A new outdoor interpretive sign at Ledgedale Recreation Area looks upon expansive Lake Wallenpaupack and rows of docked boats. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of GDHS, Brookfield Renewables, and Ledgedale Recreation Area, the sign tells the story of “The History of the Village of Ledgedale.” Brookfield provided funds for the sign, created by GDHS member Diane Smith, and installed in a perfect location for campers, boaters, and visitors.
From the presence of the area’s first people, the Lenape, to the founding of the village in 1849 when Burton Morse established his leather tanning operation along the Wallenpaupack Creek, to the creation of the man-made Lake Wallenpaupack in the 1920s, to the establishment of “Ledgedale Landing” in 1928—the sign tells the story in words and illustrations.
On June 24, 2024, representatives from GDHS, Brookfield, and the Recreation Area came together to celebrate the erection of the sign. Brookfield Senior Manager Amy Burnett, Brookfield Land Use Specialist Will Kratz, Ledgedale Camping Director Jenn Stackhouse, GDHS President Carla Smith, and GDHS publications specialist Diane Smith all noted the sign’s importance. Burnett emphasized Brookfield’s commitment to sharing the area’s past. “The sign offers numerous benefits to the community, including educational opportunities, engaging visitors, preserving cultural heritage, and so much more.”
“I know visitors are going to be asking more questions about the history of this area,” agreed Stackhouse, who said that boaters, especially, have been pausing to read the information as they board the docks. Teresa Pappas, who has been director of the Recreation Area for the past 42 years, admits that she did not know the details of the site. The sign gives her new appreciation of the daffodils planted by the store long ago. Diane Smith’s project stemmed from both her love of history and her childhood nostalgia. “I used to swim here at this site,” she says. “At that time, there were few public places to swim. Even my senior class picnic was held here!”
A QR code on the sign connects to the GDHS website, which leads to such resources as Smith’s book entitled Mills on the Wallenpaupack and Bernadine Lennon’s YouTube video about the Ledgedale Tannery. The book is available on our Shop page, and the YouTube video can be viewed here.
To watch WNEP’s story on the Ledgedale sign, as journalist Emily Kress interviews GDHS board member Ruth Altemier, search YouTube WNEP Ledgedale sign.
