The poem by Alfred E. Hostelley serves as a reminder to all of us that the restoration of the Upper Susquehanna - Lackawanna Watershed is more than an exercise in science or economic development. The words of Mr. Hostelley, written a hundred years ago, tell us that "quality of life" has as much do to with the spiritual as it does the physical environment in which we live. The poets, painters, and photographers will tell us how well the restoration work is proceeding.

We are grateful to Mr. Dean Von Blohn of Danville, PA, for sharing this poem written by his wife's grandfather, Alfred E. Hostelley. Mr Von Blohn also supplied the biographical notes below.

Alfred E.Hostelley was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1863, lived in that area until 1899 when he migrated to Danville. Upon his arrival in Danville he immediately developed a deep love for the natural beauty of the River and the surrounding Valley.

Hostelley was involved in early aviation, box kiting and roaming the hills and valleys along the river. He was obviously well read and his writings attest to his feelings about the beauty he found while spending time in the valley.

His book of poems titled, "The Songs of the Susquehanna" was published in 1901. It contains 190 poems and 11 sonnets, three of the poems were written directly about the Susquehanna.

Alfred operated a small upholstery shop on Mill Street in Danville until 1932. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he also operated a small upholstery shop. We believe the building he occupied in Cleveland has been saved and moved to a new site through a National Historical Preservation Program. He was injured in a fall, which resulted in a lengthy illness and eventually his death, in 1947, before he could bring the rest of his family to Cleveland.

The poem, "To The Susquehanna," is a family favorite. The members of the Hostelley family are excited about being able to read their grandfather's/great grandfather's work on this American Heritage River Initiative site. We all hope it will promote an atmosphere for the general public to assume ownership of the [Upper Susquehanna - Lackawanna Watershed restoration] project.