John's Burnt Bridge
John's Burnt Bridge (sometimes referred to as the Camelback Bridge) was built sometime around 1820, and is a beautiful structure that is often driven over without appreciating its excellent stonework. Read the article for more historical information.
John's Burnt Bridge, built between 1800-1824. Rehabilitation occurred in 2005-2006.
Located roughly six miles from Hanover, not far off of Centennial Road, is a small bridge easily driven over without noticing its beautiful structure and historical significance. John’s Burnt Mill Bridge, sometimes referred to locally as Camelback Bridge, was accepted into the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1974. (Its official designation for the county is Bridge No. 56.) It spans the south branch of the Conewago Creek in Mount Pleasant and Oxford Townships, Pennsylvania.
While there are some discrepancies regarding the construction date of the bridge, ranging from 1800 through 1824, the nomination form lists the range of 1800-1823. A plaque on the bridge marking its rehabilitation in 2005-2006 noted the original construction date as 1820.
Reconstruction Plaque
The roughly 75 foot long bridge has a main section approximately 50 feet in length with approaches (at the time of the nomination) twelve feet each in length, with walls four and a half feet higher than the road surface.
The style of the three arch structure, constructed from local fieldstone, predates the use of most covered bridges. Its seven and nine foot high arches were constructed using wooden frames, with seven visible metal tie rods (housed in metal shells) giving additional support. Once the arch keystones were placed, the wooden forms were removed. Two stone “icebreakers” jut from the area between the arches on each side.
Nine similar bridges were built in Adams County prior to 1825, but at the time of application, only two were surviving. The style is noted for its durability, but a newspaper article in 1972 noted consideration for replacing the structure with a modern structure. This was obviously not carried out, but major rehabilitation efforts in 2005-2006 were taken by Mechanicsburg’s Pennoni Associates, Inc., at a cost of $840,000.
From both a cost and historic perspective, rehabilitation was deemed preferable over replacement. The bridge’s location along a floodway provided challenges to the structure throughout its life, as well as to the rehabilitation process. Flooding probably led to much of the structural problems, and in particular, a weather event in January of 1996 led to a flooding and freezing cycle that led to numerous cracking issues. One of the primary improvements was the installation of precast concrete “backing blocks” that strengthened the arch structures and allowed the removal of a previous 15 ton weight limit on the bridge.
The project was deemed a success to the degree that the Association for Bridge Construction awarded it an Outstanding Rehabilitated Bridge designation. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program includes it as a case study in its guidelines for historic bridge work.
The bridge is noted in the NRHP nomination form for its representation of local stone architecture, as well as its part in a rural community centered around a mill and stream. It originally was located with twelve stone homes dating before 1850.
John’s Burnt Mill Bridge is one of 33 Adams County locations noted in the National Register of Historic Places, and one of five Adams County bridges on the list.
Informational Resources:
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form - #74001731
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Bridgehunter.com
http://bridgehunter.com/pa/adams/17216042830560/
Historic Bridge Foundation
http://historicbridgefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/burntmill...
Center for Environmental Excellence
http://environment.transportation.org/pdf/communities_of_practice/finalr...
Adams County
http://www.adamscounty.us/Munic/Documents/CompPlans/EasternAdamsCountyJo...
Yogurt and Blackberry Paleta
Summer means fresh, current produce to food lovers. For me, summer means fruit paletas.
Yogurt and Blackberries make a wonderful summer snack!
Summer is the season for fresh fruit, so it’s also the obvious time of year to make and enjoy frozen fruit desserts like ice cream and paletas.
I’ve been exploring frozen popsicles a bit lately after picking up a great new book on the subject, Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas by Fany Gerson. The book lists for $16.99, but it’s usually available for less. It’s a bargain at full price.
Gerson, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, can certainly be considered an expert on the subject after running La Newyorkina, New York’s premiere experience for frozen Mexican treats.
So far my paletas expedition has focused on sour cream based popsicles and those using yogurt. Since I’m a fan of homemade yogurt using local milk (Apple Valley Dairy in East Berlin, Pennsylvania) I’ve spent more time making new varieties of this style with the current fresh fruit in season at the local markets. Fresh ingredients make great food, and nothing beats buying the produce from those that grow it, or at least as early in the retail chain as possible. And any recipe that uses only six ingredients gets bonus points in my mind.
Gerson’s paletas de yogurt con moras (yogurt ice pops with berries) have been great with all of the fruits I’ve tried so far. For my latest treats, I used some large, fresh blackberries I picked up locally. Because of their size, I cut each berry in halves or thirds.
Ingredients
1 lemon
½ cup water
½ cup sugar
1 ½ cups plain greek yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
2 cups fresh berries
The recipe may be found online (printed with permission) at the Cooking Channel web site, but the process begins with creating a lemon-infused simple syrup, easily created with the sugar, water, and lemon peels. As a side benefit, the peels, discarded after creating the syrup, are great placed in a summer drink.
A very basic syrup with lemon for flavor.
Greek yogurt can be purchased or traditional yogurt can be strained.
Greek yogurt may be purchased, but as a homemade yogurt enthusiast, I simply placed my own yogurt in a sieve until most of the whey was drained. This excellent, thick yogurt was added to the honey and lemon syrup and blended until smooth.
Molds are a great investment for popsicle/paleta treats.
A small amount of this popsicle base is poured into either a commercial mold or any small containers of your choice. After placing the molds in a freezer for a bit, pieces of the blackberries or other fruit are added to the mold. The remainder of the sweetened yogurt base is then added to each popsicle until it reaches just below the top of each mold or container. Sticks may be added at this point, and a lid if applicable. After a few hours in the freezer, these frigid treats are ready to enjoy.
By placing the molds partially into a pot of warm water for a few seconds, the popsicles will release from the container. The yogurt base does melt fairly quickly at this point, so have small plastic bags ready and return to the freezer. (As a cheapskate, I place two popsicles into each bag.)
Be patient while they freeze! :)
Take another look at the recipe ingredients above… difficult to buy commercial frozen treats when making your own yields a better tasting popsicle and one where you can control the ingredients inside. Even after trying only two recipes in Ms. Gerson’s book, I feel that I’ve already gotten my money’s worth in value. I’d highly recommend a purchase. I’ve included links to the other items that would be handy, but not necessary. Give paletas a try.
Resources
Popsicle Mold: Norpro Ice Pop Maker
Popsicle Sticks: Progressive International 50-Count Wood Freezer Pop Sticks
Book: Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas
Milk: Apple Valley Creamery
Fruit: K & J Farm Market and the Adams County Farm Fresh Markets
Recipe Online: Cooking Channel
Gettysburg Restaurant Recommendations
Visiting Gettysburg? Here's where to eat...
While there are many restaurants in Gettysburg that I'm sure are worthwhile that I've not listed here, this list includes places that I can personally recommend from experience. Facebook links (restaurant name) and website links are included. (Last updated 01/11/25.)
• Pizza/Subs
Their diced tomato, feta, and jalapeño pizza is the best pizza in town.
• Pub/Bar
Sign of the Buck
29 Chambersburg Street
Website
The best of both tavern and upscale foods. Very reasonably priced lunch options, and in a time of fewer Sunday brunches, don’t forget that option, too.
The Garryowen Irish Pub
126 Chambersburg St
Website
Appalachian Brewing
259 Steinwehr Ave
Website
Appalachian feels a bit like a larger chain, but you’ll find some nice food and drink selections.
• Mexican
Montezuma
225 Buford Avenue
Website
• Italian
La Bella Italia
402 York Street
Website
Waitstaff can sometimes be overtaxed, but the food is good if you’re not in a hurry.
• Diner/American
Food 101
101 Chambersburg Street
Website
Gettysburg Baking Company
17 Lincoln Square
Website
• Upscale
Dobbin House Tavern
89 Steinwehr Avenue
Website
• Not in Gettysburg, But Close Enough...
Gateau Monique Bakery
5 South Queen Street, Littlestown
Website
Scones, cupcakes, cheesecake, tarts, you name it... you'll love it here. Worth a morning drive from wherever you're at.
C&D Bar & Grill
6465 York Road, New Oxford
Website
Inn 94
4805 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford
Website
In the neighbrohood of nearby Hanover? If so, pick up some Hanover suggestions by clicking here.
Hanover Restaurant Recommendations
Hanover (Pennsylvania) is a major retail hub in the area, and this brings with it a boatload of places to eat. But which are worth stopping at?
While there are many that I'm sure are worthwhile that I've not listed here, this list includes some of my favorites that I personally recommend. Facebook (restaurant name) and website links are included...
Submitted by visualrealia on Wed, 05/25/2016 - 12:35
Hanover (Pennsylvania) is a major retail hub in the area, and this brings with it a boatload of places to eat. But which are worth stopping at?
While there are many that I'm sure are worthwhile that I've not listed here, this list includes some of my favorites that I personally recommend. Facebook (restaurant name) and website links are included. (This list is updated frequently - last updated 1/27/24.)
Hanover Restaurants - My Suggestions:
• Coffee
Ghouls and Grinds
455 Carlisle Street - Takeout Only
701 Third Street - Seating
Ghouls is the popular “to go” spot and themed drinks are the strong point for many visitors. The name sets a matching, fun vibe. The new Third Street location adds seating options.
• Brewpubs & Contemporary Casual
Something Wicked Brewing Company
34 Broadway
Website
Hanover already has a good collection of breweries with more on the way. They all have their strong points and are worth a visit. Read more about this popular spot in this Culture On The Line article.
Warehouse Gourmet
7 Pennsylvania Avenue
Website
Good lunch spot for sandwiches and soups, as well as homemade breads. Nice place to meet with friends.
Fat Bat Brewing
10 North Railroad Street
Website
Family-owned microbrewery with a nice variety of styles. Right beside Something Wicked, so hit two spots in one trip.
Oak Artisan Cookery
40 Broadway
Website
Pizza and pasta from a wood-fired oven add a nice addition to the downtown area and right in the microbrewery neighborhood.
• Sandwich/Burger
Hanover has good food in a number of different categories, but perhaps the town’s traditional middle class background lends itself to burgers and hot dogs. If you can’t find a sandwich in Hanover that you like, you aren’t looking.
Hotel Hanover
15 Center Square
Website
Sandwiches, wings, salads—all great stuff. Large, homemade portions.
Texas Hot Weiner Lunch
38 Carlisle Street
Hanover is the home (I don’t care what anyone else says) of hotdogs and hamburgers with the works, including a (bean free) chili sauce and enough onions to kill a man. Hanover has two different longtime places, including this downtown icon. Awesome traditional fries.
Want to know a secret? Life is more than just burgers and hot dogs. Texas HWL bakes and slices its own hams for the ham and cheese sandwiches — with everything, of course!
Famous Hot Weiner
101 Broadway - and
160 Dart Drive
Website
And the other “weiner shop” in town is just as much a hit. When Hanoverians return to town, they stop at one of these two places within the first few minutes of crossing the border. While the hot dog seems to be mentioned the most, go for the cheeseburger with everything.
The Homedog
Mobile - Follow the Facebook page for location.
Very popular hot dog cart. Grab the local smoked dog with whatever toppings you love.
Shultz's Delicatessen
918 Carlisle Street
Website
In addition to a large variety of deli-style sandwiches, wraps and salads, take home a container of their cheddar, bacon and horseradish spread. This place is a Hanover institution, having served the town since 1939.
• Asian
Korean Gardens
in the Markets at Hanover
1649 Broadway
Website (Markets at Hanover)
Korean Gardens resides in the center section of the Markets at Hanover at the north end of Hanover as heading toward Abbottstown. Great spot for pho and bibimbap. The pho broth is amazing.
Full Moon
1418 Baltimore Street
Website
Full Moon has an excellent menu of sushi and sashimi, as well as intriguing special rolls.
Blue Koi
805 Baltimore Street
Website
Slightly more upscale, with a good selection of sushi.
Aki
1150 Carlisle Street
Website
Stop here for lunch and enjoy a bento box for a good value.
• Baked Goods
Jacquelyn's Bakeshop & Cafe
1785 Baltimore Pike
Grab a nice variety of baked goods and some very worthy wraps for a light lunch.
Cake Bar
22 Carlisle Street
Just want one slice? They can do that and serve it to you with coffee or milk!
• Diner/American
Dutch Country Restaurant (No FB Page)
946 Baltimore Street
Website
The parking lot is always full, which tells all when looking at where to go for good diner food.
• Chain
LongHorn Steakhouse
20 Wilson Avenue
I am definitely a local kind of guy, supporting locally-owned businesses. I can’t deny, however, that Hanover’s LongHorn location has given us consistently good meals and service. Go for the Flo’s Filet.
• Ice Cream
York Street Treat
881 York Street
Looking for soft ice cream? Raspberry ice cream on York Street is the answer.
Paleteria Y Neveria Tocumbo
1000 Carlisle Street
(Tucked in a corner near Subway.)
This Delaware company's hand-dipped ice cream and popsicles are the best in town. Try the coffee or vanilla flavored ice creams, as well as the wonderful aguas frescas.
• Must-Stop on Saturday Mornings
Moon’s Cafe
at the Hanover Market House
210 East Chestnut Street
Website (Hanover Market House)
My Saturday morning breakfast is a spring roll from Moon’s at Hanover’s Saturday market. Very friendly place with equally tasty egg rolls and wontons. Tell them Andy sent you.
• Not in Hanover, But Close Enough…
Gateau Monique Bakery
5 South Queen Street, Littlestown
Website
Scones, cupcakes, cheesecake, tarts, you name it... you'll love it here. Worth a morning drive from wherever you're at.
C&D Bar & Grill
6465 York Road, New Oxford
Website
A local favorite for higher end meals. Also very good at adapting or creating items for those with special dietary needs.
Inn 94
4805 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford
Website
Looking for a traditional steak and seafood place with consistently good food? You’ll find it here. The Greek desserts are a bonus.
This post will be updated as required. Stop back and share it with friends! Last updated 12/19/24.