About a year ago, he founded Preserving York - a blog where folks can read and share information about York County's history and genealogy.
"I've always had an interest in researching my family's history," said Stough, a Spring Grove native who traced his roots and discovered his ancestors were guards at Springettsbury Township's Camp Security.
The site was determined by historians to be an American Revolutionary prisoner-of-war camp. Stough said his research uncovered more than 1,000 men served as guards at Camp Security.
"I like to write about things people don't know about," he said of his blog posts, including history of local rail transit and an abandoned early 1900s building that housed transformers used for a trolley line. "For me, it's more about preserving memories, history," he said. "(The blog) is all about getting the community involved."
That idea caught on with other local folks who suggested Preserving York host a picnic to celebrate the county's history. Stough and other organizers decided to turn the event into a fundraiser to benefit The Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County and Friends of Camp Security.
Steve Kohr and his wife, Sue, offered their home, Historic Shady Lane in East Manchester Township, to host the picnic. The Kohrs bought the property in 2003. Steve Kohr said he learned a lot about the site's history from Stough's research.
"He keeps building an audience," Steve Kohr said of Stough's blog. Shady Lane, a 34-acre site now protected by an easement from The Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County, housed a distillery in the 1700s and in the 1900s was bought by York industrialist Frederick Small, who entertained guests with live music from a bandstand atop steps that lead to a pond on the property.
"I love historical properties," Steve Kohr said. "I was a builder for 20 years (and) enjoy working on older properties." During the upcoming picnic fundraiser, the bandstand and other buildings will be featured on a tour of the historic property, Steve Kohr said.
Area businesses also support the event, Stough said. Food will be donated by The JDK Group and include traditional picnic fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, potato salad, fresh-baked cookies, iced tea and lemonade. Folks who plan to attend the event are also asked to bring a favorite York County dish to share.
Gotcha Covered Party Rentals will provide tables, chairs and a tent for the picnic.
The event will also feature historical displays, door prizes, volleyball and a swimming pool.
Stough said he's pleased and surprised Preserving York gained many followers in a relatively short time. He anticipates the first picnic will be well attended, and advises folks to RSVP as soon as possible.
Research to uncover the county's history also helps "bridge the monotony of searching for steady employment," said Stough, who is laid off from his job in the printing industry.
But most importantly, Preserving York unites folks who want to document the area's heritage, Stough said.
"It is the community's history," he said.
If You Go
WHAT: Preserving York Fundraising Picnic to benefit The Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County and Friends of Camp Security
WHEN: noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Historic Shady Lane, 475 Shady Lane, East Manchester Township
COST: A minimum donation of $10 per adult, children under 12 years old admitted for free. Call 717-487-1371 or search Facebook for Preserving York to RSVP.
DETAILS: www.preservingyork.com/fundraiser
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