vehicle or small engine repair shops, retail or wholesale
sales, restaurant and funeral parlors. Uses not specified or specifically
prohibited are reviewable as Conditional Uses. Conversely, home based
businesses appear to be subject to review and approval by Conditional
Use. However, there is a long list of prohibited uses/occupations for home
based businesses that include hotels, taverns and restaurants, certain
amusement uses, convenience stores, campgrounds/RV parks, selfstorage facilities, solid waste facilities and adult businesses.
A brief review of the ordinance suggests that it provides interesting and flexible
levels of land use guidance and protections for the community. Zoning
ordinances should be regularly updated (i.e. 5-10 years) and definitions and
procedural matters in the ordinance are under review for revisions during this
planning process. In addition to procedural matters noted to be under review, the
following Route 6 heritage-oriented suggestions are offered:

The Township apparently likes the concept of Conditional Uses with the
governing body actively involved and a number of conditions and
procedures in place to help with this decision-making. However, the many
types of uses reviewable along Route 6 especially in the AgricultureResidence District can result in some uses along the roadway that may be
inconsistent with tourism goals, especially in and around identified
resources (i.e. Wyalusing Rocks, near Marie Antoinette Overlook, the
Friedenshutten area, etc.). An alternate would be the development of a
Route 6 Scenic Corridor Overlay District that would have additional
requirements or standards (i.e. use, design standards, etc.) without
affecting the reminder of the Agriculture-Residence District, which in turn
envelopes most of the land area of the Township.

Consideration of a Conservation District or a Conservation Overlay
protecting certain natural and/or heritage resources (i.e. Wyalusing Rocks,
Friedenshutten Monument area, areas abutting Susquehanna River and
Wyalusing Creek, etc.), limiting development and density.

Development of dimensional requirements by district rather than by use,
out of recognition that, for example, commercial or other uses in a village
79
(i.e. Camptown) is different than that same use along a State highway or
in agricultural area.

Camptown is an interesting and aesthetically pleasing area sustaining the
kinds of mixed uses usually associated with a “village”. There are several
zoning alternatives available for consideration, as summarized below:
o A mixed use village/traditional neighborhood development zoning
designation that may allow compatible low-density commercial
development (as a permitted use or conditional use) along with
residential uses on relatively smaller lot sizes with narrower and
more traditional setbacks than elsewhere in the Township; and/or
o An historic overlay district that may have certain land use,
dimensional, demolition or even design standards that would
regulate activities within the defined “village” ensuring that the
charm of the Camptown area remains a resource and a part of the
sense of place.

There have been many changes to Pennsylvania MPC in recent years,
rendering sections somewhat outdated, as examples:
o Forestry is permitted in all districts (presently specified in all but the
Highway-Commercial and Neighborhood Commercial Districts)
o No-impact Home Business are permitted in all residential districts
80
Information from various sources was gathered and reviewed, summaries of
which appear in the inventories. The interpretation, application and use of this
information is critical in this localized heritage tourism planning effort. This phase
starts with a review at public comments at various Community Workshops and a
planning charrette, then proceeds to the determination of issues and
opportunities.
First Workshop – The “Wish List”
Representatives from the community actively participated in a workshop
designed to solicit ideas on how to improve the community as a tourist
destinations. The Workshop was held in March 2009 and focused on (1) activities
available for residents and visitors presently and (2) to identify the types of
attractions, improvements and events that would enhance the area as a tourist
destination. The existing attractions and things valued about the Study Area
were reviewed earlier in this report while the following represents a summary of
popular destination needs that represent actual votes by attendees that address
the question “What is needed to make the Wyalusing a more attractive
destination?”
What is Needed: While there was a range of responses there was consensus on
just a few, reflecting voting. The following page summarizes all “wish list” items
while the following ones were the consensus favorites:

Potential for community theatre/movie house and themed programming
including a movie night at the museum

Some type of newer upscale dining experience such as Ice Cream
Parlor/Deli/Bodega or Mystery Dinner Theatre

Installation of Hiking/Biking Trails to connect Wyalusing to the River
81
Wyalusing Community Workshop Summary – Wish List to Enhance Area as
Destination
Group 1
Proposed Improvement
Community Theater/Movie
Upscale Dining
Ice Cream Parlor/Deli/Bodega*
Trails/Hiking
Family Dining
Campground
Antique
Mid-priced Department Store
Sporting/Outdoor Goods
Swimming Pool
Craft Shop
Snowmobile
Others mentioned but garnered no votes
Consignment Shop (local products)
Expand tours/markers – walking/driving
Group 2
Votes
12
9
8
7
5
5
4
2
2
2
1
1
Proposed Improvement
Mystery Dinner Theater **
Biking/Walking paths/trails to river
Movie Night @ Winery
Children’s Program (Museum/Library)
Cooking/Wine Pairing Classes
Music festival/Concerts
Chili Cook-off
Kayaking
Ice Skating Party
Camp House Tours
Duck Derby
Antique Car Day
Soap Box-type race (any build your own)
Square Dance/Line Dance
Others mentioned but garnered no votes
Scouting Month Event
Fully utilize park
Votes
10
7
6
6
5
5
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
* Bodega: A Hispanic/Spanish/Latin mini-mart, similar to a 7-11 but usually smaller and more like a liquor store atmosphere.
Commonly used term on the east coast, especially in the New York City region. The word came from the actual Spanish word for "grocery
store" - la bodega.
** Potentially as fuller use of Red House (one of the 10 votes)
82
Second Workshop and Planning Charrette
A second set of Community Workshops was held in conjunction with a three-day
planning charrette during August 25th – 27th 2009 for the purpose of reviewing the
planning process and findings to date, interactive field work, key person/focus group
meetings and receive local input on preliminary recommendations. A total of 26 people
participated in the Charrette
Public Session #1 8/ 25/09
Presentation: Rt. 6 and HCP Overview; Tourism Primer, “Uniqueness” description and
localization, connection of nodes, physical & non-physical elements under consideration
and potential markets
Public Input:
Conditions:
There are property maintenance issues along Route 6 that are perceived to
create an impression far different than that in the business and residential areas
off of Route 6
Chamber Office essentially acts as a visitors center
North Branch Section of the Susquehanna River Water Trail is part of the
National Recreational Trail System
Considerable gas drilling is underway in area and a bio-gas plant in service at
Wyalusing High Area School District
Museum is an important asset but is underutilized and has limited operating
hours
French Azilum is an important local asset, with discussions going on between
PHMC and locals for local operation
Wyalusing Rocks/Prayer Rocks is an important asset but only designated with
“Scenic Overlook” signage
River access at Old Mill Park and PFBC ramp on other side of River
Needs:
Property conditions/visual appearance issues on Rt. 6 should be graphically
depicted in the WorkPlan
Better visibility for Visitors Center – on Route 6 or in business district
Barn Quilt Loop Tour nearing implementation – sponsored quilt art displayed on
barns, houses and other structures – Camptown Loop, Sugar Run Loop and Rt.
6/Laceyville/Camptown
Wyalusing History Trail nearing implementation – 24 historic sites linked by Oncell System with narration and linkage via visitors cell phones and coordinated
signage
Energy Tours - potential for a gas well and bio-gas tours
French Azilum Master Plan
Potential for land trail from French Azilum to Standing Stone, potentially
constrained due to a local landowner
Enhanced signage/interpretation at Wyalusing Rocks
83
Important “connection” is the proposed local trail linking town and Welles
Property via Grovedale Lane
Concern over new ownership and reuse of the former mill property on Rt. 6
Wyalusing Township has to be engaged and involved
Historic Group Tours 8/25/09 and 8/26/09
On-site tour at the Wyalusing Valley Museum, out buildings and grounds by Planning
Team; Museum following a recently completed Master Plan that will be
summarized/incorporated into WorkPlan
Stakeholders Group Meeting 8/26/09
Conditions:
Big Stories
o French Azilum w/interpretation
o Agriculture
o Wyalusing Rocks/Prayer Rocks w/interpretive and unobtrusive signage
o Friedenshutten – interpretation and linkage
o Native American – linked w/Eastern Delaware Nation
o “Warriors Road” – ranging from the Great Warrior Path to Sullivan Trail
Numerous art galleries/studios
“White Building” (on Bridge Street) - excellent view of creek, very visible but
inability to feasibly serve with sewer and water precludes most reuse concepts
Needs:
Route 6 Enhancements
o Streetscape/Gateway
o Property Maintenance
o Signage – Directional and Wayfinding
Better linkages – water, land/trail and telecommunications
“Arts and Architecture” – Chamber/Community Building essentially acts as an
artist incubator
“In-Fill” specialty retail
Peer pressure on design/property maintenance issues rather than design
standards or ordinances
o Voluntary self-help improvements – peer pressure vs. property
maintenance code
o Alternatives for visual quality
o Develop recommended palette/styles – “Wyalusing Collection” with help of
local arts community
o Education not Regulation
Downtown Enhancements
o Façade enhancements in business district
o Upscale upper floor residential reuse
Tours – Barn Quilt Art, Rt. 187 (w/mini-loops and Rt. 409/706
Bridge Street streetscape enhancements in process ($40,000 SHA grant
w/$40,000-$60,000 local match)
84
Rubber tired trolley connects resources and loops town, perhaps via EMTA
PHMC funding for enhancements in National Register District
Assistance for enhancements to the Wyalusing Hotel – more rooms, banquet
facilities, etc.
Public Session #2 8/27/09
Overview – “Arts, Agriculture and Architecture” and piecing together the businesses,
stories and organizations needed for the visitor’s experience
Overall Issues: Numerous and varied resources – minimal connection with
Wyalusing in evidence among the resources; disconnect
Gas drilling is seen as an asset and a liability in terms of population, economy
and impacts
Semantics – Wyalusing is a “Creek Town” in response to a question as to
whether Wyalusing is a “River Town”
Concern over potential change in ownership of French Azilum
Comments:
Education should be part of the WorkPlan
o Potential for a School for Arts/Folk Arts
o Local artist community as an educational participant
o Adult Education via WASD (i.e. woodcarving, sculpting, etc.)
Senior citizens as a partner in the WorkPlan – Elder Hostel, Folk Arts, etc.
Campground is needed as part of the accommodations infrastructure
Funicular concept suggested across river from French Azilum
A total of 26 people participated in the Charrette
Recommendations
Numerous and varied historic and tourism sites needing better linkages and
connections – Wyalusing, Camptown, several scenic overlooks, French Azilum,
Homet’s Ferry, Wyalusing Valley Motorsports Park, Museum/Grounds/Welles House,
Susquehanna River, early settlement at Friedenshutten and earlier Native American
“Old Town”, Historic District and others
Trails have been identified in the County’s Greenway Plan
Susquehanna River Water Link/Trail
Wyalusing Creek Water Link/Trail
Suggested Rail Trail (along active railroad)
Locals would like to connect Borough with trail to Browntown and Friedenshutten site
Requires Railroad crossing near former mill (existing RR underpass would
require rehabilitation) or via new bridge on SR 2010
Connects downtown business district, Grovedale Winery, Wyalusing Valley
Museum and Grounds, WASD Complex and potential natural area/trail just off of
Grovedale Lane
85
Links original site of settlements of Friedenshutten (1765) and earlier Native
American “Old Town”, which is presently isolated and hard to find by visitors
Various Loop Tours are identified
Rt. 187 Auto Tour – linking Wyalusing, French Azilum and Wysox via agricultural
area with numerous river views and two river access points
Includes mini-loop connecting Rt. 187 (at Durell) with French Azilum and Homet’s
Mill/Ferry area via working agricultural area
US Route 6 is part of the Loop
Rt. 409/706 Tour – linking Wyalusing, Camptown and Lime Hill area; also
identified as a Barn/Quilt Tour
Sugar Run Barn/Quilt Tour – actual routing to be determined
Wyalusing-Laceyville-Camptown Barn/Quilt Tour via Route 6 and SR 1007/1008
Laceyville recently designated as a “Greenway River Town” as a part of the
Susquehanna Greenway
Considerable evidence of a “conservation spirit” in the community
Conservation Easement preserves agriculture on northern and eastern sides of
the Borough
Existing National Register Historic District in the Borough accompanied by
signage
Proposed conservation area along Route 6 to the south in vicinity of site of
former mill pond
Recommended “Wyalusing Palette” and design recommendations (not
standards) for improvements/in-fill/remodeling within Historic District
Assistance for rehabilitation activities within Historic District via PHMC’s
Keystone Historic Preservation Grants (50/50 grants for non-profits and public
agencies)
Establishment of an annual recognition program recognizing rehabilitation and
maintenance projects that have been carried out reflecting the “Wyalusing
Palette” and design recommendations
Nearby Scenic Overlook
Identifying signage of “Wyalusing Rocks” rather than generic “Scenic Overlook”
Interpretation of Wyalusing Rocks (part of the On-Cell Wyalusing History Trail)
Interpretation of “Prayer Rocks” (reflecting Native American theme)
Relocation of existing intrusive signage
Marie Antoinette Overlook
Potential information kiosk location
Potential for geological interpretation due to proximity of cuts for the Rt. 6
roadway
Better linkages among components of the “French Connection”
French Azilum – potential for local operation; need for Master Plan
The Homet Family - Homet’s Ferry, Cemetery and Homet’s Mill Site (present
park)
86
Durell Village marker restoration (village named after Steven Durell, Huguenot
Pioneer)
Proposed roadway lop connecting them and traversing working agricultural area
River/Creek access, or lack thereof, is an issue noted by some but certainly not by all
River and Creek access may be possible via the Wyalusing Creek Water Trail
segment between town and Susquehanna River, sometimes already used by
local users
Access along Riverside Drive complicated by active railroad
Downtown Revitalization Components
Revisit façade restoration with several restored storefronts showing needs
Filling specialty retail gaps, especially building on arts base
Additional/enhanced accommodations
Upper floor upscale residential reuse/rehabilitation
Improved/more visible directional signage on Route 6
Rehabilitation/reuse on small white/vacant building on front street to afford creek
view, view of former mill pond area and as informational kiosk to complement
information center at the Chamber of Commerce
Planned Front Street streetscape enhancements to complement existing Main
Street streetscape
More visible signage for off-street parking lot on Marsh Street
Route 6 Revitalization Components
Strategic Streetscape enhancements at select locations
Façade enhancement at select locations mostly in the highway commercial area
Gateway signage at the northern end
Appropriate directional signage for business district
Sidewalk/pedestrian link between commercial plaza and Second Street
Visual quality enhancements via peer pressure and persuasion rather than
regulations/codes
87
Third Workshop – “Linking a Wealth of Heritage Resources”
A total of 15 attendees actively participated in a final workshop designed to provide a
background and context for the planning efforts and to present a recommendations
overview. The Workshop was held in the Community Room in the Wyalusing
Community Development Corporation Building on Main Street on February 23, 2010.
Program Overview: HCP Workshop Presentation – Background and Context
Tourism “Factoids”
Issues & Opportunities (PowerPoint Overview & details on handout
Recommendation Overview
Following the presentation, most discussion focused on “next steps” for implementation,
as well as local perspectives on recommendations. The need to review and perhaps
focus on a few priorities was noted.
Downtown business retention & recruitment is a priority
o Two businesses recently relocated along the Rt. 6 Highway Commercial area
o Another business building has been for sale for a period of time
o Concern expressed over viability of downtown
o Need to focus on recruiting businesses that prosper in a pedestrian-oriented
business district (i.e. food, accommodations, entertainment, specialty retail
such as a fabric store and sporting goods store, etc.)
o Certain businesses see a need to have ready access to the highway for
convenience
Physical improvements and downtown revitalization
o Physical improvements help set the framework by creating an attractive
setting for tourism-oriented businesses to prosper
o Concentrated effort on recruitment for vacant storefronts
o Focus on accommodations, entertainment, food service
o Coordinated store hours would be helpful as well as least evening openings
on a specified day/days (i.e. special hours/events once /month noted)
Residential components
o Residential use of upper floors in business district
o Other residential /specialty (retirement) to free up single-family homes in
anticipation of gas-triggered in-migration
Implementation Issues
o Prioritization of action items by steering committee – focusing on several early
action items
o “Political will” is needed – buy in by elected officials and anticipated issues
between Township and Borough
Concept and concept drawing of extending the “Wyalusing Look” to Route 6 was
well received
88
o Sidewalks should be extended to Wyalusing Farm & Home Shopping Center
(western side along Route 6) and the Wyalusing Creek Plaza (eastern side)
Ped links with both plazas
o “Gateway Concept” may incorporate alterations to existing welcoming
signage, the period lighting concept (mirroring downtown) and include picnic
area and sidewalk/walkway path (part of pedestrian link to Wyalusing Creek
Plaza
o Welcome signage/center concept is needed on Route 6; Tree is a first step
Gas drilling is an economic incentive creating new wealth and resulting in inmigration
o There may be a housing shortage (see residential issues above)
o Some residents will have more disposable income due to leases, royalties
and gas-related employment
Historic/architectural preservation in the area is hampered by the lack of
enforcement of an anti-demolition requirement noted that was enacted by Borough
o Notation was made that an Historic Overlay District with requirements on
uses, reuse, demolition, etc. is included in the recommendations
o Historic Overlay District can include area in the National register Historic
District
One comment noted thanks to Borough, Rainbow Club and Community
Development Corporation for involvement and support of the Heritage Communities
Program and the PA Route 6 Heritage Corp. and The EADS Group for the
technical/planning assistance
89
Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview
The matrix below summarizes discussion items encountered during the Heritage
Communities planning process. Based on the inventories, the review of input,
the discussions involving the Stakeholders, a succinct statement of issues (i.e.
challenges) and opportunities (i.e. strengths to build on) is difficult to do and
subject to being general. Nonetheless, the following summarizes these:
Issues
Route 6 abuts but bypasses business district &
most of the Historic District
Generic “highway commercial ”streetscape
along Route 6 itself and perceived need to
revisit downtown streetscape
Somewhat of a “disconnect” with the River,
nearby Overlooks and business district even
with a river heritage
Several vacant and/or underutilized storefronts
Minimal wayfinding to area resources and
attractions other than French Azilum
Peaks and valleys in tourism activities – less in
February/March
Most consensus over needed activities may
have more of a “local” than “visitor” orientation
Route 6 presently is neither pedestrian scale or
pedestrian friendly
Visibility - Dairy/Agriculture, Canal & Native
American heritage may require more visible
presence; Lack of public access to
Friedenshutten
Perceived lack of interest & involvement by
young people in community activities
Recognition to balance gas exploration and
recovery with visual quality and community
needs
Opportunities
Aesthetically pleasing National Register Historic
District promoted in published walking tour;
District designation carries tax credit financial
incentives for certain development
Adequate business district streetscape including
sidewalks, period lighting & most facades
Nearby overlooks on Route 6 may have been
“adopted” by community; The Borough is
abutted by conservation easements
Stable local economy with several large
employers & small but vibrant business district
Varied resources and attractions – French
Azilum, Camptown, business district, Museum,
Winery, Motorsports Park, galleries/Art Trail,
Sullivan’s Expedition, Homet’s Ferry, etc.
Strong Visual and Performing Arts presence,
interest & consciousness in and around
community
Consensus over need to provide performing arts
and connect with dining
Downtown is pedestrian scale and pedestrian
friendly
Wyalusing Valley Museum has interpretive plan
that would eventually embrace much of the
community’s varied heritage – lumber, canal,
agricultural, etc.
Strong identity, loyalty & community involvement
in the Wyalusing Area School District
An energized and self-starting nucleus of
community activists and volunteers
90
Themes
The group discussion among the Stakeholders Group evolved into an identification of the Wyalusing Area in terms of the
following Route 6 themes:
A Warrior’s
Road
Natural
Opportunity
Sullivan’s March
Agriculture
Yankee-Pennamite
Wars
Susquehanna River
Eastern Delaware
Nation (EDN)1
Engineer’s Challenge New Beginnings and
Safe Havens
Meat processing (now
Cargill – large employer)
North Branch Canal
Unique Geology – Rt.
6 cuts reveal this
Woolly Mammoth in
Honoring Veterans of Spring Lake
many wars 2
Visionaries,
Achievers and
Social
Entrepreneurs
Outdoor Fun
French Azilum
Charles F. Welles
Susquehanna River
“Christian” (baptized) Native
Americans
French who stayed
after Azilum closed
Wyalusing Creek
Abolitionists and the
Stephen Foster
Underground Railroad
David Wilmot
Several Fishing
Guides and Boating
& Outfitting
resources
Hunting5
Battles of Indian Hill3
and Lime Hill4
1
EDN Cultural Center planned on Rt. 6 across from Wyalusing Rocks (a/k/a Prayer Rocks) a former “look-out”; presently housed in temporary structure
Several Bradford County communities are involved in a project whereby businesses, organizations and/or individuals may buy a banner ($200) honoring a
Veteran; initial banners are being installed in Towanda with other communities to follow
3
Location: U.S. 6, 4.6 miles E of Wyalusing - The hill just southeast was the scene, Sept. 29, 1778, of a battle between Col. Thos. Hartley's men from Fort Muncy,
and the Indians. Two days before, Hartley had burned Queen Esther's town near present Athens.
4
Location: US 6, 3.7 miles N of Wyalusing - April 14, 1782, Sergeant Thomas Baldwin's Party in attempting to rescue Mrs. Rosewell Franklin and her four children
who had been captured by Indians, met the enemy near this spot after four hours of fighting.
5
Specialized hunting resource is the Ringneck Ridge Hunting Preserve (8+ miles east) - 1479 Coburn Hill Road, Laceyville, Pa 18623 (570) 869 1139; offers
hunting (quail and partridges shown on web site) and lodging
2
91
Synthesis
The elements of a local heritage effort are premised on an approach that
provides understandable and interesting linkages with the community’s rich
social, cultural and economic past and the present, embracing such disparate
elements as the striking scenic vistas, unique architecture and nature tourism
opportunities. This requires:

Physical streetscape and façade improvements pose a matter for
discussion in that public participation at community workshops/charrette
see the former as very much needed while the business community is
more inclined to favor façade/storefront enhancements. Clearly, they are
related and address the “curb appeal” issue so vital to the traveler.

There is interest in continuing and improving coordination among the
community in promotions, events and communication in general within the
confines of existing groups without necessarily creating new groups or
organizations.

The community has energy, capacity and initiative in tourism development
and promotion, far in excess of what may typically find in small
communities.

There appears to be a “disconnect” between the downtown business
district and the more highway oriented strip centers along Route 6,
figuratively (different orientation and aesthetics) and literally (problematic
pedestrian linkages).

There are a wealth of developed tourism resources in the general area,
many identified with markers and signage but somewhat disconnected
with Wyalusing itself, even though “locals” are aware of them. Better
signage and web-based marketing are seen as ways to better connect
and relate the community and the resources.

There is considerable pride in the architecture of the community as
evidenced by the National Register Historic District initiative and signage,
as well as the upkeep of residential and commercial structures in the
District. This largely reflects individual action and community pride rather
than the effect of regulations.

The community is feeling the varied impacts of Marcellus Shale drilling
and is carefully trying to balance the benefits of employment, increased
wealth and population stabilization with aesthetic, traffic and
environmental concerns. There is a hope that some of the new wealth will
find its way to community projects that assist Wyalusing fulfill its potential.
92

The Wyalusing Valley Museum is doing an admirable job of preserving
and interpreting the area heritage on a limited budget and with limited
personnel. It is a critical part of the regional heritage “infrastructure” and
the realization of its master plan goals is consistent with the framework of
this WorkPlan.

In a related matter, the future operations and enhancements of French
Azilum are of critical importance to Wyalusing as a destination. The Site
is a lynchpin along one of the proposed Loop Tours and is strikingly visible
from historic Route 6.

While there was considerable discussion about the Susquehanna River as
a part of the “Wyalusing Destination”, there appears to be only limited
recognition of the components of a “Rivertown” role for Wyalusing.
Perhaps this reflects the physical barriers between the Borough and the
River. However, more and more communities are rediscovering the River
within their heritage and tourism planning. Recent “river rediscoveries”
along Route 6 include Tunkhannock, Towanda, Laceyville and Carbondale
in the east and Youngsville and Warren in the west.
93
IMPLEMENTATION
The planning process has identified a number of localized implementation
measures aimed to enhancing the Wyalusing Area as a better tourism
destination and as a community. It is often easy to overlook the latter, but one
major goal of heritage-tourism is to stabilize and enhance the community’s
economy.
Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts
Heritage PA sponsored a study of the economic
impact of State Heritage Areas (SHA) in
Pennsylvania. The study analyzed the economic
impact of heritage areas and in Pennsylvania six
heritage areas including PA Route 6 participated.
Surveys were conducted at several sites in August
through October 2008. Survey data was paired with
visitation statistics for specific sites within each
heritage area and fed into an economic impact model
developed by the National Park Service called Money
Generation Model (MGM2). The results released in
2010 revealed that visitors to participating heritage
areas in Pennsylvania spent a total of $300.9 million in 2008, generating an
estimated $255.8 million in direct sales, which supported over $95 million in
salary and wages for Pennsylvania residents. Approximately 56% of the
spending ($168 million) was generated by overnight visitors staying in hotels,
motels, B&B’s, inns and other lodging, 29% ($88 million) by those either staying
with friends/family or in campgrounds and 15% ($45 million) by out-of-town day
visitors.
According to the Route 6 SHA portion, released by the PA Route 6 Alliance,
Route 6 attracts 3.5 million travelers a year, who spend approximately $91.1
million dollars, supporting over 2,000 jobs. The study also revealed the following:
 55% of the visitors to Route 6 were first-time visitors to the SHA;
 Over 67% of the 407 respondents, or 274 persons, were staying overnight
with the following major characteristics:
o
o
o
o




118 (43.1%) in hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts or inns
95 (34.7%) in campgrounds
40 (14.6% with family/friends in area
21 (7.7%) staying overnight outside the area.
The average stay along Route 6 was 2.9 nights.
The typical Route 6 travel party is one to four adults traveling without children,
in fact 84% of the travel parties are without children under 18 years of age.
Approximately 32% of the visitors reside in a different state, 17% reside in a
county within the Route 6 SHA and 51% in a county outside of the SHA.
The average number of facilities or attractions visited along Route 6 is 2.8.
94
Tourism and Economics
A recognized source for economic/tourism
thought and strategies is The 25 Immutable
Rules of Successful Tourism (Roger A.
Brooks and Maury Forman; Kendall/Hunt
Publishing Co., 2003), which coincides very
well with the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage
Communities Program. This referenced work
begins with a simple statement that earning
money in a given town and spending it
elsewhere is ―leakage‖. Tourism as a part of
an economic development strategy that seeks to avoid leakage, since it should
accomplish the following:







Diversifies local economy helping avoid over dependence on a few businesses;
Creates multipliers on all local businesses;
Brings in ―new money‖ to the community;
Helps tax base that in turn pays for community services and facilities;
Creates jobs and opportunities at the entry level;
Promotes business development especially when a visitor becomes an investor
or future business person; and
Enhances community aesthetics.
Successful tourism is premised on getting visitors to stop and keep them in town
longer, especially overnight.
―Visitors‖ may include tourist and business
travelers. A few ―rules of thumb‖ help understand the tourist-visitor a little better:

State estimates suggest that 44% of all visitors stay with relatives, thus a
large part of tourism occurs literally at the ―kitchen table‖;

The visitor experience is shaped by destinations or ―lures‖ that in turn create a
potential visitor market for attractions or ―diversions‖ (i.e. those amenities that
may depend on the lure);

There are a number of shifts occurring in the tourism industry due in large
part to the maturization of the ―baby boomer‖ generation:
o the prime season is expanding from the June-August period to a longer
April – October period;
o ―boomers‖ generally do not prefer motor coach/packaged tours but
prefer to be in greater control; and
o High gasoline prices notwithstanding, the RV industry appears to be
healthy (RV’s are premised on ―control‖)

Visitors spend only a portion of their time at ―typical‖ tourist lures:
o nationally, people spend 20-40 minutes in a museum
95
o the typical lure captures people for no more than 4-6 hours per day,
leaving 8-10 hours for other attractions and diversions, and 80% of
tourist spending occurs at these attractions and diversions
o the ―scenic vista‖ experience usually lasts no more than 15 minutes
Brooks and Forman often cite the ―4-Times Rule‖ in their discussion on tourism,
in that travelers subconsciously must be kept busy at a destination for a period 4
times the travel time to get there. Simply stated, one would probably not travel to
Europe or Hawaii for a weekend stay, due to the travel time involved. To localize
this to Wyalusing, driving time suggests that a visitor from the Scranton Area
would need to justify a trip to Wyalusing with only 3 1/3 hours of activities; a
visitor from the Harrisburg Area would need to justify a trip to Wyalusing with
11½ hours of activities, while the Pittsburgher would need fully 20 hours of
activities.
Obviously, experiences from an area larger than the Wyalusing area (i.e. Route
6, Endless Mountains, Poconos, etc.) can be ―bundled‖ into the visitor
experiences. Finally, this latter bundling issue is reflected in the fact that people
generally travel for experiences and not geography. An edited summary of their
following 25 rules help assure success and are critical in the Route 6 tourism
effort:
o
A good plan that takes into account local resources and likely visitors who may be
attracted by various features, such as natural resources (i.e. forests, recreation, etc.),
cultural resources (i.e. history, ethnic heritage, etc.), human resources (i.e.
performing arts, crafts, etc.) and capital resources (transportation, hotels, etc.).
These are included in this Heritage Community Planning effort.

Partnerships among visitor, development, business and other organizations,
representing the private and public sectors, much like the Wyalusing Stakeholders
Group;

Billboards and signage that ―tease‖ and tempt or give a reason for visitors to stop,
avoiding over used words and phrases (i.e. gateway, something for everyone, etc.).
Signage should use the right words, be brief, have a simple design and be
maintained.

Adequate, clean and conveniently located comfort facilities that may include a visitor
information kiosk. On the commercial side, national chains have found that
restrooms actually attract customers, with approximately one-half of those
purchasing something there doing it out of convenience and the other half out of
guilt. In short, since everybody ―has to go‖ why not take advantage of it as business
decision?

Take community design into account especially at entranceways focused on places
that will make the best first impressions, keeping signage uncluttered and
professionally done.
96

As a corollary, communities need adequate and user-friendly wayfinding signage;

Consider perpendicular signage with appropriate sized letter fonts for ease of
reading by drivers and pedestrians, advertising the type of store not just the name
that may be unfamiliar and meaningless for visitors.

Address parking issues with special ―forgiveness‖ for parkers/shoppers, providing
facilities (with signage) for RV parking and other local incentives. While enforcement
may not be a major issue in Wyalusing, conveniently located and signed parking
areas is an issue. By the way, studies show that most visitors need up to 4 hours of
parking at a given location.

Make the ―frontline‖ employees (i.e. retail clerks, waiters/waitresses, etc.) part of the
sales and attraction effort. This requires hospitality training, ―adoption‖ of resources
(―while you’re in town you need to see ….), cross-promotions or other local efforts.

Visitor information availability 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, with informational
kiosks augmenting staffed visitor centers, all of which should be conveniently located
and well maintained.

Create a conveniently located cluster of visitor oriented retail shopping opportunities
that in turn attract a critical mass of shoppers that benefit the clustered businesses.

Creatively convert any negative characteristics into positives, such as pointing out
the tourism potential of gas drilling.

Develop a unique idea or concept that sets your community apart and becomes
intrinsic in its theme. This may be one of the most critical and difficult elements,
since many communities can claim to be a friendly small town that is close to outdoor
recreation.

Gather third-party endorsements that reinforce the local pitch to visitors. This can be
as simple as welcoming comments at visitor’s register at the Visitor’s Center.

Pursue business attraction and retention that complements the local tourism
resources and helps attract visitors and keep them longer. Simply stated, focus on
businesses that fit in with community image, goals and context and avoid those that
may disrupt the setting or context.

The most successful museums and the ones most remembered tell stories and give
a context and do not merely show artifacts.

Keep people interested and occupied so that they are busy four times longer than it
took them to get there as noted earlier, so that they can say that ―… it was worth the
drive‖. This requires an understanding of the potential visitor market, the concept of
bundling and the relationship between accommodations and other hospitality
resources.

Understand the importance of ―product development‖ not just marketing in terms of
the local economic impacts of tourism. This may require a community to address
certain issues such as attractions, business development, visual quality and the
97
development of other diversions. Visitors need ―something to do‖, especially after
5:00.

Promote activities not just the place, perhaps in an ―activities guide‖ where the
experience is addressed. This can be on the State tourism website, local websites,
niche markets, etc.

Brand the community reflecting what is that sets it apart or is unique. Again, the
uniqueness sells the community. When one hears of Salem, MA or Williamsburg,
VA one has an image. While these communities may be the extreme, they do
illustrate the need to have a recognizable brand.

Photographs should show the activities not just the resources or attractions. Again,
sell the experience and not the location.

Promotional items should create a positive image and provide a simple way to
respond or call for more information.

Carry out a public relations effort in various types of media, since it is usually more
effective than advertising alone.

Use the Internet to attract visitors with a quality and user-friendly website; and

Advertising should be frequent and consistent.
The above include obvious and not so obvious concepts, not all of which is
directly related to Wyalusing. However, they help form the foundation of a local
tourism effort. Taken together they reinforce two critical components of any local
heritage community effort, simply stated what is unique about the Wyalusing area
and how does the community setting (i.e. visual quality, retailing, attractions,
diversions, etc.) interface with the area as a destination.
Tourism Factoids
The following factors have been identified by Destination Development, Inc, and
premise this Heritage Community planning effort:





#1 tourism activity worldwide– shopping, dining and entertainment in pedestrianfriendly setting having a critical mass of food, specialty retail and stores open after
6:00 (when 70% of spending occurs)
Tourists are active 14 hrs/day – 6 hours in the primary activity that brought them to a
place and 8 hours in secondary/diversionary activities
Secondary or diversionary activities account for 80% of visitor spending
Curb appeal accounts for 70% of most recreation and accommodations and food
services sales
Overnight visitors spend three times more per day than day-trippers
Building on the above the keys for success include getting visitors and passersby
to stop and create and maintain ways to keep them here longer. In other words,
98
the community needs to enhance its role as an overnight destination. Thus, the
WorkPlan should:




Develop, revitalize and maintain – things to do and keeping people busy
Inform and direct – personal contact not just signs, websites and brochures
Become a destination - Sell the experience not just the place
A good first impression – aesthetics and community design
Implementation Matrix
The various recommendations are interrelated and all oriented towards
addressing and reinforcing those two critical elements underlying this planning
effort, namely focusing on unique qualities and enhancing the community setting.
The matrix on pages 101-09 describes and relates the recommendations, and
places them into a suggested implementation timeframe.
Central to the implementation is a local responsible
and coordinating party assuming the role initiated by
the Wyalusing Stakeholders Group, namely a local
body involved in developing and promoting local
heritage tourism. Pragmatics should rule here, in that
as is the case with smaller communities, there are only
so many people to go around. A local decision, and a
critical one at that, is if this role is to be by a separate
individual body or a part of another, such as the
Chamber of Commerce, Borough, existing community
agency, etc. In addition, the multi-municipal nature of
this planning effort demands a regional approach to
implementation and a regional coordinating body.
The implementation process is complex and interrelated, and depends on
applying for and receiving a certain amount of public funding. The final plan will
be placed before the State Oversight Committee in an effort to see that this
occurs. Central themes are carried forward as an attempt to reinforce Wyalusing
in relation to the Endless Mountains Region.
Administrative - Framework/Institutional Issues
A central recommendation critical for follow-up and implementation of the
Heritage Communities Program concept is the institutionalization of a ―Steering
Committee‖ that will be the central focal point for localized tourism activities
recommended in this Plan. In essence, a committee is required for coordination,
monitoring, follow-up, marketing and promotion associated with future Heritage
Communities activities. The Steering Committee is recommended to meet the
following:


It should be representative and focused, embracing the community, area tourism
resources and focused on furthering the recommendations of this Plan;
It may include various existing groups and committees;
99


It should also include County and regional planning and development agencies; and
Officially sanctioned by municipal governing bodies.
The Committee is seen as a facilitator and coordinator focused on the
implementation of WorkPlan recommendations and not a ―new agency‖ per se.
Numerous recommendations are suggested to be carried out by other existing
agencies or officials. In these cases, the Committee essentially ―keeps things
moving‖ and/or monitors the community agenda and encourages actions.
Certain recommendations may require the committee to assume a more active
role in implementation. In either case, the Committee also has annual reporting
responsibilities to the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance, so that the Alliance is kept
abreast of progress towards carrying out the WorkPlan.
Administrative – Regulatory Issues
Pages 72-80 of this WorkPlan review present and proposed zoning and land use
regulations, as well as a critique of these regulations especially as they relate to
recognized and localized Route 6 heritage resources in relation to Route 6
themes. A common thread is the consideration of overlay zoning districts albeit
for different purposes in the Borough and Township (see page 106).
100
Short-term (first 12 months after adoption)
Recommendation/Action
Implementation
Category
Establishment of a Wyalusing Administrative
Heritage Community Steering
Committee (WHCSC)
Description
A formal group building on the activities of the
Stakeholders Group, charged with the coordination &
monitoring of achievement of recommendations
o Will also coordinate with the PA Rt. 6 Heritage
Corp.
o WHCSC should not duplicate work of existing
groups or agencies but be a coordinating
mechanism and formal organizational capacity to
maintain the Rt. 6 tourism focus. It can be an
addition or variation of an existing group such as
the Greater Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce
Comments
May include a cross-section representing:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Greater Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce
Borough of Wyalusing
Township of Wyalusing
Wyalusing Area School District
Wyalusing Community Corporation
Wyalusing Valley Museum
Wyalusing Rainbow Club
Wyalusing Library
Wyalusing Industrial Development Corporation
Downtown Business representatives
Rt 6 Business representatives
Tourism-oriented businesses not included above
Religious community representatives
Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau
Endless Mountains Heritage Region
Eastern Delaware Nations
Locals should add/delete as is felt most locally appropriate.
WHCSC may be under the GWCC and/or part of WCC and have
a place as a tab on the GWCC website.
Maintenance of
implementation effort
Administrative
WHCSC breaks WorkPlan recommendations into
activities and tasks for subcommittees
Development of a local
promotional effort with
regional tie-in
Marketing/Promotion, Initiation - WHCSC develops & maintains a local
Administrative
tourism-oriented tab on GWCC website
Seek representation on Endless Mountains Visitors
Bureau
o Create multi-day itineraries reinforcing the area and
relating to other Endless Mountains attractions
o Communication initiation and maintenance with other
Rt. 6 Heritage Communities
o Communication initiation and maintenance with
Towanda, Wysox, Laceyville and other nearby Rt. 6
communities
o Reach consensus on resources identified for wayfinding
o
Suggested implementation categories for subcommittees:
o
o
o
o
o
Administrative
Marketing/Promotions
Physical Enhancements
Tourism/Tours
Heritage Resource Development
Website tab should include destinations and tourismoriented/supportive businesses
o
o
Possible website location is ―Wyalusing Visitor Information‖
tab that should be expanded
Area between Mile Markers 270 (Towanda Area) and 302
(Meshoppen) that include
 69 accommodations/food services
 22 arts, entertainment & recreation providers
 67 tourism-oriented retail establishments
 Resources identified for wayfinding
Website upgrading costs $1,000-$2,000 (depending on
complexity & local capacities) with minimal maintenance
costs over those for existing websites
101
Short-term (first 12 months after adoption) - Continued
Continuation/expansion of
"Quilted Corners of
Wyalusing" tours
Implementation
Description
Category
Tourism/Tours
A public art project interfacing various aspects of
Marketing/Promotion community heritage - the arts, agriculture, farming and
quilting heritage
o Planned display on 100+/- barns, homes,
businesses and other structures
o Eventual posting of tour map on GWCC website
o Identified Tour Routes


Main Street/Downtown
Revitalization Program
Physical
Enhancements
Heritage Resource
Development
Rt. 409/706 tour - Wyalusing, Camptown & Lime
Hill
Rts. 6/1007/1008 tour – Wyalusing, Laceyville &
Camptown
Sugar Run tour – under development

Initiation of Downtown Revitalization involving
structural & non-structural activities within the Central
Business District
Determine interest in the Main Street Program
o
o
Join the PA Downtown Center.
Completion of a Community Profile and Letter of Intent
by WHCSC on behalf of Borough and submission via
DCED & Pennsylvania Downtown Center when
applications are again welcomed
Initiate early-action activities:
o
o
o
Tree replacement program on Main Street
Improved more visible signage for off-street parking lot
Improved directional signage on Rt. 6 for Historic Main
Street
 Highway Occupancy Permit from PennDOT (in
right-of-way)
 Sign placement (as ―event‖)
Comments
A creative locally developed and funded project that brings
together the community in various ways. The tour concept
also reinforces the idea of ―slowing people down‖ so the
spend more time in Wyalusing, with obvious benefits on
local businesses
Website mapping of routes would aid in itinerary
development by those planning to visit area, augmenting
the printed maps available at the GWCC office; low cost
item with use of GIS map base from this WorkPlan process
This is a major focus of the developmental
recommendations. This will require consensus on applying
for Main Street designation. Local funding under $1,000
(includes PDC membership). Funding cutbacks have made
this program very competitive and DCED is not accepting
planning and new designation applications during fiscal year
2009-10 (through June 30, 2010). GWCC/WCC to serve as
Main Street organization
An alternative to the full-fledged Main Street program would
be applications under several categorical components of the
program for funding via DCED:
o
o
o
Façade Improvement Grants (self-explanatory)
Anchor Building Grants (renovations to a significant building in
each town)
Downtown Reinvestment Grants (can fund a wide variety of
activities – structural improvements, streetscape,
construction, etc.); DCED funding in $250,000 range
WHCSC to coordinate application(s) to DCED; Local match
requirements vary among activities.
Local fundraising for directional signage enhancement
102
Short-term (first 12 months after adoption) - Continued
Participation in Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful
Program
Implementation
Description
Category
Marketing/Promotion Continuation of the annual ―Litter Indexing‖ survey in
Administration
and around Wyalusing as developed with the PA Rt. 6
Heritage Corp. during the HCP planning process
Wyalusing Walking Tour
Marketing/Promotion Posting of Wyalusing Walking Tour on GWCC website
o
Mapping of Route
o Locational index and photographs of
significant/contributing structures
Gingerbread Festival
Marketing/Promotion Continue and expand the Gingerbread Festival
o The addition of carriage tours was discussed at
Stakeholder meetings and community workshops
Enhancement of Existing
Resources
Heritage Resource
Development
Carry out early-action resource enhancement activities
Wyalusing Rocks - Request PennDOT to replace
―Scenic Overlook‖ signs on Rt. 6 with signs designating
overlook as ―Wyalusing Rocks‖
o Durell Village – Request permission from PennDOT to
restore iconic Durell Village Marker
o
Conservation Enhancements
Heritage Resource
Development
Establish timeframe, responsibilities and framework
for Annual Recognition Program/‖Wyalusing Palette‖
Continuation – OnCell
Historic Tour System
Marketing/Promotion Maintenance of recently development OnCell system
for Wyalusing History Trail
Comments
The Litter Index requires an annual canvassing and rating of
the communities and/or neighborhoods within, with followup work focusing on resolving identified problems and
monitoring
The Walking Tour and the brochure is an excellent resource
and example of local creativity and initiatives of the GWCC.
o Suggestion is to locate some of the most significant
structures on a map on the GWCC website location
―Wyalusing Visitor Information‖ tab with photographs
(historic & present if possible)
o Suggested featuring the structures most related to the
Victorian/Gingerbread theme
The Gingerbread Festival grew out of the Planning
Charrette capitalizing on the Victorian/Gingerbread
architecture that typifies significant structures in Wyalusing,
especially in the Historic District
The Wyalusing Rocks re-designation activity is the first of
several enhancements suggested there. The use of
―Wyalusing Rocks‖ ties it closer to the community.
Restoration of the Durell marker reinforces the ―French
Connection‖ theme and is the first part of the enhanced
connection of Wyalusing with French Azilum and the
proposed Rt. 187 Tour
Very initial item establishing an annual recognition program
recognizing rehabilitation and maintenance projects that
have been carried out reflecting an agreed upon
―Wyalusing Palette‖
o Positive reinforcement & peer pressure locally favored
over property maintenance regulations
OnCell allows travelers to call in numbers posted on 25
sites and described in brochure
103
Mid-term (1-5 years)
Rt. 187 Auto/Bike Tour
Implementation
Description
Category
Tourism/Tours
Mapped tour in WorkPlan with wayfinding signage
Marketing/Promotion linking Wyalusing, French Azilum and Wysox largely
along Routes 187 and 6
Agricultural area with numerous river views and two
river access points
o US Route 6 is part of the Loop
o Accesses Spring Lake (Woolly Mammoth site) via SR
2015 (Spring Lake/Marshview Rds.)
o Includes mini-loop connecting Rt. 187 (at Durell) with
French Azilum and Homet’s Mill/Ferry area via working
agricultural area
o
Continuation - Main
Street/Downtown
Physical
Continuation of Downtown Revitalization involving
Enhancements
structural & non-structural activities within the Central
Marketing/Promotion Business District
Main Street Streetscape continuation with replacement
of period-style lighting standards with electrical
receptacles for string lighting, benches & banners
o Façade enhancements/maintenance (10-12 storefronts)
o Front Street streetscape enhancements including
lighting, benches & banners
o Recruitment efforts – focused on three presently vacant
storefronts on Main Street and upper floor residential
development
o
Heritage Resource
Development
Initiate Annual Recognition Program/‖Wyalusing
Palette‖
Develop consensus on generalized ―palette‖ rather than
rigid standards
o Develop plaque for awards
o Announce/initiate recognition program
o
Comments
Tour interfaces Wyalusing, French Azilum & Route 6
themes
o Roadside signage designating route as Wyalusing
Heritage Route; Two-faced signs at strategic locations
at an estimated cost of $15,000 - $20,000
o Potential sources include upcoming transportation
enhancements, future State Heritage Area funding (i.e.
Endless Mountains and/or Route 6 State Heritage
Areas) if/when restored in State Budget
o Posting of tour on a map on the GWCC website location
from strategic areas (i.e. Marie Antoinette Overlook, Rt.
6 rock cut area from French Azilum, etc.)
Continuation of major focus of the developmental
recommendations as the Main Street approach and/or
Downtown Revitalization via DCED
o Façade Improvement Grants (matching grants for
projects in the range of $2,500 - $7,500)
o Downtown Reinvestment Grants (structural
improvements, streetscape, etc.); DCED funding in
$250,000 range)
o WHCSC markets streetscape enhancements & vacant
storefronts via GWCC website. If Wyalusing becomes
an official Main Street community, recruitment is a part
of the approach
o Peer involvement with local landowners/potential
developers on interest/ & involvement with loft & other
up-scale residential development on Main Street
Program to annually recognize rehabilitation and
maintenance projects that have been carried out reflecting
an agreed upon ―Wyalusing Palette‖ concurrent with
Gingerbread Festival
o Award(s) for activities that year
o Award(s) for ―past achievement‖ (thereby not neglecting
past initiatives)
104
Mid-term (1-5 years) - Continued
Trail Development
Implementation
Category
Tourism/Tours
Description
Comments
Focus on Water Trail link between Wyalusing and the
Susquehanna River & Wyalusing Creek Water Trails
Reinforces Wyalusing as one of the ―river towns‖ building on
the Greenway Plan’s identification of the Susquehanna
River and Wyalusing Creek Water Trails
o Coordination/cross-promotion with Laceyville, recently
designated as a ―Greenway River Town‖ as a part of the
Susquehanna Greenway and the Susquehanna River
Water Trail - North Branch
Initial land trail activities oriented towards linking Wyalusing
(1) with Friedenshutten and (2) local segment of proposed
Susquehanna Rail Trail (as per Greenway Plan); Suggested
addressing via Trail Feasibility Study (DCNR C2P2) that will
analyze longer range trail issues (estimated cost $25,000);
Implementation of Friedenshutten & RR crossing segments
as early-action items after feasibility study
o
o
Address the river access to Wyalusing Creek via
Homer or Welles properties (easements or
acquisitions)
Seek designation as a ―Greenway River Town‖
Develop a Trail Feasibility Study
Land Trail linkage – initial steps required
Friedenshutten monument area – survey mapping to
identify acquisition/easement need
o Railroad crossing access acquisition/easement for trail
providing link to Grovedale Lane
o
Tour Development
Marketing/Promotion Sponsor an semi-annual/annual contest to ―create a
tour‖ on GWCC website in the ―Wyalusing Visitor
Information‖ tab
Community members (individuals/ teams) would be
encouraged to engage in the visitor experience and
―package‖ their favorites into a photo/video tour
o Upload all tours to YouTube (video) or Flickr (slides)
where they can be voted on (and also promote the
community).
o
Rts. 409/706 Auto/Bike Tour
Tourism/Tours
Mapped tour in WorkPlan linking Wyalusing,
Marketing/Promotion Camptown and Lime Hill with wayfinding signage
o
Access for numerous sites in Wyalusing Historic Tour
o Accesses numerous locations participating in the
Quilted Corners of Wyalusing Tour
Encourages community involvement by creating tours that
also keep the visitor experience fresh and ongoing. Would
interface well with the Quilt Tour video already on-line. This
is a low cost item that accomplishes community
engagement, real-life itineraries and marketing.
Tour interfaces various Wyalusing themes/activities
o Roadside signage designating route as Wyalusing
Heritage Route; Two-faced signs at strategic locations
at an estimated cost of $8,000 - $15,000
o Potential sources include upcoming transportation
enhancements, future State Heritage Area funding (i.e.
Endless Mountains and/or Route 6 State Heritage
Areas) if/when restored in State Budget
o Posting of tour on a map on the GWCC website location
from strategic areas (i.e. Camptown, Lime Hill, etc.)
105
Mid-term (1-5 years) - continued
Resources
Implementation
Category
Heritage Resources
Development
Resources
Heritage Resources
Development
Description
Comments
Coordination with French Azilum, Inc. and the
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC)
to encourage the sustainability, enhancement and full
potential as a tourism resource for French Azilum
o The major responsibilities may be with French Azilum,
Inc., PHMC and other regional tourism & heritage
agencies, but the sustainability affects tourism in
Wyalusing as well as the Towanda/Wysox area
While beyond the responsibility of the WHCSC, French
Azilum is a major part of the ―French Connection‖ theme
emerging from the WorkPlan process. The WHCSC should
be interested in two major matters involving French Azilum:
o The funding & completion of a Master Plan for the Site
o The potential for local operation of the Site
The Site is a critical regional resource, perhaps the best
demonstration of the PA Rt. 6 theme of ―New Beginnings
and Safe Havens‖ along the entire 427-mile corridor. It is a
lynchpin for the proposed Route 187 Auto/Bike Tour and
intimately related to nearby Homet and other Frenchthemed sites.
Encourage the Borough to carry out revisions to the
Borough Zoning Ordinance identified during the WorkPlan
process and reviewed on pp. 72-6
o Most critical is the concept of an Historic Overlay
Zoning District for the National Register Historic
District (NRHD)
o Other suggested revisions involve measures
strengthening the pedestrian scale of the B-1 Business
District, certain signage standards, realigning a few
uses by district and select additional and clearer
definitions
Encourage the Township to carry out revisions to the
Township Zoning Ordinance identified during the WorkPlan
process and reviewed on pp. 76-80
o Consider localizing dimensional requirements by
District
o Consider compatibility/conflict potentials in a suggested
Rt. 6 Scenic Corridor Overlay District and/or a
Conservation Overlay District
o Consider a mixed-use village/traditional neighborhood
development or historic overlay district in Camptown
NRHD designation alone does not protect the integrity of
the significant structures located therein. The NRHD in the
Borough transcends several ―conventional‖ Zoning Districts.
Other overlays are suggested for the Township. The
Overlay approach (used by many communities) simply
placed certain standards or uses over and above those of
the underlying districts. These may deal with the following:
o Certain permitted or prohibited uses and/or special
exceptions or conditional uses
o Design and/or dimensional standards that reinforce
historic patterns
o Incentives for uses/reuses that maintain exterior
appearance
o Disincentives for demolition
DCED has funded zoning ordinance updates via its Land
Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP)
that generally requires a 50% match; Revisions to Zoning
Ordinances must follow State requirements and may vary in
cost depending on the types of revisions; Multi-municipal
approaches have been favored over those involving a single
municipality
106
Mid-term (1-5 years) - continued
Wayfinding Signage
Implementation
Category
Physical
Enhancements
Description
Initiate planning for conservation/gateway
enhancements on Rt.6 (see concept drawing) then
implementation (phased if necessary) of
conservation/gateway enhancements in former Mill
Pond Area along Rt. 6
o New/enhanced signage
o Period era lighting used on Main & Front Streets
focused along gateway area
o Picnic area
o Walkway pedestrian connection along frontage to
Wyalusing Creek Plaza
Marketing/Promotion Install wayfinding signage for resources identified and
in addition to tours noted earlier
Comments
This was a popular enhancement growing out of the
WorkPlan process a conceptual drawing was
developed Potential sources include upcoming
transportation enhancements, future State Heritage
Area funding (i.e. Endless Mountains and/or Route 6
State Heritage Areas) if/when restored in State Budget
o Brings ―Wyalusing Feel‖ to Route 6
o Costs vary with detail but likely in the $50,000 $125,000 range
Cost-sharing between future State Heritage Area
funding via the PA Rt. 6 Alliance (presently unfunded
at State level) and local/private funding suggested.
Costs will vary with number of locations signed but is
expected to be in the range of $400-$500 per sign for
manufacture and installation (excluding design and
permitting costs)
107
Long- term (6-10 years)
Completion - Main
Street/Downtown
Implementation
Category
Physical
Enhancements
Description
Last phases Downtown Revitalization completing
structural activities and strengthening/ restructuring
the orientation of the Central Business District
Completion of Streetscape enhancements on Main &
Front Streets and Façade enhancements &
maintenance
o Recruitment efforts – focused on arts related, antiques,
accommodations, dining, jewelry & related specialty
retail
o Upper floor residential development
o Resource Information kiosk in abandoned small white
building on Front St.
o
Route 6 Commercial Area
Enhancements
Physical
Enhancements
Multi-faceted physical enhancements along Route 6
Trail Development
Tourism/Tours
Longer term land trail development activities focusing
on connecting segments
Strategic Streetscape enhancements at select locations
(i.e. northern gateway, 2nd St.
o Façade enhancement in the commercial area
o Sidewalk/pedestrian link between commercial plaza
and 2nd Street
o
Completion of Friedenshutten & Grovedale segments
as/if required
o Development of Wyoming Valley Museum Natural Area
Trail (loop)
o Susquehanna River Rail Trail participation
o
Comments
Continuation of major focus of the developmental
recommendations as the Main Street approach and/or
Downtown Revitalization via DCED
o Façade Improvement Grants (matching grants for
projects in the range of $2,500 - $7,500) – expanded to
Rt. 6 area
o Downtown Reinvestment Grants (structural
improvements, streetscape, etc.); DCED funding in
$250,000 range)
o WHCSC markets streetscape enhancements & vacant
storefronts via GWCC website.
o Peer involvement in upper floor residential/loft
development implementation via coordination with
private sector
o Front Street building has no utilities but a view of
Wyalusing Creek, a rare feature in downtown area
($20,000 - $35,000)
Rt. 6 select streetscape enhancements may include
welcoming signage, landscaping/plantings and pedestrian
enhancements; Costs vary with detail but likely in the
$35,000 - $70,000 range; Potential sources include
upcoming transportation enhancements, future State
Heritage Area funding (i.e. Endless Mountains and/or Route
6 State Heritage Areas) if/when restored in State Budget
Trail development is a long range activity typically
consisting of focusing on development of segments with
costs varying with scope – need to purchase right-of-way or
easements, surface water crossings/bridges, clearing, trail
preparation, trail head activities and others; costs may
range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of
dollars per mile; major funding sources include DCNR C2P2
Programs (Recreation & Conservation, Pennsylvania
Recreational Trails, Rails-to-Trails); most require 50%
match.
108
Long- term (6-10 years)
Trail Development
Implementation
Category
Tourism/Tours
Heritage Resource
Development
Marketing/Promotion
Description
Comments
Expanded and continued coordination with various
regional agencies in the development and marketing
of the Susquehanna River Water Trail, part of the
National Recreation Trail System, with the following:
In Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna River Water Trail - North
Branch starts with a 15-mile-long paddling journey from
Oakland to Great Bend in Susquehanna County. It re-enters
the Commonwealth in Bradford County at Sayre and
continues 166 miles, ending at Shikellamy State Park in
Northumberland / Sunbury at the confluence with the West
Branch of the Susquehanna. The Water Trail guide highlights
a number of Wyalusing area attractions by river miles for
water trail users:
Endless Mountains Heritage Region (official Water
Trail Manager for the North Branch Susquehanna
River Water Trail)
o Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
o Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Enhanced self-guided tour
Marketing/Promotion
Heritage Resource
Development
Improve wayfinding by use of geo-coded,
downloadable locations that can be used by those
with GPS devices and geocachers
o Monitor technology changes than apply the OnCell approach or upcoming variation to groups
o Identify all or major Wyalusing History Trail sites
as ―caches‖
Standing Stone
French Azilum Historic Site
French Azilum Methodist Church
Homets Ferry and Mill
Wyalusing Rocks Overlook
Eastern Delaware Nations (proposed cultural center)
Wyalusing Valley Museum and Natural Area
Friedenshutten
Indian Hill
Thus, water trail is critical for resource interpretation.
Mobile applications such as OnCell have potential, but may
need to be adaptable to small groups rather than individuals.
o Nationally, statistics have demonstrated that heritage
visitors see events, sites and museums as opportunities
for being with friends/ family, so mobile applications need
to engage the group, not just the individual
o Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS
users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take
advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a
GPS unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and
organizations set up caches and share locations of these
caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the
location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a
cache may provide the visitor with a reward
109
Summary of Recommendations
The graphic depictions on pages 112-15 help depict the recommendations that
are appropriately graphically illustrated, cutting across the categories included in
the Implementation Matrix on the previous pages.
Regional Tourism and Heritage Map
The graphic on page 112 summarizes existing
tourism resources as well as suggested
resources, including trail segments, tours,
resources reflecting the ―French Connection‖, resigning the Wyalusing Rocks ―Scenic Overlook‖,
which is an early action recommendation and
the rediscovery of the River and Creek. Existing
resources are many and varied ranging
embracing cultural, environmental and physical
features and resources unique to the Wyalusing Area. The existing and proposed
resources are included in the recommendations matrix.
The types of visitors the planning process feels that may be attracted cuts across
interest and age groups, embracing travellers with interest in folk and cultural
heritage, arts aficionados, persons with architectural interests, cyclists, river
recreation enthusiasts and revellers at one of the many area festivals and events
Wyalusing Borough Revitalization Concept Map
Revitalization recommendations on page 113
are premised on reinforcing Wyalusing as a
charming and pedestrian-friendly shopping area
for these varied travellers and vistors. Key
among them are the enhancements along Main
and Front Streets, the Route 6 Commercial
Area
enhancements,
the
Gateway
enhancements, the water trail linkage and the
pedestrian trail segments and railroad
underpass. In addition, certain directional signage enhancements are suggested
as an early-action item to immediately make Main Street more accessible and
recognizable to the Route 6 traveler, while the streetscape enhancements along
Route 6 essentially extend the charming feel and walability of the ―Shortest Main
Street in America‖ to the heavily travelled and more highway-commercial areas.
Local workshops and planning focused on one area along Route 6 that is very
visible and has significance on the industrial heritage of the area. The graphic on
page 114 focuses on this community gateway, serving the goal of extending the
―Wyalusing Feel‖ to an otherwise stark and generic location. The Gateway is
110
near the historic Mill Pond, providing opportunity for on-site interpretation via a
plaque/old photographs, yet providing a place to relax while greeting the Route
traveler. Local Stakeholders suggested a walkway along the frontage of the
gateway affording pedestrian link between the town and nearby shopping plaza
that also reflects various recommendations associated with trails in the
WorkPlan. Period lighting, walkways and signage welcome the Route 6 traveller,
while a picnic area encourages people to stop and wander around by foot. The
concept accomplishes all of this while providing an aesthetically pleasing first
impression.
Wyalusing Regional Connections
The WorkPlan makes a conscious effort to
slow people down, getting them to stay
overnight, dine, relax and venture on and off
of Route 6, remembering an overnight visitor
outspends a day vistor by three times. The
graphic on page 115 outlines a number of
proposed or existing automobile or bicycle
tours. The objective of the tours is to ―slow
people down‖ so they spend more time
discovering resources and of course
contributing to the economy. The tours connect a number of regional resources
and feature connections with PA Route 6 but still have Wyalusing as a focal
point.




The Route 6 portion connects Wyalusing with Towanda and Laceyville,
both communities refocusing on the River;
The tours connect many if not all of the sites on the Wyalusing History
Trail, including the especially significant resources in the Overlooks (i.e.
Marie Antoinette and Wyalusing Rocks), French Azilum, Camptown and
Friedenshütten;
The tours showcase the agricultural heritage as well as the more recent
natural gas exploration efforts; and
Several of the tours are or interface well the ―Quilted Corners of
Wyalusing‖ tours.
111
SR 20
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Interpretation/Kiosk
mp282
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Limehill
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The "French Connection"
Steven Durell
(Huguenot Pioneer)
Asylum
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Scenic Highway
mp283
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4
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Homets Ferry
SR 2 0 2 0
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Wyalusing Valley
Motorsports Park
Susquehanna River
Water Link/Trail
SR
20 2
Camptown
PA 706
Durell
Village Crossroads
"Camp Town Races"
9
40
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French Azilum
2014
SR &
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Recreation Enhancements
Restore Marker
!
HERRICK TOWNSHIP
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Local Ownership - Master Plan
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Standing Stone
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The "French Connection"
Homet Family
(1793)
Homet's Ferry &
Homets Mill
WYALUSING TOWNSHIP
SR 2
Eastern Deleware Nation
Cultural Center
(Proposed)
038
SR 2025
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Wyalusing Rocks/
Prayer Rocks
mp286
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PA 1
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PA 187 Auto Tour
- Agricultural
- Cultural Heritage Sites
TERRY TOWNSHIP
Welles House
W Valley Museum Terrytown
Century Farm
Grovedale Winery
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Sugar Run
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Susquehanna River
Water Link/Trail
01
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20
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Frieden shutten (1765)
and earlier Native American
"Old Town"
ALBANY TOWNSHIP
- Focal Point "Arts & Architecture"
- Historic District
- Shopping
WYALUSING BOROUGH
4
Rt 6 East Wyoming &
Lackawanna Link mp291
Cherrytown
Marshview
SR 201
SR 10 0
Cargill Plant
(Agricultural Heritage)
Signage/Interpretation
Wyalusing Rocks Overlook
Viall Hill
Merryall
!
Wyalusing Regional Resources
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Revitalization Components
- Fill Retail Gaps (i.e. jewelry, clothing, etc)
- Recruitment Focus on Vacant Storefronts
- Build on Arts Base (more art stores & dinner/theatres)
- Connections with Museum, Rivers
French Azilum & other Resources
- Trail & Water Links
- Banquet/Accomodations/Inns
- Upper Floor Residential
- Business/Direction Signage
h
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Arrow United Industries
"Highway Commercial"
State S
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Riverside Dr
5th St
Pedestrian Link
6
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mp287
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PA 706
PA 187
187
Water Trail Segment
Co
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Streetscape Enhancement Area
- Lighting
- Landscaping
- Signage
0
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Public Use/Creek View
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Enhancements:
Reuse Potential
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Taylor Ave
"Shortest Main Street in America"
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Front St
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SR 10
- Suggested Design
- Annual Recognition
- PHMC Assistance
East St
Church St
Canal St
Historic District
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Senata
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Johns St
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- Welcoming Signage
- Landscaping
- Picnic Area
- Period Lighting
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Gateway
Streetscape
Facade
Wyalusing Borough Revitalization Concepts
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
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mp293
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mp294
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BRAINTRIM TOWNSHIP
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Skinners Eddy
PA
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New Era
Road Links
Quilt and Barn Tour
WILMOT
(TBD)
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Monroeton
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Herrickville
Myersburg
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Wyalusing Regional Connections
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Interpretive Planning Statement – What Makes Wyalusing Unique?
The final step of the Heritage Communities Planning effort is the development of
Planning Statements that (1) embody the local heritage tourism effort and (2)
relate this heritage to the identified six themes of the Pennsylvania Route 6
Corridor, which include The Warrior’s Road, Natural Opportunities, The
Engineer’s Challenge, New Beginnings and Safe Havens, Visionaries, Achievers
and Social Entrepreneurs and Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise. Popular
engagement and discussions during the planning process included all of the
Route 6 themes:

A Warrior’s Road:
Sullivan’s March, YankeePennamite Wars, the Eastern Delaware Nation (EDN),
Honoring Veterans of many wars and the Battles of
Indian Hill and Lime Hill were all mentioned by locals.
Of particular importance was the rich history
associated with early Native American settlement,
transportation routes, contact with explorers and
skirmishes with the settlers. Of special note, EDN
Cultural Center has been planned on Rt. 6 across from
Wyalusing Rocks (a/k/a Prayer Rocks) a former ―lookout‖. In a more confrontational note, both the Indian
Hill and Lime Hill battles involved encounters between Native Americans and
the US military. Also, locals pointed with pride to the several Bradford County
communities involved in Hometown Heroes, a project whereby businesses,
organizations and/or individuals may buy a banner ($200) honoring a
Veteran. Initial banners are being installed in Towanda with other
communities to follow.

Natural Opportunities:
The settlement and
development of the Wyalusing area is deeply
rooted in agriculture and the Susquehanna
River. The area has a unique geology as
evident in the ―twin‖ Route 6 cuts, and even
boasts a Woolly Mammoth in nearby Spring
Lake along the Rt. 187 Tour Route (Note: a trait
also shared with Conneaut Lake, another Route
6 Heritage Community 272 miles west of
Wyalusing). More recently, the gas drilling boom associated with the
Marcellus Shale formation has hit early and exuberantly in the area.

The Engineers Challenge: The meat processing industry has been a mainstay
in the local industrial heritage, and the Cargill Plant is a living part of this
heritage. While long-gone, the North Branch Canal was seen as another
example within this Route 6 theme, although the River reminds one of this
heritage as well as vestiges such as Canal Street. The ―twin cuts‖ along
116
Route 6 between Wyalusing and Wysox is along one of the most scenic
segments of Route 6, revealing the geology and the engineering challenges
facing the present alignment of Route 6 in this area.

New Beginnings and Safe Havens: Perhaps
French Azilum is the most readily apparent
example of this Route 6 theme, with the site
offering both a unique developmental
opportunity and challenge. Locals feel that the
stories of the French who actually strayed
after French Azilum closed is an understated
story, including the Homet, Durrell and many
other families who settled the region and
made it prosper. These folk are all part of the ―French Connection‖ that
surfaced in discussions during the planning process. The settlement of the
community from Gohontoto to Friedenshutten to M'chwihilusing to Wyalusing
reflects a continuing series of new beginnings by succeeding peoples and
―local residents‖.

Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs: Of course, the stories and
contributions of Charles Welles to the early commercial base and community
life of the community, and of Stephen Foster and David Wilmot are also
important to the identity of the community and larger region. The area is seen
as being connected with the Abolitionists and the Underground Railroad by
local residents involved in the planning process.

Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise: Clearly seen as
a key theme to the community, involving the
Susquehanna
River,
Wyalusing
Creek,
numerous fishing opportunities and fishing
guides in the area, hunting on public lands as
well as a nearby game preserve. Increasing
interest in River usage, outfitting and general
appreciation was noted at various workshops
during the planning process.
In tourism, a brand is how a place is perceived. That perception may be
reinforced by a logo or slogan. A brand is also a promise, one that is ―delivered
on‖ via certain attractions, activities and resources. This promise may create
expectations and impressions among the public. A brand is also a reputation that
is earned, good or bad, over a period of time and it is not invented overnight or
even rolled out. Slogans, advertisements and logos merely get the word out
about the brand. In tourism, brands should relate to activities and experiences,
and just as they are in well-recognized products, tourism brands should be rather
unique.
117
Brand recognition and other reactions are created by the accumulation of
experiences with the specific product or service. Some marketers distinguish the
psychological aspect of a brand from the experiential aspect. The experiential
aspect consists of the sum of all points of contact with the brand and is known as
the brand experience. The psychological aspect, sometimes referred to as the
brand image, is a symbolic construct created within the minds of people and
consists of all the information and expectations associated with a product or
service. Thus, a brand really resides within the hearts and minds of customers,
clients, and, in this case, tourists. It is the sum total of their experiences and
perceptions, some of which you can influence, and some that you cannot.
The Wyalusing Brand
The architecture and role of the community as a
commerce hub for an otherwise rural region are
parts of the brand of the community, but interest
in trails – land and water are becoming popular
as well. People have looked at Wyalusing as a
pleasant stopover and a place to shop – for
everything from arts, wine and crafts to
convenience goods and insurance - and dine in
a quaint small town where one can peruse along
the ―Shortest Main Street in the Country‖. The
―Gingerbread‖ seen throughout the National Register Historic District typifies the
Wyalusing brand and palette. The suggested Loop Tours reinforce the role of the
community as a ―village center‖ of sorts, surrounded by conservation easement
land and the River and Creek. All tours begin and end in Wyalusing and connect
many resources to this compact architectural gem and commerce center.
Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement
The Wyalusing community should focus its
respective uniqueness to attract the traveling
public and strengthen itself as a destination.
While unique architecture, cultural heritage and
the small town quaintness is a reality, the
question still begs, ―What can a traveler get in
Wyalusing that they cannot find in their own
backyard?‖
This WorkPlan identifies these
unique qualities and Wyalusing’s attractions and
resources should be on the tips of every townsperson’s tongue. Identified early
on in the planning process was the need to provide information on local and
regional attractions in a consistent location. Information should be easily
available on how to get to a given attraction or activity, the best way to
experience it, and the history or story related to the attraction.
118

Wayfinding signage should be incorporated into the plan and be part of the
informational system; it should be easy to read and congruent throughout
community.

The theme and its coordinated message should be center to a localized marketing
and promotion effort that is at the same time coordinated with other regional efforts.
In this case, it includes the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, as well as the PA
Route 6 Alliance. Cross promotion of events and attractions should be both
community-wide and regionally based.
Recognizing the relationship between Wyalusing and the larger region is
important in marketing. Wyalusing is a part of a rich arts, cultural, river and
outdoors tourism resources of the larger region. The matrix includes a number of
recommendations on getting these messages out. Identified in the planning
project was the need to provide information on local and regional attractions in
consistent and convenient locations. Wyalusing has forged ahead with the OnCell system that is both a guide and marketing tool. In the long-term the
WorkPlan identifies the need for augmenting this with a geo-coded guide and
geo-caching locations that are a direct effort towards uniting the many resources
located in the region.
Regional and Local Promotions
The WorkPlan suggests a combined effort that both ties in with those of the
Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and further develops local promotional
efforts. Websites continue to grow in importance in tourism promotions, and the
recommendations in the Implementation Matrix reflect this.
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Wyalusing should be active in the promotions of the Endless Mountains Visitors
Bureau, with possible representation on the Board of Directors. This arrangement will
afford the community the opportunity to participate in other state, regional and local
efforts.
Create a multi-day itinerary using the Loop Tours as the unifying force for activities
and visits to the area. The tours bring together the community and the experiences
and resources of the larger region. In all cases, the experience not necessarily the
locations/towns should be emphasized.
The itinerary should be posted on the Greater Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce
website and provided to all local and regional marketing affiliates.
Incorporate National Tourism Week (1st full week of May) into the school curriculum
by inviting business owners, Endless
Mountains Visitors Bureau staff and local
tourism experts to speak about the
importance of tourism to high school
students.
Coordinate with the Wyalusing Area School
District in the development of curriculum for a
local history course.
Informational Kiosk in abandoned building on
Front St.
Highlight successful businesses through an
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awards and recognition program.
Maintain participation in the Litter Index in the Keep America Beautiful Program.
Cross Promotions
Businesses should be encouraged to cross promote their products, services and
offerings.

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Local accommodations and attractions are recommended to agree on joint
packaging, even cooperatively advertising their product. Attractions should not be
limited to physical places. Guide services, artisans and other specialists can offer
their services or learning experiences to lodging guests.
Promotions are recommended to reflect the themes noted in the Implementation
Matrix.
Certain events and attractions draw sizable crowds, giving the opportunity to connect
to those events and attractions and offer something downtown to attract the visitor.
For example, special sales and activities coinciding with these signature events.
Web Presence
In addition to web-based tourism promotions, a greater presence of 158+/- area
tourism resources on searchable websites, since many are not on existing bases
or are not searchable to small community level. These include no less than:

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69 accommodations/food services
22 arts, entertainment and recreation providers
67 tourism-oriented retail establishments
Wayfinding Planning Statement
Planning by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s notes the importance of installing
tourist-friendly signage as part of a tourism development and promotion effort. A
relatively new approach has been developed that replaces the Tourism-Oriented
Directional Signage on State highways. The State signage will let people know
where they are (i.e. identify regions, local communities and attractions).
Wayfinding signing at a local level is a way to provide a systematic network of
directional signs to guide the traveling public from major highway gateways to
key civic, cultural, regional and commercial destinations using the minimum
number of signs. It is designed to coincide with regional tourism marketing. A
common signing program for the multi-municipal region was a recommendation
that grew out of the public participation process for this Heritage Communities
Program. A few guiding principles for wayfinding are summarized below:

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
Wayfinding needs are best resolved during initial planning stages through a
collaborative effort by all design professionals, architects, designers and sign
makers, to address a project's total environmental communication.
Graphics, such as signs, color-coding, maps, banners, brochures and Websites,
provide orientation, direction, identification and regulatory information.
Provide standardized "you are here" maps of the project that include an overall map
of the complex and more detailed maps of specific areas.
120

Local tourism resources should be designated by directional signage that includes a
common logo, directional arrow and distance.
The challenges to current resource signing in general include lack of uniformity,
message overload, sign redundancy, poor image for tourists, lack of
effectiveness/prioritization, lack of background context, and lack of maintenance.
Signage System
Color/symbol coded resource signage for the resources, keyed to the following
groups:
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Natural/Environmental resources– public and private sites
Sporting resources – fishing, cycling, ATV, hiking, swimming, boating, etc.
Community Life resources – churches, library, etc.
Industrial/Commercial resources – past/present businesses and sites
Historic Sites – museums, architecturally significant buildings, etc.
Tourism Services resources – visitors centers, accommodations and food services,
tourism-oriented retail/services, etc.
Locally eligible attractions typically included in wayfinding efforts are summarized
as follows:
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commercial attractions such as the historic Main Street business district, Route 6
commercial areas, Grovedale Winery and other signature specialty shopping;
cultural/historical attractions such as the Library, Wyalusing Valley Museum,
Wyalusing Area Schools etc.;
historical/architectural attractions such as the historic
district, the individually listed or eligible structures as per
Tables 4 and 5, Homet’s Ferry and Mill, , suggested
Wyalusing Walking Tour path and sites of non-existing
critical sites (i.e. mill pond, canal, Friedenshutten, etc.) ;
recreational attractions such as campgrounds, golf
courses, trails, horseback riding areas, Wyalusing Valley
Motorsport Park, Wyalusing Fireman’s Field;
tourist services such as the Hotel and other
accommodations, the Visitor’s Center (GWCC); and
transportation facilities such as historic bridges, river
access points, etc.
Typically, signed attractions shall be open to all persons regardless of race,
color, religion, ancestry, sex, age or handicap; be clean and pleasing in
appearance, maintained in good repair; and comply with all applicable code
regulations and statutes for public accommodations; be open to the general
public a minimum of 30 days per calendar year; and provide sufficient parking
and an on-premise sign readily visible from the highway. Signage efforts should
consider a signage partnership with attractions benefiting to meet installation,
design and maintenance costs.
121
Heritage Resource Development/Community Needs Planning Statement
Physical improvements alone will not assure
success in the Wyalusing area becoming better
tourist destinations; however their role in
establishing and reinforcing the community context
should not be underestimated. This WorkPlan
proposes
a
number
of
community
and
developmental initiatives that not only make these
communities better places to visit but a better place
in which to live. These strategic enhancements attempt to improve the visual
quality and ―lure concept‖ by concentrating activities that reinforce the unique
qualities of the community. Based on the review of input, discussion and field
conditions, the development and community recommendations focus on the
following:

Downtown revitalization efforts in the form of a ―Main Street-types‖ of
activities, particularly in the form of enhancements to the streetscape (i.e. tree
replacement, extension along Front Street and Rt. 6 commercial area), select
commercial facades, period lighting, parking identification enhancements,
upper floor residential reuse and other Physical Enhancement components
identified on the implementation matrix;

Gateway signage at strategic intersections leading into the community;

Improved pedestrian connections between highway commercial shopping
areas and the downtown;

Adopting the Rivertown concept as recommended involving mid- and longterm improvements as identified ion the implementation matrix; and

Gateway enhancements in the former Mill Pond area along Route 6 and
immediate environs providing a welcoming point, picnic area and pedestrian
connections, as identified on the implementation matrix;
The specific types of projects and activities recommended are summarized on
the graphics displayed earlier in this section.
122
Select Funding Sources
Given their relevance and significance, a few descriptive remarks on a number of
State programs are in order.
Main Street
According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Center, the
Main Street approach includes the following:
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Organization involves getting everyone working toward the same goal and
assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a Main
Street revitalization program. A governing board and standing committees make up
the fundamental organizational structure of the volunteer-driven program.
Promotion sells a positive image of the commercial district and encourages
consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play and invest in the Main Street
district. By marketing a district's unique characteristics to residents, investors,
business owners, and visitors, an effective promotional strategy forges a positive
image through advertising, retail promotional activity, special events, and marketing
campaigns carried out by local volunteers.
Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Capitalizing on its best
assets — such as historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets — is just part of
the story. An inviting atmosphere, created through attractive window displays,
parking areas, building improvements, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights,
and landscaping, conveys a positive visual message about the commercial district
and what it has to offer.
Economic Restructuring strengthens a community's existing economic assets while
expanding and diversifying its economic base. The Main Street program helps
sharpen the competitiveness of existing business owners and converting unused or
underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost
the profitability of the district.
Many communities focus on the design phase that is understandable (and
important) but there is more to the process. The Main Street Approach is
predicated on the following:
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Emphasis on Multi-Functional Uses: Downtowns have always housed a wide variety
of functions, such as shopping, services, professional offices, hotels, churches,
housing, entertainment, the arts, libraries, dining, government offices, and more.
Different functions bring different types of people downtown at different times of the
day and week, thereby increasing the volume and distribution of downtown activity
levels.
Enhancement of Sense of Place: Most downtown development efforts now recognize
the value of possessing a strong sense of place. A sense of place serves to create
an inviting downtown that encourages people to linger and is distinctive from other
settings that suffer from generic settings (i.e., shopping malls, big box retailers, strip
malls).
Use of Private/Public Partnerships: The partnering of private and public interests and
resources has become a dominant feature of successful downtown development. An
active and well-organized downtown association can help downtown businesses and
property owners work together towards their mutual benefit, serve as a unified voice
123
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representing downtown interests, and engage in marketing, promotions, business
recruitment, and event coordination.
Attention to Promotional Activities: The promotion of downtown attractions,
businesses, and events has become a major dimension of downtown development
today. Promotions are usually spearheaded by the downtown organization.
The following list outlines the categories of activities that can be funded through
the Main Street Program in Pennsylvania.
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Main Street Designation – Personnel and other administrative costs including
administration of Façade Improvement grants; typically declining annual grants
ranging from $50,000 - $30,000 over a five-year period;
Planning Grants – Planning grants up to $25,000 with a 50% match required.
Façade Improvement Grants - Main Street designation participants may apply for a
maximum grant of $30,000 for design assistance in each of the second, third, fourth
and fifth years of their designation. Non-designated communities may develop a
local Façade Improvement program that at a minimum matches the DCED grant
dollar-for-dollar with locally-generated funds. Investments by individual property
owners may. The total recommended maximum Façade Improvement grant per
property owner should not exceed $5,000 per property.
Anchor Building Grants – Renovations to a significant downtown building usually
provided as a grant to the applicant and as a loan to the developer. Funding
assistance is available up to $500,000 covering up to 30% of the total project cost.
Downtown Reinvestment Grants – Acquisition or rehabilitation of commercial
structures, improving public sites in a commercial target area, streetscape projects,
and other construction costs determined to be a part of a larger project necessary for
the revitalization of a downtown area.
Funding assistance is available up to
$500,000 with a 50% match required.
Wyalusing is encouraged to work within the Main Street Program approach of
DCED, either formally or at least via an effort emulating the four-point approach
noted above. Promotion is an important part of this approach. Concurrent with
and related to promotion, efforts to (1) attract more businesses to the downtown
district and (2) coordinating hours for shops, stores and attractions are
suggested.
Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP)
This program provides funds for the preparation of community comprehensive
plans and the land use/land development ordinances to implement them. Typical
uses include preparing and updating of comprehensive community development
plans, policies and implementing mechanisms such as zoning ordinances,
subdivision regulations, functional plans such as downtown revitalization, water
resource plans and land development regulations. While there are no minimum
or maximum amounts, a 50% match required. In addition, priority is given to any
county government acting on behalf of its municipalities, any group of two or
more municipalities, or a body authorized to act on behalf of two or more
124
municipalities. Given recent budgetary cuts, competition for very limited LUPTAP
funding is extremely intense.
PA DCNR Trails Programs
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
administers various programs of relevance to the types identified in this Plan.
These potential resources include the following programs administered by the
DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation:
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C2P2 Community Recreation and Conservation: Community Recreation and
Conservation grants are awarded to municipalities and authorized nonprofit
organizations for recreation, park and conservation projects. These include the
rehabilitation and new development of parks and recreation facilities (development
projects); acquisition of land for active or passive park and conservation purposes
(acquisition projects); and planning for feasibility studies, trails studies, conservation
plans, site development planning, and comprehensive recreation, greenway and
open space planning . Most projects require a 50% match except for some technical
assistance grants and development projects eligible as small community projects
whose total project cost is $60,000 or less. The small community development
projects provide a municipal applicant with a population of 5,000 or less with an
alternate method of funding with a focus on playground rehabilitation to meet current
safety and accessibility standards.
C2P2 Land Trust Projects: Land Trust grants are awarded to plan for and acquire
open space, critical habitat and natural areas. Eligible applicants include prequalified land trusts and conservancies. Land trust projects require a 50% cash
match and/or land donation value. Priority is given to protecting critical habitat.
C2P2 Pennsylvania Recreational Trails: Eligible applicants include Federal and
state agencies, local governments, appropriate/authorized organizations and forprofit enterprises.
o Funding Distribution – 30% of the money received annually must be for uses
related to motorized recreation, 30% for uses related to non-motorized
recreation and 40% to facilitate diverse recreational trail use within a
recreational trail corridor.
o Matching - Funding assistance is an 80/20 matching ratio, except for
acquisition projects, which will be a 50/50 matching ratio.
o Eligible Costs – Funds may be used for Maintenance and Restoration of
existing recreational trails; Development and Rehabilitation of trail-side and
trail-head facilities and trail linkages for recreational trails; Purchase and
Lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment;
Construction of new recreational trails; Acquisition of Easements/Fee Simple
Title to Property for Trails; and Operation of Educational Programs to
promote safety and environmental protection related to trails (limited to 5% of
available funds).
C2P2 Rails-to-Trails: Projects under this type involve the development of studies
(feasibility, master site development and special purpose), land acquisition, and the
development of abandoned railroad rights-of-way for trail purposes under rail
banking. Development includes construction of trails and associated structures, as
well as support facilities, such as trail heads, access roads, parking areas,
interpretive facilities and comfort facilities. Related facilities, such as walks, lighting,
landscaping and signage for trail use, are eligible.
125

C2P2 Snowmobile/ATV: Snowmobile/All Terrain Vehicle grants are awarded to
assist with the planning, acquisition, construction, renovation and maintenance of
areas and facilities for snowmobile and all terrain vehicle (ATV) use, the purchase or
lease of equipment for construction and maintenance for such work and
development of educational materials and programs. Special Requirements and
Conditions
o Eligible development projects on lands not owned by the Commonwealth –
Funding assistance is available to municipalities, profit and nonprofit
organizations for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of
snowmobile and ATV trails.
o Eligible development on lands owned by the Commonwealth – Funding
assistance is available only to profit and non-profit organizations (not
municipalities), for rehabilitation and maintenance (not construction) of
existing snowmobile and/or ATV trails on property owned by the
Commonwealth (e.g. State Parks, State Forests).
o Funding assistance, for all but acquisition project, is an 80% Commonwealth
and 20% grantee matching ratio while the ration for acquisition is 50/50.
126
Community WorkPlan
Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance
2010

View the Wyalusing Heritage Community

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