Westmoreland 250: 10 things to see in Allegheny, Washington townships

Oct. 25—Two rural townships offer visitors history, agriculture commerce and nature pursuits in Westmoreland County.

Allegheny and Washington townships have a combined population of fewer than 10,000 residents.

Early settlers were drawn to the once-prosperous coal mining industry in Washington Township, which was founded in 1789 and named after George Washington.

Fort Hand, a stockade constructed around the time of the American Revolution, was located in what is now Kunkle Park in Washington Township.

Allegheny Township encompasses about 31 square miles and was incorporated in 1820 from Washington Township. Washington Township is about 32 square miles.

Both townships once served as hunting ground for the Seneca Indians and, later, the Delaware tribe. European settlers of the area emigrated primarily from Scotland, Ireland and Germany.

Served by the Kiski Area School District, residents enjoy rolling hills and a slower pace of life, where commerce and country living co-exist among farmlands, neighborhoods and nature.

Here are 10 places to explore in both townships:

1824 Walker Farmhouse

A historic family farm welcomes visitors for tours and special rural-themed workshops at the 20-acre site owned by David and Audrey Ann Krzeminski in Allegheny Township.

The married couple reside on a separate property near the 1824 Walker Farmhouse, which is named for its completion date and Audrey's ancestral home. The historic home was relocated from Saxonburg to its current spot near White Cloud Road in Allegheny Township.

Their farm has been nationally recognized in numerous publications, and Dave Krzeminski is a sought-after artisan blacksmith.

The farm is situated on land originally owned by one of the first three families to settle in Allegheny Township.

The first apple orchard in the township was planted at the farmhouse.

The Krzeminskis frequently host special events, farm tours, sheep seminars and workshops. They also rescue sheep that have been abused or neglected.

"We have re-homed them to other farms in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Some people get them and don't know how to take care of them anymore, and they get neglected," Audrey Krzeminski said.

Pounds' Turkey Farm

Customers come from far and wide to talk turkey at a specialty farm store in Allegheny Township.

Pounds' Turkey Farm is owned by second-generation co-owners and brothers, Tim and Rick Pounds. The Pounds family has provided fresh turkeys for more than 88 years.

Tim's wife, Beverly, serves as business manager, and the couple live on the farm at 4200 Melwood Road.

More than 11,000 turkeys are raised there each year without antibiotics, growth stimulants, hormones or preservatives.

A year-round farm market offers more than 60 homemade turkey products, including the popular turkey potpie, available in two sizes; turkey bacon; turkey jerky; and more.

Kunkle Park

Washington Township boasts a 40-acre park next to the township municipal building.

The park at 285 Pine Run Church Road was donated by the late Elbert N. Kunkle with instructions that the land be used as a recreation and park area.

Facilities include a large children's playground, two baseball fields, three picnic pavilions, swings and park benches, all surrounded by rolling hills and scenic views.

The pavillions and baseball fields are available for rent for family and group use.

The park serves as home base for the Kiski Valley Grays, a senior softball team. The public is invited to watch their games from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.

Local amateur astronomers host free, public star gazing parties at Kunkle Park in the spring, summer and fall.

Snyder's Bonfire

Customers clamor for the giant fish sandwiches at Snyder's Bonfire Restaurant & Lounge, 5739 Leechburg Road in Allegheny Township.

The family-owned eatery has served 1-pound fried or broiled cod fish meals for more than 40 years.

Homemade tartar sauce and a secret breading recipe for the cod are two contributing factors for the fish frenzy that comprises about half of the restaurant's sales.

"It's the No. 1 seller," employee Jessica Tobin said.

Northmoreland Park

Recreation opportunities are plentiful in the expansive Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township.

The largest park in Westmoreland County, the park at 280 Markle Road boasts more than 500 acres and is popular for its fishing opportunities.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks the 17-acre Northmoreland Lake annually.

Visitors can rent one of the 12 picnic pavilions year-round.

Kayaking and canoeing are permitted on Northmoreland Lake from May 1 to Oct. 31.

Additional park amenities include a horse trail, BMX track, athletic fields, model radio-controlled airfield, mountain bike trail, volleyball court, group camping and hunting.

The park serves as the location of the annual Labor United Celebration.

Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company

Friday night bingo is a big deal at the Washington Township fire hall at 4078 Route 66.

In-person bingo is held every Friday: Doors open at 6 p.m., and the first game is called at 7.

Bingo offerings include 24 games and two progressive jackpots. All seats are first-come, first-served and free coffee is offered.

The fire company also hosts a large fall gun bash and auto parts swap meet.

Staffed by volunteers, the station serves as the primary fire protection company for about a 30-square-mile area in Washington Township.

Freeport Theatre Festival

Country charm, on a farm.

That's the draw at Freeport Theatre Festival, which is located on the farm of married thespians Rennick and Marushka Steele of Allegheny Township.

The venue at 2498 White Clud Road is entering its fourth decade of entertaining theatergoers, and its performances take place in a renovated barn next to rolling fields.

Founded by the Steeles in 1989, Freeport Theatre Festival specializes in productions of original plays written by local playwrights and celebrating the history of Pennsylvania.

The company hosts a summer junior drama camp, and highlight performances include "Massey Harbison," "Cauldron of Steel," "Battle of Bushy Run" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Pine Run Presbyterian Church Cemetery

Gravesites date to the mid-1800s at this expansive cemetery along White Cloud Road in Washington Township.

Also known as Markle Cemetery, the country burial ground was established in 1847.

Recognizable surnames among the more than 380 plots include Bair, Hilty, Kunkle, Kepple and McLaughlin.

Sweetie's Ice Cream

The go-to seasonal roadside ice-cream stand at 6273 Leechburg Road in Allegheny Township has been serving sweets since 1980.

A large, covered outdoor eating area allows for al fresco enjoyment. Popular treats include frozen yogurt, hard and soft-serve ice cream and specialty sundaes.

Sweetie's frequently hosts area food trucks and charitable events on the grounds.

Try a Yinzer Premium Sundae, available in 10 flavors, including s'mores, cookie doughlicious and chocolate dipped strawberry ($6.49).

Specialty items include Sweetie's Swirlies, parfaits, banana splits and premium sandwich cookies.

Conny Creek Brewing Co.

Allegheny Township's sole brewery offers a relaxed, family-friendly brewpub atmosphere at 4323 Shearsburg Road.

Owned by brewmaster Lee and Erin Layton of North Apollo, the craft brewery serves in-house suds and specialty foods, including smoked wings and artisan pizzas.

The couple sell more than 12,000 gallons of beer annually and opened a brew cafe in 2020 inside Sprankle's Neighborhood Market in Saxonburg.

Look for the Conny Creek mobile brew truck at local festivals and events.

Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .