Whitsett reunion slated
Long ago the towns near the Youghiogheny River Trail were bustling with coal miners who came to Pennsylvania to work the mines with many of the miners sending money home to loved ones in the “old country.”
This hodge-podge of people from many different countries, religions and races all looked after one another and all got along.
The hiking and biking trail is made up of what was formerly the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad. The huge black train would lumber through the little valley towns huffing and puffing, smoke billowing out of its mighty engine, wheels screaming on the rails of the tracks. It would make its way through the little valley town of Whitsett, sounding out its whistle at each of the crossings, children waving (myself inculded), at the engineer and the man in the caboose.
The train, its heavy rails, and its memories are now gone and in its place is the Youghiogheny River Trail still making its way through the little town of Whitsett, It is clearly one of the fine historic towns of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
A Whitsett community day is held each year. This year it will be on Aug. 13. Everyone invited to join with all the families who come here as though they are coming to a family reunion. Old friends are truly cherished in Whitsett.
A playground and portable bathrooms with a pavilion and parking are situated near the trail. There is a motel nearby in Perryopolis, along with bed and breakfasts along the trail in Dawson and nearby Connellsville. All of these towns are also historical towns.
Although the trail is flat and easy to walk and ride your bike most places, it has areas that are very remote without repair shops, so come prepared for bike breakdowns along with packed meals and plenty of water.
Join with us on Aug. 13 and see for yourself the beautiful clean and clear Youghiogheny River sparkling like diamonds in the sunshine as you hike and bike along the trail.
Pamela Joy Sheppard Simpson
Perryopolis