Oct 1, 2004 By Jean Lohr For The 3 min read

PERRYOPOLIS – Pam Newmeyer grew up in Perryopolis. “We lived right across the road from Washington’s Gristmill,” she said, “in the projects.” She remembers spending time with her big brother Jim Newmeyer and their friends at the nearby gristmill that was in disrepair. It had not been used since 1918 and a 1936 storm had caused the building to collapse. Yet, it was

a favorite spot for a hearty game or two.

The rotting wood of the adjacent water wheel even provided props for their adventures.

This was George Washington’s gristmill, and the same water wheel that she and many other members of the Perryopolis Area Heritage Society are now working so diligently to rebuild and preserve.

“Pioneer Days is a very big part of that,” said Dan Coldren, president of the Perryopolis Area Heritage Society.

Held this weekend throughout the Perryopolis landscape, Pioneer Days is a celebration of the town’s history. “It’s growing, and getting bigger every year,” Coldren said.

“At 7 p.m., Friday night, Dad and Son, from Dawson, will perform at Sampey Park,” he sai.

Saturday at 11 a.m., the 16th annual Pioneer Days Parade will really kick off the two-day celebration. Dr. Frederick Smeigh, superintendent of the Frazier School District, will be the grand marshall. David Wadsworth will announce the parade.

“There is something here for everyone,” Coldren said. “There is a colonial camp with demonstrators. And we have Civil War re-enactors. We have Native Americans teaching children’s crafts and telling stories.”

Throughout the two days, crafters will be showing and selling their wares. Bakers and apple- butter makers will ply the crowd. Blacksmithing, weaving and hooking rugs, broom making, spinning and quilting will all be demonstrated. There is a show and judging.

With two stages, there will be continuous entertainment in the stage area. From blue grass to community bands, Pioneer Days has it all.

There is plenty of food on the menu and cold drinks are also available. The children’s area in Sampey Park includes a petting zoo and pony rides. There will also be Native American and colonial-era storytellers and games and colonial music played on colonial-era musical insturments.

At 2 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday, there will be a re-enactment of the Civil War Battle of Muleshoe (Spotsylvania, Va.) staged on Hopewell Hill. There is a Civil War ball scheduled for Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and a buckwheat pancake and sausage breakfast at the Sampey Park Pavillion Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. At 11 a.m. Sunday, there will be a colonial church service on Fisher Stage.

As a child Pam Newmeyer “loved being in a small town and knowing everybody.”

She said Perryopolis hasn’t changed, except maybe it’s gotten better.