~1900 |
Harvesting trees from Governor Dick Hill for nearby iron furnaces and foundries ceased toward the end of the 19th century. For approximately 160 years prior, the trees upon Governor Dick Hill were harvested regularly for fuel. |
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1934 |
Clarence Schock purchased two parcels of land, totaling 867.5 acres of the original Coleman “Cold Spring Tract.” |
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1936 |
Clarence and Evetta Schock made Governor Dick Hill available for public enjoyment. |
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1940 |
Clarence Schock purchased 98 acres adjacent to Mount Gretna Heights. |
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1941 |
Clarence Schock purchased an additional 139.5 acres (comprised of multiple parcels from various owners) for a total of 1,105 acres which he named the Governor Dick Tract and is bounded by Pinch Road and Mount Gretna Heights to the west, Route 117 to the north, Route 72 to the east, and to the south by Chickies Creek. |
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1953 |
Before his death in May 1955, Clarence created a Deed of Trust for the Governor Dick property and assigned the Mount Joy School District as the first trustee. His vision for the land was for the land to be “in trust forever as a playground and public park.” |
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1997 |
Harvest by tower during the tenure of the Mount Joy School District as trustee. |
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1998 |
Lebanon County Commissioners and The Clarence Schock Foundation become Board of Trustees for Governor Dick Park. |
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2004 |
The Education Center was built; adding additional expenses to be covered by the limited annual funds provided by the Clarence Schock Foundation. |
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2009 |
During the previous century, Governor Dick Hill remained untouched by those who wished to disturb the pristine wilderness. However, some see the trees as dollar signs rather than natural resources that perform a job in the ecosystem of the forest and sought reasons to make the trees pay for changes to the park.
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2013 |
49 acres, near old Route 72, north of Manheim |
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2014 |
39 acres, adjacent to 2013 harvest |
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2015 |
Clarence Schock Foundation notified the commissioners that they will no longer be co-trustees; however, the foundation continues to finance the park and the existing board members from the foundation remained on the board. The Lebanon County Commissioners are currently the sole trustee. |
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2021 |
61-acres, primarily on the slope above Route 117 and stretching towards Mount Gretna Heights |
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2022 |
8-acres, clear-cut around the tower |
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Future |
The trustee has indicated that it is possible that approximately 60 more acres will be harvested by Mount Gretna Heights. This would be adjacent to the 2021 harvest. The timeframe of this harvest is depended upon when/if funds are needed to support the park. |