Lancaster County PA Realty Check: Pennsylvania: Millersville

Ever since 1963, Funk's Farm Market, on South Duke Street, Millersville, PA, has been a landmark for Lancaster County locals.

Funk's Farm was founded 135 years ago in 1873 by Amos G. Funk.  Forty-five years ago the farm market was established. 

Every spring a wonderful selection of annual and perennial flowers are available to beautify local gardens. 

There is also a well-stocked garden supply area, with gardening equipment, landscaping decorations, fertilizers and weed control products.

Late in the summer, the Butterfly House will be open behind the market.  Shrubs are available in the back as well, including butterfly bushes that will attract many butterflies.

In the farm market itself, locally grown strawberries are on display.  Through the summer, fruits and vegetables will be available in season, ending with fresh local corn in late summer and pumpkins in the fall.  Wonderful baked goods include home made pies, cookies and breads, and even home made fudge is on sale.

The gift shop features scented candles, Pennsylvania Dutch gifts, and country home decorations.

If you're near Millersville, be sure to check out Funk's Farm Market.  The Market is open Monday through Saturday during the spring and summer.  Closed Sundays.

©2008BrianSchulman

As I drove through Millersville, PA this morning, traffic was blocked on North George Street, the main thoroughfare past the University.  There were several Millersville University police cars, a policewoman directing traffic, and what looked like a TV news crew truck.

At first I thought it must have been another vising politician.  With the Pennsylvania presidential primary scheduled for April 22, Hillary had been here last week with a large police entourage, and Senator Obama was in Lancaster earlier this week.

It turned out that the University was under lockdown for 90 minutes.  A student had reported to police that he was afraid of another student.  He apparently believed that the other student had a gun and was a threat to the student body.  With recent shootings at other universities, such reports are taken very seriously.  A student was detained and taken in for questioning.

Penn Manor High School and Eshleman Elementary Schools, both nearby and in the Penn Manor School District, were also locked down.

Students were told to remain calm, to stay inside their buildings, and that they were not in danger.

Copyright2008BrianSchulman©

It's Saturday, October 13 - the day of the Millersville, PA Parade!  I arrive early at 9:00 AM to get a good vantage point from which to view the parade.  The Millersville University parking lots are already full, and Herr Avenue, Landis Avenue, and George Street have been blocked off.  Crowds of Millersville residents and Millersville University students are already solidly lined up on both sides of the street from the Student Memorial Center all the way George Street as far as the eye can see.

Millersville University Television, MUTV, is set up near the Student Memorial Center to record the event. 

Kelly West and Dave Russell of WARM 103.3 Radio are the emcees of the event.  The parade starts on Herr Avenue to Landis Avenue, then turns down North George Street.  On South George Street, everyone waits expectantly for something to happen...

Off in the distance - what's that sound?  Could it be a real steam calliope coming down the street?  Yes, it is!

As it draws nearer, the circus-like strains of "Oh, Dem Golden Slippers" can be heard.  Louder and louder...

"Happy Days Are Here Again", "Are You From Dixie", and "Roll Out the Barrel" emanate from this wonderful machine!

The strains of "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" are playing as the truck drives away.  The calliope's repertoire is so large that no song is ever repeated...

A color guard comes down the street.  All the branches of our armed forces are well represented, and appreciatively received by the public.

 The Millersville Parade is a joint effort of the community and Millersville University.  This year is one of the largest parades to date:  162 vehicles, 13 floats, 14 musical entertainers, 10 special entertainers, 5 baton and twirler groups, and over 1,665 people are participating!

The Millersvill Volunteer Fire Department is out in full force.

The Hershey Bears Mascot waves to the crowd...

The Eastern Lebanon Marching Band, The York Lancers, Millersville Mayor Richard Moriarty, and Millersville University President Dr. Francine McNairy are all participants in the parade.

The Conestoga Valley Unicyclers perform.  How do they ever get up onto those things?

The Reading String Band plays old-time music... 

                                The Boy Scouts Troop #238 with patriotic star balloons.

                                                 The York Kiltie Band

Copyright2007BrianSchulman©

You don't have to be a golfer to live in Crossgates Community in Millersville - but it doesn't hurt!  Built by William Murry & Sons, Crossgates is nestled among rolling hills surrounding the Crossgates Golf Club.  Crossgates Golf club is open to the public.  The  clubhouse overlooks the eighteenth hole, manicured grounds, and a beautiful pond with a fountain.  On warm days you can get a reasonably priced meal or refreshments at the restaurant and eat outside on the deck overlooking the pond.  There is also a nicely stocked pro shop.

 Crossgates has an abundance of scenic walking trails, as well as tennis courts.  As you walk along the trails, you may see the varied flowers and landscaping of residents, an assortment of tree varieties, birds, and even the occasional reminder of the former farmland that Crossgates was built on.

 Beautiful townhouses are in the original phases of Crossgates.  In some of the newer phases, an assortment of duplexes and upscale detached homes are being built. 

Crossgates is located just south of Millersville University in Millersville, PA.  The university bookstore is open to the public, and cultural and community events are scheduled throughout the year by the university and Millersville Borough.