In compiling the facts that appear in this work, much research was required on the part of the writer, and no fluxuations from the true stories that were created in the days when Pennsylvania was Penn’s Woods, had been resorted to.  The articles of more recent dates have been related by persons who have been interviewed and who actually knew of these existing conditions, and who vouch for their authenticity.

“Old Monument Trail” is gaining in popularity
The Treaty Monument tells a fine story of Penn’s Treaty with the Indians

            “Old Monument Trail” with its traditional significance, is gaining in popularity day by day, and we believe that an injustice would be done for all concerned, especially to the memory of William Penn and the Indians-our true Americans, were the highway not given this name.  “Old Monument Trail” is a very appropriate name to supplant that of Route 6-which was recently given it by the State Highway Department in numbering all primary routes.  Originally, a portion of No.6, formerly known as Route 62, extended from Ebensburg through Barnesboro and Cherry Tree to Clearfield .  Joining onto other highways running from east to west.  Route No.6 is considered one of the most important highways in the state.  It connects with the National Highway at Grantsville , Maryland , the Lincoln Highway at Jennerstown, the William Penn Highway   at Ebensburg, and the Lakes-to Sea Highway at Clearfield .  This important connecting link requires a name by which it will be recognized throughout the eastern section of the United States as Pennsylvania ’s greatest historical highway.

Since the inauguration of a campaign whereby a suitable name should be given Highway Route No.6 which extends from Grantsville, Maryland through Johnstown, Barnesboro, Cherry Tree and thence to the New York state line, there has been much local history come to light in the logical name-“Old Monument Trail”  The monument that was erected on the site of a huge cherry tree which, through the ravages of time had been washed down the Susquehanna, not only serves as a marking place of lands mentioned in the Fort Stanwix Treaty with the Indians, November 5, 1768, but is also on a spur of the Kittanning Indian Trail. 

(Editor’s note:  The monument, located in Cherry Tree, also denotes the common corner of Cambria , Indiana and Clearfield Counties .  Also, William Penn was never at this site, he had been dead for 50 years when the treaty was signed with his heirs.  The granite obelisk was erected in 1894.)

Pioneer Homesteads of the Day

The cabins that were erected at that time, only a few of which can be seen along some of our leading highways, were constructed of solid logs.  The logs were notched at each end so as to permit another to fit down dovetail fashion.  The space between each log was filled with clay which cemented each log together, protecting the occupants from the elements.

The log cabin had but one big room, with a huge fire place.  Antique looking beds, made at home, usually comprised the furnishings of the bed-room part.  A table graced the middle of the floor, and home-made benches were found on each side of it.  And according to the size of the family, designated the number of benches to be used.

There was no hunting wood in those days.  No one thought of sending the boy to the nearest grocery store for a box, as is done today.  There were but few boxes, the nearest sawmill being quite distant, and everything was carted piece-meal fashion. Making the clearings caused plenty of logs to be split into the right size for the fireplace, and the young boys of the household were kept busy several times during the day in getting wood for the night’s supply.

The door hinges were of primitive make.  Those having an old shoe, not fit for wear any longer, would tack it on one side of the door, to the nearest log.  Another shoe was procured and the door had two hinges.  This was the way they used to live and it is supposed that they enjoyed these conditions as much as the more modern ways of today.

Famous “Lookout” Four Miles From Barnesboro

Tourists are hunting a change in scenery, and they want to learn about the new haunts of nature.  Some are so thrilled with these beautiful spots that they will want to visit them many times, and it is with this in view that the motorists attention is diverted from sights that appear along Route 6, or Old Monument Trail, to a lookout on the mountaintop near Marstellar.

            The lookout is about four miles from Barnesboro, one of the leading towns in Cambria County .  There are two ways of reaching the lookout from Barnesboro.  One route takes the motorist through West Branch, then to the outskirts of Marstellar, following the mountain road until the top of the mountain is reached where the fine view is to be had. The other road leads off the Trail at Garman Mills -two miles below Barnesboro, and the summit is reached by a steady but easy climb.  Practically all cars will make the grades on both roads in high gear.  The roads are not improved, but are excellent earth roads, and no motorist should hesitate in traversing this bit of county, fearing road conditions.

After one has reached the mountaintop, then there is no need to wonder where the lookout is located.  From the highest point the view is gained.  While the mountain itself is covered with a second growth of trees and is interspersed with farming lands, the valley below presents a very pretty aspect, one that is worthy of any person’s time.  The scene compares very favorably with Penn’s View on Nittany Mountain , which gives an indescribable view of Penn’s Valley, and which is located near Pleasant Gap.

            The lookout, which is mentioned, is located between Cambria and Indiana Counties .  The scene is not interrupted by smoking cities and vehicular traffic.  It is isolated to some extent, and the valley appearing so peaceful-like is more beautiful than words can portray.  There are fringes of woodlands dotted here and there.  Then the grainfields, with a rivulet winding away on its course to the larger waters, are an interesting view. 

            Far in the distance is the town of Glen Campbell , located on one of the smaller hills to the north, and even more distant, but in the same direction, almost on the horizon, is the thriving town of Punxsutawney which is on the highway leading to Indiana and the William Penn Highway .  The beacon light near Grampian can also be seen from this vantage point.  The atmospheric conditions in this particular locality are very changeable. Sometimes a hazy condition exists which cuts off the vision to a certain extent, but most times, especially the early afternoon, a clear view is quite possible.  

(Editor’s Note: The location of this grand view described by Mr. Ranck still exists, but seventy- seven years of tree growth on four or five different ridges has obliterated the view.  A view that could be compared to this one from the 1920’s can today be found on Route 553 between Carrolltown and Nicktown.  On a clear day, with the use of binoculars, the area of Glen Campbell and far beyond may be seen.) 

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