On top of the next hill is the W. I. Elwood farm, formerly the James Culp farm, and the next farm building is the home of David Elwood.

FOUR MILES ~ END OF CONCRETE ROAD, ROUTE 188

What we need is more of the same. "Boost for Improving Route 188."

W.T. Balsiger Farm home. He is a dealer in gasoline and supplies and farm machinery. This was formerly the A.Y. and James Gallagher Farm.

To the left 1/2 mile is the Samuel Orr Farm where the Orr family grew up. It is now the home of Mr. Yerger, lately the Armstrong County Farm Agent. On the bank to the right is the home of Alex Williamson.

In the lane to the left is the W.F. Howell farm, now owned by the B.P.O. Elks of Apollo, being fitted for a Country Club Home.

Following the main road, still Route No. 188, we soon come to the home of A.M. (Bert) Orr, Spring Church bachelor and fancy stock dealer, the one man in the township who never fails to have something to say. The home was formerly the Beatty Home.

To the right a short distance can be seen the fine home of James Hughes, formerly the Lundersteady Farm, before that the home of Linus Townsend, the Apollo poet. To the left further up in the field is the Boiling Springs where the water bubbles up from the sand clear and cold, not hot.

A little further on, we find the churches. Lutheran first, then Presbyterian and the road leading to the left to Mateer and on to Cochran's Mills. This point is also the home of Rev. T.J. Frederick, the pioneer fruit grower of this neighborhood who put the Spring Church fruit belt on the map. His home was formerly the Cochran home.

To the left is the home of Frank Rosensteel. Also 1/2 mile to the left is the farm buildings of Samuel Dible and Harry R. Richards, the level farm joining the road at Sunnyside School House.

FIVE MILES
Next we find Spring Church Post Office and Sunnyside School House, this being the last Country Post Office until we reach South Bend.

To the left, Paul Stone residence. To the right, M.B. Householder residence. To the right, J.E. Bush, Gasoline, Auto Supplies and Repair Shop. For many years the home of J.W. Shull.

To the left, the home of Mrs. S.S. Shoemaker. To the right, Mrs. W.W. Beatty residence. The home to the right back from the road was formerly the home of G.W. Clark, now the H.H. McLaughlin residence.

To the left, the home of Mr. Braum. To the left, the homes of Herbert R. Schull and James J. Beatty. To the right, James Blystone.

The large brick mansion to the left is the home of A.D. Tressler, formerly A.D. Shoemaker residence. Charles R. Rearick is to the left--part of the same farm.

As you drop down in the valley you find on your left the Turner Bros. Grain and Fruit Farm where fine peaches are a specialtiy.

For the past two miles you have been on the Spring Church Fruit Belt, one of the best sections in Armstong County.

Transcribed by Maury Tosi ~ 3/2001