Jim Wirt 3/19/05

I am extremely proud of being a member of the Moreland area, 74 or 78 years. 67 years as a member of the Moreland United Methodist Church.

I have so many priceless memories; I will try to name some. My years in the old 2 room school west of Moreland. At the old school we made our own games, fox and geese, Anthony over, red rover, hide and seek, baseball and others and no fancy uniforms. We got water from an old hand pump that really worked you hard

The old time orchestras at the festivals, neighborhood gathering, thrashing, silo filling, corn husking and always helping a sick neighbor.

The General Store at Moreland, ran by the Franks, was always an interesting place to gather for news.

I am also proud of my heritage. My great grandfather bought the original 160 acres from a half-breed Indian for $2500.00. I have the sheepskin land grant signed by President James Madison in 1840, a priceless document for me. There were 8 children born to my great grandparents. My grandmother was Sarah Wirt thus the beginning of me. There were 7 others, 5 girls and 2 boys. One of the boys served in the Civil War and nearly died as a P.O.W.

My grandfather Wirt was a Township Trustee. I think his old ledger says the men were paid 50 cents per day and with a team of horses $1.50 per day. Farmers also kept up sections of their road.

Some of the schools in the area were Moreland, Nonpariel, Pole Cat, Munson, Geity, Bannersville and Boyd to name a few. They became Franklin Elementary in 1938. My 6^th grade class planted the trees on the west line.

It was an honor and pleasure to grow up that that period. People were more laid back. They knew their neighbors and helped them. We belled newly weds for treats and had farewell parties for parting families.

I was raised with 6 brothers and sisters by the best parents you could have. We had no electricity till I was 11 years old and used a crank phone. We made our own entertainment, sled riding, skating, baseball and hunting coon, possum, and ground hog. We needed the money. During the 30’s money was scarce. I got a quarter for helping to thrash all day. Our machinery was all horse drawn and things were done by hand. Did you ever milk a cow by hand in 90-degree weather and the cow switching flies and you.

Yes, I am proud of my heritage, of growing up in that time. I think people expect too much today. The Mann boys and Jim Hoffman were my main playmates.

Harold Mann has listed all the Township roads.

Haas Road Munson Road Sterling Street

Valley Road Kimber Road Johnny Appleseed

Nonpariel Road Evans Road McCoy Road

Oil City Road Force Road DeWitt Street

James Road Schaff Road McCance Circle

Buss Road Redett Road Pleasant Ridge

Tolbert Road Messner Road Todd Lane

Scherck Boulevard

Written by James Wirt w/ Harold Mann