About Jim`s Anchorage

The Jim's Anchorage Corporation began in 1946 as a small marina on the original Raystown dam. Its founder was Altoona native James A. Filson, himself an avid boater, water skier, and fisherman. A U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II, he had learned business management early on by helping in his fathers' grocery store, and when he was discharged from the service he put his early experience to work in the recreational field. The first Jim's Anchorage consisted of one small fifteen foot wood building, a steep dirt launch ramp, and six docks, all reached by a dusty red shale road.

In 1949 Jim married Peg Shaffer also from Altoona. Peg grew up spending summers on the old dam at her family cottage. Her grandfather, G.W. Shaffer also developed the Shaffer Camp, which was used by the boy scouts for a summer camp. Peg was a graduate of Juniata College and Jim earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from PSU; both were teachers. Simultaneously, however they continued to nurture the marina business, and by 1952 was operating a snack bar and small store for the sales and servicing of boating equipment. The Filson kids were raised on the dam beginning with B.J. in 1953, Pauline "Sis" in 1954, and Pam in 1956. All members of the Filson clan worked in their own capacity at the original Jim's Anchorage.

The Filson Marina gradually developed into popular boating, water skiing, and fishing Center, offering a wide range of activities. Home of the Raystown Ski Club, the Anchorage featured ski shows and boat racing events during the summer months. Jim also conducted boat trips to the Sheep Rock archaeological site, and Jeep trips through the hills overlooking the Raystown Borsch By the end of the 1960's, the Anchorage had expanded to include a boat and motor dealership, three trailer and camper sites, three additional boat docking areas, a 140 slip marina, rental cottages, and 350 acres of land.

In 1970, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers purchased the Filson property, in preparation for the construction of Raystown Lake. The Family relocated to a site on Piney Ridge, on the road leading to what is now the Seven Points Recreation Area. Here they opened their new operation in a barn, next to which they erected some modern sales building. Directly across the road, the Anchorage shortly added a parts and service department. In 1985, to accommodate the growing needs for trailer and boat parking space, a storage building was built.

Having worked most of his life in the family business, B.J. Filson became the general manager of the facility in 1975, shortly after graduating from PSU. At this time, Jim went "back to the water" to operate Seven Points Marina, Pennsylvania's largest marina. B.J. expanded the family business by targeting the bass boat market in addition to the family recreational boating market, which has been the tradition at Jim's Anchorage. Sis has been active in the business for most of her professional career, working behind the scenes with computer and fiscal management. Pam spent time in boat sales, and then went on to continue her own career in community development. Also, an integral part of the second generation Filson family management of the business is B.J's wife, Ellen. The third generation is currently in training with B.J. and Ellen's children, Ben and Melissa.

In 1996, Jim's Anchorage celebrated its 50th year of operation. With the development of Pennsylvania's largest inland lake, just 3 miles away, Jim's Anchorage has grown to be one of the largest boat dealers in the area. The philosophy of the business however remains the same; quality customer service is essential to the success of the business, and the crew at Jim's Anchorage remains focused on the customer. The service department continues to receive excellence awards, and the majority of our customers maintain their loyalty because of the high importance placed on the customer.

Additional Area Information
Here are a few sites we reccommend for every visitor to the Raystown area. For detailed information and additional links, be sure to visit the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau.

Seven Points Marina -- Located on the northern end of Raystown Lake, it is the largest marina in Pennsylvania and just minutes from Jim's Anchorage. Boat rentals, boat trips, docks, restaurant.
Boat Safe -- articles on boat safe and information for kids
U.S Army Corps of Engineers -- builders and managers of Raystown Lake
Pennsylvania State Fish and Game Commission -- learn about fishing rules and regulations
Huntingdon Area.info -- Great calendar of events for Juniata College, the town of Huntingdon and throughout the area.