Forks Township Historical Society

Description:

The Society was founded by a group of historically minded citizens in April 2002 with the purpose of assembling items of historical significance regarding the township. Over the past years the Society has compiled substantial amounts of historical information from the incorporation of Forks Township in 1754 to the present day.

Forks was primarily an agrarian society from the time of its founding until recent decades. Industrial areas were mainly along Bushkill Creek where an abundant water supply powered grist mills, distilleries, and sawmills. Several taverns existed within the township at a time when Forks Township’s boundaries extended well beyond our current borders. Taverns served as public meeting houses. Forks supervisors conducted township business in a room of a township tavern into the mid-20th century.

The public has access to our collection of documents, photos, and artifacts – from property deeds written on sheepskin to farm implements and a 100-year-old merchant wagon crafted by the late Cyrus Graver, a township blacksmith and wagon builder. The wagon has been professionally restored and is now on display in the Forks Township Municipal Building.

We also oversee the historic log cabin situated in our township park and the Spring House on Bushkill Drive. The cabin was the initial home of German immigrants Michael and Gertrude Fraes [Frace] built on Penn Patent Tract #185 in 1766 and remained in the family for several generations. School and private tours are available. The Spring House was built during the time of the American Revolution. A substantial stone outbuilding built over a free flowing fresh water spring, it provided shelter with an ample water supply while affording protection from hostilities.