"Governor Dick" was a slave that lived at the foot of the hill that was named after him, located among the 1,105 acre forest purchased by Clarence Schock between 1934 and 1940 and known as Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick. Governor Dick worked on the hill between 1776 and 1796 harvesting the resources of the forest to make charcoal, which was used in the Cornwall Furnace a few miles away. The Frog Pond off of Fourth Street in Mount Gretna Heights is the probable location of Governor Dick's hut.
A plaque, erected in 1959, is located at the entrance to The Frog Pond, and serves as a memorial of the man for which the Hill is named.
In April 1954, Clarance and his wife, Evetta, deeded the forest and woodland that encompasses Governor Dick Hill to all people to enjoy its majesty forever; specifically to the Mount Joy School District as the land's first trustee. The Schock's did not have children of their own, however, interest in promoting the education of the community’s children was integral to their lives...they left the land "in trust forever as a playground and public park."
And a playground is exactly what the woodland wonderland has been since the Schock's first allowed public access in 1936. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are enjoyed on the 14 miles of park trails and it is home to over 700 boulders that pose challenges to climbers of all skill levels.
A trip to the park is not complete without a visit to the 66-foot Observation Tower.
The 360-degree view from atop the tower provides breathtaking vistas of five nearby counties (Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin, York and Berks); with each season providing stunning new views.
However, commitment to the ecological stewardship of the park by the trustees has been questioned for years...and the questions continue to this day with the current management plan and proposals of future timber harvests, depending on economics of the park.
Friends of Governor Dick seek to gain common ground with the current trustee to revisit how each of the previous harvests have affected the health of the park--native plants, shrubs, trees, insects, amphibians, birds, mammals, humans, and indeed, the planet--is there work yet to be done to regenerate the health of those parcels? How future management can more strongly consider the ecological health vs. simply whether or not funds are needed. If funds are needed, why is the trust set forth by the Clarence Schrock Foundation no longer sufficient? Does there need to be additional sources identified? If so, how can the community help...to save the trees?
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Dr. Seuss, The Lorax