Hey, that's a clever way of tihkning about it.

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I was born in Idaho and grew up all over the US as the son of an Air Force pilot. I can trace half of my direct family roots back to Ashland as my mom was born and raised there. Over the years of my childhood there were many visits. As our family moved about the country every few years it was the closest thing to a place to call 'home.'

My father passed away many years ago and is buried in the UCC cemetery across from the old hospital in Fountain Springs. So my ties to the community do run deep.

I know that after the boom of the coal years times were very tough during the Great Depression. My mom was part of a generation when many young people moved away to seek brighter prospects somewhere else. Mom went to Philadelphia after high school, became a nurse, and met my dad there. I am sure there are many people with similar stories that would be interesting to hear.


I would love to have someplace to tell my mom's story in a forum where people who may have grown up with or known her through the years could learn 'whatever became of...' She had multiple generations of her family that grew up in Ashland. It seems her's was the generation that given greater mobility after the war moved away. At one time I had many family members in town; I am sorry to say there are none living there now.

I may have been born in Idaho but I am proud of my Ashland anthracite roots. My grandparents and great-grandparents were hard working people doing the best they could to have a good life.

I am sure there are many people of my generation that would welcome an opportunity to share and explore their common anthracite roots. Have you ever thought of having an online 'registry' for people to record their Ashland roots or connections?

Just an idea.

Thanks for your commitment to the community.

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It was a pleasure workin on this clock with Greg. Look forward to visiting and seeing the install site

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just reading about the region

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Spent many of my childhood summers wandering the mountains of Ashland & Girardville. My parents were born and raised in Girarville. Looking forward to returning "Home" for the memorial day fetivities.

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