Local lost ski areas and early sports

The Springs Historical Society annually publishes an historical journal the "Casselman Chronicle," covering history in the tri-state area for more than 62 years. The latest issue released includes the story of early skiing in locations that are no longer active.

One such place is the small pasturelands of Glencoe, located in the rural Somerset County area. It became a ski location after the Washington, D.C. Ski Club researched where the most snow came in the winter and where it stayed the longest. It also could be reached by a railroad for transportation to and from the slopes.

More:What's going on in and around Somerset County in mid-February?

All of this was before snowmaking equipment was available. Eventually the lack of the equipment put most ski areas out of business. Anywhere there was a hill in the mid-1900s was a call to get in on the action that was sweeping the country. Mt. Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania, had two areas, so small farms and restaurants got in on the activity.

More:Who named the Laurel Highlands region a 'fantastic destination for families'?

Also included in the Chronicle, in the early 1900s organized sports for girls and boys basketball was available and the New York Chautauqua performed locally. Charles “Rip” Engle, born and raised in Salisbury, where the high school had no football program, went on to become a football coach at Penn State in 1950. In 14 seasons under Engle, Penn State never had a losing season.

More:Who named the Laurel Highlands region a 'fantastic destination for families'?

For more information on the journal call 814-442-4594. Springs Historical Society www.springspa.org.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Ski resorts pop up in Somerset County in 1900s