Daydreaming on Dunkard
by Matthew Cumberledge
The Monongahela River winds her way north through 130 miles of scenic terrain, completing her journey to Pittsburgh to meet the Allegheny River and give birth to the mighty Ohio. These three rivers have defined this region and its way of life for centuries. But what of the smaller tributary streams? They are just as important; early on they provided a way of transportation and communities were established along their banks.
Dunkard may be one of the most important of those streams. The headwaters of Dunkard Creek can be found in the hills and valleys of southwestern Greene County and parts of Monongalia County, West Virginia. The Pennsylvania and West Virginia forks of Dunkard meet just west of the village of Brave and form the main channel of a stream that meanders its way back and forth across the state line for nearly forty miles before meeting the Monongahela River just north of Point Marion.
Dunkard, or as it is written in early records “Dunkers” Creek, got its name from a religious sect that settled in the region in the 18th century that practiced full immersion baptism. Though the “Dunkards” only lived here for a short time, the name stuck.
Over two hundred years later, a lot more than baptizing is happening along the waters of Dunkard. A trip up Dunkard from where it meets the Mon is a veritable microcosm of Greene County rural life and culture.
If you really want the experience of Dunkard Valley, head south from the Paisley intersection on Rt. 88 and take it to Dilliner. The bridge on 88 that meets Holbert Stretch marks the point where Dunkard Creek meets the Monongahela River. While you’re there, stop by at the Dilliner Convenience Store right at the intersection of Rt. 88 and Holbert Stretch. The staff is always friendly and it’s great to support local family owned businesses.
Follow Holbert Stretch west for several miles and enjoy the rural scenery, the small communities and farm land. Tolbert ends at a T intersection, so turn left and head out Bobtown Road, and in a short distance turn right on Taylortown Road. The beautiful drive out Taylortown Road takes you to the site of one of Greene County’s biggest attractions, the Highpoint Raceway.
High Point is nestled in the Rolling hills of Greene County not far from Mount Morris. Since 1977, High Point has been hosting national events, such as the PAMX Thor Championship, the High Point National (part of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship), the PAMX Fly Racing Pennsylvania State Championship as well as several other events. High Point draws more people to Greene County every year than any other single event, and it’s truly an impressive sight to see this rural valley turn into a hive of activity with tens of thousands of people.
Just a short distance after High Point, turn right onto Bald Hill Church Road. We’re getting back into the true beauty of Greene County now! Atop the Hill that Bald Hill Church Road is named for, sits Bald Hill Church, a small little country church built around 1893. Though the present church only dates to the end of the 19th century, a church building has been keeping watch over that hilltop for over 200 years. The adjacent cemetery is the final resting spot for many of the area’s families, including Jacob Stoneking, a Fifer in the Revolutionary War who enlisted when he was around 13 years of age.
Bear left onto Bald Hill Road and follow that ALL the way into the thriving community of Mount Morris. If you’re ready for lunch, Mount Morris is a great place to stop. As you are driving through town, you’ll first encounter the Huddle House at the Mount Morris Truck Stop. The “Truck Stop Restaurant” has always been a staple of dining for locals, open 24-7, you can always stop by and get a quick and delicious bite to eat. The staff is always kind and efficient, and the service will never let you down. If you are interested in something a bit different, take Locust Avenue through town, turn right onto Rt. 19, left onto Main Street, then turn onto Main Avenue and make the left hand turn and the end and you’ll find Rising Creek Bakery right atop the bank over looking Dunkard Creek. Rising Creek offers a menu full of craft sandwiches and dishes that cannot be overlooked.
Rising Creek is also involved with the community. This year they will be planning summer movie nights, attending farmers markets and being out and about in the region celebrating the our rural heritage with their own time tested recipes, and their classic salt rising bread!
Once you’ve refreshed yourself in Mount Morris, turn onto Wades Run Road and then right onto Buckeye Road. Buckeye is the epitome of rural life. Travel several miles through the countryside in Dunkard’s wide meandering valley. Buckeye follows Dunkard very closely and leads you to Mason-Dixon Park. Mason Dixon Park has a small play area, and wonderfully relaxing nature trails. The park hosts several events through out the year, most notably the Ramp Festival in April. The Ramp Festival is a celebration of the Wild Ramp and many dishes that can be prepared incorporating ramps; it also features other locally produced goods and many activities.
As you keep traveling, you cross the line into ‘Wild and Wonderful’ West Virginia. Turn west on Rt. 7 and follow Dunkard as it weaves back and forth across the state line towards Blacksville. Blacksville is situated along the Pennsylvania/West Virginia border. On the PA side of Blacksville, on Bowlby Hill Road, is Lake Wilma. Lake Wilma is a popular destination for fishermen from all over! Black crappie, bluegill, sunfish, carp, catfish, trout and bass can all be found lurking in the lake’s still waters. It isn’t uncommon on a nice day to see cars lining the road, with people spread out all around the 19-acre manmade lake.
Back on Route 7, continue west through Blacksville, past the Clay Battelle High school and make a right onto Thoms Run Road. This leads you into the small village of Brave. As you descend the hill into town, you’re met with a large, red brick structure on the southern bank of Dunkard Creek. The building now houses Anderson Fittings, but was built in 1906 by Peoples Natural Gas, as the largest gas pumping station in the world, at that time. For years it was one of the largest employers, not only in Brave, but in the region. Tragedy struck on April 2nd, 1917. A faulty valve caused a major explosion that claimed the lives of 6 men. A man who was working near the valve that caused the explosion was spared when the blast launched him into the waters of Dunkard Creek.
This will be the end of our journey – just a short distance west of the village of Brave, Dunkard splits into Pennsylvania and West Virginia forks. The places and communities that exist now along the waters of Dunkard are a living history of rural Pennsylvania, an area where tradition is still very much alive, and where local heritage and culture are very much appreciated. 