I didn't know Mrs. Witt but spoke with her last year in preparation of our 50th Anniversary. I always felt it was a serendipitous opportunity because she had donated a painting to the museum months before and without that I don't know if I would have reached out to her to share her stories of the early days of the museum (she then sent me a 5 page letter of stories remembered). I felt that I did know her, though, because there isn't a day that goes by that I don't see her or her husband's name on something here at the museum or in the records. I often go into her handwritten inventory of the items donated to the museum searching for something and there it is - her school teacher perfect-penmanship on each card documenting its history. Johnnie Lee and her husband, David, were early proponents of the museum and on the first board of directors. She held the position of first curator and was very proud of that title. She helped in the restoration of the Lock House and received the Governor's Award for Restoration. But, not without a sense of humor, she laughed when she told me the biggest achievement was getting the public restrooms down here at the park. A remarkable worman, really, giving her time to not only this organization but to the Havre de Grace United Methodist, the American Association of University Women, the Girl Scouts, teaching, being a mother and wife. All this in the early 1970s. I am always in awe of strong, driven women especially so many years ago. To Johnnie Lee. Your box of original index cards is now, itself, in our catalog of historic items relevant to the Susquehanna Museum history.
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/63247320/lock-house-spring-newsletter
Yesterday was a big day for Joe Kockenderfer, affectionately known around the City as Joe K. His idea along with a handful of other persistent and tenacious dreamers finally came to fruition with the dedication of the new bridge yesterday with fanfare with City and County officials. The new walkway will serve as a bridge crossing Lilly Run connecting the grounds of the Havre de Grace Lock House and the Joe K Trail. The actual bridge placement was begun on Thursday, March 14, 2019, when the City of Havre de Grace received the delivery of the elevated walkway. The aluminum walkway is 80 feet long and weighs in excesses of four tons. The long-anticipated project was originally conceptualized in 2009 as a way to increase the connectivity of local trail systems. “Together the City of Havre de Grace achieved this major milestone; I would like to thank everyone involved with this project, especially former Council Member Joe Kochenderfer, said Mayor William T. Martin. “Collectively, we have moved our city forward another step towards increasing open space areas and access to our beautiful waterfront.” This new walkway gives visitors a link from the North Park Trail directly to the Lock House tow path and the museum. Come visit the museum and take a hike on the 1.5 mile trail, sit by the water and enjoy the boats, pack a picnic lunch and spend an enjoyable few hours in Havre de Grace.
