The small village of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, is full of history and lore. Perhaps best known for its claim as the birthplace of Memorial Day, Boalsburg is steeped in tradition.
Founded in 1798, the downtown area maintains much of its original charm and character. The Boalsburg Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, contains 140 buildings. The district is characterized by its Georgian and Victorianized-Georgian structures dating through 1870. The area is primarily residential yet contains a handful of businesses in and around the village’s central diamond. Outside the town center, businesses exist on the main thoroughfare to State College, Atherton Street. Access to Route 322 is also nearby, making travel to various parts of the region and state a breeze.
While nearby State College may be the restaurant capital of Centre County, Boalsburg has some fine establishments as well. Take in the atmosphere at Duffy’s Tavern, built as a pub in 1819 and still serving travelers and locals alike. Another highly reviewed option is Kelly’s Steak and Seafood, conveniently located on Atherton Street just outside of town.
There’s no need to leave Boalsburg for post-dinner entertainment, either, as the Nittany Theatre at the Barn is located here. The only barn theater in the county, it’s celebrating its fifth season in 2019.
HISTORY ABOUNDS
According to town legend, it was in 1864 when Emma Hunter and a friend picked flowers and went to place them on the grave of her father, Dr. Reuben Hunter, who had died from Yellow Fever while treating Union soldiers. On their way to the cemetery, the two young girls met Mrs. Elizabeth Myers, whose son had died on the last day of the Battle of Gettysburg. They shared the flowers and put them on the graves, agreeing that next year they would return with enough flowers for all who had died in the war. Word spread of their plans, and the following year many villagers joined them.
This tradition continues every Memorial Day, when citizens make the walk from the Diamond in Boalsburg Square to the old cemetery. Other events coincide with the holiday.
Military history is big in Boalsburg, as well. The Pennsylvania Military Museum is located here, having its roots in the many reunions of World War I soldiers near its present site. The museum holds a plethora of artifacts, and dozens of shrines and memorials are found on-site.
There’s even more for history buffs to explore in Boalsburg, including the village’s connection to Christopher Columbus. Through marriage and inheritance, Boalsburg’s founding family acquired Christopher Columbus’ personal chapel. It was moved to the Boal family estate from Spain in 1919, and can be toured by the public.
MANY NEIGHBORHOODS
Few small towns offer the cultural and historic attractions that Boalsburg does, and few small towns offer as many housing options. From older homes to brand-new housing developments, there’s a lot to choose from.
Take, for example, one of the newest communities in the area: Mountain View Acres. This neighborhood offers scenic views and convenience: drive or bike the one-mile trip into Boalsburg, or head to nearby State College for all your shopping, restaurant and nightlife needs. This development offers homes that are both quaint and unique, with six models to choose from.
Kaywood North is another popular new community, which offers amazing views of Mount Nittany. Since this neighborhood is just being built, you’ll have a great selection of homesites, along with a variety of beautiful Berks Homes plans to choose from. This is a great opportunity for those looking to build their own custom home – get in on the ground floor! Another great option for those who want to pick every option is Laurel Hills. It also features wonderful views and has many lots still available.
Springfield Commons is another development we love, with a great location near Tussey Mountain – Centre County’s only ski area – and Rothrock State Forest, which offers over 215,000 acres of land for public enjoyment. Pick your own lot in this traditionally styled neighborhood, which offers a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere with sidewalks and front porches throughout. You’ll find buyers of different age groups in this “open build” community, too, due to a range of prices for these fantastic homes. However, if you want a spot in this desirable neighborhood, you’ll have to act fast – only a few lots remain!
We’ve seen some stunning homes built recently in the amazing Rockey Ridge development. With easy access to Route 322, it has a thoughtful design featuring 50 percent green space, meaning nearly every home backs to open space! It has a variety of lot sizes, and offers some spectacular vistas of Tussey and Nittany mountains.
If you need a lot of space, Bear Meadow Village offers huge and gorgeous homes. More moderately priced homes can be found in the area too, in Kaywood I. This neighborhood has been developed over decades, and features a variety of home styles on heavily wooded lots.
For older, character-filled homes, check out Boalsburg proper and the surrounding countryside. Boalsburg’s old-world architecture has largely been preserved, meaning its classic homes are generally in good shape and may only require small updates, if any at all.
Older homes can also be found on Route 45 leading to Shingletown Gap, an established small community that gives direct access to state forest and great hiking trails.
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