Pavia Township PA

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

#104 -A Tornado and Train Station Fire

1863, July - Democratic Sentinel - Ebensburg

A youth named Michael Hughes, from Wilmore, who was engaged in hauling or loading bark near Portage Station, perished in a tornado which passed up in the direction of Cresson on last Friday. Seeing the approaching storm he and the teamster who was with him sought shelter under the projecting end of bark pile. The falling trees frightened the mules and the teamster sprang forth to secure them, when a tree with a terrible crash, fell across the end of the bark pile, crushing and killing Michael Hughes. So horribly was he mangled, that in pulling off his boots, one of his legs came with it.
Photo is from 1898 and what it might have looked like to these two unfortunate men.

December 9, 1863, From the Democratic Standard (Hollidaysburg PA) "The station house at Portage, Cambria County, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, was totally consumed by fire one night recently." This station was most likely wood and very small because of the low population at the time. This station was most likely located on the present freight station site on Main Street across from Portage Chevy.

09/09/2026

07/13/2026

Built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and opened in 1854, Altoona’s Horseshoe Curve was a bold solution to crossing the steep Allegheny Mountains. By bending the tracks into a sweeping horseshoe, engineers created a gentler climb for heavy trains. Dug and shaped largely by hand, it remains one of America’s greatest railroad engineering marvels.

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

🕵️‍♂️ CLASSIFIED: FOR YOUR EYES ONLY... 🕵️‍♂️
There have been reports of unusual activity here at Bedford Candies lately. Strange aromas. Mysterious machinery being moved in after dark. A distinct, unmistakable buzz in the air.
Something is brewing behind closed doors👀
We’ve been sworn to secrecy, but let's just say your daily routine is about to get a serious, and highly addictive upgrade and it pairs suspiciously well with chocolate!
We can neither confirm nor deny the rumors... yet.
If you think you’ve cracked the code, drop your theories in the comments. But shhh... keep it on the down low! 🤐👇

01/28/2026

🌟 Join Our Village Family in 2026! 🌟

We’re excited to grow our team as we head into an unforgettable season—celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and Old Bedford Village’s 50th Anniversary! With more hands, we can staff more buildings and create even richer experiences for our guests.

This is a wonderful opportunity for retired educators, tradespeople, hobbyists, history lovers, and lifelong learners to help bring early American history to life. Our weaving shop, print shop, schoolhouses, apothecary, mercantile, tailor’s shop, candle shop, blacksmith shop, historic homes, and more are all eager to welcome interpreters!

🧑‍🏫 Special Need This Spring:
We’re especially looking for volunteers to assist with our hands-on history field trips, helping us spark a love of history in the next generation.

Fill out the Volunteer Information Form here to get started: https://oldbedfordvillage.com/volunteer/

🎓 College Internship Opportunities Available!
Perfect for students pursuing degrees in elementary or secondary education, history, communications, theater, and more. Paid opportunities available for the right candidates.
Fill out the Internship Information Form here to get started: https://oldbedfordvillage.com/internships/

🌿 Behind-the-Scenes Help Needed Too!
Prefer working behind the scenes? We’re always grateful for help with groundskeeping, building maintenance, landscaping, lawn care, and more.

✨ Every volunteer helps create a more immersive and meaningful experience for our visitors. If you’re interested or have questions, we’d love to hear from you!

Come be part of something special—history is better when it’s shared. ❤️

01/28/2026

01/28/2026

No break from the cold today, so make sure you’re dressed for the weather and cover any exposed skin! Although the wind has calmed down, it may be breezy during the day with some flurries and temperatures remaining in the single digits. Plan to take some breaks to warm up with some food & hot drinks at the Summit Cafe in the Summit Lodge! We'll ski & ride from 10 am until 8 pm on 31 slopes & trails, some with a groomed, packed powder surface and some with natural cover. The Playground Terrain Park is also open. The Ski Patrol may open or close slopes, based on conditions. We’ll have three lifts in operation, as needed. You can view open terrain and conditions at the trail map at blueknob.com.

The Blue K**b cross country trails are available weekdays on the honor system. Please place the trail fee in the provided lock box. For more information or to check conditions, call 814-239-1023.

If you have mid-week pasta cravings, we’ve got you covered at the Blue K**b Clubhouse, open today from 11am until 9 PM. It’s “Pasta Wednesday”, so ask your server for all the details on today’s special! $4 Bacardi drinks and $12 Coors Light buckets are featured all day. Happy Hour is from 4 PM to 6 PM with discounts on select apps and drafts. Stay for Trivia Night! Registration opens at 6:30 PM, and trivia starts at 7:00 PM. Bring some friends! Want take-out? Call 814-239-1024.

01/25/2026

We share the sentiment!! Thank you ❤️

Sending our thanks to all those working on the roads today and throughout the winter! ❄️⛄