I read with great interest your recent articles on two great programs in our area Leadership Lycoming and the Hiawatha. Neither article mentioned who was responsible for starting these programs.
In both instances, the projects were initiated by Peter J. Loedding, then President of the Chamber of Commerce. I had the privilege of working with him while a member of City Council and as mayor, when both programs were "born."
The Hiawatha was built by Owen Stine, with help from the members of the original River Association. My brother, Joe Sidler, was very involved and countless hours were spent on the tasks necessary to get the Hiawatha sea-worthy. This was a great accomplishment for our area enjoyed by local residents, visitors and tourists. I recently took my cousin from Switzerland on the Hiawatha. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing the river and mountains.
Peter Loedding started the ball rolling but Owen Stine was the mastermind. He had built many similar projects along the New Jersey coast and also built the water slide still on his property on the river in Linden.
Leadership Lycoming has proven to be a great asset in our county. The city has participated since its beginning and I was pleased to see one of our firemen was a member of this year's class. I am proud of both of these projects, but I feel that rightful credit should have been given to Peter Loedding,
Jessie Bloom
Former mayor of Williamsport
Submitted by E-Mail
