HISTORY

HISTORY

Schuylkill Haven is a small borough in the state of Pennsylvania, located about one hundred
miles northwest of Philadelphia and fifty miles east of Harrisburg. It is located in the southern
portion of Schuylkill County about four miles south of the county seat of Pottsville.
One of the earliest settlements within the borders of the county, it is generally accepted that
the first settler was John Fincher, a Quaker from Chester County. A warrant for 225 acres of
land was granted to him on March 5,1750. The land facing on the Schuylkill River,taking in the
curve of the river, is today the west ward and part of the south ward of town. It is this year
that the borough celebrates as the official founding.

Fincher built a house and barn at a point west of the current location of the center of the
rail yard opposite Broadway (now Fritz Reed Avenue). His home was located on an old
road that crossed the river and thus became known as Fincher's Ford. These buildings
were burned by marauding Indians on November 3, 1756. The Fincher family escaped
and rebuilt at or near the original location. In early September (probably the 10th) of
1763, eight Indians approached the home. Fincher, his wife and three children greeted
them in the hopes of establishing friendship and thus preserving their lives. The Indians
ignored their entreaties and murdered Fincher and his wife along with their two sons. A
daughter, Rachel, was taken into captivity, eventually reaching the Ohio Territory. She
was returned to Colonel Bouquet after he defeated the Indians at Kittanning. Tradition
states that the Finchers were buried near their home, which stood until torn down to
accommodate the right of way for the Reading Railroad.

Another of Fincher's sons, John Jr., was visiting relatives in Chester County at the time of
his family's murder. His father's land was later awarded to him in Orphan's Court. He
later deeded the land to Peter Conrad November 16, 1770, who in turn deeded the land to
George Merkel November 20, 1775. Merkel conveyed the land on October 1, 1778 to his
son-in-law, Martin Dreibelbis.

With disregard to the aforementioned tale of John Fincher, Martin Dreibelbis, a German
(October 5, 1751 - September 10, 1799) is usually considered the first settler and
founder of Schuylkill Haven. Early in the spring of 1775, Dreibelbis came to present day
Schuylkill Haven with his wife and two sons, Jacob and Daniel. He settled on the eastern
bank of the Schuylkill River constructing a saw mill, distillery and grist mill, a portion of
which served as living quarters. The grist mill was located west of the southwest corner
of present day Main Street and Parkway. This mill was used during the Revolutionary War
as a refuge from Indian attacks. Dreibelbis was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, being
a member of the Berks County Militia.

In 1780 he built a log home on present day Main Street which stood until it's demolition in
1906. He also built tenant houses for the workers employed at his enterprises. He
eventually conducted three or four sawmills, two grist mills, a distillery, general store and
a blacksmith shop. In 1796, Dreilbelbis dammed the west branch of the Schuylkill River
for the purpose of power generation.In 1799 he moved into a newly constructed home
on Dock Street, living there only a short time until his death. At his death he owned an
estate of 12000 acres encompassing all of present day Schuylkill Haven and Cressona
extending east to Rest Haven and west to Beckville. The fortune Dreibelbis accumulated
during his life would have made him a millionaire in today's economy.

LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 24

Martin Dreibelbis willed the original town plot to his son Jacob. A second son, Daniel,
received a part known as east Schuylkill Haven and the a third son George, received the
Seven Stars tract on the northern edge of town. The original plot of town was laid out by
Jacob Dreibelbis in 1811. The original patentee had named this land "Petersburg' while
Martin Dreibelbis had named his tract patented on the Fincher tract as "Martinsburg". The
reason for the plotting of the town served two purposes. Schuylkill County was in it's
early stages and it was believed that Schuylkill Haven could compete with McKeansburg
and Orwigsburg for the honor of becoming the county seat. Schuylkill Haven was
originally believed to be favored due to it's water power facilities. This advantage was
trumped by the actions of Orwigsburg when they dammed a stream and impressed the
commission making the selection. Schuylkill Haven was not to be the county seat. The
second reason to plot the town was the emergence of the Schuylkill Canal. Recognizing
the importance of the location of our town, it was felt that developing the town was of
great interest.

The original plot is bounded by Main Street (then known as Front Street), St. Peter Street
(then called Jacob Street), Liberty Street and the river. Provisions were made for a
market square and a town square. Columbia Street was to be the main residential district.
When Jacob Dreibelbis laid out plots, they were sold at cheap rates. Daniel Dreibelbis's
plot was later sold to a Reber and then a Dr. Kugler of Philadelphia who laid out building
lots in 1832. This occurred in the Center Avenue area, formerly known as Spring Garden
and originally Kugler's Addition.

OTHER HISTORICAL INFORMATION

In addition to historical information about the formation and early years of
Schuylkill Haven, other unique and interesting news stories and facts will
be offered here.

Pottsville Republican of December 18, 1902

" In the midst of life we are in death" twas never more forcibly demonstrated then at Schuylkill Haven last
evening when two young boys were plunged into the Schuylkill River while at play and were drowned
without scarcely being able to raise a cry. It came so sudden, that those who had seen them but a short
time before, were loath to believe it. The swollen river carried the bodies of the two coasters from sight in
an instant and although searching parties were out all night, They were unable to locate the bodies.
Joseph, aged eleven years son of Walter Bast, and Floyd, aged ten years and son of H. E. Bast were the two
unfortunate victims. They were cousins and nephews of Jeremiah Bast, the well known knitting mill
proprietor.
After school the two boys, who were inseparable companions, took their sleds and went coasting on the
hills. They romped about and were having a good time with their little friends until finally, a short time after
five o'clock, they found themselves alone on the Berne Street hill, which has a very slight and easy grade.
They had coasted down the hill several times and it is believed they were on what they intended to be their
last trip before supper when the fatality occurred. Their sled went gliding over the hard crust with Joseph
lying on his stomach and Floyd astride his back. When they came to make the turn they found that on
account of the hard crust on the snow that the curve was too sharp to make and as the sled went sliding
towards the river bank they threw themselves onto the ground. The momentum they had gained however
was too great and clutching at the hard frozen snow, with desperate cries they slid to the edge of the river
bank and with a plunge disappeared from sight.
Edward Boyer, who was standing not far away, saw the terrible accident and after giving the alarm, rushed
to the river side, but the angry rushing swirling waters had already swallowed their victims and carried
them down the stream. In a short time the banks were lined with people, while others waded through the
river further down where the water was not so deep and the channel wider. No trace of the little fellows
could be secured, however until late in the night the search was continued.
The river at this point is very much swollen and the current rapid on account of the rain and the melting
snow the day before. The bed is mostly mud and it is feared that the bodies may be buried in this and
never recovered. The sled did not go into the stream but was caught in a bush along the bank and held
there.
When the parents of the boys were notified, they were almost frantic and would not believe that their
children were cold in death when they had seen them but a short time before, so jolly and full of life. Both
little fellows were known to everyone in Schuylkill Haven and were very well liked and made much of by the
older people as well as their playmates.
A shadow seemed to rest over the town last night and this morning, the terrible tragedy being the sole
topic of conversation and the only thought. It was a shock such as has not been felt in the town for many
years and the sorrow of the parents was shared in a degree by everyone and they have the deepest
sympathy of the entire community.

TRAGEDIES strike
Schuylkill HAVEN

Pottsville Republican of July 22, 1915

$5000 TOWN HALL FOR SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

It has now been definitely decided that Schuylkill Haven is to have a town hall to cost $5000. A special
committee appointed by council held a meeting on Wednesday evening at which they discussed the ways
and means. The committee which is composed of Robert Hoffman, George Berkheiser, Arthur Yost and
Oscar Bast made reports regarding their visits to other places, giving as examples the town of Kutztown,
with 3800 people, Tamaqua and Coaldale in this county, all three having nice town halls for about this
figure. The council owns a plot of ground on the west side of Dock Street between Main Street and Paxson
Avenue, and the town hall will be erected on this spot.
At the present time Schuylkill Haven council meets in a room which is fifteen feet in length and fourteen
feet in width, and it is too small to accommodate any taxpayers who might wish to be present at council
proceedings. Besides this there is no downtown office for the light company, the borough jail is too small
and in such a location as to be useless, and there are a number of other reasons why a town hall has been
boosted for Schuylkill Haven.
It is the intention of the borough to erect the building within the next few months and in all probability an
architect will be employed at the next meeting to draw up a set of plans. Bids will be asked for and the
contract awarded as soon as possible. The building is to be a two story brick one, according to present
plans, and it will require only a short time to erect this. It will include offices for the borough officials,
board of health officials, office for light, meeting room for council, an auditorium for small public meetings
and also a borough jail. The authorities contend that it will cost less to conduct a town hall then paying
rent for various buildings at the present.

Pottsville Republican of October 17, 1921

WORLD WAR ONE VET RETURNS HOME

First Lieutenant Ivan Lautenbacher, whose body was brought home
from France arriving at Schuylkill Haven last Wednesday was laid to
his final rest in Union Cemetery, Sunday afternoon. The funeral was
one of the largest which has ever taken place in that town. Many hun-
dreds of people stood along the line to the Union Cemetery with bared
heads as the cortege with the remains resting on an Army caissons
drawn by four black horses passed slowly by. The body in its metallic
casket lay in state all Sunday morning and until the time of the funeral
under guard of honor and hundreds of people went in to view the cas-
ket, which was draped with the flag. At the head was a life size portrait
of Lieutenant Lautenbacher and there were some beautiful flowers. At
two o'clock with a short service concluded, the drums beat the roll and
the body was brought out and the cortege started on its way to Grace
United Evangelical Church. About 160 members of the Robert Baker
Post American Legion in uniform were in line and they were commanded
by Lieutenant Edward Mengle to whom Major Gangloff turned over the
command after he had assembled them. Music was furnished by the
Schuylkill Hose Company drum and bugle corps. All the military with the
relatives and about three hundred civilians were able to enter but hun-
dreds were disappointed at not being able to enter and instead journeyed
to the cemetery to witness the military burial.
Reverend F. S. Fasnacht, the pastor, officiated and Dr. Schlegle, Reading, presiding elder of the district,
and who was a boyhood pastor of deceased at Williamstown, preached an eloquent funeral sermon. His
text was 2 Timothy 2-4. His theme was the life of a Christian soldier and how his days should be spent. Mr.
Brown, a friend of the family, read a touching poem. There was no singing or music. Because of the work
on Centre Avenue, the cortege had to go by way of Jerusalem Cemetery which is on top of the hill and then
journey back to the extreme lower end of Union Cemetery. The body was buried with full military honors.
Lautenbacher was injured while acting captain of Company C, 316 Infantry, 79th Division near Mount
Faucon. He was struck in the right shoulder, the bullet passing through his body and emerging on his left
side. He was taken to the hospital in the rear and died five days later on October 2. He had been ill with
the flu and had been tagged for the hospital but refused to go back as long as his company was on the
firing line and would probably have recovered had it not been for his weakened condition. He was born at
Williamstown and was a graduate of the high school there. At the time he enlisted for service at the
Mexican border he was a student in the American School of Dramatic Art. He had remarkable success in
home talent plays as he had much natural ability. Prior to his service on the border he had served several
enlistments in the National Guard being a member of Company, made into an engineer company and was a
member when they became Company C, 103rd Engineers. Later at a training camp he earned his
commission and was assigned to the 316th Infantry, 79th Division and was sent to France in July 1918.
Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan L. Lautenbacher, two sisters, Ruth and Katherine, survive.

PLEASE NOTE: Articles on this page are now grouped by type and in chronological order. Newest articles
are highlighted with a yellow background. Sections include: historical information, Tragedies
documenting sad stories of the past, Municipal News that details civic news, The Great War documents
Schuylkill Haven's participation in World War One; Other Notable Events covers items from early auto
accidents to ghosts to inventors to odd and interesting stories of Schuylkill Haven of the day.

MARTIN DREIBELBIS

ELECTRICITY COMES TO SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

These two articles address the beginnings of electricity in Schuylkill Haven.

COMING OUT OF DARKNESS
Schuylkill Haven Declares For Electric Light

Pottsville Republican February 5, 1891

A prominent citizen of Schuylkill Haven writes to the Republican as follows:
The Schuylkill Haven Borough Council adopted the Thompson-Houston electric arc light at their regular
meeting last Tuesday evening, and in our estimation it showed good sense and judgement in giving the
citizens a good and superior light even if it would cost a trifle more then the Edison and Westinghouse.
The committee appointed by Council, comprising Messrs. Weber, Moser, Mayberry, McGoey and Freed, to
visit Martinsburg W. Va, Harrisburg, Pottsville, Mahanoy City, Shenandoah and several other places to
inquire and inspect the electric plants of the Edison Westinghouse and Thompson-Houston systems,
submitted their report to Council on Tuesday evening. The Edison Westinghouse and the
Thompson-Houston companies were represented by Messrs. Meyers, Porter and Snow respectively. After
some discussion it was unanimously decided to adopt the Thompson-Houston electric arc light as most
suitable for the borough.
It has been darkly hinted by several citizens of this enterprising town that the committee received boodle
for making a more favorable report relative to the plant now adopted. The gentlemen comprising that
committee are honorable and upright citizens in every sense, and their refusal of boodle offered by an
agent of a different company showed the honesty and backbone that was in this committee and should be
commended. We hope Council will immediately take steps to have the town lighted by electricity at an early
date.

Pottsville Republican October 22, 1891

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN'S NEW LIGHT

The Electric Plant Set in Motion Last Night by Due Ceremonies
Our neighbors of Schuylkill Haven came in out of the darkness last night and set in motion its new electric
plant and flashed before the astonished citizens forty-five glaring lights of the Thompson-Houston system.
It is unnecessary to say that everyone was pleased even those who were first opposed to the cost of the
plant to be erected by the borough, but the progressive council braved the storm of opposition and now
every taxpayer can see the result and the advantages of well lighted streets.

The light was turned on at 7:20 o'clock pm, by Clarence, the 12 year old son of President H. J. Moser of the
Borough Council, under the direction of Superintendent Freed, Engineer Robinson, Machinists Wilson and
Killian and Councilman Mulholland.

The plant is located behind the Pennsylvania freight depot and has been erected by the borough at a cost
of $12,600, and can be enlarged at any time as the demands and wants of the people warrant it. At present
forty-five lights are used to light the streets and every one confess it is an improvement that will pay for
itself in a few years.
To vary the monotony of seeing a flood of light surrounding the town, a game of quoits was resorted to
under the new light at Greenawalt's store, and created some amusement for the bystanders. At last
accounts the advocates of the electric light were ahead and scored many "hobs" and finally won the game.
Messrs. Moser, Felix, Reifsnyder and Mulholland inspected the lights last night in their official capacity.

NEWS OF THE
GREAT WAR

Pottsville Republican of May 19, 1917

SCH. HAVEN HAD GREAT PATRIOTIC OUTPOURING
TO ATTEST LOYALTY TO FLAG AND COUNTRY

With the tri-color of France and the British Union Jack marking a harmonious contrast to the thousands of
American flags, over three thousand residents of Schuylkill Haven paraded the principal streets of that
borough in a big outburst of patriotism that was enthusiastic as those for which the past month or more
have awakened the entire county to the duty that it is being called upon to perform.
The serious side of the demonstration was indicated by the presence of Company C Engineers, which
paraded in full marching equipment, while the fact that the populace of the town would soon be called
upon to give its sons, was brought home by the parading of a hundred of the new company of engineers.
Eighteen bands and drum corps made the music for the pageant which took practically all the residents off
the sidewalks and put them in the line of march. Secret societies, churches, railroaders, factory employees
and even the tiniest school tot was in line.
Probably the most impressive group in line was the school children of the public and parochial schools,
which paraded with almost every member of nine hundred pupils in line. Next in point of contrast was the
demonstration made by the Red Cross organization, which was newly organized a little over a week ago.
The women paraded in twenty five automobiles, which flooded to the breeze hundreds of the red cross
flags, the white field with the Swiss cross center. The high school made a pretty turnout, girls parading,
white skirts and blue coats, red, white and blue hair bands. Practically the whole turnout of the school
were attired in white with the American colors and neckties or hair bands. The Pennsylvania Railroad
employees and the P and R Railroad employees, with over three hundred, paraded with the familiar blue
diamond of the Reading, while the Pennsylvania were marked by a white field and a red keystone center.
Many other groups, attired in patriotic colors filled the parade.
Every business place in Schuylkill Haven, including the saloons, was closed. Every resident of Schuylkill
Haven is in a patriotic mood and as early as one o'clock the formation of the various divisions started.
Extra trolley service brought thousands of people into town and everything was closed tight from one
o'clock until after the parade. It was a sight that will never be forgotten by the residents of Schuylkill
Haven.

Pottsville Republican of August 20, 1919

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SOLDIERS HONORED BY TOWNSMEN

Saturday at Schuylkill Haven the three hundred soldiers of that town will have impressed upon them that
their home folks are proud of them for the service they rendered to their nation in its time of need, as this
is the day for which the preparations of the past weeks have been centering to hold a parade and a
program of pleasure and enjoyment, which it is intended shall be one of the bright spots in the minds of
the khaki clad boys of a year ago but most of whom are now back again in their peaceful pursuits with the
war but a memory.
Schuylkill Haven responded as few towns have done in sending her sons to the front. The town was
represented very largely in the three Pottsville companies, particularly in Company C of the 103rd
Engineers. Many of these boys won well deserved promotions to commissioned and non-commissioned
officers, while on the other hand many of them gave their lives or sustained grievous wounds which they
will always carry with them as long as there is life.
The big parade, in the afternoon, will not be the only feature of the day by any means, although the
procession is of a kind which will set a mark which will probably never be surpassed. The town will be in
semi-holiday life all day Saturday, as stores will be closed, factories will suspend operations, and many of
the industries in nearby towns will suffer because of the absence of Schuylkill Haven workers. The town
intends to celebrate the occasion fittingly and to do this all hands intend to pitch in and do a share.
In the morning a baseball game will be played on the Haven grounds between the Cressona and Mount
Carmel Polish Giants. Those who follow baseball know that it would scarcely be possible to get together
two teams more evenly matched to insure a good game.
Following the parade, probably at three o'clock, the soldiers will give an exhibition of trench warfare and
drills and also machine gun drill. At 3:45 o'clock the Tigers and the Giants will play the second ballgame of
the day. While the ball game is going on, those who do not care to attend this sport will find chance for
entertainment in the drills which will be conducted by the Boy Scouts on Saint John Street. This will be at
four o'clock.
The banquet for the soldiers will be held from six to eight o'clock and a fine menu has been prepared.
Band concerts will be held from 7:15 until 8:15 o'clock at the Heim store by the Citizen's Band and at the
Hotel Grand by the Bressler Band. At the public meeting to be held in the evening a musical program will
be rendered. Then from 9:30 until 11:00 o'clock there will be
the Block Party dance.
It can be readily seen that the program is one that will give pleasure to all and will not leave an idle minute
during the entire day or evening. But it is not to even end at midnight, for Sunday is to be another day of
patriotic celebration. In the afternoon there will be a memorial service at Saint John Street beginning at
2:15 o'clock. All ministers of town will take part in these exercises. There will be one address. The
program will open by a short sacred concert by the Citizen's Band. This will be followed by the memorial
service. The band will render several selections during the service. Following the memorial service
another sacred concert will be given on Dr. Rutter's lawn on Saint John Street. The Bressler Band will hold
this concert and it will last from four until five o'clock. In the evening special church services will be held
in all of the churches at the usual hour, to which the public is invited.

Pottsville Republican of January 1, 1918

TOWN RAISES SERVICE FLAG

A patriotic community watch service was held in the auditorium of the new high school building, Schuylkill
Haven on Monday night, which proved to be a unifying force in that community. All the religious bodies of
the town united in the service in the interest of the boys that have gone from the homes of the community.
It was an inspiring sight, for as the names of the men in the service was called, representatives of their
families arose and at the conclusion of the calling of the Honor Roll, the audience arose and the patriotic
hymn, "America", was sung with renewed inspiration. The Service Flag, which was concealed behind the
arch on the stage, was unfurled and called forth great enthusiasm. It is a regulation Service Flag, five by
eight with one large star in the center of the white field, with white numerals on the blue star, indicating
the 179 boys who are in the service of our country. One gold star graces the flag in honor of Robert Baker,
sailor, formerly a mate on the United states ship Alabama, who died in October of blood poison.
The program was carried through on schedule time. There were two guests present to lead in the
interpretation of patriotism and the issues involved in the struggle in which our country has been called
upon to take her part. Reverend A. O. Reiter, of Pottsville, was present as the special guest of the
Ministerial Association of Schuylkill Haven, whose address was inspiring and helpful. Lieutenant Joseph A.
Judge was the main speaker of the evening and proved to be a great unifying force in the meeting. His
address was logical and convincing. The task before us was visualized and the audience was inspired and
enthused.
The auditorium was filled to capacity. Quite a large addition was made to the Red Cross enrollment. As the
old year ended and the new year was ushered in the large audience arose and sang "The Star Spangled
Banner" with the greatest devotion. In every way the meeting was a splendid success.

Pottsville Republican of June 7, 1922

FEAR HAVEN BOY DROWNED

Lamar Moser, aged sixteen, son of Clarence Moser of Schuylkill Haven, is believed to have been
drowned in the reservoir in back of the car shops at Schuylkill Haven, and a party of men were at once
put to work at pumping the water from the reservoir to see if the body can be recovered. The young
man, who is a popular high school student, went for a swim shortly before noon Wednesday and
several hours later some children who were laying about the reservoir came back to the town and said
that they had found his clothing on the bank near the reservoir, but no trace of the boy could be found.
A number of men at once started out to search for him and although they searched the woods nearby,
he has not been found, and it is feared that he is drowned. Up to a late hour his body had not been
found.
Several hundred men were at the reservoir pumping out the water, the boy's father, Clarence Moser, a
fireman on the P and R Railroad, and the grandfather, H. L. Moser of Schuylkill Haven were on the
scene and were nearly frantic with grief as all efforts to find the body were in vain. Several men were
diving and grappling hooks were being used but with no results. The whole town was anxiously
awaiting some definite news as the young man was a Boy Scout and was very popular.

Pottsville Republican of January 13, 1899

LODGE'S ANNIVERSARY

The members of Carroll Lodge, Number 120, I. O. O. F. of Schuylkill Haven, last evening celebrated the
sixteenth anniversary of its institution. There was a delightful program of exercises rendered, after which
the members and wives and lady friends sat down to a most sumptuous banquet. The anniversary was
celebrated at Metamora Hall, which was comfortably filled, altogether a number of the members were
detained at home owing to illness. The exercises opened by the Eiler Cornet band rendering a choice
selection. This was followed by prayer by Chaplain S. R. Hartranft, after which D. S. Byerly delivered an
address of welcome. The address of the evening was made by Dr. C. Lenker, whose subject was "Odd
Fellowship". Miss Bessie Dengler recited a selection which was well received. Speeches and songs were
indulged in by others during the evening. The party dismissed at two o'clock this morning.

Pottsville Republican of April 6, 1914

ASK $15,000 BOND FOR CARNIVAL

Schuylkill Haven Council at a meeting held on Monday evening decided that if the Citizens Band of the
town intended to have a carnival they would be obliged to enter bond in the sum of $15,000. After about
two hours of very lengthy argument between the Council members and the representatives of the band, a
vote was taken by the council which resulted with seven of them in favor of having the carnival and five
against it. The president declared that permission had been given them by the vote, but that the bond as
stated must be furnished before they will be allowed to go on with their street carnival. It will be
remembered that after the last celebration in that town Council passed a ordinance forbidding the use of
the streets for carnivals no matter for what purpose.
Messrs. Herbert Baker and Clayton Eiler represented the Citizens Band while Howard Stager was a
representative of the Athletic Association of that town, in league with the band. This trio put up a stiff
argument in favor of the carnival and it was though their explanations that the permission was granted.
They explained how carnivals of this kind benefited the town and were of the opinion that another one
would be a helping hand in their borough. The band representatives told how they were obliged to get
funds to conduct their band that they had no contributors and they were obliged to earn in some manner
money for their treasury. A visitor stated that he knew of one person at least who would contribute and
both representatives of the band explained their past experience which showed perfectly that supports by
contributions was out of the question.
On the opposite side were petitions from the churches in that town stating that in their opinion these
celebrations were detrimental to the town. The immorality topic was their plea and they contended that
these celebrations did more to demoralize the entire community than anything else they knew of. These
petitions were signed by some of the members of their churches, mostly women. After the hearings of
both sides, the discussion began and it was one of the warmest arguments heard in any meeting for many a
day. Both sides seemed determined to win and when the vote was taken on the proposition it was seen
that the band led by the small majority of two votes.
Schuylkill Haven is the scene of much argument today over the carnival proposition and while it was the
opinion of many of the citizens that the band would be allowed to have the carnival, they did not expect to
see such a fight on the part of the churches on this account. The permission is granted and that is what
the band were fighting for and arrangements will begin in another week for holding the celebration which
will be of one week’s duration.

Pottsville Republican of April 24, 1915

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN FREE DELIVERY

Postmaster Fred B. Reed, of Schuylkill Haven, is in receipt of three communications regarding the
instituting of free mail service in Schuylkill Haven and according to these notices there will be no free mail
delivery in that town until after July 1, the fiscal government year. The communications followed a petition
by over 450 voters of Schuylkill Haven, asking the government to install free mail delivery there. The first
letter received was from D. C. Roper, first assistant postmaster general at Washington, and it stated that
the receipts at Schuylkill Haven fell off during the past six months, ending December 31 of last year, and he
did not deem it wise at this time to install free delivery.
The second one, from R. D. Heaton, in explanation stated that the government felt that they would not take
up any matter of this kind at any place owing to the general fall off of post office receipts through the
European war, and that it was very probable that this would be given first thought on or about July 1. The
free mail delivery service was promised Schuylkill Haven about seven months ago. It was expected to
have it instituted about January 1 of this year and then was delayed a month later and again thirty days
more. In the meantime Schuylkill Haven residents got busy numbering their houses, and the council of that
town expended some money in having the streets named and a sign posted at each street corner. It was
seen that there would be no free mail service at once as there were no notices about examinations for
positions and the voters then took the matter up, finally getting a series of petitions on the market. These
were in the hands of popular citizens in that town and last week were turned in with over 450 voters
names. Recognition was given these petitions and a very early answer was given the Schuylkill Haven
citizens to clear their minds and to assure them that the free mail delivery proposition had not fallen
through.

Pottsville Republican of May 31, 1932

BOY FELL OFF RAFT DROWNS

Kenneth Shollenberger, six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Shollenberger, Schuylkill Haven, drowned
in Miller's Pond, near Schuylkill Haven, Monday when a raft from which he, his sister Fern and two
companions were fishing, overturned. The other three were able to reach shore in safety but Kenneth
sank. A short time later, A. A. Alleman, operator of a washery near the pond, recovered the body and made
efforts to resuscitate the boy but life was already extinct. Dr. Lenker, the deputy coroner in Schuylkill
Haven, who was summoned to the scene of the accident, pronounced the boy dead. When the child fell on
the overturning raft, his head struck the edge and he was rendered unconscious, a large mark over the
temple and forehead showed where he struck. The family are former Pottsville residents, where the boy
was born, the mother before her marriage was Irene Reed of Tremont, and the father is a well known
assistant in the Yost Meat Market at Schuylkill Haven. Besides his parents, the one sister Fern survives.
The family are embers of Christ Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven. The funeral will be held from the family
home on Thursday afternoon with services at the Union Cemetery with Reverend E. H. Smoll presiding.

Pottsville Republican of August 19, 1932

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN LEGIONNAIRE GOT MILITARY DECORATION

Edward Mengle of town, who served in the World War with the 103rd Engineers, has received from the War
Department the decoration known as the Order of the Purple Heart. The award reads "given for special
military merit". Back in the Revolutionary days this order was founded by General Washington and was
given to soldiers then for special valor in service. In memory of the Washington anniversary year, the War
Department have again taken up the order and wounded men or men who have been cited for special acts
of bravery are eligible for this honor. The citation is made by certificate and Mr. Mengle of town was one of
the first men in this county to receive it. He is a member of the Baker Post of the American Legion of town
and a member of the milling firm, Mengle Brothers, of Beckville.

The following three articles are related and tell a sad tale.....

Pottsville Republican of April 4, 1916

MISSING SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN FOUND DEAD

After searching for Clayton Mengle, aged twenty one years, of Schuylkill Haven since New Year's, his dead
body was found in the river to the rear of Bast's Factory near the covered bridge at Schuylkill Haven on
Wednesday morning by a schoolboy named Noecker, of that town. Mengel was identified by means of some
postcards that he had in his pockets and also by a scar on his face. The body was badly decomposed and
by all appearances has been dead for many weeks. The authorities upon the finding of the body started a
search for the body of Miss Helen Hepler of Cressona, with whom Mengle was supposed to have gone
away with about New Years. The authorities think that perhaps her body may be in the river also, and while
they have no special reason to confirm this belief, they are searching all along the river for her body.
It will be remembered that about New Years Mengle, who is a son of Henry Mengle of Schuylkill Haven,
disappeared from Schuylkill Haven and at the same time, Miss Helen Hepler, a daughter of Charles Hepler
of Cressona, aged nineteen years, also disappeared. The two were friends and it was the opinion of the
members of the families of the both that they ran away together. The state police have been working on
the case ever since and twice they thought they had a clue in Maryland, where it was thought they had
gone to be married. About seven weeks ago a suicide story was circulated about the pair but this was
found to be untrue. The last heard of the pair was January 2 of this year, when residents of Schuylkill
Haven claim to have seen them together.
The authorities are puzzled over the finding of the body of Mengel. He has one mark on his head but
otherwise seems unmarked. The suicide theory was advanced and it is the general opinion that this is the
case. Dr. G. O. Santee, acting as coroner for Dr. Moore, who is out of town, seems to think that the boy
committed suicide. Late Wednesday afternoon there were several state policeman and residents of
Schuylkill Haven searching for the body of Miss Hepler. Besides his parents, Mengle leaves to survive him
two sisters, Mary and Eva, wife of Evan Steinbrunn.

Pottsville Republican of July 3, 1916

MAY BE BODY OF HELEN HEPLER

What may be the last chapter in the famous Mengle-Hepler case turned on Monday afternoon with the
finding of a body of a girl,decapitated, in the Schuylkill River near the washery at Landingville.
It is believed to be the body of Miss Helen Hepler, the fourteen year old girl whose whereabouts have
been unknown since January 2.
Her father was notified by Coroner Moore about 10:30 o'clock and he viewed the body which is in a badly
decomposed state. He was unable to positively identify the remains although he knew she wore a blue
dress similar to the shreds of the one found on her and in the river. The buttons on the dress were
practically the same he said and he agreed that she wore a locket, bracelet and ring similar to those found
on the girl in the river, yet he would not positively say that it was his daughter. The mother was sent for at
2:30 o'clock and the body removed to Schuylkill Haven to await her identifying the body. Coroner Moore
says that it is beyond doubt the Hepler girl and the state police are of the opinion that it is the girl being
sought since January.
The condition of the body and being minus the head made identification hard and the father and people
who knew Helen Hepler said it looked nothing like her body. The father said that if it is his daughter, it
bears out the statement made by him several weeks ago when he asserted that a train struck both his
daughter and Clayton Mengle, the boy with whom she disappeared. In order to make identification a trifle
easier, the blue shreds of a skirt found on her were washed by the authorities on Monday afternoon before
the mother was brought to identify the body. An investigation is being made and an inquest will likely
follow.
It will be remembered that Miss Hepler and Clayton Mengle of Schuylkill Haven, who was her sweetheart,
disappeared at the same time, the evening of January 2, and nothing was heard of either of them until April
4th, when a boy named Noecker found the body of Mengle in the Schuylkill River just below the covered
bridge, at the point where the Bast boys fell in and were drowned some years ago.
Up to this time the state police and authorities all over the state had been looking for the pair and had run
down more then thirty clues all of which failed to give the police any information as to their whereabouts. It
was rumored in Cressona that the girl had been seen by a policeman in Easton and later in Allentown and
after this pictures of the pair were sent state wide in an effort to land them.
Shortly after the funding of the body of young Mengle, a note was found in the Schuylkill River near
Reading which read as follows, "We are tired of life and have ended our miseries together. You will find
both our bodies in the river." The note was found in an old bottle shaped can was corked so as to be free
from rain. The boys that found it turned it over to the police in Reading and the state police in town were
notified. They at once started an investigation after securing samples of the writing of both Miss Hepler
and Mengel, and finally concluded that the writing was neither that of Miss Hepler nor Mengle, although
both their names were signed.
The case then was just as deep as ever and the police started to work over some facts that had been
brought out at the inquest conducted by Coroner Moore on the evening of April 11th. It was shown at the
inquest that the Mengel boy, who was twenty one years of age, and pretty Miss Hepler, who had just
passed her nineteenth birthday, were to meet in front of the hose house in Cressona, friends of the two
having testified to this statement. The girl was seen to leave her girlfriends in Cressona and walk towards
the Cressona road where she would reach the hose house, and likewise Mengel broke away from his
chums and went to meet her. That was the last seen of either of them alive and since that time the
authorities have had nothing on which to base any foundation and have been searching for the young lady,
the finding of Mengle's body coming as a surprise to them. A hat belonging to the Hepler girl was found in
the bushes near the railroad at Connor's Crossing and this together with other information regarding the
pair, resulting in the decision of the girl's father that the two had been hit by a train and driven into the
river. A railroad crew several weeks ago also remarked that they felt they had struck someone but were
never able to give out any definite information.

Pottsville Republican of July 5, 1916

HEPLER GIRL BURIED TUESDAY

After several hours investigation,. The body of the girl found in the Schuylkill River near the washery at
Landingville on Monday afternoon, was identified as that of Helen Hepler and the remains were claimed on
Monday night by her parents and were taken from the almshouse to the Hepler home, from where the
funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon. The identification was made through a locket which was found on
her neck. W. L. McLarren of Cressona, a merchant, sold it to Helen Hepler a week before she went away,
identifying it as the same one that he sold her. It had a diamond chip on the top and a large stone setting
in the middle, being of an odd figure and easy to identify. When the father saw the body he said it was not
the body of his daughter and with the head not visible he was unable to identify it. He could not identify
the bracelet, rings or locket as the property of his daughter although he knew she had some similar to
those found on the body. He refused to claim the body and Coroner Moore sent the remains to the
almshouse, from where it was taken after the father and mother were shown that the daughter had
purchased this locket the week before she and Mengle left Cressona, from McLarren. The blue coat, blue
skirt and red sweater were not identified by the parents although this description was given by them and
other witnesses at the inquest and when the report of their disappearance was made.
Coroner Moore stated on Wednesday that he would not conduct an inquest, that he was satisfied that
nothing more could be learned then was brought out at the Mengle inquest. He says that in his opinion the
girl and Mengel were struck by a train while on the bridge near Schuylkill Haven and that their bodies were
both knocked in the river. Upon investigation of the body Coroner Moore found that the girl's right arm
was broken and that the right arm of Mengle was broken, so that is plausible that the pair were struck by
the train.
There are many who consider the case a deep mystery and can not understand how the pair were struck by
a train and the crew did not ever learn of it or feel the jar. One crew a short time after the pair disappeared
said they felt sure they struck some object and when they alighted from their train and went back to
investigate, they were unable to find a trace of anyone.

WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHT

THE COST AND LOCATION

Pottsville Republican of June 13, 1936

DEDICATE SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POST OFFICE SATURDAY

Today marked an unusual day in the history of Schuylkill Haven. The modern Post Office building recently
completed by the government contractors was formally dedicated to the use of the Postal service
business. At eleven o'clock a delegation of local businessmen and others headed by Mayor Roy A. Scott,
journeyed to Pottsville where they met visiting officials. At Saint John's Reformed church a luncheon was
served after which headed by the local band the procession marched to the post office building at the
corner of Main and saint John Streets. There from a platform erected on the Saint John Street side, draped
in the national colors, the Honorable Clinton B. Eilenberger, third assistant postmaster delivered the
dedicatory address. Congressman James Gildea had been designated by the Postal Department to have
charge of the afternoon meeting and the entire program was prescribed by the Department at Washington.
Honorable Ralph M. Bashore, secretary of Labor of the state of Pennsylvania and Honorable Roy
Brownmiller, Deputy Highway Commissioner, were honored guests.
In addition to Postmaster J. Harry Brownmiller, who accepted the building, quite a number of postmasters
from this section were present. Prior to the afternoon exercises the visitors were entertained briefly at
the home of earl Stoyer on east main street and following it a formal reception was given at the extensive
estate of D. D. Coldren in the Blue Mountains near Port Clinton Gap. This evening at six o'clock, the days
program will close with a banquet at Saint John's reformed church which will be attended by more than 250
people. Mayor Roy A. Scott, who is chairman of the borough general committee will have charge of this
event. He will formally welcome the guests and introduce Attorney V. J. Dalton who will act as toastmaster.
In July, Roy Brownmiller received word from Washington that $20,000 was offered to build the new office.
The preliminary survey was done in August 1934 and in March 1935 the contract was awarded to Oscar
Weinstine of Wilkes Barre. In August 1935, the work of razing the old Hotel Grand property was started and
in September the actual work of construction was started. Mild weather was extremely favorable to the
work but the snows of the severe winter delayed the work. However the work was completed on time and
June 1st was occupied by Postmaster J. Harry Brownmiller and his force of employees.
The building is of colonial design, one story with a roomy basement. It is modern in every particular, is
centrally located and is indeed a welcome addition to the borough. In 1830 the first postmaster was named
for Schuylkill Haven. Up to that time the residents had to go to the county seat at Orwigsburg for their mail,
brought up the Schuylkill Valley by stagecoach. In 1915, letter carrier service was instituted and later
parcel post delivery was included in their work. A horse and wagon was hired for use of one of the men, as
it was found impossible to deliver by hand with the increase in size and weight of parcels accepted. Later
a motor truck was purchased by the government for this work. The local office is well managed and enjoys
a high rating of efficiency.

MUNICIPAL NEWS

The Call of August 8, 1913

TO BUILD BRIDGE ACROSS RIVER

The efforts to have the county construct a bridge across the Schuylkill River at a point near the Roller Rink
connecting with Berne Street having failed, the Grand Jury before which the matter had to be argued,
deciding that the cost would be too great on the county at this time, a movement has been begun by
residents of Berne Street to effect a quicker means of communication. A petition is being circulated for
subscriptions to cover the expense of constructing a substantial foot bridge between Berne Street and
lower Main Street. It is proposed to construct at least a six foot wide bridge. The approach on the west
side of the bridge being at a vacant lot on Berne Street directly opposite to the back road to Cressona and
between the properties of Daniel Phillips and William Luckenbill. The east side approach to the bridge will
be about 150 feet below the Roller Rink. The distance across the river at this point will be 115 feet. The
bridge is to be of wooden construction on concrete piers. The estimated cost will be $1000 to $1200.
Messrs. Phillips and Luckenbill, the owners of the vacant lot on the west side of the river have agreed to
give sufficient ground for the approach to the bridge off of Berne Street. An effort will be made to have
the Reading Company grant permission to build an approach on the east side on their property. The
petition was circulated for the first time Monday and we are informed that several hundred dollars has
already been subscribed for the project. Businessmen and public spirited citizens will be asked to
contribute and in this way the amount necessary can easily be secured. It is also proposed to hold a
festival in the near future to assist in securing the necessary funds. If at all possible it is the intention of
the Berne Street residents to have the bridge built this year and from the general and liberal response
already given them it is quite possible that this may be accomplished.

The Call of August 17, 1928

COUNCIL BUYS TWO TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS

A short meeting of the Schuylkill Haven Town Council was held on Thursday evening with all members in
attendance. The Highway Committee recommended that traffic signals be purchased of the Attica Company
at their bid recently submitted. The committee determined upon this company’s signals after tabulation
and comparison of the bids on traffic lights of several other bidders. The total cost for the two proposed
signal lights will be $600. The plans call for the placing of a traffic light at the corner of Columbia and Berne
Streets. It will be a four way three light system and will be of a pedestal type mounted upon a circular
concrete and cast iron base. The base of the light will be illuminated with a white light. The base will be
about the same size as the base of the present beacon light which it will replace.
The second light will be placed at the corner of Dock Street and Centre Avenue, and will be a three way
three light system. This will be of a suspension mast arm type mounted upon a circular concrete and iron
base and will occupy the same space and position as the present beacon light which it will replace. Upon
the concrete base will be a master pole of steel and from this steel arm will extend an arm from which the
signal light will be extended. With the purchase of the two traffic lights the borough will have on its hands
two traffic beacons and the question arose following the adjournment of the meeting, what disposition was
to be made of the two beacons. Some councilmen favored their being placed at dangerous street
intersections. Others favored their sale as their use will mean a continual expenditure for the gas which
they consume. The Highway Department also recommended that A. R. Saylor of Schuylkill Haven, be
awarded the contract for the placing of the large sewer in the south end of the Parkway. His bid was
$1225. The next highest bidder, Schaffner Maberry was $1263. $1263.

The Call of October 26, 1917

FIRST LOCAL DEATH IN WAR

Schuylkill Haven’s first real sacrifice in the world war was made this week
when the first one of her fighting sons lay down his life for his Uncle Sam.
It was Robert Baker, of the U. S. S. Albany who died at the Naval Hospital in
Brooklyn, Wednesday evening, following an illness of several weeks. De-
ceased was but nineteen years of age. He enlisted in the Navy in the early
part of the year. He recently returned from a trip across the sea to England,
being of the convoy which guarded the U. S. transports. The exact cause of
his death could not be learned, the death certificate giving the cause of his
demise as “a complication of diseases”. It was intimated that a serious nerve
disease or rheumatic fever was the cause. It is known however that upon his
return from a trip across the sea he slightly scratched his arm. He began
scratching it as it healed with the result that it became infected and it was ne-
cessary to have it lanced several times. This might have developed into blood
poisoning. Little information could be obtained by his father from the hospital
authorities. Mr. Baker was born in Schuylkill Haven and spent the greater part
of his life here. He was of a quiet disposition, well thought of, and enjoyed a
wide acquaintanceship. He served with Company C Engineers during the late Mexican affair on the border
and upon the return of his company to this county was transferred to the Pine Grove company. He enlisted
in the Navy on April 17, 1917. He was a member of Saint John’s Reformed Church and Sunday School. He
was associated with several fraternal organizations in town. He is survived by his father, Guy Baker of
Liberty Street. At this writing definite funeral arrangements had not been made.
made.

The Call of December 5, 1919

WAR COUNCIL DISBANDED

At the meeting of the war Council held at Town Hall, Thursday evening the business of this organization
was wound up and adjournment made “Sine Die” or forever. This means that the War Council, which
organization took charge and conducted the various loan drives and campaigns and other work of various
kinds during the war, has ceased to exist. The Community Hall proposition which has been under
consideration by this organization for some time was, after a discussion, dropped entirely. The Community
Hall had been suggested as the manner and method to show the town’s appreciation of the deeds of the
Schuylkill Haven soldier boys, to honor them, and as a memorial to those who lay down their life. The
committees appointed some time ago to take hold of the matter reported that they felt the proposition too
large to handle for a town this size. That the cost of construction would be between $50,000 and $60,000
and that a sufficient fund for maintenance each year would be most difficult to provide.
The committee in charge of placing the Honor Roll in the Town Hall reported they would confer with the
committee of town council in order to determine the exact place in the Town Hall hallway the same is to be
placed and that the Roll would be moved the coming week. The committee having in charge the purpose
of furniture for the American Legion reported having purchased two large couches, two tables, a desk,
twelve arm chairs, three rockers and forty eight folding chairs. The money to be turned over to the
American Legion would not pay the bill entirely but that the Legion would pay the balance. It was also
decided to pay Mr. Yeich, whose horse was injured when the arch fell on it, twenty five dollars as
damages. The treasurer reported a balance from the celebration of $408.31, with additional receipts of
$5.92, making a total receipt of $414.23. Additional celebration bills paid $19.19, leaving a balance of
$395.04. To the above amount was added $2.00 for lumber sold making a total balance of $397.04. Bills of
the evening paid were: Mr. Yeich, for damages to his horse, $25.00; “Call” printing, $7.30; Leon Sterner,
$4.00; A. R. Maberry, postage, $1.25; Dr. Driesbach, bill paid by Publicity Committee for veterinary services
to Yeich horse, $10.00; miscellaneous, $1.00 for a total of $48.55. The remaining total of $348.49 is to be
turned over to the American Legion.

The Call of December 2, 1921

LANDMARK OF 1816 BEING TORN DOWN

One of the oldest of landmarks in Schuylkill Haven, a landmark associated with many events of importance
in the early history of this section of the state is being razed to the ground. It is the B. F. Gehrig property
on Centre Avenue that was sold to the Keystone Oil and Gas Company. On its site will be erected a
concrete service station.
The landmark was for many years a hostelry as hotels were termed in the early days. The first keeper or
proprietor was Michael Freehafer, who opened it for business about 1815 or 1816 at which time the first
road between Sunbury and Reading was built. The laborers who worked on this road often stayed here and
for board at the hostelry they paid eight dollars per month. The road at this point followed a straight line
north. The curves now in the road were made necessary when the Pennsylvania Railroad came through
the town. Another early proprietor was Daniel Stager who also was postmaster, which post office was
located in the same building. George Locks was the next proprietor and then followed in succession from
1842 when John Mackey took charge, John Charles, Israel Wentzel, Thomas Summers, Howard Heffner,
George Fegley and J. Deitrich. William Gensemer then opened a saddler shop in the place and in 1891 B. F.
Gehrig moved into the building.
As was expected the place was of extra strong timbers and built in an unusual manner. Upon the
foundation were placed heavy fourteen by twelve inch solid oak stringers. Extending crosswise, between
the joists were placed boards and upon these narrow pieces of boards was filled in clay or plastering to
the top of the joist, so that the space between the joists was entirely gilled in solid. Upon the joist on the
first floor was fist put down an oak floor and upon this was a yellow pine floor. This construction was found
in the room evidently used as the bar room. The walls of the building were planked and then plastered.
The house was forty by forty feet and three stories high. Contractor Fisher purchased the building and is
finding extra fine timber in it which will be used for other building purposes. The contract for the
construction of the service station will be let shortly.

The Call of June 9, 1922

TWELVE YEAR OLD BOY DROWNS IN OLD RESERVOIR

Not in years has an accident, death or any other occurrence shocked and saddened this community as did
the drowning of Lamar, the twelve year, eleven month and fourteen day old son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence
Moser of Main Street. The drowning occurred Wednesday afternoon probably shortly after the noon hour
at the “Old Reservoir” above Caldwell Street. The discovery of the boys clothes made by companions led
to the fear that the lad had drowned. His parents were summoned and upon their arrival immediately
recognized the garments. Other boys in the meantime had gathered in answer to the alarm spread and
identified different articles of property that they occasionally made use of such as a comb, key ring, etc.
Efforts were made at once to locate the body and a dozen or more young men continued diving into the
reservoir but without any success. Almost frantic with grief, the father and other relatives and friends
urged haste that if perchance the body was discovered, there might be efforts made to resuscitate the
boy. The water in the reservoir was between nine and ten feet deep. It was very cold, covered with
grease and oil and not any of the swimmers could remain under water for any length of time. Finally the
company authorities were appealed to and they ordered the water from the reservoir drawn off
immediately. In the meantime Messrs. John and Mike Starr, by means of a plank and a rake, located the
body about fifteen feet from the side of the reservoir and near the wire which was used by boys to get into
the dam. A young man by the name of Bensinger succeeded in bringing the body to the surface where it
was taken in charge of by undertaker D. M. Bittle and brought to the home of the grief stricken parents.
The boy was popular with a host of friends, not only companions and children of his own age, but of adults
as well. He was a bright and very active lad and won the admiration of his elders in many ways. He was an
unusually bright scholar, a pupil of the seventh grade school taught by Miss Reinhart. He delighted in
playing baseball and had developed a remarkable pitching arm as it were. He was capable of pitching ball
accurately equally as well with the left as with the right arm. He possessed a wonderful memory and could
recite in a pleasing way many readings of considerable length. The lad had also taken up the study of the
violin and was making excellent progress on this difficult instrument. Just shortly before leaving home on
the fateful afternoon he had finished his daily practice on the instrument.
The public was concerned as to why the boy sought such a secluded and rather unattractive swimming
hole and without companions. It is learned that he had expressed his intention of learning to swim and
surprise his boy friends when they began taunting him about his not being capable of swimming. It is
believed that with this intention he had visited the reservoir and after getting into the water found it
entirely too deep, went to the bottom and because of the peculiar construction of the reservoir could not
get out again, although he most certainly must have made every effort to do so. His sudden death not only
broke the hearts of the parents and relatives but saddened everyone in the community who had been
acquainted with him. Besides the parents, a sister Rose survives.

This article relates the events of the Tumbling Run flood of 1850...

The Call of October 7, 1921

FLOOD WASHES AWAY BRIDGE

The building operations under way for the new concrete bridge across the Schuylkill River at Columbia
Street which necessitates the removal of the old wooden structure, has caused many people to query as to
when this structure was erected. From Joseph Paxson of Oaklette Virginia, who at one time was a resident
of this town, was received the following interesting article regarding the destruction of the bridge which
the old structure now being removed, supplanted. Mr. Paxson does not give any exact date of the building
of the bridge, but it evidently was during the year 1850 or 1851. His article is as follows:
Some time in the summer of 1850 while my father, mother, five brothers and myself were living on the
Edenbower farm situated on top of the Schuylkill Mountain (having moved there on April 1st, 1849 from
Philadelphia), we had a heavy continued fall of rain and one morning we could hear the roaring of angry
waters and we rushed to the edge of the mountain top and witnessed the great waters of the Tumbling Run
dam sweeping nearly everything before it in the lowlands along the banks of the river. Our view was
unobstructed, as at that time there was no growing timber on the mountainside, it having been cut off by
Levan and Kaufman to be used in the wood burning locomotives, in sole use at that time. We could see
wrecked buildings, canal boats, bridges and trees, horses and cattle floating. We could also see
occupants of houses on the Dutch Flat waving distress signals from the second story windows and see
men in small boats rowing around and rescuing families from houses that were still standing. We could see
that the covered bridge close to Boyer’s Hotel was gone. It could not stand the great pressure of canal
boats, wrecked buildings and other debris. The loss of life was small but the loss of property was very
great. Many homes having been swept away, the canal for miles torn to pieces, the Pottsville turnpike,
which was then a toll road was also torn to pieces and was not passable for many months.
We were completely cut off from wagon travel to stores and Post Office but fortunately the railroad bridge
which was stronger, stood the test and we could use that for foot passing. My older brothers, Isaac and
Edward, were in the habit of attending the Pottsville market with the produce of our farm. If either one of
them were living now they could help me make this more interesting, as they were obliged to seek a new
route to Pottsville. The Pottsville and Cressona road was built or constructed a number of years
afterward. Some time elapsed before a ford of the river was cleaned of big rock and stones, some one
hundred yards or so south of the bridge. At that time there was no coal or culm in the bed of the river. The
County Commissioners decided to erect another covered bridge at the same place, but with heavier timber
and bulkheads. My father agreed to sell them heavy stones for the bulkheads at a very low figure, they to
do the quarrying an hauling, and they were quarried from the east end of the quarry, which lies south of
what we always called the Old Field. After the water receded, several of my brothers and myself went down
to Boyer’s Eck and rummaged among the debris, which consisted of all kinds of broken furniture, utensils,
clothing, etc. One prize we found was a hive loaded with the best of honey, the bees having left or
drowned, so our table was supplied with good honey for a long time. A canal boat lodged there was
afterward floated.

These two articles tell of the new
Columbia Street bridge being built....

The Call of February 4, 1921

MAY BUILD NEW BRIDGE
OVER RIVER IN SOUTH WARD

Before the fall of 1921, Schuylkill Haven in all
probability may be graced with a concrete bridge
more pleasing in appearance and more capable of
accommodating the ever increasing traffic then the
present structure termed “The Schuylkill River
Bridge”. It is understood the County
Commissioners have under consideration the
replacing of a number of bridges in the county this
summer. The Schuylkill River bridge in this town is
one that is on the list to make way for a more
modern concrete structure. The new bridge is to be
of concrete and on the same style and design as the
concrete bridge in Pine Grove completed about a
year or two years ago. It is known that the present
structure is an ever present expense to the county
as it is constantly in need of repairs. Being built on
the old style design and of wood, repairs by reason
of the heavy traffic that daily passes over it, it is not
a source of constant expense but is dangerous and
impracticable. Many collisions have been narrowly
averted. On every occasion that a heavy touring
car or an ordinary light weight truck passes over it
the structure is shaken to the water’s edge. When a
heavily loaded truck passes over it, it does a
regular accentuated quivering stunt. From the
rumors afloat it is evident the County
Commissioners are aware of this fact and have also
realized the need for a bridge that is more safe and
more adequate to accommodate the traffic. A new
bridge at this point will certainly be welcomed by
the borough and it is more then likely that the
council will be glad to place on the new structure
the proper illumination. With a new bridge at this
point, with the contemplated elimination of the large
bridge at the Bittle Dam this coming summer and the
putting down of pavements in this section, the
erection of a number of houses, and the continued
improvement to the section along the river front by
the building of bungalows, the South Ward certainly
will in a short time show a marked improvement in
appearance and come into its former position of
being the beauty spot of
town.

The Call of July 22, 1921

COLUMBIA STREET BRIDGE
BEING TORN DOWN

Work of dismantling the Columbia Street bridge
was begun Monday morning by a force of men
under the superintendency of H. G. Dixon of the
Concrete-Steel Bridge Company of Parkesburg,
West Virginia. In its place will be built a two
span reinforced concrete arch bridge. Each
span will be sixty six feet in length. The plans
call for a thirty foot roadway with a five foot
sidewalk on the north side of the bridge.
Efforts however are being made by Columbia
and Berne Street residents to have two
footways built on the bridge. A petition was last
week circulated and signed by, it is said, every
resident or taxpayer, excepting one, who
refused to sign feeling that the building of
another sidewalk on the bridge would increase
local taxation. The petition was presented to
the County Commissioners. Just what
disposition will be made of the same could not
be learned at this writing. The present width of
the roadway over the bridge is eighteen feet. It
is felt that another five foot walk could easily be
built on the new structure without interfering
with traffic. There are to be four electroliers
with five light clusters placed on the same for
illumination at night. There is to be a solid
railing along both sides of the bridge with bush
hammered panels. The roadway is to be
separated from the sidewalks by a six inch
concrete curbing. The bridge is to be finished
in 150 working days. The Superintendent
expects to complete the bridge in 120 working
days. During the building operation the present
bridge which will be moved further up the river
will be used as a temporary structure. The
foundations for the new bridge will be of
concrete and stone and will set upon a bedrock
foundation in the river. In order to accomplish
this the pumps on the Sirrocco washery will be
used in the excavating. Large coffer dams will
of course first have to be constructed before it
will be possible to begin work on the
foundation.

The Call of July 21, 1916

HOW ABOUT A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN DAY

During the week a number of local people have made suggestions for an event for Schuylkill Haven which
the Call believes will have the approval and support of everyone. It is for a community picnic or community
day out. How will the term “Schuylkill Haven Day Out” strike you, Mr. Reader? Remember what a big day
and time Schuylkill Haven had at Adamsdale Park several years ago. Everybody present had a great and
grand time. Almost everybody in Schuylkill Haven spent at least several hours at the park and joined in the
festivities and merry making. Those in attendance were not only from Schuylkill Haven, but many were from
the surrounding towns. And do you remember how the day was favorably talked about and thought of for
many, many weeks?
Do you believe the event had a tendency to promote a communal social spirit which was beneficial and
helpful in giving Schuylkill Haven an impetus for better and bigger things? Yes, you say, and in the same
sentence you add that the total cost or expense was but of a minimum and never before was so much
enjoyment and pleasure at a general outing or picnic procured as on the particular occasion referred to. If
Schuylkill Haven could hold a successful day out years ago, why cannot something of a similar nature be
held in 1916? There is no question about it being possible to do so. It is realized that community affairs of
this kind, where the public is brought together for a days outing, fun, and real merry making, makes for a
better, livelier, stronger and healthier town. It prevents the town and the public spirit from growing dead.
Every businessman will join in to make a day out a success. Every manufacturer will assist and will be glad
to give the employees a day off. Altogether the idea appeals and will appeal to everyone. The persons
who have already spoken of the matter are enthusiastic over it. All that is necessary is to get the ball
rolling and if the weatherman can be bribed so as to send the proper quality of weather, the success of the
big day out several years ago can and will be duplicated. The educational and welfare committee of the
Industrial Association, we believe, would be the proper committee to proceed with the matter and stir it
up. If this committee feels it is not proper for them to do so or hesitates in going ahead, then a citizen’s
committee should take up the idea. A number of citizens will be too glad to lend assistance and take an
active part and share the burden of a large amount of labor necessary for an event of this kind. The public
will surely take an immediate active interest in the project and lend every aid necessary. Now altogether,
let’s have a Schuylkill Haven Day Out this year some time in August. What do we hear?

The Call of April 16, 1926

STRUCK BY AUTO, SIX YEAR LAD DIES OF INJURIES

Herbert, the six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Epler of Margaretta Street, died at the Milliken Hospital
Tuesday morning at three o’clock as a result of injuries Tuesday morning about ten o’clock, when run over
by a small auto truck driven by Hobart Becker of Adamsdale. The accident was unavoidable and occurred
as Mr. Becker was driving up High Street during the morning recess hour. It is understood children were
on both sides of the street. One group of pupils had been playing with or jumping rope in the street. As
the machine happened along, one of the children dropped the end of the rope so the machine could pass.
It is said that the little boy not noticing the approach of the machine and believing the rope had been
pulled out of his playmate’s hands, stooped to pick up and walk after the rope. He was struck by the
machine and the wheels, from an examination of the body, evidently passed over him.
Mr. Becker immediately picked up the child and rushed him to the office of a physician who was not in his
office. He was then rushed to the office of Dr. Heim who made a careful examination and had him taken to
his home. The child was unconscious when picked up and remained in that condition until death.
Convulsions followed shortly after the accident. A hasty examination did not disclose any fracture of the
skull. Monday afternoon the child was admitted to the Milliken Hospital where an x-ray showed a
concussion of the brain. A more careful examination showed the lungs and liver of the child to have been
badly crushed. There were few body lacerations. Besides the parents, one brother Samuel survives. The
funeral will take place on Friday afternoon with services at the United Brethren Church at two o’clock. Mr.
Becker, the driver of the car, deeply feels the sorrow of the fatal accident, and it is understood the parents
have exonerated him from all blame in the matter.
matter.

The Call of May 14, 1926

HIT AND RUN DRIVER KILLS SIX YEAR OLD

James Franklin, the six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Tobias, died Sunday afternoon at the Milliken
Hospital at three thirty o’clock from a fractured skull, sustained Saturday evening about 8:30 o’clock, when
struck by an auto on Columbia Street. The little fellow was about to cross the street from the Umbenhauer
store where he had gone for a cone of ice cream. The store is but one hundred and fifty feet from his
home. The driver of the automobile that struck the child extinguished the lights on the car and drove
rapidly away. An eyewitness to the accident, Attorney Vincent Dalton, quickly summoned the neighbors and
the child was picked up by the frantic mother and carried into the home. Dr. Detweiler was summoned and
gave first aid. The child was unconscious and remained in that state until death. An examination at the
hospital, to which institution he was removed Sunday morning, revealed a compound fracture of the skull
and all hopes of his recovery were given up. It is understood, at this writing, clues being followed may
lead to the arrest of the driver of the machine, a Ford runabout with a small truck body, before the week
ends. The machine went north on Columbia Street. The funeral of the boy took place Wednesday
afternoon. Reverend E. H. Smoll conducted the services and C. G. Wagner was the funeral director.
Beside the parents, four sisters and one brother survive, namely, Mrs. Oscar Butz, Esther, Carrie, Francis
and Adam Jr. Jr.

The Call of April 16, 1892

OUR CORRESPONDENTS VISIT TO THE ELECTRIC LIGHT STATION

As your correspondent was walking along Haven Street the other evening, complacently smoking one of C.
B. P.’s two for fives, I thought I would drop into the electric light station and as I had frequently heard, the
council had a great deal of trouble with the men and machinery, I thought I would investigate. And just by
the way, I understand that council proposes to run the station with an engineer and a boy to act as fireman.
The employees were very reticent when any questions were put to them, but after remaining for some time
I came to the conclusion that two men experienced in machinery and firing would be necessary to run the
station successfully. While there, they were compelled to shut down one engine on account of the packing
in the cylinder having become loose. On several occasions I have heard it remarked by several citizens
that the town was frequently without light, owing to the inexperienced persons employed at the station.
Not to flatter these men, but I believe they understood their business thoroughly and if our citizens would
go to the station when the plant is in operation, they would be convinced that the blame cannot be placed
on the employees. Upon inquiry, I learned that they are compelled to hunt up the members of the light
committee to order their supplies. Some times the committee evidently fails to order them in time, coal, oil,
etc, for instance and consequently the town is in darkness until the supplies arrive. As council has elected
a superintendent, all this could be avoided by giving that person the authority to order and place the
station in his hands instead of the committee, who know nothing whatever about machinery.
Council is continually experimenting with coal, which is used for steam purposes. The citizens often
wonder why it is that they have a poor light some nights. As the secret of successful electric lighting may
be placed in keeping up regular steam, and as so many changes are made in the fuel by council, you will
readily see that it is impossible for the fireman to know the nature of the coal and successfully keep up the
required amount of steam. I also noticed the absence of rubber matting at the dynamos, which are used as
nonconductors and can always be seen in use at other stations. The station should also be supplied with a
blower to keep up the fires, and the boilers should be cleaned out occasionally, which council refuses to
do. Dirty boilers often cause explosions. Another defect, and a most dangerous one I noticed, was the
tremendous shaking of the building while the engines were working. I was informed that the foundations
on which the engines are placed are not large enough. I think if council does not remedy this defect, our
citizens should take the matter in hand before some fatal accident occurs. Anyone visiting the station will
readily see the defects and the great danger the employees are placed in. We give this to the public, in
order that they may know the true state of affairs at the station. And, as council is failing in its duties, that
the citizens may take the matter in hand.
hand.

The Call of February 22, 1918

GERMAN ALIEN CAPTURED HERE

A man giving his name as James Pennypacker and his age as eighteen years, although he looks
considerably younger, was placed under arrest and locked up at the town hall on Wednesday afternoon by
Constable John Butz. No criminal charge was lodged against the man at the time of his arrest other then
the fact that he was a German alien and had neglected to register under the German Alien the State Police
to Pottsville. He stated that he was a German and glad of the fact, he having no reasons to deny the same.
He was born as a subject of Germany on territory acquired from Denmark in the year 1864. Practically all his
life was spent at sea. When war broke out between Germany and the United States, he was in the West
Indies. His last trip was to Liverpool England. That was one year ago last Christmas. Owing to ill health he
quit the navy and for a while was employed in a paper mill in New Jersey. Later he was employed as
assistant manager at a café at Camp Dix, New Jersey. November 19th last, he was discharged and since
that time has not worked. Several days ago in conversation with a stranger, he was told he could procure
employment at the Insane Asylum here. His reason for wanting to get away from the city was a German had
a hard life if found working near a munition plant or where munitions were kept. He arrived here on
Tuesday afternoon and registered at the Spring Garden Hotel. Here he was placed under arrest. He was
committed to the county prison where he is being held pending instructions from Washington D. C.

The Call of August 9, 1918

TWO LOCAL SOLDIERS WOUNDED BY HUNS

Wilmer Crossley, a member of Company C, 103rd Engineers, has been injured in France. Tuesday of the
present week, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Crossley, received a letter telling of the accident. The
letter was written by the victim on July 18th and stated that several days previous to writing the letter, he
had been shot. A piece of shrapnel three inches thick, had struck him in the fleshy part of the hip. He had
submitted to an operation, which was very successful, but was still very nervous and weak from the
effects. He gave great credit to the Red Cross Society and the doctors for their care and attention and
stated they were the best part of the army. Soldier Crossley promised to write again after he had more fully
recovered.
Thursday morning a letter was received by John Fenstermacher, from his son Kimber B. Fenstermacher, a
member of Company D, 103rd Engineers. The letter was written on July 20th. The writer stated, "I am in a
hospital at present but hope I will soon be out as I don't like to be in bed. I am slightly gassed. I am getting
along fine at present. The Yanks are keeping the Germans pretty busy just now. I have not much to write
as news is not plentiful at present. France has some of the finest wheat crops that I expect ever to see."
The government informed the father this week that the soldier was severely gassed in action of July 16th.
According to the victim's statements, he was only slightly gassed and is doing nicely.

The Call of August 23, 1918

FIVE TOWN SOLDIER BOYS ARE WOUNDED

Word of the injury to five more Schuylkill Haven boys, all members of Company C, 103rd Engineers, was
received here by their parents on Monday evening. The boys injured were Hugh N. Coxe, Milford D. Klahr,
Harry E. Reber, John A. Knarr and Harry M. Keller. The telegrams all read alike and stated that the five were
officially reported as being injured, the degree or the extent of the injury being undetermined. These
telegrams were probably the first of their kind to be received here and elsewhere stated that "officially
reported seriously wounded". It is the opinion of many, that neither one of the quintet has been seriously
wounded or the telegram would have so stated.

The Call of October 11, 1918

SOLDIER BOYS WOUNDED IN FRANCE

During the week, word was received by the parents of a number of Schuylkill Haven soldier boys, that their
son was wounded in action. No details as to the nature or extent of the injury were given in any case, the
telegrams being identical and all stating the injury or wounds were sustained on September 5th or
September 8th. From letters received by the parents of several of the boys listed as wounded, which
letters were written on various dates, September 13th, 15th, and 18th, the boys state they were only slightly
wounded with shrapnel and others state they were gassed. Several letters were received by parents
informing them of their having been gassed long before the government telegrams were received.
The casualty list as given by the War Department as effecting local boys, as per telegrams received during
the week is as follows: Corporal Eugene Holtzer, son of Mrs. Sarah Holtzer of 61 Centre Avenue, Private
James R. Mellor, son of Mrs. Alice Mellor of 510 Main Street, Lester S. Bast, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel
Bast of Berne Street, Warren E. Burket and Isaac E. Burket,both sons of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Burket of 216
Saint John Street, Corporal William J. Christ, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Christ of 122 Dock Street, Kimber
Confehr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Confehr of Center Avenue, Sergeant Hobart Becker, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Harry Becker of 223 Canal Street, Albert W. Straub, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Straub of 600 Railroad
Street and George C. Kramer, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Kramer of 219 Columbia Street.

The Pottsville Republican of August 24, 1933

DAMAGE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

The Schuylkill River rose alarmingly in Schuylkill Haven and vicinity and at three o'clock this morning broke
through the wall below Columbia Street and a three foot rush of water inundated the low lying land and
flooded the homes. The trucks of the Headquarters Battery, with the Army truck and a Bittle and Confehr
truck were held in readiness all night and when the wall broke families were removed to safety. The water
rose to such heights on James and Penn Streets that a boat had to be used to bring the residents to safety
when the water rushed into the homes and flooded the first two stories. This section of the town is very
low and has no protection against the river.
Two residents refused to leave their homes and at nine o'clock the water around them was three feet
deep. There was considerable damage to cellars and stocks of knitting mills and shoe factories were
damaged; the Schuylkill haven Paper Box Company building was surrounded but the water did not quite
reach the floor level. Water flowed through the Huling Garage on West Main Street and flooded the Reider
Shoe Company and Meck Knitting Mill. All the woodwork on the bridge to the ball grounds was washed
away and the river broke through the dike and flooded the diamond. The creek along Long Run Road
overflowed the road into Schuylkill Mountain and all washeries along the Schuylkill were abandoned and
several boats carried away.

The Call of June 29, 1895

A WARNING NOTE

To those whom it may concern, who have license to sell drink in certain wards in the borough of Schuylkill
Haven. It is a well known fact that those saloon keepers sell on Sunday as well as on weekdays. All you
have to do is go in the back way and you will get all the drink that you wish or desire. This does not apply
to all, but only to certain individuals. Let them take warning and stop this Sunday selling, for if they do
not, their licenses will be broken. How can any man or woman who goes before the bar of justice and
takes an oath that they will not sell drink on Sunday, allow it to be sold in their houses. If he is a man or a
father of a family who sells drink, he conceals himself in this manner, he will not sell, but his wife or any
other member of the family can sell all they have call for. In this manner does a woman act. She takes an
oath that she will not sell on Sunday, but her children or her relatives can sell all they have trade for.
Such is the way in which saloon keepers trifle with justice in certain wards in Schuylkill Haven. Let this be
the last warning for those persons, for the first one of them that is hereafter found out to sell on Sunday,
either in the house or to have it carried out of the house, their license will be broken. Let them dare not
sell drink to minors at any time. The same thing can be applied to those who are living on the border of
this borough. Let them beware; there is one watching them.

The "Call" puts illegal liquor sellers on notice...

During this time frame, the Call had an editorial section called, "The
Chatterbox". This particular item deals with the timeless issue of loitering
youth'

The Call of October 12, 1906

CHATTERBOX

We often wonder why it is, so many young men can be seen loafing upon our streets until a late hour of
night. Many of them are from our best homes. The fathers of these young men, many of them at least are
numbered among our best citizens. If their sow or their horse or even their favorite dog was away from
home after dark they would be out on a search, but their own children can roam the town all night with
apparently no effort being made to find them. The boy seems to be turned loose at a tender age to wander
at will into the paths of sin and vice and then we wonder where all our tramps and worthless specimens of
humanity come from. It is a regrettable fact that too many of them come from seed germinated in good
homes and then sown in a careless manner upon our streets and back alleys. Reader, is your boy wasting
his time upon our streets? If so had you not at least look after him as carefully at nightfall as you would
your horse and cow. We do not intimate that this evil exists to a greater extent in this community than in
our sister towns but the evil seems universal and increases in magnitude as the years roll by.

The Call of November 24, 1911

FALLS 50 FEET TO HIS DEATH – Charles
McFadden Thrown When Girder Twists
SECOND FATALITY AT NEW ASYLUM

The second fatal accident at the new asylum
being built occurred Tuesday evening when
Charles McFadden, of Allentown , boss iron
worker, fell about a distance of fifty feet,
receiving injuries from which he died several
hours later. The accident occurred at three o’
clock when McFadden attempted to walk
across on of the iron girders, the girder not
being bolted, twisted and threw him. As he
fell, he struck a number of beams and when
the body reached the ground, blood was
oozing from a number of injuries. He was
picked up by fellow workmen and rushed to
the hospital nearby and everything possible
was done for him. His skull was fractured, a
number of bones broken and his body badly
lacerated. He died at 5:30 o’clock without
regaining consciousness. Several days prior
to the accident, he was struck by a heavy
piece of metal and suffered a deep gash on
his head which required eight stitches. Guy
Baker, of town, was standing near the
unfortunate man when he fell. Mr. McFadden
resided in Allentown . He is survived by the
widow and four children.

The Call of September 8, 1911

FALLS 30 FEET TO DEATH – Lad Dies of Injuries
Received at County Building
FIRST DAY AT THIS KIND OF WORK

Henry T., the seventeen year old boy of Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Wessner of Haven Street, met his death in a
distressing manner Thursday afternoon about three
o’clock. He was employed on the construction of
the new County Insane Building and was wheeling a
barrow of mortar on two planks across the iron
girders of the second story. The wheel of the
barrow slipped between the planks and threw him to
the basement of the building, a distance of thirty
feet. In falling he struck the iron girders with his
head and fell into a ditch, striking with a sickening
thud a large pipe in the ditch. The wheelbarrow with
its heavy load of mortar crashed on top of him. He
sustained a crushed skull and a number of internal
injuries. Fellow workmen rushed to the scene and
tenderly carried him to the County Hospital nearby.
Dr. Gillette, the County Hospital physician, upon
examination, saw at once that he could not survive.
He died at 4:30 o’clock , being unconscious from the
time he was picked up. Mr. Wessner’s father was
summoned as soon as the accident occurred and
arrived at the hospital shortly thereafter. Both the
boys father and mother are prostrated over the
sudden death of the oldest of their children. The
body was removed to the sorrow stricken home,
from whence the funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon. The boy had been employed on this work
for several weeks but Thursday was the first day he
was put at work on the second story. He had
previously been employed at the Walkin Shoe
Factory and as barber for J. Mengle. He was well
known and liked by all. The news of the accident
was a shock to his many friends. The family has the
sympathy of the community.

During construction of what is now
known as "The 1912 Building" at
Rest Haven, two tragic deaths
occurred. It has been said the
building is haunted. Perhaps these
two poor souls still walk the halls.

The Call of October 31, 1913

NEW INSANE HOSPITAL OPENED HERE

Schuylkill County's new $600,000 hospital for the insane, located at Schuylkill Haven, was dedicated with
appropriate exercises Thursday afternoon in the presence of thousands of people from all parts of the
county. The program of exercises were of a simple yet interesting nature. They were held in the chapel,
second floor of the main building. The room was far too small to accommodate the large audience that
annoyance was caused by persons jamming their way into the room and in a short time pressing their way
through the crowds again to get out.
Promptly at 2:30 o'clock the Third Brigade band, which occupied the front right corner of the chapel struck
up the opening march of the program. The program as given in these columns last week then followed. It
was completed and brought to a close about 4:30 o'clock by the audience standing and enthusiastically
joining in singing America.
For hours prior to the exercises, during the same and until five o'clock, the entire building was inspected
by thousands of persons. The County Commissioners must be commended for the excellent arrangement
and provision of the details for the handling of the visitors. Attendants were stationed in many parts of the
building and directed the public through the same, explained the different portions of it, various kinds of
apparatus, etc., and answered the many inquiries in a courteous manner.
From all sides was heard expressions as to the wonderful building which has been erected, delightfully
located, modernly equipped, conveniently and comfortably arranged in all its appointments and with a
capacity to accommodate 600 to 700 patients. Schuylkill County sure can be proud of one thing and that is
that it possesses the most uptodate and thoroughly scientific institution for the care of the insane in the
state.
Judge Brumm in his address struck the keynote of the entire days program when he stated the cause, in
his opinion, of the present number of insane and the rapid increase of the number, throughout the country
was the cigarette. He stated that he had ascertained to his complete satisfaction that there are more weak
minded boys, more imbeciles, eventually lunatics, bred in this country of ours today from the effects of the
cigarette then there is from the effect of alcoholic spirits. He further stated that parents should see that
their children are not permitted to use cigarettes. That during his career on the bench there has not been
a single instance where he examined the fingers of boys and young men brought before him for trial that
he did not find the stain on their fingers of the cigarette. He said he hoped every man and woman would
take some step to prevent the use of the cigarette and also to punish the villain guilty of selling them to
their boys. Handsome souvenir booklets containing valuable information covering the new institution
were given to all persons.

The Call of July 3, 1914

CHILD FOUND IN MANHOLE

Some excitement was caused about town on Saturday evening and Sunday by the announcement of the
discovery of a dead three year old child in a manhole of a steam pipe line at the County Institution. From
the details at first obtainable the affair looked like a case of murder, but an investigation satisfied the
Coroner that the child met death accidentally. The child was that of Theodore Warnisky. The father being
in the county jail and the mother an inmate of the County Almshouse. While out walking Friday afternoon
with its mother it became lost. Search was made during Friday evening and all day Saturday. Saturday
afternoon one of the State Police made the discovery.
The manhole in which the child was found is that leading to the steam pipeline between the power plant
and the Insane Building. It is about ten feet deep and four feet square. The iron opening of the manhole is
about twenty inches in diameter. A tin cup, such as is used at the institution, being used for soup, etc., was
found in the manhole. It is believed it belonged to the child and the child while playing near the manhole
pushed it over and it dropped into the hole. The child in looking down at the cup, lost its balance and fell
into the manhole.
A post mortem examination was mad by Dr. Lessig Saturday evening. The manhole being filled with steam
pipes, the temperature was between 120 and 140 degrees and the child was suffocated and literally
roasted to death as its little body was quite brown and shriveled. A feature that led one to believe that the
child met with foul play was the fact that on Monday, June 29, the child was to be taken to a state home of
children and it was thought the mother instead of caring to part with it, had caused its death. Investigation
by the coroner did not bring to light any evidence that would cast suspicion on the mother.

The Call of February 16, 1917

NEWS OF SPRING GARDEN

The battles between the Allies and Germany were transformed from the other side of the deep blue sea to
several sections of Spring Garden on Wednesday night. The battles here were realistic with the exception
of the smell of powder and the roaring of the big sixteen inch guns, although the manner in which one of
the fighters roared, reminded one of the roar of these guns. The first combat took place near Centre
Avenue and Dock Street. This battle ended by one of the fighters, a German, receiving two badly darkened
optics and a disfiguration of the countenance. The battle lasted but a few seconds. The second
engagement was fought near the Lehigh Valley arch. Fists flew fast and thick in this fight, guns were
thrown to the several winds and the uniforms of both fighters, Englishmen, were smeared by the battle of
honor. It is understood that the fight is only over for the time being as suits are to be brought and the
courts allowed to decide to whom belongs the spoils.

The Call of May 2, 1919

AUTO ACCIDENT PROVES FATAL

The first auto accident in Schuylkill Haven for years to result seriously and fatally was that of Tuesday
struck by an auto on West Main Street. The car was in charge of Roy Eiler. It was a machine, the property
of Charles Michel and was being taken to the Losch garage for repairs. The child was struck on the chest
and shoulder by the guard of the machine and thrown against the fender, striking with his head. He was
picked up in an unconscious condition. Mr. Eiler immediately summoned a physician. Both Doctors
Gillette and Lessig arrived. An examination showed he sustained a fractured skull. he child was rushed
anesthetic as his condition was considered too serious to do so. Death occurred at 5:45 o'clock. The
youngster was a pupil of the second grade school of the South ward building, taught by Miss Carrie
Rehrer. He had just finished his dinner and was leaving home, walked through the yard to an alley at the
rear of the house leading to Main Street. Bystanders state he was standing on the pavement near the
skating rink facing west. Just as the auto came from the east, he without warning stepped into the street.
Although it is stated the machine was going slow, the driver could not turn quick enough to avoid
striking the child a sort of glancing blow. The parents, although grief stricken over the sudden death of
their son, feel the accident was an unavoidable one and do not hold the driver responsible. Besides the
parents, two brothers, Elmer and Clarence survive. The deceased was in his eighth year. He would have
been nine years of age on the twenty ninth of this month. He was a member of the Christ Lutheran
Sunday School. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at the home of his parents.

The Call of May 24, 1918

COFFIN FOR KAISER BILL HERE TONIGHT

Schuylkill Haven is not to be behind other towns throughout the country when there is anything of a unique
nature to be had. This evening and tomorrow, the Kaiser's coffin will be exhibited in the square between
the First National Bank and the Saylor building. Each and every resident is requested to drive a nail in the
coffin and this drive will cost but ten cents, a small sum in comparison to what the ten cents will do. The
first two nails driven into the coffin will be extracted and offered at auction to the highest bidder. All
money thus procured will be given to the Red Cross Society. The coffin will be in charge of Miss Tillie
Meyer and the scholars taught by her. Last week a similar event was held at Sunbury and several hundred
dollars procured. Everything was going along smoothly when a timberman came along, paid a dollar for a
nail, picked up the hammer and one blow, presto, the coffin went to pieces. The coffin this evening is built
along more substantial lines and will stand the hardest blow that can be delivered. Remember the
proceeds are for the Red Cross and do not neglect to take your "whack".

The Call of May 24, 1918

INVESTIGATED SEDITIOUS REMARKS

Saturday afternoon last, Constable John Butz and two members of the State Police force, the latter of
Pottsville, investigated seditious remarks made by two Schuylkill Haven residents, one a man and the other
a woman. It is alleged that a man by the name of Kramer went into a store on Main Street and demanded
ten pounds of sugar. He was refused this amount and likewise was refused flour without substitutes. The
officers were informed that Kramer then said, "I wish the Kaiser would come to this country and teach
these G__ D___ people a lesson." A Mrs. Fegley is alleged to have stated in the presence of two witnesses
that she "Wished that every S__ of a B____ of a man going to Germany would be shot and killed." After the
officers procured their testimony and the same was sworn to, they left to place the matter in the hands of
the United States authorities. During their investigation, several other cases were reported, one being
that of a local barber who has refused to subscribe for either one of the three Liberty Loans, the W. S. S. or
the Red Cross, besides making a number of remarks. Human nature can endure just so much. If the United
States authorities neglect to take immediate action in the matter, it is probable that the local authorities will.

The Call of July 5, 1918

ESCAPED GERMAN ROBBING FARMS HEREABOUTS

A man supposed to be an escaped German alien from a detention camp is causing the farmers of this
vicinity all kinds of trouble. Last week a report was made to the officers of the law that this man had
entered a number of farm houses in the vicinity of Landingville and Adamsdale and had made his escape
with anything that he could possibly lay his hands on. eye glasses and a small grindstone were even taken
from one farm house. On Sunday afternoon, Constable John Butz and two members of the State Police
force from Pottsville started out on a search for the man. At one time they were within thirty feet of him
when the man suddenly bolted and made his getaway followed by a number of revolver shots. All trace of
the fellow was lost until Tuesday morning of the present week.
Robert Moyer and Wilson Miller, residing on the other side of the Schuylkill Mountain came to town and
reported that they had been robbed of eatables and fruit. They likewise had obtained a glimpse of the man
and their description tallies with that of the officers. This week apparently the same man found his way to
the storage yard and when one of the employees attempted to chase him from the premises, the man
pushed his hand in his shirt and warned the employee if he valued his life to keep away from him. It is
believed that the German is armed with either a stiletto or a revolver and would not hesitate to use it
when cornered.
Autoists and others who travel the Schuylkill Mountain would do well to protect themselves or if they see
the man, to report the same immediately to Constable Butz or the State Police. It is presumed that the man
has a hut or a dugout somewhere, sleeps during the day and at night makes his visits to farm houses for
food. He is described as being about six feet tall, red mustache, broad shouldered and partly bald. Every
effort is being made to apprehend him.

The Call of July 12, 1918

GERMAN TAKEN AT JEFFERSON

Our vicinity was greatly aroused on Sunday evening when a suspicious fellow made his appearance at the
place of James Emerich and asked to sleep in the barn. When this request was not given him he became
very angry and used harsh words and snappy motions towards Mrs. Emerich. He then left and went to the
place of Thomas Reber, entered the barn without asking, taking off his shoes and coat and starting to sleep
on the hay. Mr. Reber went to the telephone and got the Auburn Constable to the place and the neighbors
rushed together armed with revolvers shotguns and clubs. They entered the barn with searchlights and
found him sleeping on the hay. He made little resistance when ordered hands up and complied quickly to
the rules. He was handcuffed and taken to the Auburn lockup overnight and the next morning to the
county jail. It is supposed he is the man who terrorized the community along the Schuylkill Mountain, south
of Schuylkill Haven for the last few weeks by stealing all kinds of tools together with smoked meats and
other eatables from the farmers there.

The Call of September 13, 1918

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOUNDED SOLDIER BOYS

From notice received by parents from the War Department and from letters received by parents from their
soldier boys now in France, "The Call" has gathered the following list of town boys that have been gassed
or wounded while in action. We would be glad to keep a complete list of the casualties if parents will be
kind enough to notify us of the casualty and give the type of wound as soon as notified.
Leon Sterner struck with shrapnel, Harry Reber gassed, Milford Klahr gassed, Allen Knarr wounded and
gassed, Hugh Coxe gassed, Harry Keller gassed, William Mill struck with shrapnel, Clarence Womer shell
shocked, Francis Wildermuth wounded, Joe Kantner wounded, Lester Gilham gassed and wounded, Wilmer
Crossley struck by shrapnel, Kimber Fenstermacher wounded, Abraham Swartz gassed, Clarence Graeff
wounded, Howard Wertz wounded and John Webber gassed.

The Call of October 25, 1918

SOLDIER BOY DIED IN FRANCE

One of the four blue stars on the service flag at the home of Mr. Adam Burket
of Saint John Street will now be changed to a gold star, indicating that a member
of that family has made the supreme sacrifice and lay down his life for his country.
It is the name of Isaac Burket that will be added to this town's soldier boys killed
in France. The first word or intimation of the death of Isaac Burket was received
by his sister Monday morning in a letter from her brother, Warren Burket, member
of Company C, 103rd Engineers. This letter stated that his brother was buried on
the day the letter was written, September 23rd, and from the letter one is led to
believe that the writer felt sure that his father and relatives had been informed of
his brother's death by the government. Up to this time no word has been received
from the War Department to this effect.
A postal card dated September 13th and received several weeks later from the
dead soldier boy conveyed the first information to his relatives that he had been
gassed. The postcard stated he had received a little mustard gas. That he was in
the hospital and expected to be back with his company by the time the card reached its destination. A
telegram received here from the War Department on October 8th informed the relatives that both Isaac and
Warren had been wounded on September 5th, degree undetermined indicating their having been in a gas
attack.
The letter from Warren Burket, giving information that his brother had been buried was indeed an
unpleasant surprise to say the least. The letter was written on September 23rd from a hospital near Paris.
The missive contained several pressed flowers taken from the wreath of flowers that was placed on the
coffin of the soldier boy. Portions of the letter are as follows:
"Well, Ike was buried this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock. They held services here at the hospital for my benefit
as they usually hold them in the cemetery. There were about eight other fellows from our company
(Company C, 103rd Engineers) there. The chaplain conducted the services very nice and we can be
thankful that he at least got a very decent burial. They had an ordinary casket covered with "Our Flag" and
a wreath of flowers which I had ordered extra large at my own price. The Red Cross usually buys the
wreath but the lady that represents the Red Cross asked me whether I wished to buy the flowers. He is
buried in a large American cemetery here which I expect to see in the near future. I will not try to locate it
now but will see whether I may tell you where it is at a later date. One of the chaplains told me that as soon
as I put on a uniform I should notify this Red Cross lady and she would have him come here for me with his
car and take me to the cemetery. I am sending you herewith a sample of the flowers the wreath was made
of. It was about two feet in diameter and stood about three feet high. I do not know what personal
belongings he had and as yet they have not given them to me but I suppose they will send them to you. I
expect to be out and then they will send me to a Casual Camp and from there back to the company."
Isaac Burket is the second Schuylkill Haven boy to die overseas. He was thirty six years of age, born, raised
and spent his entire life in Schuylkill Haven. he was a member of Company F of the old National Guard for a
number of years. He enlisted in Company C in July 1917. He was affiliated with the Grace Evangelical
Church and his occupation prior to his enlistment was that of a P. and R. engineer. He resided for a
number of years on Canal Street. He was a quiet young man and well and favorably known. To survive him
he leaves his father and four brothers, three of whom are in the service in France, two of whom were in his
company, namely Warren and Fred, and Harry in Company A, 313th Infantry. Another brother, Charles of
Abrahams survives in addition to these sisters; Miss Anna and Miss Eva at home, Mrs. Harry Becker of
Schuylkill Haven, Mrs. George Downs of Philadelphia and Mrs. Frank Batdorf of Reading.

The Call of April 25, 1919

WAR TRAIN STOPPED HERE

The War Trophy Train or Victory Loan Special, carrying tanks, cannon and numerous other war relics
stopped in Schuylkill Haven for ten minutes on Tuesday morning enroute to Pottsville. No announcement
had been made of the fact that the train would stop until about an hour or two before its arrival. Station
Agent Johnston, early Tuesday morning, communicated with the company officials and men in charge of the
train and induced them to make a stop here of ten minutes. The word was telephoned about town and by
the arrival of the train at 10:10, several hundred adults and as many school children were massed at the
local P. and R. station. The exhibit on the flat cars consisted of cannon of various sizes captured from the
Germans. All bore marks of hard service. Also a bomb thrower, a caterpillar tank and an armored car. The
tank saw service on the front in France for several months. The most interesting exhibition was in the
seventy foot baggage car, but the period of time was too short to permit the public to view it. It consisted
of star shells, helmets, machine guns, mortar bombs, a naval mine, shells of various kinds and sizes,
German clothing, guns, swords, bayonets, German, French, English and American gas masks, etc., etc.
Several short speeches were made by several of the speakers bureau but their remarks were several
times interrupted and the audience prevented from hearing the same by a coal train that kept chugging
away, pulling up and down past the war train and whistling. A bystander near "The Call" man adaptly put
that it was the most brazen evidence of German propaganda yet shown in this town.

The Call of April 9, 1920

16 YEAR OLD BOY KILLED BY AUTO

Raymond Sterner, the sixteen year old son of Charles Sterner of Auburn, was instantly killed Tuesday
afternoon about 4:30 o'clock by being run over by an auto truck, the property of the Rettig Brewing
Company of Pottsville. The accident occurred on Centre Avenue, a short distance above the home of was
going north as was also a junk dealer who had an unhitched horse walking along the side of his wagon.
The auto was just about driving around the junk dealer's team when the boy on the bicycle came south.
The driver stated his particular attention was called to him as he appeared to be very nervous or just
learning how to ride. As he passed the machine the driver leaned from his car to see how he was
afternoon about 4:30 o'clock by being run over by an auto truck, the property of the Rettig Brewing making
out. He was shocked to see his body lying in the road. The boy's front wheel evidently was Company of
Pottsville. The accident occurred on Centre Avenue, a short distance above the home of Joseph Maberry.
The boy was riding a bicycle and was coming south on Centre Avenue. The auto truck was dead when he
was reached. The body was picked up and carried into the home of Joseph Maberry. The wheel of the
machine passed over his forehead and diagonally across his face crushing the same. There were but a few
bruises on his body. several hours were required before the identity of the young man was established. It
appears the boy made his home with his uncle, a Mr. Koch, residing on Caldwell Street. He had come to
Schuylkill Haven but a few days previous to his death. His home is in Auburn. One brother residing in town
also survives. The funeral will take place this afternoon at one o'clock with services at the Koch home and
later in the Red Church. O. A. Bittle will be the funeral director.

The Call of August 27, 1920

CHILD KILLED BY AUTO TRUCK

Anna, the eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Berger of North Berne Street, was run over and
Mr. Reed, who is well known here, made frequent visits to town and disposed of his farm produce to
residents of Berne Street. The children frequently watched for him on particular days and hung on the
machine. Mr. Reed had warned them repeatedly to discontinue their practice. On Saturday when he was
about to depart from in front of the Berger home, he ordered all of them off the truck and started the
engine. Just as the machine began to move he heard a woman scream and looking around saw the girl
Anna, the eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Berger of North Berne Street, was run over and
clinging to the side of the truck. He immediately stopped the car but too late as the clothing, having
instantly killed by the auto truck of Squire Reed of Summit Station, Saturday shortly after the noon hour.
come in contact with the tires, the little body was drawn underneath the rear wheels. The child was
internally injured and bruised about the leg and neck. Death was caused by the neck having been save
her life. Mr. reed has been absolved of all blame by the parents of the child. Needless to say, the Squire
feels the result of the accident almost as keenly as the parents. The little girl was a member of Saint
John's Reformed Sunday School. Last year she was a pupil in Miss Raudenbush's school. Besides the
parents, these survive: Marlin, Donald and Arvil. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon with services
at the late home by Reverend M. A. Kieffer. Many bouquets of flowers were presented by friends and
playmates of the deceased as well as the Sunday School. O. A. Bittle was the funeral director.

The Call of July 8, 1921

GERMAN SHRAPNEL REMOVED FROM LOCAL SOLDIER BOY'S NECK

John A. Knarr, Liberty Street, was one of the boys who served his Uncle Sam in the world war. He was one
of the boys who was struck by Kaiser Bill's shrapnel. A piece hit him in the neck below the right ear. Upon
his return to his country he visited two government hospitals to have the same removed. at each he was
told the same had been removed. Recently the same began to give him trouble. He came to the office of
Dr. Lessig one evening with a badly swollen jaw and face. The swollen portion was lanced and drainage
affected preliminary to further probing for the shrapnel. Several evenings later he returned to the doctor's
office, was given a local anesthetic and the doctor removed a piece of shrapnel of good size. John says he
feels much better now as he was not at all favorably impressed with carrying around with him anything that
had any connection with the Kaiser.

The Call of July 7, 1922

KILLED BY AUTO ON CENTRE AVENUE

Sad as it was sudden, was the death of William Boussum of Dock Street, one of the town's best known
persons, which occurred shortly after nine o'clock Saturday evening. Mr. Boussum met death as the result
of being struck by an automobile driven by Walter Sheafer of Pottsville, going north on the avenue. Mr.
Boussum was assisting some members of the Rainbow Hose Company to flush the debris and mud from
Centre Avenue, which had been washed thereon by the heavy rains. He was in the act of stooping down to
take a kink from the fire hose when he was struck. He was dragged along the street about forty feet.
When picked up, life was extinct, as the back of his head had been crushed in. His face and front of his
body was bruised and bleeding as a result of having been dragged. His one leg was broken in two places.
Tenderly he was carried to a nearby home and Dr. Detweiler summoned. The doctor's examination merely
confirmed his death.
The autoists in the Buick touring owned and also operated by a Mr. Walters of Pottsville, were returning
from the country club. It is alleged that the machine was traveling at a rapid rate. The driver continued
toward Pottsville. Mr. Daniel Greenawald, who was on his way to the brick plant, witnessed the accident.
Turning around and noting that the other auto continued on, he hurried after him. Mr. Harry Sterner
accompanied him and on the stretch between town and Seven Stars it is said it was necessary to drive
sixty five miles an hour to overtake the other machine. Mr. Greenawald passed the auto and turned his car
square across the road, narrowly escaping being run down. The blood was still noticeable on the fender of
the car. The autoist was brought back to Schuylkill Haven. A hearing was immediately before Squire W. C.
Kline. The charge preferred was manslaughter. The driver stated he thought he had struck a post or
several lines of hose. He was committed to jail without bail. The court later released the young man, a
student at Yale, on $5000 bail. The coroner's inquest will be held some time the coming week.
William Boussum was a lifelong resident of the town and known to most every resident. He was forty five
years of age. He, for many years, was employed at the P. and R. car shops. He was a member of the Moose
and the Rainbow Hose Company. In this latter organization he was one of the most indefatigable and most
willing workers. Regardless of the time or place of a fire, "Kutch" Boussum, as he was more familiarly
known, was among the firemen. His death cast a deep veil of sorrow over the entire section of the
community in which he resided. The news of his death was on the lips of everyone Sunday. the deceased
was of a jovial disposition, always full of life and sunshine and it was this happy temperament that made
and retained his innumerable circle of friends. Besides the widow, three stepchildren survive. Also two
sons, Thomas of Cressona and John of Pottsville. Also one sister, Mrs. Harry Maurey of Orwigsburg.

The Call of January 14, 1921

EASTERN STAR INSTITUTED

An Order of the Eastern Star was instituted here Thursday afternoon with auspicious and detailed
ceremonies. The new ladies organization to which only wives and daughters of members of the Masonic
Fraternity are eligible, will be known as Schuylkill Haven Chapter Number 317, Order of Eastern Star. The
institution was made possible by the presence of seventeen Grand Lodge officers who came from
Pittsburgh, Hazleton and Wilkes Barre. The event took place in the Keystone Hall and lasted from about
one o'clock until five. In addition to the local fifty chartered members of the order and the Grand Lodge
officers, there were present members of the Eastern Star lodges from Pottsville, Minersville, Saint Clair,
Tamaqua, Hazleton, Reading and Philadelphia. New paraphernalia had already been received by the local
chapter and was used during the ceremonies. Several hundred persons were present, all of whom were
served refreshments following the lodge session. The Grand Lodge officers were met at the P. R. R.
station, Pottsville, at noon and brought to town in autos and served with dinner at Hotel Grand.
The new order is composed of some fifty charter members and has this same number of candidates for
admittance to the lodge. The complete list of officers installed is as follows: Worthy Matron, Mrs. H. C.
Gleockler; Worthy Patron, George M. Paxson; Associate Matron, Mrs. Frank Schumacher; Conductress, Mrs.
John Berger; Associate Conductress, Mrs. Frank Reider; Treasurer, Mrs. Harry Quinter; Secretary, Mrs. G.
O. O. Santee; Chaplain, Mrs. George Berger; Marshal, Mrs. W. E. Stine; Organist, Mrs. George Long; Points
of the Star, Mrs. H. D. Felix, Mrs. Harvey Heim, Mrs. J. A. Noecker, Mrs. Carl Eves, Mrs. Charles Rickson;
Sentinel, Mrs. James Lengel; Warden, Mrs. Walter Bast.

The Call of February 1, 1924

KKK HELD OPEN MEETING HERE

The Invisible Order of Ku Klux Klan held a public meeting here Monday evening in Bittle Hall. It was
attended by about two hundred and fifty citizens of the town who were invited by small cards handed to
them personally several days before the meeting. An address of over two hours length was delivered by
the speaker of the evening. His first statements relieved the minds of many of his hearers when he
remarked that the organization was not an Anti-Catholic, Anti-Negro or Anti-Jewish institution as has been
charged. He explained at some length how the KKK had come to be thus charged. The speaker held the
attention of the audience for almost the full two hour period by a most clear and concise explanation of the
principles, aims, plans and workings of the order. He explained why the gown and hood is worn by the
members.
The Ku Klux Klan, continued the speaker, has been unjustly charged with unpardonable conduct and
crimes committed by unknown persons who have donned the somewhat peculiar shaped mask and gown
worn by this organization. These acts are the results of personal grievances and the mask and gown is
used by these unscrupulous persons to shield and protect their identity. The KKK is unjustly blamed for
many happenings of this nature. The Ku Klux Klan does not proceed in this manner. Not a hand is to be
raised against or laid upon any individual in a harmful or injurious way. The speaker explained that if there
is reason for improvement of conditions either of a personal or municipal and civic nature, warnings are
first issued to persons concerned and if the result is not accomplished notices are then posted. If there is
no improvement the officials of the town or city are notified. If this does not produce the desired result,
county officials are notified, then state officials and finally the National Organization. It is also understood
that following the meeting and during the week quite a few persons have signed allegiance to the Ku Klux
Klan in this section, as a result of this open meeting conducted in no unusual way.

The Call of March 21, 1924

TRAFFIC LIGHTS IN OPERATION

This week Street Commissioner Huy with his assistant "Uncle Will" placed in position the four American Gas
Accumulator Traffic Beacons. One each was placed at the corner of Berne and Columbia, Saint John and
Main, Main and Dock, and Dock and Centre Avenue. The beacons, as we endeavored to describe in these
columns months ago, are mounted on solid concrete foundations. A warning signal is flashed in four
directions both day and night. The signal light is mounted on top of an oblong box which contains the gas
tank and machinery that operates the same. The four were placed on trial and are expected to assist in
regulating traffic and preventing accidents. A thirty day trial will be allowed and if the borough decides to
retain them the cost will be in the neighborhood of two hundred dollars. The gas tanks are of a capacity
sufficient to operate each light for six months as only a small amount of gas is consumed daily.

The Call of June 30, 1922

SOLDIERS' MONUMENT PLACED

This week the memorial tablet to the nine soldier boys of Schuylkill Haven who were killed or died during
the World War was placed in position. It is mounted on a concrete base in the Canal Street parkway
about midway between Union and Main Streets. It faces Main Street. The memorial consists of a large
handsome granite boulder with a bronze plate attached on which are printed the names of the soldier
dead. The memorial will be dedicated and unveiled with proper ceremonies at a later date to be
announced.   The committee of the Legion Auxiliary having this part of arrangement in hand will hold a
ceremony on the parkway which will likely consist of community singing, the presentation and acceptance
of the marker and an address.

The Call of April 1, 1927

DEAD BABE FOUND IN BED OF CREEK

Some excitement was caused Saturday afternoon by the finding of a dead infant babe in the channel of the
creek which flows from Garfield Avenue, underneath the banks of the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania
Railroads and continues on through the property of W. C. Kline where it empties into the level. The body,
that of a girl of about four months premature birth, was found at a point in the stream at the Pennsy
Railroad arch. The discovery was made by William Sattizahn who was assisting Mr. Kline in removing some
of the debris from the channel of the stream. The body was found unclothed, there not being even a stitch
of clothing or wrapping of any kind. The authorities were summoned and Deputy Coroner Heim made an
examination and pronounced that the babe had not been in the water for a longer period than from Friday
evening. It was thought that it was hardly possible that the body was placed at the point where it was
found but rather thrown into the stream at some point along its course. At this season of the year there is
considerable current and the body could easily have washed down to the point where it was found.
Possibly if men had not been working in the vicinity on Saturday afternoon the body would in time have
been washed into the river and the discovery never made. The body was taken to the morgue at the
county institution and during the week it was ordered interred by Coroner Heim. The authorities are
investigating the matter and may fix responsibility shortly.

The Call of August 3, 1928

TWO YEAR OLD CHILD DROWNS IN POOL OF WATER

Less than one half hour after the two year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Berger of Liberty Street, standing
at the rear of the lot with his mother, had waved goodbye to his granddaddy, Milton Berger, flagman on the
Reading express Number 6, leaving here for Philadelphia Sunday morning at 11:30, as the train passed the
home, the child was cold in death and frantic parents mourned over the body.
The child had been brought up to the house from the rear of the lot by the mother but walked around to the
front. As the mother was preparing for the noon day meal, his absence was not discovered for a few
minutes. Upon the discovery, one of the members of the family was sent to the home of the grandparents a
few doors away where the child frequently went. The child was not at the home of the grandparents. The
little fellow had gone out front and into the yard of a neighbor, Schuyler Frehafer. At the end of the yard
was a ditch or hole that was being prepared to be used as a cesspool. The child wandered to this hole and
on top of three or four feet of water the mother found the lifeless body. Dr. Rutter was summoned but
found life extinct. Dr. Fegley of Tremont, County Coroner, made an examination of conditions on the
premises where the drowning occurred and issued a death certificate of accidental drowning. The funeral
of the child took place Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock. Services were conducted by Dr. Noll at the
home. Interment was made in Cressona. D. M. Bittle was funeral director. Besides the parents four
children survive: Arlis aged seven, Milton Gerald aged six, Jean aged four and Lola an eight month old
child. The deceased child was two years of age Thursday of last week. The little fellow was the pride of the
home and much sympathy was extended to the parents and to the grandparents also in their bereavement.

JOHN FINCHER

JACOB DREIBELBIS

This article published in The Call on July 22, 1921 gives detailed
information on the section of Schuylkill Haven known as "Spring Garden"

SPRING GARDEN AN IMPORTANT PART OF TOWN

"Spring Garden!" What, why and where is it? To explain what it is will require several paragraphs. To
explain where it is may be difficult, nevertheless we will undertake to do so.
Spring Garden is not a suburb of town but like several other names given to different sections of all big
"cities", it is simply the title given years ago to that portion of the town located on the north of the central
portion. Just what portions of the northerly part of the town constitute Spring Garden have never been
quite definitely determined, although it is generally conceded to include that portion of the North Ward
beginning at Paxson Avenue and extending for some distance north and east. By some persons it is said
Centre Avenue is the eastward boundary and this may be true as that section east of Centre Avenue has a
name all its own, Nosedale or years ago generally called "Naussadahl". Then again Spring Gardeners tell
us it includes all of the North Ward. For chronological purposes therefore we will take it for granted that is
exactly what it consists of; the entire North Ward.
Now, How Come? Well in the early history we understand, physically Spring Garden was a separate village
from Schuylkill Haven. It was separated near Paxson Avenue by a huge swamp which in later years was
filled in by the borough. Minutes of the town council years and years ago show that considerable filling
had to be done at that point and at other places trees had to be cut down. Spring Garden was the title early
assigned to that particular section. Just why such a name was chosen, older residents do not seem to be
with wooded hills, the river and several streams running through it. Then too there was a spring on what is
now Haven Street near the Pennsylvania Railroad station. A spring that has proven to be of a never failing
supply and a spring whose water is always fresh and very cold and a wonderful thirst quencher. The spring
prior to the laying of water pipelines, supplied hundreds of families with water. It was a spot where
housewives would meet during the day to greet one another or perhaps discuss some item of interest that
occurred in this section. "The Spring" was also considered the "hang out" of a number of the male
population in the early evenings. It became a regular town square and folks gathered in that section and
whiled away hours at a time. The spring today supplies many people with good fresh and cool water. As to
its purity at this time we are not too certain. Several years ago a sample of the water tested by the State
Health Department was not given a very satisfactory or clean bill.
There are many prominent features in Spring Garden that can be enumerated to show or prove, "What it is"
and therefore answer the first question in the article. The assessed valuation of the North Ward for the
year 1921 is $294,108. There are 476 male taxpayers and 460 female taxpayers in this ward. The women
taxpayers will pay $427.07 regular borough tax and $54.38 special borough tax or a total of $481.65. The
male taxpayers will be required to pay, according to the records of the Tax Collector, $2514.01 regular
borough tax and $316.08 special borough tax or a total of $2830.09. In this ward $71531 is reported as being
on interest by its residents.
According to a report made by the Fire Chief of town on July 16, 1920 there are 332 houses in the North
Ward. This number it is thought has been somewhat increased since this date.
Spring Garden was years ago one of the busiest sections of the town. It was the seat of activity of the
boating industry as the coal landings and docks were located in this ward. The coal was dumped from the
mine cars to the waiting canal boats after being weighed. Many residents remember the busy center and
importance this particular point held in the Schuylkill Canal boating. From Schuylkill Haven, three fourths
of all the coal began its trip by water to tide points.
With the boating industry having passed and much of it forgotten, Spring Garden took on another form of
activity on a relatively larger scale and of equal if not far greater importance, the Reading Company car
building and repair shops. There are employed at this, the town's most important industry, something in
the neighborhood of 350 men. Their importance to the P. & R. Railroad system is also very great, so that
Spring Garden seems to be able to maintain its honor of being a most important center of industrial activity.

While on the industrial subject we cannot fail to underestimate the value of its other industries, namely the
Berger Brothers Knitting Mill, the Berger Brothers Bleachery, the J. E. Stanton Knitting Mills, the Alberta
Knitting Mills and the Keystone Paper Box Factory.
While Spring Garden contains the most important as it were industry, the P. & R. shops, it also has within its
boundary the most important of the town's institutions and pride, namely the electric light and power plant.
Located on Haven Street, this industry is frequently visited by out of town people who marvel at its size,
spic and span condition and the fact that it is a municipal plant, owned and controlled entirely by the
borough of Schuylkill Haven and being operated upon a paying basis. These facts have been in most
instances lost sight of by the Schuylkill Haven people who have sort of forgotten its importance. Then too,
lest we forget, Spring Garden contains the largest and most important unit of the public school system,
namely the High School or Haven Street $85,000 building.
Other important things which are located in Spring Garden but of which we give little consideration until
brought face to face with the realization are the burial grounds. It contains three of them, namely the
Episcopal, the Jerusalem and the Union Cemeteries. Unless we are of the Catholic faith we can expect to
spend unnumbered days in Spring Garden. Of the town's nine churches, four are in Spring Garden, namely
the First Reformed, the Christ Lutheran, Saint Ambrose and the Episcopal. It has a less number of hotels
than any other section of town, priding itself on the small number of two.
All of the town's bathing and fishing resorts or ponds with the exception of one are in Spring Garden,
namely Willow Lake, the Dock and the Level. Since the opening of the latest of the bathing resorts, namely
Willow Lake, hundreds and hundreds of persons visit Spring Garden weekly and as a result considerable
has been added to the popularity of this section of town.
Two of the three railroads in the town pass through Spring Garden, namely the Pennsylvania Railroad and
the Lehigh Valley. It is the home of the first and oldest fire company, the Rainbow Hose. It is the home of
important municipal officers, namely the Chief of Police, Street Commissioner and the Borough Auditor.
While it does not contain that important institution, namely the Post Office, it nevertheless can boast of
being the home of Postmaster Ebling and one of the Post Office clerks and one of the mail carriers.
One thing Spring Garden lacks and for which we have frequently heard expressions favorable for it, is a
motion picture theater. It is believed that were a motion picture theater to be conducted in Spring Garden
it would be a paying proposition at least for three evenings every week. This amusement may be provided
for sooner or later.
Spring Garden contains a considerable length of paved street, the equal if not greater amount of paved
streets than any other ward or portion of town. Then too, it contains to our mind, the most beautiful
residential section in Schuylkill Haven, namely Centre Avenue. With the majority of the houses on this
street built upon an elevation with fine lawns, pretty retaining walls in front of them and the homes of neat
roomy design, one passing through the town cannot help but be impressed with its pretty appearance.
With this street being concreted it will be a very fine driveway indeed and by reason of its being the
connecting link between Pottsville and Reading, will be traveled most extensively.
Spring Garden is a healthy live and prosperous place to live in and few of its residents ever move from it
to other sections of the town. It contains up to date stores supplying most every need and desire in the
way of wearing apparel or food stuffs. Proof of this is further found in the page of display advertisements
of its leading merchants in this issue and which will also be found in next week's issue. These merchants
believe in advertising and are using this means not to call attention to their particular stores but to Spring
Garden as a whole as being an ideal, desirable place to live and a place where one can shop most
satisfactorily and to advantage.

80 YEARS AN INCORPORATED BOROUGH

At an election held at the house of Philip Boyer on June 13, 1843, the following were elected: Chief
Burgess, John Heebner; Town Councilmen Mark Mellon, Moses Reed, Samuel Bowen, Michael Frehafer,
Gideon Bast; High Constable, Robert Mellon; Borough Constable, Rowland Kline; Supervisor, John Saylor;
Reed and Andrew Boyer; Inspector of Elections, William Saylor; Clerks, Daniel H. Stager and John Frehafer;
School Directors, William Sterner and Mr. Feger. D. H. Stager was reappointed Town Clerk. James
Campbell accepted the offer as solicitor for the borough for one year. George Kauffman was elected
Treasurer. The tax rate on August 7, 1843 was fixed at four mills on the dollar. At a meeting on September
4th, it was resolved that no person be exempted from paying wharfage for articles landed on any of the
public landings or roads of the borough. On each ton of limestone so landed, two cents per ton, stone,
five cents per thousand, lumber, five cents per thousand. Any of these articles that were not moved from
one place of landing within one month, double wharfage is to be charged.
COUNCILMEN TO EAT OYSTERS
A peculiar and yet very interesting record under date of December 4, 1843 is as follows: "The Council
agreed that each member and officer of the borough shall have the right to eat oysters on the second day
of Christmas for fifty cents."
On March 4, 1844 it was decided that unless Jacob Feger paid the rent due the borough for his tinshop
standing in the public road, the High Constable was to have the shop removed.
THE FIRST FIRE APPARATUS
It was also decided to have two ladders made, one twenty eight feet long and the other twenty feet long
and four fire hooks, two with ropes attached. That the same should be kept in some central part of town
and not be used for any other purpose unless in case of fire.
James Campbell was paid twenty dollars for service as solicitor for one year.
FIRST FIRE HOUSE
Under date of April 1844, a notation was to the effect that the place for the ladders and hooks chosen was
near Schumacher's Store and that the supervisor was to plant six posts in the ground about five feet high
and six apart, roof the top with two boards and the back part with two and put wooden pins in said posts
about eighteen inches long, also two chains six feet long to each fire hook.
On May 6, 1844 the rate of wages for borough laborer was fixed at eighty cents per day and hauling at $1.62
per day.
At the election in June 1844 Henry Saylor was elected Chief Burgess; Charles Kantner, John Deibert, John
Martin, Reuben Shrader and B. W. Hughes were elected councilmen. Daniel H. Stager and John Hudson
were elected school directors. The tax rate was fixed at four mills. In October 1844 it was decided to stone
Front Street from the canal bridge up to Mrs. Mannon's hotel.
On April 15, 1845 the Supervisor was ordered to open Broad Street in Rhode's addition to Schuylkill Haven
along the Philadelphia and Pottsville Railroad. The High Constable was ordered to remove a hog stable as
a public nuisance on the lot occupied by William Mitten
PLENTY OF POLICEMEN
At an election in June 1845, Henry Saylor was elected Chief Burgess. Mark Mellon, B. W. Hughes, William
Schoener, Joseph Moyer and Dr. John G. Koehler were elected councilmen. Charles Huntzinger was
appointed as Treasurer and Charles Saylor as Secretary. Policemen appointed were: Peter Martin, Joseph
Feger, John Boyer, John Frehafer, Franklin Bensamin, Jacob Sterner, John Wirtz and George Schwint. The
salary of the Chief Burgess was fixed at $25. At the same meeting in which his salary was fixed it was
decided that he, the chief burgess, be subject to a fine of one dollar for each and every meeting of the
Town Council which he does not attend.
COUNCILMEN WERE PAID
It was also decided that each and every member of the Town Council be entitled to the sum of fifty cents
for each and every night of his attendance at any meeting. Every councilman failing to attend any meetings
shall be fined fifty cents each time. On August 1845 it was decided that the laborers be paid eighty five
cents per day from six a. m. to seven p. m. On October 6, 1845 an ordinance was passed prohibiting casting
or depositing on any of the streets or alleys any beef, calf or sheep head or any bones. The fine was fixed
at three dollars.
Abraham Bartolet was notified to appear before council and make settlement for the sand taken from the
street leading from Philip Boyer's to Verner's. John Saylor was given the privilege of quarrying the stone
from saint John to Saint Peter Street. In return for this privilege he was to grade the street between Saint
John and Saint Peter.
The Schuylkill Navigation Company was notified to stop taking earth to Market Street and William Kiehner
was notified not to encroach on Front Street with his building.

The Call of March 4, 1921 offered this hodgepodge of information from early town
council meetings in the 1840s when Schuylkill Haven was newly incorporated as a
borough.

The Call of January 18, 1929

GAS KILLS YOUTH IN HIS GARAGE

Lester Shappel, a robust and well liked young man of Schuylkill Haven met death in a sad manner Monday
afternoon in the garage in the rear of his father's home on Centre Avenue, when he was apparently
overcome by monoxide gas from the operation of his automobile in the closed garage. The horrible
discovery was made by his mother, who shortly before one o'clock went to the chicken coop, adjoining the
garage to feed the chickens. She found smoke issuing from the garage and looking through the window
saw the body of her son in a crouched position on the floor. She attempted to open the garage door but
did not succeed in doing so as the body was propped against it. Neighbors summoned removed the body
to the home and physicians were called. Dr. Mengle was first called and he worked desperately to restore
life. Dr. Rutter was also summoned as was a physician from the Warne Hospital. Life however was extinct.
The deceased left the house for the garage and expressed his intention of working on his automobile. It is
understood however, that he was seen downtown and spoken to by friends shortly after ten o'clock. It is
presumed he returned and began working on the car. When discovered the hood on the machine was
raised and the ignition switch was on. The engine was not in operation and it is thought it possibly became
choked and stopped. All the poultry in a pen adjoining had been killed by the gas. Until recently the
deceased was employed at the brick yards. He was nineteen years of age. He was in good health and his
cheerful disposition made for him innumerable friends. He was a member of the First Reformed Church
and Sunday School. Besides the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Shappel, one brother, Luther of Schuylkill
Haven and three sisters, Mrs. Daniel Michel and Mrs. Barnhardt of Schuylkill Haven and Mrs.

The Call of June 21, 1929

BATHER KILLED BY LIGHTNING HERE

Miss Bernice, the eleven year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Krasuskey of Girardville was instantly
killed at Willow Lake Wednesday afternoon shortly after five o'clock by a bolt of lightning, which preceded
the breaking of a severe electrical storm over this locality. The young lady was standing underneath a
large willow tree, which stands between the bungalows of James Mellon and Mr. Keiser and about fifteen
feet from the water's edge. The bolt of lightning struck in the center of the tree and followed wires to the
Willow Lake office where the electric fuses in the control box were blown and burned out. The shock was
distinctly felt for several moments by the bathers in the lake and was described by them as being a tingling
sensation. The victim was standing alone at the time and when bathers nearby saw the body fall forward,
they rushed to the scene. A nearby automobile was commandeered and the child was rushed to the office
of Dr. J. A. Lessig where attempts were made to revive her but without avail. The body was then taken in
charge of by Undertaker D. M. Bittle. The young lady came to the lake accompanied by her aunt, not more
than ten minutes before being struck. She had donned a bathing suit and was about to enter the water.

The Call of November 2, 1928

WAR HEROES MEDAL TO BE PRESENTED NOVEMBER 13

The Distinguished Service Cross will be presented to Mr. Irwin Lautenbacher of Schuylkill Haven on
Tuesday evening, November 13th, at the Armory in Pottsville, with full military ceremony by Colonel L. S.
Sorley, present commander of the 79th Division. The honor to be thus bestowed by the War Department is
for extraordinary heroism by the son of Mr. Lautenbacher, Lieutenant Ivan Lautenbacher, Company C, 316th
Infantry, in action near Verdun, France on September 29, 1918. As a result of the wounds received in action
the lieutenant died two days thereafter, The ceremony will be in complete charge of the War Department
and conducted with military pomp and is probably the first public ceremony of this particular nature, where
the Distinguished Service Cross will be presented as a posthumous award. The public is invited to attend.
The armory in Pottsville was chosen because of the fact that it offered the only suitable and proper place
for a military ceremony of this kind.

The Call of November 16, 1928

TOWN BOY HONORED BY UNCLE SAM

For the first time in the history of Schuylkill County, a Distinguished Service Cross was presented to a
Schuylkill County man by the War Department. The man so honored was Ivan L. Lautenbacher, deceased of
Schuylkill Haven. The Distinguished Service Cross, one of the highest awards for valor and bravery to be
made by the government, was presented to the father of the deceased soldier boy by Colonel Sorley, Chief
of staff of the 79th Division. The colonel reviewed the history of the life of the young man, together with
the events leading up to the action on the field in France in which Lautenbacher was mortally wounded.
With the members of the Headquarters and Service Battery of the 213th C. A. P. N. G. drawn up and at
attention, the actual presentation of the medal to the father of the soldier boy, there was presented a
military scene of pomp and impressiveness never before witnessed in this section of the state. The
acceptance by the father and the family was without comment.
Prior to the actual presentation of the award, drills were executed by both companies while the Bressler
Band furnished music for the occasion. There were numerous representatives of Uncle Sam in attendance
as well as representatives of the American Legion, Mr. and Mrs. Lautenbacher, Mr. and Mrs. William
Schlappich and Miss Catherine Lautenbacher, members of the family occupied seats of honor. Quite a
number of Schuylkill Haven invited friends were also in attendance.
The Distinguished Service Cross Citation and the Posthumous Award was based upon the following
conditions: Ivan L. Lautenbacher, formerly first lieutenant, Company C, 316th Infantry, 79th Division,
American Expeditionary Forces. Confined to the hospital with a severe attack of influenza, at Mountfaucon,
he stuck his evacuation tag in his pocket when the drive began on September 27th and went to the field of
battle. He was chased off the field and to the hospital by the captain. Next day, Lautenbacher again left the
hospital and by removing his evacuation tag got to the field of battle. The captain again ordered him to the
hospital telling him that he was too sick to be out of the hospital. At the moment of conversation however,
the captain was wounded and to Lautenbacher he said, "They got me. Take charge." Lautenbacher then
took command of the company and fought with them and for two days he, with the company, was without
food or water on the drive on Verdun. While in action on September 29th, Lautenbacher was hit with a
steel jacket bullet. The bullet entered his right breast and came out at his left groin. The wound was such
a severe one and so painful that he could not be carried on a stretcher but upon a specially constructed
chair and with eight men detailed for the purpose, he was carried back to the hospital where he passed
away on October 2nd. The body was brought to Schuylkill Haven and on October 20, 1920 with full military
honors, it was placed in its final resting place in Union Cemetery.

In 1915, The Call newspaper put out the question,"Who is the oldest resident of
Schuylkill Haven?" What followed was the reminiscences of the town's oldest
residents of the day. Here are some of the stories of early Schuylkill Haven as told
by the oldest citizens of the day.

The Call of April 23, 1915

REMINISCENCES OF HENRY RAUDENBUSH

Henry S. Raudenbush of Main Street, known to most everyone as "Daddy", has entered the contest as the
oldest resident or the one who has resided here the longest. He is eighty four years old. He came to
Schuylkill Haven at one year of age with his parents and has resided here since. He was born near Boyer's
Mill, the son of the late Daniel Raudenbush. They first resided on Main Street in the first house that stands
back from the pavement above the Hannum property. The house is supposed to be the oldest standing
residence in Schuylkill Haven today. Mr. Raudenbush stated that when he was a boy, there were but few
residents. The present Main Street contained but a few residences and houses. There was a chestnut
grove where the Weist, Weiss and Commings houses now stand. Dock Street was at least twenty feet lower
than at present and it was even with the towpath and at many places the waters of the Schuylkill lapped
over its surface. Most of the town was covered with dense woods. On the site of the present Frank Brown
residence stood an old log tavern conducted at different times by Samuel Kauffman and a Mr. Hudson. On
the site of the present Hotel Grand stood a small hotel conducted for many years by Squire Dengler. Then
there was another tavern near the Schuylkill Bridge conducted by a Mr. Boyer. It must be remembered Mr.
Raudenbush spent his boyhood days in this town from 1831 on and there were no railroads, trolleys or
canal boats in the earlier days. Mr. Raudenbush, because of his age, does not remember how the mail and
newspapers of that day were gotten into town or where the first Post Office stood but he remembers
several of the stores. One store, that of John Schumacher, was where the present F. D. Starr store is. It
was a general store. In it worked one by the name of C. C. Leader as a clerk. Mr. Leader is now a resident
of Shamokin and is the president of the First National Bank of Schuylkill Haven. Henry's wife was also
employed there. Mrs. Wiley, whose present age is ninety and who still resides in Schuylkill Haven, was
employed at this store as a seamstress. A hardware store was conducted by George Snyder and Frank
Feger on the site of the present Sausser Brothers store. This store has undergone little change from its
former construction, that is the front portion of the store.
Mr. Raudenbush can remember of Mrs. Hannum being Postmistress when the Post Office was where the G.
I. Bensinger drug store now is. He does not know who was postmaster prior to Mrs. Hannum.
As to the schools there were three one room school houses where the present main building now stands.
Although the present main building is pretty old it is not the same as referred to by Mr. Raudenbush. This
school was taught by a Mr. Guertler at one time and by a Mr. Porter on another occasion. There also was a
log school house where the David Fenstermacher store is located. A school house was also located in the
West Ward, then known as the "flats". As to the churches, there was a Methodist Church on upper Main
Street and the "White" Church on Centre Avenue. Sunday School was conducted in a building now known
as the Episcopal Church on Dock Street. Somewhere along 1851, the Lutheran and Reformed members
attending the "White" Church split and built a Saint Paul's German and Reformed Church on the site of the
present Saint Ambrose Church. Several years later dissension again arose in this congregation and
resulted in a separation. The Reformed members rented a room in the Vouty Building, the room now
occupied by The Call offices, and for years held church in the same. The Lutheran members then built their
own church. Later the Reformed members built a church on North Main Street on the site now occupied by
the Garrett houses. When the split took place the borough took over the church building and later sold it
to persons who established the present Saint Ambrose Church.
Mr. Raudenbush is a carpenter by trade. He took up this work in 1851 in the blacksmith and carpenter shop
conducted by Henry Byerly on the site of the present Saint Matthew Lutheran Church. He assisted in
constructing many canal boats, working in the boat yard when in charge of Abe Saylor and Superintendent
Henry Sterner. He also boated for some years when a young lad. He tells of many interesting happenings
when he was on the boats. In particular is the brace of accidents or narrow escapes he had from drowning.
The first "ducking" he got in the canal came very near being his last one. It happened one evening as he
was driving. About three miles below Hamburg, as the boat was being made ready to be lowered while in
the locks, he stepped over the side of the lock to get the boat, missed his footing and went down between
the boats and the side of the lock. In addition to a narrow escape from being drowned, he came very near
being crushed to death against the lock by the heavy boat. His absence was discovered by his fellow
boatmen and a search was begun with lanterns. Had it not been for his long hair which floated on the
water he would never have been discovered. He was pulled out and rolled on a barrel and put through
other rough tactics to bring back the spark of life which almost departed. On another occasion at the five
locks near Blue Mountain he was jarred into the canal and had a narrow escape. In Fairmount Dam he
tripped and pitched overboard and at the Laurel Locks he was swimming with other boys and got in a sort
of whirlpool. They were rescued by boatmen who heard their cries for help. His fifth escape was on this
side of Port Clinton when boating with Joseph and William Kerkeslager. He intended jumping from the boat
on to the locks, misjudged the distance and went into the water.

REMINISCENCES OF MOSES EVELY

On Canal Street there at one time was a tavern conducted by Charles Kantner where the Motzer property
now stands. There was also a tavern where the Krammes Hotel now stands, conducted by Philip Boyer.
There was no bridge across the river in the early days as at present. The stream had to be forded. The
road up the Schuylkill Mountain was at a different location than it now is. Near the site now occupied by
the Saul and Zang Box factory was a brickyard at one time conducted by Bartley and Heim and later by Mr.
Wingander. There were but two small houses on Berne Street in the early days. The greater portion of this
section was hills and woods. In the early days in one of the small houses on Berne Street was committed a
crime which stirred the county from one end to the other. A party by the name of Marty Peiffer cruelly
butchered his wife with a big butcher knife. The trial of the murder was held in the Courthouse in
Orwigsburg and attracted considerable attention. Peiffer was committed to prison for life.
At one time in the early days where the present P. and R. stone bridge near the Main Street crossing now
stands, was a huge frame covered bridge. A large roundhouse also occupied the site to the rear of the
present "J" office. There was but one track on the railroad at that time. The engines burned wood instead
of coal and the cars were but "four wheelers" and small in size. On Dock Street near Centre Avenue was a
tavern. There was a school house on the Fenstermacher property. Dock Street was at least fifteen feet
below its present grade. On the site now occupied by the Berger Mill was a grinding or flour mill
conducted by a Mr. Seifert. On Centre Avenue the White Church stood several hundred feet nearer the
street than at present. The greater portion of the town in the early days was a dense woods. Prospect Hill
was nothing more than a chestnut woods where the boys had many good outings and chestnutting parties.
On the site of the Keever Box and Lumber Company planing mill was a tannery.
In 1850 when the Northumberland Dam burst, almost the entire town was under water. The water
overflowed its banks at Saint John Street and came through between the present Saylor and Bank
properties, went back Saint John Street to Union, down Union to the canal on Canal Street. Practically the
entire lower section of the town for a time was under water. At several points it was several feet deep.
Many stables, portions of houses, fences, lumber of all kinds, etc. floated down the river. A number of
chickens and several pigs were saved from a watery grave by men who pulled their coops and pens out of
the water as they went through town. The water washed away the old railroad bridge where the present
Red Bridge is. Possibly the largest fire the town ever had was that of the Navigation Company stables
when a large number of horses were burned to death and considerable property destroyed.

The Call of May 14, 1915

REMINISCENCES OF CAPTAIN C. E. BROWN

This week is given a short history of Captain Charles E. Brown, aged seventy three years, who during the
Civil War gave his country the best of service. Mr. Brown enters The Call's contest not alone from the fact
that he has been a resident of the town for seventy years but also due to his excellent war record. He was
three years old when with his parents John and Sarah Brown, he came to town, so that he is a resident
almost seventy one years. Mr. Brown first lived in the lower portion of the flat near the "Eck" in a small log
house. The house is still standing but is now weatherboarded. He first remembers being employed at ten
years of age in the tobacco factory of Clouser and Kearacher which stood on the site now occupied by the
B. R. Kauffman property. Mr. Brown's wages were twenty five cents a week.
Mr. Brown when quite young took up boating, which occupation he followed until the outbreak of the Civil
War. Returning from the war he again took up boating. He was later made weighmaster at the Landing in
town and was also Captain of the wreck boat "Petril". During the time of the Molly Maguires, he was on the
special police force with Captain Linden of the Pinkerton Detective Agency. He was also employed at the
Bast Mill, in the rolling mill, as watchman in the First National Bank and the Schuylkill Haven Trust Company
during the time both these institutions were having the present buildings erected and completed. In the
early days of this town, Mr. Brown states Main Street from the Call office to the Lautenbacher property was
a fine white pine woods. The trees in it were very large and beautiful. Prospect Hill was also a woods. The
section from Union Street to Main Street, along Saint John Street was a swamp. This section was always
full of stagnant water. At the Felix property on Wilson Street, the street went in under the railroad. On the
opposite side for many years, one Enoch Blinkley conducted a cobbler shop. In the early days there were
two brick yards, one tobacco factory, a rope factory, a small repair shop and these together with the
boating and hauling of coal down the Mine Hill road gave employment to the town's citizens. The coal that
came into Schuylkill Haven was pulled in with horses down the Mine Hill line. There were no engines on
this road. There was a wooden track on top of which was iron and on this track the small cars holding from
a ton to a ton and a half moved over. Some drivers had one, two, four and six horses and therefore pulled
an equal number of cars at one time. A driver with eight horses brought down eight to nine cars at one
time. There were no brakes on the cars. Braking was done by throwing a sprag on the wheel.
In 1850 during the time of the flood a scow broke from its fastenings in the Dock and was washed down the
canal taking away the Schuylkill Bridge. The docks were washed full of coal at this time and a portion of the
old Dock was washed away. A new and much larger dock was then built. Main Street at one time
possessed an Atlantic City boardwalk, only it was always in a very dangerous condition because of the
rotten boards. It extended from the bank property to the railroad. The properties from the present bank
property to the railroad were all several feet below the level or grade of the street.

The Call of May 21, 1915

REMINISCENCES OF MISS CATHARINE BYERLY

Miss Catharine Byerly this week enters our contest and we believe comes very near taking the prize for
being the oldest Schuylkill Haven resident. She is in her eighty ninth year. She was born on January 11,
1827, a short distance outside of what is now the borough line. She spent her entire life in this town, her
parents moving into what was then considered the borough when she was three years of age. She is the
only surviving member of a family of eight children. She makes her home with her niece, Mrs. J. Sherer of
Prospect Hill. We can say she has been a Schuylkill Haven resident for her entire eighty nine years.
Miss Byerly states her father fought in the Revolutionary War. When ten years of age, Miss Byerly can
remember that there were but fifteen houses in the town. Her parents lived in a house on Saint John
Street where the Hesser property now stands. There was a house on Columbia Street owned and occupied
by a Mr. Hughes. This man also owned the entire lower portion of the South Ward or the Flat at that time. A
man by the name of Robinson also lived on this street. An English family by the name of Kennedy resided
on this side of the river and at about what is now the corner of Main and Saint John Streets, an old lady by
the name of Berkheiser lived. On Main Street a short distance below the railroad was a general store
conducted by William Huntzinger. The building was a one story block house of two rooms and a small
kitchen. In one room Mr. Huntzinger conducted the store. Later another store was conducted by Edward
Huntzinger where the P. T. Hoy store now is. On Canal Street resided a family by the name of Moses Reed
and a Trump family also resided along this street. On Saint John Street resided families by the names of
Ream and Trump. On Saint John Street resided William Neiheiser. This house is still standing at the corner
of Saint John and market Streets. It was built by a German minister by the name of Kroll. On Dock Street
resided a party by the name of Wymert. Prospect Hill was a great woods. On Main Street between what is
now the Call office and the Lautenbacher property at one time was a woods, later an open lot where
circuses were held. This was later occupied as a lumber yard.
The first school house was on the hill that is now the Union Cemetery. Until a few years ago this building
was still standing although in a very dilapidated condition. It was taught by a Mr. Huff. In this section of
town resided also the first settler, Martin Dreibelbis and his family. In the very early days there was no
church or meeting house in the town. People together with those of Orwigsburg went to church near
Friedensburg either riding horseback or in the heavy wagons of the day. Later a church was built here, the
"White Church", whose first minister was Reverend Kroll who was the followed by Reverend Minnick. A
few years later the Episcopal Church on Dock Street was built. Here was held Sunday School regularly and
was attended by nearly all the young and old of that time. It must be remembered at the period above
referred to there was no railroad, neither a P. & R. line or the Mine Hill road. When the roads were built
and the first trains were run over them it caused much excitement, interest and wonderment. People from
the small settlements across the mountains and from miles about came into town to see the great
spectacle and marveled much.
At one time Indians owned and cultivated a large farm along the Long Run right near to town. They raised
almost every good kind of vegetables and fruits. This farm later became what was known as the Kerschner
farm. The Indians were peaceful at that time, they did not molest the whites to any extent, except on one
occasion they murdered an entire family residing in a small hut on the road to Cressona near Connor's.
The blood bespattered walls of the little house were for a long time a curiosity and a grim reminder of the
awful murder that had been committed. Quite a number of years ago about forty Indians on horseback rode
into town and through it pointing out different locations, presumably to the younger Indians, where their
ancestors once lived and roamed. They attracted much attention by their pointing one way and then
another but they never stopped or conversed with the residents.
In the early days, prior to the erection of the county institution or almshouse it is said the sufferings of the
poor and insane was intense owing to the unsatisfactory method and manner of protection. Near the site
of the small house along the Turnpike at the County Home was a log shed much resembling the open sheds
used for the sheltering of horses built at taverns in the country and at country churches. It was nothing
more than a shed with a roof, back and sides. The front was open. Here both the sick, aged and insane
were confined. The insane were chained with heavy chains and attached to heavy iron balls. The chain
and ball system of preventing their escape and injuring other persons was then used.
When all preparations for boating had been completed the first boat instead of being pulled by mules was
pulled by three men all the way to Philadelphia. The three men were Messrs. Byerly, Hummel and Rudy. Mr.
Byerly was the father of Miss Catharine. Later on, mules were brought into service.
An instance or event clear in the mind of Miss Byerly is that of a drowning at the Dock. A young man by the
name of Kennedy who was weighmaster slipped into the locks and was drowned. His mother and two
sisters, Katherine and Martha, were left alone, the husband and father having died a time previous. The
mother because of her ill health and realizing what the loss of the only support to the family would mean,
was not informed of her son's accident and death. The body was kept at the office eat the locks and the
funeral was held from that place. The daughters even on th eday of the funeral were afraid the news would
cause the ir mother's death so they did not inform her. They dressed in white and told her they were going
to a party. Instead they attended their brother's funeral.
Miss Byerly has resided on Main Street in the house adjoining the Jere Kline property for sixty eight years.
She is able to be about but complains greatly of aches and pains. Her hearing has been affected and it is
with difficulty she can be made to understand by her friends and relatives. When interviewed by The Call
man she displayed a remarkable memory reciting events in her life and the early history with little
questioning.

Here are two mementos from the Schuylkill Haven celebration
held in honor of the town's returning World War One doughboys.
At left is a ribbon worn by a member of the War Council. Below
is a pennant from the August 1919 celebration.

The Call of October 26, 1928

ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING FATAL TO SIXTEEN YEAR OLD BOY

An accidental shooting proved fatal and regrettable Saturday afternoon last week when Ralph Oswald, a
sixteen year old boy from Garfield Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, died in the Pottsville Hospital as the result .22
rifle. Just how the accident occurred may never be known as there were no eyewitnesses and any
circumstantial evidence appears to be lacking. He had prepared to accompany his sister to the dentist and
was awaiting her arrival. His body was discovered in the yard with blood spurting from his throat with
every gasp of breath. He was taken to the hospital but died shortly after arrival. It was found the bullet
had pierced the jugular vein and had taken an upward course and came out at the temple. It is believed he
tripped and fell, either while walking or crouching with the rifle in his hand.
The deceased was the son of David and Ella Webber Oswald. He was adopted by Thomas and esther Eden
with whom he was living. He would have been sixteen years of age on the 28th of this coming November.
He was a member of the Christ Lutheran Sunday School. He attended the Junior High School at Schuylkill
Haven and was a quiet but studious pupil and well liked by everyone. A twin brother died when quite
young. He is survived by a step brother, David Oswald of Perkasie. Two half sisters, Mrs. Herman Reed of
Schuylkill Haven and Mrs. Crow of Hershey also survive. The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon.
Reverend E. H. Smoll conducted the services. There were pretty flowers, tributes from friends and
neighbors. C. G. Wagner was the funeral director.

Pottsville Republican of November 28, 1885

AFTER THE SPOILS

Our Democratic friends at Schuylkill Haven are having quite a time contesting for the post office
appointment. While there are more applicants in the field, the contest has narrowed down to Charles
Keller, the clothing merchant and the renowned Peter Stanton. Keller has the support of the church
members and conservative element, while Stanton is urged on by "the boys" who have fought and won the
Democratic battles in the Haven. Stanton is bothered just now about the disappearance enroute of a lot of
credentials he sent to Washington whose loss, he says, handicaps him greatly. The office is now held by
Mrs. Hannum, a widow, and a relative of Senator Keefer and mother of the P. & R. station agent in this city.

Pottsville Republican of February 15, 1886

THE WORST IN THE COUNTY

A Schuylkill Haven gentleman informed us this morning that the street leading out of that borough from the
culvert to the intersection with the old pike is perhaps the worst in the county. On Saturday it was all that a
good strong team could do to haul a wagon with a half ton load on through the mud and clay. This morning
it was as much as one horse could do to haul a buggy with two occupants through. He is anxious to know
what the supervisor intends doing about it. Such a piece of road is death to beasts of burden and
promotes human profanity to an alarming extent. A few hundred loads of broken stone will obviate the
great evil and make pedestrians and teamsters happy.

Pottsville Republican of February 22, 1886

PARADE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

A general holiday was observed at Schuylkill Haven today. The stores were generally closed and the
people came out in force to witness the patriotic element of the town have a parade in honor of George
Washington. The parade was headed by George E. Bast as Chief Marshal; assisted by James K. Helms and
John Goese; Captain Burkert, Grand Marshal of the G. A. R. with sixty five men, headed by Washington
Cornet Band; Schuylkill Haven Drum Corps, Schuylkill Haven Commandery, P. O. S. of A. with thirty five men;
Washington Cadet Band; Junior Fire Department with sixty men; a representation of Washington on a white
horse together with citizens in carriages and on foot. The display was a good one and creditable to all who
took part.

NEW STORIES:
New stories involving tragedies including: A terrific plane
crash south of town kills a World war Two veteran the
day he gets his pilot's license, a young boy drowns while
fishing at Miller's Pond and a young mother dies in her
kitchen.
New Municipal stories include:
Development of the "Island" for recreation in 1938 and
again in 1948, the beginnings of the Smoketown and
Willow Street playgrounds and the town recruits for the
National Guard.
Posted at the bottom of this page,in honor of Veteran's
Day, are the stories of Schuylkill Haven men James G.
Anderson and David C. Ney,both killed in the Vietnam
War.

Pottsville Republican of September 1962

WIFE SEES HAVEN STOCK CAR DRIVER KILLED AT READING

Charles A. Bubeck, 43, of 201 Centre Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, was killed Friday night when his stock car
crashed during a race at the Reading Fairgrounds. His wife was a spectator in the stands. Bubeck was
impaled on a galvanized pipe when his machine crashed while he was participating in the consolation race
of the night. His car struck the fence near the pit gate. Impact of the crash dislodged the pipe, which was
almost five feet above the track, supporting a wire screen. The one and a quarter inch pipe entered the
car on the right side, pierced Bubeck's right shoulder and continued through his chest, coming out near
the left shoulder.
PIPE PIERCED METAL HOOD
The car spun off the track and went about fifteen feet into the pits before the vehicle came to a halt,
fourteen feet of the pipe pierced the back of the seat and went through the metal hood and out through
the back of the vehicle. Dr. A. M. Snyder, a Reading physician pronounced Bubeck dead. He said death
was almost instantaneous. An acetylene torch was used to burn the pipe in sections before it could be
removed from Bubeck's body.
SECOND FATALITY OF SEASON
Bubeck's death was the second during the current racing season at the Fairgrounds. On June 8th, Leon
McMinn of Coatesville, was killed when his car upset and struck a concrete retaining wall. Bubeck in two
weeks would have observed his twenty fifth wedding anniversary. A son was graduated last month from
the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis Maryland. His body was taken by ambulance to Community General
Hospital. Dr. Fred D. Good, coroner, ordered an autopsy to be performed today.
LIFELONG RESIDENT
Mr. Bubeck, a life long resident of Schuylkill Haven, was a son of Mrs. Olive Falls of Orwigsburg and the
late Royal Bubeck. He was a member of Saint John's United Church of Christ at Schuylkill Haven and was
affiliated with the Rainbow Hose Company, the Union of Operating Engineers and was a charter member of
the North Ward Social Club. He was employed as an equipment operator for James Morrsie Company of
Stroudsburg.
Surviving are his wife, the former Mary Phillips; his mother of Orwigsburg; his son Ensign Charles Rodney
Bubeck, with the U. S. Navy, stationed at New Iberia, Louisiana; one granddaughter;four brothers and two
sisters: John Bubeck in Connecticut, Roy Shadel of California, William Falls with the U. S. Marines, Ralph
Falls of Palo Alto, Mrs. Carrie Schappel of Orwigsburg and Mrs. Elizabeth Roeder of Quakertown. Funeral
services will be held Wednesday afternoon from Bast and Detweiler Funeral Home in Schuylkill Haven.
Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park. The Reverend L. Eugene Moyer will officiate.

Pottsville Republican of June 27, 1889

THE SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POST OFFICE

office since his appointment. Besides remodeling and repainting the interior, a new oak front has been
substituted for the old glass one, and thirty Yale lock boxes have been put in for the accommodation of the
public. Everybody is highly delighted with the change. These boxes are a new feature in the Schuylkill
Haven Post Office and before they had been in one week, they were with few exceptions all rented. This
office, during the last Republican administration was rated third class, but on the advent of the Democrat
Cleveland, made it fourth class. To put it on its former footing will be Mr. Dengler's greatest effort. He says
business warrants it, and if he continues as industrious as at present, there is no doubt he will succeed.
For neatness and convenience it is now second to none in the county.

Pottsville Republican of August 22, 1889

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLITICS

The Republicans of this town have been grossly outraged by the actions of Chairman Phillips and H. N.
Coxe who has set himself up as the political dictator to carry out the orders of Phillips and his gang in the
naming of the election officers, all the regularly elected county committeemen were ignored entirely, and
Coxe, who is not even a member of the committee, named the men. Whilst this was against party usages,
yet the men named were honest and no particular objections were made; but now as a last resort in order
to help carry the town, Phillips has changed the polling place from the Washington Hotel (where the
delegate elections have been held in the South Ward since the organization of the political party) to the
Columbia Hotel at the extreme lower end of the ward in the hope that they might be better able to
manipulate the primaries in the interest of Phillips and Coxe. Upon learning this last evening Captain
Helms, the regular and duly elected committeeman from that ward called on Doc Coxe and asked him why
such an outrage had been done the Republicans of his ward; the Doctor replied, "That is my business; I
attend to those things and it is none of your business." The old veteran replied, "It is a mean, dirty,
contemptible trick that only a man like you and Phillips could be guilty of," whereupon Coxe, his son and
clerk violently dragged the old wounded veteran to the door and thrust him into the street. Our
Republicans and citizens generally denounce this hasty action of Dr. Coxe.

Pottsville Republican of February 24, 1890

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLITICS

Dr. H. N. Coxe gave a banquet at the Cross Keys Hotel to a number of his political friends and admirers on
Tuesday last. The affair was kept very quiet, hence your correspondent did not learn of it until Saturday
night and since it has become known it has been the talk of the town. The menu consisted of all the
choicest viands and delicacies of the season and after the table was cleared and the cigars were passed a
flow of reason followed. Dr. Coxe in a few well timed remarks bid his guests a hearty welcome and stated
that the object of the meeting was to form a compact organization in the several wards of the town for
future campaigns, and in conclusion he thanked his friends for the gallant fight they had made in the
municipal election and urged them not to give up the good fight until all the offices were filled by honest
and capable men. (Great applause) Some of those present could not exactly understand where the victory
came in unless he meant the defeat of the old veteran, Captain Helms for School director. Honorable Lish
Davis was the next orator. He gave the boys a vivid description of "Down in the Coal Mines" and related
many instances of his own life up to the time that an old friend, with a Schuylkill Haven boy, called on him as
he came out of the shaft and offered him a place, which he accepted, and came to Schuylkill Haven and
entered the service of Dr. Coxe, which had so much to do with his life since, as all his successes he could
attribute to that one event. The next speaker was Colonel Bill Reppert, who amused the party with his
varied experience in the late war. Charles Shappell next recited a very comic piece entitled "The Boodler".
Lewis Deibert then sang several of his side splitting seriocomic songs and in conclusion Morris Saylor
made a few well timed remarks and urged the boys to renewed action. It was not until the small hours that
one of the most agreeable parties that ever met adjourned. As near as we were able to learn the following
were present: Dr. H. N. Coxe, host, Honorable Lish Davis, Albert Hartzel, Charles Shappell, Sigil Hays,
Colonel William Reppert, Milt Meck, John Hill, Lewis Deibert, Morris Saylor, Albert Warner, August Mellon,
Earl Whitman, Lewis Kaufman, John Hubner, Thomas Meck, and Lewis Klump. George E. Bast, the Chief
Burgess elect was expected but failed to put in an appearance.

Pottsville Republican of June 11, 1890

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN EXCITED - The Voters Up in Arms Against Increasing the Debt

Schuylkill Haven has been in an uproar the last week. Never since the war has this staid, conservative
town been so thoroughly shaken from stem to stern as within the period ending last evening at seven
o'clock. Old neighbors opposed each other and it was certainly illustrated that "it takes all kinds of people
to make a world." The cause of it was a proposition to increase the borough indebtedness $38,000 and
"effect a great saving to the people" in having their own water works. A circular stated that the borough
pays the present water company $500 per year and four hundred consumers pay $3,200 per annum, a total
of $3,700. The expense per year of the borough's water works would be: interest at 4%, $1,520, annual
sinking fund, $1,266.66, expenses $50; total, $2,836.66, making a clear savings of $863.34. To the last
amount must be added the sinking fund, $1,266.66, which in thirty years will pay the debt, making a real
annual savings of $2,130. The charter had been granted two years ago by Governor Beaver to the
Economical water Company. Among the advocates of the project were Honorable S. A. Losch, Councilman
Emerick and Z. T. Hendricks. The opposition was marshaled by Dr. H. N. Coxe, John J. Kemple, Councilman
Mulholland and "many citizens". Their circular ridiculed the proposed source of the water supply and
objected to the cost of the charter, stated that the annual cost would include $1,500 interest, $800 for a
superintendent and $500 in repairs, a total of $3,000. They charged that the new water company could not
show a list of one hundred consumers at five dollars per year and the taxpayers would therefore make up
the deficiency. The P. & R. Company would remove the car shops owing to increased taxation. The rate is
now two mills. According to the opposition, in most other towns it is eight and Poles and Huns would build
the plant, to be given out by contract. The project, it is claimed, had also been manipulated in the dark and
something must be wrong. Somebody had a charter to sell. A special election was fixed for yesterday. On
Monday evening a meeting of citizens was held. Dr. Coxe presided and J. J. Kemple was secretary. There
were many speeches. People who had never uttered a word in public before, talked. Messrs. Emerick and
Mulholland held a private conversation. They did not whisper, yet it was private and we say nothing about
it. They do not now speak as they pass by. The election took place yesterday and here is the result: East
Ward, 94 against and 47 for; West Ward, 32 against and 5 for; North Ward, 65 against and 18 for; South Ward,
53 against and 51 for. The total was 244 against and 121 for. Nor is the end yet. Councilman Emerick will
bring a scheme before the next session of council to increase the debt and start some industrial plant,
perhaps a brewery. Tis claimed that the present water company stock is paying nothing and that most of it
is held by residents of Schuylkill haven and Cressona, while the bonds to the amount of $92,000 are paying
six percent to the holders. It is also claimed that the majority of the holders reside in other towns. At any
rate the people have decided against owning their own water supply.

At left is the plot plan for the borough of Schuylkill
Haven as it appeared in the 1875 Atlas of Schuylkill
County, published by F. W. Beers. It is quite detailed
showing the canal, railroads, businesses and the
owners of each residential property. It is a great
source for locating ancestors who may have lived in
town in that time period.

BEERS ATLAS

The following three articles relate the tale of Carl Fey, declared killed in
action and then discovered to be wounded and in a prisoner of war camp.

The Call of June 21, 1918

CARL FEY KILLED IN FRANCE

Carl Fey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Trout, of 314 Canal Street, has fallen a victim to the Hun bullet and is
the first Schuylkill Haven boy to meet death on the battlefields of France. Shortly before eight o'clock last
evening, his mother was handed a telegram from Washington announcing his death.
The telegram was as follows: Washington, D. C. 6:18 p. m., June 20, Mrs. Lottie Trout, 314 Canal Street,
Schuylkill Haven. Deeply regret to inform you that Private Carl Fey, infantry, is officially reported as killed in
action, May 29th. McCain, Adjutant General.
The telegram was handed to Mrs. Trout while she was visiting at the home of her father on Canal Street.
Tenderly she tore open the envelope and then burst into tears. Several minutes elapsed before she could
tell her parents of the contents of the telegram. Shortly after the receipt of the telegram, Mrs. Trout was
visited by a representative of "The Call", and between sobs that only a mother who has offered her son as
a sacrifice to her country can know, she gave an account of his brief life.
Carl Fey was born in Schuylkill Haven on the 12th day of April, 1900, he being but a few months more than
eighteen years of age. On April 25, 1917, he enlisted at Pottsville. The next day he was sent to Hoboken,
New York and after two days there went to Columbus barracks. A short training period found him in Texas,
where he remained for three weeks. He was then returned to Hoboken and on July 4 of last year, his
mother received his first letter from France. Since that time she has received a number of letters, several
of which have appeared in the columns of "The Call." On May 6th, Carl Fey wrote a letter to his mother and
again on May 12th, Mother's Day he wrote his last letter. Both of these letters were received on the same
day.
Following will be found a number of extracts from both letters:
Somewhere in France, May 6th. Dear Mother, I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you. I
received dad's letter and was very sorry to hear of the death of Jack Barr. Mother, did you hear about
young Kantner being gassed over here while we were up at the front. Mother, I will stay with you if I ever
get back and I expect to get back sometime. I did not get the birthday package that you said you sent me.
Sorry to hear that dad is sick. How is Oscar and his family. I guess this is all now. From your son, Carl Fey.
P. S. Mother, I am going into the trenches again for the sixth time. I am under the lucky star. Don't worry.
Somewhere in France, May 12th. Dear Mother, I thought that I would write you a few lines to let you know
that I am well and hope this finds you the same. How is dad, Mother? Find out how Russel Kantner is. He
was up at the front and I did not hear about him for a long time. I was looking for a box but did not get it
yet. Mother, today is Mother's day in France and every soldier is to write his mother a letter. I wish I was
back in the U. S. A. again but I guess it won't be long till we get back.
The writer then makes a number of personal suggestions and closes his letter by stating that he does not
have the time to write to all and inquires about a number of relatives. He closes the letter thusly, "This is
all for this time. Answer soon. From your loving son, Carl Fey, Company L, 28th Infantry.

The Call of August 9, 1918

CARL FEY A PRISONER OF WAR

Like word from the dead, was the welcome news received on Friday noon just a few hours after "The Call"
had gone to press, announcing the fact that Carl Fey was alive but a prisoner somewhere in Germany. The
letter was received by his mother, Mrs. Samuel Trout of Canal Street, and the rejoicing of the mother and
other relatives knew no bounds. It will be recalled that on the evening of June 20th, Mrs. Trout received a
telegram from the government stating that Carl Fey was officially reported as killed in action on May 29th.
The following Sunday, June 22nd, memorial services were held for the young soldier which were largely
attended. It is infrequent that one returns to read his own obituary and all the nice things that have been
said about him, but in all probability, such will be the case with Carl Fey.
A copy of the letter is as follows: Darmstadt, Germany. Dear Mother, I thought that I would write you a few
lines to let you know I was wounded. I got shot in the right jaw and also got captured on the 27th of May.
Mother, how is Eleanor and Si. Mother, all my money I guess will come to you now. When you answer this
letter, just address it to this hospital. Mother how is dad and yourself by this time and how is Gussie and
her family. Do not worry, everything will come alright for me and you sometime. Try and send me a package
with some smokes and candy. Captain Von Watter said you can. Tell them I send all my best regards. I
guess this is all for this time. Son, Carl Fey, Prisoner of War, 28th Infantry.
On the envelope are the words "Camp de Prisoniere de Guerre," with the date June 5th. Mrs. Trout lost no
time in preparing a box of smokes and candy for the injured boy. The same was packed carefully and left
Schuylkill Haven on Monday afternoon. The fact that it required almost two months for the letter to reach
here is accounted for by reason of all mail from Germany first going to Switzerland, Holland, then to
England, and then to the States.

The Call of October 11, 1918

LOCAL SOLDIER IS NOT DEAD

Under date of August 9th, "The Call" published a statement to the effect that Carl Fey of Schuylkill Haven,
reason of the mother having received but one letter from him it was later thought that the boy had died in
camp and this supposition was generally accepted as correct. Under these circumstances Fey's name was
camp and this supposition was generally accepted as correct. Under these circumstances Fey's name was
listed among the Schuylkill haven boys who had made the supreme sacrifice. Now comes the
announcement substantiated by proof that Fey is not dead but is still a prisoner of war. Postcards and
letters have been received by his mother, Mrs. Samuel Trout, recently, which prove beyond a doubt that at
the time of writing his last message to her he was a prisoner in a German camp and was in good health.
The prisoner according to the first card received was stationed at the prison camp in Darmstadt, Germany.
The prison camp was later moved to Worms, Germany and as the Allied Army continued its advances, the
German prison camp was also moved. It is now located at Czerak, several hundred miles northeast of the
home of Kaiser Bill, Berlin and about fifty miles south of the Baltic Sea.
In one of the letters, Fey states he is getting along alright. He had a hole shot in his right cheek and all the
teeth in his upper jaw shot out. For quite a time he could not talk and then later only in a whisper. Now he
can talk loud again. He asks whether the people at home here think the war will be over soon. He inquires
about a number of his friends and relatives, about the rolling mill, etc. He states he is only allowed to write
one postal card a week and two letters a month. He states while he didn't have permission to tell of his
having a good time in Paris and England in previous letters , he now can do so. He adds he enjoyed
himself better in England than he did in Paris. He also asks his mother to send him some cigarettes and
tobacco as he can not get any where he is. He states his mother will be permitted to send a package every
month. He asks for a little money. All of those things are being sent by his mother together with a number
of other articles. The regulations permit the sending of money in denominations of five dollars only,
nothing less and no amount greater than five. From the American Red Cross Society in Switzerland, Mrs.
Trout recently received a letter of instruction giving the address of her son, a map of Germany showing
exactly the town near which the prison camp is located. A list of articles was also enclosed which will be
passed. The list included many different things such as all kinds of canned goods, coffee, cigarettes,
tobacco, etc. If clothing is sent it must be U. S. Army clothing. It requires three months for a letter from the
prisoner to reach here. From the letters received, Mrs. Trout feels positive her boy is alive and while the
government has him officially reported and registered as being dead, the letters coming from him right
along prove this is incorrect. Mrs. Trout has received several checks from the government to apply on the
life insurance taken out by Carl Fey. These are being returned with the advice that the boy is alive and
well.

The Call of September 7, 1917

LOCAL KNITTERS CAN KNIT FOR SOLDIERS

A communication has been received by the Schuylkill Haven chapter of the American Red Cross Society
asking them to assist in supplying supplies and wearing material for the soldiers. The communication
states that 650 each of the following articles are needed by October 16th and the portion allotted to
Schuylkill Haven is sixty five each of sweaters, mufflers, pairs of wristlets and pairs of dry socks. The
communication was read to the members at their regular monthly meeting held on Tuesday evening. At
present there are sufficient funds in the treasury to purchase the socks but the other items will have to be
made. The members feel that they are equal to the task and that the articles in question will be completed
before the time allowed.
There is hardly a young girl or woman in Schuylkill Haven who is not knitting at the present time. In the
majority of cases the knitting is for their personal needs but it is conceded that they would be only too
willing to sacrifice their own comforts for those who are called upon to sacrifice their lives if necessary.
The members of the Red Cross are willing to teach all persons how to knit and whether you are a member
of the organization or not, you are invited to come to the Red Cross room in the town hall on Wednesday or
Thursday afternoon or Thursday evening when instruction will be given. Tuesday evenings will be devoted
to surgical dressings. Persons willing to knit should notify Mrs. C. Lenker or Mrs. D. D. Dechert. An appeal
is also being sent broadcast for literature for the soldiers. Good stories are in demand, books of
adventure, sea stories, detective stories, collections of short stories, especially humorous ones. Books of
poor print, worn out and out of date books are not worth shipping. As to magazines, the best are wanted,
the very latest. Arrangements will shortly be completed for the collection of these books and magazines
once or twice a month. They will be taken to the Free Library at Pottsville and shipped from there. If you
have anything in the reading line that will appeal to the soldier boys, notify the secretary of the Schuylkill
Haven chapter and you will be told what to do.

The Call of October 19, 1917

LIBERTY LOAN PARADE HERE MONDAY EVENING

The effort to have the public subscribe to the Liberty Loan issue to the amount of $165,000 is meeting with
success. Reports made at the meeting of the solicitors Thursday evening showed that already $75,000 has
been subscribed. The largest amount is yet to be taken and every possible effort is to be made to prevent
Schuylkill Haven falling down and failing to handle its pro rata share of the Second Liberty Loan. In order to
reach the general public and have the proposition plainly laid before them an open air mass meeting has
been arranged for Monday evening at eight. It will be held at the corner of Saint John and Main Streets.
Prior to the meeting a street parade will be held. Both the Bressler Band and the Citizen's Band have
willingly granted the request of the special committee to parade. The Boy Scouts will also participate and
every automobilist in Schuylkill Haven is asked to join in the line and to have his car occupied with adults.
Each autoist is asked to fill up his car, adults preferred.
The mass meeting will be addressed by C. S. White of Philadelphia and John Robert Jones of Schuylkill
Haven. Mr. George Saul will officiate as Chairman. The object of the meeting is to arouse enthusiasm in
the Loan Bond campaign which is somewhat lacking and up to this time this town has not done as well on
subscribing its share as other towns have. On Monday addresses will be made in the public schools on
the Liberty Loan project. Attorney J. A. Noecker will speak in the North Ward school, Attorney George
Paxson in the East Ward school, Attorney J. L. Stauffer in the new high school building and Attorney J. Harry
Filbert in the South Ward building. The special committee having charge of the parade, mass meeting,
public school addresses, etc. is Reverend G. M. Richter, F. H. Minnig and Charles Deeney.
Each and every minister will be requested to bring before his people at both services this coming Sunday,
the Liberty Loan matter. In order to have the town subscribe its full quota allotted, every effort must be
made to have every individual subscribe. The methods now to be used as above stated are for the
purpose of aiding in doing so. Many persons are of the opinion that because the bonds are sold in
denominations of fifty dollars that the amount of money must be on hand or that cash must be paid for it.
This is wrong. From many sources comes the information that the loan is being subscribed in several easy
payment plans. In Schuylkill Haven this too can be taken advantage of. The banks offer the very easiest
payment plans possible. Namely five dollars down and a dollar a week for forty five weeks. Then too
employers offer similar inducements to their employees.
The coming week will be the last week to sell the bonds and the solicitors will double their efforts to make
a grand final drive and interview every resident. "Buy a Bond" is being driven home and all are asked to
do so. The idea of buying to many is in simply giving money to the government. This is incorrect as
purchasers of bonds are only loaning their money to their government and in doing so are simply backing
up the flesh and blood of this country by loaning their money. If the hearts of Schuylkill Haven people are
in back of the soldiers this town has sent away, and it is believed they are, the money of the town should
also be back of them. The Liberty Loan is to be used to equip, arm and maintain our soldiers, to prepare
them for the conflict in France and make them as effective and powerful as possible. It is also to safeguard
them in every way possible. The uses of the Liberty Loan appeal to every patriotic American, as it is used
for the soldiers and sailors and the principles which they uphold, which the heart of the whole country is
with.
Loan your money to your government. "Buy a Bond Now."

The Call of August 2, 1918

JOHN G. BOLTON KILLED IN FRANCE

Another Schuylkill Haven boy, the third from this town has given up his life in
the cause of world liberty. He is John George Bolton, aged twenty three years,
of Liberty Street. This and news of another victim brings the awfulness of war
nearer to home and a deep feeling of sympathy goes forth to the young widow
and the parents and family of the deceased. At the same time a greater feeling
of patriotism is aroused because another name has been added to the Honor
Roll. The sad word of the soldier's death was received on Wednesday evening
shortly after seven o'clock by the mother of the young man, Mrs. Samuel Francis
Bolton. The telegram read: "Deeply regret to inform you that Private John
George Bolton, Company A, Machine Gun Battalion is officially reported killed in
action on July 15th." McCain, Adjutant General.
John George Bolton was born October 27th in Schuylkill Haven, son of Samuel Francis and Mary Naus
Bolton. Had he lived until October 27th of this year he would have been twenty three years of age.
Leaving the public schools of town at an early age, he secured employment at the Walkin Shoe Factory.
Later he worked at the local rolling mill but his last place of employment was at the Coldren Knitting Mill.
About one year before his enlistment, he was employed at Hamburg. It was there that both he and his
brother became members of Company E, National Guard of Hamburg.
On April 6th, 1917, he first enlisted. On September 8th of last year he was united in marriage to Miss
Florence Victoria Heckman, daughter of Mrs. Charles Heckman of Columbia Street, town. Two days later he
left for Camp Hancock. On May 1st of the present year he sailed for France. The first letter received from
him after his arrival was on June 10th and the last letter, which was very brief and inquired about the
family, was six weeks ago. Fraternally the young soldier was a member of the Junior Mechanics and a life
long member of Grace United Evangelical Church. Surviving besides his widow and an infant child of five
and one half months, he leaves his parents and the following brothers and sisters: Samuel, a member of
the same company and with the deceased brother in France; Jacob, at home; Louise, wife of William
Gradwell of town; Gladys, Laura and Martha at home. John George Bolton was a second cousin to Carl Fey,
the second Schuylkill Haven victim to offer up his life. Shortly after the receipt of the sad telegram, the
mother was visited by a representative of "The Call." She stated that she had no regrets to express other
than the fact that it would be impossible to bring the body of her son home and give him a decent burial.
She was glad she was enabled to make the sacrifice. The father of the young soldier was down the main
line when the telegram was received and was not aware of his son's death until nearly eleven o'clock, four
hours after the receipt of the telegram.

The Call of November 1, 1918

DIED OF WOUNDS IN FRANCE

Another home of a local soldier boy was this week saddened by the news of his having made the supreme
sacrifice for his country on foreign soil. Another blue service flag star will be changed to a gold one and
the hearts of another family and a host of friends are saddened. It is on account of the death of Lieutenant
Ivan L. Lautenbacher, which occurred October 2nd from wounds received in action in France. Monday
evening the sad news reached town and quickly it spread from one person to another and by all was regret
expressed as the young lieutenant was so well and favorably known here. No prior or later information was
received by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Lautenbacher. No details were given in the message, only the
plain hard facts from the War Department regretted to announce the death of Lieutenant I. L. Lautenbacher
who died on October 2nd from wounds received in action. The death of Lieutenant Lautenbacher
increased the number of town boys having died in France to three. From the letter written to his parents
several days before going into action, the engagement in which he received his wounds was the first time
he was in battle on the front lines. It is quite likely that prior to his going he realized the seriousness of it
all and from the tone of his letter, possibly had a premonition that he would receive fatal wounds.
The letter is as follows: France, September 23. Dear Folks, We are packing up to move into the trenches.
From what I saw when up there the other day I shall have no opportunity there for letter writing. So this will
be the last until I come back from the battle. We expect that to happen about the 25th. Hope I may come
out unscathed but if it is His will otherwise, then let it be so. Very soon it will all be over. Everything tends
in that direction. Recent reports are all in favor of it. Don't get excited. Unless we have bad weather, all
will be well. Nothing more. Lovingly, Ivan.
Ivan L. Lautenbacher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Lautenbacher, was twenty seven years of age. He was born
in Williamstown and was a resident of this town for eleven years. He was a graduate of the Williamstown
High School and later took a business course in the Pottsville Business College. He was employed by the
Morea Coal Company for a time and later and prior to his last enlistment, was employed as a mail clerk at
the New York Post Office. He was a member of Company F of the old National Guard, having served two
enlistments in that service. He was serving his third enlistment in France. Upon his return from the
Mexican border, he with Captain Gangloff, were instrumental in recruiting the new company, Company C, to
its full strength and in procuring an Armory for the town and the town boys in the service. He left with his
company for camp. Later he attended an officer's training camp at Niagara, where he was given a
commission as lieutenant. He was assigned to the 316th Infantry, 79th Division at Camp Meade and after
being there for several months, his command was sent to France on July 20th. Just a short time prior to
his sailing for foreign shores, he obtained a furlough and visited his parents and many friends here.
Ivan Lautenbacher was held in esteem by friends wherever he went or remained for a time. In his own
hometown he was known as a bright scholar of a kindly nature and most pleasant disposition. He took an
active interest in local entertainment and his wit and humor and his ever readiness to joke will be
remembered by his many friends long after the war has been won. He was always of a genial disposition
and this with his affable mannerism were potent means in endearing him to all persons with whom he came
in contact. He loved his country devotedly and he was ever ready to risk his life in its defense and ever
ready to avenge any insult, veiled or direct made against it. Besides the grief stricken parents, two sisters,
Ruth and Kathryn, both at home, survive. Two cousins, Lieutenant Herman S. Schwenk and Russel
Schwenk are also in service in France, the former in the 314th Infantry, 79th Division and the latter in
Company C, 103rd Engineers.

The Call of November 15, 1918

ANOTHER GOLD STAR IN OUR FLAG

Another Schuylkill Haven soldier boy is reported as having died in France this week. The sad news of
Corporal Charles M. Goas having died on October 12th in France was received by his sister, Miss Marion
Goas, Thursday evening shortly after supper time in a telegram from the War Department. The message
gave nothing but the cold hard facts. The young man was a member of the famous Company C, 103rd
Engineers and left with the company for France months ago. No intimation had been received by his
relatives of his having been in ill health and it is believed the disease which laid him low was contracted
and developed in a very short period. The young man was well known hereabouts and had many friends
who will be saddened to learn of his death. He was twenty years of age and was the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Goas. His mother died at her home on saint John Street on January 24th of this year while he was
at Camp Hancock, Georgia. He is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Leon Goas, a member of
Battery D, 72nd Field Artillery, stationed in Wyoming, Misses Marion, Catherine and Christine, of Schuylkill
Haven.

The Call of January 10, 1919

THEODORE AUCHEY REPORTED KILLED

According to a message received from the War Department, Schuylkill Haven adds another one of her
soldier boys to the "killed" list, namely Theodore Auchey, of the 145th Infantry, 47th Division. The sad news
was received by his mother who resides on Centre Avenue, the fore part of the week. On December 19th,
the date of his thirtieth birthday, a message was received to the effect that he was reported missing since
November 11th, the day hostilities ceased. The second and most sorrowful message was received January
5th and stated he was killed on or about November 11th. There is just a possibility that Auchey is neither
missing or dead but got separated from his unit, the same as did many other soldiers. Possibly he was
slightly injured and sent back to a hospital and in this way the records of his company may have become
confused. Almost every day one reads of soldiers who were previously reported missing or killed, have
turned up alive and unharmed. Then too from the fact that he was reported missing only since the day
hostilities ceased greater confidence is placed in the possibility of his being alive and well.
Theodore Auchey was thirty years of age. He was born in South Manheim Township and spent the greater
part of his life in this town. He wa an employee of the P. & R. car shops. He was a member of the Summer
Hill Church. Fraternally he was connected with the I. O. O. F. of Summit Station and the Junior Mechanics in
Friedensburg. Deceased left Schuylkill Haven with the selected men during the month of May. He was
sent to Camp Lee. He was the only man picked out of his company to fill up several companies of National
Guards. he sailed for France in June and arrived there the latter part of that month.
Besides his mother, these brothers and sisters survive: Charles Auchey, in the service in New York City,
William Auchey of Jefferson, George Auchey of Hamburg, Mrs. John Ebling, Mrs. John Peiffley, Mrs. Frank
Stripe, all of Schuylkill Haven, Mrs. Emanuel Emereich of Summit Station, Mrs. Milton Wert of Landingville
and Bertha at home.
Just thirteen days before the date on which he was reported missing, he wrote the following letter to hos
sister, Mrs. Frank Stripe. It was dated October 29th, Somewhere in Belgium. Dear Sister, I guess you have
long been looking for some mail. We were away pretty far from the Y. M. C. A. and we could get no paper so
when we were in some town, then I bought some. I dare not tell you just where we are or give the name of
the place, but it is somewhere in Belgium. We were in that big drive in September for five days. We took a
good many prisoners and a good many guns. We had a good many casualties in our company but not many
killed. I was hurt a little bit but I am alright again. We were lined up in the trench, ready to go over the top.
One of our own shells dropped short and bursted outside of our trench and threw stones up in the air.
One of them came down and hit me on the head. It cut my head open a little bit but I went along with the
boys. I am alright again and hope you are all well too. Theodore.
*Note:Theodore Auchey was indeed killed in action, one of nine Schuylkill Haven deaths in World War One.

Pottsville Republican of July 6, 1893

KILLED BY LIGHTNING
A Farmer's Son and Two Horses Meet a Sudden Death - Violence of the Storm

The rain and hail storm which broke over Pottsville about four o'clock yesterday afternoon, had a fatal
effect at the farm of Joel Rever on the road between Schuylkill Haven and Friedensburg. One of Rever's
three sons was killed instantly, his two horses also perished and another son was seriously hurt. Farmer
Rever and his three sons were loading hay and were hurrying to get the wagon loaded and housed before
the storm broke. A flash of lightning nearly blinding the farmer, was followed by a scream of agony. When
the farmer, who was on the ground, looked at the wagon he saw it in flames. One of his boys had dropped
to the ground dead and the other was writhing with pain. The third boy was unhurt but the horses were
stretched lifeless on the ground. Dr. Dechert was summoned from Schuylkill Haven and found that the one
boy was not seriously hurt. He will come around all right. Farmer Rever dragged the dead body of his son
from the blazing load of hay.

Pottsville Republican of July 21, 1893
DEATH IN A SAND PIT - A Schuylkill Haven Boy Buried Under a Pile of Sand - The Inquest

About Two o'clock yesterday afternoon a sixteen year old boy of Schuylkill Haven named Henry Alfred Koch
met death by being buried underneath a bank of sand. Young Koch had been hauling sand from a pit near
Connor's Crossing. He was down in the pit shoveling up from the bottom when the sand fell in covering
him. The boy was almost smothered but he managed to crawl from under the sand and out on the bank
where he lay in the hot sun until discovered by a woman. He was dead. The alarm was given and the boy's
body taken to his home. Dr. Dechert, the family physician, was called but he found that life was extinct. At
his request, Deputy Coroner James J. Clemens was summoned to hold an inquest. The jury consisted of
Dr. Lenker, Willis Bryant, W. S. Reifsnyder, C. D. Saylor, Peter Bauers and Jere Kline. A verdict from shock
was rendered.

Pottsville Republican of January 12, 1893

The indebtedness created by our Borough Council for the electric plant has caused generous indignation,
but thus far no one has stepped forward to take the lead in the effort to oust the entire Council, replacing
them with men who might save the concern before it is too late. This should be done, there is no question,
for even the Town Clerk, although he has no vote in Council, cautioned them to go slow but they paid no
attention, went ahead pell mell and now our town is in a fearful dilemma. No street lights on these cold and
dark nights, no lights for the individual patrons and no head nor tail in the accounts pertaining to the same.
Rouse up property holders, rouse up before it is too late. With a splendid bench of law judges, if properly
represented before them, justice will and can be secured.

Pottsville Republican of May 5, 1893

MAJOR LOSCH'S TIMELY MOVE

Major Losch of Schuylkill Haven, last night sprang to the protection of the citizens of Philadelphia by
preventing the passage of a bill that would permit al the mines in the Schuylkill Valley to pollute the
Schuylkill River with their refuse by draining them with tunnels and pipes. The bill had been introduced by
Mr. Boyer of Philadelphia and is a supplement to the Incorporation Act of 1873, to permit the formation of
corporations to drain swampy and overflowed agricultural and mineral lands and mines. No one apparently
suspected that the passage of the bill would operate to the disadvantage of a community until Major Losch,
who had been reading the bill, was struck with the references to mines and tunnels in it. While examining
more carefully the House had passed the sections and it was about to agree to it being transcribed for
third reading when he had realized the full effect it would have upon the Schuylkill River, and he jumped to
refuse into the river by tunnels. As it is now, the mines are relieved of the water which gathers therein by
pumps which take up only the water and this is let flow into the streams that take it to the river. The
attention of the other members from mining districts being called to this feature of the bill, a general
assault was made upon it, which Mr. Boyer unavailingly attempted to resist. Parliamentary tactics were
resorted to for the purpose of helping the measure but the doughty Major stood his ground and
succeeded in having it postponed for the present. While the bill is only postponed and may be called up at
any time, the sentiment against it is growing and it will meet with greater opposition when it appears again
for consideration.

Pottsville Republican of June 26, 1894

BROKE HIS OWN NECK - An Inmate of the Almshouse Committed Suicide on Sunday

Pater Sarpolis, aged twenty three years, a resident of Shenandoah, who has been under treatment at the
almshouse hospital for black damp lung poisoning, committed suicide yesterday morning by jumping out of
a third story ventilator. He fell to the ground, a distance of twenty five feet, and was picked up dead. His
neck was broken and one of his wrists was fractured. Dr. Wiest of Schuylkill Haven, the deputy coroner,
held an inquest and the jury rendered a verdict in accordance with the facts. The jury also recommended
that bars be placed at all of the windows of the hospital. Sarpolis did not get out of a window. He walked
into the toilet room on the third floor and crawled through the ventilator above the window. There are
screens on all the windows except in the new addition put up by the previous Board of Commissioners
without consulting with the Poor Directors and paying for the work without getting an opinion from the
board. Sarpolis had been getting better but had grown despondent.

Pottsville Republican of February 19, 1895

A WOMAN ASPHYXIATED - Others in The Family Are Seriously Ill

Mrs. Scheck, a widow aged sixty five years, was overcome by gas during the night at her home in Schuylkill
Haven and died before morning. It is believed the gas main sprung a leak and the gas escaping, followed a
drain pipe into the cellar of the woman's home. The family of William Wildermuth, her son-in-law, lives with
her and they are all sick from the effects of the gas. The house was filled with the fluid. One of the
members of the family had been awakened during the night and discovering the trouble went into the
cellar and tried to prevent the gas escaping by putting a piece of carpet in the drain and then thoughtlessly
went to bed without opening the windows to allow fresh air into the rooms.

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The Call of March 7, 1930

NEW BRIDGE TO BE STARTED SOON

Preparations are being made by contractor Charles walton of palo Alto to begin construction work on the
new Broadway bridge across the Schuylkill River at this place. Mr. Walton, on Tuesday, stated a
considerable amount of preliminary work is necessary, such as moving wires and pipes before actual work
can be started. Then too, a temporary structure across the river at a point north of the present location of
the bridge must be provided. It is planned to build a sturdy detour bridge with entrance to it from
Broadway along the river bank. Entrance from the Dock Street side will be from Berger Street or South
Garfield Avenue over private property. The bridge is to be of concrete of a very artistic design set on
three piers and will be of a two arched span type. The driveway will be twenty one feet wide and there will
be five foot sidewalks on either side of the driveway. It will be illuminated at night with electrolier system.
Mr. Walton was awarded the contract at a price of $39,000.

The Call of March 28, 1930

BROADWAY BRIDGE BUILT IN 1872

Work on the new bridge was held up this week on account of the unseasonable weather. The planking
however, was torn from the bridge the forepart of the week. Most of it was in very bad condition. The
steel girders appeared in fairly good condition but rather weak to bear up under the heavy weight of
trucks, etc. that pass over this bridge. Built in 1872, it was not built to be subjected to the present day
heavy weight of auto trucks. The Bell telephone Company men worked during the week in relocating their
heavy cable which carries hundreds of smaller wires and crosses on the west side of the river at this point.
It is not expected that any great amount of trouble will be experienced with building the center pier
because the amount of water flowing in the river is not very great and very much less than in previous
years. However, the spring rains always cause the river to rise quite rapidly and sometimes rather high.

The Call of October 17, 1930

NEW BRIDGE HERE CREDIT TO COUNTY OFFICIALS AND TOWN

The concrete bridge over the Schuylkill River at Broadway, Schuylkill Haven, has been completed. The
ponderous wooden forms and braces have been removed and the bridge appears in all its symmetrical
beauty and grace as well as its very evident sturdy construction. It is expected the bridge will be open to
vehicular traffic within the next week or ten days. A small piece of concreting at the West Ward end of the
street approach must be completed and the electric light standards placed thereon. Whether or not there
will be any special ceremony or dedication or formal opening is not known. It is possible that such
ceremony will be included in the Halloween celebration. The committee feels that such an event would fit
in well with the celebration and that the bridge certainly is well worth an honorable and auspicious special
ceremony of this character.
The bridge will cost between $35,000 and $40,000. It was started in spring and the contractor, Charles E.
Walton, demonstrated his ability as a bridge builder in making great progress very early in the summer. In
all fairness it must be stated that the work was pushed in quite an unusual way. There were very few if any
delays by reason of this or that particular material not being on hand. All this had been carefully provided
for and the men kept right on the job daily from the time the old iron bridge was cut away until all of the
frame work and forms were torn down this week. County Commissioner Joseph Dando and Assistant Jack
Hanley are due compliments for preparing the plans which produced a bridge of unusual beauty and
attractiveness as well as one sufficient in size to take care of traffic conditions for many, many years to
come.
Schuylkill Haven certainly is well pleased with its latest acquisition and extends to the three county
commissioners: Messrs. Kirschner, Walton and Brownmiller, its sincere thanks, not only for the building of
the bridge but for the building of a bridge of such a splendid type, strength and appearance. The bridge
will long stand as a creditable testimonial to them, the engineers and contractor. To the Chamber of
Commerce, the Civic Club and the other service clubs of the community, may also be extended due credit
at this time for the interest aroused and efforts directed in urging the commissioners to construct the said,
much needed bridge.

The Call of September 4, 1931

TRAFFIC BEACONS ARE REMOVED

The traffic beacons which for years gave service at a number of dangerous street corners in Schuylkill
Haven, were removed during the week by the highway department. The beacons, of the flasher type,
served the purpose of preventing traffic from becoming messed up in that it was directed to the right and
around said beacon. With the state adopting new rulings permitting traffic to make turns to the left of the
center of intersecting streets, the beacons became practically useless and to some extent increased the
danger of collisions. Arrests could not be made for turns made to the left of the beacon. At the council
meeting, Monday evening, this subject was discussed at some length and a motion carried to have the
words "Keep to the Right" painted off the said beacons. President Moyer then referred the future
disposition of the beacons to the highway department with the instructions that a recommendation be
presented to council. As a result of the removal of the traffic beacons, there appears to be more space
available for motorists and it is not believed any accidents will occur as a result. The immediate center of
the street intersections , if marked or painted white, would be of great assistance to the motorists.
Pedestrians, however, in crossing the street will have to be more watchful of approaching machines, it is
believed.

The Call of June 15, 1934

FREE LIBRARY OPEN TO PUBLIC LAST OF MONTH

The Free Public Library for Schuylkill Haven will be opened to the public on the last Saturday in June or
Monday, July 2nd, if all plans now in mind can be carried to completion. The appointment of Mrs. Norman
Neuin as librarian has been authorized by the state and on Tuesday the first shipment of books furnished
by the state was received and unpacked. The library will be operated upon a fifteen hours per week basis.
The schedule of hours when the library will be open to the public will be announced shortly. The number
of books that the Schuylkill Haven Library will contain will be entirely dependent upon the Schuylkill Haven
public. No funds are available to purchase books, so all except the fifty received from the state must be
donated. Within a week or two, a special campaign for soliciting books from the general public will be
made by the local Library Committee. The town will be divided into districts and a captain and solicitors
assigned to each district. It is hoped to visit every home. Books of a historical, reference, fiction, etc. will
be welcomed. The slogan adopted by the committee is, " A book from every home" and the public too,
might remember that the value of the Schuylkill Haven Library as a place where books of interest, learning,
reference, etc. can be obtained, is entirely up to the Schuylkill Haven public. It must be supported by the
public and the first contribution now being requested is quite an easy one to meet, namely a book, or the
equivalent to one or more books in cash.

The Call of July 13, 1934

WILL FORM LIBRARY ASSOCIATION HERE

Considerable interest is being created in the opening date for the Schuylkill Haven Free Library. This
opening date will be determined upon very shortly by a permanent Library Organization which it is hoped to
form Friday evening of next week. To this meeting is invited the general public, or everyone who is in any
way interested in a public library for Schuylkill Haven. An institution such as this has long been a desire
and a dream of many persons. Now that it will be possible to realize and bring true such dreams, those who
are working to this end are hopeful that there will be a large number of persons to attend the meeting and
to become members of the Library Organization.
A very splendid response has been made by the Schuylkill Haven public to the solicitation for books. More
than five hundred books have been obtained and many more will be secured as soon as all of the solicitors
complete their canvass. All solicitors are urged to finish with their work by Friday afternoon, July 20th so
that complete and final reports can be made at the meeting. The books that have already been received
are being labeled, classified and everything is being prepared for a very early opening of the library. A
special urgent request is being made of every citizen in Schuylkill Haven interested in a public library to
attend next Friday evening's meeting.
If you have not already contributed in cash or a book or two, do so at once. Books desired need not
exactly be new books but their condition should be such as to warrant their being placed for further
handling and reading.

SANBORN FIRE MAPS OF 1903

The Sanborn Maps were originally created for assessing fire insurance liability in towns and cities in the
United States. The maps include detailed information regarding town and building information. Clicking on
each map allows one to see detailed lot information in Schuylkill Haven along with information on local
businesses. The maps here are from 1903.

Thanks to Brad Knapp for this
interesting contribution to the web site.

The Call of May 30, 1930

LOCAL SOLDIER BOY KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT

Luther A. Frantz of Schuylkill Haven was instantly killed in an auto accident last Thursday evening, may
22nd, near Churchill, Virginia about six miles beyond Richmond. He, with two other companions, was
driving toward Richmond, when their car was forced off the road. After striking a telegraph pole, the car
was turned too sharply and overturned. Frantz was thrown out and struck the concrete road causing a
complete fracture of the skull. He was picked up dead. One of his companions sustained a broken leg
while the driver escaped serious injury having clung to the steering wheel.
The unfortunate man was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Frantz of Liberty Street. He was born in Minersville
and was a resident of Schuylkill Haven for three years. He was employed at the Buck Run Colliery until
some time ago. On March 15th of this year he enlisted and was assigned to the 56th Ordnance Unit
stationed at Nausmond, Virginia. Besides the parents he is survived by the following sisters and brothers:
Mrs. Harry Yoder of Schuylkill Haven and Olga, Gilbert, Herbert, Grace, Edna, Alma and Louise, all at home.
The body under escort of Private Edward McCrone of Scranton, arrived on the P. & R. on Saturday at 1:05.
The funeral took place on Tuesday morning with services conducted at the late home and in the Christ
Lutheran Church by Reverend E. H. Smoll. The Headquarters Battery provided a military funeral. Sergeant
John Dewald had full charge of the military honor guard which consisted of Sergeant John Fisher, Sergeant
George Fatkin, Privates John Bolton, Allen Moyer and Roland Seidel. Ray Brown stationed at Fort Myer,
Virginia and home on a furlough at present, acted as bugler. The firing squad was composed of Corporal
Norman Rhen, Corporal Claude Walters, Privates Frank Allenbach, Walter Kleckner, Floyd Whitman,
Clarence Zechman, Harry Miller and Joseph Trotman. Interment was in Minersville.

The Call of June 27, 1930

TWO DIE AS RESULT OF AUTO SMASHUP

One man, John Fisher, twenty four, of Coaldale, was instantly killed and another man, Michael Kopes,
twenty, of the same town, was so seriously injured that he died less than twenty four hours thereafter as a
result of an automobile crash, a short distance north of Schuylkill Haven, shortly after midnight on Sunday.
The machine that figured in the accident was a truck loaded with several barrels of molasses. With the two
men was an eighteen year old girl from Coaldale, who sustained minor injuries. The trio were enroute to
Lebanon. The crash was distinctly heard by residents in all parts of Spring Garden and it is believed to
have resulted when the driver attempted to turn onto the junction road at Connor. The speed with which
the truck was traveling caused it to overturn and its occupants were thrown into the street. The truck
dropped into the ditch on the south side of the intersection of the two roads. Motorists happening by
called the Highway Patrol and Officer Bubeck of the Schuylkill Haven police. The injured were rushed to
the hospital. Fisher, who was found along the side of the road had suffered a fractured skull and was dead
when picked up. The other man died in the Pottsville Hospital at 10:15 from internal hemorrhaging. The
truck was completely demolished by the force of the impact. The body was torn from the chassis and parts
hurled for quite a distance. The molasses was spread over quite a section of the highway. A large round
spot of thick blood in the center of the macadamized road early Monday morning was mute evidence of the
serious injury of one of the men.

The Call of July 24, 1931

AARON NEY DROWNED AT SWEET ARROW LAKE

Aaron Albert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ney of Columbia Street, drowned at Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove,
while bathing with a party of friends Sunday morning shortly after the midnight hour. The young man, who
was just learning to swim, evidently was attacked with cramps. His cries for help were heard by his
companions who came to his aid but failed in their efforts to save him. The exact scene of the drowning is
the portion of the large dam known as "The Point". The water is shallow for quite some distance and then
suddenly increases in depth where, years ago, a creek flowed.
The young man was eighteen years of age. He had asked permission of his father about 11:30 o'clock to
use the family automobile. Permission was granted and he with William Umbenhauer and Mary Heinbach
and Dorothy Heiser of Cressona, left for the lake. All went in bathing. Soon Ney was heard to cry for help.
Umbenhauer responded but by reason of the darkness, it was difficult to detect the exact position of the
drowning lad. Umbenhauer, however, got to his side and was grabbed by Ney in his naturally excited state.
Had it not been for the assistance of the girl companions, Umbenhauer, too, would have been possibly
been drowned, as he was almost exhausted in his efforts to rescue Ney and at the same time keep himself
from going under. As soon as Umbenhauer reached shore, the alarm was given but this required some
time. Word was telephoned to Pine Grove and several persons responded. Word was also sent to the
Y. W. C. A. camp located nearby. A message was also sent to the Pottsville Hospital asking for assistance
and farmers from the vicinity came to the scene.
Miss Vera Morrow, camp supervisor, and Miss Helen Wills, physical instructress at the camp, aided by Miss
Elizabeth Matting of Hazleton, junior lifesaving student, and Miss Frances Miller, of Pottsville, also a
student and Miss Virginia Walling of the camp, entered the water and worked indefatigably to locate Ney's
body in the hope he could be resuscitated. Ney was brought to the surface by a young man by the name of
Becker of Pine Grove. The body had been in the water about thirty five minutes. Dr. Walters of Pine grove
was assisted by the swimming instructors and others at the Y. W. C. A. camp in an effort to bring back life.
Miss Christine Kline of Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County Examiner for Lifesaving and an expert swimmer
was also summoned. For more than three hours every effort was made to resuscitate the boy by the
several persons working in the light of the automobile headlights. Dr. Walters finally pronounced the lad
dead and expressed the opinion that death came as soon as Ney sank, rigor mortis having set in. A
pulmotor from the Pottsville Hospital was brought to the scene and oxygen was pumped into the victim for
sometime, to no avail. Undertaker C. G. Wagner was summoned and took charge of the body.
As soon as the body had been recovered from the water, word was sent to the Ney home in Schuylkill
Haven, that their son had drowned. Mr. Ney and his daughters were taken to the scene. Mrs. Ney
collapsed at the home upon being told the news and a physician and neighbors were summoned. The
deceased lad was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and was well known about town. Besides the grief
stricken parents, these sisters survive: Mrs. Leroy Powell, Josephine Beatrice and Leola Ney.

The Call of November 13, 1931

ACCIDENTALLY SHOT AND FATALLY WOUNDED HIS PAL

A distressing hunting accident occurred Tuesday morning resulting in the death of John R. Sigmund, a
popular and well known young man of Schuylkill haven. Not alone is the death a sad and sorrowful event
for the family but also for his very close lifelong friend, Arlo Bensinger, in whose hands the gun was when
its discharge shattered the hip bone and tore a deep gash in Sigmund. Both young boys were returning
from several hours of hunting near Landingville. It was their first year of hunting and first time out after
game. On their return they took several shots at a box. It was while the gun of Bensinger was being
reloaded that a premature explosion took place and the contents of the shell struck Sigmund full on the
right hip, he having been standing but a few feet from Bensinger. The accident occurred at 8:30 a. m.
Tuesday about a hundred feet from the Reformed Church in Landingville. Persons who came to the scene
quickly summoned the Pottsville Hospital ambulance and upon examination at that institution it was at once
announced that his condition was extremely serious, this because of the great loss of blood.
The deceased youth was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Sigmund of Grant Street, Schuylkill Haven. He was
twenty one years of age, a member of Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church. He graduated from the Schuylkill
Haven High School in 1928. Less than three weeks ago he was married to Miss Helen Moyer of
Landingville. The day of his funeral will be exactly three weeks following his wedding day. His last
employment was at the Schuylkill Haven car shops. He was a boy of clean thoughts, congenial and of a
pleasant disposition. He made friends with many persons but his one particular pal was Arlo Bensinger.
Born and reared in the same neighborhood and in one another's company for years at every spare moment,
they had become almost inseparable. The fatal accident, although entirely unavoidable, is sincerely
regretted by Bensinger. Sigmund is survived by his parents, the father is quite seriously affected by his
death, by reason the condition of his health, it having been undermined by the great amount of pain and
suffering he has undergone in the past five years following an accident resulting in the amputation of his
limb. These brothers and sisters also survive: Harry Sigmund, until quite recently of Mauch Chunk and now
of Schuylkill Haven, Margaret, wife of Earl Flexer of Newberry, and Miss Mary, now taking a postgraduate
course in nursing at the Jewish Hospital, Philadelphia. The young wife also survives and is almost prostate
with grief.

The Call of September 6, 1935

GAME REFUGE FOR SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SOON

Within a very short time, Schuylkill Haven can boast of a game refuge for the protection of small game,
including rabbits, ringneck pheasants, quail and wild ducks. This refuge will be located on the Baker farm
entering Schuylkill Haven on the road from Adamsdale. This plot is sixty five acres and is well suited for
the purpose with plenty of water, feed and protection. The donor of this farm, Charles D. Manbeck, has
agreed to let the local Game Association use this ground for this particular purpose until such time as the
land can be used for other more valuable purposes than farming. An eight gauge wire is to be placed
around the acreage on steel posts. Signs will be placed on this wire by the Schuylkill Haven Fish and Game
Association, making it unlawful for any hunter or person to hunt or train dogs within the wire. Commencing
in the fall of 1936, local enthusiasts predict that possibly two to five hundred rabbits can be taken off the
farm and distributed into localities where hunters are allowed to hunt by the property owners and likewise
birds. In former years, the local association always purchased from two to three hundred rabbits from
western states but due to the fact that a number of this game is considerably weakened by the time it
arrives at destination, it is an easy prey to its enemies and the predictions are that only about half the game
survives which is purchased for this purpose. In view of this fact, the local association feels that this much
game can be raised yearly without very much trouble on anybody's part and for a whole lot less expense.
Local hunters who have investigated this property for this purpose venture to say that there are more than
150 rabbits and a positive prediction of well over a hundred ringneck pheasants inhabiting same. In the
spring of this year there were placed on this farm fifteen breeding rabbits and during the season so far,
seventy eight ringneck pheasants were released. To get an idea how plentiful the game is, we refer you
top Melvin Bamford. He recently stated that when he drives up to his home on Avenue C, it is customary to
see eight to ten rabbits.
The local association through its able and untiring president, Charles Clauser, and other officers and
members has made it worthwhile for any sportsman to climb the hills, valleys and dales, of course meaning
those that can hit a mark with a shotgun, to come home with their efforts well rewarded. During the past
ten years there were always several hundred rabbits released after the close of each season and during
the past two years, ringneck pheasant eggs were secured form the state, hatched, raised and liberated by
local sportsmen, free of charge. After a few years when these activities were started, the State Game
Commission recognized the same and for the past five years this particular section always got more than
its free pro rata share from the state. The original cost of this venture will be approximately a hundred
dollars and the local association, being short on funds on account of buying more game than ever before,
is going to ask the public for donations or to join the organization. The charge of joining is one dollar and
dues thereafter sixty cents per year. If every sportsman would join the organization in Schuylkill Haven it
would be very easy to enter into more projects of this kind. The association now has 190 active members.
The members chosen to solicit funds for this venture are: D. M. Bittle, Bud Becker, William Sattizahn,
William Kline and Charles Clauser. Next Tuesday evening at eight o'clock, a meeting will be called at
Charles Clauser's store to make plans and start the erection of the wire, placing of brush piles for game
protection and other business. Everybody is invited to attend, whether they are a member or not of the
local association.
FISH DOINGS   This year the local association was able to secure state hatcheries more than ten thousand
fish, The species were trout, catfish, bass, perch and sunfish. They were liberated in the following
streams and ponds: Earl Stoyer's Pond, Miller's Pond, Deer Lake, Tunnel, and Bear Creek at Roeder's.
Besides the free fish that were procured from the state, the local association, by supporting the Anthracite
Hatcheries at Hazleton in a financial way, got an extra two thousand fish, which were mostly of the trout
variety.
COMMENTS BY LOCAL SPORTSMEN   Judge Gangloff state that he would support this project by donating
two dollars, providing that every sportsman in this community would be honest in his statement as to how
much game he bagged or fish caught when asked. "Personally, the judge remarked, "if I should come
home from a day of hunting or fishing with a bag limit, I am going to be frank in saying whether I actually
killed the game or whether an expert did it for me and donated same". William Kline, our efficient squire
said, "you can rest assured that any person who is going to enter inside the wire will be promptly fined
twenty five dollars and the proceeds handed over to the Fish and Game Association". Our Editor of the
Call, F. H. Minnig, said," All I want is some sportsman to furnish me with one ringneck pheasant for
publicizing this venture". The Editor's wish is to be granted. Watch Dave Bittle. He obligated himself to
collect fifty dollars of the one hundred dollars needed for this purpose. Dave is a "hot number" in this
business of charity collections. If he can't convince you with his tongue, he will pick your pockets. Ralph
Sattizahn, who does more work for the organization than all the rest put together, said, "Don't worry, this is
going across". Floyd Rhein, better known as "Pat", who can easily be talked out of hitting game, said,
"Well, if the game is going to be as plentiful as some members predict, all I have to do is shoot into the
ground and I'm bound to hit something". Charlie Clauser, our able president, said "Give me a big chew on
one side of my face and the six shooter on my right shoulder and I'll show them thar young fellows how to
shoot a buck and bag the limit every time I go a-hunting". Jim Weston said, "Furnish the ground for the
game preserve and I will drive in all the stakes for the wire myself". Well Jim, you can start anytime. There
a re a lot of hunters in the Dutch Flat who bag a lot of game during the season but who have not as yet
helped to support the organization that is greatly responsible for making it possible for them to do so. Now
boys, here is your chance to show real sportsmanship by either joining th organization or giving one day's
work in placing the wire around the farm. Any person giving one day's work will be made a member of the
organization for one year.

The Call of February 18, 1936

RIVER BANK TREES REPLACED WITH STONE

Despite the cold weather, the WPA river project In Schuylkill Haven is being continued right along and it
now begins to look as if the same would be completed this spring. There remain about seventy five or
more feet of the dike or embankment along West Main Street to be rip-rapped with stone. Work on the
project was started last summer and for a time moved ever so slowly. There seems to be more speed to
the work now than before. Of course, this work requires considerable time for the stone must be cut to a
certain size, then cut to fit and set in pretty deeply too. The work already done shows up very nicely and, it
is said, will greatly strengthen the dike itself and prevent a great deal of the water from seeping into the
bank itself and then soaking through underground to cellars as far distant as Columbia Street. There is a
difference of opinion, however, as to whether removal of the large willow trees along this embankment has
strengthened the embankment or not. There is one thing their removal certainly has done. It has
destroyed a most inviting, beautiful and natural scenic setting. Trees will never be planted along the bank
again. It is impossible to do so now with the embankment covered with stone. Despite their various sizes
and decrepit shape, "The Willows" along the river bank always provided something attractive and inviting,
perhaps more so in years gone by than in recent days. They are now gone forever.
The changed appearance, as noted from the west side of the river, or in crossing the Columbia Street
bridge from west to east, is very great. It looks neat, clean and businesslike. However, traveling along
West Main Street and looking across to the west side of the bank, or crossing the bridge east to west, the
sight that greets the eye is terrible. The bank is covered with ashes, etc. Neither the borough itself nor
people whose properties abut the alley along the river, can or should feel proud of the appearance.
Indications are that little concern has been given by the authorities in cleaning up eyesores about town
and that no effort has been made along this line, even though the borough now operates and pays for n
ash and garbage collection system. The west side of this river bank certainly ought to be put in a cleaner
condition, otherwise everything that has resulted in the way of improved appearances on the east side of
the river will be very greatly offset and overshadowed by the dirty, messy and uninviting condition of the
west river bank. Further improvements along the east side of the river will be started early in the spring
and will consist of putting curb and pavement along the most easterly side of this street. It will present a
most dignified appearance when completed some time this summer. These improvements are the result of
the activity and the foresight of the borough's highway department.

The Call of June 24, 1938

LIBERTY STREET PLAYGROUND TO BE OPEN JULY 2ND

The official and formal opening of the Liberty Street Playground, located near Liberty and Saint Peter
Streets, will take place on Saturday, July 2nd. The men interested in this project have been working all
spare hours: morning, noon and night, and many have been putting in regular time too at this project. It
started as a neighborhood affair and has grown until now children from the entire East and South Wards
are waiting for the opening that they may take advantage of the brand new swings, seesaws, sliding
boards, etc. that are to be installed. The plot is located to the rear of Liberty Street at Saint Peter Street.
Weeks of filling was required and some mighty hard work too. The plot has been brought up to a level now
and covered with some fine limestone which has been rolled into the other soil. This has resulted in a fine
solid field. At some places the fill had to be six to ten feet. This week, the equipment was expected to
arrive and it was intended to place the same. This new equipment consists of ten swings, four seesaws,
several sliding boards and more. A twelve by fourteen foot sandbox has been placed under some small
shade trees. Two volleyball sets are also to be provided. Youngsters as well as grownups are looking
forward with interest to the opening of this playground.

The Call of July 15, 1938

UNION STREETERS WILL DEVELOP RECREATION FIELD

From a tennis court to a recreation ground for children is the change that is taking place on the plot of
ground south of Union Street near Grant Street. Of course, a considerably greater portion of the plot than
was used for a quoiting court is being developed into a playground. The undertaking is in charge of the
Blue Goose Recreation Center Association, composed of residents of Union Street, Grant Street,
Margaretta Street and the nearby vicinity. Work was begun a week ago but plans had not yet been
completed until the end of last week. Now that a definite idea of the program that is to be undertaken has
been established, the work will go forward with enthusiasm. A considerable amount of work will be
necessary for the development. The plot must be scarified and scraped and then, too, some filling at
different points will have to be made. At other points, cuts in the surface will be made. There is a good
sized clump of trees or small woods. This is being cleaned out of the undergrowth. It will be most inviting
in every way and afford generous shade. Swings, sliding boards, sand pits and the usual playground
equipment will be ordered and placed as soon as possible. In order to raise funds for the work a festival
will be held on Wednesday, July 27th. Memberships to the Association are being invited at one dollar per
person. The temporary officers of the Association are: President Charles Deibler, Secretary Paul Strause
and Treasurer Homer Raudenbush.

As we honor our veterans this Veteran's Day, let us remember the
two young men from Schuylkill Haven, who sacrificed their lives
in the Vietnam War. Below are the stories of James G. Anderson
and David C. Ney, as presented in the Pottsville Republican some
years ago. Click on each to better read their story. Also posted
are rubbings for each man that I did on a recent visit to the
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington D. C.

The Call of July 15, 1938

NEW PLAYGROUND DRAWS MANY YOUNGSTERS

The East End playground, corner of Liberty and Saint Peter Streets, has been a mecca for hundreds of
children from the immediate neighborhood and all parts of town since its opening two weeks ago. Ten
swings, horizontal bars and rings, sliding boards, see saws, two volleyball courts, a sand pit and a tennis
court are providing plenty of amusement and exercise as well as fun. The festival held July 4th netted
something like eighty five dollars and this money together with seventy six dollars, realized during a
festival held in June, provided some of the necessary cash to buy some of th equipment. Personal
contributions also helped swell the fund. A balance of twenty five dollars in a Tennis Association treasury
that had ceased to function and which was composed of members from that section of the town, was turned
over to the playground association.
And now an order has been placed for some additional playground equipment. But that is not all. At the
present time, there are strings of electric lights over the playground. These are to be replaced by large
floodlights that have been ordered. The poles for the same have been erected. A low wooden picket fence
has been placed along the upper side of the playground. At the end of this space, flowers are also lending
a sort of air of happiness to that evidenced by the children in their romping, laughter and smiling
countenances. The flowers are blooming in a neatly built rock garden. A large fireplace and bake oven is
to be built to provide for doggie roasts, clam bakes and the like.
Work has already been started in building the playground larger by extending toward the railroad. Cribbing
is being placed and the plans call for extending the same fifty feet towards the railroad for a length of two
hundred feet.
The most important part, however, of the entire article concerning the playground is the fact that the same
is being attended by an unusually large number of children. And are they having a good time? Well, all you
need to do is to step back Liberty Street way and watch them. The playground association is composed of
parents residing in the vicinity of Liberty and Saint peter Streets. The officers are president John Bolton,
Vice President Margaret Nauss, Secretary and Treasurer Miriam Naus, Directors Floyd Schwenk, Howard
Bowen, Herman Miller, Mrs. Frank Schaeffer, Mrs. Anthony Wallace and Alma Nauss. The membership dues
are one dollar per year and almost everyone approached has willingly contributed a membership dollar.
There has been, however, a group of men who have contributed more than a membership dollar. They
have given much time and a lot of mighty hard work. For compensation, they are satisfied to see the
children enjoy themselves and have the knowledge that they have in this manner contributed to their
happiness and are keeping them off and out of the streets. The July Fourth festival was gotten up on short
notice and was attended by hundreds of persons. IN the evening a fine display of fireworks was given
without any mishaps.

The Call of July 22, 1938

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN TO HAVE THIRD RECREATION PARK SOON

Schuylkill Haven is to have a third new recreation field or park. This is to be the larger one of all thus far
developed this season. It will be the "Old Ball Park" on the Island in the West Ward. Work has already been
started on a program of improvements that may take a year or two to complete but nevertheless, it is
expected, when completed, it will not only provide a recreation field for youngsters but a Community Park.
For the last week piles have been driven along the river's edge on the Dock Street side of the Island. This
will be for the purpose of building a dike and thus replacing a section of the bank washed through several
years ago. It was this washing of water and coal dirt through the opening of the bank at this point that
destroyed the ball park that had been reconditioned, after having been unused for years. It is planned now
to safeguard against any repetition of water flooding the section. All of the hundreds of tons of coal dirt
spread across the diamond are to be removed. Fill is to be put on and a hard and softball diamond made. A
soft ball diamond has already been provided. The undergrowth and high weeds are to be removed from
that section of the plot that contains a clump of trees. This will be converted into a park. The organization
that has the improvements underway is known as the West Ward Recreation Club. The lease from the
Reading Company, owners of the plot, will be transferred to this organization.

The Call of July 26, 1940

RECREATION CENTER DEVELOPMENTS BEING SPEEDED ALONG

Fine progress is being made on the development of the Community Recreation Center and Park in the North
Ward. It is located between Willow Street and the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks or embankment. The plot
covers at least three and a quarter acres. The festival held last Thursday evening has made it possible for
the Recreation association to begin work on its program of developments and to also hurry along the work
as originally planned. Wednesday, the grading of the greater portion of the plot of ground was completed.
A large bulldozer had been in use for a little more than a week for this purpose. The plot has also been
rolled. It will now be necessary to place a four inch top dressing upon the foundation. This work will be
done at once. It may take some time for this part of the work, as only ground of the clay character will be
used in order to make a solid field. The top dressing will only be placed on the part to be used for the
infield. It is expected the field can be put in shape to play baseball games on it, yet this season. The
festival last Thursday evening will net just about $175.00. This sum will go a long way toward purchasing
equipment and further development of the center.
The association wishes to thank everyone for so generously patronizing the festival. It was one of the
largest attended festivals for years. It was one of three events held on last Thursday evening. There was a
special religious motion picture shown in the First Reformed Church and there was a festival on the East
Ward playground. In addition it was the night for the big Fruit and What Have You Sale at the Fairgrounds.
Nevertheless, the crowd in attendance at the Community Festival was beyond all expectations and early in
the evening, stocks of food began to run out.
The baseball field, above referred to, is of regulation size. In fact, it will be of unusual size. Standing at a
point where the home plate will be, the field toward the Pennsylvania Railroad embankment measures three
hundred feet. Standing at the home plate and measuring over the pitcher's box into center field, to a point
where the old highway was located is a distance of 450 feet. From the home plate and in the northeasterly
direction, across third base, to the end of the field is 375 feet. The baseball field will be available for any
team that desires to use it, provided arrangements for its use can or will be made in advance. The baseball
field is of such size that it will be possible to have a softball field in its center field part. Batters on the
softball field will play with their backs toward the railroad embankment or facing to the west. Batters on the
big baseball field will face toward the east. Both fields are being prepared for use at the same time.
Upon the plot of ground that for some time has been used as a softball field, will be placed the equipment
for the amusement, entertainment, and physical development of the children. There will be swings,
seesaws, slides, and sand boxes. These are to be placed very shortly. Framework is now being built for
the same. Along the side of the big field is sufficient room for tennis courts and volleyball courts. These
may not be put in shape this year but the program calls for their being ready for use next summer.

The Call of July 19, 1946

NATIONAL GUARD UNIT FOR TOWN IS BEING FORMED

A recruiting drive is now underway to form Battery C, 690th AA Battalion, the Schuylkill Haven unit of the
National Guard. Opportunities are offered to qualified veterans of World war Two to earn more "side" money
than ever before through spare time military service as the new armed services pay bill recently put into
effect will apply to the National Guard. The new pay base for enlisted men in the National Guard begins at
$2.50 per drill and $45.00 for each fifteen day period of annual field training for basic privates and mounts to
$5.50 and $90.00, respectively for master sergeants and first sergeants. The field training pay for enlisted
men also includes fifty cents per day from the state in addition to basic Army pay.
The best opportunities now exist for many former non-commissioned officers to regain stripes held in
wartime or to qualify for higher grades by signing up now for membership in the reconstituted national
Guard. Interested veterans of Schuylkill Haven and vicinity are requested to contact Captain Reynold M.
Schwartz, battery commander. The battery headquarters in the Pottsville Armory will be open for enlistment.

The Call of March 26, 1948

PURCHASE OF ISLAND START OF RECREATION PARK

With the purchase of the island in the Schuylkill river by the Civic Club last week, the long discussed and
desired recreation park for Schuylkill Haven appears to be on the verge of becoming a reality. The island,
which in years past contained one of the best ball diamonds in this section and had some of the best teams
playing on it was bought by the Civic Club from the Reading Company for $500.00. Plans have already been
made to clear the island of unnecessary trees and brush and to put in cribbing at the upper end of the
island across from the Town Hall where the flood waters had broken through in the past and flooded the
island. Building and excavating contractors, truckers and timbermen have volunteered to give their
equipment to help get the ground in shape. An engineer who was consulted concerning the protection of
the island from floods in the future told those interested in the project just what measures would have to
be taken to afford adequate protection. He advocated leaving the covering of coal dirt where ot os and
covering it with fill in ground. Efforts are being made to secure a bridge to span the Schuylkill river at Saint
John Street. As soon as more suitable weather comes, work of clearing the land and building a bulwark
against floods will be started. It is expected that a ball diamond can be built for use this summer.

The Call of June 3, 1932

EIGHT YEAR OLD LAD DROWNS IN POND

Kenneth, the eight year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Shollenberger of Saint Peter Street, was drowned on
Memorial Day morning, when he slipped from a raft in a small pond, known as Miller's Pond, a short distance
south of Schuylkill Haven. All efforts to revive the boy, after he was pulled from the water, failed. The lad
was a very active and bright youngster and the parents are grief stricken over his death. The funeral,
which was held Thursday afternoon, was attended by many friends and relatives of the sorrowing parents.
Pretty floral offerings were in evidence and the services by Reverend Smoll were touching. Interment was
made in the Union Cemetery. J. M. Zerbe was the funeral director.
The circumstances connected with this accident make the drowning all the more pathetic and sad. The boy,
in company with his sister, Fern, aged eleven, and two other children, frank Doll, aged twelve and Bobby
Doll, aged six, the latter two of Philadelphia, were taken to a smaller pond, south of Miller's Pond, about
nine o'clock by Mr. Doll, father of the last two children and who have been frequent visitors to Schuylkill
Haven as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. William Morris.A fishing party was in mind and in expectation of the fun,
the youngsters had been preparing lines and poles since seven o'clock in the morning. Upon arriving at
the pond, Mr. Doll left them to their own fun and intended returning for them within an hour or two. They
began to fish but not having any success, they decided to walk north a short distance to the Miller Pond,
where they were sure the fish would bite. The Miller Pond is located a short distance from the back road to
Adamsdale to Schuylkill Haven and at a point opposite the old water trough and on the other side of the
trolley road. It is but a small pond but the water at some points is said to reach a depth of eight feet. At this
point they began to play instead of fish. Kenneth and his sister Fern boarded a wooden raft. The raft,
however, was tied fast and could only be moved a short distance. Kenneth began to move and push the
raft by the use of a long pole. They were having fun and lots of it. Their companions, the Doll children,
watched from the bank. Suddenly, Kenneth lurched forward when it is believed, his pole striking a sudden
depression or hole in the pond, threw him off balance. His head struck the side of the raft and he was
evidently knocked unconscious. He rolled on his back and seemed to be gasping for breath and suddenly
rolled over the side of the raft into the water. The frightened sister reached after him but too late. She
expected the body to rise but it did not do so. Through the clear water she could see her brother lying on
his stomach at the bottom of the pond. She screamed for help and the elder one of the Doll children ran up
through the field and summoned Mr. Alleman,
Upon responding, Mr. Alleman quickly was enabled to hook the clothing of the lad and pulled him to the
surface and began work to restore life. Telephone calls to Schuylkill Haven were made to the local
physicians. In the meantime, Mr. Doll, who had taken the children to the pond and had returned to
Schuylkill Haven, drove his car down to the first pond where he left them, intending to bring them home for
dinner. He could not find them and as he was driving along toward Schuylkill Haven, he noticed a man near
Miller's Pond swinging a boy in his arms. Hurrying to the scene, he found it was young Shollenberger. He
immediately notified the father who hurried to the pond. The father brought the child to the office of Dr.
Rutter. The child was lifeless but additional efforts were made to revive him but without success.
Kenneth Shollenberger was eight years old on February 10th. He was born in Palo Alto and was a member
of Christ Lutheran Sunday School. He was a second grade pupil in Miss Raudenbush's room. The mother
was prostrated at the news of the drowning of her son and had been confined to bed up until the hour of
the funeral. The father is well known, being a native of Schuylkill Haven, employed by H. J. Yost, meat dealer.

The Pottsville Republican of August 22, 1946

DIES IN PLANE CRASH HALF HOUR AFTER HE PASSES TEST AS PILOT

Less than half an hour after he had passed his test for a private pilot's license at the Schuylkill Airport this
morning, Francis Muldowney, 31, of Mount Carmel, former resident of New Street, this city, was dead. The
curly headed young veteran of World war Two was instantly killed when his plane crashed into a clump of
tall oak trees just over the crest of the hill a few hundred yards south of the Halfway House, midway
between Schuylkill Haven and Orwigsburg. The accident happened about ten minutes before noon as
Muldowney pulled out of an acrobatic spin. Witnesses to the accident said he apparently had misjudged
the nearness to which he had approached the ground and the right wing of his plane struck the limb of an
oak tree about forty feet above the ground, tearing through that tree and another standing along side and
plummeting into the cornfield thirty yards beyond.
When Clarence Hartranft and Theodore Mataolajunas, whose farm homes are nearby, reached the plane he
was dead, instantly killed. The top of his head was crushed like an eggshell, his legs broken and his body
mangled. The plane, which did bot take fire, was reduced to a mass of mangled wreckage. Parts of the wing
and fuselage still clung to the sixty foot trees. In falling, the plane tore off an eight inch oak limb which was
found beneath the wreckage. This limb may have been the one which brought instant death to the young
pilot. The throttle of the plane was wide open. It hit the trees with terrific impact. Another twenty feet to
the southeast and the plane would have missed the trees which stand at the corner of the wood lot. The
cornfield and wood lot are on the former William J. Felty farm, now the property of Schuylkill Memorial Park.
Ned Dolan of the Schuylkill Airport, who gave Muldowney his test in the morning said that he was above the
average as a pilot. During his war service, Muldowney had almost finished a course in flying and had more
than one hundred hours of flying time, he told Dolan. Since his discharge several months ago, he had been
flying at the Gordon Airport. The plane was a Piper Cub, the property of the airport to which he was
returning. Among the witnesses who saw the plane spin and heard its motor roar as the pilot pulled out
were Hartranft and Mataolajunas, the latter a flier, also Hartranft's wife Clara and their daughter Patricia,
aged thirteen, who were standing near their homes. Salvatore Stramara, thirteen and James M. Renninger,
ten, standing near Highway 122 which passes north of the scene also saw the plane and heard the roar and
the crash. William Keller of Schuylkill Haven RD 1, an employee of the Schuylkill Memorial Park saw the
flash as the plane tore through the trees and heard the crash. Mrs. Hartranft telephoned to Pottsville State
Police and Corporal William Keuch and Privates Bidack, Labensky and Ripka hurried to the scene.
The body was released to Undertaker D. M. Bittle of Schuylkill Haven by Dr. Joseph Matonis of Schuylkill
Haven, deputy coroner. There will probably not be an inquest. The dead youth is survived by his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. James Muldowney, two sisters, Rita and Jean and one Brother, Edward. His father is employed
as an assistant foreman at the Locust Gap Colliery. His mother is the former Mary Curran. The family
recently moved to Mount Carmel. Francis enlisted in the Air Corps in May, 1943, a month before his
graduation from Pottsville High School.

The Call of August 14, 1948

MOTHER OF THREE DEAD IN GAS FILLED HOME
Mrs. Floyd J. Schwenk, Schuylkill Haven, Had Been in Ill Health

A young mother of three children was found dead in the gas filled kitchen of her home at 109 east Liberty
Street in Schuylkill Haven. Deputy Coroner Joseph F. Matonis said the victim Blanche S., thirty seven, wife
of Floyd J. Schwenk had been despondent over ill health. Her body was discovered lying on the floor after
attendants at the Naus garage across the street had been summoned by a neighbor, Mrs. Robert Gipe, who
smelled gas and was unable to open the door of the Schwenk home. When they broke open the door they
found gas pouring from the oven burners of the stove. A note was found attributing the act to her health, it
was said. She was alone in the home at the time.
Survivors in addition to her husband are a son, Richard, seventeen, who graduated from Schuylkill Haven
High School this past spring, Joyce, eight and Patricia, two. Born in Harrisburg, a daughter of Claude and
Sara Kantner Krout, she lived in Schuylkill Haven for thirty five years. She was a member of the United
Brethren Church in Schuylkill Haven. Funeral on Tuesday afternoon at the convenience of the family from
the D. M. Bittle funeral home in Schuylkill Haven with interment in the Union Cemetery with Reverend E. T.
Uhler officiating.