New book tells the story of Juniata Terrace | News, Sports, Jobs

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Pictured is the cover of “Juniata Terrace… A Walk Back in Time” by Rick Bodenschatz, which was released on Wednesday.

LEWISTOWN — A new book, “Juniata Terrace … A walk back in time”, captures the rich history of the community of Juniata Terrace, which will be designated a National Historic Place on Wednesday, June 19. The book’s release coincides with the ceremony and offers readers an in-depth look into the community’s past, present and enduring spirit.

Author Rick Bodenschatz, who grew up in Juniata Terrace, started this project to preserve the community’s history for future generations.

“There are so many new generations who didn’t even experience things in the 40s, 50s and 60s,” said Bodenschatz. “This book will bring much of that history to light and provide a great deal of knowledge and pride in what is happening with the National Register.”

The book is a labor of love for Bodenschatz, who has written seven other books. His journey began with research into the monument on the boulevard dedicated to the men of Juniata Terrace who lost their lives in World War II and the Korean War. This research led him to delve deeper into the history of the community, which ultimately led to the creation of this comprehensive book.

“Juniata Terrace… A walk back in time” is a 224-page volume with over 200 photos and illustrations. It begins with an introduction to the history of Mifflin County, including the rise of the American Viscose factory and the influx of workers and their families to Lewistown. The book then describes the construction of Juniata Terrace as “Garden City Community” It is designed to accommodate this workforce and highlight the challenges and successes of building a community from the ground up.

Bodenschatz’s research revealed fascinating details about the construction process.

“To form the terrace, they had to make what is known as a ‘big cut’ because it was on a slope,” he explained. “And they had to make this enormous cut, similar to the way they built the canal, and cut away the flat area to build Juniata Terrace on this slope.”

The book also describes the logistical feat involved in transporting the building materials from the railway up the mountain using a specially built side track.

“There were over three thousand doors, three thousand windows and millions of bricks, you know, so it was a Herculean task that began in June 1923 and was completed at the end of … December 1925, after two and a half years,” said Bodenschatz.

The book goes beyond the physical structure of the community and looks at the lives of the people who lived there. It tells the story of the eleven residents who gave their lives for their country in World War II and the Korean War, and how the community stuck together in times of need.

Juniata Terrace has faced many challenges throughout its history, including floods, fires and the closure of the American Viscose plant in 1972. But the community persevered. Bodenschatz attributes this resilience to the strong sense of community and pride of the residents.

“Juniata Terrace has outlived the industry that built it,” he said. “The plant employed over 5,000 people at one point, and when it closed, there were only 3,000 left. It was devastating for the entire county, but Terrace persevered.”

The book also recognizes the community’s ability to rebuild and thrive. In 2014, a major fire destroyed or damaged 25 homes in the 300 block. Insurance companies were amazed at how quickly the homes were rebuilt, a testament to the community spirit. They were rebuilt immediately and better than before.

Bodenschatz hopes the book will give readers a deeper understanding of the community’s history and resilience.

“Everyone in Mifflin County should be proud,” he said. “Of course, former and current residents should be very proud. And I think everyone in the county should be. The most important thing is not just the book, but listing on the National Register of Historic Places gives the community credibility and allows it to position itself for grants for its infrastructure.”

The book is not only a historical document but also a celebration of the unwavering spirit of community, a reminder that a community can thrive even in the face of adversity when its members are united by a shared sense of pride and purpose.

“Juniata Terrace… A walk back in time” is available at the Juniata Terrace Community Building, Wilson’s Meat Market, and the Mifflin County Historical Society Library & Research Center. The book costs $29.