Valley Girl Views: Central Oak Heights, West Milton Pa

Central Oak Heights, West Milton Pa

"In 1908, the Evangelical Bible Conference Society learned that Miller’s Grove near West Milton along the Susquehanna River was available. An agreement was signed at the end of 1908 and final purchase was made in April 1909. The name Central Oak Heights came from its Central location in the conference, the grove was full of Oak trees and it stood above the flood plain thus, Heights."

The area was known as Shikellamy's Bluff's, as it was where Oneida Chief Shikellamy camped periodically between 1725 and 1745.

The Tabernacle At Central Oak Heights

On August 16 1909, Central Oak Heights first opened. Rev. M. F. Fosselman preached the sermon.

"SUMMER MEETING AT GAMP GROUNDS CENTRAL OAK HEIGHTS NOW A SCENE OF ACTIVITY. TO DEDICATE GROUNDS AUGUST 22

A Number of Interesting Meetings to be Held by the United Evangelical Association During the Present Month. Central Oak Heights, the site of the new camp grounds of the United Evangelical association below West Milton, is new the scene of great activity in preparing the grove for the opening sessions of the church will be held this month.

A large force of carpenters are at work erecting cottages for occupancy, and in addition a number of canvass tents will be added.

The cottages and tents will accommodate fifty families and all will be occupied. The summer conference will begin on Monday, Aug. 16, and will continue for fifteen days. Bishop H. B. Hartzler, D. D., will have charge of the camp during the first week, and J. W. Messinger, P. E., of Lewisburg District, during the the second week.

The well-known devotional and spiritual characteristics of the Bishop insure intense work along these lines, and a rich-soul feast may be expected.

The beautiful capacious tabernacle will be dedicated to its intended use on Sunday morning, August 22. Bishop Hartzler will preach the sermon and conduct the services. Among the other speakers will be Rev. A. J. Bruner, of Wilkes-Barre; Rev. J. C. Turner, of Cleveland, O.; also the presiding elders of the conference and ministers from the several districts.

The rates of admission to the grounds has been decided- upon at' 5' cents for single admission, children under 7 free; horses and vehicles, 5 cents; two horses and vehicle, 10 cents; automobiles 10 cents. These admissions will be used to defray the expenses of the religious meetings and the cost of the grounds." - The Lewisburg Journal, August 1909

Showing the Dining Hall and Campanile

(A Campanile is a bell tower)

Campanile, Central Oak Heights

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Shikellamy's Bluffs

The Monument

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On August 2 1921, a marker was dedicated, at the site of "Shikellamy's Old Town", in the grove at Central Oak Heights.

A 1915 publication of the Pennsylvania Historical Society states:

"On August 2 1921, Dr. Donehook and the Curator took part in the program at the unveiling of the marker at Central Oak Heights, Union County, on the site of Shikellamy's Old town, where the famous Indian chief made his home from 1728 to 1745."

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Camps

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Many summer camps have been held on the grounds, and on ebay, you can often find postcards sent home by campers.

Other cards were sent by those summering in their cottages at the camp

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Missionary Cottage

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The Missionary Cottage was built by J. C. Winter on lots 57-59 at the corner of Central and Albright Avenues in 1923, at the request of the Central Pennsylvania Branch of the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society at a cost of $1200, paid by the WMS. Exerpted from the Constitution and By

-Laws of the Young Woman's Missionary Cottage at Central Oak Heights: "Article I; Name: The name of this Cottage shall be the Young Woman's Cottage of the Central Pennsylvania Branch of the Woman's Missionary Society of the Evangelical Church." That long name was quickly shortened to "Missionary Cottage" It was intended as a boarding house for young women attending meetings on the grounds. The fee was 50-cents a night or $3 for a week, including use of the furnished kitchen and dining room. It was usually full during the weeks that the Missionary Society held their conferences.

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More Photos

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