Learning About the Past - Old Bedford Village

Old Bedford Village is a five acre park located at 220 Sawblade Road, Bedford, Pennsylvania (off Business Route 220).  The Village is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays).  From September through October it is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

We were here on a Friday in May (before Memorial Day).  I Googled “Old Bedford Village” and it said that the Village was open today until 5 p.m.  I was looking forward to seeing the Village.  Where else would I find two one-room schoolhouses and a covered bridge all in one location?   

Entrance Sign

At the entrance to the Village is the 126’ long Claycomb Covered Bridge.  In 1975, it was moved to the Old Bedford Village and placed over the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.  It’s a fun way to set the mood for a visit to the historic village.

Driving through the Covered Bridge

Claycomb Covered Bridge

When we arrive, we are surprised to see a sign indicating the Village is closed.  We can see people and cars in the parking lot.  The Gift Shop is open.  I go inside it to inquire about the entrance fee. ($11 per person)   The staff member tells me that Google has the wrong information.  The Village is technically closed today but they have some school groups touring here.  I guess we should have called (814 623-1156 or 800-238-4347) before we came.  Fortunately, we are allowed to walk around the buildings. 

Old Bedford Village is an “archaeological site that was once occupied by a Monongahela (Native American) village but today it is n open-air museum representing an 18^th century village which includes about 38 buildings.  These buildings were moved to this location from various sites throughout Bedford County.”  Old Bedford Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 4, 1984. 

I have a map of the Village showing each building and its assigned number and location. Off we go...

Map of Old Bedford Village

We didn’t want to interfere with the school groups, so we didn’t stay at the Village as long as we might have under normal circumstances.  But during our short visit, we saw many of the buildings.

Building #3 (Fungaroli House) & Building #4 (Semanek House)

Christ Church (built in 1980) was inspired by the 1806 log church near Schellsburg (we will see the 1806 log church later in our trip). 

Building #5 (Christ Church)

Christ Church

1806 log Union Church (Schellsburg, PA)

This red-sided township school was used from 1869-1932.  We quietly watch a group of elementary-age school kids being escorted inside the school by a costumed historian dressed as a schoolmarm.   

Building #9 (Kniseley School)

Costumed Historian - Schoolmarm

The Shoop House was built sometime between 1785 and 1869.  Today it is used as the “Lutz Indian Museum” featuring a collection of Native American artifacts.

Building #10 (Shoop House)

The Heming’s Furniture & Wood Shop is thought to have been built before 1840.

Building #12 (Heming House)

The Ice Cream Parlor is the style of a 17^th century cottage.

Building #14 (Ice Cream Parlor)

The bakery building is believed to have been built in 1808.

Building #15 (Feather's Bakery)

Here is a street scene featuring the Corner Shop.

Building #16 (The Corner Shop)

The white Eight (Octagon) Square School was used from 1851-1932.  I was excited to see this uniquely shaped one-room school.  The door was wide open so we stepped inside to see what it looked like.

 Building #20 (Eight Square School)

Inside the Schoolhouse

If you are interested in historic and/or one-room schoolhouses, I invite you to view some of my other blog posts by clicking on the following links:
Pennsylvania's Historic Schools 
Michigan's One Room Schoolhouses
Utah's Historic Schoolhouses
Ohio Historic Schools

The log house at the Egolf Farm was common in rural Pennsylvania until 1840.  

Building #25 (Egolf farm)

The Fisk House was probably built around the 1840’s.

Building #26 (Fisk House)

This represents a typical jail that would have been used prior to 1800.

Building #27 (Jail House)

The blacksmith was probably one of the most important (and needed) services provided in early America.  He made many of the tools used by others to do their jobs.

Building #28 (Antonson's Blacksmith Shop)

The General Store would provide a wide range of items from seeds to clothes. 

Building #29 (General Store & Post Office)

The Gilson’s owned the land that became the Old Bedford Village.

Building #33 (Gilson House)

The Claycomb Covered Bridge is a wood Burr Truss bridge.  It was restored in the early 1970’s and again in 2006.

Building #40 (Claycomb Covered Bridge)

If you enjoy touring historical villages, I invite you to view some of my other blog posts by clicking on the following links:

Mackinaw City Heritage Village (Mackinaw City, MI)

Meridian Historical Village (Okemos, MI)

Colonial Fort Michimilimackinac(Mackinaw City, MI)

White Pine Village (Ludington, MI)

Historic Charlton Park (Hastings, MI)

Bedford (population 2,781 in 2013) has some good lodging and dining options.  We had a pleasant stay at the Hampton Inn (located about one mile from Old Bedford Village) and ate dinner at the nearby Denny’s. 

Since personal preferences vary, I recommend referring to a trusted travel review site for what best suits your taste and budget.   

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To start planning your memorable trip to Old Bedford Village click on the “Plan Your Visit” link below:

Plan Your Visit - Old Bedford Village