Southampton Historical Society
Southampton Township
Bedford County, Pennsylvania
"The mission of the Southampton Historical Society is to preserve all aspects of the rich history for the residents and descendants and future generations of Southampton Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania."
In the News...
Garden Club
Partial news release for the Bedford Gazette written by Jean Zimmerman
The Southampton Historical Society was the recipient of a tree provided by the Bedford County Garden Club presented in honor of Arbor Day on April 26th. Judy Jackson and Micky McCahan represented the Garden Club at a dedication ceremony at the former Point Pleasant School in Chaneysville which is the current project of the Southampton group. The tree was planted by Tim Clingerman.
The tree presented was a pin oak which is native to North America, mainly in the Eastern United States. The pin oak is a medium sized deciduous tree growing 60-70 feet tall with a trunk up to three feet in diameter. Young trees will often be covered with leaves year round, though the leaves die in fall and remain attached until new leaves form in the spring. The name “pin oak” is possibly due to the many small slender twigs, but may also be from the historical use of hardwood for pins in wooden building construction
Arbor Day was originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska by J. Sterling Morton. The first Arbor Day was April 10, 1872. It is estimated one million trees were planted that day. Morton’s idea quickly spread and today all 50 states as well as many countries celebrate Arbor Day.
HOMETOWN HEROINE
by Corey Alexander for our newsletter
Natalie Dell, a native of Southampton Township, and alumni of the former Chaneysville - Cove Elementary School and Everett Area High School; represented the United States of America in the 2012 London Olympic Games bringing home a bronze medal. She is the second Bedford County native to compete in the Summer Olympics, however, the first - ever to win a medal. Former Northern Bedford distance runner Brian Sell competed in the 2008 Beijing Games in the Men's Marathon.
Dell participated in the Women's Quadruple Sculls rowing competition. They were the first United States team to medal in the Women's Quad Sculls since 1984. "I am so happy to have just been in this race, and getting a medal is a dream come true. It's an impressive feat to say the least." said Dell during an interview. Dell also quoted her father stating that he always told her to "remember who she was and where she came from." Dell added, " I never have, and never will, and I simply can't wait to come home."
Natalie always had an impressive athletic ability, even at an early age when she played on the Chaneysville - Cove Varsity Soccer team. In High School she excelled in several sporting events; after High School Dell went on to compete at the World Championships in the Women's Rowing event, and can now add an Olympic Bronze Medal to her list of accomplishments.
Thank you Natalie for representing your Country and Hometown! We are deeply proud of you, and proud to be part of your Hometown Community.