1997 - Bloody Run Historical Society was formed.
The Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad was established in 1852 to connect Huntingdon to Bedford, facilitating the transport of premium coal from the Broad Top region to broader markets. The line from Hopewell to Mt. Dallas was finished in 1863, serving not only coal but also timber, general freight, and passengers. At Mt. Dallas, it intersected with the Pennsylvania Railroad's Bedford & Bridgeport line heading west. The H&BTM Railroad went bankrupt in 1954, ceasing operations and liquidating all original equipment.
In response, a group of local enthusiasts founded the Everett Railroad Co. in 1954. This new company operated between Tatesville and Mt. Dallas and served as a tourist attraction under the auspices of the newly formed South Penn Railroad Museum. Weekend excursions on a steam locomotive offered nostalgic journeys to Tatesville and back. By 1971, the old rolling stock had been sold to Williams Grove Amusement Park in Dillsburg, PA. In 1983, the Everett Railroad relocated its more modern equipment to Claysburg. The original passenger and freight depots, built in 1906, found new life in various commercial uses before being abandoned.
In 1989, Bob Ridenour led a successful effort to purchase, relocate, and restore these historic depot buildings. Supported by the Everett community, Ridenour raised funds to move the structures from their spot behind the Everett Hardwood to a new location between 5th and 6th Streets at the Everett Borough old school site. Restoration was completed over five years, and in 1997, the newly formed Bloody Run Historical Society (BRHS) began using the buildings as a museum with the Borough's approval.
Meanwhile, the old steam locomotive, tender, and caboose from Everett's excursion era had fallen into disrepair after two decades at Williams Grove Amusement Park. Thanks to the efforts of Barb Miller, these artifacts were rediscovered and acquired by the BRHS. Earl Miller, once again, facilitated their transport to their current location next to the depots. Restoration of the engine and tender soon followed, and with recent funding, the caboose was also restored. In the fall of 2019, a group of community volunteers installed a roof over our locomotive and in the winter of 2024 a roof was built for our caboose.
But the railway equipment tells only part of the story. Since 1997, dedicated BRHS volunteers have filled both depots with memorabilia donated by the Everett community. Volunteers have curated an extensive collection of photos, documents, and newspaper articles, vividly depicting Everett's commercial and industrial heritage, showcased in the Main Street Exhibit at the freight depot. The museum welcomes additional donations or loans of historical materials. Barb Miller also creates monthly heritage displays at the Everett Free Library.
The BRHS regularly hosts engaging open-house presentations on various historical topics. Recently, the BRHS have conducted guided hikes to Mt. Dallas, further enriching the community's connection to its history.
The Bloody Run Historical Society maintains a website and has a Facebook group.
Contact Us:
Bloody Run Historical Society
49 West 5th Street
Everett, Pa. 15537
814-617-0635
Email: brhseverett@gmail.com
Facebook: Everett, PA. History
The museum is open every Saturday April thru October
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.