York, Pennsylvania isn’t just a beautiful town, it’s also a historical one. During the height of World War II, it was also the origin of the famous York Plan, a defense initiative that quickly spread across the country. In this article, we will talk about the history of the town, how the plan worked, and the impact it had on the American war effort.

A man named Forry Laucks, the owner of York Safe & Lock, was one of the first people to realize this, seeing the war reaching America as early as 1938. Most of the town thought he was overreacting and a lunatic for thinking that America would ever get involved in a war just after recovering from the previous one. Nonetheless, he managed to convince a very small number of manufacturers into believing his warnings. Four families, including his, were appointed by these manufacturers to come up with a plan. They were given six months to do so, or the whole operation would be called off. 

German and Swiss immigrants who found themselves in Pennsylvania worked to keep their family traditions alive and well. One such tradition has to do with a character who’s been carried on in PA Dutch Country. This PA Dutch folklore features a fellow named Belsnickel. The tale goes back hundreds of years. In fact, it started in Europe back around the 1700s. 

In unique style, Belsnickel wore furs, sometimes rags, and a mask.  At times, his face would be darkened with charcoal. He was hardly a friendly sight. His purpose was to visit children in the area and find out who’s been good and bad. Those naughty children wouldn’t want to disappoint Belsnickel. Naughty children were scolded, but punishment was stronger for those who tried to get away with lying.

According to the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA), “The 28,000 square mile watershed is the longest commercially unnavigable river system in North America.” This is due to the unique landforms throughout. 

Waterways have always played an important part in the progress of modern society. Modern as we know it, that is. But some rivers have been around longer than you can almost fathom. For instance, did you know that the 444-mile-long Susquehanna River is dated at being over 300 million years old? The Nile River, to give you some perspective, is only 30 million years old!