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20th Century Hat Fashions (2003) Edith Fetherston never went out without a hat. From 1905 to 1972, she was a faithful customer of the Gundy Hat Shop in Lewisburg. A recreation of the shop as well as the numerous hats Edith accumulated can be seen in this installment of PCN Tours. Her hats have been put on display at the Packwood House Museum in Lewisburg, which she founded. A.R.T. Research Enterprises (2003) Visitors to Gettysburg National Park can find a dramatic moment frozen in time by a Lancaster fine art foundry. Astride his horse with a tight grip on the reins, Major General James Longstreet looks to his left attentively during the battle that marked the high-water mark of the Confederacy. A.R.T. Research Enterprises creates sculptures from a variety of metals for display in such prominent places, including the mall in Washington, DC. Academy of Music (2000) Academy of Natural Sciences (2001) In 1999, a team of geologists from the University of Pennsylvania made a startling discovery in Egypt. They had been excavating what appeared to be two bones embedded in the Sahara Desert. They were shocked at the realization that they had been unearthing both ends of a single, massive bone ... a single bone that measured a staggering five feet, seven inches in length. See the 94-million-year-old upper leg bone of Paralititan, one of the largest animals to ever walk the earth, when PCN Tours the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. AccuWeather (2001)385 Science Park Road, State College, PA 16803 (814) 237-0309 Back in 1962, Penn State graduate student Joel Myers began forecasting the weather for a gas utility company. By 1971, his understanding of the weather's impact on society at large had grown into a service for hundreds of radio and television stations called AccuWeather. The State College-based business has continued to grow and its forecasts can be found on internet sites and in newspapers all over the world. Acopian Technical Co. (2009) Acopian was founded in 1957, and takes credit for the world’s first solar radio. Since then, it has evolved into a leader in the design and manufacture of power supplies of various shapes and sizes. Adhesives Research (2007) This is the company's North American plant and corporate headquarters. Custom pressure-sensitive adhesives, tapes, coatings, films, and laminates have been made here since 1961. The food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals industries are just a few that come here for packaging or labeling their products. Advanced Finishing USA (2008) Afro-American Collection (1998) Alcoa Aluminum (2003) Alcoa Mill Products in Lancaster makes aluminum sheets that are used in the manufacture of trucks, autos, cookware, and construction materials. Their machined cast plate is used in a variety of products, including robotics and medical instruments. Alcoa has two other plants similar to the Lancaster plant in Texas and Iowa. All-Clad Cookware (1997) Allegheny County Coroner's Office (2005) Allegheny County Courthouse (2003) Allen Organ (1998) Altoona Railroaders Museum (1999) Here in Altoona, an army of railroaders designed, built, and maintained the Pennsylvania Railroad, the largest railroad in the world. The President of the Pennsylvania Railroad was at one time considered more powerful than the President of the United States. Boasting 250,000 employees, the railroad's budget was larger than that of the U.S. government. This Altoona museum is meant to honor these workers and their contributions to the culture and development of the railroad industry, and to preserve their heritage. American Helicopter Museum (1999) American Holtzkraft Umbrellas (2002) Large umbrellas for the patio, terrace, or deck are made by American Holtzkraft in Mount Pleasant Mills. The hardest wood grown in the United States, Northern Ash, and solid brass hardware are the materials the company uses to manufacture them. Phil Apple, President of American Holtzkraft, conducts the tour. American Refining Group (2006) The Pennsylvania grade crude oil region comprises about 35,000 square miles running from New York state, through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. This company refines and packages Pennsylvania grade crude oil into oil for engines, transmissions, and hydraulic systems. American Swedish Historical Museum (1997) Anderson's Wildlife Interiors (2004) This Kane, Pennsylvania business makes furniture and home decor with an outdoor touch. In addition to headboards, hutches, armoires, and dressers featuring a wildlife theme, this small shop also makes plaques with images of animals that are hand-carved and signed by the artist. Andover Industries (1996) Andy Warhol Museum (1997) Rounding a particular bend at the Andy Warhol Museum, you may become convinced you've blundered into a stockroom instead of an exhibit room. But the boxes bearing familiar product names and logos were in fact created and arranged by artist Andy Warhol. Andy Warhol (1928-1987) was born in Pittsburgh. The youngest of three sons of Eastern European immigrants, his mother encouraged him to develop his artistic talent. At age 17, Warhol enrolled in at what is now known as Carnegie Mellon University. He moved to New York City in 1949 and became a leading commercial artist. By the end of the '50s, Warhol turned his attention to the fine arts. By the 1960's, his work included studies of a Campbell's soup can, a grieving Jacqueline Kennedy, screen star Marilyn Monroe, and other celebrities. He also created images of death and disaster; some well known work depicts car crashes and electric chairs. Antique Automobile Club of America Museum (2003) The AACA has its headquarters in Hershey. When the time came to build a museum dedicated to the club's passion, the location was obvious. Just down the street from Hersheypark, car buffs can see automotive history from the horseless carriage to the muscle cars of the '70s. AquaPenn Spring Water (1999) Asher's Chocolates (2000) Ashland Technologies (2009) Next time you take a hair-raising, stomach-churning ride on your favorite roller coaster, try to remember that some of its parts may have been made at this plant in Hegins, Pennsylvania. On the more practical side, Ashland Technologies also makes a kit that allows you to re-locate the fuel filter on your diesel truck, motor home, or school bus so it’s easier to get at for maintenance.Atwater Kent Museum (2002) The Museum's collection shows how three centuries of people worked, played, and lived in Philadelphia and its suburbs. That's what radio pioneer A. Atwater Kent had in mind when he bought the building and gave it to the city in 1938. Before it was devoted to the history of Philadelphia, the building was the original home of the Franklin Institute. Automation Devices, Inc. (2009) “Feeders,” in an industrial sense, get objects from one place to another. There are a few methods by which this can be accomplished. A vibratory feeder can shake itself in order to send a great quantity of small things from point A to point B. A centrifugal feeder spins, and through centrifugal force, sends objects off to their next destination. This company’s feeders and hoppers keep the production line moving. Avanti Cigars (2001) The Avanti Cigar Company says film director Francis Ford Coppola likes their stogies so much he established his own private label in order to sell them at his winery in California. The Scranton company buys its tobacco exclusively from Tennessee and Kentucky because they believe it's the best. Avanti manufactures and distributes over 30 million cigars a year. During the company's heyday in the 1960's, they sold two to three times that amount. Avis America Modular Homes (2008)
Bachman Snacks (2002) Bachman went into business in 1844 with one small oven and a horse-drawn delivery cart. They concentrated on one product - pretzels. Today, Bachman has expanded their line to include potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips, popcorn, and many variations based on these favorite snacks. While they keep up with demand for such snacks, the company has managed to hold on to a traditional method of production. They say they're the only major company that continues to use an automatic pretzel-twisting machine. The McGonigles, the family that bought Bachman in the 1930's, take the credit for the technological innovation. Baker Ballistics (2007) Bansner's Ultimate Rifles (2001) Barnes Foundation (2002) Some of the walls in Merion Station, Pennsylvania are covered by the original works of the most celebrated painters the world has ever known. Philadelphian Albert Barnes began collecting modern art in 1912 when he sent a friend to Paris on a mission. A painter in his own right, William Glackens returned to the states with work by Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Barnes continued to acquire art throughout his life. In 1992, part of his collection went on tour and brought the Barnes name throughout the United States and France. Today, prospective visitors must make reservations in order to view the gallery in person. Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama Restoration (2006) Beistle Party Favors (2000) Thousands of pounds of confetti that fall into Times Square at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve is made at the Beistle Company in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The employees at Beistle make hats and decorations for all the holiday celebrations throughout the year. If you're ready to celebrate a holiday, Beistle probably has just the right accessory to make the occasion more festive. Bemis Company Plastic Film (2001) As you fill your grocery cart at the supermarket, you're buying more than food itself. Meat, cheese, coffee, condiments, drinks and candy are sealed for freshness and convenience in packages sealed with plastic film. That's where Bemis Company comes in. The Hazleton plant manufactures packaging for a wide variety of industries. In addition to food packaging, Bemis makes packaging for lawn and garden products, and medical items. Berwick Industries Gift Ribbon (1998) Betsy Ann Chocolates (2004) If you don't like chocolate, read no further. Everybody still here? Good. Betsy Ann in Pittsburgh does about everything you can imagine with this popular confectionery. They make in melt-away form. They make it shaped like an egg or a rabbit. They pour it over pretzels, nuts, cherries, and cookies. They'll even stamp your company logo in it. Betsy Ross House (1998) BG Artforms Pens (2008) Here, a pen is much more than something to write with. It’s a work of art and a thing of beauty. Master Penmaker Barry Gross takes rare, exotic hardwoods with a fragrant aroma from around the world, and hand-crafts them into instruments that make a statement even before they touch paper. Some of his exotic pens have made their way to Washington as gifts for Vice President Dick Cheney. Bill's Old Bike Barn (2005) Bill Morris wanted to pay tribute to the classic motorcycles of yesteryear. He put together a collection that features the best specimens of Harley-Davidsons, Indians, Triumphs, Moto Guzzis and other bikes he could find. The result, housed in a 19th century wooden barn, is “the largest collection of vintage cycles on the East Coast,” according to Bill himself. Bill's Old Bike Barn- Harley Section Only (2007) Biomarine, Inc. (2009) This company is a leader in the development and production of self-contained breathing apparatus. Their Biopak Rebreather is designed to protect personnel in hazardous, toxic, or oxygen-deficient environments. Often known generically as a self-contained breathing apparatus, it’s used by first responders, the police, the military, and mine and tunnel rescuers. Bisconti Boat Works (2009) This company will build your boat from the ground up, or they’ll make the kit so you can do it yourself. They come in different sizes, ranging from 10 to 16 feet. The styling takes its inspiration from watercraft of the 1950s. You can also have your boat restored here and have work done on the engine. Bloomsburg Carpet (2004) Whenever you happen to visit the State Capitol, and you notice the design or the feel of the carpet, think about a company that manufactures in Bloomsburg. Bloomsburg Carpet has laid carpet all over the world. Casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, Radio City Music Hall in New York, and the U.S. Supreme Court are just a few places where their product cushions your feet and pleases your eye. Bluecoat, American Dry Gin (2007) Science may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering gin. But science class is where Robert Cassel became fascinated with the distilling process. Now he's a certified Master Distiller that oversees the quality of a product that originates at Pennsylvania's first distillery since Prohibition. Bluett Brothers Violins Mark Bluett made his first violin in 1982. His instruments are created from the finest woods: spruce, curly maple, and mahogany. These woods must be dried for at least 20 years in order to give his violins, mandolins, and guitars their best tone and appearance. Boeing Helicopters (1998) Borders Books (2000) Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka (2009) For every batch of vodka produced in a single still, there are three parts. The “heads” - the toxic, bitter alcohols - are discarded. The “tails” - the musty alcohols - are used by some distillers to increase their yield. But Boyd and Blair say they only use the “hearts” - the naturally sweet spirits - in their vodka. Boyer Candy (Mallo Cups) (2003) Here's yet another place in Pennsylvania that allows chocoholics to indulge their craving. For starters, Boyer Candy makes the famous Mallo Cup. They also make their own version of a peanut-butter cup called a Smoothie. And to top things off, you'll see the creation of their chocolate and peanut-butter covered pretzels. If you're watching your waistline, you might want to skip this tour. Boyertown Museum of Historical Vehicles (1996) Brandywine River Museum (2003) In a 19th century Pennsylvania grist mill, visitors can find an internationally-known art collection by three generations of the Wyeth family and other artists of the Brandywine Valley. With funds from his illustrations for "Treasure Island", N.C. Wyeth bought 18 acres of land in Chadds Ford in 1911. It was here that the artist built his home and studio. Brookville Glove Manufacturing Co. (2002) Buckell Plastic Co. (2005) Buckell carries out a process called thermoforming. With heat and plastic film, the result is molded plastic packaging of a specific thickness for a variety of products. Plastic as thin as 1/100 of an inch holds in place and displays everyday consumer items, such as electronics, cosmetics, food, and medical items. Burley's Ice Rink Supply (1999) Burpee Seeds (2000) Founded in Philadelphia in 1976, Burpee has become famous for sending millions of catalogs to gardeners all over the United States. Butler Manufacturing (2007) Butler Technologies (2005) Butler is in the business of labeling. A “graphic overlay” labels buttons, switches, or lights on an instrument panel. Some labels with numbered increments fit the round face of a speedometer. If a machine needs instructions, numbers, or warnings posted on it, Butler probably has a label for it. BWP Bats (2007) BWP needs a lot of raw material for their baseball bats. Fortunately, they have some of the finest hardwood trees in the world in their backyard. They say their unique drying process for their wood - involving a radio frequency and a vacuum - results in a better bat for professionals and kids alike. Byers' Choice Figurines (2000)
C/G Electrodes (2007) These conductors of electricity, as big as automobiles, are consumed, or burned up, in the melting furnaces of steel mills in the process of making steel. The company started in 1899 making carbon brushes for electric motors and generators. In 2005, they acquired a company that makes the main raw material they need for their manufacturing process – Petroleum Needle Coke. Camp Hill State Prison (2003) Before a new inmate is locked in his cell at SCI (State Correctional Institution) Camp Hill, he has to go through a process that checks him into the prison. After he steps off a bus in the prison garage in leg irons, he is photographed and fingerprinted. His clothes are traded-in for a uniform that identifies him as an inmate of the institution. See all the steps a new inmate takes when PCN Tours the State Prison in Camp Hill. Campbell's Pottery and Gallery (2001) Car Mate Trailers (2004) If you have something you need to haul behind your vehicle, this Western Pennsylvania company has a product to help. There's a wide range of trailer styles to pick from, depending on what you want to move from point A to B. Some trailers are open with a flat bed for basic jobs. Others are enclosed to protect race cars and antiques, and have walk-on roofs and can provide electric service. Carlisle Indian School (2003) Between 1879 and 1918, this school assimilated Native American children into mainstream American society. It was the first off-reservation boarding school established for this purpose. A distinguished alumnus from the school was renown athlete Jim Thorpe. The surviving campus encompasses part of the Carlisle Barracks, the second oldest active military post in the U.S. Carlisle SynTec Roofing (2004) Carlisle Tire and Rubber (1996) Carnegie Mellon University Fine Arts Building (2005) Henry Hornbostel began work in Pittsburgh in 1904 when he won a competition for design of the campus that is now Carnegie Mellon University. The Fine Arts building is one of many prominent structures designed by Hornbostel that helped define Pittsburgh's architectural image in the early 20th century. Carnegie Museum Dinosaur Hall (2000) Centre Daily Times (1997) Chaddsford Winery (1995) Chamberlain Ammunition (1995) During the Vietnam War, this Scranton facility produced almost every 175 millimeter shell used by the Armed forces. Today, the ammunition plant specializes in 155 millimeter and 8-inch projectiles. The Scranton plant was established in the early 50s by the U.S. Army in the former rail shops of the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. The plant was equipped with steel billet heating furnaces, heavy forging presses, heat treating, machining, and painting equipment. Since its inception, it has been operated under contract with the U.S. Army, by private contractors. Channel Craft Toys (2003) There's a story about some frontier kids who were sifting through a parts box and came across a Cotton Gin coil spring and a ring linked together. The spring was welded shut on both ends. How did the spring and the ring become linked together? Can you separate them? Give up? Hold the printed solution up to a mirror to decode it if you must ... The Cotton Gin Spring puzzle is one of many old-fashioned favorites made by Channel Craft of North Charleroi. Marbles, complete with leather pouch and game handbook, jacks, jump-rope, Tiddly Winks, Pick-Up Sticks, Dominoes ... all the familiar simple American classics are under one roof here. Channellock Handtools, Inc. (1996) Channellock Handtools, Inc. (2008) If you see bright blue handles protruding from the tool belt of an electrician, a plumber, or a mechanic anywhere in the world, that’s a sign they depend on Channellock for their gripping and cutting tasks. “Channellock Blue” is a registered trademark that lets everyone know at a glance that the company takes pride in their products. Cherith Brook Boxes (2004) Garry Blevins was helping tear down an old house when it occurred to him it would be nice to make something from the wood. He began to build boxes that were simple and durable, featuring a design that was made popular by the Shaker religious community. His boxes are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and woods. Jewelry boxes, sewing boxes, and cookie boxes are a few variations on the basic design. Some have handles for easy carrying. Chop-Rite Two Meat Grinders (2001) Based on an original design from the 1800's, Chop-Rite's hand cranked equipment is cast in several sizes for a variety of tasks. In addition to the familiar process of grinding meat, these machines are able to stuff sausage and remove pits from cherries. Christ Church Cemetery (1997) Circle Systems Group (1998) Civil War Library and Museum (1999) Clear Toy Candy (2002) Colonial Furniture (2005) Colonial makes solid cherry and solid oak furniture for all over the home: chairs, tables, armoires, nightstands, end tables, and more. There are three variations on cherry finishes at Colonial – Brandywine for a traditional look, Cambridge in a medium brown, and Natural for a clear finish. Columbia Northwest Campers (2008) In a matter of about 30 seconds, without editing, you’ll see one of Columbia’s campers expand from a low, flat trailer to a teepee-shaped living space. Step inside and find a bed, refrigerator, and stove, to make it seem a little more like home while you’re on an adventure. Colver Power Plant (1998) Community Loudspeakers (1999) Concast Metal Products (2009) Concast offers a line of stocked and custom-made alloys in different shapes and sizes. They’re used in a host of applications including aircraft landing gear, railroad air brakes, fuel pump bushings, and water handling equipment. Concast says they can respond quicker to customer demands because they are one of the few manufacturers that can machine dies and molds on site. Conestoga Log Cabins (2008) Conrail Railroad Cars (1997) Corvette America (2007) A car from Detroit whose name evokes excitement, power, and style can have its life sustained with replacement parts manufactured in Pennsylvania. Corvette America says their factory turns out more reproduction parts for the automotive icon than all the other sources combined. Cove Shoes (1997) Craft-Bilt Awnings (2008) Here they make awnings out of two materials: fabric and aluminum. The fabric ones can keep you out of the sun so you can better enjoy your porch and be retracted when they’re not in use. Craft-Bilt says you’ll save on energy bills and your carpets and drapes will be saved from the fading power of ultraviolet rays. Crescent Industries (2003) During the 1940's, Frank Paules' shop in New Freedom was part of the U.S. war effort. He machined turrets for guns mounted on PT boats. After the war, he got into the plastics business . Today, Crescent helps customers with mold building and plastic injection needs. The Paules family still owns Crescent. Cunningham Piano (1996)
Dad's Pet Foods (2001) In 1933, George "Dad" Lang's Springer Spaniel gave birth to a litter of 11 puppies. In those days, one hour of work paid forty cents. George wanted to avoid paying five cents a pound for commercial dog food. So he figured out a way to make it himself. With an old peanut roaster, he combined a product his father was selling, "Dad's Health Wheat," with meat meal. The result was the creation of "Dad's" first dog biscuit. Today, the Meadville company is still owned by George's family, and distributes its product in several states. DeBence Antique Music World (2004) Visitors young and old have been captivated by the melodies produced by this collection of automatic instruments. The nickelodeons, merry-go-round band organs, and music boxes found here bring back to life the tunes of George M. Cohan, John Phillip Sousa, and Irving Berlin. These carefully-restored instruments reproduce the sounds exactly as they were heard by generations of listeners spanning two centuries. Delaware County Daily Times (1996) DelGrosso's Amusement Park (2002) An antique Wurlitzer band organ supplies the perfect atmosphere for DelGrosso's carousel. The tried-and-true favorite boasting thirty-six hand-carved horses has been in operation since it was bought new for the park in 1924. A total of twenty-seven rides, a water park, and a miniature golf course await visitors. Jim Futrell, author of Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania, praises DelGrosso's food for its high quality and reasonable price. DiamondBack Truck Covers (2009) This product helps make the bed of a pick-up truck more useful. These metal covers enclose the bed to secure the contents, and allow you to transport heavy objects on top. The tri-fold design gives you access to the front and back of the bed at the same time. Individually detaching panels let you take off part or all of the cover by yourself. DORMA Door Controls (2009) One of the most familiar devices made here is the mechanism that makes a door close automatically and quietly with a smooth, slow motion. They make a complete line of “surface door closers,” large and small, some equipped with smoke detectors. DORMA says they’ve earned a reputation supplying products that “invoke security, safety, and convenience around the door.” Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom (2002) Attention, roller coaster fans! This Allentown park is home to Steel Force, rated as one of the best roller coasters in the world! Riders travel at speeds up to 76 miles an hour while plunging down a 205-foot drop. Next door, Wildwater Kingdom has been in operation since 1985. The two attractions were linked in 1995 thanks to a new entrance. Old favorites from Dorney's early days remain ... the Thunderhawk roller coaster from the 1930s stands in the shadow of Steel Force, and the Zephyr train that helped the park through tough times during the Depression still delights visitors. Dorothy's Candies (2007) Double H Boot Company (1999) Duckloe Furniture (2002) DuMor, Inc. (2009) Dutch Wonderland (2002) After years on the road because of his job, Earl Clark got started in the motel business in Lancaster by the late 1950's. Many of his guests would depart after only a night's stay, however, complaining of their kids having nothing to do. Clark studied amusement parks around the country, returned to Lancaster, and opened Dutch Wonderland in 1963. His original head-turning castle still beckons visitors from the highway. Inside the park, they'll find medium-size roller coasters designed for the whole family, and thousands of plants and flowers that Dutch Wonderland plants every year. Dutch's Custom Cycle (2005) Dwight Lewis Lumber Company (2000) Hardwood timber such as ash, teak and cherry are brought from the forests of Sullivan County, Pennsylvania to this sawmill for cutting.
E. H. Hall/Westfield Tanning (2001) East Broad Top Railroad (2002) Eastern Museum of Motor Racing (2003) Back in 1975 a group of motor racing enthusiasts called the Williams Grove Old Timers gathered near Harrisburg. They all had an interest in the early days of American racing and a desire to preserve the history of that bygone era. That's when the idea of the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing was born. The museum includes a variety of sprint, drag, NASCAR, and Indy-style cars. The car driven to victory in the 1969 Indianapolis 500 by Pennsylvanian native and racing legend Mario Andretti is a highlight of the collection. Eastern State Penitentiary (1997) "This was a building where the guards wore socks over their shoes, where they padded the wheels of their carts. The effort was to create the most silent space possible so that the inmates would not be distracted from their contemplation of their crimes." That's the way tour guide Sean Kelley explains the 1829 system of correction at America's oldest prison, Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. After a visit to the prison, Charles Dickens commented in his book American Notes, "I hold this slow and daily tampering with the mysteries of the brain to be immeasurably worse than any torture of the body." The prison's "wagon-wheel" design allowed central monitoring of prisoners in cell blocks that radiated from its hub. Behind its 30-foot walls, during the 20th century, Al Capone was a famous inmate. Easton Express Times (1996) Easy to Love Wooden Toys (1999) Eckley Miners' Village (1996) Edgar Allan Poe House (1997) A statue of a raven with wings raised menaces visitors to a small brick home in Philadelphia. If the sight brings a feeling of gloom or makes your spine tingle, you're probably in the right frame of mind to venture inside the former home of literature's master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. While the author lived here in 1843 and 1844, some of his most famous tales were published, including The Fall of the House of Usher, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Ehmke Manufacturing (2005) This acoustic blanket is mounted on the inside wall of a helicopter that is used by American troops. It's one of many products that Ehmke of Philadelphia makes for the military. From a canvas cover for a canteen, to ammo packs and first aid kits, they make just about everything a soldier carries ... except for weapons. Eisenhart Wallcoverings (1999) Eisenhower Farm (1996) Eldred WWII Museum (2002) Eldreth Pottery (2009) Electron Energy Corp. (2007) Radiation, solar flares, and cosmic rays in deep space must be taken in consideration when designing and building a spacecraft. Electron Energy melts alloys to produce Samarium Cobalt magnets for use in space. The company produces a wide range of magnets for radar, medical and surgical devices, aircraft, marine vessels, motors, and many other applications. Emeco Chairs (2008) These stylish and yet utilitarian chairs are made from 80% recycled aluminium. Emeco says it takes 50 hands 8 hours to make just one chair. If you want it polished, that’s another 8 hours. If you flip some chairs over, you can see the differences in welds that distinguish one chair from another. Empire Kosher Poultry (2000) In accordance with Jewish dietary laws, trained Rabbis monitor the processing of each bird at this Mifflintown plant. Everlast Roofing (2006) This company says their Everlast II uses a certain kind of galvanized steel that has the ability to repair itself. That's important if the roofing is scratched. A layer of insoluable zinc salt forms over the exposed damaged area, and helps to prevent corrosion. Excel Modular Homes (1999)
Fabric Row (2000) Family Heir-Loom Weavers (2006) This company finds its inspiration in the fabric and design of carpets from the 19th century. Their looms and power mills reproduce fabrics such as ingrain carpeting, a flat-woven and often reversible carpet that was used by most middle-class citizens in their homes in the 1800s. Felicita Gardens (2002) Felicita (feh-LEES-ee-tah) is an Italian word for "great happiness." It's also the name of a 35-acre garden owned by a Harrisburg attorney who has a passion for beautiful plants. Richard Angino and his wife Alice bought the property in 1971, and spent the rest of the decade planting thousands of flowers and trees. Today, the gardens are open to the public on a limited basis. The president of the American Horticultural Society, H. Marc Cathey, said, "I've been all over the world, and I've never seen anything like it. It's an amazing experience." Fessler USA Knitwear (2008) Sure, you know that textile and garment manufacture has exited the United States to a great extent. But there’s a company in Schuylkill County that’s bucked the trend. They invested in American yarn, knitting machines, an in-house design shop, and a business strategy that has won them the support of major upscale clothing retailers in the U.S., Europe, and even China. Fire Museum of Greater Harrisburg (1998) Flagship Niagara (2000) Fleetwood Fixtures (2008) Fleetwood Folding Campers (2006) Towing a compact unit like this means when you've reached your destination you have plenty of the conveniences you left behind. Beds and curtains, a place to connect your electricity, a refrigerator, and a 10-gallon water supply are some of the benefits of this home away from home. Fleetwood Industries (2002) FPL Energy Wind Farm (2005) Their giant windmills are seen by thousands of Turnpike drivers in Somerset County every day, but FPL's biggest wind farm is here in Wayne County. FPL is a wholesale power generator that utilizes clean fuels such as natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, and wind. Their five Pennsylvania wind farms combined can generate power for nearly 37,000 homes. Frogswitch Excavating Products (1999) Frost Entomological Museum (2000) Fry Communications Printing (1999) Many motorists who worked on their own cars have a Pennsylvania printing company to thank for guidance on ordering parts. The J.C. Whitney catalog, one of the best known sources for automotive parts in the United States, is printed at Fry Communications in Mechanicsburg. Fry's production concentrates on catalogs with up to 2 million print runs and publications up to 350,000 print runs. Magazines, newspaper inserts, and catalogs roll off Fry's 27 presses onto binding lanes where they are bound or assembled loose-leaf. An ink-jet or paper label assures the publications go to the right place before they are loaded on the truck. In 1998, Fry Communications' sales topped $175 million, making it one of the top 15 printing companies in the country.
G.E. Locomotives (1996) G.S. Electric (1997) Gardners Candies (2001) Gene Landon, Cabinetmaker (2001) George Westinghouse Museum (2001) George Westinghouse noticed one day as he rode on a train in 1886 that it was difficult to bring the heavy load to a stop safely. He devised a system using compressed air to do the job. At the age of 22, this pioneer of the Industrial Revolution had invented the air brake. Westinghouse went on to a career that boasted 361 patents. Appliances bearing his name "sewing machines, washers, dryers, irons, radios, record players" have shaped the way Americans have lived since the early 20th century. The museum in Wilmerding is not far from Pittsburgh, where Westinghouse first displayed his latest triumph in 1905 - the alternating current electric locomotive. George's Woodcraft Furniture (2006) Georgia-Pacific Packaging (2003) Getting the corrugation just right inside any flap of a paper box is important. If the box doesn't have enough cushioning built-in, goods that have to travel any distance from the factory might end up damaged. Georgia-Pacific in Mt. Wolf is the 4th largest maker of packaging in the U.S. that gets products from manufacturers to consumers. Gertrude Hawk Chocolate (1997) Ghosts of PA (1997) Giffin Interior & Fixture (2008) Golden Witch Fishing Rods (2002) Fishing rods for the discriminating angler are made by Golden Witch, in Stevens, Pennsylvania. For superior action and feel, bamboo from China is split, cut into strips, and put together to form the rod. A fisherman's stature, arm length, and grip are taken into account here before building a custom rod that blends aesthetics and function. Greenleaf Corporation (2000)
Haines Mill Museum (2000) Hammond Pretzels (2007) The Hammond family has been making pretzels since 1930. Their recipe dates back to the 1800s. Let’s go back even farther in history - Hammond’s reports that the pretzel itself dates back to 600AD. A monk in a bakery inadvertently twisted some dough into a shape that he thought resembled arms crossed in prayer! Hanover Shoe Farms (1999) Harley-Davidson Motorcycles (1995) Harley-Davidson Motorcycles (2007) Possibly no other brand of vehicle evokes such strong emotions as a Harley. “Passion forged in steel” is what the company promises here at the York assembly plant. More than 3,200 employees work around the clock here building a genuine American icon. Harman Stove Company (2005) Heinz History Center (2004) Visitors to this museum named after Senator John Heinz have a chance to appreciate the history and heritage of Western Pennsylvania. You can explore an 18th century cabin, then get on board an authentic trolley from the 1940's. Other exhibits, including photos, maps, and manuscripts tell the story of this region. Helsel Lumber (2005) Helsel manufactures Pennsylvania Appalachian hardwood products for domestic and international markets. Eleven species of wood, including Red Oak, Cherry, and Ash, are cut, then dried in their kilns to the customer's specifications. The business began in 1926 with a sawmill and three employees. Today, 65 full-timers keep the mill humming. Heritage Discovery Center (2001) Herr's Pretzels (1996) Hershey Brothers Dairy (1997) Hershey Museum (2003) The building of the town of Hershey in 1903 went hand-in-hand with the building of the chocolate factory. Since Milton Hershey built his company in the middle of farmland, he figured he had to build a place for his employees to live. With the help of an engineer from near-by Lancaster, plans were drawn for a pleasant tree-lined community with a bank, hotel, churches, parks, golf courses, and a zoo. Hershey's Chocolate Factory (2001) Everyone knows the familiar brown and silver wrapper on a Hershey bar. The shape of a Hershey Kiss is unmistakable. In addition to those flagships, the Hershey Foods Corporation manufactures many familiar treats: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Almond Joy, Mounds, Cadbury and Milk Duds are a few. The company exports Hershey brand candy and grocery products to more than 90 countries. Hersheypark (2002) The same man who built a chocolate factory and a town to go around it started Hersheypark with a baseball field, picnic grounds, and a boating area in 1907. In 1977 the park became the home of the first looping roller coaster in the eastern United States. Today, the park has more rides and more roller coasters than any other park in the state. Hersheypark: Behind the Scenes (2001) HH Brown Work & Outdoor Group (2008) This company produces boots for numerous applications where ruggedness and durability are necessary. Law enforcement, mining, and the military are just a few professions that count on functional footwear. Extreme-protection boots that are worn by Search and Rescue teams at FEMA are designed and produced here. High Steel Structures, Inc. (1999) Hipwell Flashlights (2002) Hipwell Manufacturing is one of a handful of flashlight manufacturers currently in the United States. Back in 1887, when Hipwell got started, the company made parts for oil lamps. They made the screw for turning the wick, and the brass prongs for holding the glass chimney in place. When natural gas was discovered, Hipwell responded by making parts for lamps that used natural gas for fuel. The production of batteries in the 1920's inspired Hipwell to move on to the next step in its evolution - flashlights. The company's been making them, at first out of metal, then plastic and rubber, ever since 1940. Historic Pittsburgh: Allegheny City (2003) Historic Pittsburgh: The Financial District/Benedum Center (2003) Historical Society of Berks County (2001) This Society's museum exhibits interpret the county's history from the Conestoga covered wagon to the 1902 Dureyea automobile. Three floors of fine art and artifacts include furniture, a 120-year-old streetcar, and a 200-year-old Diffenbach organ. Holly Milk (1996) Hope Acres Dairy Farm (2003)
I. Sommer Narrow Tape (2004) "Narrow tape" is an important part of everyday clothing that few of us notice. Look inside your jacket. There's a good chance you'll see a strip of fabric that runs top to bottom along the inside edge of the jacket that helps keep your snaps or buttons in place. That's "narrow tape." It's also used inside shirt collars to cover up seams and keep the wearer comfortable. "I. Sommer" stands for Irving Sommer, the owner of the company, and your tourguide. Idlewild and Soak Zone Amusement Park (2002) Here's a park that's geared for kids under twelve years of age. The signature attraction is Mister Rogers' Neighborhood complete with trolley ready to deliver visitors to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Fred Rogers, the creator of the PBS children's show on which the attraction is based, grew up in nearby Latrobe and visited the park himself as a youngster. For fun of a wet variety, the water park Soak Zone is built around Idlewild's original pool. Independence Hall (1996) Independence Mall (2003) Independence National Historical Park, more commonly known as Independence Mall, is considered the birthplace of the United States. Located in Center City Philadelphia, visitors can see the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of freedom, and the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed, now known as Independence Hall. A section of the park where the home of Benjamin Franklin stood is dedicated to teaching about his life and accomplishments. Independence Seaport Museum (2003) Explore the maritime history of the Delaware River. Here, visitors can focus on immigration, commerce, and recreation along the waterway during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can climb into the steerage compartment of a ship for an immigrant's view of a voyage. There's also an exhibit highlighting various small craft including an 1885 Merryman Lifeboat and a rare 1910 Atlantic City Catboat. Industrial Sales & Manufacturing, Inc. (2007) Industrial Scientific Corp (2007) Potentially dangerous places such as oil refineries, off-shore oil drilling rigs, and underground mines are the principal markets for the products made here. They design and manufacture instruments for monitoring gases, such as methane. The Iron Shop (2007) Irvin's Country Tinware (2005) Lighting is a specialty at Irvin's. They have a line of tin and wood chandeliers, reproduction shade lights, and table lights. Each new batch of tinware is assigned to one craftsman, who works on the project from start to finish. The pieces are cut, shaped, and soldered, then the item is given an antique finish to give it a distinctive character. ITT Industries Engineered Valves (1999)
J & J Frozen Desserts (2002) J & L Specialty Steel (2000) J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills (1999) James Buchanan Memorabilia (2000) James Buchanan Wheatland Mansion (2000) James Industries (Slinky Toys) (1996) Jimmy Stewart Museum (1996) John Harris/Simon Cameron Mansion (2002) This limestone dwelling overlooking the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg has had two prominent occupants. John Harris, Jr., the founder of Harrisburg, built the house in 1766. In 1863, Simon Cameron, President Lincoln's first Secretary of War, bought the property and transformed into a showplace of Victorian splendor. In 1941, the Cameron family gave the house to the Historical Society of Dauphin County. Now a museum, the house contains furnishings from the Harris and Cameron families, in addition to donations from families throughout Dauphin County. Johnstown Flood Museum (1996) Johnstown Tribune-Democrat (2002) The Tribune-Democrat based in Johnstown serves all of Cambria, Somerset, and Bedford Counties, as well as parts of surrounding counties. The paper started as a weekly in 1853. After the 1977 Johnstown Flood, the Tribune-Democrat became a morning paper. In addition to the main office in Johnstown, it has bureaus in Ebensburg, Northern Cambria County, Somerset, and Bedford. The Tribune-Democrat publishes seven days a week, and prints and distributes more than 43,000 papers a day Monday through Saturday, and more than 48,000 papers each Sunday. Joy Mining Machinery (2006) This company builds a machine called the “Continuous Miner” that goes underground to extract coal and other bedded materials. Industry pioneer Joe Joy's accomplishments in the first part of the 20th century are considered milestones in the development of underground mining mechanization. Just Born Candy (1996) Whenever Easter comes around it's hard not to think of the famous marshmallow Peeps that are made by Just-Born Candy. The chick-shaped treats from Bethlehem, PA are one of the most widely recognized edible holiday traditions in the United States. The company also produces Mike 'N Ike jelly beans, a confectionery icon in its own right. The name "Just-Born" is meant to refer to the freshness of the candy. Just Born Candy (2005) Take a look in kids' Easter baskets, and chances are you'll find products from this Bethlehem plant. Those yellow or purple pieces of marshmallow shaped like chicks? They're called “Peeps.” Keep digging, and maybe you'll spot another Just Born favorite: “Mike n' Ike” jelly beans. This version from 2005 replaces the original that has been a favorite on PCN Tours since 1996.
Kahle's Kitchens (2006) Kahle's makes cabinets and countertops for the bath as well as the kitchen. They encourage their customers to bring their imagination to the 3-D computer design phase, while considering different wood species that result in a traditional or contemporary look. Kalas Wire (2006) Keener Kitchen (2005) Ken Smith Bass Guitars (1999) During his days as a stand-up bassist, Ken Smith gigged with the likes of Frank Sinatra Jr. and Perry Como. He also laid down bass lines for Broadway shows and commercial jingles. These days, instead of finding Smith in an orchestra pit or a recording studio, you're more likely to find him clinging to the side of a mountain of lumber choosing wood for his hand-made electric bass guitars. "The World's Greatest Hand-Made Basses" emanate from the small town of Perkasie, Pennsylvania. After Smith selects the best wood for his instruments, he traces a template on it that shows the silouhette of the body of one of his basses. Then the outline is cut out with a bandsaw. After sanding, assembly, finishing, and electronics installation, the finished bass will come full circle to Smith's bench for final adjustments and inspection. When Smith is choosing lumber, he says the results often fall within three categories. "If it's not good enough for one of my basses, it might be good enough for a piece of furniture. Anything worse than that goes into the furnace to heat my building." Kennywood Amusement Park (2002) While continuing to move forward by providing its visitors with modern thrills such as the Phantom's Revenge - one of the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters - Kennywood still preserves its Victorian atmosphere. Century-old trees, meticulously maintained antique rides, and picnic groves can still be found here. These preservation efforts may be the reason Kennywood is one of only two amusement parks to have the status of National Historic Landmark conferred upon it. Kessler's Meats (1997) Keystone Mint (2002) This mint doesn't make coins that'll get you anything in the store. But what they lack in monetary value they make up in sentimental value. These coins commemorate people, events, dates ... anything the client wants. Kimberly-Clark Paper Company (1999) King Tables (2005) Since 1974, King has been building lawn furniture that has to be durable enough to withstand the elements. Their picnic tables, chairs, and gliders are made of Number 1 Grade pressure-treated wood and stainless steel screws. King says these materials help ensure long life for their products outside the home. Kingdom Computers (1998) Kiski Junction Railroad (2002) Kitchen Kettle Village (2004) Pat Burnley grew up in Lancaster County and learned the simple joys of cooking and canning from her mother. She and her husband Bob settled down there and decided to go into the jelly-making business. They had what they needed to get started: a garage, a range, kettles, and a handful of secret recipes that belonged to a lady who was retiring. Today, people from all over are invited to see Pat's family make more than 70 kinds of jams, jellies, and relishes. Kiwi Brand Shoe Polish (1998) KME Fire Engines (1997) KME Fire Apparatus in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania is the country's largest privately-owned fire engine builder. KME builds fire trucks from the frame rails up. They manufacture their own chassis, bodies, cabs, tanks and ladders. John Kovatch III, son of company-founder John Kovatch, Jr., says KME's "niche" in the market is the company's ability to build a highly customized vehicle. A fire truck may take from 30 days to 9 months to complete, depending on the degree of customization. The average building time is 4 months. Within the eight buildings that make up the Nesquehoning plant, the fire apparatus division shares workers and facilities with Kovatch refueling trucks and tank trucks. Knoebels Amusement Resort (2002) Knoebels is one of the few amusement parks left where "catching the brass ring" is more than a figure of speech. Of their two antique carousels, the Grand Carousel still allows riders to achieve that glory. Bumper car fans say The Skooters is the finest ride of its kind to be found at any park in the country. Like many parks, Knoebels has added water attractions, such as the 50-foot high Sklooosh. The name of the attraction was inspired by the sound that emanates from the wet sneakers of its riders. Kopp Glass (2004) Next time you're sitting in your car waiting for the green light, consider that the colored lenses in the traffic signal may have been made in Swissvale, Pennsylvania. Kopp manufactures custom, hand-molded glass parts for a wide range of products. They make lenses, domes, and filters for aircraft, railroad, and marine lighting. One of Kopp's filters absorbs the heat of the light source. Usually this filter is found in light fixtures used by medical professionals and dentists. Koppel Steel (1996) Krehling Counter Tops (2000) This Harrisburg plant designs, manufactures and installs its products for both business and residential customers in four states. Kreider Farms (2007) The third generation of the Kreider family oversees this milk, egg, and ice cream operation that covers about 2,500 acres. Here are some other impressive numbers. Kreider claims to have 1,500 cows, and a mind-boggling 3.5 million chickens! That's plenty for keeping their stores, restaurants, and whole sale markets stocked-up with fresh goods. Kunzler Meats (2001) Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard (2000)
L & H Signs (2005) Since the Egyptians first created signs in brick and stone some 5,000 years ago, they remain a fundamental element of trade, commerce, and industry. The people at L&H have won multiple awards for their sign designs that help build brand images, and help you navigate your way around shopping malls, office buildings, and stadiums. LaFarge Cement Plant (1999) Lagos Jewelry (2001) Steven Lagos and his future-wife Ann met at a trade show in 1984. As a teenager, Steven had learned the traditions of the jewelry trade from an 85-year-old master. Ann was a graduate from the former Philadelphia College of Art and won a featured spot in the new designer section at a prestigious jewelers' show in New York City. They joined forces. Today more than 100 artisans at their Philadephia company design and create museum-quality jewelry for retail stores Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and independent jewelers around the country. Lancaster County Timber Frames (2009) Both aesthetically and structurally, timber framing has stood the test of time. In Europe and Asia, it’s not unusual to find timber-framed homes that have been lived in for more than 700 years. This company makes their construction timbers out of different species of wood for use in any architectural style. Lakemont Park (2002) Lakemont Park in Altoona enjoys the distinction of being home to the oldest roller coaster in the world. Since 1902, Leap the Dips has endured floods, neglect, and abandonment. In 1994, the Leap the Dips Preservation Society was formed to raise a million dollars needed to restore the ride. With a fine furniture carpenter supervising the work, the roller coaster recaptured its former glory five years later. Nine-foot drops and speeds up to 10 miles an hour are tame for today's riders, but this historic ride stands as a reminder of a gentler time. Laran Bronze (2003) When plans for the much-anticipated National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC took shape, this Chester foundry was awarded the commission of a lifetime. Laran is providing the new memorial on the National Mall with eight bronze eagles, each with a ten-foot wingspan, and eight bronze columns, each one weighing more than 5,500 pounds. Latrobe Brewing Company (2002) In the 1920s, five brothers took a chance on Prohibition ending when they bought a dormant brewery in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Their gamble paid off. When FDR repealed the 18th Amendment, the Tito brothers, Frank, Joseph, Robert, Ralph and Anthony, were in business. The first beers to roll off the line of the revived plant in 1933 were Latrobe Pilsner and Latrobe Old German. The brothers went on in 1939 to establish the now-famous Rolling Rock brand. Laurel Hill Cemetery Co. (2001) Leisters Furniture (2008) Crafted from high-quality Pennsylvania hardwoods, the Leister collections are intended to be passed from one generation to another. The company says the different grain patterns and textures give each piece a one-of-a-kind identity, just as nature gives a subtle distinction to every tree. Lehigh County Museum (1996) Lehigh Valley Plastics (2007) If you find yourself in a casino, there’s a good chance that some of the plastic items on the tables came from this manufacturer. Lehigh Valley says they are one of the few plastic manufacturers in the country who is authorized to make chip trays, Roulette wheel covers, dice bowls, and other items that help keep the action going. Lemoyne Sleeper Mattress Company (1999) Lemoyne Sleeper Mattress Company (1999) After leaving a promising career at a major New York department store, 25-year-old Jerry Pearlman came home to Harrisburg in 1964 with an idea. He wanted to make mattresses and box springs and sell them directly to the public. With the help of his cousin and a friend, the idea became reality inside of a small garage. Today, his son, Andy, is in charge of the largest independent bedding manufacturer in Pennsylvania. Leonhardt Manufacturing (2003) This Hanover plant takes tubes made of metal and bends them to their customers' specifications. One of their more famous clients is Harley-Davidson. Tubes make up a variety of parts for their motorcycles: license plate mounts, engine guards, various trim pieces, and handlebars. Lesher Inc. Marble & Granite (1999) Liberty Bell Tour (2000) Lilliput Play Homes (2004) Little League Museum (1997) Littlestown Foundry (2006) Lock Ridge Furnace Museum (2000) Locus Pharmaceuticals (2006) Longwood Gardens (1998) Longwood Gardens Christmas (2005) Poinsettias are the floral mainstay of the holiday season, and Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania has over 4,000 of them. The sea of red, pink, and cream-colored plants are joined in Longwood's 4-acre conservatory by a 16-foot Douglas fir decorated with thousands of colorful dried flowers. With winter days away, two carpets of lush green grass unroll along side the reflecting pool that leads to a 14-foot tree punctuated with red poinsettias. The festive display owes its existence to Longwood's founder, Pierre du Pont. After a professional gardener's 10-acre landscape plan met with his disapproval, Pierre du Pont (1870-1954) started Longwood Gardens in 1907 by laying out the first flower bed himself His initial purchase of 202 acres has since grown to 1,050 acres, featuring gardens, trees, exotic plants, and fountains.
Mack Trucks (1996) Mack Trucks (2008) In 2008, PCN returned to the Lehigh Valley for an update on this venerable American workhorse. During WW I, British soldiers paid tribute to the pugnacious, blunt-nosed, rugged vehicle by dubbing it the Bulldog Mack. Mack Trucks Museum (2006) A formidable bulldog hood ornament reminds drivers that Mack has a reputation for building tough trucks. Not far from the factory is a museum that celebrates Mack. Various models from 1907 to 1973 are on display, along with memorabilia and over 80,000 photographs. MacNeal Maple Syrup (1998) Majestic Athletic Uniforms (2004) Next time you see a Major League Baseball game, think of this Bangor, Pennsylvania company. The uniforms on the players of all 30 professional teams are supplied exclusively by Majestic Athletic. The company also has sports apparel arrangements with the National Football League, the National Hockey League, the National Basketball League, and colleges and universities. And you don't have to be an athlete to wear their product. They reproduce the professional jerseys for the rest of us, too. Malmark Hand Bells & Chimes (1997) Mannings Hand Weaving School (2000) Mantis/Little Wonder Garden Tools (2001) Marblux Countertops (2001) This Chambersburg plant manufactures vanity countertops with a variety of simulated marble finishes. With 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space, Marblux's products are distributed in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia. Martin Guitars (1995) Martin Guitars - Parts 1 & 2 (2003) The entire process of making a Martin guitar can last from three to six months. Three-hundred separate steps must be performed by dozens of skilled craftsmen. The operations are done by computerized machines as well as by individuals who carry out the work by hand.. The process of heating and bending the wood against a mold to create the sides of the guitar dates back more than 100 years. Martin's Chair (2006) Martin's makes reproduction furniture based on 18th century design. Founder John Martin learned to use a lathe to turn the legs of Windsor chairs when he was 11. By the time he was 19, he bought the business outright for one dollar. He and his staff have been making fine furniture ever since. Martin's Potato Chips (1995) Martin's Potato Chips (2004) Here's another one of several snack producers in snack-happy Central Pennsylvania. Martin's has a great big kettle outside their plant to let you know about their signature “Kettle-Cook'd” chips. In the early 1970's, the plant was sold by the Martins to Ken and Sandy Potter. The Potter family is still there today sending their chips to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Altoona, New York and Virginia. Maryland and PA Railroad (1996) Matric Remote Controls (2004) Matric began in 1971 by supplying products for radio hobbyists and technicians. Then the company saw an opportunity to expand by building radio controls for heavy machinery. These remote-control systems are among their primary products along with electronics for medical equipment, trolleys, and paint ball guns. Maypo and Wheatena Cereals (2003) Back in the 1950s, a television commercial for children's cereal featured a little buckaroo named Marky Maypo. He made a high-decibel demand for the sponsor's product that still rings in the ears of a generation of Baby-Boomers: “I WANT MY MAYPO!” Over fifty years later, Marky and scores of hungry Maypo fans can still have their Maypo. Along with another old-fashioned favorite, Wheatena, it's made in Highspire Pennsylvania. McCarthy Tire (2003) When a tire gets to this Wilkes-Barre shop, equipment bombards it with electrical impulses checking for nails, holes, tears, and previous repairs, all in the span of about 30 seconds. After the tire is inflated to normal size and buffed, it goes under the company's rotary tread knife. More than 400 tires a day roll out of McCarthy's with a new lease on life. McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development (2000) Mead School & Office Products (1999) Meadowbrooke Gourds (2007) Say, what IS a gourd, anyway? Well, it's an oddly-shaped, inedible fruit with a hard rind. Its chief purpose has been to serve as a utensil or decoration after it's been hollowed-out and dried. Then the artists at Meadowbrooke go to work and design and apply to the shell whatever their imaginations can come up with. Merrill Landis Custom Drapery (2008) Retailers and designers all over the U.S. have worked with this company since 1948. The customer can design any window treatment they want out of a wide range of fabrics. Trims, rosettes, or knots can be used to embellish the drapes. For the finishing touch, Merrill Landis is a distributor for the hardware you’ll need to finish your project.MI Windows and Doors (2005) MI makes their products out of vinyl, aluminum, and composite materials. Their windows and doors are supplied to contractors, remodelers, as well as do-it-yourselfers. Founded as a screen manufacturer in a Florida airplane hangar in 1947, the company has grown to include 3,000 employees in 12 plants across the United States. Mid Atlantic Air Museum (1998) The Mid Atlantic Air Museum was founded in 1980 for the purpose of acquiring, preserving, restoring, and operating classic and historic aircraft. The Reading, PA museum collection now numbers more than 50 restored and unrestored aircraft from the In addition to the aircraft collection, PCN viewers will see the restoration of a salvaged aircraft wreck in progress in the museum's repair shop. Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad (2002) Mifflinburg Buggy Museum (1999) Mine Safety Appliances (2001) Plenty of people who have avoided head injuries in their line of work have this Murrysville plant to thank. In 1961, Mine safety Appliance Company introduced what would become the world's best-selling hard-hat. The V-Gard helmet, so named because of its distinctive V-shaped crown, is used in construction, utility work, mining, chemical, oil and gas work, and welding. Topgard and Skullgard are other examples of specialized head protection that the company offers. MSA has also sold more self-contained breathing apparatus than any other manufacturer. Monet Graphics (2006) Morton Fine Furniture (2002) Tables, chairs, and chests of drawers are handcrafted here using Black Cherry harvested from the Appalacian Mountains of Pennsylvania. Mount Joy Wire (2006) Wire as fine as 2/1000 of an inch is produced here for a wide range of specific uses: fish hooks, brushes, cutting saws, guitar and mandolin strings, and many other products. All of the production is rigidly controlled within tensile ranges, diameter tolerances, and particular surface conditions. Mummers Museum (1997) "The very earliest kind of costume was probably taking your wife's dress and putting it on," explains Mummers Museum Executive Director Palma Lucas. This early inspiration has grown to become an annual spectacle in Philadelphia called the Mummers Parade. Dressed in sequins and feathers, 20,000 Mummers strut their way down Broad Street every New Year's Day. Accompanied by scores of banjos and glockenspiels, the Mummers perform old chestnuts such as "Four Leaf Clover," and of course, the tune that has become their theme song, "Golden Slippers." The parade starts at 7:45 a.m. and lasts anywhere from 8 to 10 hours. The participants are non-profit organizations that raise their own money for the construction of costumes and props. Watch closely for a special lesson for PCN viewers. When it's over, you may catch yourself doing the Mummers Strut while humming "Golden Slippers." Museum of Anthracite Mining (1996) Museum of Erie GE History (2004) The present GE plant in Erie concentrates on designing and building locomotives. But it wasn't always that way. That's where this museum comes in. The company used to make plenty of items that were not related to transportation: refrigerators, air conditioners, elevators, aircraft, are just a few. Artifacts in the collection date back to 1910 when construction of the factory in Erie began. Museum of Modern Art's Film Preservation Center (2001) Musselman's Applesauce (2003) South-central Pennsylvania is Apple Country. After the apples are harvested from orchards, the destination for many of them is nearby Knouse Foods. They're stored year-round at Knouse's facility in Peach Glen, then they're brought to Orrtanna for processing into Musselman's applesauce. Other Knouse brands include Lucky Leaf, Lincoln, Apple Time, and Speas Farm. These names appear on a range of products including applesauce, apple butter, and apple juice. Mütter Museum (2003) The Mütter's unusual and often shocking collection of medical specimens has given visitors a new perspective on their own humanity. The remains of a 39-year-old man show an extremely rare condition where extra bone has grown outside the skeleton. A wax model depicts a 10-inch horn sprouted from the forehead of a 19th century Parisian. Gretchen Worden, the museum's director, says, “While these bodies may be ugly, there is a terrifying beauty in the spirits of those forced to endure these afflictions.”
National Apple Museum (2003) Scotch-Irish settlers established farms near Biglerville around 1740. Joined later by German families, these pioneers stimulated what has turned into an industry that grows and processes apples for nationally-known brands we eat every day. Cider presses and peelers and other machinery are on display. Visitors can also see photos of early orchards, and a replica of an 1880s kitchen. National Aviary (2001) The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is home to more than 500 feathered residents. In the early '90s, the facility had a crisis on its hands and almost closed. It was through the efforts of a handful of dedicated people that gave the Aviary a new lease on life. By 1993, the Pittsburgh Aviary, as it was then known, became the National Aviary by declaration of the U.S. Congress. More than 200 species are represented at the Aviary. It was one of the first zoos to exhibit its collection of birds in free-flight rooms. National Canal Museum (2002) Before the building of railroads, canals played an important role during the American Industrial Revolution. Back in the 1800s, in Easton, Pennsylvania, canals made possible the transportation of anthracite coal to Philadelphia and New York City. PCN Tours takes you on a mule–powered ride on a canal boat, then to the museum to see artifacts and photomurals that depict life during this formative chapter in America's history. National Civil War Museum (2001) National Constitution Center (2003) This Independence Mall museum has 42 life-size statues related to the signing of the Constitution. 39 represent those who signed the historic document. The other three show those individuals who dissented. The Center is dedicated to honoring and explaining the U.S. Constitution through sculpture, photos, film, text, artifacts and more than 100 interactive and multi-media exhibits. Visitors can vote for their all-time favorite president, and can even enact taking the Oath of Office themselves. National Watch and Clock Museum (1997) National Weather Service (1998) Nazareth Speedway Driving School (2000) Neon Exposure (2008) After World War II, neon was big. The GI Bill gave veterans a chance to develop their skills as “tubebenders.” Their unique signs jumped out of the night and enticed customers to patronize a range of establishments. Nowadays, this medium combining art and function is practiced by only a few. Dave Simmons is one of those craftsmen who keeps the neon glowing for those who want to make a special statement. New Geneva Stoneware (2001) New Holland Concrete (2006) Here is where customers obtain the building blocks they need for construction. This Lancaster County business is one of the East Coast's largest single-site producers of concrete masonry blocks. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes to suit the project at hand. New Hope and Ivyland Railroad (2002) New Standard Corporation (2001) Take a look at an “exploded” diagram in order to appreciate the importance of the metal parts manufactured at New Standard. An “exploded” diagram shows what the name suggests – a view of all separate components, that, when assembled, make up a useful machine. This Hellam-based plant makes metal parts for power tools, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, BMW automobiles, Mack trucks, and a vast array of other machines. Nissley Winery (2001) Just down a country lane bordered by carefully tended vines in Lancaster County, a visitor can find Nissley Vineyards and Winery Estate. On 50 acres of vines, Nissley grows 13 varieties of grapes. By the middle of August, the grapes are ready for harvest. Nissley produces 25 different wines. They range from dry to sweet and are made from cherries, apples, and raspberries, as well as different kinds of grapes. Norfolk Southern Conway Freight Yard (2000) Located North of Pittsburgh, the 5-mile long Conway Yard receives and sorts 6,000 cars a day.
Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad (2002) Olde Country Reproductions (1997) Olde World Cheesecake (2008) Pat and Abbie Agresto love quality baked goods. They applied both this affinity and their combined restaurant experience to deliver Abbie’s cheesecakes to local restaurants back in the early ‘90s. They’ve since expanded to other taste treats and have markets throughout Pennsylvania and New York. Oley Sled Works (2001) Organ Supply Industries (2004) An autoharp is a stringed, wooden instrument. George Orthey has been making them by hand since 1964. George says he has combined the techniques of old master luthiers with the latest innovation to produce an instrument of unsurpassed quality. After air-drying rough-sawn lumber for at least five years, the wood is stored in controlled temperature and humidity for at least six more months before it is used to make instruments. Orthey Autoharps (Pt. I) (2009) This Erie, Pennsylvania company is the largest and most complete pipe organ supply house in North America. Consoles, keyboards, pedalboards, pipes – even entire instruments – are built here and shipped around the world. Pipes of all sizes are planed to a specific thickness, before they are cut and soldered together. The woodshop keeps busy building cabinets from cherry, oak, and walnut. Internal parts are made from clear poplar. Orthey Instruments (1999)
P. H. Glatfelter Paper Company (1997) PA Anthracite & Heritage Museum (1997) PA Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) (2000) PA House Chamber Renovation (1998) PA Institute of Taxidermy (2002) PA Military Museum (1997) PA Precision Cast Parts (1999) PA Railroad Museum (1996) PA State Archives (1996) PA State Museum (1995) PA State Museum Levittown Exhibit (1995) Curt Miner, Curator of Popular Culture at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, says, “Levittown, PA could very well stand as one of the Commonwealth's most important contributions to the 20th century.” To this day, it enjoys the distinction of being the largest planned community built by a single builder in the United States. Levitt and Sons hoped to expand their Levittown, New York achievement by adding schools, churches, pools, and baseball fields to a Pennsylvania version in the late 1950s. The exhibit shows architectural drawings, maps, and building materials from the project. Another section of the exhibit explains post-war life from the perspective of Levittown's first generation of “crabgrass pioneers.” PA State Police Academy (1996) PA State Police Academy (2005) Pacific Coast Pillow Factory (1998) Packaging Corporation of America (2004) PCA makes corrugated boxes that get products to market. They also make point-of-purchase displays with graphics that grab your attention while you're pushing your grocery cart. PCA doesn't boast about thinking outside the box. They like to say they're thinking about the box! Packwood House Museum (2003) Patrick J. Murphy Pipe Organs (2006) This company manufactures, rebuilds, and services the instrument most often associated with churches. Sometimes they are called on to restore an old pipe organ in a theatre. Besides Pennsylvania, their pipe organs can be found in eight other states, and even in the Caribbean. Patriot-News (2002) Located near Interstate 81 in Mechanicsburg on an 18-acre parcel of land is the press facility of the Patriot-News. The 60 million-dollar press is three stories tall and weighs 1,063 tons. It began churning out 75 thousand papers an hour for the Patriot-News in October of 2001. The American-made Goss Colorliner offset press replaces the previous letterpress that the Patriot had used since 1969. Paul Downs Cabinetmaker (2006) Paul Downs started making furniture in 1986. His 20,000 square-foot shop specializes in dining furniture, large conference tables, and custom offices. Paul does all the designing while his crew carries out the construction. PDC Spas (2008) The hot tubs made here have many variations for comfort and performance. PDC says a routine soak should become a daily ritual; it not only feels good, but it’s good for your muscles, circulation, and state of mind.Peanut Chews (2005) Peanut Chews have earned their place in the Candy Hall of Fame by virtue of their longevity. Since World War I, fans have enjoyed the combination of peanuts, chocolate, and molasses. Since joining the Just Born candy family in 2003 – the maker of Mike n' Ike jelly beans and the iconic marshmallow Peeps – Peanut Chews come with the original dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Penn Charter Penn Iron Works (2000) The Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania factory makes pump components for nuclear power plants. Penn State All-Sports Museum (2002) This museum housed in Beaver Stadium honors student-athletes and coaches down through Penn State history by displaying trophies, equipment, and rare photos. And there are plenty of interactive exhibits to keep visitors busy. You can shoot a free-throw facing a wall-sized mural of Bryce Jordan, slug it out with a heavy bag, hold a turn-of-the-century football… just to name a few. College football's coveted Heisman trophy is also on display. Penn State Creamery (1997) Penn State Creamery (2007) Ice cream, sherbet, and cheese are made here through the auspices of the College of Agricultural Sciences of Penn State University. 750,000 hand-dipped ice cream cones are served every year to students and alumni here, at the largest university creamery in the United States. PennDOT Sign Shop (2008) Anyone in Pennsylvania who drives a car sees them every day. They stand with vigilance along our highways giving essential guidance. Thousands and thousands of stop signs, yield signs, deer crossing signs, and many others are made in this 15-person shop. Pennsylvania House Furniture (1999) Pennsylvania Trolley Museum (1999) Pennwest Homes (2007) Pennwest makes modular homes. They’re built away from their final location in a dry, controlled environment. Their construction is not subjected to the elements. Your finished home will arrive at the site and be placed on its foundation. You can choose from ranch, Cape Cod, and two-story homes. Pfaltzgraff Co. (1997) Philadelphia City Hall (2000) Philadelphia Ethnic Markets (2000) Philadelphia Flower Show (2003) It's the world's premiere indoor competition for landscapers, florists, and horticultural groups. Exhibitors are invited to enter the competition to show-off their abilities to conceive and create breathtaking displays of color. Using temperature and lighting controls, the exhibitors must force the trees, shrubs, and perennials into full bloom in time for the March event. The major displays at the show take an average of 18 months to prepare. Philadelphia Flower Show (2007) It's the largest indoor flower show in the world. Thousands of entries compete for attention from judges from all over the U.S. Lectures, demonstrations, and vendors are on hand too with related crafts and supplies. Philadelphia Historic Tour (2000) Philadelphia Toboggan Roller Coasters (1998) Phillips Mushroom Farms (1996) Piper Aviation Museum (2003) In the 1930s, demand was growing for small training airplanes. William T. Piper, owner of the Piper Aircraft Company, answered the call by developing the easy-to-fly and inexpensive Piper Cub. The historic and popular plane is celebrated with this Lock Haven collection of aircraft and memorabilia. Right here is where the plane that taught the world to fly was born. Pittsburgh Brewing Company (1999) Pittsburgh Zoo - Parts 1 & 2 (2003) Plouse Machine Shop (2008) Plouse (rhymes with “house”) makes everything from parts for a military vehicle that protects soldiers from explosive devices in Iraq, to petals made of copper for flowers at the annual Renaissance Faire in nearby Lebanon, PA. PMF Industries (2009) Pocono Record Powell Steel (2006) Precise Technology Plastics (2004) Parts that hold in place products we use all the time are made here by the millions every day. A plastic holder that allows convenient use of a solid deodorant and a similar push-up holder for lip balm are items we might take for granted. But without these holders, using certain products would prove as difficult as eating a turkey dinner with your hands instead of with flatware! Presque Isle Wine Cellars (2008) Here they make award-winning wines and supply everything the home winemaker needs. The discriminating wine-drinker can consider Presque Isle’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and many others, as well as French hybrids.
Quality Custom Cabinetry (2004) High-end pieces for use all over the home are made here. Cabinets for the kitchen and bathroom, and entertainment centers, are built from scratch. After sanding and staining, the final touch is the attachment of hardware. Some vent hoods and islands are completely custom-made. Quebecor World Phone Books (2001) When you pick up a phone book in Pennsylvania, chances are it was printed at Quebecor World's Hazleton plant. The company says almost everyone in North America touches one of their products everyday. With more than 90 plants in the United States alone, Quebecor World started in 1950, witha small neighborhood newspaper and since has expanded world-wide into a vast communications empire. Quilt Collection (PA State Museum) (1997) QVC Network (1997) An intimate, cozy fire burns perpetually on QVC's living room set. It's the centerpiece in the West Chester, Pennsylvania studio of cable television's largest retailer as they transmit live programming into 61 million American households, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Averaging a customer every two seconds, the shopping network's 5,300 phone lines can handle almost 60,000 customers per hour. QVC features a succession of enthusiastic hosts who generate demand for everything from food dehydrators, to videos, music recordings, clothing, jewelry, and just about anything else. Four distribution centers, together equaling roughly the size of 29 football fields, ship out approximately 140,000 packages a day. Foreign versions of QVC can be seen in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan.
R-V Industries (2007) R-V Industries specializes in custom fabrication and machining, power plant equipment, machinery for paper mills, and other manufacturing. They also make equipment for the life science industry, including sterilization and disinfection products. Range Resources Natural Gas (2009) A massive gas formation is trapped 5,000 to 8,000 feet underground in an area covering 50,000 square miles including Pennsylvania. Industry experts say if this yields a small fraction of the recoverable gas projected to be there, it’ll be the largest gas field in the United States. The drills of Range Resources are busy extracting gas from the underground shale. Rare Books Collection, PA State Library (1996) Reading Terminal Market (2002) Gastronomical delights have abounded here at this former train shed at 12th and Market Streets in Philadelphia since 1892. While the commerce of the Market went on in 800 spaces in 6-foot stalls in the cellar, the Reading Railroad rumbled overhead on elevated rails. During the 19th century, grocery orders were filled here and put on trains bound for the suburbs of Philadelphia. In 1985, the shed fell silent when the city's commuter system bypassed it. Today, hungry visitors can find fresh baked Amish goods, unusual spices, meat, poultry, and a host of ethnic foods. Red Lion Controls (2005) Reynoldsville Casket Company (1999) Ripoffs Holsters & Cases (2008) High-tech hand-held gadgets from cell phones to personal organizers are always on the go. It’s this portability that makes them vulnerable. Ripoffs makes cases and holsters to protect these delicate and often expensive devices. RGM Watches (2007) Every watch in the RGM collection is designed by Roland Murphy. After being trained in Switzerland, he returned to the U.S. and started his own company in 1991. These elegant time pieces feature genuine Swiss components made to Murphy's specifications. Rockland Embroidery (2007) The art of embroidery is needlework done by hand or machine that results in a decorative design. Rockland does work for clients including UPS, Nautica, and Nike. They also do screen printing, which involves forcing ink through a design-bearing screen made of silk or other material, often onto a shirt or hat. Rodale Institute Experimental Farms (1995) Rodin Museum (1997) Rogers Brothers Trailers (2006) Since 1905, Rogers has been building arched goose-neck trailers to haul all kinds of heavy equipment. During World War II, they hauled 45-ton tanks for the armed forces. Next time you're behind a long trailer hauling something massive, look for the Rogers name on the mud flaps. Rutt & Heritage Custom Cabinetry (2006) These two lines of cabinetry are custom-made and considered “high-end” products. If you want, Rutt and Heritage will build your cabinets as one-of-a-kind originals. They will design, cut, fit, and finish their products to your specifications. Rutter's Dairy (2005) Rutter's is a family farm that processes about one million gallons of milk every year. In addition to their own herd of Guernseys and Holsteins, 135 farmers from around the area help produce dairy products for Rutter's, such as sour cream, butter, and cottage cheese. On-site packaging in York helps preserve freshness.
S & L Plastics (2003) S & L makes a wide variety of everyday items: plastic jars, boxes, scoopers, tubing, and bathroom accessories, just to name a few. This installment of PCN Tours shows the manufacture of plastic components that are used in the assembly of a large bin designed for storing ice. Sanders Saws & Blades (2009) All saw blades are not alike. There are different blades for different jobs. For instance, take the grooves resembling corduroy that are cut into the pavement of some roads. They’re meant to give drivers and their passengers a smoother and quieter ride. And one of the circular blades from this company, founded in 1953 by Gene Sanders, will do the trick. Gene Sanders founded this company that makes circular saw blades in 1953. The blades made here. Sarris Candies (1999) Sauder's Eggs (1997) Saylor Cement Plant (2000) Scaramuzza's Pasta Products (2004) Schulmerich Bells (1999) Scranton Lace Company (2000) Sears Iron Works (2001) The blacksmiths of this Ottsville shop heat and bend iron to their will for the repair and fabrication of fences, gates, and objects of art. Intricate scroll work on gates weighing more than 1,800 pounds takes skill, patience, and practice. A piece of work can be ruined if it is subjected to too much heat. Sears does work for outdoor public sculptures as well, where the durability of iron is desirable. For attachment to a Border Inspection Station on the Texas-Mexico line, Sears built huge metal butterflies. The colorful insect is of keen interest in that area and is often sighted in swarms. Seldom Seen Coal Mine (1998) Seltzer's Lebanon Bologna (1995) Seltzer's Smokehouse Meats (2006) Wooden smokehouses at Seltzer's that stand thirty feet tall give Lebanon Bologna its unique taste. Inside, the meat is slow-cured, as it has been since 1902, over hardwood fires tended by hand. This visit from 2006 is an all-new update of the 1996 version. Sensenich Propellers (2005) Sensenich makes aluminum propellers for aircraft. The blades on their propellers have their “pitch fixed,” which means their angle against the air cannot be adjusted. They make some wooden propellers, too. They can even help you date the manufacture of that old wooden propeller you found in the barn. The Sentinel Sesame Place (2002) In 1981, visitors to the new Sesame Place had to go through Big Bird in order to see the park. Really. They had to walk through a large replica of the familiar yellow head and walk over a suspension bridge before enjoying interactive activities such as Cookie Mountain, Monster Maze, and Ernie's Bed Bounce. In the late '80s, a full-scale model of Sesame Street was built where guests could visit their favorite characters. The emphasis on interaction at Sesame Place continues today, along with the addition of some traditional rides and water attractions. Shaker Shoppe (2004) Shakers turned away from society and lived in large families from Maine to Kentucky in the middle of the 19th century. They cared little for material things, and devoted their lives to work and God. Their simple nature can be found in the hand-crafted chairs and hutches that are made here in Lititz. In the true Shaker spirit, emphasis is put on function, not ornamentation. Signature Door Company (1999) Silly Putty (2000) Watch as the pliable toy, intended as a substitute for rubber, is manufactured and placed in its famous egg container. Ski Roundtop Snow-Making (2009) Snyder's Pretzels (2004) Soldiers & Sailors National Military Museum (2004) The formidable hall which houses this museum was modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The uniforms, weapons, personal letters, and mementos on display here tell the stories of Allegheny County veterans since the Civil War. Helmets, flags, insignias, and photographs are also among the museum's collection of more than 10,000 artifacts. Solid Waste Landfill (2000) Monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency, modern landfills such as this one in Pine Grove are the last stop for the trash bags you left at the curb for collection. Solomon Steelpans (2007) A steelpan is a percussion instrument that when struck produces a musical tone. Putting a groove between specific areas of the steelpan was the original method for isolating the different notes available to the musician. Phil Solomon takes credit for the “Grooveless Method,” and other manufacturing innovations, that he says make his steelpans stand out. Sound Technology Ultrasound Probes (1999) Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (2000) Spectra Wood Furniture (2008) All the furniture made here is made of solid, premium grade cherry, white oak, or walnut hardwoods, and select veneer plywood. The solid hardwood is air-seasoned and then kiln-dried for the best quality. All the materials take the familiar forms of bed frames, desks, television stands, and tables. Spring City Electrical (2004) Some examples of this company's work can be found at the State Capitol, the U.S. Capitol, and even Disneyland in California. Their ornate cast-iron lampposts and luminaries are located in over 2,000 towns and cities around the country. The fixtures are often used for illuminating downtown streets, universities, and parks. Stanley Vidmar Storage (2008) Stanley Vidmar manufactures custom modular storage systems for industries such as the military, automotive, and healthcare. Cabinets, tool boxes, and tire racks are just a few of their products that help customers keep things organized and ready to use. Star Rock Dairy Star Rock Dairy has approximately 1,000 cows for milk production. Everything here is geared toward the comfort of the cows, a clean environment for udder health, and milk quality. If milkers are getting good flow in the first 15 to 30 seconds, and the first 2 minutes, that tells Manager Tom Barley they're doing a good job. STAT MedEvac (2006) When time is of the essence, this West Mifflin service can get patients to hospitals in a hurry by aircraft. Each helicopter crew consists of a pilot, nurse, and paramedic trained in the specialty of transport medicine. The crews must pass a test of their skills every year. State Capitol Floor Mosaics (2001) During a busy week, hundreds of feet walk the corridors and Rotunda of the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. If a visitor waits for the hustle and bustle to subside, he can discover beneath his feet the life and struggle of Pennsylvanians that came before him. In 1903, Henry Mercer was commissioned to design and create hundreds of flat tile pictures. The subjects of these mosaics, installed in the floor of the corridors and Rotunda, depict in rough chronology the events that shaped the Commonwealth. Steamtown (2000) Steamtown Railroad (2002) Visit the locomotive restoration and maintenance shop and hear about the role steam railroading played in the development of the United States. Steve Tobin Sculptures (2005) Artist Steve Tobin often reveals nature in unexpected ways. His sculptures of tree roots cast in bronze seem to scuttle along the ground by tips that would normally be firmly planted, immobile, deep in the ground. Termite hills, bones, and exploded clay are other means of expression for this unusual artist who has his work on display in the State Museum of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and other galleries all over the world. Story & Clark Pianos (1998) Strasburg Railroad (2002) Straub Brewery (1995) Strong Pools & Spas (2009) This company says their product is good for relieving stress and lowering your blood pressure. They start the manufacture of their whirlpool tub by forming the shell for the tub itself, then they attach the hardware, lights, and even waterfalls, to complete the soothing environment. Sturgis Pretzels (2000) In exchange for a meal, a traveler in the 1850's supplied the recipe for what would become the first commercial bakery in America. Structural Modulars, Inc. (2009) PCN Tours Structural Modulars, Inc.. You’ve seen plenty of things rolling down assembly lines here on PCN, but wait till you see complete HOUSES going down the production line. The idea of a modular home is to build it indoors away from the elements, then deliver it to its final destination on a flatbed truck. Sunline Coach Company (1997) Sunoco Refinery (2000) See the company's refineries in Philadelphia and Marcus Hook process thousands of barrels of crude oil a day into gasoline, heating oil, and petrochemicals. Superior Tube Co. (2007) A length of hollow tubing may seem a humble component in any device, but it serves an essential purpose and it's something you want to be able to count on. This company makes tubing in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials for aeronautics, medical devices, and automotive applications. Susquehanna Aquaculture Fish Farm (1998) The hybrid striped bass is a warm-water fish that is a cross between a striped bass and a white bass. Popular for eating and angling, this fish is grown in abundance at Susquehanna Aquacultures in York Haven, Pennsylvania. In 1995, the farm produced a fish crop exceeding 232,000 pounds. During the winter months, the fish can thrive at the farm thanks to nearby Brunner Island Power Plant. Water from the Susquehanna River is circulated to cool the facility, and the warmed water is routed to the fish farm, where the hybrid striped bass can thrive in 60 degree temperatures. Customers include restaurant suppliers in New York City, Philadelphia, and Toronto, as well as local fish stands in Central Pennsylvania. Landowners, sportsmen clubs, and fishing preserves also buy the hybrids for stocking lakes and ponds. Susquehanna Association for the Blind (2008) Susquehanna Glass (2006) Glassware can take on a unique personality at this facility. The employees decorate glass, ceramic, and crystal by cutting letters and designs into it by hand. The work is painstaking. Susquehanna says that no machine can duplicate the steady hand of a master craftsman. Swigart Antique Auto Museum (1999)
Tastykake (1997) Taylor-Wharton Gas Cylinders (1999) Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (2002) Timberlane Woodcrafters (2002) Tioga Central Railroad (2002) Tobyhanna Army Depot (2006) Communications equipment for the military is manufactured here. They also perform maintenance, overhaul, and minor repair on this “mission essential” technology. They apply an automatic test to the gear that's so stringent it's been dubbed the “bed of nails.” Tour-Ed Mine (2005) The earliest record of mining activity here dates back to 1850. Coal extracted from here during this period was used locally by the Allegheny Steel plant in Brackenridge, and shipped by rail throughout the country. Now, you can visit the mine and its museum to see authentic tools and learn about mining techniques from the past and the present. Transport Designs (2006) Motorhomes and custom enclosed trailers with many variations are made here. Some of the vehicles have interior elevators. Some are SWAT team-ready, some have classrooms built into them, and others have refrigeration for beverages. Troegs Brewing Company (2004) The Trogner brothers are natives of Mechanicsburg. At the beginning in 1997, John worked on the right mixture of yeast, hops, and barley, while Chris focused on the marketing, sales, and management. They briefly considered a brewpub, but they decided to leave the food service to someone else, and to concentrate on beer. Troxell-Steckel House and Farm Museum (2000) True Temper Hardware (1999) Rakes, hoes, potato hooks and scythes were forged from steel back in 1808 by the company that started as The Old Stone Shop. By 1949, it had changed its name to reflect its interest in metallurgical research and development. True Temper was born. At their manufacturing plant in Camp Hill, raw wood and steel come together to create a variety of tools. The largest manufacturer of lawn and garden tools in the United States, True Temper makes shovels, rakes, hoes, posthole diggers, and other tools. The company also owns Jackson Manufacturing, a leader in wheelbarrow production. Turkey Hill Beverages (2005) Whatever your thirst demands, this Conestoga, Pennsylvania plant can probably quench it. Bottles of lemonade and ice teas of many variations are filled and refrigerated here bearing the Turkey Hill brand. Just seeing 'em come down the conveyor line, you'll be cooled-off and refreshed. Turkey Hill Ice Cream (2005) Turner Dairy Farms (2005) Turner's maintains an exclusive arrangement with over 50 Western Pennsylvania family dairy farms to supply the raw milk they need for production. Grade A standards mandate that the milk be tested every month, but Turner chooses to go beyond that standard, and tests their milk every day. Their products can be found anywhere between Western PA, Erie, and State College.
U. S. Postal Service (2000) Underground Railroad, Chester County Historical Society (2002) Beginning in the early 19th century, a secret movement known as the “Underground Railroad” helped slaves escape bondage in the South to freedom in the North. Despite laws prohibiting citizens from assisting escaped slaves, the movement grew. Adopting the lexicon of the railroad, “Station Masters” fed and sheltered runaways in their homes or “stations,” while “conductors” guided the fugitives between stations. United Defense (1996) United Defense, with Pennsylvania location in York and Uniontown, is a worldwide leader in the design, development and production of tracked armored vehicles. Key products include the M2/M3 Bradley, the M113 armored personnel carrier, the M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicle, and the M109A6 Paladin and M992A2 FAASV. Other products include combat earthmovers, fire directional systems, command and control vehicles, amphibious assault vehicles, and a full range of systems based on the proven Bradley and M1113 systems. University of Pittsburgh: Cathedral of Learning (2003) USS Olympia (1998) Utz Snacks (2000)
Valley Forge National Historical Park (1998) Verdelli Fruits and Vegetables (2000) Verdelli Vegetables (2007) Via Veneto Italian Ice (2004) Victory Brewing (2006) Taking their inspiration from the words of Theodore Roosevelt, Victory's Brewmasters would rather not rank with those “poor spirits” that live in the “grey twilight” that know “not victory nor defeat.” They feel their products are “small victories for those who appreciate flavorful beer.” Violin Makers Ltd. (1997) Vixen Hill Manufacturing (2004) This Elverson, Pennsylvania company is one of the country's leading makers of products made out of western red cedar. They build shutters, window boxes, enclosed porches, as well as their signature product, modular gazebos. Vixen Hill also makes the structure often found attached to the roof of a barn called the cupola. Everything made here starts out its life as raw cedar brought in from British Columbia.
W. B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences (2000) Even in downtown Philadelphia, skills such as cow-milking, poultry handling, and landscaping are taught to the United States' next generation of farmers. Waldameer Park and Water World (2002) Back in the 1880s, Waldameer started life as Hoffman's Grove, a picnic grove that offered escape from the crowded industrialized conditions of Erie, Pennsylvania. The park has come a long way since then. It features twenty-four rides, including nine for kids, a water park with eleven slides, a river ride, a pool, five kiddie water slides, and three kiddie pools. In 1994, a giant Ferris wheel was installed to give riders a spectacular view of Lake Erie and Presque Isle. Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad (2002) Water Street Bindery (1996) Weaber Hardwood Lumber (2006) Weather World (2009) Weather World is a weekday weather magazine program seen on PCN. Co-hosts Paul Knight and Fred Gadomsky take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of what the Penn State meteorologists have to do, in order to bring you the latest weather conditions across the state. Weaver Memorials (1997) Weaver Model Trains (2001) Wege Pretzels (2003) The part of Pennsylvania where Wege makes their pretzels is considered by many as the Snack Capital of America. The recipe for their Sourdough Hard Pretzel was passed onto the Hanover company by a German immigrant back in the early 1920s. Wege's 110,000 square-foot bakery ships pretzels all over the United States. Wendell August Forge (1998) Wenger's Feed Mill (2008) Wenger’s makes feed for poultry and swine. They’ve grown to become one of the most comprehensive agricultural feed companies on the East Coast, with six mills spread across two states. They weren’t always so big … they got their start in a modest, hometown grocery store. Wert Bookbinding (1999) Western Penitentiary (2005) Westerwald Pottery (1999) In 1969, Phil Schaltenbrand was an art professor at California University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his academic duties, he formed, decorated, fired, and marketed his own stoneware pottery. Sometimes his potter wheel yielded 50 pots after a morning's work. In the afternoon, Phil made deliveries, and returned in time in the evening to unload his kiln. Westerwald Pottery was in business. The company grew during the '70s and '80s. Phil published articles on folk pottery for magazines including Country Living, Early American Life, and Ceramics Monthly. Then the big break for the company came in 1983. Phil was approached by the H.J. Heinz Corporation of Pittsburgh to design the company's Christmas gift . . . a replica of an 1890's apple butter crock. The contract called for 7,000 pieces which were given to Heinz employees all over the world. Westerwald since has produced special stoneware for Pfaltzgraff and the Smithsonian Institution. Today Westerwald maintains a gallery, employs 28 workers, and continues to make every piece by hand as Phil had done in the beginning. Whirley Drinkware (2004) Next time you take a sip from a plastic cup or bottle with a destination or product advertised on the side, check the bottom and see if it was made by Whirley Industries in Warren, Pennsylvania. Their cups, mugs, and sports bottles come in a wide range of shapes and sizes for satisfying various degrees of thirst. Cartoon characters, amusement parks, zoos, and brands of coffee are just a few things colorfully represented on Whirley's products. Willet Stained Glass (2000) More than 10,000 examples of their stained glass are found in every state in the United States, including places such as the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, and the Church Center at the United Nations. William Penn Treaty Collection (2000) Williams Grove Amusement Park (2002) Like many parks of its day, Williams Grove in Mechanicsburg started as a picnic grove in 1850. As the Williams family's picnics grew in popularity, a merry-go-round was built. In the 1920s, a decision was made to convert Williams Grove into a complete amusement park. Bumper cars, a Tilt-A-Whirl, and a whip-like ride were added. The park entered another phase of its growth during the 1970s, when rides were added from Palisades Park. This nationally-known New Jersey park was closed to make way for apartments that would overlook Manhattan. Its loss would mean Williams Grove's gain. Williamsport Wirerope Works (1999) Wilton Armetale (2004) This Mt. Joy company makes platters, bowls, mugs, and candleholders. Buyers select the finish of the metal. The matte version resembles pewter found in taverns during Colonial times, and the polished version looks like silver. Winter Gardens Quality Foods (2004) This New Oxford company started back in 1946. They went from being a grocery store to preparing foods themselves in the back and selling them over the counter. Today, they make salads, soups, entrees, and desserts on a much larger scale. Then they package them and ship them out fresh. Wolfgang Candy (2002) Wolfgang Candy, founded in 1921, is one of the oldest family-owned and managed candy companies in the U.S. They manufacture millions of pounds of seasonal candies for schools, clubs, churches, associations, and other groups. The family takes pride in following the European tradition of making chocolate in small batches using vintage equipment, much of it designed especially for Wolfgang. Pure milk chocolate is stored in two 45,000 gallon tanks. During manufacturing, the chocolate is kept between 110 and 115 degrees to insure a smooth flow. Woods Flooring (2006) The East Coast is considered to be in “The Barn Belt.” That's important to Woods, because old barns give the manufacturer a raw material supply for their antique wood flooring. They re-claim the lumber, take the nails out, grade, kiln-dry, and give new life to Oak, Chestnut, and Pine. A Woods plank floor has history. Woolrich Clothing (1998) In 1845, 25-year-old John Rich moved his wool mill from Plum Run, PA to Woolrich, PA. Within a few years, the invention of the sewing machine transformed Woolrich from a manufacturer of fabric to a producer of finished garments: wool shirts, pants, knickers, and caps. During the 19th century, form followed function at Woolrich. Men working on railroads needed watch pockets, while telegraph linemen needed pockets for tools. During the Depression of the 1930's, Woolrich was called on to outfit the Civilian Conservation Corps, a group charged with creating jobs for the poor. Today, Woolrich has combined wool with new materials such as Gor-Tex, Thinsulate, and Cordura. The company has also provided wardrobe for several Hollywood films, including City Slickers II, Grumpy Old Men, and Dumb and Dumber. WR Case & Sons Cutlery (2008) In the early days of the Case business, a pocketknife was as essential as a watch. In 1889, the Case brothers began selling handcrafted knives from the back of a wagon. Since then, Case has been recognized as a leader in pioneering new materials and designs in the knife industry. Case knives have had some famous admirers through the years such as President Dwight Eisenhower, and astronaut Gus Grissom who took a special version on a space mission.
York Barbell (1997) York International (1996) Youghiogheny Opalescent Glass Company (1997) Opalescent glass is a semi-opaque glass of milky or marbleized appearance, used in Victorian art work and in "stained" glass and other glass decoratives. It is used extensively in Tiffany-style lamps and windows. Youghiogheny Opalescent Glass Company in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, produces two tons of opalescent sheet glass every working day. In addition, the company has an association with glassblower and sculptor Steve Fenstermacher, the maker of three Presidential Inaugural Bowls. The latest one, for President Clinton, was made at Youghiogheny. Yuasa-Exide Batteries (1997) If you own a motorcycle, chances are the battery for it came from Yuasa-Exide in Laureldale, Pennsylvania. In addition to being the only motorcycle battery manufacturing facility in the United States, Yuasa-Exide makes batteries for snowmobiles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, riding mowers, and personal watercraft. Its products are exported to 55 countries around the world. PCN Tours takes viewers up-close to the hot liquid lead used for battery cell formation to the final charging. Yuengling Brewery (1997) Yuengling Brewery (2009) America’s oldest brewery has been operating here since 1829. A family business since the beginning, the sixth generation of Yuenglings is learning the business from the ground up. In 2004, the Yuengling Traditional Lager brand was named the number one “Power Brand” by Information Resources. Zambelli Fireworks (1997) Zeigler's Beverages (2006) Zippo Lighters (1995) |