I Remember When...
The Drive-In

Written by Chip Harris

Looking back, it’s hard to believe that one of the icons representing America’s love affair with automobiles and movies is becoming extinct. At one time the drive-in theater was as much the rage as multiplex stadium theaters are today.

The drive-in theater was invented and patented by Richard Hollingshead on May 16, 1933. A few weeks later, on June 6, 1933, the first operational drive-in theater was opened in Camden, New Jersey. Almost a year later, on April 15, 1934, the second drive-in, Shankweiler’s Auto Park, was opened in Orefield, Pennsylvania, and remains open to this day — America’s oldest drive-in theater celebrating its 75th year of operation.

Grandma's Quilts

Written by Barbara Roney 

What do you think of when you see a quilt? For me, quilts bring to mind a cozy fireplace, a comfortable chair and grandmothers. Even though my grandmother didn’t have a fireplace, she did have a cozy house and fingers that never stopped. Whenever grandma was sitting down, she was piecing cloth by hand or quilting another special treasure. 

The Not-So-Scary Scarecrow

Written by Sam Schunk

Attend any fall festival, and you are certain to see a scarecrow, an evocative symbol of the harvest that has influenced culture since time immemorial. Tracking down the precise origins of these decorative decoys, however, is challenging. Centuries ago, it seems that some creative individual found that these stuffed mannequins were effective at keeping crows, sparrows and other feathered foragers away from growing crops or seeds. The appearance of a scarecrow character in Kojiki, which was compiled in 712 AD, and is considered to be the oldest surviving book in Japan, demonstrates that these figures have been around for at least 1,300 years.

Spicy Delights of the Season

Written by Sam Schunk

As autumn continues, we enjoy foods inspired by the season. Fall favorites like butternut squash soup and sweet potato casserole are enhanced by spices that lend recipes notes of distinct flavor. With the harvest days upon us, we present a guide to these savory seasonings.

The Scoop on Ice Cream
Trucks & Treats

Written by Sam Schunk

Many summer memories involve enjoying the sights and sounds of the season, such as the gazing at stars in the night sky or listening to the chirp of crickets after dusk. For some, they can almost taste the cool ice cream that promises much-needed relief from the heat of the day when they hear a familiar tune playing from an ice cream truck.

History of Popsicles

A Frozen Favorite

Written by Sam Schunk

Nothing quite hits the spot like that first taste of something cool, succulent and frozen on a hot, balmy day, which is why Popsicles, with their refreshingly welcome chill, have become a summertime staple. When looking into their history, it becomes apparent that, in one form or another, these sweet, fruity delights have been a flavorful part of summer for centuries. Long ago, the ancient Romans liked to beat the heat by enjoying delectable concoctions similar to the shaved ices served today. To make their tasty treats, large blocks of ice from the neighboring mountains were transported to the cities, pulverized, and enhanced with fresh fruit and syrups.