Project Details
Recognizing a Local Legacy
The Redbank Valley Trails Association (RVTA) has long worked to preserve and share the stories of the natural resource-based industries that once thrived along its 51 miles of scenic, non-motorized trails. Their latest project honors the Andrews Lumber Co. and the pioneering Andrews family, whose contributions were central to the development of New Bethlehem and the Redbank Valley.
Building a Community
In 1856, before trains reached the region, the Andrews family constructed a sawmill along Red Bank Creek. From this site, they provided lumber and rafted materials downstream to Pittsburgh. Over the years, they became innovators and community builders, responsible for:
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Establishing two banks and a water plant
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Constructing a theater and department store
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Building homes, schools, and community landmarks across the area
The Andrews Lumber Company was among the first to design and build a model home, and it continued to provide lumber well into the 1970s. Its legacy is deeply woven into Pennsylvania’s lumber industry history and deserved formal recognition.
The Project
With support from an LHR mini-grant, RVTA installed a historic interpretive marker documenting the Andrews family’s role in the region. This sign not only preserves an important piece of history but also enhances the trail experience for visitors, offering a tangible connection to the area’s industrial and cultural past.
As Sandra Mateer, RVTA President, noted:
“Andrews Lumber Co. and the Andrews Family deserve historical recognition for their innovations and legacy of building in early New Bethlehem, PA.”
Funding & Partnerships
This mini-grant was financed in part by the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Heritage Area Funds, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
