Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heriage Center Walk and Talk with John Heatwole

Sunday, June 1, John Heatwole, local historian and author, shared some of the oral history and folklore associated with the area. The presentation began at Weavers Mennonite Church and concluded at the Burkholder-Myers House on the campus of the Heritage Center on Garbers Church Road. Click on the small images to see larger pictures.

Weaver's Mennonite Church was the gathering site for the first part of this gathering. John Heatwole was the first attraction of this Sunday gathering. He held the audience spellbound with tales of the area's past, speaking for over an hour. Before starting the walk to the CrossRoad Heritage Center location, John Heatwole pointed out some spots of interest outside.

Walkers first ascended the hill from Weaver's Mennonite church. The sun felt good on our shoulders; the sky was beautiful above us. The orchard grass was soon ready to be harvested - a wide path had been cut for the walkers. At the top, John Heatwole paused to talk about some of the farms below that were burned (and some that avoided being burned!). Mole Hill dominates the background.

Before long, the Burkholder-Myers house was visible! The walkers descended to the beautiful lawn behind the Center. Visitors were given a tour of the VBMHC Heritage Center, on the CrossRoads campus. The view from an upstairs bedroom window is distorted by the handblown glass.

Refreshments included homemade whoopie pies and drinks on the lawn of the VBMHC!


Weaver's Mennonite Church was the gathering site for the first part of this gathering.	John Heatwole was the first attraction of this Sunday gathering.	He held the audience spellbound with tales of the area's past, speaking for over an hour.	Before starting the walk to the CrossRoad Heritage Center location, John Heatwole pointed out some spots of interest outside.

Walkers first ascended the hill from Weaver's Mennonite church.	The sun felt good on our shoulders; the sky was beautiful above us.	The orchard grass was soon ready to be harvested - a wide path had been cut for the walkers.	At the top, John Heatwole paused to talk about some of the farms below that were burned (and some that avoided being burned!). Mole Hill dominates the background.

Before long, the Burkholder-Myers house was visible!	The walkers descended to the beautiful lawn behind the Center.	Visitors were given a tour of the VBMHC Heritage Center, on the CrossRoads campus.	The view from an upstairs bedroom window is distorted by the handblown glass.

Refreshments included homemade whoopie pies and drinks on the lawn of the VBMHC!