Gargol, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Gargol is a small, quiet place in Huntington Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. It's not a town with its own government. Instead, it's a tiny community located about halfway between Idaville and York Springs.

Welcome to Gargol!

Gargol is a very small community in Pennsylvania. It's a place where you'll find a few homes surrounded by nature. It doesn't have a mayor or a town council. Instead, it's part of a larger area called a township.

What is Gargol?

Gargol is known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a small group of homes and buildings that don't have their own local government. Instead, they are governed by the larger township or county they are in. Think of it as a neighborhood that's part of a bigger area.

A Look at Gargol's Past

Gargol has a simple but interesting history. It was once home to a respected person who practiced traditional healing. The area also has a unique story behind its name.

The Name's Story

The name "Gargol" comes from local traditions. People say there was a special herb in the area with that name. This herb was used long ago as medicine for pigs. Interestingly, "Gargol" is also a family name found in Europe and North America.

Traditional Healing

A famous resident of Gargol was Gertie Guise. She was known as a "Granny Lady" or "Powwower." These were people who used old traditions and natural remedies to help others feel better. She was a respected figure in the Pennsylvania Dutch community.

Making Iron Long Ago

The land around Gargol has interesting rock formations. These rocks were formed from ancient volcanic activity. Sometimes, these rocks are found near deposits of iron ore. Long ago, there was an important place nearby called the Chestnut Grove iron furnace. This furnace was located on Bermudian Creek. It was a place where people made iron from the ore found in the ground.

Gargol Today

Today, Gargol is a very quiet place. It used to have a small store and a post office. Now, those are gone. Only a few homes remain along a small stream that flows into Bermudian Creek.

The Honorary Sheriff

The current Sheriff of Gargol is Andy Feeser. His title is "honorary." This means he holds the title as a special recognition, but he doesn't have the usual duties of a sheriff. It's more like a special community role.

Nature Around Gargol

Gargol is surrounded by beautiful nature. You'll find many orchards and farms in the area. The land itself has unique rocks, like igneous diabase sills and dikes. These are types of rocks that formed from hot, molten material deep underground.