Silver Lake c. 1913

Unveiling Silver Lake’s History: A Journey Through Time and Postcards

Kathy and I, in our book “The History of Silver Lake as Told Through Its Deeds,” trace the evolution of Silver Lake from a functional mill pond to a seasonal summer colony, and eventually to a small, permanent year-round community. This endeavor required a multifaceted approach. We relied on recollections from long-time residents, modern technology,…

Honoring Ruth Stonesifer: A Legacy of Resilience and Service

Honoring Ruth Stonesifer: A Legacy of Resilience and Service

Scott and Kathy Webb, co-authors of “The History of Silver Lake as Told Through Its Deeds,” have recently gifted copies of their book to the many contributors who played a crucial role in its creation. One of the first and most impactful contributors was Ruth Stonesifer, a woman whose remarkable life and work deserve recognition…

The Torchia Legacy: How Henry Andrew Torchia, Esq. Preserved Family Unity at Silver Lake

In the aftermath of World War II, amidst the echoes of victory and the remnants of conflict, the Torchia family embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the Silver Lake community. At the heart of this tale lies the visionary spirit of Henry Andrew Torchia, Esq., whose fervent desire to nourish…

Relations with Native Americans: Penns Creek Massacre

By all accounts, relations with the Native Americans in the Redland Valley were harmonious. Sadly, the same cannot be said elsewhere in the Pennsylvania Colony. William Penn’s sons, especially Thomas Penn, did not continue their father’s principled relationships with the native people. After the controversial Walking Purchase of 1737 the Lenape people, pushed westward, lost…

William Grant Stonesifer: A Legacy of Resilience and Entrepreneurs

On May 31, 1866, amidst the picturesque landscapes of Adams County, Pennsylvania, William Grant Stonesifer entered the world. Named in homage to Union General Ulysses S. Grant’s victory at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, which ended the U.S. Civil War, young William’s middle name carried a legacy of triumph and leadership. The tradition…

William Penn statue Philadelphia City Hall

The Penn Family and Pennsylvania Colony

William Penn, a notable English writer, religious thinker, and Quaker, left an indelible mark on American history by establishing the Province of Pennsylvania during the British colonial era. His upbringing, steeped in education and Quaker values, profoundly influenced his commitment to democracy and religious freedom. In 1681, King Charles II granted Penn a substantial tract…

Remembering Miss Edith Cline of Lewisberry: A Legacy of Community Journalism

On this date in 1947, Miss Edith Cline of Lewisberry passed away, as reported in the York Dispatch of York, Pennsylvania. Miss Cline, daughter of Lewis Cline, who was an owner and operator of the Cline Mill, lived in the Victorian home built by her father. This home, located adjacent to the mill, was built…