Articles
These articles by Robin Van Auken run the gamut of topics such as Inspiration, Writing, Publication, and Promotion. Other topics, such as Archaeology, Sports, Travel, History, Science and more, creep in. Robin is a writer of local history books and contemporary fiction. She lives in the Highlands of Pennsylvania and has advanced degrees in Anthropology and Communications. Enjoy the variety.
Also included in this library are contributions by historians and authors Lou Hunsinger, Jr., Tom “Tank” Baird, and Joan Wheal Blank. Some of these articles were published on the Historic Williamsport website operated by Robin, and are now the News of Yesteryear series.
- To see Robin’s articles, keep scrolling below. They are mingled in with Lou’s and Joan’s.
- To see Lou’s articles and contact him directly, CLICK THIS LINK.
- To see Tank’s articles and contact him directly, CLICK THIS LINK.
- To see Joan’s articles and contact her directly, CLICK THIS LINK.
Browse the Articles Library
Ireland: Land of the People that Sorrow
When planning a trip to Ireland, don't forget destinations that honor the torn country's history. Why "torn country," you ask? Ireland is a country that's been struggling with its identity – one separate from Great Britain – for more than a century.
#TBT: Mother Instinct Outweighs Appetite
Odd, Strange and Curious: A #TBT from Grit: America's Greatest Family Newspaper, brought to you by Hands on Heritage. Mother Instinct Outweighs Appetite June 6, 1946
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton, PA, is a haul up to the top of a mountain, but it's worth it!
Little Buffalo State Park
Our first introduction to Little Buffalo was the Blue Balls Tavern across the street. Wonder how many photos have been taken of that sign?
Hills Creek State Park
Kayaking on Hills Creek State Park is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, even if you’re not camping at the spectacular park.
Little Pine State Park
Our first outing for the 2012 camping season was Little Pine State Park in Pennsylvania.
The Brady Legend
Conflict between American Indians and white people escalated during the last two decades of the 18th century. War -- both declared and undeclared -- made for "dark and gloomy days," according to historian John F. Meginness in his 1,268-page tome, "History of Lycoming County" (1892).
Historical Mix-Up
Richard and Miriam Mix, experts on regional history as well as America's past, authored a book, “A Bicentennial Postcard History of Williamsport,” which contains colorful postcards and illustrations of pre-World War I Williamsport and the region, and was published by the Lycoming County Genealogical Society just in time for the City of Williamsport's bicentennial in 2006.
Rewards for American Indian Scalps
During the tumultuous years leading up to the French and Indian War, early settlers in Northcentral Pennsylvania had two choices: They could leave the fertile valleys of the Susquehanna, or take their chances with sporadic AmericanIndian raids during which farms were destroyed and entire families would be slaughtered.
Saying ‘Yes’ When You Mean ‘No’
We do it all the time. We say "yes" to people when we really mean to say "no." For some reason, most of us think we should put other people's wants and needs first; that our wants and needs are secondary.
