French Creek State Park has a history that’s basically “forests vs. furnaces.” Once packed with towering American chestnuts, the trees were chopped for charcoal to feed the Hopewell Furnace starting in 1771—then cleared again every couple of decades. The furnace ran for 112 years, and as a painter here, it’s wild to see nature’s ultimate comeback tour.
Oil on Board, Framed Size 14 X 9
September 2025
French Creek State Park has a history that’s basically “forests vs. furnaces.” Once packed with towering American chestnuts, the trees were chopped for charcoal to feed the Hopewell Furnace starting in 1771—then cleared again every couple of decades. The furnace ran for 112 years, and as a painter here, it’s wild to see nature’s ultimate comeback tour.
Oil on Board, Framed Size 14 X 9
September 2025
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5