Board Games: What To Do on a Winter Evening

Burr! There is a chill in the air, frost on the ground, and leaves swirling. Napping in the garden will no longer will be a daily occurrence. It's time to look for a relaxing activity to occupy blustery winter nights in the Mansion. Read More...

Test Results Shock!

Several weeks ago a headline in a newspaper left behind by a researcher caught my attention. "National History Test Results Aren't Too Hot" was not what I wanted to see. The article said only 9 percent of fourth graders could identify a photograph of Abraham Lincoln and give two reasons why he's important. Read More...

Vacationing Always Big in the Poconos

I never cease to be amazed at what I learn on a daily basis at the Stroud Mansion. In mid-June, I was struck by the activity in the Meeting Room on the second floor of the Mansion. From the hearth, I observed the placement of strange wire structures throughout the room — really not that interesting! However, the following day the whole scene had changed. Now, I knew I would be occupied for some time learning about what I ascertained was a new exhibit — in fact, it was two distinct exhibits. Read More...

1836 An Exciting Year in Monroe County

By just retiring to a corner of the Stroud Mansion and tuning in to conversations, I certainly can learn a lot. For instance, everyone appears excited about the year 1836 in Monroe County history. Well, it didn’t take long for me to discover that this was the year that Monroe County was created. As I vaguely recall there was more than a little controversy about the decision for the location of the new county seat. Read More...

Monroe Keeps Warm in the Winter

Brr! It’s cold! I am so fortunate to be able to adapt to a new environment. I am going to retreat to my nook in the basement kitchen and curl up under that strange looking thing called a radiator. Of course it was certainly cozier to take an afternoon nap in the corner of the fireplace, but times change. In Colonial homes, the fireplace was a center of activity from the modest one-room cabin to the grand Stroud Mansion. I certainly miss the crackle of burning wood and especially the scent of freshly baked bread. Read More...