The New Era feed mill was built in the 1880s on the north bank of Corey Creek on North Main Street by Sherwood and Flower. Ownership over the years passed to Kingsley, Schrader and others.

Among the last owners when the mill closed in the late 1960s was Clifford “Red” Tomlinson. He and his wife, Reva, operated the mill, and Reva made sure she had saved and used many examples of the floral print feed sacks that were popular and available in the 1930s and 1940s. In the depression, getting fabric that could be used for clothing, household items and decoration was a bonus and made an otherwise disposable container a useful commodity. When buying feed, it was important to get several matching print bags, so there would be enough for the intended use. These are now collectible and highly prized by collectors.

The old mill was razed in about 1969-70. Corey Creek, that once flowed next to it, was directed underground as part of flood control.

Recently Kim Tomlinson of Mansfield was cleaning out the attic of her father-in-law, Donald Tomlinson, son of Clifford and Reva, and found several old floral printed feed sacks that Reva had saved. She salvaged the best of the material and made a quilt in honor of Donald’s 91^st birthday this month. She presented it to The History Center in Donald's honor. The quilt displays several of the prints that were available in feed sack fabric. She also found a dress Reva had made and worn using feed sack fabric and donated that as well.

These are on exhibit at The Museum of Us, 61 N. Main Street, Mansfield.

Photo Above: Terry, Kim and Donald Tomlinson with Feed sack quilt and dress of Reva McCaslin Tomlinson. Donald is the son of Reva McCaslin and Clifford Tomlinson.

On March 4, we will be presenting a program about three outstanding women with local origins from different periods of time whose achievements were memorable.

Martha Ann Dartt, A.K.A. Mrs. Maxwell, from Charleston Township broke new paths in discoveries and studies in natural science. She even had a sub-species of owl named for her. She established a national reputation and exhibited her work at the Centennial Exhibition in 1876 in Philadelphia.

Margaret Williamson (stage name Margaret Adams) of Mansfield graduated from our local schools and established a career in music and theater, opera, Broadway, and even movies. She maintained her friendships throughout her life with the people she grew up with in our town.

Helen Dieffenbach Lutes spent her career in college physical education in Mansfield and left a legacy of supporting the roles and opportunities of women in athletics.

Join us March 4 to hear about these remarkable women.

By Linda Rashidi

Let us know what you think of our newsletters or just drop us a note to tell us about you and your family's time in Mansfield. We want to hear from you at [email protected]

Our 40-page quarterly journal which is mailed to members, tells the stories of some outstanding and some ordinary citizens like us who played a role here. In some cases, they get the chance to tell their own stories to a new audience through our Voices from the Archives.

You've thought about it. Now's the time.

After two long Pandemic years, we hope that the High School reunions can start again. If you are planning a reunion, consider a casual afternoon Meet & Greet at the History Center's Museum of Us. In an informal environment, you can chat with your friends, watch a slide show of Mansfield's historic photos, and find traces of yourself, your friends, and your family. Many of our exhibits are geared to those who grew up here. The Blue & Gold Room is full of MHS sports mementos. The pictorial display includes YOU along with all the other MHS graduates in its first hundred years.

Our outside work icomplete: Siding, Stairs, Porch and sidewalks. This 174-year-old building is looking great thanks to Matt Neal and his crew and the community members who chipped in with financial support.

Special thanks to Jim Davies and Mary Robinson-Slabey who tore out the old lath and plaster to get the project started. That was the hardest part of the work.

Be sure to visit our new genealogy-history library. Started on the inside in spring 2019, we are completed on the outside in fall 2022.

For the New Year. Consider a gift membership. Members will receive our 40 page printed journal by mail 3 to 4 times a year with new articles that have never been researched before and outstanding photos to illustrate. Share your love of the Mansfield area with your friends and family.

It's the only way we can continue offering our important services to the community.

The next issue of Voices from the Archives is in preparation. It will be forty pages of articles about the lives and activities of our town. Be sure your membership is current, so you don't miss any.

Family $50

Individual $35

Senior (Over 65) $25

Business Level $100

Lifetime $500

MHS Class Memorial $200

Checks to

The History Center

61 N. Main Street

Mansfield PA 16933

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