Apple Fest revives local heritage at Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village

HOWARD, Pa. - On a brisk, autumn day, Apple Fest was held this past Saturday, Oct. 19, at the historical site known as Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village.

In an attempt to raise funds to restore and maintain the site, Apple Fest made a significant effort to engage with the community. The event featured local vendors, live music and an array of activities that celebrated the history of Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village.

Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village was the last charcoal-iron plantation in central Pennsylvania’s Juniata Iron District.

Although the property was previously owned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, its ownership was transferred to the Roland Curtin Foundation this past April.

The purpose of the foundation is to preserve Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village, ensuring that its historical significance is maintained for future generations.

The foundation aims to protect the site's structures, artifacts, and educational value while promoting awareness of its role in Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage.

This family-friendly event provided a number of apple-themed foods and beverages for attendees to enjoy.

Apple butter, apple cider donuts, caramel apples, fresh apple cider and hard cider were all available at the festival. There were even apple dog treats.

Booths and tables operated by vendors who traveled from near and far featured activities ranging from pumpkin painting to goat petting.

Karen Hazel, a retired preschool teacher, explained how she came up with the idea for her booth at this year’s festival.

“At the preschool, we used to make corn husk dolls with the children in the fall,” Hazel said. “They needed some help today with the Apple Fest, so they reached out to me in an email and I said I would love to come and help!”

The festival was held on the same day as other fall-related activities such as Pumpkin Fest and the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival, which took place right down the street at Bald Eagle State Park. Thus, Apple Fest did in fact need all the help they could get.

Philip Ruth, vice president of the Roland Curtin Foundation, shared how this year was a large trial year for Apple Fest.

“This is our second year attempting to resurrect the old Apple Festival. These last two years have been a learning experience for us,” said Ruth. “The main challenge turns out to have been the fact that the Bellefonte Historical Railroad dropped off 250 people all at once… if we had more volunteers we would double up on everything to get ready for that.”

Despite the challenges, Apple Fest successfully attracted a large crowd, with attendees interacting with different parts of the event throughout the day.

As the festival continues to develop, it remains focused on raising funds for the preservation of Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village. Through these efforts, Apple Fest contributes to the site's ongoing restoration and its role in preserving local heritage.

Carly Spiel is a third-year majoring in public relations and minoring in digital media trends and analytics and journalism. To contact her, email css5686@psu.edu.