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Cathedral of Saint Patrick (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) Influential History

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The influence of Catholic religious life in the Harrisburg area has a long history.  Catholicism first came to Central Pennsylvania before the American Revolutionary War. It was German Jesuits who first constructed the first places of worship starting in 1730.  By the early 1800's there was a small Catholic mission in Harrisburg.  Along with the rest of the country Irish immigrants contributed to the growth of Harrisburg.   The Rev. Patrick Leary bought property on State Street in 1824, and the cornerstone for the first St. Patrick's church was laid two years later. The church was built for $6,500. The Diocese of Harrisburg was established by Pope Pius IX in 1868.  St. Patrick's was named the pro-cathedral of the new diocese.   St. Patrick's first cathedral continued in this leadership role for nearly 35 years.  Beginning in 1902 Bishop John W. Shanahan proposed that a more permanent cathedral be built in th...

Solving Your Pond Algae Problem

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One of the most popular outdoor features is a water garden. One of the worst headaches is pond algae problems.  One of the most important ways to solve any problem is to define it properly. Start with thinking how your pond naturally exists.  You don’t have an algae problem. Rather your pond has a balance problem. Here’s what keeps your pond’s ecosystem in balance: Minimal organic load. In short, keep out plant related debris typically that algae flourished from. ·          Put in the right plants that use the right nutrients.  In essence, starve your algae from growing. ·          Right size your fish population with your pond size.  Too many fish produce too much organic waste. ·          Minimize the amount of direct sunlight on the surface of your pond.  Here you need to balance the amount of sunlight your plants need. ...

Bridge Through History - Market Street Bridge of Harrisburg PA

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Few commuters realize it but the Market Street Bridge today is literally a drive through history.  The Market Street Bridge is a stone arch bridge that spans the Susquehanna River between Harrisburg, and Wormleysburg.  The current structure is the third bridge built at its current location and is the second oldest remaining bridge in Harrisburg.  The bridge also carries BicyclePA Route J across the river. Some important background why the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. First this is actually the third bridge at this location.  The Camelback Bridge was the first bridge built to cross the Susquehanna River.  Construction was designed by Theodore Burr and building started in 1814 by Jacob Nailor.  After 6 years of construction it was opened as a toll bridge in 1820.  It was known back then as the Camelback Bridge. One of the unique features of this original wooden bridge was the fact it was a covered br...

The Best Water Garden Plants

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Just like icing on a cake, choosing the right water plants to your water garden adds natural beauty.  Water plants also help with the ecological balance of your pond for healthy fish. Based on your water garden setting and effect you would like choose plants based on their mature height, spread  and sunlight. While most home pond keepers tend to focus on aesthetics be aware of the important role natural plants play in the healthy ecosystem right in your own backyard. Choosing the right plants mean less toxic and expensive chemicals.  Also less reliance on expensive mechanical filters. Here are the primary natural benefits of selecting the right mix of aquatic plants: ·          Oxygenation and filtration plants ·          Cool season plants ·          Warm season plants ·          Floating, subme...

The 25 Year Delay to The PA Governor's Mansion

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PA has one of the more interesting stories of its Governor's mansion.  The Governors' first official residence was on South Second Street in downtown Harrisburg.   Because of the many crisis planning meetings necessary during the Civil War Governor Andrew Curtain concluded the residence was too small. The next residence for the governor was known as Keystone Hall and was located on North Front Street in Harrisburg.   Unfortunately, it was a large and drafty building with small sized rooms.  Not ideal for conducting business and social events.  After 79 years of use Governor Arthur James lead the legislative process necessary to procure property at Front and McKlay Streets in Harrisburg in 1941.  However, the onset of WWII delayed the actual building of the $2.5 million Governor's Mansion until 1966. Now, don't start feeling too sorry for all the governors that had to endure a long wait for their official state home.  Three Governors,...

The Many Wonders of Waterfall Designs

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Unlock your inner outdoor artist with your own waterfall design. The secret is to use durable materials that match your outdoor design theme. Think pots, stones, bowls to even old galvanized watering buckets. Create multiple cascades for variety, interest and the relaxing sounds of moving water. Are you looking for inspiration?  Check these waterfall designs out. First let's consider what I mean by your theme.  Are you focused on outdoor plants and colorful flowers around your water garden feature?  If so, consider durable materials that relate to that focus. How about different size empty clay pots for example?  An attractive design feature of those "stackable" pots in any order or angle you choose for a durable outside material that will repel water is that they typically have a drain hole in the bottom. You can use this to thread a plastic tube for your water return for your small electric pump for the top of your waterfall pot.  For the downstr...

Famous York PA Company Brands Today

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Did you know there are some world famous brands directly connected with York PA? Anybody connected with weight training or bodybuilding knows the famous York Barbell brand.  York is also the headquarters of the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame. About half of the world famous American brand, Harley-Davidson motorcycles production workforce is near York.  If you think big American motorcycles is where it stops, think bigger. There are not one but two major manufacturers of the latest hydro-power turbine biggest parts. These companies are Voith Hydro and American Hydro. York is headquarters to York International, a Johnson Controls Company and one of the largest suppliers of HVAC systems in the United States. The Stauffer Biscuit Company has its roots in York and has produced animal crackers for over 140 years.  Since February 2004 it has been owned by Meiji Seika of Japan. One of the most popular discount retailers in the regions, The Bon-Ton, is headquartered ...