Fall Dinner to Feature Millersburg Ferryman Captain Jack Dillman
Captain Jack Dillman, former ferryman of the Millersburg Ferry for many years, will be speaking at this year’s Juniata County Historical Society Fall Dinner Meeting to be held Wednesday, October 12.
Dillman, began his work at the wheel of the ferry, when he was a young teen.
His familiarity with the Susquehanna River near Millersburg began when he was just 14 years old and he began exploring the river on his own. During this time, coal was being dredged from the river and young Jack with his canoe became a regular visitor of the men digging coal there. A year later (1945), he began working as a coal digger as well. His days on the river were only about to begin.
Hitching rides on Millersburg’s steamboat run by Captain Warren Hunter, the youngster began regarding Hunter as his mentor. And, it just so happened that one day, the Captain left the wheel and said to Jack, “Here take over.”
“That was how I became a ferryman,” tells Dillman.
Although his stint in the US Navy began in 1949, his return from the service in 1970 put him right on the steamer again. His life-long career continued and he’s still talking about it today.
Dillman’s program will feature “The Last Raft” a film about what began as a 1938 historical reenactment of log rafting but became a tragedy along the Susquehanna River in Muncy, PA.
All dinner tickets will be $20 each and will include a baked ham meal. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and is held at Walker Grange, Mexico, PA. Tickets are available at the society Archives Tuesdays 10:00 am. – 4:00 p.m. or Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Or mail your check with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Juniata County Historical Society, 498 Jefferson Street, Suite B, Mifflintown, PA 17059 to have your ticket(s) mailed to you. Deadline to reserve and pay is October 4.
Tuscarora Academy Ready to Receive Visitors!
The Tuscarora Academy is open now through the end of August! We’re excited to welcome visitors and to unveil this summer’s special sports exhibit. Don’t forget we have duplicate historic county items for sale while supplies last!
Spring Dinner April 27th!
The Juniata County Historical Society’s Spring Dinner and Annual Business meeting will be held Wednesday, April 27 at Walker Grange at 6:30 p.m. Speaker will be Jessica Guyer on her book Tuscarora Academy: Providence Is Here. A chicken breast meal will be served. Following the meal there will be a short business meeting with the election of officers prior to the speaker’s presentation. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the Archives room on Tuesdays or call 717-436-5152 (let a message) to reserve your ticket(s). If you can’t pick up your tickets during open hours and you’d like tickets mailed to you, please mail a self-stamped, return envelope along with your check (made out to Juniata County Historical Society) to 498 Jefferson Street, Suite B, Mifflintown, PA 17059. Tickets are by reservation only and will Not be sold at the door.
Archives To Open For Business April 5
The Juniata County Historical Society Archives Room will be open for business Tuesday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other hours are by appointment by calling 717-436-5152 (let message) or via email at jchs1931juniatacountyhistoricalsociety.org
Work to Resume at Archives on December 8th
As of Dec 8, 2021 volunteers should be able to return to limited work at the Archives, after being out for more than 5 weeks for environmental concerns. The County has allowed us to re-enter the area, although furniture and resources are in total disarray. Local companies GME Communication, HomeFront Cyber, and CentreWisp have been crucial in getting our computers, internet and phones back in service.
We are waiting for an evaluation on how to treat the moisture issues, and until then, the area can not return to normal. Hours this winter will be by appointment only. Thanks for your understanding.
