Timeline / History

Mid 1800's

Governor Dick was named for a husky man in the middle 1800's by the name of “Dick”. He was a wood chopper and charcoal burner in the area and was dubbed “Governor” by his friends. He took hundreds of cords of wood from the spot on which the sixty-six foot circular observation tower now stands. The wood was charred and the charcoal used in the busy pig iron furnaces at Cornwall and surrounding areas.

1870-1880

Governor Dick was used as a training ground for Lehigh University engineering students because of its topography and geological formations.

1882

U.S. Army engineers used “Governor Dick” tower location as a triangulation point in Coastal-Geodetic surveying.

1883

Establishment of a railroad to Mount Gretna opened up the area as a resort and the territory west as the annual camping grounds for the Pennsylvania National Guard. Governor Dick traffic increased as it became fashionable to hike to the lookout to see the view.

1896

The railroad line was abandoned.

1934-1953

In the latter part of the year, Clarence Schock acquired ownership of the 1105 acres of land, previously owned by the Coleman family. This property was owned by Clarence Schock from 1934 until August 27, 1953. Wooden lookout towers were constructed during this period of time and because of damage from vandalism, the erection and maintenance of the wooden towers were discontinued. Thus a sixty-six foot high, fifteen foot diameter, concrete and steel tower was constructed in 1954, which still stands today.

1953

Clarence and Evetta J. Schock deeded the 1105 acres to the School District of the Borough of Mount Joy (now known as the Donegal School District) for use as a school playground and public park and forest forever.

1998

The Donegal School District sought to be relieved of the trusteeship of the Governor Dick tract and, therefore, the Lebanon County Orphans' Court appointed The SICO Foundation (now known as Clarence Schock Foundation) and the County of Lebanon as co-trustees under the Deed of Trust of Clarence and Evetta Schock dated the 27th day of August 1953.

2004

With the proceeds from a state grant, an environmental center was constructed on the site. This center provides a meeting facility for the Governor Dick Board of Directors and can host meetings for forestry and educational related activities.