The Millersville Area Historical Society will host a program during its meeting on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 9 a.m. in the Millersville Municipal Center, 100 Municipal Drive. Guest speaker Steve Sylvester will present "What Became of the Lost River of Lancaster."
His talk will focus on a stream, wetlands and springs that once were part of what today is the historic section of Lancaster city. According to Sylvester, the stream began at a spring near Walnut and Prince streets and flowed south to the Conestoga River near Engleside. Flowing into it were a spring-fed tributary on the west end near Manor Street and other tributaries on the east end next to Lime Street. The stream itself then coursed through what was once called the Black Hazel Swamp.
Sylvester's presentation, enhanced with historic maps and records, will trace the gradual disappearance of these water features over time and reveal, through the use of modern hydrologic methods, what the stream was like during the Colonial era. A question-and-answer session will conclude the program.
Sylvester is a geologist and retired Franklin & Marshall College earth and environment research specialist.
Since retiring in 2015, Sylvester has worked on water resources issues in Lancaster County for many years, serving on a variety of government advisory committees and task forces that dealt with water and sewer issues. He holds degrees in geology. Currently a volunteer with the Lancaster County Conservancy, the longtime Lancaster County and current Martic Township resident enjoys hiking in the river hills and canoeing.
Admission is free, though donations will be accepted. For more information, readers may call Phil Gerber at 717-872-8837 before 5 p.m. or email pge8507@aol.com.
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