A historical marker along Route 522, located a short distance west of Kreamer, points out probably one of the most interesting landmarks in Middlecreek Township, Snyder County — The Schoch Block House (1770-1785).
When Mathias Schoch first settled in the Middle Creek Valley, he built a log cabin, which some years afterward was used as a fort or place of refuge for the settlers in case of Indian attacks. It was constructed of heavy logs, skillfully and solidly pieced together and was located over a natural spring.
The first story had a fireplace, the spring, and a floor of heavy logs about 8 inches thick. This was used by the near-by settlers as a spring house. The second floor, which was about 7 feet above the ground, likewise had a floor of 8-inch logs. A trap-door led from the second to the first story. The second story was used as a place of refuge and defense in case of Indian uprisings.
At the gable ends were two openings, 8 by 12 inches, for the use of rifles in repelling such Indian attacks.
Originally, the outside entrance was to the second story only. This outside entrance was made of planks with a ladder-like arrangement so that it could be drawn up after entering.
This blockhouse was undoubtedly the first of its kind in the Middle Creek Valley. It stood until 1918 when it fell completely into ruins and was removed by the owner of the land. Today a marker, built of stone taken from the original chimney, stands as a memorial of this building.
The marker was placed by the Mathias Schoch Family Association and later transferred to the Snyder County Historical Society. It was unveiled on Oct. 21, 1922. On the opposite side of the road of the historical marker is a small replica of the Schoch Block House which was created by the Kreamer Boy Scouts many years ago.
Records available
The Snyder County Historical Society Library, 30 E. Market St., Middleburg, has a wealth of information about all historical markers of the county as well as cemetery records, church records, family records, obituaries, microfilm from newspapers and census records. There are two microfilm readers. Helen Keiser, librarian, and Patricia Smith, family researcher, have volunteered an abundance of time and effort to acquire, set up and organize records so they are easily accessible to the public.
Visit www.snydercounty.org/schs and click on “Items for Sale” that could be of special interest to historians and genealogists alike.
Library hours are presently 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays, weather permitting. You may also call the library at 837-0491 for further information.
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