St. Peter's Village is a 19th Century village that grew up to provide housing for workers who were employed at the nearby granite quarry and granite works. The shops that once provided necessities to the inhabitants have now become little, touristy shops. There are about 10 of the original homes in the village, ours being the only twin or duplex. There are some apartments over the shops and a small apartment complex attached to the post office. The total population of the village is under 100 people.
The quarry finally gave up the ghost in 1972. The village is wholly owned by Mike Piazza's father. There is a new development being built in the hills behind our house that is comprised of a group of town homes beginning in the low $300s and single homes beginning in the low $600s. Not everyone is happy about the change, but my husband and I truly believe that without new blood and a bit of development the village will eventually die... and that would be a shame.
The village is built at the Falls of the French Creek and sits in a little valley. The west side of the creek is State game lands so it cannot be developed. It seems to us that this one development is all that there is really room for and should help bring so amenities to the village that will be welcome.
Presently we have to pick up our mail at the post office every day. It may sound quaint, but it is a pain in the butt! The village is also a cell phone dead zone. Whaddya wanna bet that we get a cell tower somewhere? As long as it is tucked into the trees, it would be very welcome. Not that we have crime here, but kids come to the creek for whatever it is that kids do in the woods, and speed on the one and only road through the village. You never see a cop! Hopefully that will change too.
In the meantime, the trees are beginning to change color and some leaves have even started to fall. The squirrels and chipmunks are preparing for winter and we haven't seen our resident ground hog in days. So through the cycle of the seasons, this quaint little village moves along. Hopefully, the new people will respect its past and add diversity and flavor to our little piece of paradise.
