SAVED FROM LYNCHING
A Fiend With Evil in His
Inhuman Heart
From the front page of the Pottsville Republican of June 21, 1895
ATTEMPT TO INJURE A LITTLE GIRL
A Timely Discovery - The People of
Schuylkill Haven Out in Righteous
Indignation - A Father's Strong Arm
and a Mother's Entreaties
Late last evening a medium sized, well dressed stranger tried to entice Mamie, the nine year old
daughter of Jere Lautenbacher into the yard of the old Evangelical church on Saint Peter Street.  
Luckily the fellow's actions were noted and frustrated.  The news flew like wildfire and hundreds of
angry people congregated.  The stranger was kicked and cuffed and cries of "kill him", "lynch him", etc.
were frequent.  No doubt this tragic result would have been accomplished were it not for the good
sense and coolness of Mr. Lautenbacher and the entreaties of his wife.  Mr. Lautenbacher is a very
powerful man and determined that no further harm should be done the stranger.  His chivalric stand
soon brought the crowd to bay and as a compromise a committee escorted the villain to the borough
limits.  He had been noticed about the P & R station during the day, jumping on and off trains and ogling
young girls and women.  The supposition is that he comes from Hamburg.  The child escaped injury
beyond a slight scare and the aggrieved father is being congratulated on all sides.  He is a
manufacturer of ladies apparel and now that the flood of passion is over everybody is thankful for the
firm and humane stand taken by himself and his good wife.
CRIME
Pottsville Republican of January 8, 1920

Two Schuylkill Haven 17 year old boys, Daniel Harvey and Joseph Kantner, were convicted of assault
and battery and aggravated assault and battery before Judge Berger Wednesday morning.  The jury
returned a sealed verdict at 10:15 o'clock having retired at 4:30 Tuesday evening after the closing
speeches had been made by A. D. Knittle for Kantner, C. W. Staudenmaier for Harvey and C. A.
Whitehouse for the prosecutor and Frank Unger, father of the boy who was shot.
Young Unger testified that he heard the shooting and drove on horseback and was shot in the neck by
the discharge of a shotgun.  He could not say which one of the boys shot him, owing to the trees and
brush.  When shot, he jumped from the horse and called for help but got none.
The boys testified the shooting was accidental, that they were gunning for rabbits and pheasants at the
time.  Harvey was found not guilty of an additional charge of assault and battery with intent to kill, and
both boys were found not guilty in two cases, charged with playful and wanton pointing of firearms, the
costs going on the county.
Attorney Knittle made a motion in arrest of judgement and for a new trial in the case of Kantner, on the
ground that the evidence showed that his client was moving away from the scene at the time of the
shooting, with his gun at a trail arms, the muzzle pointed backward, and that when his gun was
discharged it was the result of his tripping in the wood.
Harvey testified that his gun was discharged also accidentally, although the prosecution intimated that
he was defending Kantner at the time that he shot or feared that Unger wanted to attack his buddy.  
Young Kantner had been in the United States service as a soldier, although so young.  Mr.
Staudenmaier made a plea for mercy for Harvey, saying that he is the support of his mother, and that no
malice had been shown.  Court imposed a sentence of a ten dollar fine and fifteen months.  It was said
that the act of probation will be appealed to later.
Pottsville Republican of January 11, 1895                                                

CHURCH VANDALISM
St. Peter's Church, Schuylkill Haven, Broken Open, Robbed and Damaged

The Saint Peter's Evangelical Church at Schuylkill Haven was entered by burglars some time during the
week, who carried away a number of articles, broke the organ and several window panes, cut the bell
rope, broke doors and otherwise maliciously damaged the property.  They effected an entrance by
breaking open a second story window, which they must have reached by the use of a ladder.  They then
forced open several inside doors, all of which had been securely locked.  There is abundant evidence
to show that the burglars were acquainted in the church, and were not by any means strangers to the
saint Peter's property.  They, however, before leaving their shameful work, tacked up in the vestibule
the following notice: "Please do not accuse the old Saint Peter's congregation for this, as it was done
positively by outside people.  Yours, UNKNOWN."  The church officials offer a handsome reward for any
information that will lead to the apprehension and conviction of the guilty parties.
Pottsville Republican of October 21, 1911

CAR ROBBERS SHOOT WATCHMAN

Andrew Schwilk, night watchman at the Reading station in Schuylkill Haven, was at an early hour this
morning shot through the right leg by two car robbers whom he surprised at work attempting to enter a
car loaded with merchandise consigned to Schuylkill Haven, Cressona and merchants throughout the
west end of the county.  The shooting took place at four o'clock, Mr. Schwilk hearing a noise at the
freight station, which is located across the tracks from the main station in the town, decided to
investigate.  Going across he mounted the platform of the freight station and finding the doors all
locked, turned his attention to the freight cars which had just been received from points down the line.  
He discovered that the seal on one car had been broken open but the latch not moved.  Another seal
was attached to the door and the watchman started to walk to the passenger station.  He had only gone
a short distance when he heard the sound of running feet.  Drawing his revolver, he opened fire.  The
robbers were quick to return the shots.  One shot fired by the men passed very close to his head while
the other entered the fleshy part of his right leg in the front and came out the back, passing entirely
through the limb, embedding itself in one of the sills nearby.  Calling at the top of his voice, Mr. Schwilk
attracted the attention of the night crossing watchman, about one hundred feet away.  He came running
to his assistance as did also the crew caller who was on his way to "J" station some distance from the
scene of the shooting.  The circumstances were soon made known and while the crossing watchman
ran for Dr. Charles Lenker, the call boy went after H. W. Stager, the assistant agent.  Both arrived about
the same time.  When the doctor arrived, the wound was bleeding freely and the trouser leg of the
injured man was saturated with blood.  The wound was immediately dressed and Mr. Schwilk was made
as comfortable as possible.  Although the accident occurred about four o'clock, the watchman insisted
on remaining on duty until the day relief came at six o'clock.  The telegraph wires were kept warm and
reports were made to Superintendent Keffer at Reading while Constable John Butz of Schuylkill Haven
and the State Police were notified.
On account of the darkness at that hour and the rainy weather, it was impossible to get a good
description of the two men.  Sufficient description was however obtained to enable the officers to start
an investigation and it would occasion no surprise if arrests were made within the next twenty four
hours.  After being relieved, Mr. Schwilk insisted on walking to his home several squares away from the
scene of the shooting, but this the doctor refused to allow.  The last reports received from the bedside
of the injured man were to the effect that he was resting comfortably and unless complications arise he
would be attending to his duties within the next three or four weeks.  Mr. Schwilk is one of the most
efficient employees that the Reading Company has in this vicinity.  For many years he has been a
watchman at the station in that town and not once has a freight car or the station been robbed or even
entered.  Several months ago he surprised two men trying to force an entrance into the store of
Doutrich and Company and fired several shots at them but they escaped.  Mr. Schwilk is a cripple, bow
wearing an artificial leg and much sympathy was expressed for him this morning.
Pottsville Republican of March 30, 1888

ROBBERY AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

The clothing store of Charles Keller on Main Street, two squares from the Pennsylvania and Reading
Railroad depot was broken into last night and $200 worth of clothing taken.  A few articles were found in
an adjoining alley.  The shutter of a side window was pried open.  Entrance was effected at the same
place by thieves some time ago.
Pottsville Republican of November 1, 1910

BOLD HOLDUPS AND ROBBERY

George Douglass, of Friedensburg, is in a serious condition at his home as a result of being held up and
beaten and then robbed by two highwaymen near the Long Run school house.  He was on his way home
from Schuylkill Haven late Saturday night and as he reached the school house he was stopped by two
strangers, struck over the head with a club and robbed of $40.  He was unconscious on the road until
three o'clock Sunday morning when he dragged himself to a nearby farmhouse where he was given
treatment and then removed to his home Sunday.  He is a blacksmith by occupation and 35 years of age.
HELD UP NEAR ADAMSDALE - William Farley, of Adamsdale, while on his way home from Landingville
Saturday night was held up by two highwaymen and after being beaten into insensibility, was robbed of
a small amount of money.  He was then left lying helpless along the roadside.  He is employed in one of
the Schuylkill Haven factories.  His injuries, while painful, are not of a serious character.

Pottsville Republican of November 2, 1910

BOY HIGHWAYMEN MAKE CONFESSION

The two highwaymen who robbed George Douglass, of Friedensburg, and William Farley, of
Landingville, on Saturday night were arrested by Constable John Butz of Schuylkill Haven and are now
in the county jail.  When the matter was reported to Constable Butz, he started some detective work and
by carefully watching his suspects, discovered clues that warranted the arrest of Charles Shadler and a
party by the name of Davis, both of Schuylkill Haven.  Davis was apprehended yesterday afternoon by
Butz and brought to the Pottsville lockup where he was confined over night.  This morning Shadler was
placed under arrest and lodged in the Schuylkill Haven lockup and was arraigned before Squire C. A.
Moyer of that town today, and after considerable sweating, broke down and acknowledged both
offenses.  He stated that both he and Davis went to Landingville early Saturday evening and there held
up Farley.  Shadler stated that Davis hit the man over the head and that both relieved him of his money.  
Farley was rendered unconscious by the blow and was left lying along the roadside in a helpless
condition.
So well pleased were the two highwaymen that they took the trolley car to Schuylkill Haven and then
walked out the Long Run road.  Opposite the school house, they stopped to divide their plunder when
they heard George Douglass coming along on his wheel.  They immediately decided to tackle him.  
Davis, according to Shadler's story, was again the man that wielded the club.  Douglass was hit twice on
the head and like Farley, was rendered unconscious.  The two boys then went through their victims
pocket, taking $40 and a gold watch.  According to the story of Shadler, Davis has the watch and the
greater part of the money.  This afternoon, Constable Butz brought Shadler up to jail and then took
Davis down for a hearing.  Following the latter hearing, Davis was committed to jail.  Davis formerly
resided in Pottsville and moved to Schuylkill Haven several months ago.  Neither one of the boys are
over eighteen years of age and it is reported that both have been in trouble on different occasions
before.  A great deal of credit is due Constable Butz in making the arrests and thus probably saving
others from a similar fate.
After Constable Butz had brought Shadler to Pottsville, he took him before the district attorney.  Here
Shadler stated Davis had informed him that he, Davis, had figured in some holdups in Pottsville.  This
recalls to mind the several holdups that appeared in these columns during the past two months.  Police
Chief Davis was under the impression that Davis was the man he wanted but was unable to locate him.  
This afternoon Constable Butz stated that the reason he placed the two under arrest was because of
their suspicious actions and the information he had obtained from different people in Schuylkill Haven.  
Davis is known to the local police as a character and has been in trouble before.  It is understood that
Chief Davis will also prefer charges against Davis.  The prisoner has never been known to own a watch.  
According to information obtained, Davis has one or two watches at local repair shops undergoing
repairs.  These it is thought he took from his victims.  A search of the shops will be made and the
evidence obtained used against the prisoner.
Pottsville Republican of February 3, 1896

Dr. Dechert and Widow Beckley the Latest Victims

Sneak thieves of the most despicable sort have for some time past infested our neighboring borough.  
But the meanest of them all visited the residence of the widow of the late Chaplain Beckley, a few
nights since.  The lady had ordered a load of stove coal during the afternoon and sometime during the
night these heartless fellows carried away the greater part of the load.  Diligent search has been made
but as yet no clue has been discovered likely to lead to the discovery of the guilty parties.
County Treasurer Dechert was on the following night made the victim of the sneak thieves.  The story
goes that the doctor had a pair of old hens in his yard which had long since outlived their usefulness
and were being cared for in their declining years for the good they had done in the heyday of life. On
the day previous the robbery he purchased another pair of chickens of the last spring order, intending
to have them served in the form of waffle accompaniment on the following Sunday.  But he was doomed
to disappointment.  When the executioner, hatchet in hand, malice in his eye, and steel in his heart
went forth to execute, lo the spring chickens were nowhere to be found, they had been stolen during
the night.  He was tempted to kill the old hens in revenge.  But then he thought once more of the good
they had done and went to find another farmer having chickens of more "tender' years.                              
                                                   
Pottsville Republican of August 8, 1922

FORGE NOTES ON BOROUGH OFFICERS

The Schuylkill Haven borough officials were surprised when the First National bank of the town notified
them that a note for $1500 which they were supposed to have given was due.  Upon investigation it was
found that a note was supposed to have been given in payment for a gas tractor from the Dodge
Company of Wilkes barre and the name of the borough president, treasurer and secretary's were
signed.  It is plainly a forgery and the note has been sent back to Wilkes Barre for investigation.  The
borough had been considering the purchase of the tractor and the agent had been in Schuylkill Haven
but had decided not to purchase same.  They would however, have given a check in payment and not a
note.  It is likely legal action will follow the investigation.                                                                                     
                                
Pottsville Republican of November 12, 1921

BOLD HOLDUP AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

A bold holdup occurred at Schuylkill Haven on Saturday evening, when Miss Marion Bitzer, who
conducts the Bitzer grocery store in that town, was forced at the point of a revolver to give over what
money was in the cash register to a youthful holdup man.  The bandit, who it is thought had several
companions dashed out after he got the money and made his escape and thus far has been able to
elude the state police, who are working on the case.
The story of the State Police is that on Saturday evening about 5:15 o'clock Marion Bitzer was out of the
storeroom when she heard someone come in.  She came back into the store and asked the fellow who
confronted her what he wanted.  "I want all your money" was the reply she got and in an instant a
revolver was flashed in her face.  Outside she saw a fellow who was apparently the exterior guard.  
Fearing that she would be shot, she moved aside, while the holdup man came towards the cash register
and took about $25, the amount in the drawer.  Fortunately, earlier in the day Miss Bitzer had disposed
of a large sum of the money she had in the drawer and the bandits got little for their troubles.
The fellow ran out of the store and people further down the street claim that they saw two running
together, while another came along shortly afterwards, indicating there were two or three in the party.  
The Bitzer store where the holdup took place is located on Saint John Street and is a lonely spot at
night time.  Marion Bitzer has been operating the store ever since the death of her brother Carl Bitzer,
who conducted it for many years.  The holdup artists had their game well planned, for they came in at a
time when things were quiet and took Miss Bitzer by surprise.                                                                           
                                                                                                    
Pottsville Republican of June 2, 1921

HOME IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN ROBBED

Robbers entered the home of George D. Naus of Liberty Street, ransacking the entire downstairs and
stealing a purse containing a substantial sum of money.  They used paper tapirs and dropping some of
the fire, nearly burned the place down with probable loss of life.  In the morning the family found a big
hole burned in the dining room carpet, the fire having burned out.  Last night an attempt was made to
enter the Burkheiser home on Union Street.  Mr. Burkheiser fired several shots after a fleeing man
whom he had heard trying to open a shutter.  Ray T. Reed, the tinsmith, shot after several men who
were trying to enter his workshop and scared them away.  There has been nearly a dozen of these
affairs in the town during the past several weeks.                            
Pottsville Republican of September 4, 1914

BLACK HAND MAIL AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

On Thursday afternoon complaint was made by several foreign born residents of Schuylkill Haven,
residing on what is known as Goat Hill, that they were receiving black mail letters from Philadelphia and
other places making requests for money from them.  Constable Butz was approached about the matter
and he put the matter in the hands of the State Police.  They went to the barracks Thursday evening and
told the officers their story and the state police have hopes of getting hold of the guilty parties.  
Investigation will be made thoroughly by the police here, whom it is thought will work in conjunction
with the police in the other cities mentioned.  For some time the people mentioned have been
receiving black mail letters but have paid no attention to them.  The number of letters began to
increase and each time the demand grew stronger and at last they decided to put the police on the
case.                                                                                                        
Pottsville Republican of December 10, 1896

BOLD BURGLARS

Some time after midnight last night, burglars broke the large plate glass window at the hardware store
of O'Donnell and Long situated on Main Street in Schuylkill Haven.  They did not enter the building but
took from the window several rifles, guns and revolvers valued at one hundred dollars.  The robbery
was committed almost under the full glare of the electric light and is considered the most daring ever
perpetrated in the town.  There is no clue.                                                                
Pottsville Republican of January 29, 1915

SHOOTING AT THE ROLLER RINK

A shooting occurred at the roller rink at Schuylkill Haven on Wednesday evening when a young man
from Pottsville, while enjoying the pleasures of roller skating, fell and discharged a revolver which he
was carrying in his pocket.  The bullet went into his left arm.  The young man was not known as he and
several companions made a quick getaway.                                                                                                                        
Pottsville Republican of January 19, 1923

ROBBERY AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

The pool room and cigar store of Fred Merlino in Schuylkill Haven was robbed of about $250 worth of
cigars, tobacco, cigarettes, supplies of that nature, a ring of value and numerous other things some
time Friday.  The case was reported to the Pennsylvania Investigation Bureau and Detective L. L.
Binkley was detailed to the case.  He is working at the case but has not been able to land the thief or
thieves.  Entrance was gained by forcing a door or window.  This was the second robbery in that
section, a home being recently entered and some small jewelry taken.  
The Call of October 8, 1892

ASSAULTED

Michael Halton, the night operator at Spring Garden Junction, received a call from a stranger the other
evening who asked whether there would be any more trains to Orwigsburg that night.  When told there
would not, he began to make himself at home for an all night stay in the little office that measures about
six by six feet.  This Mr. Halton objected to, being a very large man himself, the accommodations of the
office were already scant.  However a scuffle ensued in which Mr. Halton brought his artificial limb to
bear upon the stranger with terrific effect and succeeded in ejecting the intruder, who when upon the
outside threw a large cinder through the window at his conqueror.  Mr. Halton, thinking that his guest
needed further attention stepped out upon the platform to look after him.  No sooner was he upon the
outside than the intruder proved himself to be a regular John L. in the manly art.  The knight of the tick
tick, having a reputation as a local boxer, was sent to grass.  The Lehigh Valley Railroad Company
expects to make it warm for the vagabond.                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of November 18, 1893

ROBBERS IN TOWN

Robbers made a marauding expedition through town last Monday night.  Bryant's, Losch's and Dengler's
residences were broken into and raided.  At the Bryant residence they ransacked the conservatory but
all the booty secured was about $1.50 in cash.  At Losch's they took the Major's gold watch that had
been presented to him by the House of Assembly at Harrisburg in 1887 at which time he was clerk of
that body.  Here they also took Miss Amy's gold watch and a valuable ring.  They entered the Dengler
residence and were rummaging around when they were discovered by George Bast, who lives next
door, who frightened them off.  The same night Staler's hen coop in the South Ward was entered and a
dozen or more chickens stolen.  It looks as if there was an organized band of robbers about this
section.  These depredations on private property are very frequent and they seem to be parties who
understand their business.
The Call of January 13, 1894

BURGLARS ABOUT
ANOTHER BOLD AND DARING ROBBERY-FELIX'S STORE
ENTERED AND LARGE QUANTITIES OF GOODS STOLEN

Another bold and successful robbery took place last Monday night.  A. W. Felix was the victim of the
marauder's depredations.  The thieves gained an ingress through a door in the rear of his large store
room.  They took one of the panels out of the door and removed the bar and entered the building.  It
appears they used matches to furnish them with light.  The goods stolen were carpets, shawls, corsets,
fine dress goods, fancy table covers and many other things.  Mr. Felix
values the goods stolen at several hundred dollars.  Members of the family were awake all night on
account of sickness but they were in the front part of the house and could not hear anything unusual
that might be transacted in the rear.  Mr. Felix had occasion to go downstairs and go out in the yard
when he discovered the gate leading to the street open.  He returned to the house and procured a
lantern and made further investigation and found the store room door standing open.  He, with other
members of his family, entered the store room and found considerable disorder.  They were then
brought into the full realization that they had been robbed.  There is no clue as to who the parties were.  
The presumption is that they are parties who do not live far away and who have some knowledge of the
place.                                                                                                        
The Call of January 20, 1894

A STRANGER ABOUT TOWN

A stranger came to town on Wednesday afternoon who greatly annoyed some of our people.  He would
enter a business place and walk through the place and to all questions would answer, "Number one".  
Between eleven and twelve o'clock that night, he would go to Eiler's barber shop and shake the door
knob.  He kept this up for some time when he seemed to grow tired and began pulling the door bell.  He
succeeded in getting the proprietor out after giving a number of rings.  Down he came in a rage and by
the time he was through telling Mr. Stranger what he might expect if he repeated the act, he (the
stranger), made up his mind to leave and not return again.  Where were our Special Police all this time?  
Such characters should be taken in charge without any ceremony and locked up.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                          
The Call of March 27, 1908

BLACK HAND NOTICE FOUND

Some time the other night, a Black Hand notice was posted in front of the residence of Mr. J.
Wiederhold, on High Street, Schuylkill Haven.  The notice bore the usual skull and cross bones and read
as follows, "You were sent a notice some time ago but you did not heed it.  This is the second and last.  
So go to ___, ___ you.  Beware of the Black Hand!"  On the bottom was a hand roughly drawn in black.  
The notice is believed by the public to be the work of practical jokers, but it may have a serious effect.  
Mr. Wiederhold is seventy years of age and is taking the thing very seriously.  He is very much agitated
and all efforts to comfort and reassure him are unavailing.  He is a widower and for the past fourteen
years has made his home with his daughter in Schuylkill Haven.  He is a blacksmith by trade but in his
younger days was a sailor.                                                                          
The Call of July 6, 1923

CIRCUS CAUSES NIGHT OF FIGHTING

The Rice Brothers Circus came to town last Friday and in its wake left unpleasant memories and some
bruised heads and body lacerations.  This because of a real battle royal that occurred on the baseball
ground where the circus was held forth.  The trouble started when a three card game man is said to
have tried to pull some crooked stuff on a local player.  The man beat it into the tent with the local man's
twenty dollars.  Bystanders were aroused and in a moments time quite a crowd had surrounded the side
show tent into which the card game man had disappeared.
A number of men chased the man about and the crowd and circus employees mixed things up a bit in a
regular riot.  Women, children and men too, were against their will, mixed in the fighting and bellering
mass of humanity.  Circus employees used an elephant hook, some heavy clubs and one Negro
brandished a gun and was a pretty dangerous actor.  It required several blows of the billy of one of the
special cops to quiet this fellow.  The crowd finally got hold of the card man and gave him a bad beating
and relieved him of about three hundred dollars.  Participants in this particular scramble did not
hesitate to show several five, tens and some fifty dollar bills for their part in the scrap.
Mr. Cyril White had a warrant sworn out for the arrest of the card man.  The warrant was served by
Officer Butz and the man taken before Squire Moyer.  Here he was fined forty dollars and costs.  The
man later offered a reward of one hundred dollars for the return of a highly prized Elk's Tooth which
was lost in the crowd and mix up.  A young man by the name of Irwin Schaefer received a deep cut over
the head from the hands of the Negro during the scrap on the ball ground.  Homer Bast, a
non-combatant, received a deep cut across the eye.  Merritt Batdorf was struck on the back of the head
and received a deep wound.  Earl Messer was struck on the neck with a club and had a stiff neck for
several days.  Quite a number of other persons received cuts and lacerations.  
Along about eleven o'clock, the State Police were called to serve a warrant on a colored man who
struck Irwin Schaefer over the head with some kind of a heavy instrument, presumably an iron stake or
elephant hook.  The police searched the circus grounds and at the circus train but could not find him.  
Along about three o'clock, George Yoder and Ralph Runkle took it upon themselves to make another
search for the Negro.  They did not find him however, Runkle received an ugly smash with a club and
Yoder a deep cut on the head.  The State Police were again called.  Some circus men were arrested and
taken to Pottsville.  The pulling out of the railroad yards of the circus train brought to an end an
eventful and painful night for a number of persons.                                
The Call of November 16, 1923

THIEVES ARE WITH US AGAIN

Thieves visited the store of W. H. Wagner  Centre Avenue Wednesday evening and made away with six
sweaters, six boxes of socks, pair of heavy working shoes, eight pair of youth's rubbers, cigars,
cigarettes and chewing gum.  Not content with the theft of the above named articles, evidence showed
that the thieves participated in a luncheon of bologna, tasty cake, etc. before leaving the store.  
Entrance to the store was gained by forcing the front door.  A door that was locked leading to the
basement was unlocked and exit made through the rear cellar door from the basement.  The matter was
placed in the hands of Officer Butz together with what clues the thieves left behind them.  It is believed
possible that arrests may be expected within the week.  This is the second time within a comparatively
short time that Mr. Wagner's store was robbed.    
The Call of March 28, 1913

WOMAN ATTACKED AND GAGGED

Tuesday evening about nine o'clock an attempt was made to assault Mrs. Harry Schrope, of Allentown,
who is visiting her sister Mrs. Francis Bolton on Liberty Street.  Mrs. Schrope while in the yard was
suddenly seized by her assailant and had a rag stuffed into her mouth to stifle her cries for help.  She
was about to be taken to another portion of the yard when her assailant was scared off and made his
escape.  It appears Mrs. Schrope, whose maiden name was Nauss and a former Schuylkill Haven lady,
has since her marriage and during her residence in Allentown received numerous letters threatening
her life.  An attempt some time ago was made to chloroform her and her children during the absence of
her husband.  The attack of Tuesday evening is thought to have been the work of the same parties
guilty of previous dastardly attempts.  Suspicion points strongly to several parties and a rigid
investigation of the entire matter is made both by the local police and the Allentown authorities.
When Mrs. Schrope was attacked Tuesday evening she was able to give but one scream or call for help
before she was gagged.  Her cry was heard by members of the family but when they reached her side
the man had made good his escape.  Mrs. Schrope was unconscious when picked up and remained in
that condition for almost an hour despite the efforts of Dr. Detweiler
to revive her.  Burgess Hartman and Officer Butz promptly made a search of the premises.  Foot prints
were found in the mud and at one place the ground showed marks of where the man had slipped and
fell.  Although search of the neighborhood was made it failed to bring any favorable results.  The attack
caused considerable excitement in the immediate neighborhood and a searching party scoured that
portion of the town until midnight but their search proved fruitless.  The entire town has been aroused
over the outrageous attack.                                                                                                        
The Call of March 25, 1927

CROSS BURNING ON MAIN STREET COST $17.00

The burning of a cross on Main Street Thursday morning about 12:30 o'clock cost one person $17.00 and
the others of the gang the annoyance of being routed from their beds at 3:30 to 4:00 in the morning to be
served with warrants.  It appears the affair was all the result of an intended joke that was to be pulled on
someone in the West Ward.  The original intention was to burn the cross in the back yard or near the
house of the particular person, then to arouse him from his sleep with the idea that the burning of the
cross would give the party a good scare.  The cross was prepared at the pool room of Gus Menas but
when the gang realized that they had a walk of some distance before them they decided to burn it at
once.  It was stuck in the sewer grating at Hotel Grand and a match applied.  The cross burned quickly
but created some little excitement and considerable nuisance with the men yelling and carrying on.  
Warrants were sworn out before Squire Kline and the officers visited the homes of the fellows in the
gang between 3:30 and 4:30 Thursday morning.  The hearing was scheduled for seven o'clock Thursday
morning.  All were on hand at Squire Kline's.  The charges were common nuisance.  Phillip Sterner
admitted setting a match to the cross and assumed responsibility.  He was fined ten dollars and cost
which amounted to seventeen dollars.  The others were left off but were rather peeved because they
had been routed from their slumbers so early to be served with warrants and also because they were
required to lose several hours of the working day.  Those placed under arrest were: Vincent Corcoran,
Phillip Sterner, Ralph Bowman, James Fetter, Ben Hartnett and Charles Lord.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                  
The Call of February 19, 1915

RAID MADE ON SLOT MACHINES

Quite a sensational surprise was sprung here Wednesday morning when Officer Butz, of town, and
Detective Hiram Davies, of Pottsville, swooped down upon several local business men and seized
several slot or nickel machines.  Three places of business were visited by the officers in the cleanup
tour, but somehow or other the owners got next to the move and quickly got their machines under
cover.  For some time complaint has been made to the local authorities about the gross violation of the
law by owners of these nickel machines, but it was not until parents of a number of school children
brought the matter to the attention of the authorities and demanded that something be done to prevent
the children from visiting these places and playing the machines.  One of the stores raided in particular
is known to have been a mecca for quite a number of pupils of the higher grades of our school during
recess hours.  Persons became suspicious of the reason for the daily visits of the boys to this store,
investigation followed and this led to the raid of Wednesday morning.
The stores visited were those of Frank Scott, Main Street; Floyd Maberry, Columbia Street and George
Ney of Berne Street.  Five machines were secured.  The matter will be reported to the Court and
disposition of the machines ordered by that body.  While there were only five machines secured it is
known there are or were at least two or three times this number in town at the time of the investigation
was made, but they were under cover and could not be found.  However since the cleanup, quite a few
of the machines have been shipped out of town and other of the dealers or owners are making
strenuous efforts to dispose of them without allowing the authorities to get knowledge of their
presence.  A warning is issued that al owners having machines in their possession and attempting to
use same will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law in addition to having the machines
confiscated.  A strict watch is to be kept on a number of places that were known to have housed these
machines.                                                                                                                        
The Call of April 8, 1927

BOLD AND DIRTY ATTEMPT TO ROB

A bold and dastardly attempt at robbery was that which took place Sunday evening last between ten and
ten thirty at the home of Miss Mary Caffrey on the West Ward.  Two members of the family, Nicholas and
Edward Caffrey, were held up at the point of a revolver and their pocket books demanded.  They did not
meet the demands and the house was ransacked from top to bottom but nothing taken.  That the burglar
made his escape was due solely to the fact that Edward Caffrey has been in ill health for quite some time
and his brother Nicholas had but returned from the Jefferson Hospital on Saturday and was confined to
bed.
The discovery of the man was made while both were preparing to retire for the night.  They heard a noise
in an adjoining room of bureau drawers being pulled out.  Edward Caffrey went into the room and as he
did so was ordered to throw up his hands and turn over his pocket book.  He began to argue with the
fellow and told him he did not have any money.  In the mean time Nicholas, who has been confined to
bed since his return from the hospital, worked himself out of bed and made an attempt to get downstairs
to the telephone.  The fellow detecting this pushed Edward Caffrey aside and caught his brother on the
stair steps tripping him and causing him to plunge down four or five steps to the lower floor.  Neither of
the men were physically able to attempt to tussle with the man and were compelled to stand aside.  While
he covered them with his revolver, he began a search of the sideboard.  The house was in darkness
except for a flash light the burglar used.  He then compelled them to return to the second floor and
warned them he would shoot if they attempted to come down.  The fellow then left by a window.
A short time thereafter, the men reached the phone and notified their sister, Miss Mary, night operator at
the exchange.  She then procured a supply operator and notified Officer Deibert at his home.  Officers
Deibert and Bubeck found the home in disorder with bureau drawers pulled out and contents scattered
about the rooms.  It was found that the fellow gained entrance through an upstairs window, having
crawled to the porch roof and pried open a window.  The fellow had evidently concealed himself while
the members of the family were on the first floor and had almost complete his search when discovered.  
The man presented a regular bandit appearance, having a white handkerchief tied over his face and a
light cap pulled down over his eyes.  He wore a light suit.  Certain clues were left which may result in the
fellow being brought to justice by the police shortly.                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                     
The Call of September 16, 1927

LOCAL MAN SHOT AND KILLED HIS SISTER

Mrs. Gussie Martz, aged 48, was shot and almost instantly killed by her brother, Harry Dress, at the Dress
home on Pennsylvania Avenue about 7:30 o'clock this morning.  Dress used a .22 caliber rifle and the
bullet entered the sister's neck at the front of the throat.  Screaming, she ran onto the porch and yard
and fell over dead.  Her body lay in the yard for a time until neighboring women picked her up and took
her into her home.  Dr. T. C. Rutter was summoned and found death had already visited her.  Dress was
placed under arrest by Officers Deibert and Bubeck who found him in hiding on the attic of the Dress
home.  The charge of murder was preferred by Burgess Scott and the hearing held before Squire Kline.  
He was taken to Pottsville and placed in the county jail.
The unfortunate affair is the outcome of a misunderstanding had between the two and in giving the
cause of his deed, Dress stated his sister was interfering with him and with his mother and that she had
been abusing him.  Dress stated he fired the shot while standing in a room or two away from the victim.  
He is a good shot and trapper and has done a great deal of trapping in his time.  He stated he intended
shooting her in the back.  Evidently she happened to turn about when the shot was fired.  The woman
must have bled profusely as the kitchen of the home was badly spattered with the lifeless blood as was
also the porch onto which she ran.
Dress is said to be of unsound mind and for some time has not been able to do any work.  His family had
been urged on frequent occasions to permit his being placed under the care of protective institutions.  
They did not like to consent to do so.  At one time he was an employee at the box factory, prior to its
operation by the present firm.  In the squire's office, Dress stated he had sinned against God in his early
life and God would never take him back into His fold.  The man presented a pitiable sight this morning as
with head bowed and hands clasped together, he shuffled rather then walked ahead of Officers Deibert
and Bubeck, across the street from the office of Squire Kline to the waiting machine which took him to
Pottsville.  The mother and two brothers survive.  No definite arrangements had been made for the
funeral at the time of going to press.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                 
The Call of December 20, 1929

TOWN POLICE RAID BIG STILL AND CONFISCATE CONTENTS

As a result of the discovery of a large whiskey still in operation adjoining the property of the Meitzler
Auto Fender Works, on Centre Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, Monday afternoon by Police Chief Frank
Deibert, two men who were found on the premises will be given a hearing before U. S. Commissioner
Reese and probably before the Federal Courts.  A very complete and unusually large still, together with
materials, have been destroyed or confiscated.  For quite some time the particular place, it is
understood, has been under suspicion as it was known there was a free transporting of liquor from
place to place within the town.  The source however, was not readily located because of the fact that
the building wherein the still was operated, was hidden completely from view by buildings on the west
side and by the Lehigh Valley railroad bank on the east side.
Ownership of the still has not yet been satisfactorily proven.  Mr. Meitzler, when seen by the Call man,
stated he had leased the building to outside parties and he was not aware of what purpose they
intended making of it at the time.  Later developments however, along this line are expected.  
Prohibition officers were communicated with after the discovery and upon their arrival in town at 11:30
o’clock, Monday evening, they were taken to the scene.  They ordered trucks from the Young
warehouse. The still was dismantled and the contents dumped and strewn about the premises.  The
equipment was taken to Pottsville, where it was stored in the Federal warehouse.  The still was one of
150 gallon size and contained mash.  There were two sets of large coils, a fifty gallon condenser, twenty
two new five gallon containers, 65 gallons of alcohol and forty 52 gallon barrels of mash.  There was also
discovered in the building equipment with which to build another still, or to increase the one still to
double its size.  There was also a 500 gallon wooden vat and an upright boiler taken.  In addition, sugar,
rye, chop, charcoal, corks, and miscellaneous equipment and supplies were confiscated or destroyed
by the prohibition officers.
The two men found by Officer Deibert operating the still, Ben Rubin and Philip Capoline were taken
before Commissioner Reese at Tamaqua and given a hearing Tuesday morning on three charges:
manufacturing, transporting and possession of intoxicating liquor.  They were held under $4000 bail,
furnished by a Saint Clair man, for a further hearing at the office of the Commissioner on December
24th.  The discovery of the still was made by Officer Deibert, who noticed an auto driving slowly up
Garfield Avenue and stopping to unload the large tin containers.  Investigating, he discovered the
building and the still in operation.  Placing the two men under arrest, he called for the Burgess and
other officers who gave assistance in preventing the evidence from being destroyed on the premises
and getting in touch with the Prohibition officers.
officers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of September 26, 1919

THIEF BURNS LIBERTY BOND

Joseph Cummings, giving his address as Slatington, who was a resident of this town for several
months, and for the past week an employee of the Lebanon Paper Box Company at this place, confesses
to burning of a fifty dollar Liberty Bond which he stole from the pocket of Washington Maberry of Haven
Street, the fore part of the week.  Mr. Maberry, an employee of the same firm, had made his last payment
on his bond purchased for him as for others by the firm.  He had been given the bond and placed the
same in his pocket of his coat hanging near the place of his work.  When ready to go for supper he
discovered his loss.  Suspicion was directed against Cummings.  Officer Butz was appraised of the fact
and called in the State Police.  Search was made of Cumming’s room at the Stripe Hotel, but nothing
could be found to incriminate him.  Thursday noon after dinner he asked if there was fire in the cook
stove at the hotel.  He was seen to place a paper in the stove.  When the officers returned to the hotel
to make further search of his room, this fact was conveyed to them.  This seemed to supply the clue
against Cummings.  He was questioned at work on Thursday afternoon about his action and placed
under arrest.  At the hearing before Squire Kline, Thursday evening, he confessed his having
destroyed the bond in the stove.  In default of $300 bail he was committed to jail to await hearing in
court.  Officer Butz was assisted by State Trooper M. E. Tipton in rounding up the thief.  While the
capture of Cummings does not give Mr. Maberry his bond, it is believed by use of the squire’s record of
the confession of the destruction of the bond, a duplicate bond can be procured for him.                
The Call of May 19, 1916

YOUNG THIEVES APPREHENDED

Clever detective work on the part of Reuben and Newton Hoffman, was responsible for the
apprehension Wednesday night of three youth and the procuring of the name of the fourth, who for
some time past have been committing petty thievery about the town.  In all probability warrants will be
sworn out for the arrest of the quartet.  The Hoffman brothers were at work in their shops on Wilson
Street.  Having completed their work, the brothers suddenly made their appearance.  As they did so the
three boys took to their heels while the fourth mounted a bicycle and escaped.  Fearing that they
intended to rob the Hoffman shop, one of the brothers remained in hiding while the other started out
on a search.  Five minutes later the second brother discovered the boys near the home of E. Bright
Pflueger.  
Calling on his brother, the two surrounded the quartet while they were engaged in dismantling a bicycle
they had stolen from the home of Dr. George Moore and which belonged to the doctor’s son.  The front
wheel had already been removed and the fork taken from the socket.  Closing in on the boys, the
Hoffman brothers succeeded in capturing three of the gang.  Compelling the boys to shoulder both
bicycles they directed them to their shop.  Here their names and addresses were taken together with
the name of the boy that escaped.  They were then allowed to go with the understanding that they
report Thursday noon.  Thursday noon the three reported to the shop and there were compelled to
place the parts of the bicycle together.  The boys had brought along all the necessary tools and these it
is believed they had stolen.  Their work not being completed, they were instructed to report Thursday
evening and then take the stolen bicycle to the Moore home.  The other bicycle will be held by the
Hoffman brothers in the hope that if it was stolen, the owner will call there for it.  
In view of the fact that the boys were in the locality of the Buchanan home, where on Monday night a
number of rabbits were stolen, leads one to believe that besides stealing the bicycle, they stole also
the rabbits.  If the reports received from a number of sources are correct, these boys should be
arrested and committed to some institution.  If they are allowed to continue with their petty thievery, in
a year or two to come they will even tackle larger propositions and this in turn may lead to crime of a
more serious nature.  The Hoffman brothers are deserving of a great deal of praise for their ability as
detectives and the course they pursued.  The names of the four boys are all known to the editor of the
Call, but due to the prominence of the parents, they will be withheld for the time being.  Shortly before
the Call went to press this afternoon, the boys caught by the Hoffman brothers, confessed to stealing
both bicycles, the Moore machine and the other one belonging to a party named Reider.  They also
confessed to the stealing of the three rabbits from the Buchanan home.  Two of the rabbits were found
at the home of one of the boys in Spring Garden.  The other one is supposed to be in the possession of
another member of the gang residing near Union and High Streets.  All of the stolen property will be
returned if the Hoffman brothers are able to locate the owners.
.                                                                                                                                                                                              
The Call of September 3, 1920

THIEVES VISIT BERNE STREET HOME

An unknown thief visited the home of William Webber on Berne Street Friday evening last between
eight and nine fifteen o’clock and made away with about $210 in cash.  Entrance was gained through a
second story window.  This was reached from the porch roof. The window was locked with a patent
fastener but the thief adroitly manipulated the lock and was enabled to open it without noise.  That the
thief must have had some inkling that Mr. Webber had some money in the house was demonstrated in
more then one way. That he had more nerve then the usual thief is evidenced in the fact that he was
aware that Mrs. Webber was on the first floor attending to household duties.  Once inside the house he
went to each one of the upstairs rooms.  First he pulled down the shades so that neighbors might not
notice the flash of his flashlight.  He then tore up the carpet in each room, pulled out the bureau and
washstand drawers in each room and slit open two large mattresses.  For his trouble he secured $180
from the mattresses and $30 from the bureau drawers.  Of this later amount about $15 was the savings
of the Webber children which had been tied up in bags.  The coin was taken from the bags after the
thief got out of the house and he left them at the back end of the lot.  Thrift stamps to the amount of
$100 were closely examined but found to be registered and not taken along.  Liberty Bonds were also
ignored.  Upon Mr. Webber’s arrival home and upon going upstairs he discovered the furnishings in a
very badly mixed state and upon calling his wife found her unaware of the existing condition.  The state
police were called in and made a careful investigation.  Strong suspicion rests upon a Berne Street
resident and many expressions of the belief of his guilt have been made by different persons.
persons.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
The Call of April 22, 1921

LOCK STUCK, PRISONER BEAT IT

Daniel Haggerty, of Pottsville, recently of town, arrested by Officer Butz on Wednesday evening, on the
charge of indecent exposure and about to be placed in the lockup at the Town Hall made good his
escape from the officer.  Mr. Butz had some difficulty in unlocking the door at the front entrance to the
hall, which said lock by the way, always has a tendency to stick whenever one is in a hurry or at
inopportune times.  Haggerty noted the delay and turned and was off.  Mr. Butz followed and shouted to
two young fellows to give chase.  This they did and followed him up the alley along the Weist property.  
They had the fellow but he reached in his hip pocket as if to draw a revolver and he was left make his
escape.  Haggerty had been arrested on the same charge the night previously by the state police but
succeeded in getting away.  The description of the fellow given the cops was a man with a black derby
hat.  Just a few hours previous to his arrest he purchased a cap and this fact provided the loophole for
his escape.  Haggerty is said to be the fellow who played the role of cloak woman in town some months
ago.  The warrant for his arrest was worn out by Squire Kline.  It is said the fellow has been following
women for some time and makes indecent exposure of his person and insulting remarks.  It is more
then likely he will be placed under arrest before the end of the week.                                                                                                                           
                      
The Call of  May 27, 1921

ROBBERS PAY SEVERAL HOMES A VISIT

Robbers made their appearance in Schuylkill Haven the latter part of last week and according to reports
obtained money and valuables sufficient to compensate them for their time and trouble.  Thursday
evening, prior to 10:30, they visited the home of John Berger on Saint Peter Street, ransacked the
rooms and made away with money and jewelry to the extent of about $100.  Burned matches found on
the floor of one of the rooms showed that tis was the method used to get about.  They however later
discovered a flashlight and this was evidently used to find their way through the house.  It was also
made away with.  The more valuable articles of jewelry belonging to the different members of the family
as well as certain sums of money that had been about the house were not discovered.  Entrance was
made through the pantry window.  The getaway was made through the kitchen door which was simply
unlocked and closed again.  The discovery was made upon the return of the family about 10:30.
Out at the home of Jacob Luckenbill, Centre Avenue, unknown persons stole from the bureau drawer in
an upstairs room a sum of $190 in bills.  This theft is believed to have been committed between seven
and nine Friday morning.  Mrs. Luckenbill made the discovery upon going upstairs and noting that a
number of garments and wearing apparel were upon the bed.  Upon examination she discovered they
had been taken from the bureau drawer.  The loss of the money was soon discovered.  Mrs. Luckenbill
was in and about the house during the entire morning and it is presumed the thieves were persons well
acquainted with the home and the whereabouts of the occupants.  At the home of Roy Koch, residing
near Liberty and Saint Peter Streets, forty dollars in money was stolen.  It was taken from two different
places in the home.  Absolutely no clue of the thieves was left.                                                                         
                               
The Call of July 8, 1921

OFFICER BUTZ ARRESTED MANY

The resignation of John Butz as police officer was a surprise to many town folks.  Mr. Butz feels that his
health and age will not permit him to continue in this capacity any longer as the demands and
requirements for police service seem to be growing greater right along and the duties of the office
more arduous.  Mr. Butz has given the town many years of faithful service and has oft times proven his
ability as a police officer to have been worthy of greater remuneration then has been accorded him.  
Upon the special request of council he will continue in office until that body can procure a successor.  
Mr. Butz first served as a ward constable in 1881 and his election to this office came as the result of his
having captured a horse thief at the hotel, corner of Centre Avenue and Dock Street, then conducted
by Henry Wessner.  During the building of the Pennsylvania Railroad through town services of a
constable were much in demand and many arrests followed his assuming this office.  He served as
constable under a number of Chief Burgesses and was later made a policeman at the salary of $25.00
per year.  Previous to this however, there was no pay connected with the office.  During the
administration of Burgess Paule he made the arrest of five or six tramps on Main Street who had
grossly insulted a servant employed by Charles Wiltrout.  They had also held up and robbed several
persons in the evening in front of the Harney residence on Dock Street.  They were arrested and
sentenced.  After this arrest, council appointed him Chief of Police.
While W. Hartman, ex-Chief Burgess, was steward at the Almshouse, Mr. Butz was called upon to
capture a gang of tramps at Cape Horn, who were charged with murdering one of their companions in a
drunken brawl on the Fourth of July.  Mr. Butz went to the scene and placed under arrest the gang of
sixteen.  He brought them to town and kept them in a cell at the county institution and stood guard
overnight and then herded them to the county jail.  During the strike of 1902, Mr. Butz had warrants for
the arrest of forty two strikers at Thomaston, Cherryville, North Pine Grove and Pine Grove.  He placed
all of them under arrest.  This was the largest number of persons arrested on one charge during his
career.  He never had occasion to arrest a Schuylkill Haven resident for murder.  Arrests however, were
made for many other offenses and he was frequently called upon to make arrests in many towns other
than Schuylkill Haven.  Mr. Butz has frequently been commended by the County Courts and the various
District Attorneys for his excellent work in rounding up offenders against the law.                                                                                 
                       
The Call of May 20, 1899

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY - Dastardly Attempt at Housebreaking and Murder, Frustrated by the
Wakefulness of Father Muldowney

Thursday night in the quiet slumbers of the midnight hour, the parish home of Reverend J. P.
Muldowney was surrounded by thieving rascals, who attempted to pry open the kitchen door and
windows.  Father Muldowney was aroused by the unusual noise and going to the window, opened it and
shouted out, “who’s there?”  Quick as spoken, three shots were fired past the window but by the wise
precaution of Father Muldowney keeping away from the window, the shots whizzed by doing no harm.  
He at once secured his revolver and returned the shots and afterwards came down, going around the
house to find the robbers had flown.  People on Haven Street in the rear heard the three men running
past that way.  Father Muldowney is accustomed to have night callers for members of his flock who are
dying or very sick and need his spiritual guidance; hence his wakefulness and ever willing desire to
answer calls at any hour of the night.  He is a brave man and a sure shot, and it is wise that the would
be robbers and murderers skipped out of sight.  This is the second attempt to devastate the parish
home and must be by persons not aware of the hot welcome that awaits them.  The windows and doors
are all under the control of the electric wires running to a noisy burglar alarm, so that entrance is
almost impossible.                
The Call of February 24, 1900

AL RUNKLE ARRESTED

Albert F. Runkle, who was for a number of years yard master at Mine Hill crossing and who it will be
remembered, left town suddenly about four months ago, was arrested at Buffalo last Friday evening.  
The whereabouts of Mr. Runkle have been known since the sixth of December.  When he left town he
went direct to Buffalo where he was engaged in attending switches on the L. V. R. R.  He remained there
until about two weeks ago, when he accepted a position as night clerk at the largest hotel in Buffalo.  
After being at Buffalo about two weeks he was joined by a woman from Pottsville, whom he was living
with when arrested.  He was arrested by one of the detectives of Buffalo while at work in the hotel in
the evening.  The charge against him is non support and not adultery as has been elsewhere stated.  
Mrs. Runkle was accompanied by her aunt, Mrs. Kate Jacobs, and Daniel Fister, a P and R detective.  
They left here February 14th and went direct to Buffalo, where they found Runkle and wife number two
living together.  He was arrested and is now in jail in Buffalo under $300 bail.  The saddest circumstance
connected with this affair is that Runkle left behind a faithful and industrious wife.  She was formerly
Miss Kate Shultz of Auburn and has been a resident of our town for a number of years.                                                        
The Call of December 24, 1926

MILK THIEVES CAUGHT THIS MORNING

The milk thieves, who for the past several weeks, have been making life inconvenient for residents in
Spring Garden, were taken into custody this morning, Wednesday about 5:30 o’clock by Officers Deibert
and Bubeck.  The thieves turned out to be brothers (names withheld by website) two young boys of
town.  The arrest was made after both Officers Deibert and Bubeck had seen them lift milk bottles from a
number of homes.  The officers were in citizens clothing and therefore not so readily noticeable.  First
the boys picked two bottles of milk from the porch of the Bear home on Centre Avenue.  Then they took a
bottle from the porch next door.  Then they went down Coal Street where they took a bottle from the
front porch of one of the Cottler houses.  The boys then had four bottles; each stuck two of them in their
pockets and went around the alley and into the Rainbow Hose House by the rear entrance.  Deibert and
Bubeck entered and the boys had already hidden the bottles of milk.  Confronted with the evidence they
confessed their guilt.  At the hearing before Squire Kline they admitted the milk thefts of several months,
also having stolen rubber boots of the firemen from the hose house.  In default of $500 bail each, they
were taken to the Pottsville jail..                                                                                                                                        
The Call of December 3, 1926

VAGRANTS GET TEN DAYS IN JAIL

Officer Deibert this week, upon complaint of several residents placed under arrest two vagrants for
soliciting alms and being under the influence of drink.  One claimed Port Clinton as his residence and
the other claimed Pottsville.  They were using the time worn scheme of presenting a card, “beautifully
worded about helping those in need and how much the donor would be blessed if alms were given”.  
This went well for a time until some folks refused to give.  They were then more then blessed.  It was
then that a complaint was put in.  Officer Deibert placed both under arrest.  They were given a hearing
before Squire Kline and given ten days each in jail.  This should serve as a notice to the people of
Schuylkill Haven who are so frequently annoyed by solicitors of alms of this character and who do not
hesitate to curse and insult if their request is not complied with.  When the men folks are around they
generally can give these fellows a pretty good trouncing.  In the event that the men folks are not around,
it is suggested that Officer Deibert or Burgess Scott be called as soon as possible.  If a description is
given, arrests can be made without the necessity of persons complaining or lodging information against
the annoyers, appearing as witnesses or prosecutors.  The local officers are intent on cleaning up a
great amount of this unworthy begging and vagrancy but they will need assistance. All they ask that
complaints be reported to them immediately.                                                                                                                                  
The Call of December 25, 1925

PROWLERS MAKE NIGHTS MISERABLE HERE

At the meeting of the Civic Club a matter of importance to the community was discussed at random.  It is
that of the series of robberies that have been committed here and the unabated night prowling and
marauding that is prevalent and which has not only caused great annoyance, but in some sections great
uneasiness and fear is felt.  There were numerous instances reported by the different members of
families being awakened upon hearing unknown prowlers walking on roofs or of forcing entrances to
homes.  Automobiles left in the open air garages in front of homes have been not only tampered with but
damaged to such an extent that they can not be operated the next day.  Quite a number of shots have
been fired at dark forms making hasty retreats and the conditions have become rather alarming.  It was
reported that appeal to authorities has brought not even satisfaction as the police officers do not feel
they should stand watch or guard an entire night through for the small salary they are being paid.  
Individuals do not feel it their duty to pay large sums to private detectives for the same duty.  There was
a suggestion made that a Vigilance Committee be formed from the different organizations of the town
and a determined effort made to stop the marauding and the depredations that are being perpetrated
right along.  Another suggestion was made that Town Council should immediately employ if only for a
temporary period, one or two special night watchmen.  By reason of the Town Council not scheduled for
a meeting until the first Monday in January, it was suggested that the President of the Town Council be
appealed to at once to call an immediate meeting of the council.his purpose.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                          
The Call of June 29, 1917

LOCAL YOUTHFUL ROBBERS CAUGHT

A little detective work on the part of Constable John Butz on Saturday last, resulted in the
apprehension of the persons who last Wednesday night, forced an entrance into the East Ward High
School building.  The arrest was made on Monday morning by Constable Butz.  On a warrant issued by
Squire C. A. Moyer, the following persons were taken into custody: Clarence Zechman, sometimes
known as Clarence Fetter, aged fourteen years, Stanley Mease, aged thirteen years, Paul Mease, aged
eleven years and Claude Williams, aged nine years.  Zechman or Fetter was the first person placed
under arrest.  At the squires office he denied all knowledge of the robbery with the exception of being
outside the school yard and receiving some of the stolen loot.  When the other three youthful thieves
were brought in and examined, they readily told that Zechman was the ring leader and that it was he
who planned the robbery.  These three were positive Zechman got them to stay away from home on last
Wednesday night and remain on a porch until one o’clock in the morning.  It was then that Zechman led
the way to the school building and was the first to enter.  After pulling the two younger boys into the
room, the work of ransacking was started.  Zechman claimed he only received ten cents of the money
procured, while the other three boys claimed that he took all the money, less then half a dollar.  
After packing their loot up, they left the building and went to a shed where it was divided.  Some of the
loot was taken home by the boys and some hidden under the steps of the Reading freight station.  It
was top be disposed of later on.  When it was all gathered at the office of Squire Moyer, the office had
the general appearance of a metropolitan stationery store.  There were nearly eight dozen lead pencils,
several dozen large tablets, several gross of pens, a large magnifying glass and a score or more of
other school supplies.  Zechman and the older Mease boy were taken before Probation Officer B. S.
Simonds at Pottsville, while the two younger boys were allowed to go free, it being claimed that they
were simply tools in the hands of the older boys.  Just what disposition of the case will be made has not
been decided upon.                                                                                                  
The Call of July 26, 1912

LOCAL POLICE MAKE RAID –
Descended Upon a Disorderly House in the South Ward – Town Girl Was Found Upstairs

A portion of Columbia Street, which because of questionable carrying on there, caused the name of
Schuylkill Haven’s Red Light District to be applied to it, was given a cleaning out by the local authorities
Monday evening in a well planned and effective raid.  Complaint had recently been made to the
Burgess concerning the matter of a disorderly or bawdy house being conducted by a Mrs. Weaver.  The
complaints were further made Monday that a young girl from town was being harbored at this house.  In
fact, the father of the girl made the complaint to the Burgess that he was led to believe his daughter
was being harbored there.  With this information, the Burgess with Officer Butz, visited the house in
question as the shades of night were drawing nigh Monday, and demanded admittance to the house.  
Admittance was at first refused, but finally after a little parlaying admittance was given.  The Burgess
then stated the complaints and laid down the law to the woman.  She denied all charges but this did not
satisfy the Burgess.  He ordered Officer Butz, in company with another young man, to search the
house.  This was done and the girl and two young men of town were found in the upstairs rooms.  The
girl was found in one of the bedrooms, while the young men had taken refuge in the attic.  The names of
both the girl and the men are withheld from publication upon request.  The girl however, was loaded on
the police truck and taken to her home.  The men were given to understand that they would be
summoned as witnesses when the case came to trial.  Mrs. Weaver was charged with conducting a
bawdy house and in default of bail was sent to jail by Squire Moyer Monday evening.  Bail was furnished
the next day.  The case, unless hushed up, will be heard at the coming term of Criminal Court.    
The Call of August 11, 1911

BURGESS SUED FOR ASSAULT

W. Hartman, Chief Burgess of Schuylkill Haven, was given a hearing before Squire Moyer this afternoon,
the charge being assault which was preferred by Charles Schumacher, a merchant of this town.  The
matter was of a trivial nature and the case was dismissed.  From the testimony given it was gleaned that
Schumacher had a rain pipe extending over the pavement at his store and every time it rained this pipe
which had a large hole in it caused water to drop in a copious manner on pedestrians.  In line with his
duties as Burgess of the town, Mr. Hartman ordered the pipe removed a number of times and as his
requests were not heeded he went to the place and personally superintended the removal of the pipe.  
Later Schumacher went to the office of the Burgess and it is alleged berated the official to such an
extent that a trifling blow was struck by Mr. Hartman, said blow it is claimed having landed on the mouth
of Schumacher.  The suit for assault then followed                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                         
The Call of December 10, 1926

STOLE SEVENTY HOMING PIGEONS

Raymond Kerschner of Schuylkill Haven, within three nights had his entire stock of racing homing
pigeons stolen from their roost in the Faust Stable.  Forty were nabbed last Thursday evening and thirty
on Saturday evening.  The local authorities were put on the job and by Wednesday afternoon had
sufficient evidence to bring about the arrest of a young boy by the name of Jeannette residing on Centre
Avenue and three other companions.  At this writing prosecution and the arrests have not been made,
due to the fact that they were not about when the officers called.  All of the pigeons however, with the
exception of a few, which it is believed have been sold, were recovered.  The entire stock of pigeons
bore registered bands.  These were all clipped off and before Mr. Kerschner can again enter the stock in
any of the races it will be necessary to have them all reregistered.  After quite a chase about town and
the outskirts, Jeanette was finally rounded up.  He was given a hearing before Squire Roan Thursday
evening and admitted the theft.  Jeanette was sixteen years of age.  Another boy implicated in the theft
was a Kramer lad but nine years of age.  Jeanette is also alleged to have stolen a sled from in front of
the store of J. M. Gipe and given it to two other boys.  He also stole some money from his dad.  He was
locked up in the town hall on Thursday evening and Friday morning turned over to Probation Officer
Simonds, to be sent away to some reform school.  He had already been confined in Glen Mills Reform
School for Boys.  The charges against the boy were brought by Mr. Kerschner, whose loss is between
$60 and $75.                                                                                                                                                                  
The Call of September 25, 1925

ATTEMPTED TO CHOKE TWO BOYS

Quite a bit of excitement was occasioned in Spring Garden Tuesday evening by an assault upon two boys
by a young man of Haven Street.  That the man was not more roughly handled by the excited crowd,
which was in quite a rage, was due to the presence of cooler heads in the crowd.  It appears as if one W.
F. Caselo, residing on Haven Street, while alighting from a trolley on Dock Street, heard someone call out
uncomplimentary remarks about his condition.  Two boys, earl Unger of Paxson Avenue and Paul Bubeck
of Dock Street, standing nearby were grabbed by the fellow.  Unger was choked by Caselo with one hand
while he held his other hand over his mouth to deaden his screams.  The boy fought hard and screamed
at the top of his voice.  This attracted the attention of some women folks in the neighborhood.  They ran
out and caused Caselo to stop choking the boy.  He, however, insisted on dragging him along.  Others
who responded to the alarm would have quite likely caused him injury had it not been for others who
interfered.  Officer Brown was summoned and placed him under arrest.  The charge of assault and
battery was brought before Squire Kline and he was remanded to county prison for the next term of
criminal court.  The Unger boy was not only badly scared, but had it not been for his strenuous efforts to
free himself or give alarm, might have suffered injury at the hands of Caselo.  Young Bubeck was
enabled to break away from the fellow’s grasp.  Fully two hundred or more persons gathered round and
about the squire’s office while the hearing was on. on.                                                                                                                           
The Call of April 24, 1925

CRUEL MURDER OF INFANT SON

A cruel and unmistakable case of infanticide, or murder of an infant, was discovered Saturday last shortly
after the noon hour by a number of boys at the coal washery near the Columbia Street bridge.  
Investigation showed the package to contain the dead body of an infant baby boy, which had lived a
short time after birth but had actually bled to death by reason of the umbilical tube having been cut but
not tied.  The package was discovered in a coal hopper or iron receptacle used to convey the coal dirt
from one part of the coal washery to another.  The coal washery has not been operated for some time.  A
crowd of children and adults was on the scene as the news traveled rapidly throughout the whole town.  
Deputy Coroner Heim was summoned and ordered the body removed to the morgue at the county
institution.  The same has since been buried in the county cemetery.  The body was wrapped in a copy of
the North American of Philadelphia, issue of March 26.  Around this meager wrapping was a black
petticoat.  It is believed the foul deed was committed early Saturday morning or late Friday night.  The
condition of the body and the blood stains proved conclusively that the child had lived after birth and
that death was either caused deliberately or through ignorance in failing to provide for its care
immediately following birth.  The state police were summoned and it is understood are quite actively
engaged in investigating. The ground round and about the point where the discovery was made had
been tramped over and over by the crowd which congregated, otherwise the footprints leading to the
coal washery could easily have been traced in the sand and coal dirt.  Little hope is entertained that the
guilty parties will be apprehended.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of January 16, 1925

ROBBERS TAKE CASH AND JEWELRY

A robber or robbers Saturday evening between 7:30 and 10:00 forced entrance to the home of Fred
Reed on Williams Street and after ransacking the house made off with a diamond ring valued at $800, the
property of Mrs. Reed, and a sum of money.  The robber or robbers were quite particular in choosing
their booty and evidently were bent on lifting a large sum of money thought to have been in the house
by reason of rent money being due and payable Saturday.  The cash taken was picked from an arm bag
belonging to Mrs. Reed that was lying on a table in the front room.  The diamond ring was selected from
amongst other jewelry from a jewel case in an upper room.  The burglars were evidently acquainted with
the premises for they made preparation for a quick getaway if disturbed.  They closed a door leading
from the living room to the hallway.  This would have enabled them to come down the hallway and out
the front entrance.  It was due to the fact that this particular door is never closed that first attracted the
attention of Mrs. Reed when she returned home.  A casual glance around the room resulted in the
discovery that the home had been ransacked.  Burned matches were found on the floor at different
places.                                        
The Call of January 21, 1910

AN EXPENSIVE SCRAP

A disgraceful brawl occurred during the late hours of Saturday and early Sunday morning on the corner
of Main and Saint John Streets and was later renewed at the P and R station.  A crowd of young men
from Pottsville boarded the last trolley and William Sheaf, of town, who was with them, in attempting to
get in the car, fell in the snow.  The Pottsville boys jeered.  Sheaf said some bad words, the Pottsvillians
jumped off the car and a general mixup ensued with Sheaf and Ray Hoffman, who had come to his aid,
as the center of attraction.  In the meantime the car had pulled out and the bunch went over to the P
and R station to wait for the Buffalo, and the disturbance was again taken up.  Complaint was made to
Burgess Hartman, who swore out warrants for the arrest of the participants in the scrap.  The two
Schuylkill Havenites were given a hearing before Squire C. A. Moyer on Monday afternoon and Sheaf
was fined four dollars and sentenced to pay four dollars costs.  Hoffman got a two dollar fine and four
dollars cost.  The Pottsvillians had not been apprehended at the time of the hearing.  The Pottsville
boys, Earl Gordon, Edward Curley, Wallace Hall and Bert Eisenhower were arraigned before Squire
Moyer on Wednesday evening.  All plead guilty and each paid the fine and costs amounting to $4.50.  
Burgess Hartman is determined to break up unlawful disturbances of all kinds and will prosecute every
offender.  It seems strange to the borough officials and the general public that the P and R Company
has not one or more police officers located in this town.  To begin with, the local passenger station is a
junction point.  The company has considerable property here.  It has large car shops in town, a coal
storage yard at the lower end of town, it employs in the neighborhood of a thousand men, in the shops,
storage yard and on the railroad.  With all this property to look after and the interests of this regiment of
employees to safeguard it seems very strange that the company has no police protection here.  The
local authorities have made a number of arrests on railroad property and have been as vigilant to
protect the company’s interests as the borough’s, but with the rapid growth of the town, development
of various industries, increased railroad traffic and travel, it would seem to be in the company’s own
interest to locate an officer or two here.                                                                                                
The Call of May 20, 1927

LOCAL AUTOIST SENTENCED BY JUDGE KOCH

Clarence Ney of town was sentenced Monday morning by Judge Koch, in the case of Mr. and Mrs. B.
Frank Reider Sr. versus Clarence Ney, as the result of an automobile accident which occurred in October
1925, at the corner of Main and Dock Streets.  It was the culmination of a bitterly contested case in the
courts for more then a year.  The prosecutors, Mr. and Mrs. Reider were represented by Attorney
Vincent J. Dalton and the defendant by Attorney John F. Whalen and Attorney George Ellis.  In behalf of
the defendant a petition numerously signed asking for leniency was presented as was also a petition
signed by ten of the jurors in the case.  Judge Koch in imposing sentence stated upon first impulse he
thought of sending defendant to jail, as the case was a most serious one, where two aged people were
involved, in which one had both legs broken and the other one leg broken.  He also stated he thought
the jury was right in convicting him.  In response to questions asked by the judge, Mr. Ney stated he was
twenty years of age, married and had one child, and that the machine he was driving belonged to his
wife.  The judge further asked him if at any time he had paid anything to the Reider people, due to the
heavy expense that they had been put to and he replied that he had not.  In consideration of his age and
the petitions for leniency, Judge Koch sentenced him to pay the costs and placed him on parole for a
period of three years, during which time he is to report periodically to the Probation Officer, Mr.
Simmons and at the same time make an effort to pay the Reiders for some of the expense they were put
to by reason of the accident.                                     
The Call of July 29, 1927

RECEIVED BROKEN NOSE IN NEIGHBORLY SCRAP

As the result of a misunderstanding over a trivial matter Thursday evening last, while Dempsey and
Sharkey were preparing to enter the ring in the heavyweight elimination championship bout in Yankee
Stadium, two local residents, Albert Bowen of Liberty Street and John Sands of Saint John Street,
engaged in a fistic contest.  One result of the event was a broken nose and two black eyes for Bowen,
also the complete destruction of  his truck and vegetable garden caused by the contestants requiring
the entire space to stage the event.  Another result was a lawsuit heard by Squire Kline on Monday
evening in which Sands was charged with assault and battery.  Mr. Bowen was represented by Attorney
Dalton and Mr. Sands by Attorney Paxson.  Settlement was effected and the charge withdrawn upon
payment to Bowen by Sands of one hundred dollars and the costs in the case.           
The Call of October 25, 1927

STOLEN PIGEONS ARE RECOVERED

For several weeks the homing pigeon breeders of town have been annoyed by having someone get into
their pens and stealing some of their most valuable birds.  Suspicion pointed to several parties in town,
so on Monday afternoon a search warrant was sworn out before Squire Roan, and the pens of Charles
Reber, Morgan Reber, Sidney Lebengood and Earl Strause were searched by Chief of Police Deibert and
Officer Bubeck and several of the stolen birds found.  The birds were stolen from the pens of Hugh
Coxe, David Buchanan, Oliver Kempel and George Lehmerman.  Coxe got his birds all back but one.  
Buchanan all but three and Kempel got about fifteen birds back but could not tell how many he was
short.  Lehmerman got his two birds back.  The bands were all cut off the stolen birds legs, making the
birds practically worthless for selling purposes.  All birds not claimed by parties present were tossed in
the air and left to find their way home, so some pigeon fanciers who have missed birds can look for them
to come in one of these days.  
The four boys and their parents were taken before Squire Roan on Monday evening and after again
admitting they were guilty of stealing the birds, all parties were agreed to give the boys another chance,
so the case was settled by the parents paying the damages and costs which amounted to $36.00.  This
and some of the other cases of stolen stock that have occurred in town should be a lesson to the boys
that people who raise fancy stock will not tolerate having same disturbed.  Parents of boys should make
sure that when their boys bring good looking pigeons home, that they were obtained honestly.  They
should know that if the birds are obtained honestly, that they don’t have to destroy the value of the birds
by removing the register bands.                                                                                                        
The Call of June 16, 1916

SAYS TOO MUCH MOTHER IN LAW

In a case in that it was alleged that there was too much mother in law was aired before Squire Moyer on
Monday night last, when Mrs. William Boyer, of upper Main Street had her husband arrested on the
charge of assault and battery and surety.  The defendant alleged that her mother in law came to the
house yesterday and immediately a quarrel started when the mother in law said that the mother was not
bringing her children up properly.  This the mother resented with the result that the mother had her
face badly scratched and the other woman was slapped in the face.  It was then that the husband took a
hand, and the wife claims, punched her bodily out of the house, the wife taking refuge in the home of a
neighbor.  It was then that the warrant was sworn out and the husband committed to the county prison.  
The mother in law is from Tamaqua while the Boyer family formerly resided in Tamaqua, later Cressona,
and then moved to Schuylkill Haven.                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of October 6, 1916

WATCHES FATHER ATTACK CHILD

Standing but a few feet away behind a tree on the Schuylkill Mountain in broad daylight, Arthur
Romberger, residing on Union Street, witnessed Francis Bolton of Liberty Street, criminally assault his
thirteen year old daughter, Gladys.  Just why Romberger, who is a married man, did not attempt to stop
the father from the assault and save the daughter from being ruined for life has not been explained.  
Before a suit was ever contemplated against the father, Romberger appeared before Squire C. A. Moyer
and stated that he wanted to make an affidavit before someone else did.  The squire informed him that
affidavits are usually made after a suit is instituted and not before.  However, Romberger insisted and
then stated under oath how he witnessed the father take his daughter to the rear of the Paxson
bungalow on the Schuylkill Mountain, where there were no bushes and comparatively few trees and
commit the criminal assault.
Not satisfied with making the affidavit, Romberger imparted his knowledge to Constable Butz, who by
his oath must report such occurrences, in turn reported to the District Attorney.  Probation Officer Dr.
Mary Kingsbury was called on the case and advised the suit against the father.  Armed with a warrant
issued by Alderman Freiler of Pottsville, Constable Butz went to Bridgeport, where he took the father
into custody who was working on a freight train.  At the hearing Wednesday morning, Bolton, who is the
father of eight other children, was committed to the county jail without bail.  His case will be tried at the
next term of criminal court.  The offense is punishable by imprisonment of not more then fifteen years.
As he occupied a cell at police headquarters in Pottsville preceding the hearing, Bolton was seen by
the Call representative.  He stated that Saturday and Sunday he had been drinking and that the first
knowledge he had of committing the crime was when the warrant was read to him by Constable Butz.  
The girl is not a nervous wreck as had been reported.  Bolton bears a good reputation about town and
his friends cannot account for his actions.  He works on the same crew as the father in law of
Romberger and many persons who were acquainted with the facts in the case believe that there is
something yet to be told.  These same people are loud in their criticism of Romberger for not trying to
prevent the crime.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of June 22, 1917

THIEVES BREAK INTO SCHOOL BUILDING

During the storm of Wednesday night, when very few people were out, robbers entered the present
high school building and before they left had completely ransacked the rooms taught by Miss Lulu
Confehr, Miss Alma Mill, Miss Marion Raudenbush and Professor Ralph Wildermuth.  It is presumed
entrance was gained by prying open a window in the yard.  After entrance was once gained it was a
simple matter to force the locks inside and thus have free access to the entire building.  Owing to the
storm, the robbers were not molested and their work was not discovered until yesterday morning when
the school was opened for the regular daily session.  Wednesday the scholars were requested to
contribute their mite to the Red Cross Society.  Some misunderstood the request to bring the mite on
Friday and brought it along with them on Wednesday afternoon handing the money over to the
teachers.  In all probability it was this money that tempted the thieves.  According to reports, they did
not receive more than a dollar for their trouble.  Not contented with the taking of the money, they
procured and took along a quantity of pencils, pens and stationery.  The drawers of the teacher’s desks
were pulled open and the contents carefully examined.  The desks of some of the scholars were
likewise paid a visit and papers and books of every description were scattered in all directions.  The
rooms appeared as though a cyclone had passed through them.  Superintendent Hoover reported the
robbery to the authorities but as it was almost impossible to obtain a clue, the apprehension of the
thieves is doubtful.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of June 7, 1918

TRIES DROWNING IN SIX INCHES OF WATER

Residents of Canal Street, in the vicinity of the South Ward school building, were alarmed and thrown
into a state of excitement Wednesday evening when it was learned that a Mrs. Smith, residing at "The
Pottery" was attempting to drown herself and her little child in six inches of water in the old ice dam
nearby.  Several of the men folks waded through the mud and scum to the woman and compelled her to
come out of the dam.  The woman insisted that her affinity, Charles Shadler, had drowned himself in the
waters of the dam but a short time before.  Officer Butz was summoned and he arrested the woman for
common nuisance and in order to prevent her from doing herself further bodily harm placed her and
her little child in the town hall overnight.  In the morning a hearing was held before Squire C. A. Moyer
and the charge proven against the woman and several of the Shadler relatives.  All paid a one dollar
fine and costs.  Charles Shadler, with whom it is alleged the Mrs. Smith, whose husband was some time
ago was ordered by the Court to contribute to the support of the child, resides, could not be found
though Officer Butz and two State Police searched high and low for him Thursday morning.              
The Call of January 5,1917

DRUNKS AGAIN CAUSE NUISANCE

Inmates from the Almshouse again paid their respects to Spring Garden on New Year's Day.  Although
their actions were not as disgraceful as those on Christmas day, their presence was not acceptable or
pleasing.  It appears friends of the inmates fro other towns give them money and the inmates take the
first opportunity to come to Spring Garden to spend it for booze.  When they are "tanked" they make for
the almshouse.  Many frequently miss connections and for hours roam about the Garden making it
unpleasant for the residents.  Last year about this time, Officer Butz brought the matter to the attention
of the Court.  The Court issued notices to the saloon keepers and to the steward at the institution
regarding the conditions complained of.  For a time the practice was discontinued and there were few
of the inmates that visited this section of the town.  It might be a good thing for Officer Butz to again call
the attention of the Court to the existing condition and especially mention the disgraceful actions on
Christmas Day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of June 21, 1912

BROKE OFF DOGS TEETH - Union Street Resident Cruelly Maltreats Pet Dog  
NEIGHBORS MAY CAUSE HIS ARREST

One of the most cruel and horrible acts ever perpetrated by a resident of this town was that of the
breaking off of the teeth of a little pet dog of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Dorn of Union Street by Mr. Dorn himself.
 The cruel proceeding took place last week following the little dog's jumping up at one of the children of
the Dorn family while at play and it's paw catching in the girl's dress, tore a slit in it.  This so angered Mr.
Dorn that he grasped the dog and taking it outside the house, despite the frantic pleas of his wife and
the sobbing of and pitiful pleading of the children, held the dog firmly by the throat so that its cries
could not be heard and the neighborhood thus alarmed, and with a pincers broke off every one of the
dog's teeth.  One of the neighbors, hearing somewhat of a commotion next door, came out to inquire
the cause and received an answer from Mr. Dorn while he proceeded with the work of breaking the
dog's teeth that he was going "to break off the dog's teeth so that it could not tear any more clothing".  
The dog, despite its undergoing such cruel and uncalled treatment, is said to be romping about the
neighborhood again.  Residents of Union Street are much enraged over Dorn's action and it is quite
probable prosecution will be brought within a day or two.                                                                       
The Call of April 26, 1912

PICKED UP ROLL OF MONEY

Monday morning while several well known gentlemen of town were about to board a south bound P and
R train at the local station, one of them accidentally dropped a roll of bills (money) upon the pavement.  
A bystander noticing this, waited until the train had pulled out, when he slyly picked it up and beat it for
an Orwigsburg car.  Two young men of town noticing the action and hearing him remark, "Well this is a
find", immediately notified Burgess Hartman.  The Burgess phoned to Adamsdale and notified Conductor
banks to keep a close watch on the man, describing him as per description given by the young men.  He
also notified the Orwigsburg police to place under arrest the fellow upon his arrival in Orwigsburg.  This
was done.  Word was telegraphed along the line, inquiring which one of the gentlemen who boarded the
train here, lost money.  When the train reached Reading the loser of the money telegraphed the
necessary information to the Burgess.  The thief being brought to the office of the Burgess, by one of
the Orwigsburg force, turned over the entire amount that had been lost.  Upon his plea and the fact that
the local man did not care to figure in the case, the charges were dropped.  The thief is a traveling man
and makes frequent visits to this section.  All parties interested in the case requested their names not
be mentioned.                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of April 21, 1911

KILLS CELL MATE - Ghastly Murder Committed at County Home - One Insane Patient Beats in
Head of Another Inmate With Wooden Leg of Stand Early Thursday Morning

Early Thursday morning considerable excitement was caused by the rumor being circulated that a
dreadful tragedy had been enacted at the Almshouse just outside of town.  Rumor had it that several of
the insane patients had murdered the insane keeper and several assistants and afterwards made their
escape and were probably about the town.  For a time the wildest excitement prevailed until several
citizens telephoned to the authorities at the Almshouse and learned the true facts.  Although a murder
had been committed, it was not as great a tragedy as rumor had it.
It appears that one of the insane patients, a Mr. Huntzleman, took a disliking to his cell mate, William
Polomis, and in the early part of the evening had a disagreement.  While Polomis lay upon his cot,
Huntzleman, about 2:30 o'clock Thursday morning, wrenched a leg from a stand in the cell and with fatal
blows struck his victim across the head, the large nails by which the leg had been fastened to the
stand, still being in the deadly weapon, penetrated the skull to the brain.  Huntzleman then went into the
hallway, the cell door not being fastened because the inmates of this cell had never been regarded as
violent.  When he reached the heavy steel door which is at the head of the stairs leading to the floor
above, he began beating upon it in an endeavor to break it down.  The keepers responded promptly,
when he turned and attacked them and it was with some difficulty that he was taken back to his cell,
which had now been turned into a murder chamber, and the body of Polomis was then discovered lying
on a blood bespattered cot and his head and face a horrible mass of flesh and blood.  Huntzleman was
promptly manacled and placed in a separate cell where he is under close surveillance, awaiting the
result or finding of the investigation to be directed by the coroner's jury.
Polomis was about twenty two years of age, his home being in Mahanoy City.  Huntzleman was about
forty five years of age.  He had been brought to the County Home three weeks ago from the county
prison, to which place he had been sentenced for being a common nuisance.  He was a former resident
of Fishbach, but for the past few years has been roaming about the country and only returned to his
home recently.  He had the notion that he was the possessor of several valuable inventions which he
desired to put on the market, but could not raise sufficient finances to do so.                                                
The Call of December 30, 1910

ATTEMPTED TO CARVE HIS FAMILY

David Loyd, better known as "Kelly Loyd, residing on Centre Avenue, attempted to carve his son Jere
and then his wife Mrs. D. Loyd with a good sized butcher knife last evening. Jere did not take kindly to
this kind of treatment nor did he care to be carved just yet and a swiftly moving chair caused Kelly to
desist.  He then attempted to carry out his carving stunt on his wife but was prevented from doing any
damage by other members of the family.  Kelly was taken before Squire Moyer on the charge of surety
and threatening the life of members of his family.  He plead guilty and was given time to secure bail for
good behavior and pay the costs or be sent to the "stone mansion" at Pottsville to serve a term, the
length of which will be decided upon by the Court.                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of July 26, 1901

ROBBERS AT WORK

On Tuesday morning about 1:30 o'clock Peter R. Raush, butcher, was disturbed from his slumbers by
noises in the rear yard of his Main Street residence.  Getting out of bed from his window he noticed a
man crouching near the house.  Mr. Raush went in search of his revolver, at the same time arousing his
next door neighbor, H. T. Moser.  While hunting for his weapon, Mr. Raush upset and broke a pair of
vases, which noise the prowler heard, for when Mr. Raush went to the window again the rascal was
seen disappearing over the fence.  Mr. Raush discharged his weapon at the man but the bullet went
amiss.  Robbery was the evident intention of the rascal.
On Tuesday night a party entered the stable of Mrs. C. W. Saylor on Main Street.  The interior including
implements, harness, etc., were greatly disturbed but nothing is known to have been taken.                             
The Call of January 11, 1901

A LOW PIECE OF BUSINESS

On Sunday night a dirty mean act was perpetrated on John Lindermuth, an aged and helpless citizen of
this place, residing in a lonely hut along the Reading Railroad, below Bowen and Reed's Knitting Mill.  
Mr. Lindermuth's worldly possessions are quite limited, but among these were a number of chickens
which he prized very highly and which he had kept in reserve for a "rainy day".  On Monday morning he
discovered his fowls were missing, some unscrupulous miscreant having stolen them during the night.  
Both Mr. Lindermuth and his daughter, with whom he lives, are very hard of hearing and the thieves
could operate without fear of molestation from them.  The theft appears especially contemptible when
the meager circumstances and helpless condition of the victims is considered.    
The Call of December 7, 1900

SPRING GARDEN HOUSE ENTERED BY THIEVES

The Spring Garden House, John Ebling proprietor, was invaded by a daring gang of thieves about four
o'clock on Tuesday morning.  Entrance to the hotel was effected at a parlor window, the shutters of
which were broken by the use of an axe. The burglars after breaking the lock on the bar room door
leading from the parlor helped themselves to a large quantity of liquor and cigars.  Twelve pennies in
the cash drawer were also removed.  An appetite for more substantial food seized them and they
repaired to the kitchen, where they prepared and ate an excellent meal consisting of beefsteak,
sausage, bread, coffee and a few other delicacies.  After they had completed their marauding they left
the house by a rear door, taking with them a pair of boots and an umbrella.  The gang was one of the
most daring that ever operated here, as was shown by the robbery was committed and the utter
disregard of fear of interruption by the inmates of the house, which might have occurred from the noise
that resulted by the breaking of the shutter and door lock. Mr. Ebling's daughters, who sleep directly
above the bar room, thought they heard some noise downstairs about four o'clock and so notified their
father.  No attention was paid to it and the robbery was only discovered when the family arose in the
morning.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of June 21, 1901

LANDED IN JAIL -
Reverend Muldowney's Thrilling Experience With Two Desperate Characters at Saint Ambrose
Parsonage

Great excitement prevailed for a time in town on Monday night, occasioned by a report given out that
an attempt had been made to burglarize the parish residence of Reverend J. P. Muldowney, pastor of
Saint Ambrose Catholic Church.  Shortly after 10:30 o'clock, in answer to a ring of the bell, the
housekeeper at the parsonage opened the front door to be confronted by a desperate looking
character, who wanted to see the pastor, Reverend J. P. Muldowney.  This was refused and he
attempted to enter by force, pushing the lady aside.  She was too quick for him however and slammed
the door in his face.  Father Muldowney, hearing the noise came downstairs armed with a revolver.  
When he opened the door the rascal was standing on the pavement below and gave the pastor much
impudence.  Reverend Muldowney attempted to fire his gun to righten the fellow, but the weapon
would not discharge.  The fellow left emitting the most violent language.
Shortly afterward the bell rang again, and Mr. Muldowney boldly opening the door found another rascal
standing in the shadows of the doorway.  Placing the cold barrel of his revolver against the ruffian's
head, Reverend Muldowney commanded the fellow to leave the premises at once.  He hastily
disappeared.  Mr. Muldowney went over to his neighbors, the Harney family, and related his exciting
experience.  Word was sent around and a posse of men and boys, armed with guns, pistols, clubs, etc.,
was organized and search instituted for the villains.  They shortly returned with two men, one of whom
was recognized as the party that made the second call at the parsonage.  The men were turned over to
Constable Butz, who had been notified of the occurrence, and taken by him before Squire Goas.  They
gave heir names as George Kelly and William Flynn.  They pleaded guilty to the charge of drunkenness
and nuisance and were each sentenced to sixty days in the county jail.  The gang is known to have
consisted of four, having been seen together during the day.  They had imbibed freely and were in a
bad mood.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of November 8, 1901

TWO RUFFIANS AT LARGE
Little Bessie Zuber Has Exciting Experience With Two Desperate Colored Characters

Two strange colored men acted in a very suspicious and threatening manner last Friday evening toward
Bessie, the eleven year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Zuber, residing on Columbia Street.  The
little had gone home after school, after getting the key to her house from her mother, who is employed
at the Thomas Knitting Mill.  Her father was also away from home at the time.  While alone in the house
heavy raps came at the front door and peeping out through the window she saw two fierce looking
colored men on the porch.  She locked the rear door where she had entered and in great fear waited a
long time before they went away.  Some time later while in an outhouse in the rear yard, she heard
subdued tones outside and peeping out saw the same two rascals that had appeared at the door some
time before.  They waited a long time for her to come out but the little girl was too scared to move or
utter a sound.  Finally she heard retiring footsteps and opening the door ran out.  It proved a decoy
move on the part of the men, only one having made a move to go while the other stepped out from
behind the building.  The first fellow also returned and she was between the two.  The ear gate had
been left open and she made a dash and escaped.  As she fled, one of the men threw a piece of iron
after her which struck her on the hand, causing a slight cut, the marks of which she still bears.  After
arriving at the knitting mill she was unable to talk for a long time but finally related her story.  A search
was made for the rascals but they had decamped.  The little girl is troubled with a weak heart and the
parents were extremely fearful that the terrible ordeal she underwent would be attended with serious
results.  The fiendish designs of the black rascals can only be imagined.  The men had been seen
around town for several days prior to the occurrence but have not been heard of since.   
The Call of July 31, 1903

BOLD DAYLIGHT ROBBERY

A bold daylight robbery occurred the other afternoon at the home of Howard Bowen on Liberty Street.  
Mr. Bowen, who recently married Miss Ida Heim, had left in the care of his wife a sum of money with
which he intended paying some of their house furnishing bills that evening.  While Mrs. Heim was out in
the yard attending to some of her duties the thief got in, secured the cash from a bureau drawer and
made good his escape.  It is believed that the thief is the same one that twice robbed Barr’s Poolroom,
the residence of E. H. Baker and attempted to burglarize the home of Chief Burgess Paule.  Officers,
who are working on the case, have a good clue and expect to soon bring the guilty party or parties to
justice.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of January 13, 1905

BURGLARS IN TOWN

A daring attempt at burglary was made on Monday night when unknown parties smashed in the glass in
the front door of Palsgrove’s Cigar Factory and affected an entrance to the establishment.  It is
supposed the glass was smashed while a coal train was passing, thus drowning the noise.  There were
indications that the thieves had started to ransack the place but had evidently been scared away before
they had had time to secure any booty as nothing was missing.  The Palsgroves were called out of their
beds at two o’clock in the morning with the information that the store had been broken into.
The Call of December 28, 1923

LIGHTS STOLEN FROM CHRISTMAS TREE

The height of vandalism was reached early Friday morning of this week in Schuylkill Haven when four
young men dressed in light covered overcoats deliberately stole several dozen of the colored globes
from the community Christmas tree on the square.  Persons in the vicinity of the tree who saw them in
the act and called to them to desist were insulted and no attention paid to them.  They continued to climb
up and down the tree and unscrewed the globes from the sockets and made away with them.  This is one
of the most dastardly tricks performed in this community for some time and everyone who has heard of
the story is hoping that at least some organization or individual will make an effort to apprehend the
guilty persons, prosecute to the fullest extent of the law and then publish the trick with the names of the
offenders included therein.                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of December 14, 1923

CUSTARDS AND BRICK THROWN IN RUMPUS

Sunday morning about four o’clock several young men from town, whose names were not learned by The
Call, got into an argument at the Marathon Quick Lunch on West Main Street.  For a time custards and
pies were thrown and dishes and various other articles were wantonly destroyed.  Upon being chased
from the premises, bricks were picked up and thrown through the plate glass window and the door.  
Considerable excitement prevailed and the entire neighborhood was aroused by the nuisance.  It is said
arrests are to follow on several different charges and the bill of expense may be pretty high.  The case
was settled by the participants paying for all damage to the property .                                                                        
The Call of December 16, 1893

ANOTHER ROBBERY

Jonathan Butz's business establishment in Spring Garden did not escape the recent depredations of
robbers.  Thursday night a week ago they began the work of robbing his store.  Mr. Butz was apprised of
their visit through an electric alarm which communicates between his house and the store.  He arose
and equipped himself to protect his property and started for his store.  Presenting arms he cautiously
moved on.  The robbers heard his approach and made good their escape.  Bang went Mr. Butz's gun and
the shots no doubt whistled about the ears of the flying thieves.  They returned the fire but without
effect.  They left their booty behind, dropping some of it as they ran.  Mr. Butz no doubt values his alarm
very highly.                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of August 13, 1892

FRIENDSHIP IS FICKLE

On a farm on the outskirts of town, a dusky damsel of about eighteen summers was until very recently
employed as a domestic.  Either by fate or fortune this dark maiden met a young teamster of Spring
Garden, who fell desperately in love with her, and last week they fled to that great place known as
Reading.  Here their supply of money gave out, so they returned to this place on Sunday, she on a
passenger train and he on a coal train.  This stealer of hearts sat at the P and R depot during the
evening and kept up an awful flirtation with our young chaps and several married men too.  Soon a large
number were attracted by her charms and she was shown about town in great style.  She made many
friends among the male sex until Tuesday when Constable Pierce Miller deemed it his duty to arrest her
as a common nuisance.  This guardian of the public welfare took her before Squire Helms, before whom
the case was heard.  A number of the young lady’s “friends” crowded about the office to see the sport.  
She promptly pointed them out and now they will serve as witnesses.  The offender was taken to
jail.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of September 28, 1900

BAD ENDING TO A GOOD TIME

Martini Romoscha appeared before Squire C. H. Goas of this place, on Monday evening and preferred
charges of assault and battery against Steve Shaddock.  Both are Slavonians and are residents of the
settlement at the Storage Yard.  It appears that on Saturday Shaddock invited Romoscha to take a trip
with him to Pottsville for the purpose of having a good time, Shaddock agreeing to bear all the
expenses.  The end of the trip saw both in an intoxicated condition.  Upon their arrival at their barracks
Shaddock demanded money from Romoscha for part payment of the night's expenses, which were
larger than Shaddock had reckoned they would be.  Romoscha refused and Shaddock promptly
proceeded to balance the account by giving his friend a thumping, which Romoscha claims occurred.  
There were no witnesses to the fray and the case had to be compromised, both parties agreeing to pay
their share of the costs.  Romoscha had been in this neighborhood for sixteen years but on Monday left
for parts unknown.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of October 19, 1900

IN THE TOLLS

Patrick Foley, residing in the Irish Flats, got himself into serious trouble by perpetrating a foolish act on
Special Officer James Rooney of the West Ward.  Last Saturday shortly before noon, Mr. Rooney was
returning home after his usual trip with his huckster team and while passing a crowd of young men on
the bridge crossing the branch of the Schuylkill in the western part of town, a gun in the hands of young
Foley was discharged.  After disposing of his team, Officer Rooney went back and remonstrated with the
young men and as a result was upset by Foley.  Mr. Rooney immediately had a warrant sworn out against
his assailant.  The case was heard before Squire C. H. Goas on Tuesday morning and Foley was placed
under $200 bail to appear at court.                                                                                                                
The Call of December 21, 1900

YOUNG AUBURN MEN ARRESTED HERE

J. R. Wildermuth and William H. Staller, two young men of Auburn, were arrested here on Tuesday
evening by Coal and Iron Policeman D. L. Jenkins, of Pottsville, on a charge of having damaged some P
and R Railroad property.  The accused young men had come to this place on that evening on the train
which arrives here at 5:26 o'clock.  After alighting here, the conductor who had experienced
considerable trouble in collecting the young men's fares, discovered that a long piece of plush, about
eighteen inches square, had been cut out of one of the car seats and the young men, who were under
the influence of liquor and were the only occupants of the car were suspected of having committed the
mischief.  The authorities were notified and the arrests followed.  They are held under $300 bail to
appear at the January term of court.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
LAST UPDATED: MARCH 7
The Call of December 29, 1905

STABBING AFFRAY

As a result of a stabbing affray at Hotel Central on Christmas Day, William Ney of town is in jail awaiting
results of his victim's injuries, and Harry Gilbert of Cressona is hovering between life and death with
three physicians watching an ugly cut in the calf of his right leg made by Ney's knife.  The facts as nearly
as can be ascertained are that Ney and some friends entered the hotel and asked for drinks.  They were
refused.  Proprietor Walleisa telling them they already had enough.  Ney entered into a wordy war with
the proprietor and the bystanders sided with the landlord and finally threw Ney out, Gilbert being
among those who aided to eject him.  Ney smashed a window and got in again and Gilbert tried to eject
him when Ney drew the knife and made two vicious lunges at Gilbert, the second inflicting a deep
wound in the calf of the leg.
Gilbert immediately hobbled over to Dr. Moore's office but Dr. Moore was not in and the injured man
started for Dr. Lenker's office but was so week from loss of blood that he fell upon the porch of Charles
Keller's store whence he was removed to a bed at Hotel Central and Drs. Heim and Lessig were
summoned.  Later, Dr. G. O. O. Santee of Cressona was sent over by the relatives of Gilbert.  In the
meantime Ney rushed to the hotel porch, flourishing the bloody knife and defying arrest.  Constable
warren Brown, by a little strategy, succeeded in disarming Ney and placing the bracelets upon him.  
Constable Brown took Ney before Squire Moyer who sent him to jail.  Gilbert is very weak from loss of
blood but he shows encouraging signs of improvement and the physicians hope to pull him through.              
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
The Call of July 12, 1907

FIRED SKY ROCKETS

F. B. Aldrich, general manager of the Schuylkill Haven Gas and Water Company and C. H. Kline, cashier
at the Union Safe Deposit Bank of Pottsville, two of our most prominent citizens were arrested on
Fourth of July night by Chief Burgess Baker for shooting off sky rockets.  At the meeting of council
Monday night of last week a resolution was passed directing that notices be printed, distributed and
posted to the effect that, "Under the provisions of the Ordinance of 1869, all persons are hereby
warned that the firing of sky rockets or such fireworks as explode in the air and thereby endanger
property from fire, is prohibited.  Parties violating the law will be prosecuted."  The arrests were made
under this resolution and Messrs. Aldrich and Kline were given a hearing before Squire Moyer, who
imposed a fine of four dollars each.  It is understood that Messrs. Aldrich and Kline will appeal the case
to court, having respectively engaged attorneys George M. Roads and C. E. Berger to represent them.  
The fireworks display was given in accordance with an advertised announcement made at last year's
picnic of Saint Matthew's Lutheran Sunday school.                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of July 11, 1913

CHICKEN THIEVES ABOUT TOWN

Chicken thieves are busy about town.  Within the last week two places in particular have come to our
notice where the thieves made off with a number of fowls, namely Samuel Schoener of Saint John
Street and Adam Neuin of Canal Street.  Owners of chickens learning of the above thefts have laid in
stock of bullets, salt, lead and powder.  Muskets, guns, rifles and revolvers have been cleaned and
oiled.  One owner of chickens is said to have gotten into a condition a small sized cannon in order to be
prepared for these chicken thieves.  It is altogether probable the parties discovered in the act of
approaching someone else's chickens for their own use in this manner will receive a rather exciting
welcome.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of August 8, 1913

LUNATIC AT LARGE HERE

Tuesday, a fellow giving his name as Charles Tallman, was arrested by Warren Brown, acting Chief
Burgess in the absence of W. Hartman, for being a nuisance, disorderly conduct and being drunk.  He
was placed in the borough pen and at the time was thought he had the D. T.s.  Later in the day,
however, it developed that he was of unsound mind.  He was questioned and gave out information that
led the authorities to believe he had escaped from an insane asylum.  An investigation followed and it
was found that the day before he had been released from the Danville asylum as a cured patient.  He
was taken to the county insane asylum.  All day Monday the fellow was about town selling lead pencils
and giving varied stories of his experiences and a sorrowful tale of woe.  From his ravings while
confined in the borough lockup, it is believed money troubles caused his downfall.                                                                
The Call of August 29, 1913

BRUTALLY ASSAULTED

A dastardly act of assault and battery and the first one in which P and R car shop strikers have been
connected with, was that occurring Monday evening.  William H. Mengle, a well known young man of our
town, while walking along Dock Street at the Christ Lutheran parsonage, was set upon and badly beaten
up by John Sutter, Arthur Sterner and Edward Luckens, all of town and all strikers. It appears words
were exchanged between the parties as to Mengle "scabbing" it.  Mengle told his taunters what they
could do.  One word led to another with the result that Mengle was badly pummeled and left lying on
the pavement unable to summon assistance.  Edward Wessner, who happened along, was attracted to
the scene by the moaning of Mengle.  Wessner rendered all assistance possible.  His wounds were
dressed and Mengle continued on his way.  Charges of assault and battery were brought before Squire
Moyer.  The hearing was held Tuesday evening.  Sutter, Sterner and
Luckens have been held for their appearance at the coming term of Criminal Court when the case will
be tried unless the plaintiff agrees to settle the matter out of court.                                                                                                        
The Call of September 5, 1913

ARRESTED FOR CARRYING A REVOLVER

Charles Cemin, a foreigner residing in the West Ward and for the past fifteen years has been a resident
of this town, was arrested Friday evening for carrying concealed weapons upon oath of Charles Mengle.
The story of the affair was given to the Call man as follows:
Cemin quit work at the P and R car shops some time ago with the strikers but later returned to work.  
Friday evening when he was in town he was taunted by several of the strikers but said nothing.  He left
Café Mellon but forgot his kettle and several packages.  He returned for them but when he reached the
railroad bridge quite a crowd of strikers were gathered and began to stone him.  He returned to his
home and procured a revolver.  This fact was learned and the arrest was made.  A peculiar feature of
the affair is that the suit was brought before Squire Collins of Palo Alto.  He was charged with surety
carrying concealed weapons.  Collins on the surety charge fined him $8.00.  On the other charge the
case was held up but it was intimated it would be returned to court.  Investigation proves that the case
has not been returned to court.  It has also been learned that P and R Officer Duffy is working on the
case in the interests of his company, a new phase of the case will no doubt be developed within
several days.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of March 18, 1904

SOAKED FOR THE COSTS

On the night of February 27, one Harry Wheeler, a discharged P and R employee from Cressona, was
attacked at the corner of Main and Dock Streets by John Heidenwag, who is a son of Mrs. E. J. Coho of
Cressona and who claimed that Wheeler had been boarding at his mother's house and was about to
jump his board bill.  Quite a disturbance was raised on the street until Wheeler agreed to go down to
Squire Goas' office.  There Heidenwag entered suit against Wheeler for skipping his board bill and
Wheeler paid the amount and the costs, the total being nearly $27.00.  Wheeler then brought suit
against Heidenwag and his brother Daniel for assault and battery and they entered bail for court and
later brought a cross suit against Wheeler for assault and battery and had him locked up.  At the trial of
the cases last week the jury in the first suit, acquitted Daniel Heidenwag but convicted John and he was
fined $10 and the costs.  The cross suit was tried by the same jury which acquitted Wheeler and put the
costs of the prosecutor.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of March 31, 1911

A DASTARDLY ACT

Officer Butz, Special Officer for the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is working upon a most
dastardly act committed last Saturday in the vicinity of the Walkin Shoe Factory, when a knife was
thrown at a passing dog.  The knife struck the dog on the side and stuck there while the animal went
yelping about.  A passerby pulled the knife from its side and reported the act to the authorities.  The
guilty party or parties will be prosecuted in the course of several days, sufficient evidence having been
secured to determine who the party was.                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of March 31, 1911

GIVEN A HEARING

A number of young boys, their ages ranging from seven to ten years, from Smoketown, were given a
hearing before Burgess Hartman the other evening, charged with destruction of borough property.  It
appears the boys took it upon themselves to smash up furniture etc., contained in the old pest house;
this they did and had a merry time doing it.  The municipal authorities got wise and Officer Butz was put
on their track, with the result as above.  On account of their age and promise to be good in the future,
their names are withheld from publication.  The bunch was given a lecture by the Burgess and a fine of
five dollars imposed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of June 2, 1911

FORGED CHECKS – Local Dealers Given Bad Paper For Goods Checks Given by
Daniel Kroecker on Trust Co. at Pottsville in Payment of  Articles Prove Worthless

Daniel Kroecker, alias Henderson , was given a hearing before Squire C. A. Moyer last evening,
charged with forgery and false pretense to obtain money and goods.  The charges were brought by W.
J. Downs and E. G. Underwood of town and J. N. Hodgson of Pottsville .  It appears that Kroecker
purchased a number of articles at each of the stores owned by the above prosecutors in the case and
when the time came for payment, upon pulling out his pocket book, he had insufficient change to pay
for the article.  To each of the three businessmen he gave a check on the Schuylkill Trust Company of
Pottsville , drawn in favor of John B. Moyer, whom he stated was a contractor of Pottsville , endorsed
by himself, George B. Henderson.  The discovery was made when the checks were returned to Mr.
Downs and Mr. Underwood by the Trust Company marked no funds.  Investigation proved the checks
were a complete forgery and Officer Butz was at once put on the case.
Among the articles purchased of Druggist Downs was a syringe, which was found at the home of
Kroecker who resides on Centre Avenue .  He admitted when questioned by Officer Butz, that he had
purchased the article of Downs and had given him a check for the same.  There was sufficient evidence
and the charge was at once lodged against him.  At the hearing he denied the accusations and could
not explain how he came in possession of the articles.  Mr. Downs swore it was the man who gave him
the check and that it was he who purchased the syringe.  On this evidence he was committed.  Mr.
Underwood was not sure it was the man who purchased articles and gave him a similar check at the
store of Doutrich and Company.  All transactions were made Monday of this week.  In each case the
merchant, after deducting the amount of the purchases, handed over good solid coin.  A similar charge
will be lodged against Kroecker at Pottsville by Mr. Hodgson.  Kroecker was arrested several months
ago for nonpayment of a board bill by George Dietrich of town.  Kroecker’s wife is seriously ill and the
shock of her husband’s deeds is feared may result seriously.  The charges will be brought before the
Grand Jury of the Criminal Court, which convenes June 19th, and if a true bill is found will probably be
tried at this term.  The sentence for each forgery is one to five years.                                                                                               
The Call of July 21, 1911

BEFORE SQUIRE MOYER

An interesting and amusing case was heard before Squire Moyer the other evening and proved the fact
of how quickly children by their tactics can get their parents and neighbors into a general mix up which
sometimes causes continued hatred and ill feeling.  It appears that a young daughter of Benjamin
Luckenbill of Dock Street , got into an altercation with Master Miles Ney.  Miles must have gotten the
worst end of the verbal argument and commenced pelting peanuts at the girl.  The girl goes home and
gives a somewhat different story of the proceedings, stating that stones instead of peanuts were used
by the youngster.  Quite a difference of weapons!  Mr. Luckenbill seeks young Ney and gives him a
shaking up.  He is interfered with by his mother in law, who mixes it with Luckenbill.  The result is that a
charge of assault and battery is brought and the entire affair is aired before the Squire, a fine paid by
one of the participants and all concerned leave for their homes much the wiser for the occurrence.
The Call of October 13, 1911

RUNAWAY LADS CAUGHT HERE

Monday evening Burgess Hartman was notified by employees at the electric light plant that two
comparatively well dressed strange lads were noticed sleeping in the boiler room of the local plant.  
Officer Butz was put on the job and brought them to the office of the Burgess, where after careful
questioning by that official, it was learned they hailed from Allentown and were apparently runaways.  
Mr. Hartman at once got into telephone communication with the Police Department of Allentown and
was informed the lads had run away and that he should detain them until the Chief of Police arrived.  
They were placed in the borough pen over night.
Tuesday afternoon, C. D. Rhodes, Chief of Police of Allentown, arrived in an automobile and took the
lads home.  Their names were John Elliott aged about nineteen and William Caine aged fourteen.  The
formers parents are living but the latter boy’s father is dead, he being one of three children.  They left
Allentown Sunday, beat it to Wilkes Barre on a freight train, from there to Mauch Chunk, to Tamaqua and
Pottsville via trolley.  Their conversation proved them to be a bad pair.  They appeared to enjoy the
notoriety they were given and would receive through the newspapers and did not seem a bit disturbed
when they were informed they would either be sent to the House of Refuge or given thirty days in the
Allentown prison.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of April 19, 1912

COMMITTED TO JAIL

Herman Huling, of Berne Street , was on Tuesday afternoon committed to jail for hearing at the next
term of court, for carrying concealed deadly weapons and pointing a revolver.  The charge was
preferred before squire C. A. Moyer by James Phillips of Berne Street , it being alleged that Huling
pointed a revolver at his wife, Mrs. Phillips and made other threats during a family squabble Tuesday
afternoon.  Previous to the above charges being made, a charge of making a disturbance was filed
against Huling by two State Troopers, who on account of both the Chief Burgess and the Chief of Police
being out of town, were summoned to quell a disturbance in which he was supposed to be the central
figure.  Huling paid his fine and costs without protest and later the other charge was dropped.                         
The Call of June 28, 1912

STOLE AUTOMOBILE

Warren Tucker, of New York City , a gentleman of leisure, who for the past several weeks was a guest at
the Meck homestead on Prospect Hill, between the hours of one and three entered the garage at the
Meck and Keever Planing Mill and stole the automobile owned by Mr. Thomas Meck’s daughter, Mrs.
Hunt of Philadelphia.  The police in the towns round about have been notified and it is expected Tucker
will be caught before night fall.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of September 27, 1912

COMMITTED TO JAIL

John Freehafer, of the corner of Main and Dock Streets, was committed to jail Saturday afternoon upon
the charge of threatening to kill his family.  The hearing was held before Squire C. A. Moyer, when it was
brought out that Freehafer had on a number of occasions tried to do up his wife and children and the
wife lived in fear of her life for the past several months. The last attack upon his wife was made several
days ago when he got out of bed during the night, armed himself with a razor and attempted to carve up
his family.  His son tussled with him and took the razor from him.  The evidence presented also showed
that he attempted in a number of ways to work ruin upon his family.  Several times he flourished a
revolver, once he was caught pouring oil on the stove at night, another time he threw a lighted lamp at
his wife.  Repeatedly he would curse his wife and family until he actually had to stop for breath.  At the
squire’s office, Freehafer gave a rambling version of his side of the case and continued until he could
not speak anymore.  It is believed Freehafer is suffering with a temporary siege of insanity.  He was
committed to the stone mansion to await court trial.                                                                                                                                                                        4/15
The Call of December 6, 1912

ESCORTED BOYS TO PARENTS

This week Burgess Hartman and Officer Butz escorted a number of boys who were caught in the act of
pulling off mischievous stunts about town, to their parents.  The parents were informed of what they
had done and were also told that the next time they were caught creating a similar disturbance they
would be arrested and fined.  Most of the parents were grateful for the interest shown and as an
impressive lesson gave the boys a good warming.  Within the past week there have been practically
two gangs of boys operating in the town.  One gang is composed of boys between the ages of 18 and 21
and the other gang from 12 to 14.  They have been guilty of ringing door bells, removing signs,
spanning ropes and wires and doing all sorts of Halloween pranks and tricks to the discomfort of
citizens and to the damage of property.  Recently a stone about the size of a good sized potato was
hurled through the office window of James Schucker missing the head of an occupant of the office by
the narrowest margin.  Burgess Hartman and Officer Butz are determined and will use drastic steps to
stop this kind of nuisance.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       4/15
The Call of February 6, 1914

LANDED AT LAST

After being on his trail for several weeks, Officer John Butz finally landed William Wenrich of Jefferson
near Auburn and placed him behind the bars in the county prison.  Wenrich has been guilty of putting
all kinds of tricks across on the people of this vicinity, short change, collecting money for goods that he
never delivered, horse stealing, entering into contracts that he never intended to fulfill and swindling
in almost every shape and form.  
Some time ago baker George Ehly was duped for five dollars by Wenrich on the plea that he was the
son of Frank Reber and had left for market without his change and asked that Mr. Ehly loan him change
in order to do business.  A phone message was also sent to Mr. Ehly concerning the matter, presumably
by Wenrich.
At Hotel Grand he met a local painter.  He represented himself as a prosperous farmer, inquired the
rates for painting, etc., and made a contract with the local painter, Morris Kline, to have his house
painted.  He then asked for a loan of several dollars because he was short and on the strength of the
contract the request was granted.  That was the last of Wenrich.  Many other tricks pulled on local
residents could be given.  Wenrich was given a hearing before squire W. C. Kline and was held under
$500 bail and on default of the same was placed in the county pen to await trial at the next session of
criminal court.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
The Call of March 20, 1914

JURY CENSURES SALOON MEN

Charles Wiederhold, aged fifty three years of Reading, died in the lobby of Hotel Grand Saturday night
about nine o'clock.  Wiederhold was taken from the trolley in an intoxicated condition.  While being
taken from the car it was noticed that he appeared to be almost lifeless. Physicians were summoned but
found upon their arrival that the man was dead.  He was taken to the undertaking establishment of D. M.
Wagner and afterwards to the home of relatives in Pottsville.  Wiederhold had been in Pottsville
Saturday evening visiting relatives and was on his was on his way to visit relatives in Schuylkill Haven.  
Deceased was born and raised in Pottsville, but for the past fourteen years he was a resident of
Reading.  He was a cooper in his younger days but recently acted as a solicitor for the Philadelphia
Record.  The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from the home of John Coller, a brother in law of
town.  Services were conducted by reverend Leinbach of the First Reformed Church.  The bearers were
George, Albert and William Wiederhold, brothers, Ralph and Elmer Wiederhold and Harry Coller,
nephews.  Interment was made in the Union Cemetery.  
Coroner Moore conducted an inquest into the death of Mr. Wiederhold Monday evening.  The jury
found that death was due to alcoholism.  The jury in its verdict censured saloon keepers for furnishing
liquor to habitual drunkards.  The jury was composed of Morris Saylor, Jere Huling, Charles Shappell,
Frank Heim, Joseph Mulholland and F. W. Schwartz.                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                 
The Call of July 31, 1914

ARRESTED GERMAN BEGGAR

Officer Butz on Sunday arrested a German beggar who was making the rounds of the homes in Spring
Garden.  When refused alms he became angry and threatened to strike the women who answered his
knock.  At several homes he used very abusive language.  Officer Butz was notified and placed him
under arrest.  He was confined in the borough pen over Sunday and on Monday taken to the stone
bastille in Pottsville.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
The Call of July 31, 1914

ARRESTED FOR COMMON NUISANCE

The fore part of the week, two families residing near the Lehigh Railroad arch, neighbors in fact,
decided to air one anothers shortcomings for the benefit of the entire neighborhood.  In doing so they
became real boisterous and for a time threatened to do one another up.  Neighbors fearing they had
better hush up the affair before someone got hurt called upon Officer Butz.  He arrested both parties
and brought a charge of common nuisance against them.  The hearing was held before Squire W. C.
Kline.  They were compelled to pay the borough fine and costs of the suit.                                                                                        
The Call of July 24, 1914

CAPTURE OF THIEF CAUSES EXCITEMENT

Considerable excitement was caused Saturday evening about 11:30 o'clock in the business section of
the town.  The primary cause was the bringing to the town of one named Oscar Grant who in the early
part of the evening swiped $280 from his employer at Hillside near Pottsville.  Grant was in the employ
of Harry Reed, a dairyman at Hillside and well known here, for about five weeks.  Saturday evening,
Reed went to Pottsville about seven o'clock.  On his return he detected the absence of Grant, but most
important the absence of a roll of bills, $280 in all which had been placed in a drawer upstairs.  Grant
was suspected and the authorities notified and a description of Grant given.
Grant came to Schuylkill Haven and was "sporting" on his wad.  He made several purchases at the
clothing store of E. G. Underwood among them being a straw hat.  David Bittle sold him the goods and
when Dave saw the wad of bills, began questioning him.  Grant stated he had to get to Philadelphia that
night but when told there were no trains he stated he would engage an automobile.  He was sent to
Frank Kipp.  The price asked by Mr. Kipp for autoing to Philadelphia was most too high for Grant and he
decided to go to Orwigsburg instead and they accordingly set off for that town.  
About half an hour after leaving town Bittle got talking to Officer Butz who had been notified to be on
the lookout for Grant.  The description tallied with Bittle's customer in the early part of the evening.  
Grant's employer soon arrived in town and identified the straw hat left at Underwoods as that of Grant.  
It was but a short time until Officer Butz had the State Police on his trail.  They autoed to Orwigsburg
and arrested Grant at the Arcadian Hotel.  When Grant was brought back to town fully two hundred
people were in waiting for him.  After maneuvering around the town with Grant for about fifteen minutes
he was finally taken to Pottsville and placed in the station house.  He was given a hearing before
Alderman Freiler Sunday morning.  He pleaded guilty and was committed to jail to await a hearing at the
September term of court.  Of the $280 stolen about $248 was recovered.                                                                                                
The Call of August 21, 1914

FOREIGNER WANTS TO DO CARVING ACT

John Fineralli, a foreigner, was prepared and attempted to do a carving stunt on another young man,
Harry Seitz by name, Tuesday morning.  Seitz however made his escape after he saw the size of the
knife Fineralli drew from his pocket.  It was a regular butcher or bread knife, measuring about thirteen
inches in length.  The blade was eight and a half inches long.  Both parties to the affair had been
scraping on previous occasions.  This time it is believed the foreigner was prepared to make his work
count, although he declared to the district attorney, he was given the knife to take along to his work at
the rolling mill to have it sharpened.  Fineralli was arrested by Offier Butz.  Squire Moyer sent him to jail
to await hearing at criminal court.  His friends secured $500 bail and he was released until the hearing.  
Fineralli brought suit against Seitz for assault and battery but settled the case upon the payment of the
costs by Seitz and one days wages to Fineralli.                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of September 18, 1914

STRUCK ON HEAD WITH BASEBALL BAT

In an argument over family affairs between Mrs. Will Reber and Mrs. Gordon Reed of Dock Street, Mrs.
Reber emphasized her point of view with a baseball bat over the head of Mrs. Reed.  The blow
rendered Mrs. Reed unconscious for a time.  A deep scalp wound was inflicted.  Dr. L. D. Heim is the
attending physician.  Suit was brought against Mrs. Reber by Mrs. Reed for assault and battery. The
hearing was held before Squire Kline Thursday morning.  Mrs. Reber pleaded guilty to the charge.  She
was held under $500 bail, the same not being forthcoming, she was committed to jail.  It is expected bail
will be furnished very shortly when she will be released.  The case unless settled will be on the next
docket at the next term of the criminal court.                                                                                                                                                                                          
The Call of July 2, 1915

BURGLARS IN TOWN

Sunday evening or early Monday morning burglars forced an entrance to the barber shop of Adam Barr
on Dock Street and made away with articles of value.  Entrance was forced to the shop at the rear, the
robbers working in the yard of Christ Reichert to do so.  A large quantity of tobacco, cigars and
cigarettes were taken.  Practically the entire stock of tobacco excepting one particular brand was
stolen.  That the robbers were hard up and intent on obtaining as much loot as possible is evident from
the fact that a wooden table containing a drawer, which was locked, and which could not be broken
open, was carried several squares from the shop.  Here it was forced open and the contents, shaving
checks and a number of miscellaneous articles, strewn about the street.  This is the second time this
particular barber shop was visited by robbers.  On May 31st an attempt was made to gain an entrance to
the shop but the robbers must have been scared away. Practically no clue on either occasion was
obtained but there are several parties under suspicion by the owner of the barber shop and Officer
Butz.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of October 1, 1915

STOLE CHICKENS IN DAYLIGHT

Monday several bold thieves swiped four fine Plymouth Rock chickens from the yard of Lewis Weast on
Centre Avenue.  As soon as the loss was discovered the neighbors were made aware of the fact.  One
neighbor stated she noticed several tramps roasting chickens in the woods nearby.  Local police were
notified but hesitated in giving chase or investigating on account of not having jurisdiction outside of
the borough limits.  The state police were notified but in the meantime the thieves got wind of
something doing and made good their escape.  Residents of this section of the town report frequent
raids being made on their hen coops without anyone being brought to justice for the depredations.   
The Call of February 11, 1916

ROBBERS SCARED AWAY

An attempted robbery of the George McCormick home on Haven Street was averted early Thursday
morning by the continued barking of a dog.  One of the members of the family was awakened by the
carrying on of the dog and becoming suspicious the other members of the family were awakened.  
Noticing a reflection of either a torch or lantern, Mr. McCormick opened the window and in doing so
scared the night prowlers away.  Mr. McCormick keeps a number of tools under the porch and it is
believed the prowlers were either going to steal the tools or use them to force an entrance into the
home.  A number of suspicious looking characters and tramps have been prowling about town for the
past week or more.  The enforcement of the borough ordinance on this subject would rid the town and
cause it to be free for some time of these characters.                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of July 14, 1916

HOME ROBBED IN DAYLIGHT

Tuesday afternoon during the absence of Mrs. Samuel Trout on Liberty Street, some unknown person
or persons entered the house and succeeded in getting away with nearly $10 in money, several shirts
and some wearing apparel.  Entrance was effected by forcing a window.  Mrs. Trout had just finished
washing and ironing for her sister who resides on Canal Street and had taken the clothing home.  She
claims she was gone less then a half hour and upon her return discovered the loss.  A search was
made and the pocketbook minus the contents found in a nearby alley.  There is no clue to the identity of
the guilty one.  This is the second time that the house has been robbed, the first time being on or about
June 17th, when preserves, coal and eatables were taken.                                                                                                                                                
The Call of August 11, 1916

AN ATTEMPT TO ENTER HOME

An unsuccessful attempt was made late Monday night to force an entrance into the home of Ray Becker
on Margaretta Street.  Mrs. Becker heard the robbers at work on a rear window and her screams of
murder and help not only aroused the entire neighborhood but scared the intruders away.  An
investigation was made and the cellar window was found open.  It is believed that the robbers entered
the cellar and tried to gain entrance but found the cellar door leading to the house locked.  They then
retraced their steps and attempted to force a window.  The cries of Mrs. Becker brought Mr. Roy Eiler to
the scene but no trace of the parties could be found.  Mr. Eiler believes it is the same person or
persons who several weeks ago stole a quantity of groceries from his premises.  It was also reported
that an attempt to enter the Reichert home on Haven Street had been made.                                                                                
The Call of August 25, 1916

WERE CRUEL TO CHILDREN

Constable John Butz brought suit against Mary Wentzel and Harry Kramer of upper Main Street, on
Monday last, charging them with cruelty to children.  The hearing was held before Squire C. A. Moyer.  
For sometime past a representative of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, of
Philadelphia, has been carefully watching the couple.  The woman is the mother of the children while
Kramer is the star boarder.  At the hearing it was alleged that the couple keep the children out of the
house until midnight and that intoxicating drink was brought into the house on a Sunday when other
men would congregate and carouse.  Following the hearing, Kramer was committed to the county
prison while the woman was allowed to go on her own recognizance to appear at the September term
of criminal court.  It is understood that some startling testimony will be presented at court.                            
The Call of September 22, 1916

LOCAL GIRL LURED TO READING

Lured, it is alleged from her home in Schuylkill Haven, on  a promise from the man she loved would
marry her immediately, a local fourteen year old girl was found by the Reading police in a lodging house
in Reading.  The young man in the case is employed as a bellhop in one of the Reading hotels and as a
result of the discovery of the girl, may be arrested on a serious charge, namely, enticing minors from
home for immoral purposes.  The girl in question stated that she was induced to come to Reading with
the understanding that the man, who is considerably older than herself, would take her to Elkton,
Maryland and there marry her.  After the wedding it was understood that the couple were to go to
Detroit, where the groom had prospects of employment in an automobile factory.  The girl stated that
the love tales poured into her ears were believed and willingly she consented to do as the man
consented.
She landed in reading with very little money and before many hours had passed, found herself obliged
to live in a room in a Cherry Street house with the bellhop.  The girl according to information received
by The Call from Reading, was well dressed and looks considerably older than fourteen years of age.  
Detective H. S. Davies of Pottsville, was put on the case and succeeded in locating the girl, bringing
her back to Schuylkill Haven on Wednesday.  Detective Davies informed The Call that the girl had run
away about two weeks ago and that he had brought her back.  This is her second escapade.  He refused
to give her name, claiming that efforts will be made to reform her.  From another source it was
ascertained that the girl's parents reside in Spring Garden.                                                                                                                                        
The Call of September 22, 1916

GYPSIES STEAL FROM LOCAL MERCHANT

A band of gypsies that passed through Schuylkill Haven late last Friday afternoon, stopped just long
enough at the store of George Butz, to steal a celery dish and one or two other small articles.
Constable John Butz first arrested the leaders of the gang on a warrant issued by Squire Kline, in which
a party by the name of Deibert, of Orwigsburg, accused them of stealing ten dollars.  The band were
caught near Seven Stars and not only came across with the ten dollars but five dollars additional for
costs.  When they reached Pottsville they were again arrested by Constable Butz on the charge of
stealing the dishes.  They settled by paying three dollars.  State Health Inspector J. B. Rogers of
Pottsville, ordered them to continue and not stop again in this locality.  Constable Butz examined one of
the wagons and found sixteen chickens, four dogs, five children and two men.                                                                
The Call of October 6, 1916

STITZER CAFE ROBBED

The cafe of William Stitzer on lower Main Street was entered by robbers and a quantity of cigars and
whiskey, valued at nearly one hundred dollars taken.  The robbers entered the back yard and found
their way to the rear door.  Here by means of a glass cutter and a knife they removed a piece of glass
from the pane and reaching in through the hole, unlocked the door.  They worked undisturbed,
although people were asleep directly above them.  After procuring their loot they found their way to
Spring Garden and to the ice house of Rudy Moyer along the trolley road, where the loot was buried.  It
was discovered here by the owner of the ice house and returned to the owner.  Constable Butz spent
several nights and days watching for the robbers to return for their loot but they failed to put in an
appearance.  The work is supposed to be that of tramps.                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of October 20, 1916

MISCREANTS BREAK INTO CANDY FACTORY

Several boys broke into the candy factory of Maberry and Gaston on Margaretta Street Wednesday
evening, and after ransacking the entire place, left with what they thought was a prize package of
candy.  Several pounds of the goods were taken along but when they came to share it and eat it, they
found it was candy that had been made in this mill about five years ago.  The proprietors of the mill had
been summoned to the scene and arrived fifteen minutes after the miscreants left.  The door was
broken and  forced and is useless.  Another door other than the one used for entrance was forced and
broken open in order to make their exit.  The identity of the boys was learned and their names are not
published by request of the parents.  Needless to say the parents gave the boys a good lecture and
possibly something in addition to remember the occurrence by.                                                                                                                             
The Call of November 24, 1916

HELD FOR COURT FOR BEATING UP BAND MEMBERS

Edwin Reilly of Palo Alto, C. A. McGinley and a party named Whalen of Mount Carbon were each held
under $300 bail on Wednesday evening, on the charge of assault and battery on four members of the
Bressler band.  The assault was committed on the morning of November 15, while the band members,
Messrs. Alvin Warner, Theodore Fessler, Wesley Fisher and John Long, were returning home following
an engagement of the band at Hamburg.  The hearing was held before Alderman Freiler at Pottsville.  
Each of the four men identified Reilley and Whalen while McGinley was identified by one of the
witnesses as being in the crowd.  The four members told how they were attacked and called every vile
name that the defendants could possibly think of and how the gang threatened to throw them over the
bridge at Connor's Crossing into the waters of the Schuylkill River.  Fifteen warrants had been issued
but only the above three defendants were identified.  In all probability the case will be settled before
reaching court.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of June 18, 1909

ASSAULT ON MAIN STREET

As a result of an assault about midnight Saturday upon a couple of Italians, Chief Burgess Hartman
arrested Jacob Breininger, Charles Schweigert, Hayden Dornsife and Guy Heiser of Cressona and
James Renninger and Homer Kline of Schuylkill Haven, who were given a hearing before Squire C. A.
Moyer on Monday night.  All plead guilty to the charge of disorderly conduct and each was fined five
dollars and charged with $3.15 in costs.  After this hearing, Supetro, the Italian who was beaten in the
scrimmage, swore out warrants for John Schrader and Jacob Breininger charging them with assault and
battery.  His information alleges that he and a companion alighted from a trolley car at the corner of
Main and Saint John Streets at 11:30 Saturday night.  His companion stumbled and the crowd hooted
and jeered.  They went to Ball's butcher shop and got some meat and while going down Main Street on
their way home were set upon by the crowd.  His butty got off with a few bruises but he ran and the
crowd followed through Stitzer's saloon and across the street to Schumacher's grocery, where the
crowd knocked him down and jumped on him.  His face is badly disfigured and his body is covered with
bruises.  During the proceedings at the squires office, fully two hundred people gathered in front of the
building but the sidewalks were kept clear and strict order was maintained by a squad of four State
Police.  During the hearing a well known young man denounced the State Police in very
uncomplimentary terms, winding up his remarks with, "To ____ with the State Police."  A big trooper who
heard the remark compelled him to apologize or suffer arrest.  After the hearing a couple of
belligerents got into Earl Witman's Hotel Grand bar room and started to clean out the place, when a
couple of State Police appeared on the scene and the disorder stopped immediately.  Messrs. Schrader
and Breininger appeared before Squire Moyer on Tuesday night and the Squire dismissed the case
because of the failure of the prosecutor to appear.  Both Schrader and Breininger declare that they did
not participate in the assault upon Supetro.  Four of the State Police were again on hand on Tuesday
night but their services were not needed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                     
The Call of  February 23, 1917

BOYS DRUNK ON STOLEN BOOZE

Two Schuylkill Haven boys and a Pottsville boy, on Saturday last, became partly intoxicated on booze
that had been stolen from the home of the parents of the Pottsville boy.  The two Schuylkill Haven boys
were Messers. Burns and Ney and the Pottsville boys name was Streigel.  Just where the trio drank the
booze could not be ascertained.  However, after enjoying themselves, until the booze was all, they
started for their respective homes.  It is alleged that the Ney boy was paralyzed and that the services of
a physician was necessary before he was restored to consciousness.  The matter was reported to
Constable John Butz who went to the respective homes and demanded to know where the booze was
procured.  Monday afternoon, Probation Officer B. S. Simmonds, of Pottsville, visited Schuylkill Haven
and after obtaining certain statements returned home.  Neither one of the boys are over seventeen
years of age.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of March 23, 1917

ARRESTED FOR STEALING WATER

Samuel E. Conrad, residing near the corner of Fairview and Union Streets of town, was placed under
arrest and held under $300 bail on the charge of stealing water from the mains of the Schuylkill Haven
Gas and Water Company.  The hearing was held on Wednesday before Alderman Martin of Pottsville.  
Superintendent McKnight preferred the charge.  It was stated that during the month of August, 1912,
Conrad had his home connected with a meter.  Three months later he ordered the meter out, claiming
that he was going to supply both his own home and tenants with water.  During the past several months
the tenants informed the water company officials that their pressure was low and frequently they could
not get water.  On at least two different occasions, superintendent McKnight made tests in the homes
of the tenants and was positive of his charge.  After considerable argument and a threat to report
Conrad to the company employing him, the water company officials were permitted to go into Conrad's
cellar.  Here they discovered that after the meter had been taken out, a connection had been made.  
Superintendent McKnight stated that Conrad had been using the water continuously since 1912 and up
to the present time without paying for the same.  The offense carries with it a heavy fine and
imprisonment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of March 30, 1917

BOLD ATTEMPT AT HORSE STEALING

A bold and unsuccessful attempt was made on Saturday night last to steal one of the valuable horses of
James Rooney, Jr., the well known coal merchant of the West Ward.  During the past several weeks the
owner, who values the horse at $300, was visited by several parties who endeavored to purchase the
animal but the present owner refused to part with it.  Saturday night about 9:30 o'clock, a neighbor boy
by the name of Carr, observed a man with a flashlight affecting an entrance to the stable.  Believing
that all was not right, the youth went to the Rooney home and rapping hard on the front door, told the
occupants of the house of his suspicions.  No time was lost in getting to the stable.  As the stable was
being approached, the fellow with a large flashlight in his hands, ran from the stable and mounting the
fence, disappeared in the dark.  An investigation was made and it was found that the fellow in his
anxiety to get the horse away, had cut the halter strap and had dropped a bridle in the stall.  Only a
slight description was obtained of the man and it is just probable that he may be arrested.
This is one of the first attempts at horse stealing in Schuylkill County in recent years and should be a
warning to owners to carefully keep their stables locked.  Had the man succeeded in getting the horse
out of the stable, it would have been an easy matter for him to guide the animal down an alley and then
to Dock Street and away.  The owner of the horse was in Pottsville at the time and would not have
discovered the loss until the next morning when he visited the stable.  In the meantime the fellow
could have been miles away or have carefully hidden the horse until such time as he was assured of a
safe getaway.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of April 6, 1917

TRIED TO SKIP OUT WITH $100

An unsuccessful attempt to get away with nearly one hundred dollars was made on Wednesday evening
about five o'clock.  A young man giving his name as John A. Roberts and his home as Philadelphia,
entered the hotel of Warren Brown during the absence of the proprietor.  On some pretext or another,
he had Mrs. Brown leave the room for a moment and during the brief period mounted the bar and
opening the cash register, extracted the amount.  He was noticed leaving by Mrs. Brown, who
immediately summoned her husband.  After procuring the cash, Roberts bolted for the door and
jumped on a passing trolley car that was bound for town.  Mr. Brown gave pursuit and several minutes
later came up with his man near the Call office.  Roberts was compelled to go along out Spring Garden
where he was handed over to Constable John Butz.  When Roberts failed to deliver the money on
demand of the constable, he was searched and every penny was found on his person.  He then
acknowledged his guilt and begged Mr. Brown not to prosecute.  Given the assurance that Roberts
would leave town, Mr. Brown decided not to institute criminal proceedings.                                                                                        
The Call of April 6, 1917

ADMIRER REMAINS UNTIL A LATE HOUR

Residents of Haven Street near the Pennsylvania freight station are up in arms over the actions of a
young admirer of a Haven Street girl.  This young man who possesses an auto comes to this section
several times each week.  Instead of parking his machine directly in front of the home of his love, the
machine is placed in the front of another family's home.  No later then Wednesday night last this was
done and it was after three o'clock Thursday morning before the machine was taken away.  The majority
of the Haven Street people keep respectful hours and furthermore do not care to have their slumbers
disturbed at this hour.  The next time the offense is repeated, the number of the machine will be taken
and the name of the owner made public.                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of May 25, 1917

ORWIGSBURG MAN CHARGED WITH ARSON

David B. Earhart, of Orwigsburg, is in the county prison charged before Squire C. A. Moyer of town, with
breaking and entering the tool house at the Bowen washery on the outskirts of town and near the home
of Ruben Peale.  The charge of supposed arson has also been lodged against Earhart.  The arrest in the
case was made by state trooper Arthur Parker, following the destruction of the Bowen tool house by
fire.  It is alleged that all circumstances point to Earhart as being the guilty man, it being claimed that he
had in his possession at Orwigsburg, a saw belonging to Bowen.  Earhart was at one time employed by
Bowen but was discharged.  Bowen places his loss at nearly $400, a quantity of oil and tools being
consumed by the flames.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of July 13, 1917

BROKE INTO CANAL STREET HOME

Alleged to be under the influence of drink, a party by the name of Edward O'Brien, known as Charlie
Chaplin, being denied admittance to the home of Thomas McKeone on Canal Street, forced his way into
the house Sunday evening at 10:30 through a window, and once inside started to make things lively by
hurling bottles and anything that he could lay his hands on.  Leo McKeone was the principal victim of
the assault, receiving a deep gash in the head.  A Miss Bertha Wagner of Pottsville, a visitor at the
home, was also assaulted.  The State Police were sent for and arrived here about 1:30 o'clock Monday
morning.  With a warrant issued by Squire C. A. Moyer, O'Brien was arrested.  He was placed in the
borough lockup until noon Monday when he was given a hearing and was committed to the county
prison, in default of bail, charged with aggravated assault and battery.                                                                                                
The Call of July 13, 1917

LOCAL WOMAN SERIOUSLY CHARGED

Mrs. Mary Kantner, of Number 32 William Street, waived a hearing before Alderman Freiler of Pottsville
and entered bail in the sum of $2,000 for her appearance at the September term of criminal court.  Mrs.
Kantner was arrested by C. A. Davies of the State Police force, on a charge of malpractice, it being
alleged that Mrs. Kantner performed an illegal operation upon Mrs. Alice Strouse, aged thirty seven of
Auburn.  The latter died at her home in Auburn on the twenty seventh day of June last.  A coroner's jury
found that Mrs. Strouse came to her death by reason of an abortion performed upon her by Mrs.
Kantner of Schuylkill Haven, to whom she was taken by a man unknown to the coroner's jury.  The
penalty in case of conviction for abortion is a fine not to exceed $500 and seven years at separate and
solitary confinement at hard labor.  It is alleged that the man in the case is a local resident.                  
The Call of August 31, 1917

STOLE DIAMOND RINGS - IN JAIL

Another piece of clever detective work was that of Constable John Butz when acting on a clue of the
very faintest kind.  He had a warrant issued for the arrest of Mike Capperella, known as "Mike the Rat"
of Norristown. The charge was larceny.  About three weeks ago Mike visited the home of Samuel Ney on
Dock Street and as he was known to the family, he was allowed to remain about the house.  Sometime
after his arrival Mrs. Ney had occasion to leave the house a few minutes and when she returned, Mike
had left.  Nothing was thought of his disappearance until sometime later when Mrs. Ney discovered the
loss of two gold and diamond rings.
Suspicion pointed to Mike as being the guilty one.  A warrant issued by Squire Kline was sent to
Norristown and Mike was arrested.  He was brought back to Schuylkill Haven and here confessed to the
theft.  With him also came from Norristown, the two rings stolen ,he not having had the opportunity to
pawn them.  Following a hearing before Squire Kline, he was unable to obtain bail and was committed to
the county prison on the charge of larceny.  His case will probably be called at the coming term of
criminal court.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of March 15, 1918

THREATENED TO CUT TOWN WOMAN'S THROAT

Charles Shadler of town was placed under arrest by the State Police on a warrant issued by Squire
Thomas, charging surety and making threats.  The warrant was sworn out by Mrs. Kate Yost who alleged
that Shadler called her vile names and threatened to cut her throat with a razor.  One of the witnesses
against Shadler was his mother.  Unable to procure bail, Shadler was committed to the county prison.  
He is under probation at the present time and may be compelled to serve the unexpired time of about
fifteen months, if the present charge is pressed.                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of May 26, 1916

BOYS CONFESS TO MANY THEFTS

Harold "Red" Wildermuth, Earl "Jack" Schaffner, Raymond "Skinny" Reed and Claire "Chick" Reber, all
youths fourteen years of age, at a hearing before Squire Moyer on Monday morning, confessed to a
number of petty robberies that have been committed in town during the past several months.  The boys
are the same ones referred to in the issue of last week's Call.  On a warrant issued by Squire Moyer and
served by Constable John Butz, the four boys and a fifth who was allowed to go, were arrested charged
with stealing three Belgian hares from the premises of David Buchanan on the night of May 15th.  To
this charge the boys plead guilty.  Although they were not charged with any other offense, they
confessed to four or five other robberies.  Wildermuth, Reber and Schaffner confessed to the stealing
of the rabbits.  Wildermuth stated that he went into the yard and procured the rabbits, afterwards
handing them over to the others.  The same three also confessed to stealing the Reider bicycle while
Schaffner, Reed and Reber confessed to taking the bicycle from the premises of Dr. George Moore.
When asked by Constable Butz what other thefts they had committed, they confessed to having stolen
quantities of milk from Michael Shadle, candy from Michel Brothers and within the course of the past
several months, to having visited orchards, etc.  Efforts were made to connect the gang with a number
of other thefts that had been committed, but the boys denied all knowledge of the crime.  Following the
hearing they were committed to the county prison.  The arrest of the boys was not accomplished
without a great deal of effort.  They were seen near the railroad and drew suspicion by neighbors.  
Constable Butz followed and later caught them as they were coming down the railroad tracks towards
Connor's Crossing.  Reed gave the officer a merry chase before he was apprehended.  Before being
placed on the car on their way to prison, the boys confessed to stealing a coat of Alden Maberry, a
railroader, ransacking the pockets and destroying some of the papers found therein.  The coat and
some of the papers were later returned to the owner.
The loot secured by the boys was usually taken to a hut in Reber's yard.  Here it was disposed of among
the gang.  All of the boys confessed to smoking either a pipe or cigarettes.  They denied the fact that
they had been reading cheap literature or had received their idea of robbing from seeing moving
pictures.  When asked if any of the gang carried concealed weapons, the boys stated that the only
weapon they had in their possession was a flobert rifle.  The majority of the robberies were committed
after 9:30 o'clock at night.  After being taken to Pottsville by Constable Butz, the boys were locked up
until the constable came to Schuylkill Haven and returned to Pottsville with the squire's return to court.
 The boys were then ordered before Judge Bechtel.  Here they were told that they must continue to go
to school every day of the present term and report to his honor on Monday morning next.  At this time
Probation Officer Simonds will receive their case.  He will make known to the court the number of
robberies committed by the boys and their attendance at school.  With probably one or two exceptions
the boys will be returned to their homes with orders to report each week to the probation officer while
the other two may be sent to some institution.  All will be required to pay the costs of the suit and
return the stolen property.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of May 3, 1918

ARRESTED FOR BREAKING QUARANTINE

Charged with breaking the quarantine that had been placed on his home on Canal Street, E. Schwalm
was arrested by Constable John Butz and given a hearing before Squire C. A. Moyer.  Roy Schwalm, a
son, was the victim of the disease.  It is said that Health Officer Butz discovered the boy handing hand
bills around and mingling with people going to a moving picture show, all this the second day after
being quarantined.  The father claimed that he was poor and asked to be sent to jail.  However the case
was settled.  The very lowest fine under the law is ten dollars and the costs amounting to fifteen
dollars.  Under the law of May 14, 1909, a person breaking quarantine can be fined from ten to one
hundred dollars or be committed to the county prison for one day of each dollar fine not paid.  It is
reported that other arrests are likely to be made next week for violations of quarantine laws.               
The Call of June 7, 1918

BURGLAR SCARE ON COLUMBIA STREET

Residents of Columbia Street were given a genuine burglar scare on Friday evening last when
neighbors discovered what they believed was a man prowling in the cellar of the Bast homestead.  The
cellar door had been left unlocked and when the intruder stumbled over something, he was heard by
Mrs. Bast who was alone in the house.  Neighbors were called from their bed and although an
investigation was made, no trace of the burglar was discovered.  It is presumed that it was some
person who was well acquainted with the premises and aware of the fact that Mr. Bast was away at work
as a railroader.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of July 26, 1918

USED PITCHFORK TO CHASE BERRY PICKERS

Anthony Manel and Edward Kopko, both residing on the company farm at the storage yard, were placed
under arrest Monday morning by Constable John Butz, assisted by one of the State Police, on a charge
of aggravated assault and battery and surety.  The charge was preferred by William Krammes of Berne
Street.  According to the testimony presented at the hearing before Squire C. A. Moyer, Krammes and
his son and daughter went for berries.  They were crossing a field from which rye had been recently cut
when Manel came running up and in a fit of anger struck Krammes across the back with the fork.  The
two children ran one direction while Krammes ran another before Manel, who is a foreigner, had time to
run the sharp points of the fork into Krammes.  Krammes swore that he ran into the Red Pond in water
up to his armpits to escape being struck.  Unable to furnish bail in the sum of $500, Manel was taken to
the county prison.  Kopko was allowed to go.  Krammes since the assault has been under the care of a
physician and has been spitting blood.  Manel was arrested once before on the charge of keeping a
dog and not being a naturalized citizen.                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of September 13, 1918

EIGHT YEAR OLD GIRL ASSAULTED

The eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Deibler of Liberty Street was assaulted Sunday afternoon by
some unknown person about eighteen years of age.  The child was sent on an errand to town and
intended going up Saint Peter Street.  At the corner of William and Saint Peter Streets, the girl was
accosted by the man and asked to walk along with him, that he was going to town and that he knew a
shorter route.  The fellow took the youngster's hand and walked over the hill and took the child in the
bushes.  Later three girls, Esther Roeder, Catharine Deck and Laura Matz happened by the scene, in
the field near High and Market Streets.  The man jumped out from the bushes and ran away and the little
girl called to the other girls to come to her assistance.  They found the child lying on the ground.  The
youngster not realizing the purpose of the man explained to the other girls just what happened.  These
girls quickly notified persons in the neighborhood and also the parents.  Examination disclosed the fact
that the man had luckily failed in his purpose.  The fiend told the girl to come out to town Sunday
evening and he would give her a quarter.  The child was sent down town on Sunday evening and
several men kept a close watch on her but no trace of the man could be found.  His identity appears to
be a complete mystery.  Persons in the vicinity of Saint John Street remember seeing a young fellow
about sixteen to eighteen years of age wearing a grey suit and cap walking about Sunday afternoon but
did not know him.  Had the person been found who attempted the rash act on the child it would have
gone badly with him and if perchance the fellow is discovered at a later date, he may find it difficult to
make a safe getaway.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of June 6, 1919

STATE POLICE RAID ALLEGED BAWDY HOUSE HERE

The State Police together with Officer Butz swooped down on the Miss Emma Harvey home in the South
Ward in the section known as the "Pottery" on Saturday evening between nine and ten o'clock.  Officer
Butz had complaints from neighbors and several town councilmen that the woman was keeping a bawdy
house and harboring men and that a general nuisance was carried on continually.  Only one person, a
foreigner of Minersville, together with the Harvey woman were found in the place.  Both were brought
before Squire Moyer on Saturday evening and a large crowd quickly gathered about the squire's office.  
The only charge brought against the woman was that of a nuisance and she was fined one dollar and
costs and warned about the charges that had been preferred of her keeping a house of ill fame.       
The Call of June 20, 1919

THIEVES VISIT MAIN STREET STORES

Two Main Street business places were entered and robbed this week.  While the articles in amount did
not total a great deal, the very fact that the circumstances connected with both robberies leads one to
believe they were the work of young persons, there is no telling what these thieves will attempt next.  
Wednesday morning about two o'clock, the pool room of Ralph Kessler of Main Street was entered and
change to the amount of five dollars was taken from the cash register which luckily was not locked
otherwise this would have been broken.  Although there is an excellent stock of cigarettes, tobacco
and cigars in the place, not any of this stock was taken.  Choicy indeed were these thieves as only the
change in larger denominations was taken.  There was over a dollar in change in the cash register.  
This was sorted out and left undisturbed as was a bag containing several dollars in change left
standing.  Entrance to the place was gained by forcing the rear window.  Thursday morning between
one and three o'clock a rear shutter at the J. M. Sausser and Son store was forced and thieves entered.
The money drawer was forced open and several dollars in cash taken.  Two flashlights were also taken.  
Two revolvers valued at fifteen dollars that were lying aside of the flashlights were not taken.  The
thieves had their nerve with them as this store front is not shaded at night and pedestrians can easily
detect anyone inside of it, especially if a light were used.  The third robbery of the week is one reported
at Harry Bittle's store on Dock Street.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of August 16, 1918

BOLD ATTEMPT MADE TO ROB MELLON SHOE STORE

An attempt to rob the shoe parlor of James Mellon of Main Street was frustrated, shortly after midnight
Sunday.  The Mellon family were about to retire when one one of the members of the household had
occasion to go on the upper back porch.  To her astonishment she discovered a man coming up the
steps leading to the rear windows of the parlor.  Mr. Mellon was summoned and with a shotgun started
a search for the man.  All yards were searched when his trail was discovered.  It lead as far as the
Michel stables where it ended close to the water of the canal. It is believed the fellow waded the canal
to the ballground and then disappeared.  Mr. Mellon is prepared for the next visit and will accord the
visitor a warm reception.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of July 4, 1919

ATTEMPT MADE TO ROB TEMPERANCE PLANT

The third attempt to break into the bottling works of the Schuylkill Haven Soft Drink Company located to
the rear of Main Street was frustrated on Tuesday evening by neighbors who heard the noise.  Mr.
Hummel, residing nearby, immediately notified Mr. Samuel Buehler the proprietor.  The act took place
about 9:45 o'clock.  Mr. Buehler and several neighbors gave chase to the man and caught him in the
alley near the Lutheran church.  It turned out to be one William Barnhardt of Centre Avenue, who at
times it is said is not responsible for his actions.  This fact was explained at the Squire's office on
Wednesday afternoon and Mr. Buehler then refused to prosecute.                                                                                                                
The Call of July 11, 1919

CHICKEN THIEF CAUGHT

A chicken thief that has been visiting chicken pens in the vicinity of Centre and Garfield Avenues was
caught in the act early Monday morning on the premises of Norman Lessig.  Nine of B. F. Gehrig's brood
had met their fate at the hands of the thief and six of Mr. Lessig's chicks lost their lives.  No clue was
left nor could a clue be discovered as to the identity of the thief.  Neighbors made various predictions
as to who the thief was but it remained for Mr. Lessig to make the capture.  This was done with a
muskrat trap and while caught in the trap his life was brought to a sudden end with a good stout hickory
stick.  Whether or not his ghost will return again for nine days between nine a. m. and nine p. m.
remains to be seen.  The thief was a big, fat, bold, black and striped Hunnish looking cat.                                        
The Call of July 18, 1919

SERIOUSLY CHARGED IN NOW IN HOSPITAL

An affair resulting in an arrest, which will result in a law suit and then probably another law suit and
more arrests, occurred in the West Ward last Friday afternoon.  It is alleged that one Patrick O'Brien,
giving his residence as Pottsville, attempted immoral practice on a young son of Daniel Morgan of the
West Ward.  It is alleged O'Brien gave the little boy three cents to have him come into the willows where
he, O'Brien, was spending the afternoon.  The elder Morgan learned of the act and went for O'Brien.  He
is said to have beat him up.  O'Brien then boarded a coal train and Morgan went after him again and
either pushed or shoved him from the train.  In falling O'Brien received severe injuries to his leg and
back.  Morgan brought suit and O'Brien was taken before Squire Moyer.  Here his injuries were found to
be rather serious and upon the advice of a local physician O'Brien was taken to the Pottsville Hospital.  
When he is able to be about he will be brought to Schuylkill Haven to answer the charge of "indecent
immorality" brought by Morgan.  It is said O'Brien will bring counter charges of assault and battery
against Morgan .  It is also intimated that the State Police are working on the case to learn where
O'Brien secured the beer and whiskey during the afternoon and it is likely some interesting
developments connecting local saloon keepers may result and arrest follow.                                                                                
The Call of July 18, 1919

HOLDUP MEN OPERATING AT CONNORS

A gang of holdup men have been operating in the vicinity of Connor's crossing for the past ten days, or
rather nights.  A number of reports have been made by persons who have been held up and relieved of
money and jewelry and others who have been chased.  It is said the men wear overalls and leave the
scene in an auto.  It is understood that the State Police working in connection with Officer Butz have
picked up clues sufficient to lay their hands on the entire gang and are only awaiting a bit more
evidence before arrests are made.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of July 18, 1919

$200 TAKEN FROM SAFE OF LOCAL STORE

Unknown persons sometime Wednesday evening or Thursday morning entered the store of Miss
Marion Bitzer of Saint John Street, rifled the safe and made off with two hundred dollars in notes.  
Entrance was gained through the rear and despite the presence of the family no sound was heard and
the robbery was not discovered until Miss Bitzer went to the safe Thursday morning.  It was her
intention to bank it.  It was then that the discovery was made.  From the location of the safe, the fact
that Liberty bonds and other valuable papers were left untouched, and from the manner and method
used in gaining an entrance to the store it is believed to have been the work of persons familiar with
the premises.  No trace of the thieves had been obtainable at this writing.                                                                                
The Call of September 5, 1919

ARRESTED SUNDAY MORNING

Charles Rabuck of Centre Avenue was placed under arrest on Sunday morning about four o'clock,
charged with pointing of firearms and threatening to kill.  The hearing was held before Squire William
Kline and at 4:30 the State Police and Officer Butz set out with their man in an auto for the jail.  Rabuck
obtained bail in the sum of $500 on Sunday noon and was released.  His case may come before the
court for trial at the coming session of criminal court.  In connection with Rabuck's arrest there was an
air of sensationalism that aroused and attracted the neighbors.  Alleged threats on the life of his eldest
daughter and his wife brought neighbors to the Rabuck home shortly after midnight.  These neighbors
were ordered out of the house at the point of a revolver.  Officer Butz, who was sent for, was also
ordered out of the house at the point of a revolver.  The State Police were sent for and after waiting
almost two hours for them, they finally arrived.  After some parleying in which the "Staties" used drawn
revolvers, kicked in the front door and smashed a window pane, Rabuck finally agreed to talk the
matter over.  This was done in one of the upstairs bedrooms and near a window where the crowd below
could see both parties.  By reason of the fact that one of the Rabuck children came all the way down
town to one of the hotels after midnight and between sobs asked that the State Police be sent for that
his father had killed his mother, quite a number of persons hurried to Centre Avenue and remained
until 4:30 a. m.  Rabuck is employed by Mellet and Nichter at their brewery.                                                                                        
The Call of December 19, 1919

ARRESTED FOR THEFT

Roy Merkle of Garfield Avenue was placed under arrest by the State Police the latter part of last week,
charged with entering the home of Walter Moyer and stealing money.  Merkle admitted the theft and
was committed on default of $500 bail to await a hearing.  It is understood efforts are to be made to
have the young fellow sent to a house of correction.  It is understood Merkle entered the Moyer home
early in the morning when Mr. Moyer was at the barn and the other members of the family were still
upstairs.  He is alleged to have helped himself to change from the bag of coin used in making change
for milk sales, on several occasions.  He is known to have frequently displayed quantities of money
about the Garden.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of January 30, 1920

BROKE LOCAL QUARANTINE LAW

A warrant has been issued by Health Officer Butz for the arrest of Mrs. Harry Koenig, of Bethlehem, for
breaking the quarantine at the home of her mother, Mrs. Mary Lindermuth of Market Street.  It is
expected she will be brought to town and be required to face the charge in front of Squire Kline in the
course of several days.  The penalty or fine for the offense as fixed by state law is not to exceed $100.  
In addition to breaking the quarantine, Mrs. Koenig made away with her three year old son Bobbie, who
had been reared and cared for by her mother since birth.  The affair took place Thursday evening.  
Despite the warning of her mother, Mrs. Koenig took the child from the home, stating she was only
going down town for a while.  The grandmother of the child, fearing her intention was to take him out of
town, sent her younger son with the two.  To prove that she did not intend taking the child away with
her she allowed him to don his boots and clothing worn during the day.  About 7:30 o'clock Mrs. Koenig
handed a letter to her brother and sent him home with it and boarded the 7:38 P. and R. express.  The
contents of the letter proved the grandmother's previous misgivings about the affair.  The P. and R.
Company Police were communicated with and told to hold the two at Reading.  When the train pulled
into the outer station one of them hunted up the couple and stooping over to the little lad, asked what
his name was.  Quick as a flash he replied, "Bobby Koenig."  The mother was then taken into custody
and Mrs. Lindermuth communicated with and informed the officers could not hold the woman longer
then until ten o'clock.  Before a warrant could be sworn out and telegraphed to Reading, the P. and R.
officers left slip their quarry, she boarded a taxi and drove to Easton.  This information was given out
when the warrant was about to be telegraphed.  The woman was during the week located in Bethlehem
and relatives went to that city Wednesday to endeavor to bring home the little fellow.                                        
The Call of February 6, 1920

KIDNAPPED BOY HOME AGAIN

Master "Bobby" Koenig is back home again with his grandmother, Mrs. Mary Lindermuth and appears to
be none the worse for his adventure and kidnapping by his mother.  He says he enjoyed the car ride but
didn't like the people and eats he got in Bethlehem.  He was brought home the fore part of the week by
his aunt, Mrs. Gerber, just as soon as the quarantine under which he and his mother had been placed
by the Bethlehem authorities was lifted.  As to whether or not the mother of the child will be prosecuted
by the local Board of Health for breaking the quarantine is doubtful.  There will be quite an expense
connected with the same in the way of carfare to Bethlehem for the officer and his prisoner.  If the
woman refuses to pay this expense and would prefer a jail sentence, the local health board would be
required to foot the bill.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The following two stories relate a parental kidnapping and the
return of the boy.....
The Call of February 13, 1920

THIEVES ACTIVE IN SPRING GARDEN - Shoes and Ham Stolen

Thieves, believed to be of a gang of Spring Garden men, were at work since our last issue and visited
the butcher shop of Harry Lomneth and the shoe repairing shop of Harry Schrader.  At the former place
they made away with 150 pounds of pressed ham, three strings of sausage and several rings of
bologna.  This was Tuesday evening.  At the Schrader repair shop they made away with several sides of
leather, two pairs of ladies shoes and two pairs of gum boots.  This was on Friday evening last.  At the
Lomneth shop the lock on the smoke house was broken open, but the contents not disturbed.  In the
butcher shop proper the lock on the big refrigerator was broken open.  At the Schrader shop a shutter
was torn off and the window pane broken.  Officer Butz is working on the case and feels confident  he
can lay hands on the entire ring of thieves very handily and may do so before the week is ended.  
Thefts of various kinds have been occurring in this section right along and it is believed all has been
the work of the same crowd.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of February 27, 1920

ROBBERS BUSY ON SAINT JOHN STREET

Robbers at the home of John Palsgrove of Saint John Street on Wednesday morning about two o'clock
made away with two of Mr. Palsgrove's overcoats and a pair of glasses.  Mrs. Palsgrove had been about
upstairs and heard a noise downstairs.  Going into the hallway she saw the reflection as a match was
struck.  She returned to the room and wakened her husband and told him she believed robbers were in
the house.  In waking, Mr. Palsgrove instead of realizing at once what his wife told him, he spoke a few
words.  This is believed to have been heard by the robbers downstairs and they made away.  Entrance
was made by cutting a piece of glass from the window to unloose the window latch.  the window was
then raised and not content with this the door near to the window was then unlocked so the thieves
could walk right in.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8/16
The Call of March 5, 1920

BURGLARS TAKE LIKING TO WORKING CLOTHES

Burglars, who visited at the home of Harry Glouckler last Wednesday evening took a liking to Mr.
Glouckler's working clothes and made off with them.  They gained entrance through the cellar window.  
They took his working coat and vest, the overcoat he uses to go to work, also a rain coat.  Not content
with this they made off with several jars of Mrs. Glouckler's best preserves.  The fellows were quite
foxy in that they first searched the coat and took from the pockets a number of papers and one or two
letters which might have led to their being trapped.  The papers were put in the coal bin.  Not until
morning when ready to go to work was the theft discovered.  Evidently the same gang that operated at
the Palsgrove home visited the Glouckler home.                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of May 14, 1920

PEEPING TOM CAUGHT IN ACT

For some time residents on Railroad Street near the P. and R. freight station have noticed a "Peeping
Tom" standing or crouching on the concrete wall at the rear of the freight station each evening
between the hours of ten and ten thirty.  His presence there was thought to have been for the purpose
of obtaining a view of the occupants of the several houses as they prepared to retire.  Two of the men
folks after having been informed of his presence, one evening this week, left their homes and
surprised and cornered this fellow.  At the hands of a neat and trim looking .38 caliber revolver he was
ordered to march into the light.  Here his identity was made known.  He hails from Schuylkill Haven.  
Upon his promise to give up this practice he was left off with a warning not to be caught in the vicinity
after dark again.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of July 21, 1916

THIEVES VISIT COUNTY ALMSHOUSE

The gang of thieves that have been operating in the farming districts for the past several weeks,
apparently fearing neither man nor gun, paid a visit to the county almshouse.  Here, during the night,
they forced their way into the smokehouse and working undisturbed, successfully packed a quantity of
meat and got away.  The theft was discovered the following morning when the butcher went to cut the
meat for use at the institution.  The theft was reported to Steward Edward Stein and through him to the
proper authorities.  The matter was kept from the public in the hope that some clue would be obtained
that would lead to the arrest of the guilty ones.  The same night that the almshouse was visited, the
thieves paid a visit to the Hartman farm, tenanted by a party named Freeman, on the state road between
here and Orwigsburg.  Forcing their way into the kitchen, they worked to the third floor.  In a room
adjoining the sleeping apartments of the Freemans was stored nearly one hundred dollars worth of
smoked meats from last fall.  Every pound of this meat was taken downstairs and away without the
family hearing a sound.  Going into an adjoining room on the ground floor, the thieves discovered a
dozen or more loaves of bread, a quantity of pies and cakes, the baking of the week.  This was also
appropriated by the thieves and taken along.  The only thing left was a few crumbs to remind the good
housewife that she had really done the baking for the family.  It is reported that they visited several
other farmhouses in this section but were scared away.  Landlord Rudolph of the Halfway House
believes the work was that of the same ones who but a few nights previous visited his place and the
home of a man named Stetler, adjoining.  Following the first two robberies an investigation was made
and in the orchard at the Halfway House was found a flashlight, several empty bottles, one of which it is
supposed to contain chloroform.  Others of the bottles had contained beer stolen from Rudolph.     
The Call of June 25, 1920

ALLEGED BAWDY HOUSE RAIDED

For the second or third time within a comparatively short time an alleged bawdy or disorderly house in
the South Ward in the Pottery Row, known as Emma Harvey's Place was raided by the State Police,
Monday and Tuesday evenings.  Monday evening the troopers called and took the proprietress, Emma
Harvey, to the Pottsville jail.  Tuesday evening they made another call and took another inmate, a
woman by the name of "Rosie" to the stone mansion on Court House hill.  Just what evidence has been
procured by the troopers against this place and what charges will be brought is being awaited with
interest.  It is understood the place has been under surveillance for some time and quite a number of
persons who have visited it have been listed and may be subpoenaed as witnesses.                                                        
The Call of September 24, 1920

STOLEN AUTO DOWN MOUNTAIN

The discovery of a large touring car on the side of the Schuylkill Mountain Tuesday morning, about
eighty feet from the road and on this side of the new road to the "Chutes", was sufficient to cause quite
an excitement for a time.  Wild rumors were immediately put in circulation concerning the number of
dead found near and underneath the car, etc., etc.  Many persons hurried to the scene, viewed the
wreck and expressed their opinion of the cause or causes and effect or effects.  During the day it was
learned from the State Police that the car, a large Lexington touring, was the property of a Philadelphia
party and had been stolen and they were on the look out for it.  The car was pulled to the road by the
wrecking crew of the Berger Garage.  It was taken to this garage and awaited the arrival of the police
and owner.  That the car was deliberately run down the side of the mountain was shown by a number of
bits of evidence.  It was noted that the rails of the fence had been pried off by means of a large
screwdriver.  The car was evidently being driven down the mountain and the gasoline supply gave out
as there was not a drop of gas in the tank and no signs of a leak or any gas spilled about.  The
headlights of the car were still burning when the discovery was made early in the morning by car shop
men from the district nearby on their way t o work.  A remarkable thing about the accident is that
although the car struck several trees and was wedged in against two of them the glass in the
windshield was not broken.  The front axle was bent, the frame of the car bent, the hood broken and
also the cowl.  The left front mud guard was also in bad shape.  The car was stripped of curtains, all
tools and extra tires.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
The Call of October 8, 1920

DEMENTED WOMAN CAUSES STIR

A woman supposed to be melancholy or demented caused a stir here Wednesday evening on High
Street.  Her actions while not unruly were such as to arouse suspicion as to her condition.  Officer Butz
was called and found the woman surrounded by a group of noisy kids and a larger number of gaping
and curious women.  Admittance to the county institutions were refused and the only thing left for
Officer Butz was to place her in one of the cells of the town hall.  The woman gave her name as
McDevitt and her residence as Cressona and Schuylkill Haven.  Thursday morning she was released
and appeared more rational.  She stated she had a sister in Reading and intended going to see her.  
She stated she had sufficient money to purchase food and pay her transportation.  The night previous,
officers in Pottsville found her wandering about and detained her at police headquarters until
Wednesday morning and then released her.                                                                                                                                                                                                       
The Call of February 11, 1921

CLOAK WOMAN OR
WOMEN VISIT THE TOWN

For the past several days we have been hearing
all kinds of stories about unknown persons
peculiarly garbed and therefore being termed
cloak women, having made their appearance
about town.  The first notice came from Spring
Garden where it is understood some ladies were
followed to their homes.  Seen on Haven Street,
he was followed by some men folks but suddenly
made his disappearance.  He, as it is generally
thought, is a man dressed up in woman's clothing,
wore a red tam-o-shanter.  A few evenings later
some young girls were chased in Spring Garden
and then he is supposed to have worn aviator's
or autoist's goggles and a long shawl.  Then we
have heard from Market Street and Prospect Hill
where we are told there were two put in an
appearance.  Whether the imagination is running
wild or whether there are several persons
"spooking" about can not be substantiated.  It is
reasonable to believe however, that if such is the
case, someone may be given a good beating if
caught.                                                                                                                                               
The Call of February 18, 1921

CLOAK WOMAN GIVEN A BEATING

As was expected the person sneaking about
town in semi-masquerade costume for the past
week frightening persons, was finally tripped up
and given a good beating with a fence railing
Sunday evening.  The person to whom credit is
due for his good work is "Tony" Rossi, the
sexton at the Saint Ambrose Church.  Saturday
evening "Tony" gave chase to the fellow whom
he found prowling around the alley to the rear of
the church yard.  He did not succeed in landing
him but noted he wore a mask and a sort of dark
cloak.  Taking a chance on the possibility of the
fellow happening by the premises again, Tony
stationed himself in a secluded and shadowed
spot in the alley running along the church
property.  Along about eleven o'clock Sunday
evening, Mr. Cloak Woman came by.  His captor
took him in hand so suddenly that he did not
have a chance to take to his heels.  He begged
for mercy and stated he was masquerading in
order to shadow his wife.  Tony had little mercy
on him and wailed him quite generously.  From
the fact that Mr. Rossi is not well acquainted
with local people he could not tell or give a clear
description of who the person was.  It is likely
however that this will put an end to the cloak
woman scare.                                                                                                                
These stories printed in consecutive
weeks offer a strange story of a "cloak
woman".....
The Call of February 18, 1921

THIEVES VISITED WEST WARD CELLAR

Thieves last Saturday evening forced an entrance into the cellar of the home of Mrs. Peter Stanton and
made away with a quantity of wine and eatables.  In order that an alarm could not be immediately given,
the telephone wires are said to have been cut.  The state police were called in on the case and made
an examination of a number of cellars in the neighborhood but could find no trace of the goods.  A
number of West Warders on Wednesday and Thursday morning were noticed to be in an intoxicated
condition and it is thought they had some connection with the stolen two kegs of wine.  Arrests are
expected.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of May 6, 1921

POLICE OFFICER GIVEN A COLORED EYE

For the first time in years of service as a police officer, John Butz, on Saturday was given a badly
colored eye as a result of a severe bruise on the left side of his head above the eye.  It was inflicted by
one Mrs. Mease of Berne Street.  Officer Butz had called at the home to serve a truancy notice on the
woman on account of her son not attending school.  In leaving the premises and with his back turned
on the house, Mrs. Mease is alleged to have picked up a piece of board and struck the officer a smart
blow.  The physician who has been dressing the wound stated during the week that the bone was
bruised.  The injury is more severe than it was at first thought to have been.  A previous attempt to beat
the officer with a broom on this same occasion was frustrated by him.  A charge of assault and battery
and interference with an officer was brought against the woman.  at the hearing Monday afternoon she
was held under $800 bail for appearance at court.  Bail was furnished.  As the case is a commonwealth
case the interests of Mr. Butz will be looked after by the District Attorney.  It is understood efforts this
week were made to settle the case but it is not expected Mr. Butz the prosecutor will agree to this.  The
case was presented to the Grand Jury Wednesday of this week and a true bill returned against Mrs.
Mease.  The case will come up for trial at the June term of court.                                                                                                                                
The Call of June 3, 1921

ROBBERS ARE BUSY HERE

During the week robbers visited several places in town and while they could not obtain much loot or
money, their actions were of the more dangerous kind and have resulted in most folks feeling uneasy
about leaving the home unprotected.  In two instances newspapers were lighted and burned in order to
furnish illumination for a search for valuables.  This was followed at the Nauss home on Saint John
Street and at Tinsmith Reed's shop.  At the Nauss home the top of a hardwood table was ruined in this
manner and it was the smoke from the paper that awakened the household and probably prevented a
fire.  Some articles of value and a small sum of money was taken from the Nauss home.  The robbers
simply walked in the front door which was unlocked.
At the Reed shop no articles of value were taken but tools, material, etc. scattered about
promiscuously.  Entrance was gained through one of the four windows facing the church property.  An
odd thing about the entrance is that tracks on the ground were traced directly to the one of these four
windows that was not fastened on the inside.  An effort the fore part of the week was made to gain
entrance to the Bowen home on Liberty Street by prying at the shutter.  They were however scared off.  
It is believed the robberies are the work of several negros seen loitering about town.  They have
accosted a number of persons at night and asked various kinds of questions in rather commanding
tones and have become rather flippant and abusive.  It is understood a number of young fellows from
town have armed themselves and are going to lie in wait for further offenses of this kind and
regardless of how slight they may be, someone is liable to be messed up.  Several days ago a negro
threw some kind of acid or powder in the face of a boy by the name of Ney, residing on a farm south of
town, when he refused to answer some questions as to where he could procure food.  The boys face
was painfully burned.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of June 17, 1921

HELPED IN LOCAL ROBBERIES

Following a hearing at the office of Squire Moyer, Thursday morning, Roy Merkle of Main Street, was
remanded to jail to await a hearing at the next term of criminal court.  The charge preferred was being
an accessory to the robbery committed at the store of H. Oswald last week.  Merkle was taken in charge
the fore part of the week by Officer Butz and the state cops.  He at once admitted being an accessory,
stating that he merely stood guard outside the Oswald store while three fellows whom he did not know
entered the place.  Merkle was taken in charge by the state cops for several days but still maintained
he did not know who the other fellows were.  Further developments in the local robbery cases are
expected.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of June 24, 1921

ADDITIONAL ARRESTS OF ROBBERY CHARGES

Additional arrests were made Saturday evening by State Police in connection with the petty robberies in
the town lately.  Hamilton Brown and Eddie Moyer of Main Street were caught in the net.  Roy Merkle
who had last week been arrested as an accessory to the robberies, identified the boys.  Bail was
furnished in the sum of $1500 for young Brown, but this amount was not forthcoming for young Moyer
and he spent the week in jail.  It was expected Merkle would be brought before the court this week for
trial and it is more than likely he may be remanded to a Home for Boys as he was but some time ago on
probation for a similar offense.  The facts against Brown and Moyer were presented to the Grand Jury
this week and true bills returned in each case.  The case of Brown because of his age will be heard
before the Juvenile Court.  the case against Moyer was placed on the trial list for today.                                                
The Call of July 1, 1921

ROBBERY CHARGES DISMISSED

Charges of robbery against Hamilton Brown and Edward Moyer were on Saturday dismissed when it was
proven that Roy Merkle, who implicated them in the robbery, was an imbecile and his testimony or
evidence would not be admitted.  Dr. Bowers first testified to Merkle's condition as being that of an
imbecile and altogether incapable of giving true evidence.  Merkle was later examined by a committee
appointed by court consisting of Doctors Heim, Detweiler and Bowers.  As a result of their findings the
boy was taken from the county jail to the Insane Institution at this place.  His tonsils were found to be
diseased and they will be removed.  He will later be taken to the institution at Spring City and there
confined for an indefinite period.  There is little hope for much improvement of his condition.
The Call of July 1, 1921

ALMOST CAUGHT SAINT JOHN STREET ROBBERS

The story is told on a number of Saint John Street male residents who stood patiently waiting in front of
a Saint John Street home one morning recently between the hours of one and two o'clock, for supposed
burglars to come out of the house and be captured.  When they did not put in an appearance and as the
night air began to chill through thin pajamas, one of the bolder of the crowd ventured up to the front
door and rang the bell.  The man of the house came downstairs, opened the front door and inquired
what was wanted.  He was told his neighbors there assembled: two with revolvers, one with a musket of
the Rebellion and another with a drawn sword, were waiting to capture the burglars in his home.  The
explanation was then made and all returned to their beds and interrupted slumber.  The neighborhood,
when they learned of the affair, while they could not help but appreciate the joke, were glad to know
that a real well organized body of night police is available for such purposes in that neighborhood.  The
explanation is simple.  One of the residents noticed the flashing of a flashlight in the particular home.  
This, under ordinary circumstances, would be proof sufficient that robbers were about.  Instead of
robbers however, it happened to be the man of the house who was using the flashlight to pack up his
duds preparatory to taking a short pleasure trip and intended leaving on the Buffalo.  His home not
being wired for electric lights and the gas fixtures being out of service, the flashlight was called into
play.  Better luck next time fellows.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of April 14, 1922

STOLEN AUTO WAS RECOVERED

Early Sunday morning thieves broke into the Boyer garage on Centre Avenue and made away with the
new Dodge car of Walter Holzer.  One of the rear windows of the garage was broken to permit access.  
The doors were then opened from the inside.  The theft was not discovered until Sunday evening when
Mr. Holzer called for his car and it was not on hand.  The garage men noticed its absence during the day
but felt that Mr. Holzer had taken it out.  State police were immediately notified and came to town and
looked things over.  The machine was brought back to Schuylkill Haven during the week by one of the
local special police, George Reichert and Squire Kline.  The recovery of the machine came through an
chain of odd and perchance circumstances.  As the story was given the Call man, it appears one of the
operators of the Reading Bell Telephone exchange attending a funeral Monday noticed the car
abandoned and standing crosswise in an alley in Reading.  The operator upon returning to work recited
the news to Miss Cleary, Chief Operator for the Bell Company at this place, who was filling her position
during her absence.  In the evening Miss Cleary read of the local machine having been stolen and told
a few friends about what she had learned in Reading.  In some way or other Officer Reichert got wind of
the news and with Squire Kline made some inquiries.  The Reading operator was then communicated
with and it was learned that the operator's best friend, who also has a car and keeps it in a certain
garage, told her an abandoned machine had been brought to this garage in Reading.  The garage man
was then communicated with, the license number and other details were checked up and Messrs.
Reichert, Kline Hawkins and Holzer set out for Reading.  The car was brought back to town undamaged
with the exception of having a door torn off.  The car had been driven 130 miles and was very muddy
and dirty.  No trace of the thieves could be picked up.                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of May 19, 1922

MADE AWAY WITH LOCKED AUTO

Pete Bojack, aged about fourteen years, picked the
lock or in some way or other loosed the locking
mechanism on an auto of Ed Sterner which was
standing near the Unique Theatre Saturday
evening.  The boy got the car started and kept it
underway until the Columbia Street bridge was
reached.  here it stalled.  Another machine
happened along, the boy asked for assistance and
claimed that the machine was that of his brother.  
The autoist noticed the machine was still locked,
came into town and inquired.  The loss of the
machine had been discovered by this time and
Bojack was soon rounded up.  Upon the arrival of
the State Police who were called, Mr. Sterner
refused to prosecute and the boy was released
upon his promise to keep straight.                                                
The Call of May 26, 1922

WAS SENT TO REFORMATORY

Friends of Pete Bojack, who several times
transgressed against the law and got himself
into all kinds of trouble, interested themselves
sufficiently in his case to have him sent to a
reform school.  The boy seemed to have a
failing for getting into trouble.  Friday evening
he is supposed to have broken into the garage
at the Baker Ice plant and endeavored to make
away with the touring car.  It was gotten halfway
out the garage door and then stopped.  All the
tools in the machine were scattered about
showing that efforts had been made to get the
car started.  The ledger in the office of the plant
was mutilated.  The duplex billing machine was
tampered with and yards and yards of paper
unwound and strewn about.  Sometime ago the
young fellow was discovered just in time
making away with a clock taken from an auto in
one of the local garages.  The authorities have
from time to time been annoyed by the boy's
carryings on.  His being sent to a reform school
will not only be a benefit to the community but
principally to the boy himself.                                                   
The Call of September 22, 1922

GOOD TIME ON TEN DOLLARS CUT SHORT

A big time on ten dollars was suddenly cut short for young Bojack of Caldwell street Wednesday
morning when he was required to return the money.  The boy was in the Post Office when he overheard
a customer purchasing goods to the amount of ten dollars.  he evidently noticed the ten dollar bill
changing hands.  When Miss Reed, the Assistant Postmistress, went to the rear of the office he raised
the window and crawled through it a sufficient distance to reach the bill which was lying on the ledge or
desk.  The first merchant with whom he wished to make a purchase could not change the ten.  The boy
then went to the bank and had it cashed stating a certain person sent him in for change.  About ten
minutes thereafter $9.50 was taken from his pockets in the Post Office while he was deliberately and
defiantly denying the theft before his accuser.  This is the lad that gets into trouble so often.  He had
been away to a House of Correction for a time.  A week ago one of the Railroad Police nabbed him for
the dangerous practice of stealing a ride on the "Flyer".  For the boy's own good it would be well if
someone would endeavor to place him in a school where "the devil" that seems to be in him could be
starved out or drastically driven out of him.                                                                                                                                                                                                
These three articles are all about the one man
crime spree of Peter  Bojack.  Read further for
his return in 1923.
The Call of September 29, 1922

THIEVES EAT LUNCH IN HOME

Robbers paid Spring Garden a visit during the week and while no one suffered any great loss, the
boldness off the thieves has served to put the residents on Uneasy Street.  Saturday evening unknown
persons visited the home of Milton Yost on Dock Street, next to the P. R. R. arch.  Entrance was gained
by forcing a kitchen window.  Eats must evidently have been their objective as they ate up a quantity of
vegetable soup left over from the Saturday meals, also potatoes that had been prepared for the Sunday
breakfast, and made off with a large layer cake and a large loaf of homemade bread.  Even the plate on
which the cake had been was taken along.  Plates, knives and forks, crumbs, burned matches, etc.,
found on the kitchen floor indicated the thieves sat on the floor and indulged in their repast, proving
that they certainly had plenty of nerve as the Yost family was in the house at the time.  
Sunday evening an attempt was made to force entrance to the W. H. Wagner store.  a rear door to the
basement was being attacked when they were evidently scared off by neighbors.  The tactics followed
to gain entrance to the store are interesting.  Twenty one three quarter inch holes were bored in a
circle.  The hole made when finished was about six inches in diameter and was evidently for the
purpose of slipping back the lock on the inside.  This could not be done and another nine holes had
been bored at a point higher up on the door with the evident same purpose in view.  The thieves were
no doubt disturbed before they had a hole large enough to insert an arm.  The door contains nine six by
nine window glasses any or all of which could be removed without trouble, indicating that the thieves
were novices at the game.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of December 8, 1922

POSTMASTER'S CAR STOLEN BY YOUTH

Friday morning at 1:15 a. m. the Durant Sedan of John Ebling was stolen from his garage by three
Reading youths.  The time is definitely fixed because some neighbors saw the machine leave the
garage but thought the owner of some car was in it.  The machine was pushed down Dock Street to the
corner of Willow and Dock Street.  Here the engine was started.  The thieves then drove up Willow
Street to Garfield Avenue to Centre Avenue and headed to Reading.  Saturday morning the car was
gained by police near New Jerusalem, between Allentown and Reading, after a chase of almost fifty
miles from the outskirts of Reading.  Possibly the car would not have been captured then had not the
gasoline supply given out.  Brought back to Reading, the boys confessed having stolen a Chandler
Coupe at Reading and drove to Tuckerton Thursday evening and after abandoning this car came back
to Reading where they a Ford Runabout in which car they drove to Pottsville.  How the boys came to
Schuylkill Haven is a mystery.  they got here nevertheless and breaking a window in the garage gained
entrance.  The heavy doors were then swung open and the car of the owner pushed out.  The garage
doors were then locked again.
The names of the boys are Kenneth Baer, Lewis Marabella, Edward Riggs, all sixteen years of age.  They
were released from the Boys Home on Schuylkill Avenue in reading on Thursday.  A few hours after
their freedom they began their auto thefts.  It is the third time the first named boy has given the police
trouble.  His last offense, to which he is said to have confessed was that of stealing no less than twenty
Overland automobiles during the past summer.  He was saved from a jail sentence on that occasion
only by the intervention of several active church members who entered a plea for leniency.  The boys
drove the Ebling sedan to Atlantic City Friday morning and spent several hours there.  It is badly
scratched and will require a new coat of paint and varnish.  One of the rear shock absorbers was
broken and about eight articles in the machine missing.  The lock and chain that was on the spare tire
was broken and thrown away when one of the other tires went flat on them.                                                                                               
The Call of March 30, 1923

BOJACK MAY BE SENT TO REFORMATORY

It is possible that young Peter Bojack may be sent to a reformatory school in an effort to have him mend
his behavior.  Last week he was placed under arrest by Officer Butz for stealing candy from the auto
trucks of Michel Brothers while in the garage on West Main Street.  despite the fact that he was busily
engaged in eating candy at his home and had his mouth stuffed full of sweets, he emphatically declared
to Officer Butz that he did not have any candy.  Officer Butz however finally induced him to bring
several boxes of confectionery to light and had him accompany him to the office of Squire Moyer.  He
was bound over to Probation Officer Simonds.  In Pottsville however he made his escape from Officer
Butz and had several of the city cops and citizens chasing him down west Norwegian Street to Center
Street, across Center to East Norwegian and on for several squares.  He was finally captured after
having brought a crowd of persons to the scene.  Officer Simonds committed him to the detention ward
of the jail where he will remain until provisions can be made to have him sent to a reform school.        
SIX NEW 188O's STORIES INCLUDING A CASE OF ADULTERY, NAUGHTY GIRLS, JUMBO
DISTURBS THE PEACE, TWO ITALIANS HAVE A FIGHT, THE MAN WITH THREE WOMEN AND
GUS LUCKENBILL DRUGGED AND ROBBED IN 1915
The Call of March 2, 1923

DOG OWNERS ARRESTED THIS WEEK

A number of owners of dogs were arrested by E. O. Peifer of the Bureau of Animal Industry, field agent
for the enforcement of the dog license law, during the week.  The Call on January 5th contained a
warning or notice to all dog owners to obtain licenses and tags for their dogs not later than January 5th.
 The article also gave warning that Mr. Peifer would return to town and make arrests within a short time.  
Monday he put in an appearance and in several hours time had sworn out warrants for the arrest of
fifteen persons.  A fine of five dollars is imposed on each person.  In addition they will be required to
get a license for the dog or have it shot.  The dog law of 1921 provides for a fine of from five to one
hundred dollars for failing to comply with any of the provisions or an imprisonment of thirty days.  
Officer Peifer announced his intention to pay another visit to Schuylkill Haven in the near future and
other owners of dogs who have not procured licenses will be arrested and maybe fined a larger sum
then five dollars.  Owners who were arrested in the fore part of the week were: Harry Moyer, Harry
Dewald, Lewis Einhorn, J. A. Harner, John Bomberger, Lyman Kramer, Harry Reed, Frank Schaffer, John
Seigfried, Douglas Kaufman, Claude Matz, Harry Baker, Charles Kantner, Milton Reber and James Ney.
The Call of May 25, 1923

THIEVES VISIT FREDDIE'S POOL ROOM

Thieves early Friday morning forced an entrance into the pool room of Fred Merlino on Saint John
Street.  They appeared well acquainted with the place and selected with care the articles they wanted.  
Cigars and confectionery, a revolver, three watches, a ring, a knife, watch chains were taken and also
$25 from a cash drawer.  State police were called and a finger print expert summoned.  The latter
however was unable to get any good idea of the finger imprints from the fact that prior to his arrival one
of the clerks had operated the cash register.  The cellar door through which entrance was forced was
too rough to hold marks.  Mr. Merlino states strong suspicion points against several persons.  The state
police may make an arrest most any day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of June 15, 1923

UKELELE AND BOTTLES FIGURE IN FIGHT

A ukelele and a whiskey bottle figured prominently in a fight at Willow Lake Wednesday evening and as
a result several persons were badly cut up, are nursing bruises and several Pottsville lads will be in for
a law suit.  The rumpus started when the Pottsville boys got fresh and resented efforts to quell them
and escort them from the park.. They used a whiskey bottle and for a time there was a regular young riot
on the dance floor.  Bert Ney received a very deep gash above the eye from a whiskey bottle and other
cuts on his face and lip from being struck with the ukelele.  Alfred Yost, Joe Killian, William Killian and
several other participants were nursing bruises Thursday morning.  Mr. Killian, Thursday morning,
entered suit before Squire Kline against young Gilmore, Shorty Gunder and Albert Union, all of
Pottsville on the charge of assault and battery and creating a nuisance.  The trio was the cause of the
disturbance.  The dance that was in progress at the time and which was largely attended was held up
for a half hour or more by reason of the disturbance.                                                                                                                                                                               
The Call of August 24, 1923

ARREST TRAFFIC COP FOR ASSAULT

Four arrests were made by traffic cop, George Reichert, who was stationed on Centre Avenue.  The
license numbers were taken.  All were arrested for reckless driving.  The additional charge of driving
without a license will be brought against two.  Warrants or notices will be issued and the hearings will
be held before Squire Kline.  In making one of the arrests Sunday evening, that of Dr. J. J. Bellas of
Lansford, Pa., quite a little trouble was experienced by the officer.  Reichert noticed him driving in a
reckless manner.  When told of the offense he is alleged to have made threats.  Upon being asked for
his license he could not produce it.  Reichert then demanded that he discontinue the operation of the
car.  Instead of stopping he started the machine.  Reichert jumped on the running board and when he
failed to stop the car, the officer turned off the gas.  He was then placed under arrest.  In order to
subdue the fellow it was necessary for the officer to use his bill.  Brought before Burgess
Lautenbacher and the affair explained, the officer and the bystanders were amazed and disgusted to
hear the Chief advise the dropping of the charge.  Reichert however decided to himself bring the
charges as above named.  Thursday noon an officer from Tamaqua served a warrant on Reichert in
which he was charged by Dr. Bellas with assault and battery.  Reichert entered $400 bail before Squire
Kline for appearance at court.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of August 31, 1923

SALOONMEN IN WRONG WITH LAW

As the result of a ten day sojourn in Schuylkill Haven of two state police in citizen's clothing, and but
recently attached to the troop of this section, three saloonmen were placed under arrest, namely
Benjamin Luckenbill, Douglas Kaufman and J. G. Matonis.  Luckenbill waived a hearing before Alderman
Davies in Pottsville on the charge of having whiskey in his possession.  Kaufman will also have his case
heard in court.  This is his third arrest for violation of the Volstead Act.  The charge against him is for
having whiskey in his place and selling it.  In the Berks County Court he recently paid a heavy fine for
transporting liquor, having been arrested near Hamburg.  A similar charge in Schuylkill County some time
ago was dropped because of lack of evidence.  Matonis was arrested on the charge of having whiskey.  
This is his second arrest for violation of the Volstead Act.  His case will be heard in court.  
Several other charges grew out of the Matonis arrest, one being the arrest of his son Joseph, for
alleged destruction of a pitcher standing on the bar and thought to have contained whiskey.  He was
arrested for disorderly conduct.  Joseph Matonis in turn preferred charges of assault and battery
against State Trooper Herbert Gaslin.  The hearing was held before Squire Moyer Tuesday afternoon.  At
the hearing Matonis maintained Gaslin slapped his face while searching for whiskey behind the bar of
his fathers hotel.  Squire Moyer heard several witnesses and held the trooper under $400 bail for
appearance at court.  Tuesday evening about eight o'clock state troopers swooped down on the Hotel
central.  Joseph Matonis, a man by the name of Blankenhorn and Joseph Matonis were taken to the
police barracks.  The latter two got themselves into trouble by arguing with the troopers and calling
them names.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of October 19, 1923

ARRESTED FOR HAVING GAMBLING MACHINES

Gus Menas, proprietor of the Pool Room on West Main Street, was surprised Wednesday afternoon when
three state troopers visited his place of business and began carrying out his nickel or gambling
machines and other paraphernalia such as punch boards.  A hearing was had before Squire Moyer in
which he was charged by one of the troopers, Joseph Rovinske, with setting up and maintaining
gambling devices.  There were two witnesses, both evidently state troopers. who stated they were
enabled to play on the machines.  The auto of the state trooper outside the squire's office contained a
load of evidence in the form of several slot machines, punch boards containing clocks, pocketbooks,
packages of candy, etc., etc.  Menas entered bail in the sum of $500 for appearance at court.                        
The Call of November 2, 1923

FINED FOR THREATENING TO SHOOT

Some little excitement was caused shortly after midnight Sunday on West Main Street by the report that a
young man by the name of Monroe Mease had threatened to do some shooting.  Mease was placed
under arrest by officer Brown and placed in the Town Hall.  In the morning, Gus Menas, the proprietor of
the pool room, appeared against him.  The charge of threatening to shoot was brought.  Some witnesses
were heard.  He was fined three dollars.  It appears some misunderstanding arose between the parties
interested.  Mease went home and procured some