A deal that took more than five years of negotiations is now in place and the result is 180 acres of land surrounding the Fort Roberdeau Historic Site in Sinking Valley can never be developed.
On Oct. 30, after five years of negotiations and untold hours of time by the Fort Roberdeau Association, the Blair County Commissioners, and the community, the association closed on the purchase of Sunny Mead Farm.
“Everybody who has worked on this project can be glad and the family that owned the farm has to be thanked for being so patient,” said Peggy Goodman, director of Fort Roberdeau. “We had to go over a lot of hurdles to get there, but we finally did.
“It’s wonderful to know there will be an island of green in Sinking Valley that can’t be developed.”
The beautiful historic landscape will remain, without modern anachronistic intrusions. The important story of the Revolution on Pennsylvania’s frontier can continue to be told in the natural setting. Archeological evidence is protected and the lead mining story can now be interpreted using lead deposits on-site.
The Sunny Mead Farm purchase includes four houses and 150 acres of land purchased for $826,000. The houses will be sold as quickly as possible as partial payment to the family the deal was closed with.
The land is located on both sides of the entrance road between state Route 1013 and the fork in the road, and it includes lead deposits. Dr. William DeMuth and his wife donated 30 acres of land, located between the fork in the road and the fort, adjoining the nature area on the west side.
Goodman said all of this land was once owned by Philip Bridenbaugh in the mid-1800s, including the area of the fort site, farmhouse and barn. This much-divided lot of the Penn’s Sinking Valley Manor is coming together in ownership again.
Goodman said a 50 percent matching grant was awarded by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for $250,000. The DeMuth land donation counts as $73,000 in matching funds.
Preservation PA, which administers a revolving fund of historic preservation, provided a $3,300 grant and a $46,700 loan. A Western PA Watershed grant provided $4,500.
According to Goodman, the acquisition has been a roller coaster ride of highs and lows for all who were involved in it. She said the Fort Roberdeau Association’s Board of Directors, led by President Jim Edwards, worked patiently and steadfastly, never giving up. She added that association members sustained encouragement as well as essential funds for appraisals, consultant’s fees, survey, permits and legal fees.
“Blair County Commissioners John Eichleberger, Donna Gority and John Ebersole firmly endorsed the purchase and helped in every needed way,” said Goodman. “Tyrone Township supervisors John Burket, Raymond Paul and Donna Kerlin also endorsed the acquisition.”
Goodman also gave credit to state Representative Larry Sather, who supported the project; Mr. and Mrs. William DeMuth, who generously donated 30 acres of land; and attorney James Routch, who capably led the way in legal matters.
“The Good family allowed enough time for us to work through the development of a concept plan, followed by lengthy grant applications, protective easements, the subdivision process, and lots of legalities,” said Goodman in a press release offered to The Daily Herald. Andy Johnson of the North America Land Trust provided essential guidance in finding ways to achieve the goal. Richard Johnston donated reality services.”
Goodman said the association had to borrow $125,000 to complete the deal, noting that it is now the responsibility of the association to repay the loans as soon as possible and develop a comprehensive management plan.
“To repay the loans, we are asking for financial help from individuals, businesses, organizations, student groups, foundations, etc.,” said Goodman. “Even though competition for funds is intense right now, we hope you’ll want to support this project to the end. We are protecting and preserving Fort Roberdeau Historic Site so that children can learn and adults will remember the story of the perilous beginnings of our nation, a marvelous nation that provides us with such great freedom and opportunity.”
Goodman said the association is also asking for assistance in planning and carrying out several special fundraising events.
Also, the association is beginning its Membership Campaign 2004.
The association’s mission statement is to preserve and protect the site of the 1778-1781 Fort Roberdeau and to interpret the story of the people and events associated with the site.
Fort Roberdeau tells the story of America’s first citizen on the Pennsylvania frontier, living in a time marked by uncertainty and turbulence. They bravely risked their lives and livelihoods in their struggle to find a way toward peace and freedom. It’s a timeless and inspiring message of adversities overcome. Goodman said visitors of all ages can gain a better understanding of the lives, action and ideals of people who helped to found this nation.
Those interested in becoming Fort Roberdeau Association Members can do so in a number of ways: As an individual ($10), as a family ($20), as a patron ($50), Heritage Club ($100), a benefactor ($500), or as a business or corporation.
Membership benefits include free admission, a 10 percent discount in the museum store, the Acorn Shop, and a subscription to the Dispatch newsletter.
If interested, make checks payable to Fort Roberdeau Association and mail to Fort Roberdeau Historic Site, RD 3 Box 391, Altoona, Pa. 16601.
