The Queen Aliquippa Bridge: A Forgotten Local Connection to George Washington

October 29, 2026

Fate has once again caused me to cross paths, in an unexpected and rather roundabout way, with the father of our country, George Washington. I was recently on my way home from Chambersburg when a bridge sign caught my eye. We had crossed this same bridge many times, but for some reason, this was the first time I noticed the signage. It read: Queen Aliquippa Bridge. My curiosity was immediately piqued. Who in the world was Queen Aliquippa? And why was there a bridge on Route 522, crossing Aughwick Creek in Shirley Township, Huntingdon County, named after her? I grabbed my phone and began investigating. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. And I quickly realized that if I had never heard of Queen Aliquippa, there were probably many others in our community who hadn't either. Learn More

A Birthday Adventure: Walking in the Footsteps of George Washington

October 29, 2026

When my husband asked how I would like to celebrate my birthday this year, I replied with the only logical activity I could think of, adventuring! Nothing gets my heart pumping quite like a good adventure, especially one that comes together on the spur of the moment. So, with reservations quickly made, bags packed and loaded, we pointed the Jeep south and headed off, destination, Virginia. Since we had just finished watching a documentary on George Washington, I found myself reacquainted with the man who would become the father of our nation. Mount Vernon seemed the perfect destination. I had visited many years ago, but with our nation celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, it felt like the perfect time to return. Learn More

More Than a Vacation: Lessons from the Hudson Valley (Part Two) Eleanor Roosevelt

August 28, 2026

As promised in my last article, here is the continuation of our adventure, this time focusing on Eleanor Roosevelt, with a brief stop at Mills Mansion along the way. Mills Mansion was once again a stunning example of Gilded Age opulence. As we drove through the massive iron gates and up the winding lane, the scene before us left us wide-eyed and speechless. Perched high atop a hill overlooking the Hudson River, the mansion offered breathtaking views. The rolling green lawn and bright blue sky provided a beautiful backdrop for this magnificent white-columned estate. The mansion boasts 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms, but as impressive as the exterior is, the interior is even more extraordinary. Everywhere we looked, there was something to admire: intricate gold gilding, richly woven tapestries, heavy velvet draperies, and an abundance of marble covering the floors, walls, and grand pillars. Every room seemed designed to convey wealth, elegance, and prestige, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle few could ever imagine. I exclaimed to my daughter, “So this is how the other half lives!” She quickly replied, “More like the 1 percent!” Learn More