Large crowd takes “A Walk in the Past”

A packed house of over 100 greeted photographer and local historian Jon C. Burdick on a bone-chilling cold December evening.

What started out as a simple horseshoe-shaped arrangement of tables and chairs grew and grew as audience members, young and older alike, filled the basement of the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, and as Burdick soon learned, were hungry for local history.

Susquehanna Mayor Nancy Hurley welcomed those in attendance and introduced Burdick. The mayor has been instrumental in forming the “Community Awareness Committee” which, in cooperation with the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, sponsored the event.

Burdick spoke about the local historical gem, the Starrucca Viaduct and its construction, punctuated by jaw-dropping photos. He Burdick brought many matted prints showing interesting points of our area and spoke of their relevance to Susquehanna and the railroad with some facts that were startling, some humorous. The prints were passed to the audience to evaluate and appreciate, and was greeted with ohhs, ahhs, and many comments like “I know where this is!” and “Look at this!”

Burdick himself, also circulated throughout the audience, answering questions and clarifying locations depicted in the photos. Locations were not the only item recognized in the pictures – accompanying stories and memories of local individuals who were family members or friends stirred the crowd.

Local history buffs and audience members joined in the exchange and shared details that even those who have lived in the area all of their lives did not know. Framed and matted photos were available for sale after the presentation.

Many thanks were given to Burdick and to Pastor Leanne Campbell for the use of the Church, as well as the volunteers who helped set-up and tear-down and helped with the refreshments; and Mayor Hurley and the Community Awareness Committee: Kaylin Lindquist, Emerson Whitehead, Nancy Narma, Jamie Koziol, Shirley Travis and John Hendrickson; Margaret Biegert for distribution of posters, roving photographer, Heiti Narma, and those who braved the elements and attended.

You can check out photos of the presentation on the “Remember Susquehanna” Facebook page and photos will soon be posted at www.susquehannaborough.com.