DID YOU KNOW?
The following paragraphs are an excerpt from the “History of Spring Township” book by Linda Gilmore…
In 1848, Spring Township was officially formed, but its history had begun long before in the mid-1700’s when settlers followed paths through woodlands and along the creeks and streams in the vicinity. The township was well endowed with natural resources-plentiful creeks ,streams, a multitude of woodlands, and cashes of iron ore.
Enterprising businessmen recognized the value of warm springs found along Sherman’s Creek and extended invitations to people near and far. During the gold age of Warm Springs in the mid-1800’s, as many as 200 visitors at a time bathed in the water to cure their ills, tried their hands at tenpins and billiards, and enjoyed pleasant rides in the countryside.
No less than five gristmills were along the creeks and streams, and for many decades they supplied locals with flour and apple cider. In the 1800’s, laborers minded the hills for iron ore and transported it to the Oak Grove Iron Furnace and the Perry Iron Furnace (east of the township line). Chief among the products of Oak Grover were Franklin stoves, parlor stoves, and all kinds of cooking stoves.
Locals clustered around crossroads and in the valleys and built churches for worship and one-room schools for their children’s education. Some established small stores. These locations took on names-Oak Grove/Lebo, Falling Springs, Pisgah, Bridgeport, Alinda , Milltown ,and Little Germany. During the 1800’s, locals began to move into the village of Elliottsburg. In the 1890’s , not one but two railroad stations came to the village, and suddenly everyone was busy. Over several decades, three creameries and three milk plants were established in Elliottsburg and transported their products first by train and later by truck.
Another good read is found on the web, at www.perry.pagenweb.org. Here you can find so much history on Spring Township, as well as, Perry County. It gives information on the Native American Indians, Early Settlers, Landmarks plus so much more.
Did you know that the Lynn Sheaffer Dum Memorial Park was established when land was bequeathed to Spring Township by the estate of Alma Dum. Mrs. Dum wanted the donated land to become a public park for the enjoyment of her friends and neighbors in Spring Township and Perry County. She stipulated that the park be named after her son, Lynn Sheaffer Dum.
The Board of Supervisors appointed a Township Recreation Board to oversee the development and subsequent operation of the Park. The Rec Board is a volunteer group who makes recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
Over the past several years, the Park has developed into a great place for friends and families to gather. There are pickleball courts, playground area, pavilions, walking trails and work-in-progress soccer field. In addition, The Perry County Bicentennial Plaza is located at the entrance area to the Park. The West Perry Farmer’s Market hosts a weekly market from April through the end of October.
Did you know permits are required for any building project (home additions, accessory buildings, fencing, pools, decks etc.) in Spring Township. A Zoning Permit must be obtained PRIOR to a Building Permit being issued.
Did you know that if you own a rental property in Spring Township you are required to notify Spring Township of all tenants. The Ordinance 2012-02 requires all landlords to comply. You are to report all tenants or changes prior to March 1st of each year.
Check periodically on updates and DID YOU KNOW’S?