Our Town: Coudersport/Potter
County in a nutshell...
The
signs entering Potter County in North Central Pennsylvania proudly proclaim
it as “God’s Country.” The headwaters of the Genesee, Allegheny,
and the West Branch of the Susquehanna rivers all start in the county.
Towns like Gold, Germania, Austin, Shinglehouse, Galeton, and, of course,
Coudersport, make us this beautiful part of the commonwealth. High-tech
is also a part of the mix with the world headquarters of Adelphia Communications
situated in “Coudy,” where they’re pleased to say “howdy!”
Feature
Segment:
Potter County Historical Society
Bob
Currin, a Coudersport resident since 1947, gives viewers a tour
of the Potter County Historical Society and museum.
The
collection features a wide variety of what Bob calls “Coudersport
Glass.” It’s beautifully colored art glass made into bowls,
vases, lighting fixtures made in the town in the 1890s and 1900s.
Also
on display is the skull of Joshua Jones, the first person hung in
Potter County. In 1838, Jones was convicted of killing his wife
and trying to make it look like suicide. While awaiting his execution,
he sold his body to a doctor for $10. The doctor was supposed to
bring Jones back to life. The experiment was not successful.
One of the more fascinating
exhibits is a large mechanical carnival in miniature. Made in the
1930s by Herbert Barto of Harrison Valley, the display features
working merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheels, and other rides all driven
by a single electric motor that turns leather belts, which power
the rides. Over 350 hand-carved people make up the carnival scene
that springs to life with the flip a switch.
The
signs entering Potter County in North Central Pennsylvania proudly proclaim
it as “God’s Country.” The headwaters of the Genesee, Allegheny,
and the West Branch of the Susquehanna rivers all start in the county.
Towns like Gold, Germania, Austin, Shinglehouse, Galeton, and, of course,
Coudersport, make us this beautiful part of the commonwealth. High-tech
is also a part of the mix with the world headquarters of Adelphia Communications
situated in “Coudy,” where they’re pleased to say “howdy!”
Bob
Currin, a Coudersport resident since 1947, gives viewers a tour
of the Potter County Historical Society and museum.
The
collection features a wide variety of what Bob calls “Coudersport
Glass.” It’s beautifully colored art glass made into bowls,
vases, lighting fixtures made in the town in the 1890s and 1900s.
Also
on display is the skull of Joshua Jones, the first person hung in
Potter County. In 1838, Jones was convicted of killing his wife
and trying to make it look like suicide. While awaiting his execution,
he sold his body to a doctor for $10. The doctor was supposed to
bring Jones back to life. The experiment was not successful.