TheBurg

30 | The Burg | 06.15 W hen people think of Perry County, they may think first of hunting and fishing, maybe hiking or camping. But history buffs, take note: a colorful past pervades the county's hills, valleys and towns. Dennis Hocker, president of the Historical Society of Perry County, thinks about local history a lot. erefore, he was the perfect guide for a daylong tour of this fascinating place that, nearly two centuries ago, was sliced out of neighboring Cumberland County. "ere are so many historical sites in Perry County that I've picked just a few to allow you to enjoy the drive, with a few refreshments along the way," Hocker explained at the start of our trip. We began our tour ensuring that we'd be properly nourished for the journey ahead, heading to one of the county's best-known (and oldest) eateries. Opened on Mother's Day 1964, the Red Rabbit Drive- In outside of Duncannon is a throwback to the time of the British invasion and the original Ford Mustang. ere's nothing faux about the Red Rabbit—it just hasn't changed in 50-plus years. "With no inside seating, carhops take your order, just like back in the day," said Hocker. Similarly, the architecture and décor recall a time gone by, as does the menu (if it's your first time, go with the locally famous Bunny Burger, along with the requisite fries and shake). ere also are a few picnic tables around the lot for those afraid of spilling bunny dust (a special French fry seasoning) in their cars. Following lunch, we stopped nearby at the Juniata Junction lock at the Amity Hall exit of Route 322. e canal era in Pennsylvania, begun in 1827, was a complex, engineering marvel. When the Juniata River portion of the system opened in 1832, the canal extended to Hollidaysburg at the eastern end of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, 127 miles west of the Susquehanna River. A total of 86 locks was required to overcome a change in elevation of 584 feet over the full length of the canal, which cut the travel time from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh from weeks to a few days. "e Juniata Junction was the traffic director on the canal system from Harrisburg," Hocker said. "It allowed canal boats to either continue further north or turn westward toward Pittsburgh." To gain a sense of what riding on the canal was like, continue a bit farther west to the borough of Newport and stop at the town square. To your left, you'll be treated to a mural on the wall of the Perry County Council of the Arts showing a canal boat on the move. Newport was an important stop on the early system, a launch point for crops and lumber headed to cities in the east. While there, stop at local favorite Espresso Yourself for a quick jolt or snack in the charming, historic storefront on the square. CrITICAL TIMe On the other side of Newport, a short distance away, is Little Buffalo State Park. When you reach the park entrance, turn left onto State Park Road. e Blue Ball Tavern was built in 1762 and purchased by Peter Koch in 1793. His son opened a tavern there in the late 1700s, and its proximity to the Juniata Furnace, an iron works, made it a gathering spot for locals. e tavern offered food, drink and a sleeping loft. "e Blue Ball Tavern took on a critical role during the war of 1812," said Ben Ranney, naturalist at Little Buffalo State Park. "e tavern was strategically located on what was at the time called the 'Great Road,' linking the military post in Carlisle with the town of Sunbury." When the dispatch rider from Carlisle arrived, the owner of the Blue Ball Tavern would provide him HisTory Hop Canals, old buildings, antiques and Bunny Burgers round out a tour of Perry County. By DoN heLIN

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