(3/21) Carroll Valley Borough is gearing up to commemorate its 50th anniversary later this year. To mark this special occasion, each month, we will feature articles highlighting the rich history of our community, stories of notable residents and their contributions, and updates on the Borough's plans for the upcoming celebration. Stay tuned for a trip down memory lane and a look towards the future of Carroll Valley.
Reflections on the development and Growth of Carroll Valley
Kathy Megyeri
Are you interested in learning about Carroll Valley's rich history? You should definitely book a visit with Bill McCleaf, the 78-year-old patriarch of a local family that has a farm in the heart of the borough and has been around longer than the borough itself.
William "Bill" McCleaf Jr. is the oldest of four and was born in Gettysburg in 1946. His parents lived in Cashtown before purchasing the 146-acre farm adjacent to our current borough hall shortly after his birth. There is a barn on the property built during the Civil War and four houses, the oldest of which was built in the 1700s, and includes Bill’s, which he built in 1972. In the 1950s and early 1960s, Bill recalls picking cherries on area farms with Gary and Bob Sanders. After picking all day, they sold them to Musselman’s in Biglerville for three cents a pound.
Before building his home on the family farm, Bill was drafted into the Army. He served as an infantryman (E-5) for two years, from 1967-68, and was sent to Vietnam for one year. He reflects sadly on that experience but focuses fondly on the memory of his fellow soldiers who weren't as lucky as he was to return home. Following his service, he returned to the McCleaf farm and married Margaret. Bill and Margaret had two children. Bill’s son is a surveyor in Gettysburg, and he has two sons, 9 and 11. Bill’s daughter lives in Hanover, so the farm stands as an LLC so it can remain in the family forever. Bill and Margaret were married for 47 years before her passing four years ago.
Evident in his practices, Bill has a commitment to the farming way of life. He still cultivates hay on 30 acres, primarily for mulching and for sale to local horse owners. The McCleaf farm has remained largely unchanged over the years. His father’s 72-year-old John Deere tractor, which was originally purchased for $1500, is still kept in the shed. In addition to his own farm, Bill also farms other acreage, including the lower tracts and the former location of the zoo, showcasing his dedication to preserving the land and maintaining his traditional way of life.
Having lived on the McCleaf farm virtually his entire life, Bill has witnessed many changes in this community from before Charnita to the present day. He says the area used to be totally farms until Charles Rist developed the Charnita Ski area, which brought in more city dwellers and more traffic. Back in the 1970s, Bill helped the Charnita Developer by cutting trees for the roads for Frank Snyder and mowing grass for Charlie Rist for six months. He is acutely aware that growth in the Valley has surged, the traffic is heavier, and many newcomers demand more services to "turn this area into more of a city environment." But he is content with country living on the McCleaf farm and doesn't see the need for many of the services newer residents demand.
The McCleaf family’s connection to the Charnita Ski Area, now known as Ski Liberty or Liberty Mountain Resort, is deeply rooted. His wife worked as a cashier there for a decade, and his brother Joe has been a snowmaker there for 20 years. These are not just jobs, but roles that reflect their fondness for the other local residents employed there, further strengthening their ties to the community.
Bill is well-known for giving hayrides at various community events. In fact, he has received several accommodations from Carroll Valley for his community contributions over the years. He’s proud of his membership in St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the fact that he helps other farmers in the community and works part-time for a local construction company. For years, he has hosted his Fairfield High School Class of 1964 at their reunions when class members reconvene every five years, either at the Sportsmen’s Club or the McCleaf farm (where, of course, he offers hayrides!) Even though Bill attended Catholic school from second to seventh grade, he returned to the Fairfield School District, where his dad drove a school bus. Still today, his classmates meet once a month at Ventura’s or other restaurants to reminisce and reconnect, although the number of classmates has decreased to seven or eight.
Reflecting upon simpler times, Bill fondly recalls when community get-togethers consisted of ballgames, Boy Scout demonstrations, and picnics. However, he is excited about this year’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, which he believes is important because residents can enjoy another of his famous hayrides, as well as the opportunity to honor the mayor for his many contributions.
Bill can’t imagine life anywhere else. He intends to be buried someday alongside Margaret at St. Mary’s Cemetery. "This is my home forever," he said, "as my family and our land are here, and what better legacy can there be when the Borough named our street address 180 McCleaf Lane?"
Bill is a significant part of this community as he is our premier hay wagon driver, and frankly, this community could not imagine life without him either.
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