Glen Rock, PA - Restored Steam Train

We went back to the Heritage Rail Trail this morning to do another section of the trail and just happened to be in Glen Rock when the excursion train came through.  This is one of the nicest restored steam engines I have seen.  

Abe Lincoln Was Here, Birthplace Of Ice Cream, 12 Foot Bicycles

We have been walking different sections of the Heritage Rail Trail that runs from York to the Maryland border - about 21 miles.  We have done 4, 3 mile sections (6 mile walk out and back) so far. I haven't put them on the blog except for the Howard Tunnel section because, although they are nice walking trails, they are for the most part not that remarkable.  The one we walked this morning did have a few points of interest.

We started at Hanover Junction Station that has been restored to its 1860's appearance and is notable as Abe Lincoln changed trains here on his way to Gettysburg in 1863 for the dedication of the National Cemetery. 

Hanover Junction Station

Life size abstract horse and rider at the station. 

About a mile up the tracks in Seven Valleys, PA, we came across the birthplace of commercial ice cream production - who knew? 

A little further up we came to 3 very large bicycles made of scrap materials.

The high wheeler is about 12 feet high.

Darby and me for scale.

Ephrata Cloister - Ephrata, PA

We visited the Ephrata Cloister in Ephrata, PA which was founded by Conrad Beissel in 1732.  This was a religious community with some similarities to the Shakers (some major differences too) but not connected to them in any way.  Click Here for a detailed description from Wikipedia.  We were very impressed with the place - it is definitely worth seeing if you are ever in the area.  Many of the buildings are original with minor restorations and a majority of the contents are original to the community. 

 Welcome Center and Gift Shop

Marker on Conrad Beisel's grave in the on-site cemetery.

 The Saron (Sisters House) and The Saal (Meeting House)

The Saal

The Saron

The Carpenter's House

Inside The Saron

Inside The Saron

 Inside The Saron

Inside The Saron

Inside The Saron

An original copy of the Martyr's Mirror, a book about the sufferings of the Pennsylvania Amish that was printed at the Ephrata Cloister in 1748.   The book had the distinction of being the largest book ever printed in Colonial America.   The book was printed by the Cloister for the Amish community.

 Printing Office

Printing Office

Woodworking Shop

Small Stable

The Bakery

The Weaver's Shop

Cemetery