Why I'm Proud of Elkland

The following is an article written by Funeral Director Charles Kenyon of the Kenyon Funeral Home that appeared in the Elkland Journal published during Elkland's Centenial in 1950:

How do you express in words what you like about a town you have lived happily in all your life?

The warmth and friendliness of the Elkland people captured the heart of my grandfather back in 1889 when he traveled up the Cowanesque Valley looking for a desirable family. That same spirit is characteristic of the people today.

The beauty of the surroundings is another of Elkland's attractions. A drive up Main St. lined with its towering maple trees in full foliage is a real pleasure. The hills rising on both sides of our little valley are a spectacle at all seasons of the year.

The people of Elkland are progressive. The business section with many newly remodeled stores and several in construction shows the interest and faith of our merchants in the economy of our thriving community.

One of Elkland's greatest assets to me and to all other parents is the opportunity our town presents to raise children in a wholesome atmosphere away from the adverse influences of city life. The close person-to-person relationships of a town our size, plus such factors as an active youth recreational program, a large community swimming pool, and the many churches make it much easier to guide our children's development in the right direction. At the same time, we are within convenient driving distance of any facility our town does not have available.

In recent years, a number of senior citizens, attracted by the relaxed mode of living and the many recreational diversions, have moved to Elkland to spend their retirement years.

I could go on and on, but perhaps the old local saying will sun it up: "Once a person gets the dust of Elkland on his feet, he never wants to shake it off."

SOURCE: Elkland Journal, 1950