Events
9th AnnualWednesday, October 12th, 2011
Call 570-253-1185 for additional information.
Download a mailable registration form
or Register Online!
Ten years ago on a cool October morning, I saw my dad holding his five-month-old grandson as he watched the Fire House roll safely down the road. Dad was adamant about having our young son there, front and center, all day. He called it "White Mills Heritage Day" and kept saying "we're not just moving a building down the road, we're moving our entire heritage."
Dad hadn't gone to all this trouble for himself. He did it for those who came before him; those who had toiled in this community and worked hard to protect their families, homes and jobs. And he did it for those who were yet to come, so they too could understand and appreciate that who and what they are, is owed in large part, to those who came before.
The grandson held by Dad is Hunter Wayne, now all of ten years old. And yes, it has been an interesting ten years. With the support of many, Dad was able to get the Fire House moved. Unfortunately, he left us before he could see his vision through to completion. All of you and this golf tournament helped to fill the void. Over the last seven years we've accomplished a great deal together.
We rehabilitated a building that was in desperate need of repair; and it looks great. Both floors are now fully restored. We opened a museum dedicated to the people of White Mills where new items of interest are being added every year. Last fall we announced the addition of the 1948 REO Fire Truck, on loan from the White Mills Volunteer Fire Department, and the bell from the old brick White Mills School. We are featuring exhibits by local artists, including Jeff Hiller's photography exhibit that runs through the end of this year. And most importantly, we are sharing the culture and heritage of the community with hundreds of visitors each year.
There remain a few key things to be accomplished in the upcoming year. Signage has always been in our plan for the building and we will be getting that done this year. Now, in conjunction with the Sanctuary and the Lackawana Heritage Valley Authority, the Fire House will be more conveniently connected to other attractions in White Mills. A new walking trail with interpretive signage is beginning construction. The trail will connect the worker's house on Charles Street, the Dorflinger factory buildings and the 1911 Fire House. Continuing across Route 6 will take you to the recently restored Lock Tender's House. Dad was very involved in the master plan for the original Historic White Mills project, and I know he would be quite proud to see things really taking shape.
We hope that you'll be able to join us this year and/or consider a sponsorship. The tournament will be held at the Country Club at Woodloch Springs with registration beginning at 10:00 am and a shotgun start at 12:00 noon. Sandwiches and on-course beverages are provided. Cocktail hour begins at 6:00 pm at the Inn at Woodloch Pines, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm.
Awards and raffle prizes will be announced during dinner. Directions can be found at www.woodloch.com. Please see the registration form for additional information or you may register online at shop.dorflinger.org. Please register no later than Saturday, October 1, 2011. Feel free to call 570-253-1185 with any questions. On behalf of our committee, your continued support is very truly appreciated!
The Course
The Country Club at Woodloch Springs
Woodloch's spectacular, 18-hole, championship, par-72 golf course winds its challenging way over 6,579 yards of fern-carpeted forests, lush wetlands and broad upland meadows. With four sets of tees on every hole, all levels of play can be accommodated. The outstanding signature 14th hole requires a dramatic 220-yard carry over "Hells Gate Gorge," which is carved from the rugged mountainside by rushing water some 200 feet below.
Proper golf attire is required on the golf course, driving range and putting green at all times. No cutoffs, short shorts, tennis shorts, jeans of any kind, tank tops, track shorts or halter tops are allowed and proper footwear is required. The use of metal spikes is prohibited.