The Home Page Network

Wynken, Blynken and Nod is the most notable statue or monument on The Green, but have you ever wondered about the stories behind the other four monuments? Today on Wellsboro Home Page, correspondent Rhonda Pearson visits The Green and Tioga County historian Scott Gitchell to learn more.

The first, and oldest statue on The Green is the Civil War Soldiers Memorial that honors both soldiers and sailors. It was dedicated in 1886 thanks to the efforts of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Union Veterans League.

A bust of John Magee also stands on The Green. Magee never actually lived in Tioga County, but he was instrumental in its industrial development, including Fall Brook Coal Company and the Tioga County railroad.

During our tour of The Green with historian Gitchell, Home Page was introduced to a plaque honoring Edwin Van Valkenburg, editor of the Philadelphia North American newspaper stands. He was also a native of Wellsboro and very influential in the political arena, befriending the likes of Theodore Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover.

The forth and newest monument is the Veterans of All Wars placed on The Green in 1982. The monument is also decorated with that represent different wars, ranging from the Revolutionary War to the present.

Scott also shared a little about the day that Wynken, Blynken and Nod was dedicated. In September of 1938 Wellsboro celebrated the erection of the new monument in honor of Elizabeth Cameron Bailey. Children were let out of school for the grand reveal. The statue depicts Bailey’s favorite nursery rhyme.

If you would like to learn more about the statues and monuments on The Green, or are interested in the history around Wellsboro – please visit the Tioga County Historical Society, located at:
120 Main St.
Wellsboro PA, 16901

Or call (570) 724-6116.
Thanks for joining us today on Wellsboro Home Page.