Natural History

Welcome to the Centre County Historical Society museum store. CCHS has published several books that help preserve Centre County's heritage. We also carry dozens of other books, maps, prints, and gift items. Everything in the museum store is available for sale at the Centre Furnace Mansion or by mail using the order form in our publications catalog. To receive a 10% discount on all CCHS publications become a member.

A Penns Creek Companion Douglas Macneal, 2005 A complete history and guide of Centre County’s Dutch valley, including full color photographs and maps, fishing tips, poetry and stories by local writers, scenic drives and hikes, and area attractions. (Penns Valley Conservation Association) Pages: 205 Size: 6 x 9 Extras: color illustrations Paperback Price: $18.87

Centre County Natural Heritage Inventory Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, 2002 (revised) A listing of important natural heritage sites in the county, including: natural areas; biological diversity and ecosystem conservation areas; and landscape conservation, scientific, and educational areas. (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy) Pages: 225 Size: 9 x 11 Extras: color illustrations, maps Paperback Price: $45.00

Indian Paths of Pennsylvania Paul A.W. Wallace, 1998 This informative text explains historical associations by tracing Indian routes for the motorists of today. (Pennsylvania Museum and Historical Commission) Pages: 227 Size: 8 1/2 x 11 Extras: maps Paperback Price: $14.95

Root, Leaf, Bud and Berry Harrison H. Arnold and Rae Dickson Chambers, 1993 The destruction of a roadside hedgerow in 1972 led to the creation of this enchanting collection of essays and illustrations. Organized here as one calendar year, the writings and drawings reveal a sequence of plant growth in central Pennsylvania that will delight anyone who has wondered at the beauty and diversity of our local surroundings. Pages: 164 Size: 5 x 8 Extras: illustrations Paperback Price: $10.00     * Paperback Member Price: $9.00

The Fruit Grower's Handbook: The Concise Manual of Directions for the Selection and Culture of the Best Hardy Fruits in the Garden or Orchard William G. Waring, 1851, reprinted in 1994 Originally published in 1851, it was the first book published in Centre County. William Waring, the first superintendent of the Farmer's High School, now the Pennsylvania State university, wrote this practical guide as a textbook for his horticulture classes. The Fruit Grower's Handbook features lush descriptions of an astonishing variety of fruits, and includes exquisite drawings. As practical today as it was in 1851, Professor Waring's little book will delight anyone who enjoys growing or eating fruit. Pages: 134 Size: 5 x 7 Extras: illustrations Hardcover Price: $12.50     * Hardcover Member Price: $11.25

The Notable Trees of Centre County Notable Trees Committee, 1992 This book sprouted from a single incident: on July 25, 1987, the Centre County Historical Society honored a large white oak tree that had stood for at least 275 years as "living witness" at the time of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Two months later, the Society approved a program to recognize the county's oldest, largest, and most historically significant trees. Botanical and historical information, photographs, and line drawings are provided for 29 species and 93 examples from across the county. Pages: 34 Size: 8 1/2 x 11 Extras: illustrations Paperback Price: $8.00     * Paperback Member Price: $7.20

The Short Hiker Jean Aron, 1999 (3rd edition) This delightful book is a must-have for anyone who enjoys the outdoors in Central Pennsylvania. Aron has compiled 41 hikes of 3-5 miles, with good maps and trail descriptions. It should be easy to choose a hike, based on the book's organization by distance from State College, but the variety makes it difficult! (Aron Publications) Pages: 208 Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 Extras: maps Paperback Price: $15.00