Dennis Hrzic

Overview of Interview

0-5min

Hrzic introduces himself and his early life growing up in Western PA in the early 1970s and working in the coal industry. Decision to move to Cumberland County and the taking a job in the Silver Springs Township police force in 1973. Overview of Silver Springs Township during the early 1970s and the many different mailing addresses in the Township and as a community of farms. Change in the township related to I-81 relocating traffic from the Carlisle Pike and the growth from its relation to Harrisburg.

5-10 min

Description and example of the philosophy of Chief of Police John Toomey on Information and Assistance which involved talking to the people and figuring out who they are. How this philosophy provided him a chance to learn the history of the township and region. Joining the Silver Springs Township Civic Association and its activities in preserving the McCormick Farm on the Carlisle Pike.

10-15 min

Description of buildings on the Carlisle Pike and his talks with Bud Gaskin a long time resident of Hogestown. Description of the development of the Township. The balancing act between development and conservation through local Conservation Group by modifying ordinances and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

15-20 min

Focus on protecting the Conodoguinet and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Lots of history in the County due to the frontier aspect of the County as well as Civil War and WWII history. Learning from older residents and their joy in telling the history and stories of the county.

20-25 min

Purchase of old Simmons Schoolhouse and the modernization of the building. Background on Joseph Junkin and the Junkin House. Process of getting a State Marker acknowledging the Tent Ceremony which was the first Covenanter communion held in the Americas overseen by the Rev. John Cuthbertson.. Contacting the Junkin Family and figuring out where the exact location of the ceremony took place.

25-30 min

Dedication ceremony near spot with local speakers and Junkin Family with larger than expected turnout. Forming the Cumberland Valley Preservation Society with a mission of preserving land and buildings in Silver Springs and the Cumberland Valley. Preserving the Junkin House and plan to move it off the road. Placing history books and collection of Bud Gaskin in the House. Being on the police force during the trucking strike on I-81 with a focus on keeping people safe.

30-35 min

As a municipal police officer mainly focused on the truckstops with the State Police handling I-81. Most difficult period being a police officer was Three Mile Island incident. Talking with a resident who worked at TMI and the fallout during the event. Lack of plan. Talking with Betty Sullivan, of the Sam Sample House.

35-40 min

Working as a carpenter on the side including historic restorations for Betty Sullivan. Details of restoration. Hurricane Agnes destroying a bridge and salvaging the wood. Conversations with Bill Stouffer. Max Hempt and his impact on the Township including donating land for High School.

40-45 min

Hempt Brothers building I-81 through local farm. Paul Walters foresight about I-81 bringing traffic and development to the surrounding area. Growth of warehousing in the area. Willow Mill Park.

45-50 min

Children attending Willow Mill Park roller coaster. Fingerprinting kids as a police officer and giving prints to parents. Greenwich Elementary PTO. Small school. Excellent school districts. Holding seminars at the Junkin House as a means of educating. Change resulting from computers and technology over the lives of some residents similar to change in landscape and community.

50-54 min

Jack Sullivan and his research on the Susquehanna Nation. Attempt to teach younger generation about where they came from. History of the region accessible by talking to people. Proud of being from Carlisle area.