What happens when the government decides your home is in the way of progress? In this episode, we talk with Glenna Bloom, whose grandparents' farm now sits beneath the waters of Curwensville Lake. Their story is one of forced change, resilience, and remembering what was lost when Lumber City and surrounding communities were displaced in the name of flood control. From burned barns to courtroom battles over mineral rights, Glenna shares a glimpse into the real cost of Eminent Domain... far beyond dollars and deeds.

We always kind of thought Alexander Hamilton Irvin didn't exactly find a way to follow in his big brothers' (E.A. and John Irvin's) footsteps. Boy oh boy, were we wrong! Listen as we discuss his international business deals and more. He was definitely not hiding in anyone's shadow!

In this episode, the Grandmas dig into the history of how our community has always chipped in to build and maintain Irvin Park and it's swimming hole, Pee Wee's Nest. Since 1922, we've been gathering for fun and frivolity there... and with some plans for revitalization in the near future, we know future generations will carry on its rich, nostalgic traditions.

Curwensville, West Branch of the Susquehanna

Guest Kyle Bloom sets the scene and walks the Grandmas through the timeline of the first murder of a white man in Clearfield County. With a drunken assailant who struck out in a big hunt and at the poker table, a bear story, and questions about a "stag dance," this episode is definitely one you'll remember! Join us as we tell about "A Murder Most Foul."

Anderson Creek, Curwensville, James Monks, Reuben Giles, Wrigley Tavern, Susquehanna House

Talk about high stakes poker! In this episode, the Grandmas tell about the legend of how Curwensville might have been lost in a poker game. There were a few times that the land warrant changed hands before most of the lots were sold to new settlers... which time was that the result of a loss at the poker table?

We chat about John Buchanan, John Curwen and his sons, and the the John Irvin family - all early landowners. One of them never even set foot in what we now call Curwensville!

Join us and help us get to the bottom of it all!

In this episode, the Grandmas chat with Cynthia who has an old connection as well as a new one to the sandstone quarries around Curwensville. We learn about some of the really cool projects that were built with Curwensville stone and some history of the quarries, including the small villages that once provided support services as well homes for the many, many tough and talented craftsmen who cut stone from those quarries in days gone by.

We talk about past quarry owners and put out a plea for stories and photos of the quarries, the workers, and the villages that inevitably became ghost towns around the time of the Great Depression when the quarries ceased production.

You might be surprised to find that even if you've never been to Curwensville, PA, there's a good chance you've walked on, sat upon, or been sheltered by Curwensville stone!

#RussellStoneProducts #Grampian #USCapitalBuildingVisitorCenter

The Grandmas share a little bit about why creating this podcast is a project that's close to our hearts. We hope this resonates with some of our listeners and that we might inspire you to take time to do something just for yourself.