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.

JOHN FINCHER

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: JUNE 16

JACOB DREIBELBIS

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.

MAJOR FIRES IN THE BOROUGH

Articles describing various major fires in Schuylkill
Haven are 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 February 7, 1900

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN AN INVENTOR

A party of prominent Philadelphia capitalists and experts who are interested in a new gasoline engine
being built at Schuylkill Haven, arrived here on the eleven o'clock P and R express this morning. They
were met at the station by P. D. Helms, of Pottsville, one of the promoters, and J. B. Losch, of Schuylkill
Haven, the inventor of the new engine. The party was escorted to W. K. Boltz's knitting mill where a
fifteen horse power engine of the new patent was placed yesterday. The engine was closely inspected
by the men who appeared to be well pleased with its appearance and workings. After spending an
hour at the factory discussing the merits of the engine the party had dinner after which they went to
Mr. Losch's shop at Schuylkill Haven where another engine was examined. Mr. Losch worked on his
first engine for five years before it was finally completed. This engine was constructed at his home
between Auburn and Pine Grove. The engine is claimed to be superior to any gasoline engine in the
country. The chief advantage over other engines is that it makes an impulse to every revolution while
other engines make but one impulse to every two revolutions. The inventor claims a savings of about
fifty percent friction and fifty percent in starting. The engine can be run with the cheapest of oil while
all other engines require gasoline. There is no escape of gas whatever as it travels from the tank to
the engine by gravity. In other engines a pump is used and considerable gas escapes. A four horse
power engine is in use at Dougherty's Box Factory, Schuylkill Haven. A patent has been applied for
and a company will shortly be organized to construct and place the engines on the market.

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 hundreds 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 casket, 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 hundreds 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 Fires: listing
major blazes or improvements to service in town over the
years; Municipal News which shares articles about the town's
growth; Tragedies notes sad tales within the town; Crime
denotes incidents involving the law; 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

OTHER NOTABLE AND
UNUSUAL NEWS OF TOWN

Pottsville Republican of July 19, 1919

AIRPLANE LANDS BEAVER VALLEY;ENGINE TROUBLE

An airplane flying westward had engine trouble while passing over the Beaver Valley, below Schuylkill
Haven, Saturday morning and was forced to land in a field near the farm owned by Allen Sterner of
Pottsville. There were three men in the machine and they were some time in making repairs, after
which they hopped off and flew low over the valley in a westerly direction.
While going through the valley they were not more then a hundred feet from the ground and the
residents of that section had a fine opportunity to get a good view of it in operation. The damage was
not serious and the pilot was able to bring the machine down easily, making a perfect landing. The big
field afforded an excellent flying field for the aviators and they did not seem to be much perturbed by
the unexpected descent.
This is the first of the many machines which fly over the county to land in the county and fortunately no
one was injured. One of the aviators of the western mail service was killed Saturday morning when his
machine met with a mishap near Bellefonte, the first stopping place of the long flight to Cleveland and
Chicago.

* This event took place about one year after the first sighting of an airplane over Schuylkill Haven.

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 March 14, 1888

Joseph Bolt, the well known blacksmith, of Schuylkill Haven, has for some months past been working
on a new patent safety railway gate upon which he received a patent dated February 28, 1888. It is an
ingenious device, preserving the utility of all former patent gates, but is pronounced by prominent
railway officials far superior to anything of the kind yet presented to their notice. It can be operated by
the wheels of the moving train at almost any distance; the speed in closing being regulated at will.
Should a person or team be enclosed on the track the arms are so arranged that they can be pushed
outward with a slight pressure, but cannot be pushed over the railroad. Mr. John F. Deibert has an
interest in the new patent. Several offers of purchase have been made to them, but they will not sell,
preferring to reap the rich reward which certainly awaits them.

Pottsville Republican of February 4, 1927

BLIND FOR YEARS, SEES

To be able to see quite clearly for several days, after being totally blind for a number of years, was the
experience of Frank Shollenberger of Garfield Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, and he is hoping that his
sight may be permanently restored.
During the World War, Mr. Shollenberger, who now conducts a little store in Schuylkill Haven, was
working in a chemical plant in New Jersey, when an explosion occurred and he was deprived of the
sight of both eyes. He went to Dr. Sweet, the eminent specialist, who has since died, and was told that
there was no help for him but that a film or seal of some sort had formed over the eye. Dr. Sweet
warned him not to allow any physician to operate and to be very careful not to touch his eyes in any
way, for there was a possibility that this film might suddenly burst if let alone and he might be able to
see.
While working about his store last Monday, Mr. Shollenberger was astonished to find that he was able
to see objects about the room. He had a severe cold in his eyes for several days and its believed that
this aided in breaking the film. He was able to see very clearly for two days but then the swelling from
the cold closed his eyes almost entirely and although he can still distinguish between light and
darkness, he is trying not to strain his sight in any way, hoping that when the cold disappears, he will
be able to see once more. His family and friends are all earnestly hoping that this may be the case.

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.

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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 November 30, 1904

NEW BANK IS THROWN OPEN

Schuylkill Haven's new bank at the corner of Main and Saint John Streets which was just completed at
a cost of $23,000, was thrown open for public inspection today, many hundreds of people availing
themselves to the opportunity to see the handsome structure. The building is a two story structure,
built of light brick with stone trimmings to match. Th bank will occupy the forward portion of the first
floor of the building, while the rear of this floor and the entire second floor will be used as a dwelling
by F. B. Keller, the cashier.
The bank's quarters are divided into several apartments, consisting of a director's room, a consulting
room and the lobby for the use of the general public. The bank has a tile floor and marble wainscoting,
the fixtures being in dark oak and French glass. A combination steam and hot air plant heats the
building. A large burglar and fire proof safe with time lock, and equipped with numerous small vaults
for rental purposes, has been put in place. The writing shelves are of French plate glass with glass
receptacles for the stationery. The guard is of handsome bronze design. McCauley and Company of
Philadelphia were the architects, the contractor being Irvin Becker, of Schuylkill Haven. The bank is
known as the First National Bank of Schuylkill Haven and was organized in 1889. It has up to this time
occupied the property of Henry Saylor. The new building is on the Wiltrout corner.
The officers are C. C. Leader of Shamokin, president; S. A. Mengle, Schuylkill Haven, vice president; F.
B. Keller, Schuylkill Haven, cashier; J. A. Noecker, Schuylkill Haven, solicitor. The bank has a capital of
$50,000 and a surplus of more then $25,000. It has paid dividends the past three years. Formal
possession of the new building will be taken tomorrow.

At one time, banks issued their own currency. Above is a
fine example of a ten dollar note issued by the bank noted in
the article preceding the image.

Pottsville Republican of June 3, 1921

BOY WALKS FROM FLORIDA

Paul Neyer, the sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Neyer, of Schuylkill Haven, who
disappeared last winter, leaving his shoes on the bank of the Schuylkill River near the Schucker
Garage, returned home last night. He is well dressed and in robust health. It was noted that he came
home just before school closed and it was his dislike for school that sent him on his travels. At the
time he left, the State Police everywhere were looking for him and the police in leading cities had a
description of him. The boy says he has been in Florida for several months and that he worked in a
potato chip factory, receiving $35 a week. He hit the state road when he left Schuylkill Haven, spent
several days in Reading and walked every step of the way to Florida, except that he received frequent
lifts in automobiles, sometimes riding for many miles. He took odd jobs along the road and received
enough money to live, often existing on fruit and berries secured along the road. He never went near
a railroad for several reasons. In Florida, he saved money but although he had a considerable sum in
his pockets he walked all the way home, except as stated when he received lifts in autos. He says he
liked Florida, but a desire for his home drew him back.

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 October 20, 1896

CONGRESSMAN BROSIUS! Delivered a Telling Speech Last Night - Schuylkill Haven Alive
The Watchfires Ablaze and Patriotism Runs High for McKinley and Hobart and the Whole
Ticket - Flags, decorations and Cheers Everywhere

Schuylkill Haven tendered a cordial reception last evening to Honorable Marriotte Brosius,
Congressman from the "Old Guard", once so ably represented by that illustrious friend of humanity,
Thaddeus Stevens, and to whom the present Congressman is a worthy successor in line. The meeting
was arranged on short notice through the energy of Candidate Losch in conjunction with the newly
organized McKinley Hobart Club of that patriotic town with the official sanction of the Republican
organization.
During yesterday there were many busy hands engaged in the work of preparation. First a large
American flag was thrown across the street from the Central Hotel to Metamora Hall in which the
meeting was to be held. The hall was then handsomely decorated with flags, bunting and evergreens.
The stage was set with potted plants decorated with life size busts of McKinley and Hobart, and in the
evening, when illuminated by electricity, presented a picture of cheerfulness and almost
indescribable beauty.
At half past seven o'clock, Dr. Lenker, of whom Mr. Brosius was a guest while in town, accompanied by
the local committee, S. A. Losch, R. H. Koch, esquire, the second speaker of the evening, G. C.
Schrink, J. W. Whitehouse, Esquire (the latter two of whom accompanied the Lancasterian from
Reading) and a number of others from various parts of the county, filed up from the rear entrance to
the stage where they were greeted with a lively hand clapping. After being seated, Mr. Charles H.
Cline, president of the Schuylkill Haven McKinley Hobart Club, called for order.
The organization having been approved amid hear applause, Dr. Lenker announced the great
pleasure it afforded him to introduce to a Schuylkill Haven audience, composed of his neighbors, who
never thought themselves too wise to receive instructions nor too perverse to be willing to learn,
Congressman Brosius of Lancaster.
After apologizing for wearing the cognomen of "Congressman", Mr. Brosius at once entered heartily
into the discussion of the current issues which confronted the people of this country today and in the
course of his extended remarks of nearly two hours he skipped no facts nor spared no figures which
were convincing that the Republican party, the party of honesty and sound money, the party loyal to
American institutions, the party of patriotism and in favor of national integrity, was right in this great
conflict as it had always been right on every great question that has confronted our national honor or
threatened the nation's existence. Our only regret is that we are unable to present in stenographic
report of the Lancasterian's speech in full. It was sound to the core and was received with
unbounded applause throughout. It will bear good fruit in due time.
At the conclusion of Mr. Brosius' remarks, R. H. Koch, esquire, was introduced and made one of the
most eloquent concise speeches, which was in turn followed by Honorable Samuel A. Losch, candidate
for State Senator, who was heartily applauded. The meeting adjourned with cheers and amid the
utmost good feeling. It was one of the most orderly, enthusiastic and instructive meetings yet held in
Schuylkill County.

Pottsville Republican of July 9, 1925

GIRL SWALLOWS FIVE SAFETY PINS

While playing with a sewing basket at her home, Wednesday evening, Fern Renninger, two year old
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Renninger of Schuylkill Haven swallowed five safety pins which were
removed from her stomach by an operation performed by Dr. H. C. Wallace. Her condition Thursday
was reported favorable and it is believed she will recover. The pins, one of a large size, one a medium
and the others of a small size were taken from the stomach a short distance from the intestinal
passage and the fact that they were all closed probably saved the little girl from a horrible death. It is
believed to be the first case of its kind in this section and the pins when found were all closely
together showing that the child must have swallowed them at one time. It is a miracle that they did not
lodge in the throat which would no doubt have caused her death by strangulation.

Nine days later...

Pottsville Republican of July 18, 1925

Fern Renninger, three year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Renninger of Schuylkill Haven, who
swallowed five safety pins several weeks ago came home from the hospital Saturday and it is reported
that her condition is satisfactory.

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 August 8, 1935

DRAG LAKE FOR MISSING BOY

Lester Ketner, twenty, son of Harry Ketner of Schuylkill Haven, is missing from the bungalow at Sweet
arrow Lake, where he visited friends. According to his friends, Ketner left the bungalow during a card
game about eleven o'clock Wednesday evening and has not been seen since. When he failed to
return to the house they started a search for him and continued to look about the woods and vicinity of
the lake all night and Thursday morning, notified the youth's father of his absence.
He had a machine but this was left at the camp, and it is feared he may in some manner have fallen into
the lake. He was fully clothed with the exception of his coat, and his continued absence Thursday
morning prompted his father to summon state and state highway police aid and shortly after two
o'clock the dragging of the lake was begun. A machine wrecked along the lake front last night gave
rise to the rumor that Ketner's machine had been wrecked and he probably drowned. It was not his
machine.
His father said that he was a splendid swimmer and as he was in perfect health no reason can be
advanced for his disappearance. He left the bungalow complaining of an attack of indigestion. He had
been employed as a driver for Ehly's bakery at Schuylkill Haven until a year ago and recently was
selling cars for Gipe. The youth's mother died when he was an infant and his grandmother, Mrs. John
Ketner, of Parkway, Schuylkill Haven reared him. Chief of Police Deibert, of Schuylkill Haven,
accompanied the boy's father to the lake Thursday morning.

Pottsville Republican of August 9, 1935

MISSING YOUTH RETURNS HOME; 'THUMBED' RIDE TO WASHINGTON
Lester Ketner, Schuylkill Haven, Surprised to Find Police and Highway Patrolmen Dragging
Sweet Arrow Lake for Body

Lester Ketner, twenty, son of Harry Ketner of Schuylkill Haven, returned to his home late Thursday
afternoon to find police dragging Sweet Arrow Lake for his body. Ketner, who had been visiting
friends at their bungalow at the lake, left the house during a card game about eleven o'clock
Wednesday evening. When he failed to return, a searching party was organized. An all night search of
the woods and lake shore failed to reveal a trace of him. On Thursday morning his friends, thoroughly
alarmed, notified his father.
The father summoned the State Police and the Highway Patrolmen to aid in the search. Shortly
after two o'clock the dragging of the lake was begun. Late Thursday afternoon, while three power
boats were still engaged in dragging the lake and the woods near the lake were being scoured
for him, police were notified Ketner was in Pine Grove.
He returned to the bungalow a short time later. Ketner expressing surprise at the furor his
disappearance created, told police he left the house and walked to the highway after leaving the card
game. He "thumbed" a ride on a coal truck, intending only to go a short distance. He fell asleep in the
truck, however, he said, and when he awoke he was in Washington. Ketner said he spent all day
Thursday hitchhiking back to Pine Grove.

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.

The Call of October 8, 1892

A GHOST IN SPRING GARDEN

Those of our readers who have never believed in an apparition, a spirit or ghost, may have the
strength of their faith tried by visiting certain parts of Spring Garden by night. This invisible wanderer
of the night breaks forth with frightful wailings, indescribable with hideousness. It has even been so
close as to make its presence felt and then emit such an unearthly shriek dwindling away into more
pitiful moans as if the restless spirit were suffering untold agonies. Though heard every night of the
week, this unseen messenger is more peculiar to Sunday or the early hours of Monday. More hen a
dozen fishermen at the docks and workmen returning to their rest have heard it. Some tell of how it
has followed after wailing forth its pitiful sobs as though it had a warning to give and only ceasing its
pursuit when the pursued had tightly barred the door against it. Who, thus affrighted, goes to his
fellow lodgers with palled face and heaving breast, at which they start and wake, only to listen to the
deathlike and spiritual wails of the ghost breaking the silence of the night or the outside.

Many new stories just added including:
The New Insane Asylum is dedicated and a tragic death occurs.
A cat wrestles a six foot black snake, a young man survives an
errant gunshot and "Bags" Graeff stops a runaway.
New stories of fires include a blaze at the Peale farm, a fire on
William Street and two teachers fight a barn fire.
Almost two dozen new crime stories including: Bressler Band
members assaulted, German beggar arrested, a baseball bat
attack, burglaries during the summer of 1916 and Constable
Butz captures several criminals.

MUNICIPAL NEWS

The Call of November 13, 1913

HORSES PLUNGE INTO KITCHEN

An exciting runaway occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Spring Garden when the sorrel team of
James M. Brown dashed into the home of David Fenstermacher. The team, hitched to a dump wagon,
was standing near the chutes at the Pennsylvania freight station, when a noise of some kind caused
them to take fright and they made a dash to get away. Driver Ketner being off the wagon, assisting in
loading same, could not reach the reins in time and the horses came down the steep grade at the
Pennsylvania station at a terrific pace. The wagon swinging from side to side broke off the posts of
the guard rail as if they were mere strips of thin wood. When the team reached the bottom of the
incline, not being able to turn quick enough, they dashed into the kitchen of David Fenstermacher on
the left hand side of the road. The contact was so terrific that the tongue of the heavy wagon was
driven clean through the side of the building for its full length. The one horse was thrown neath the
wagon while the other was pinned between the side of the building and the heavy wagon. The one
horse was badly injured and it is feared his leg is broken. The other horse escaped with a few
bruises. It was fortunate there was no one in the Fenstermacher kitchen at the time as the tongue of
the wagon struck the stove pipe and knocked it down. Had the tongue struck two and a half inches
lower it would have bowled over the range and injured any person who might have been in the room.
Persons who were attracted by the noise of the runaway and arrived on the scene in time to see the
team dashing down the incline state it was the most thrilling and exciting scene they ever witnessed.

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 November 26, 1926

CHICKENS IN KITCHEN AND DOGS IN THE CELLAR

Investigating a peculiar and obnoxious odor which has permeated the atmosphere of Prospect Hill for
some time, local authorities on Sunday evening, being summoned by residents, found somewhat
surprising conditions existing in one of a group of three frame dwellings on the side of the hill south
of Market Street. Mother was engaged in roasting wheat to be used in the making of coffee. This
gave off a peculiar odor, nevertheless the officers found the home in rather an unkempt condition and
rather unsanitary. Health Officer Roan had accompanied the officers and he issued orders to have the
house cleaned up immediately. The men found a whole flock of chickens in the kitchen sharing the
hospitality and good fellowship of the children of the home. Several of the chickens had been nesting
on an old sofa in one of the rooms. Empty tin cans were strewn about in the cellar way and on one of
the cellar steps a dog was found had made his home. Down in the cellar were more chickens and
another dog keeping house amid great disorder and dirt. The officers were actually amazed that the
family had permitted conditions to become so uncleanly and unsanitary. Another visit is to be made to
the home to learn whether the orders for cleaning up have been complied with.

The Call of March 30, 1928

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN IS TO HAVE AN AIRPORT

Schuylkill Haven will, according to information received, soon be numbered in the forefront with those
communities having the latest modern asset, namely an airport. It is to be opened within the next week
and will be in one of the open fields near the brick plant. Little change will be required in the contour
of the land as it is almost perfectly level at this time. A hangar will be erected and operations on the
same will soon be begun and rushed with all speed possible. The owners of the airport will be John W.
Noble and George E. Williams. The first plane will be an Aaco Number 10 and this is expected to arrive
Saturday of this week. At a recent test the plane took off in a space of four hundred feet and rose to an
altitude of one thousand feet. Sunday passengers will be carried and perhaps at a later date a freight
and passenger service established between Schuylkill haven and other towns. Cross country flights
will also be made. The firm has placed an order for delivery of its second plane for May 1st. The
owners were some time ago granted a charter by the state to operate plans for passenger and freight
service and were also given a certificate by the Public Service Commission and the firm is classed as a
public utility company.

NEWS OF THE BRESSLER BAND

The Call of July 6, 1928

The hundreds and hundreds of radio fans in
Schuylkill Haven and this section of the county
will make special efforts this coming Sunday
afternoon to tune in on WMBS of Harrisburg to
listen to the special concert to be broadcast by
the Bressler Band of fifty pieces of Schuylkill
Haven. This will be the first time the Bressler
Band has been on the air and it is confidentially
believed the band will make quite a hit.
Bandmaster Bressler has chosen a program of
splendid numbers of the classic and of the
sacred character. The men were put through a
hard and long rehearsal last evening in order
to be as near perfect as possible. The
experience will be a novel one for them and as
it is the first they will make every effort to give
of their best. Schuylkill Haven as a community
will reap a considerable amount of good
publicity by having its musical organization
broadcast and is indebted to the Reverend
Beittel, who was very instrumental in obtaining
a period in the broadcasting program. Also to
the bandsmen for their time and efforts given
so willingly and without compensation, or even
remuneration for the personal expense that
will be involved. While it may be true that
WMBS may be a difficult station for radio fans in
this section to tune in on, nevertheless the
program will be listened to by an audience of
thousands of persons throughout the country.
The band will be on between four and five in
the afternoon and will broadcast the following
program: March, Old Berks, Althouse, Overture,
Barber of Seville, Mill in the Forest, Eilenberg,
selection from Romeo and Juliet, Sextette from
Lucia, Donizetti, Ballet Music and Soldiers
March from William Tell, Rossini, and a grand
selection of sacred songs.

The Call of July 20, 1928

The military career of the Bressler band has
come to an end as the last rehearsal or drill
was held the last Monday in June and by
reason of the period of enlistment having
expired for the most of the men, the
instruments, equipment, and all uniforms
have been turned in to the state authorities.
The band has been succeeded by a unit
from Allentown. The band served Uncle Sam
for a period of three years and as the 213th
Regimental Band was conceded to be one of
the best of three regimental bands in the
state. The two organizations considered
above the 213th Band for concert work were
musical organizations from Pittsburgh and
from Philadelphia each composed entirely of
professional musicians. On the march and
for drill the Bressler or 213th Regimental
Band was considered far above either one
of the other two. The band as a military
organization was composed of about thirty
five members of the regular Bressler Band,
with the addition of seven or ten additional
members from either military units or not
members of the Bressler Band. Ten or
fifteen enlistments of the military band have
not expired because they did not all enlist at
one and the same date. These men will be
assigned to the Allentown unit. It is
understood at least another ten or more
members of the Bressler Band were ready
and anxious to reenlist but the majority did
not wish to do so and as a result not any of
the men reenlisted. The reenlistments
would have been for a period of one year.
The men as a military band were required to
attend at least forty eight drills or rehearsals
of from one and a half to two hours duration
during the year. For this they received in
remuneration from the government $1.00 to
$1.80 each, depending on their rank. During
the year they were also required to attend a
two week camp at which time the rate of pay
was slightly higher.

BRESSLER BAND
TO BE ON RADIO

BRESSLER BAND NO
LONGER A MILITARY BAND

The Pottsville Republican of February 18, 1893

FROM “SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SHORTS”

A gray haired widower of this borough is apparently in love with another man’s wife on your East
Norwegian Street leading to Port Carbon. This married woman’s husband is engaged away from home,
but on unexpectedly returning a short time ago he found his wife with the widower both beastly drunk,
so much so that the woman had broken her nose. The widower in the husband’s absence spends days
at the house, sends the woman for whiskey and then the fun commences which resulted in the
aforementioned mishap. Names in connection with the disgraceful proceeding will not now be
designated, but since this villainy has remotely been referred to before, it might be well to add that if it
does not instantly cease, an old army musket barrel full of red pepper will be awaiting for the cranium
of the intruder. The strong arm of the law will also be resorted to and the cops placed on guard.
guard.

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 May 28, 1926

WOMAN KILLED IN AUTO SMASH UP SATURDAY

Mrs. John Eichert, of Fairmount, a resident of Schuylkill Haven for less than two months, received
injuries in an auto accident at the corner of Union Street and Parkway, that caused her death several
hours later. The accident happened Saturday afternoon about 1:45 o’clock when the Ford touring,
driven by John Eichert and going west on Union Street collided with the Oldsmobile touring of Elmer
Ketner and driven by Charles, the seventeen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Schumacher, which
was going north on Parkway. The two machines came together at a point somewhat north of the center
of the intersection. Mrs. Eichert was thrown out of the auto and struck her head upon the curbing
surrounding the Parkway. Mrs. Eichert was picked up and taken to the office of Dr. L. D. Heim and later
to her home, by Charles Schumacher, in the Ketner machine. Her death occurred about 7:00 as the
result of internal injuries and a fractured skull. She had been unconscious, with the exception of brief
periods, since the accident.
Both occupants of the Eichert car were thrown out but Mr. Eichert escaped injury. The Ketner car was
occupied by the driver, Charles Schumacher and Mrs. Elmer Ketner. They escaped injury. The Eichert
car was badly damaged. The Ketner car had the fenders bended and the lights broken. Deceased was
fifty seven years, eight months and twelve days of age. She, with her husband, were residents of
Schuylkill Haven since March 29th of this year. They resided in Washington Township for many years
where they followed farming. Besides the husband, one son, William, of Friedensburg, survives. Two
sisters, Mrs. Charles Burns of Schuylkill Haven and Mrs. Daniel Confehr of Deturksville and one
brother, Milton W. Moyer of Beaver Valley survive. Deceased was a member of the Hetzels Church.
Her funeral took place Wednesday morning at nine o’clock with short services at her late home and in
the Hetzels Church by Reverend Charles Brown. The bearers were Charles Luckens, A. A. Ruff, Milton
Reber, Charles Lutz, Howard Roeder, Harry Reed. The funeral director was William Zerbe.
Zerbe.

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. Deceased
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 necessary 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 June 22, 1917

TOWN MAN NOW COUNTY JUDGE

Late Saturday evening, Governor Brumbaugh appointed Charles E. Berger of Schuylkill Haven as
Judge of Schuylkill County to succeed the late Charles N. Brumm, deceased. The Call bulletin board
gave the public the first inkling of the appointment and the Call was the first to inform the newly
appointed judge of the fact. At noon Mr. Berger still persisted the news must be a mistake. Later in
the day however, advice from the capital city informed him of his appointment. As the news traveled
about town early Sunday morning, on every side were heard expressions of absolute satisfaction and
predictions of most excellent results from his elevation to the bar bench. The commission from the
Governor arrived in Pottsville Monday morning at ten o’clock. Mr. Berger will take the oath of office
Saturday, July 2nd. Of course Charles E. Berger needs no introduction to the people of his
hometown. For the past thirty years or more he has been most active in the interest of the Republican
Party. He has ably filled the positions of County Solicitor and District Attorney. He is looked upon as
being the most learned member of the Schuylkill County Bar. During his term as District Attorney, he
fearlessly prosecuted all cases that came before him and his prosecution of the ballot box fraud cases
before Judge Brumm in 1909 resulted in cleaning up one of the most despicable and most criminal
practices in the county. He is a brilliant lawyer and his services were always in demand. He
established for himself an enviable reputation as the most shrewd and distinguished lawyer in this
section of the state. Mr. Berger accepts the appointment of judge at a great personal sacrifice. He did
not wish to be appointed to his position and at no time sanctioned the efforts being made on his
behalf to secure the appointment for him. His extensive legal practice compensated him more
generously then will the judgeship salary. His sacrifice is all the more indicative of his honor. Mr.
Berger immediately upon his appointment began to adjust his private practice. After taking the oath of
office July 2nd he will leave for Wildwood where he will spend several weeks vacation. He will take up
his labors as Judge of Schuylkill County on Monday July 23rd. The present appointment while only
good until January 1918 will not effect his career as a judge. At the election in November 1917, he will
most surely be elected for a full and complete ten year term.

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 August 4, 1922

THE GOVERNOR PAID US A VISIT

For the first time in the history of the town, Schuylkill Haven was honored with an official visit of an
acting Governor of the Commonwealth. Wednesday Governor Sproul and his party, enroute to Port
Carbon to officiate at the ceremonies incident to the opening of the Pottsville-Port Carbon Pike, was
welcomed, honored, delivered an address and shook hands with a number of our residents. The
Governor and his party were scheduled to arrive in town at 12:40 o’clock and as is the usual rule,
arrivals of this kind are always later rather than earlier then the scheduled hour. While the Schuylkill
Haven motorists, some twenty five in number, were gathering on Main Street preparatory to motoring
to Friedensburg to greet the Governor and party, the Governor came to town.
He was welcomed by long loud blasts from the whistles of the local industries and the electric light
plant. This was a significant salute from the industries which have made this town famous as one of
the largest industrial towns in the state. The Governor and party were met by the Mayor and Editor of
the Call. Mayor Lautenbacher in a few words extended the official welcome of the citizenry and town.
The Governor standing upon the Hotel grand steps responded. The several hundred persons
gathered in the square remained remarkably quiet during his address. The Governor took occasion to
remark that the town had become well known and prominent in official circles because of its industries
and manufacturing achievements. He extended a wish for the future prosperity of the town and its
residents. He then shook hands with many of its citizens.
Following this short reception a number of local motorists headed the line of autos and escorted the
party to the Country Club. Quite a large number of residents complied with the committee’s request to
decorate. The town certainly did look good and by the way, this fact was personally conveyed to the
Editor by one member of the Governor’s official party and one of the County Motor Club
Committeemen. Those persons who decorated can at least know that their efforts were noted and
appreciated. A number of local motorists accompanied the party to the Country Club and took dinner
with the party. Others took in the ceremonies at the Country Club. There were few autoists however
in the parade in Pottsville to represent the several hundred autoists of Schuylkill Haven.

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.

The following 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 October 15, 1898

DEATH OF SAMUEL SPINDLER

The sad news of the death of Samuel Spindler
soon after his arrival at Fort Monroe from Puerto
Rico was unwelcome news to many of his friends
here. The shock was indeed felt since many
thought he would soon be at home and under
the kind and tender care of his good mother and
family. A short time after his company F of the
4th Regiment left Guayama, he was placed on
board a relief ship, but the surgeon fearing his
condition not strong enough to stand the
voyage, he with others was taken off at Ponce, a
distance of twenty five miles from their start.
Here he was placed in the hospital, hence the
reason of his whereabouts being in doubt so
long. After gaining some strength at this
hospital, he was brought to Fortress Monroe but
the severe sea voyage caused a relapse and in
his weak condition he failed to rally from its
effect. His death came before his relatives could
be informed in time to reach him. Arrangements
were made for the shipment of his body home.
Sam, so familiar with the boys of town was loved
and liked by all. His kind, reserved disposition
made for him hosts of friends. His parents have
the heartfelt sympathy and condolence of the
community.

The Call of October 22, 1898

FUNERAL OF SAMUEL SPINDLER

His body laid to rest on Tuesday with Military
Honors.

At great expense and after weeks of worry
and suspense by his relatives and friends,
Samuel J. Spindler of Company F, 4th P. V. I.
was brought here from Fortress Monroe,
where he had landed from Puerto Rico and
two days after landing died of typhoid fever.
His body was examined at Undertaker
Ziegenfus’s establishment by friends and
relatives and identified. Tuesday noon our
streets were crowded with out of town people
who came to offer a last tribute to a fallen
soldier for the cause of humanity. The Fourth
Regiment Drum Corps, which was rated
amongst all the regiments camped at
Chickamauga in the early part of the campaign
as the crack Drum Corps of the Army, so much
so that General Wilson invited the leader,
Sergeant Dewald, to instruct other Corps in
the service, was here in full trip and number.
The company, of which Sam was a member,
came commanded by Lieutenant Bishop,
Captain Dyson being compelled to meet other
officers at Reading to arrange for the trip to
the Peace Jubilee at Philadelphia. The
Schuylkill Hose Company attended almost to a
man, followed by many citizens. The schools
were dismissed also to do honor to the first of
our soldier boys who met death in this war
with Spain. Corporal Warren Brown had
command of the pall bearers. The firing squad
of twelve were commanded by Corporal
Mellon. Reverend Smoll officiated at the
house and church, preaching both English
and German.

These two articles note the death and
funeral of Samuel Spindler, the first
Schuylkill Haven casualty of the
Spanish American war

INJURED IN A RUNAWAY

While a two horse truck wagon was being loaded
with goods at J. F. Bast’s Knitting Mill on Berne
Street, Tuesday morning, the horses suddenly
started on a run down the alley, and making the
turn down West Columbia Street, ran at terrific
speed out that thoroughfare. Thomas F. Bast,
son of the proprietor of the mill, jumped on the
rear of the wagon as the horses started and tried
to check their mad speed but without effect.
While the wagon was descending the steep
grade below the mill, Mr. Bast took a leap to the
ground and while in the act of jumping several of
the heavy cases, weighing between 250 and 300
pounds fell from the wagon, striking and felling
him to the ground. The cases rolled over him,
one of the heavy boxes falling on his right hand
and bruising and crushing a portion of it in a
painful manner. He also sustained painful
bruises on his back, chest and other portions of
the body. Mr. Bast’s injuries were dressed by Dr.
G. H. Moore. The runaway team was caught at the
Long Run Hotel, both wagon and horses
fortunately escaping without injury.

EXCITING RUNAWAY

Two horses, one belonging to Mrs.
Raudenbush, the other to Peter Rausch, of
this place, hitched to a buggy, became
restless while standing in front of Earl Witman’
s Hotel at Adamsdale on Tuesday evening and
ran off. At the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge
near Hoy’s, the animals tore loose from the
buggy, which was later found lying by the
roadside in a broken condition. The animals
dashed into town and came down Williams
Street at a terrific pace. After running the full
length of Canal Street they turned up Main
and wildly dashed into the safety gates at the
railroad crossing, which were closed at the
time on account of an approaching coal train.
Two of the wooden gates were broken into
splinters and the horses narrowly escaped
being struck by the engine while crossing the
tracks. The animals were caught near the
stables and were uninjured. The driver,
William Faust, returned home by trolley.

The Call of July 28, 1900 noted two runaway horse incidents in the same issue...

The Call of October 20, 1911

LOCAL MAN AN INVENTOR
INVENTS WASHING MACHINE THAT WILL SAVE LABOR
TO BUILD SEVERAL MACHINES AT ONCE

Charles Ney, of Dock Street, has been granted, the right to manufacture a new kind of washing
machine, the patent on the same being pending. The machine promises to be a great improvement
over all other kinds of washing machines both in results obtained and labor saving. Mr. Ney is a man
of considerable inventive genius. About nine months ago he began considering the improving or
building of a new machine. During his spare time pondered over and worked out the details and the
right granted him last week is the result of his work. Mr. Ney built for himself a model of the machine
and took it to the Patent Office at Washington and after explaining the machine was granted the right
to manufacture if he chose and was given pretty good assurance that a patent would be granted
shortly. He will begin the building of a dozen machines at once. He already has orders for a number of
machines and all housewives who see the first machine he made, in operation, are delighted with it
and ready to purchase one as soon as he can turn them out. At present he will manufacture on a small
scale and later will turn them out on a larger scale. The invention embodies a casing mounted so it will
rock and is formed with bulging ends, constituting compartment adapted to receive water as the
casing is rocked so that an air cushion will be formed in the bulging end of the casing toward which
the same is rocked. The air in the bulging end of the casing is forced through the clothes by the force
of the water. Apertured baffle plates in the compartments prevent the clothes from passing from end
to end in the machine. The forcing of the air so compressed with the force of the water through the
clothes thorough and very efficiently cleanses them. A desirable feature of the machine is the fact that
the slower it is rocked the better the results will be.

The Call of February 13, 1925

RAIN AND THAW CAUSE HIGH WATER AND FLOOD

The rain of Tuesday and Wednesday together with the deep snow in this section caused small sized
floods and high water in most every part of town and in most every section of the southern end of the
county. In Schuylkill Haven, many cellars were flooded. The Schuylkill River raised rapidly Wednesday
and late Wednesday afternoon was within seventeen inches of the high mark it reached during the
September flood. The swift moving churning current carried with it debris of all kinds together with
chunks of ice that surely must have caused damage at points south of town.
ROAD WASHED OUT As was to be expected the river again came through the washed out section of
Broadway. A stream fully eighteen inches deep washed through the cutoff, washed away the temporary
roadway that had been constructed by the borough and has left the larger portion of the West Ward
completely cut off from communication. Some cellars in the West Ward were flooded. Men employed
at the car shops found it necessary to return home via the railroad to Main Street Wednesday evening
by reason of the washout on Broadway. The Spring Gardeners were required to walk around via
Connor’s and the pike because of the high water at the Level and the Dock which covered their
shortcut foot bridge at this point.
WATER EXTINGUISHED FURNACE FIRES Willow Street property owners again suffered a considerable
amount of damage by reason of the overflowing of the creek which flows through the vacant lots to the
old Level. The creek bed, it’s said, has been filled up with all kinds of rubbish dumped into the stream
at points near Centre Avenue and along Garfield Avenue. This debris causes a blockage with every
high water and a flood consequently follows. Cellars on Willow Street were flooded to a greater depth
on Wednesday then during the high water of September. Fires in some furnaces were extinguished by
the water which became several feet deep in some of the cellars. Property owners are up in arms over
this condition and are going to make a determined effort to have steps taken to deepen the channel of
the creek to avoid theses frequent washouts.
SOUTH WARD FLOODED Down in the South Ward many homes along Columbia Street had unwelcome
swimming pools in the cellars. The river did not overflow its banks but as usual the water seeped
through from the river. Water also backed up from “the Eck” to the rear of some Columbia Street
properties. Had the rain continued for not more then six hours it is believed this section would have
been flooded to as great an extent as last fall.
COFFER DAMS WASHED AWAY The coffer dams under construction for the new bridge which will be
used as a temporary structure while the railroad “Red Bridge” a short distance south of the town, is
being repaired, were broken up by the ice and washed away early Wednesday morning. All the lumber
that had been placed on the site for use in the reconstruction work was washed away. The loss
suffered by the contractor will total $2000.
TROLLEYS ARE BLOCKED Water from the Schuylkill River backed along the road bed at a point near the
Bowen School or “Watering Trough” was covered with almost a foot and a half of water. The last car to
pass over this section of the road was the car out of Schuylkill Haven at 6:30 Wednesday evening.
evening.

The Call of October 22, 1926

AUTOISTS GO INTO COAL CELLAR

Roy Wike, of Cressona, with several other occupants of an Oldsmobile had a narrow escape from
serious injury on Thursday evening last when their auto went through the concrete block porch at the
home of Herman Clauser on Berne Street. The machine mounted an eight or ten inch curb and struck
the concrete block of the porch with such force that they were tumbled down and the wooden steps of
the porch demolished. The impact was so great that the electric meter and wire connections in the
home were disconnected. Not only did the autoists have a narrow escape from injury, but five or six
children standing on the pavement but a short distance above the point where the accident happened,
also had a close call. Wike is said to have been driving at a terrific rate of speed. He has been placed
under arrest for reckless driving and will be given a hearing before Squire Kline this evening. The
local authorities arrested the same driver on May 18th for reckless driving on the Parkway and it is
likely that the revocation of his license will be asked for on this second charge.

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.

The Call of November 25, 1927

FAMILY OF TEN EVICTED FROM HOME

The Witman family, heretofore residing in the Dallago house on Broadway, was on Wednesday morning
evicted from the premises by a Pottsville constable, and until Friday the furniture of the family was
parked on the pavement in front of the property formerly owned by Mrs. J. E. Stanton. The family
consists of ten children, the youngest a small babe. Neighbors took care of some of the children
Wednesday evening and Thursday evening while others were compelled to use the gas house of the
borough, it having been generously offered by Superintendent Mellon. Efforts to procure a home or
house were unavailing until Friday morning, when after Superintendent Mellon had procured work for
the head of the family with the contracting company putting in the new pipeline, owners of houses
were more reluctant to rent. Witman however, has been working almost steadily every day. Somehow
or other mismanagement in the home results in obligations not being met as they ought to be. It was
in the interests of the children that the local Red Cross and other local persons interested
themselves, the matter being called to their attention Wednesday afternoon about five o’clock. The
children could not be gotten into the County Home and no one was willing to rent a home to them.
to

The Call of January 7, 1916

HORSES WENT THROUGH DISPLAY WINDOW

No little excitement was caused Monday morning and the business section of the town and the
businessmen who were complaining about the day being Blue Monday, found quite a change with the
noise of splintering wood and breaking of glass. The cause of it all was that the team of horses of
milkman Guldin dashed into the display window of J. M. Gipe on Main Street. That the horse escaped
with but a few scratches seems quite miraculous. The wagon was damaged somewhat. The team
standing on Saint Peter Street took fright when the automobile of Jacob Reed came down over the
steep embankment at the Meck residence. The auto in some way or manner started off while the
occupants were in a nearby residence. Coming to the edge of the embankment it made the steep
descent and smashed into the pavement near the Guldin team. The horses dashing wildly down Saint
Peter Street were unable to make the turn at the corner at Main and Saint Peter and naturally ran over
the pavement and into the display window. The tongue of the wagon coming in contact with the inside
wooden partition of the window brought the team to a stop with the one horse almost entirely in the
window.

The Call of June 1, 1917

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EXPLOSION

Two men were seriously injured and two others had narrow escapes from similar injury about nine o’
clock Friday night in an explosion of dynamite on the premises of Philip Drumheller, on East Railroad
Street, town. The two seriously injured men are Edward Potts and Norman Peiffley, both about forty
years of age and married, residing in Orwigsburg and near Orwigsburg respectively. The two men who
escaped a similar fate by a hair’s breadth were Nelson Sterner and Philip Drumheller. Potts and
Peiffley took the contract to dig a cesspool on the Drumheller premises. They had made repeated
blasts with dynamite during their work and each blast went off producing the desired results. They
had attained a depth of nearly twelve feet and were making their last charge in order that the work
could be completed and they could catch the last car for Orwigsburg. A charge of dynamite had been
placed and the cap and fuse attached. All four men who had been down in the hole came up and the
fuse was then ignited. When it refused to go off, after a length of time, Potts and Peiffley went down
the hole, Drumheller was on the ladder near the top and Sterner on the surface. The two men were
alleged to have been using a pick when they struck the dynamite and caused the explosion.
Potts was the closest and received the full effects of the charge. Both of his eyes were blown out, the
lower jaw partly blown away, the flesh was torn from the bones while particles of stone and gravel
lodged deeply in the flesh. He bled profusely. Peiffley had his face, arms and portions of his body
badly lacerated. No time was lost by Drumheller and Sterner in getting the men to the surface and into
the Drumheller home. A local physician was in the neighborhood at the time and hurried to the aid of
the two men. Mrs. Ellen Weston and Norman Hendricks were also in the Drumheller home at the time
and assisted in dressing the injuries of the two men. While the injuries were being dressed, both
called repeatedly for water until finally it was denied them. Members of their family were summoned
from Orwigsburg and later they were removed to the Pottsville Hospital, four hours after the accident
occurred. Immediate operations were necessary upon both men. Potts is a brother of Mrs.
Drumheller while Peiffley is reported to have had about twenty years experience with explosives. The
one man is the father of five children and the other a father of six. During the excitement Mrs.
Drumheller fainted several times and had to be given attention.

The Call of May 18, 1917

ALMOST DROWNED IN DEEP CESSPOOL

Miss Emma Deibert, of Union Street, had a miraculous escape from drowning on Tuesday noon on the
Sausser premises on High Street. Miss Deibert was assisting Mrs. Sausser with some household
duties and had occasion to go into the yard with some old newspapers. Not being familiar with the
yard she accidentally tread upon some rotten boards that covered a cesspool. In an instant she was
through the boards and into the cesspool which is nearly fifteen feet in depth. Her screams for help
were heard by neighbors and the employees of the R. J. Hoffman Knitting Mill. Messers. Harry Goas
and Reuben and Newton Hoffman were among the first on the scene. By means of a ladder, Mr. Goas
went into the cesspool and placed a stout rope about the victim. The Hoffman brothers pulled on the
rope and assisted by Mr. Goas safely landed the unfortunate victim of the accident on terra firma. By
this time she was almost in a semi-conscious condition. Miss Delbert was wrapped in a blanket and
removed to her home nearby. A physician was summoned and found that she was not suffering with
any serious injury. Miss Deibert is more then grateful to those who rescued her and assisted her in
her predicament.

The Call of October 26, 1917

HORSE ELECTROCUTED HERE WEDNESDAY MORNING

The horse owned and driven in the dairy team by Mrs. Benjamin Shappell met instant death by
electrocution Wednesday morning about 8:30 o’clock when it came in contact with a live electric wire
on Dock Street in front of the store of Harry Sterner. Mrs. Shappell evidently did not notice the end of
the wire hanging from a telephone guy wire. The head of the horse came in contact with the same and
was instantly killed. Over 2300 volts passed through its body. Mrs. Shappell was greatly surprised
and shocked when she noticed her horse fall over and did not realize at once what had happened.
Persons who came to her assistance unthinkingly grasped the horse and had narrow escapes from
being electrocuted. When the horse fell, the wire in some way or other got beneath its body. The wire
was finally worked from underneath by means of a rope. The wire was one of the lines of the borough
electric light department and was torn during the high wind storm of the early morning. One end
dropped over a telephone guy wire and it was this end that came in contact with the horse. The
broken wire was discovered only about two minutes before the accident and word was being
telephoned to the plant about the broken wire when the accident occurred.

The Call of January 11, 1918

WANTS $250 FOR HORSE

Solicitor Noecker reported not having as yet arrived at a settlement with Mrs. Shappell for the horse
electrocuted on Dock Street some time ago. It is known that Mrs. Shappell admitted the front part of
the wagon was closed on account of the rain and that she did not see the dangling wire and that she
was out looking for the trolley and that there is no dispute as to what killed the horse. The only
difference of opinion is as to the value of the horse. Mrs. Shappell insists the horse is worth $250 and
refuses to settle for anything less. Mr. Noecker stated he consulted with different persons capable of
judging horse values. One person said the horse was worth $150, another $160, another $175, another
$200 and another anywhere between $175 and $200. The horse was nine years old and could be used
anywhere. Councilmen expressed their opinion as to the value of the horse. Saul and Mill thought it
wouldn't pay to go to the Court and fight the issue, that with the costs of litigation the borough would
have to pay more than $250. Moore thought that if the persons consulted varied as to their estimates
of the horses value from $150 to $200 and not any of them above $200, that if the borough would offer
her, Mrs. Shappell, $200 she should be satisfied with the amount. Mr. McKeon thought $200 would be
a good price. Rooney said horses were pretty high just now and that recently he had to pay $300 for
one. The matter or discussion was finally ended by McKeon and Saul making a motion to instruct
Solicitor Noecker to settle the case for $200.

The Call of May 10, 1918

TRUANT LIVING IN HUT NEAR RED BRIDGE

Somewhere near what is known as the Red Bridge on the outskirts of the borough limits is located a
hut entirely surrounded by water and in that hut is living a youth by the name of Harvey, about
fourteen years old. On Monday night last, relatives of Harvey appeared before the school board and
stated that the boy had run away from home and was beyond their control. They further stated that
they refused to have the responsibility of his welfare resting upon them. Truant Officer John Butz
started an investigation with the discovery of the boy in the hut. Harvey makes trips to land but has a
raft for this purpose. At night he ties the raft near the hut while he sleeps. A rowboat would therefore
be necessary to procure the boy. Just where he is obtaining his eatables is not known, but it is
supposed that other boys are assisting him. The matter has been taken up with the Probation Officer.
Just as soon as word is received from the officer, extraordinary efforts will be made to apprehend him
and have him committed to some institution. The boy refuses to attend school.

The Call of January 12, 1917

A HAUNTED HOUSE

Somewhere in this section there is a haunted house, at least that is what is being claimed. The house
is occupied, but nightly the peaceful slumber of the occupants have been disturbed by strange
sounds. Not only this, but the chickens have refused to lay, frequently the shutters on the windows
refused to either remain closed or would refuse to open. Milk placed in the cellar would turn sour
within a very short time. Those are only a few of the many things that are blamed on the innocent hex.
Everything possible was done to locate and remove or destroy the cause of the unpleasantness of the
household. The entire trouble was placed on the shoulders of a resident who, it was believed,
possessed the power to haunt and to hex. During the week the cause was discovered and
undoubtedly removed. A pigeon was discovered making its home in the garret of the house and with a
well pointed shot from a gun that had been loaded with only thirteen small shot, the pigeon was killed,
one of the shot having penetrated its neck. The following day a certain resident was noticed wearing
a bandage about their neck. The supposed hex is not truly a resident of Spring Garden, but a person
who lives on the outskirts of the borough and who daily makes trips to all sections of the town. "Exit
the hex for evermore."

The Call of February 16, 1912

FAMILY ALMOST ASPHYXIATED

A triple tragedy was narrowly averted here the fore part of this week by the timely awakening of one of
the trio who would undoubtedly would have been asphyxiated in another hours time. The awakening
of Mr. C. Reed, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Reed, who reside in what is known as the "Eck" or the
southern portion of the Flat, Monday morning about 4:30 o'clock, who discovered his room and the
entire home full of deadly gases coming from the kitchen stove, probably save not only his own life but
that of his aged parents also.
As was his custom, Mr. Reed arose early to prepare for work, being employed at one of the coal
collieries north of the mountain. As soon as he awoke he discovered the fumes and felt himself
becoming overpowered with them. He fought off the dreadful feeling and crawled to a window in his
room. The cold fresh air soon revived him sufficiently to make his way to the bed chamber of his
parents. Here he raised a window also and attempted to wake them but they had already become
stupefied. Hastily working his way downstairs and to the nearest neighbors he gave the alarm. Being
rather early, prompt response to his alarm was not possible. Neighbors however responded and after
working with the aged couple finally brought them to consciousness. Medical skill was summoned and
from latest reports all who figured in the occurrence have about overcome its effects. Mr. and Mrs.
Reed, from information received by this office, are sixty and sixty five years of age. Both are in ill
health, the wife being an invalid, and in needy circumstances, their only support being that of their
son, who is forty years of age and is greatly handicapped in his efforts to make a livelihood by having
but one leg, the lower portion of his other limb having been cut off in an accident years ago.

The Call of July 5, 1912

RUN OVER BY AUTOMOBILE

A distressing auto accident occurred here Thursday afternoon about five o'clock when the auto of
Frank Runkle ran over a number of people congregated on Main Street. The crowd at this point was
very large, all waiting for the bicycle racers to finish. Mr. Runkle came out Saint John Street and
accidentally stalled the engine, he got out of the machine to crank it, but forgot to take the clutch out
and when the engine was started the car went off before he could jump in and plowed its way through
the crowd, knocking down and running over a number of persons before the machine could be
stopped. That the list of injured is not more lengthy is due to the fact the machine is a light one and
went at a slow rate of speed.
The accident caused the ire of the crowd to raise and both Mr. Frank Runkle and his brother George,
who was in the machine, were roughly handled. Had not the Burgess and State Police arrived on the
scene promptly and drove the crowd back they would no doubt have been seriously injured. Mr.
Robert Defen of reading was the most seriously injured, sustaining a badly sprained shoulder and was
taken to his home in Reading Friday morning. Mrs. J. Guy Zulick of Philadelphia was badly bruised
about the face, arms and shoulders. Miss Elizabeth Abbot of Pittsburgh sustained a slightly sprained
ankle and bruises of the arms and body. Charles Werner of Pottsville had body bruises. Elwood
Thomas of town sustained a number of severe bruises and deep cuts about the arms head and body.
A Mr. Fidler of Cressona was also injured about the body. Quite a number of other persons had their
clothes badly torn.

The Call of September 15, 1911

TWO STRUCK BY AUTOMOBILES - Step in Front of Machines, Escape With Body Bruises-
ESCAPE OF YOUTH MIRACULOUS

Elmer, the seven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Krammes of Berne Street (Schuylkill Mountain
Road) had a narrow escape from being killed Thursday evening about five o'clock. The lad returning
from school stopped but a moment in front of the store of Charles Bittle to allow a team to pass by and
then attempted to cross the street. He stepped directly in the path of an automobile coming in the
opposite direction and before the machine could be stopped he was struck by it and dragged along the
street for a short distance. He sustained a number of body lacerations and had his clothing torn. His
escape from serious injury is said to have been miraculous. The machine was that of Edward Kline of
Pottsville. The accident was unavoidable as the driver of the car did not see the lad until he stepped
directly in front of the machine. The parents release the autoist from all blame in the accident.
George Hunter of Dock Street, in attempting to cross Main Street on Thursday morning about nine
o'clock was struck by the auto of Samuel Rowland and dragged along the street for several feet. He
was somewhat bruised and had his clothing torn. Eyewitnesses said Mr. Rowland was driving slow at
the time and it is thought Hunter became confused on account of many teams on the street at this point
and stepping out of the road of one team stepped into the path of the auto.

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 Registration law. Pennypacker was interviewed by a "Call" representative while awaiting his
transfer by 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 August 16, 1901

HOSPITAL TORN DOWN - Pest House to Isolate Smallpox Patients Razed
Erected by Schuylkill Haven Board of Health on Private Property - Rebuilt on Site Donated by
County

The Borough Board of Health on Monday commenced the erection of a hospital in order to isolate and
properly treat the smallpox patients in the borough. The site selected was just back of Boyer's woods
on the grounds of the estate owned by the late Martin Bowen. A force of eight carpenters were
employed and the building was well underway by evening. During the night, a force of men at the
direction of the executors of the estate, it is said, took the building apart very carefully in sections and
carried the lumber from the grounds and deposited it within the borough limits. The members of the
Board were apprised early in the morning of the razing of the building, but they expressed no
surprise, knowing the structure had been erected on private property. The property is advertised to
be sold next Tuesday and the location of the hospital on the premises might seriously have affected
the sale. The officials of the Board of Health immediately conferred with the county authorities at the
Almshouse and were granted the use of a tract of land on the south side of the road leading to
Orwigsburg. It is located near the Pennsy cut and is about two hundred yards distant from the former
location on the Bowen estate. Work was started at once and the building was completed on
Wednesday. It is twenty by twenty four feet in dimensions with a kitchen annex.

The Call of February 1, 1901

STRUCK IT RICH - Oscar Hershey's Valuable Claim in California
A Former Schuylkill Haven Boy's Luck as a Gold Miner
He Is Now Rated at $500,000 Wealth Pouring In

Oscar Hershey, a former Schuylkill Haven boy, has struck it rich, mining in California, and may be a
millionaire within the next year. Hershey was quite a hustler when a boy and graduated at the head of
his class in the high school at Lebanon, where the family resided some years after leaving here. He
got the "gold fever" and when the first rumors began to be circulated about the new gold field in the
mountains of Northern California, Mr. Hershey started for the scene. Part of the way he traveled on
snow shoes, carrying a small supply of provisions with him. He staked a claim in the new El Dorado
which is proving a veritable bonanza. It is yielding ore assaying $1000 to the ton. Experts say it is one
of the most valuable gold mines on the Pacific coast. Hershey has a partner and they are already rated
as worth $500,000 each, with a million for each in sight. The claim is located near Abrams in Trinity
County in California. When a boy, Mr. Hershey was a resident of this borough, his father then being
pastor of the Evangelical Church on Dock Street.

The Call of December 7, 1900

EXCITING RUNAWAY YESTERDAY

An exciting runaway occurred yesterday shortly before noon. A team belonging to Milton Deibert of
Auburn, loaded with butter, eggs and other produce was left standing in front of John Murphy's
residence on Saint Peter Street, while Mr. Deibert delivered some goods at the rear door of the
Murphy home. The children were passing the place n their way home from school at the time and it
was supposed that the noises made by them frightened the animal which darted up the street and
turned onto Union Street from thence to Margaretta Street. While dashing down the alley between
Market and Union Street the wagon top caught at Jere Sterner's lumber shed and was torn from the
wagon box. The animal continued his mad flight and in rounding the corner at Saint Peter Street,
opposite Charles Meck's residence, the wagon caught at a tree box. The wagon was totally
demolished and the sudden jar threw the horse to the ground. Before he could scramble to his feet
he was seized and firmly held by two men who happened to be near. The eggs, butter and other
articles were found scattered along the road and were a total loss. There are reports of several
school children having narrowly escaped being run over by the runaway team. Mr. Deibert was given
the use of another vehicle by Mr. Adam Moyer and he made his journey home in that.

The Call of December 20, 1901

STORM DAMAGE IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

In our town the storm caused damages that will amount to thousands of dollars. The Schuylkill River
rose steadily and overflowed its banks on Willow Avenue near Charles Street. A body of water as large
as the river itself rushed madly through Charles Street and spread over the entire lower portion of the
town. The people had been warned earlier in the night and many of them took their carpets and
furniture out of the lower floors and some left their homes for more secure places. At the home of M.
M. Meck on Columbia Street, the water rose to the first floor. At the houses farther down it rose
halfway to the second floor. The persons who remained at home had to stay there until late Monday
morning, as the water had not receded enough to allow them to depart. The water rushing through the
streets tore up pavements and fences, washing deep channels in the street, carried off coal sheds and
other outbuildings. Much livestock, chickens, etc., were drowned. The water broke through the bank
above the baseball ground and flowed over it all night. The grounds are covered with coal dirt and are
ruined. The forty foot wall back of the home of Dr. Lenker was undermined by the swift current and a
general landslide ensued. At several other points there were landslides. The substantial foot bridge
to the ball grounds and two bridges across the dock were washed away. Water flowed across Berger
Street and everybody in that part of the town had their cellars full of water. Even the oldest residents
say this was the highest and most destructive rise in the Schuylkill River for many years. Every
resident in the low lying portions of town suffered to a greater or less extent from the flood.

The Call of January 3, 1902

BITTEN BY A DOG – William Paxson and William Moyer Jr. the Victims
Mr. Paxson Seriously Injured-Has Gone to New York to Undergo the Pasteur Treatment, Moyer
Slightly Hurt

William Paxson, son of Isaac Paxson, who resides on the Paxson farm on the top of the Schuylkill
Mountain is now at the Pasteur Institute in New York City undergoing treatment for a dog bite. On
Monday, as Mr. Paxson was on his way up the mountain road that leads from Schuylkill Haven to his
home, just as he reached the little settlement the other side of Bittle’s Dam, a dog came running along
the road, snapping and snarling as it ran. Mr. Paxson made an effort to get out of the way but the
savage brute rushed at him and sank his fangs deep in the calf of the left leg, inflicting a very painful
injury. Mr. Paxson made his way home and later with his brother, George M. Paxson, esquire, went to
Pottsville where they consulted with Dr. Farquhar and other physicians who had charge of Pottsville’s
hydrophobia patients last summer. Upon the advice of these physicians, Mr. Paxson left on Tuesday
morning, accompanied by his brother, George, to undergo treatment at the Pasteur Institute. When
Mr. Paxson left town his left leg had swollen considerably and the wound was giving him considerable
pain.
Just before Mr. Paxson had his exciting experience with the savage dog, William Moyer Jr., who lives
with his father William Moyer, on his farm on the other side of the Schuylkill Mountain, had a similar
encounter with the dog. Young Moyer was half way up the mountain when the animal suddenly
rushed upon him from a bypath. Moyer jumped aside and as the dog bit him on his leg he seized it by
the collar and held it out at arm’s length, the beast meanwhile snapping and snarling in a vain
endeavor to bite him. Moyer had nothing with which to kill the dog but he made an effort to dash out
its brains by throwing the animal forcibly against a rock. The brute was not even stunned by the blow
but as soon as it landed on its feet ran down the road before Moyer could make another attempt to kill
it. Moyer considers that he had a very lucky escape. The dog’s teeth did not penetrate his clothing
and the skin on his leg is not broken. The dog’s bite was severe enough to make his leg black and
blue, as though bruised. The dog is believed to have bitten quite a number of digs along the road. It
is not positively known if the animal is mad. The dog is a hound and it is said has been running wild
for some time. A number of persons have been searching for the dog to shoot it, but at last report it
had not been found.

The Call of October 3, 1902

SHOCKING FATALITY – William Gehrig Found Dead in Theodore Naffin’s Cellar
The Men Had Spent the Evening Together and Had a Glass of Beer and Several Glasses of Wine

Considerable excitement was occasioned Sunday morning by the finding of the dead body of William
Gehrig in the cellar of the home of Theodore Naffin on Centre Avenue near Garfield and only a few
doors away from Gehrig’s own home. Gehrig and Naffin were warm friends and on Saturday evening
had been together. On the way home they had a glass of beer together and when they arrived at
Naffin’s home he asked his companion in to try some new wine. Together they went into the cellar and
had several glasses of wine. The wine being new, and not having completed fermentation, quickly
made both men drowsy and Gehrig fell to the floor in a stupor while Naffin managed to crawl to bed.
Early Sunday morning Mrs. Naffin went to the cellar to get food for breakfast, when she discovered the
form of Gehrig on the cellar floor. She went to awaken him and discovered he was cold in death.
Although terribly frightened she managed to give the alarm and her husband and several neighbors at
once made an investigation and when satisfied that Gehrig was dead, summoned Deputy Coroner Dr.
Daniel Dechert.

Dr. Dechert empanelled the following jury: John Butz, John Mengel, Robert Shappel, Harry Sterner,
Lewis Reed and Walter Moyer. They viewed the body and the scene of Gehrig’s death. The remains
were lying on the cold earthen floor of the cellar in the position of a man in slumber. There was no
trace of violence on the body nor indications of any kind of a struggle in the cellar. The jury
subpoenaed a number of witnesses and at 2:00 p. m. Sunday met at Dr. Dechert’s office and took
testimony, afterward rendering a verdict of death from exhaustion super induced by exposure. The
remains were taken in charge by the Ziegenfus undertaking establishment and prepared for burial.
The unfortunate man was the son of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Gehrig. He was a native of this town and a
laborer by occupation. He worked for some time for Joseph Meyers and William H. Mellon. For the
past several months he has been working for Shickram, the green grocer. He was about thirty six
years of age, tall and athletic build, was very popular among his circle of friends and acquaintances. A
widow and six children, whose ages range from eight months to ten years, survive. The news of
Gehrig’s death was quite a shock to the community. The bereaved family have the sincere sympathy
of all.

The Call of February 3, 1905

AN EXCITING RUNAWAY

Dr. John Lessig, the dentist, had quite an exciting runaway on Sunday afternoon. While driving up
Dock street toward Centre Avenue and in endeavoring to turn out to avoid another team a runner of
his sleigh caught in the trolley tracks and the sleigh tipped sufficiently to throw him out. The doctor
pluckily held onto the lines and the frightened horse dragged him on to the pavement where the
doctor took a turn with the reins around a telegraph pole. With a sudden plunge the horse jerked the
reins from the doctor’s grasp, severely squeezing his hands and dashed out Dock Street and Centre
Avenue. As the thoroughly frightened animal dashed past the doctor’s home, a pet dog, recognizing
the team, jumped into the sleigh and enjoyed a wild ride as far as the Halfway House where the horse
was captured. The horse escaped uninjured and the sleigh was not damaged.

The Call of October 16, 1903

TERRIBLY SHOCKED – Telephone Lineman Otto Reese’s Narrow Escape From Electrocution

To the several hundred horror stricken spectators certain death appeared Otto Reese a United
telephone lineman on last Friday afternoon. Reese and Walter Daniels were putting a new phone in
Mrs. Alice Seidel’s millinery store and were stringing a wire. It was about five o’clock and Reese was
just descending from a pole in front of Greenawald’s feed store when he came in contact with one of
the borough electric light wires Daniels attempted to rescue him but could not get in a position to do
so without exposing himself to the deadly current.
A crowd soon formed in the street and gazed in horror at the awful plight of a fellow being whom all
seemed powerless to help. Finally Lineman Daniels rushed up to the Telephone Exchange where Miss
Zulick, the operator, phoned to Ehly’s Bakery and Mr. Ehly ran over to the power house and had the
current cut off. To the crowd it was apparent that if the current was not shut off the man would be
electrocuted and when it was cut off it was feared he would fall to certain death on the street below.
To the surprise of all, when the current was shut off, Reese descended to the ground unaided and
walked into Dr. Lenker’s office where he was given treatment. Not withstanding his terrible
experience Reese was at work again on Saturday and finished the installation of Mrs. Seidel’s phone
and the stringing of the wires.

The Call of June 30, 1894

HORSES IN THE CANAL

There was a lot of excitement in town last Sunday night. A horse and carriage in the canal was the
cause of the excitement. The accident was caused by the collision of two teams near Motzers on Canal
Street. A single team containing Charles Berger and William Semmet, of Cressona, was being driven
toward the Reading depot. A double team containing Mr. and Mrs. Frank Eiler and Mr. and Mrs. Clayton
Eiler, was being driven in the same direction, and the driver attempted to pass the single team. The
teams collided and the horse of the single team reared and backed into the canal and horse and
carriage stuck fast into about two feet of black mud. In a short time, several hundred people
assembled at the scene of the accident. Landlord Yoder, who is the owner of the horse that was stuck
in the mud, appeared and with the assistance of a number of young men, he succeeded in liberating
the dumb animal.

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...

The Call of October 16, 1897

EXCITING RUNAWAY

On Tuesday afternoon the team of E. B. Peale, containing his son, R. B. Peale and wife and Mrs. Dr.
Carrier and son, were frightened at the noise of escaping steam from an engine near the P and R
depot and became unmanageable, dashing down the streets of the lower part of town, badly wrecking
the carriage and causing the occupants to narrowly escape serious injury. Near the covered bridge,
Mrs. Carrier, with her son in her arms, attempted to leap from the carriage, and was thrown to the
ground. She was uninjured beyond a few bruises, while the child received a severe gash on the
forehead. His injuries were dressed by Dr. Dechert. This is the second time the team has run away
endangering the members of the Peale family.

The Call of November 9, 1900

MISSING INSANE MAN FOUND DEAD

"Tony", the insane Italian who escaped from the Almshouse on Tuesday of last week, was found dead
under a tree in the woods nearby on Saturday morning by William Yost, of Dock Street, this place. Mr.
Yost was out hunting for rabbits when he came across the body, which apparently had been lying
there for several days. His neck was broken and a broken limb of the tree under which the body was
found suggested that he had climbed the tree and then fallen down landing on his head. He was
about twenty eight years of age and had been brought to the institution from Honey Brook.

The Call of October 12, 1900

RESCUED FROM DROWNING

While Augustus Luckenbill was walking near the docks in Spring Garden on Wednesday night he heard
splashes in the water and through the rapidly fading twilight he could discern the features of a man
struggling in the water. A line was thrown to him and he was pulled ashore. He was found to be a
middle aged man, heavily built and refused to give his name, but stated he was a miner from
Shenandoah, had a family of five children and was out of work on account of the strike. He claimed
poor eyesight and on account of this he fell into the water while walking along the bank. No cries for
assistance were heard and this helps to make the case a puzzle. In all probability the man was
despondent, brooding over his troubles, and attempted to "drown" his sorrow.

The Call of April 18, 1902

EGGS-TRAORDINARY PRODUCER - A Spring Garden Hen that Smashes All Previous Records

There are eggs and eggs and the hens which produce them are sometimes blamed with doing some
eggs-traordinary things such as becoming non producers when egg prices soar skyward. But Reuben
Luckinbill, a farmer near Spring Garden Junction, has the hen that takes the record. She evidently
determined to make up for lost time by producing two perfectly formed eggs at one time, one egg
being within the other.
Last Saturday, Mrs. Luckinbill picked out the largest egg in the basket and cooked it for her daughter's
dinner, the latter being employed in a factory in Schuylkill Haven. At the noon hour the young lady
proceeded to partake of the egg. She carefully removed the shell from about one half of the hen fruit
and took a bite. Her teeth struck something hard. She investigated and found on the inside another
perfectly formed egg, slightly smaller than the average egg, but nevertheless perfectly formed and
with a hard shell.
She took the egg home and Mr. Luckinbill is now searching for that one peculiar hen, for if she can be
found she will be given the best in the feed market, in the hope that she may keep up her
determination to become a double producer. The egg is on exhibition at Klitsch's Café, where Mr.
Luckinbill's son in law, Edward Foulk, has it preserved in a jar of alcohol.

The Call of July 5, 1901

SUPPOSED COAL DISCOVERED IN TOWN

Quite a little stir was created in town on Tuesday when announcement was made of the discovery of
an article supposed to be coal while digging a well on the lot of James Schaeffer on Centre Avenue,
opposite Jerusalem Church, where he is erecting a new dwelling house. Inquiry disclosed the fact
that he report was not entirely unfounded. The substance dug out, however, instead of being pure
coal is of the nature of "croppings" usually unearthed before coal is reached. This material was first
reached at a depth of seventeen feet and continued, even improving as to quality, to the depth of
twenty two feet when work on the well was discontinued, an abundance of water having been
reached. Persons who have visited the spot and who claim to know are of the opinion that a good
quality of coal would have been reached t an increased depth.

The Call of April 1, 1899

A PLUCKY BOY

Two brothers, Oscar aged about thirteen years and Martin, about eleven, sons of Washington Maberry
of Haven Street were getting kindling wood at the P and R landing along the dock last Saturday. As
they were crossing the foot bridge, the younger one lost his balance and fell into the water which is
about ten feet deep. The older brother, afraid to plunge in from the bridge, ran in to the shore and left
himself into the water gradually and swimming out, caught his brother just as he was sinking and took
him to a pier of the bridge, which they clung to until they were pulled out by John Burkett, who
happened to come along. They are suffering no ill effects from their icy bath.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the ongoing enlargement of the History Page,
navigation has been simplified. By clicking on the "FIRES" link below,
another page will open listing all the fires previously seen on this
page. As always, additions will be made regularly.

CRIME

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the ongoing enlargement of the History Page,
navigation has been simplified. By clicking on the "CRIME" link above,
another page will open listing all the crimes previously seen on this
page. As always, additions will be made regularly.

The Call of February 17, 1905

THE HORSE RAN AWAY

While driving down Main Street on Tuesday evening the runner of Jackson Wortz's cutter caught in
the trolley tracks, the sleigh upset and Mr. Wortz and his son were thrown out. The horse took fright
and dashed down Main Street at a mad gallop as far as Hotel Grand where he collided with Harry
McGeoy's grocery team. The shock threw Mr. McGeoy out of the sleigh, but he escaped unhurt, as did
also his team. The runaway horse was bruised and the sleigh was rather the worse for banging
around on its side on the icy street. Mr. Wortz and his son landed on a soft spot, on top of their
buffalo robes and were unhurt.

The Call of February 3, 1905

ANOTHER SLEIGH UPSETS

Mrs. Philip Moyer of South Manheim Township, was driving through town on Saturday morning with a
load of produce. At the corner of Main and Saint John Streets, owing to the great heaps of snow
thrown to each side of the street off the trolley tracks and cleaned off of pavements, she was obliged
to drive on the tracks with the result that one of the runners caught in the track and the sleigh upset.
Among the contents of the vehicle were fifty dozen eggs, about half of which were smashed. The fact
that they were packed in straw saved the other half. This same corner has been the scene of several
mishaps, among them the upsetting of a cutter containing a young couple from Pottsville. The sleigh
was badly wrecked and the horse took fright running out the Long Run Road almost to Friedensburg.

The Call of December 16, 1904

YOUNG COASTER INJURED

The first serious coasting accident of the season happened on Saturday afternoon. Horatio, the seven
year old son of W. H. Underwood, manager of Doutrich and Company's store, while coasting down Saint
John Street lost control of his sled. Coming at considerable speed he dashed into the wagon of
Warren Brown's grocery, which was being driven down Saint John Street. The boys head crashed into
the wagon wheel and he was rendered unconscious by the blow. He was carried into I. B. Heim's store
by Frank Heim, who witnessed the accident. Dr. Heim, who lives just across the street, was summoned
and dressed the wound, after which the boy was removed to his home on Saint John Street, where Dr.
Heim sewed the wound up with four stitches. The little fellow is able to be out again and suffers no ill
results of his injury.

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 following three articles attest to the ingenuity of two Schuylkill Haven men
who had three patented inventions in 1913 alone. Of note, one of them, Albert
Geary, has special meaning as he is my late wife's great great grandfather.

The Call of July 18, 1913

LOCAL MAN AN INVENTOR

J. C. Lautenbacher, one of our pioneer and most prominent manufacturers, has launched into the
inventing business and has applied for a patent on a device that is positively the invention of the age.
It is a nonrefillable bottle. The patent officers at Washington and those of his friends who have seen
the device are all decided in their opinion that Mr. Lautenbacher has the desired ans much sought
after invention, a real nonrefillable bottle.
By reason of the fact that many manufacturers of high grade liquids, such as liquors, patent medicines,
sauces, dressings, etc., continually are having their goods misrepresented by persons refilling the
original bottles with inferior goods and passing them off as the real concoction, this nonrefillable
bottle, which will prevent occurrences of this kind, will be eagerly sought after and be a most valuable
device for them. Several large manufacturers have from time to time offered large sums of money to
the person who could invent a positive nonrefillable bottle. Bottles of this kind have from time to time
been invented but all have proved a failure. The bottle invented by Mr. Lautenbacher promises to fill
the bill to the minutest detail.
The device is tube shaped and naturally fits in the neck of the bottle. It is in seven separate parts.
When the device is once placed in the neck of the bottle it can not be gotten out without breaking the
bottle. By reason of its peculiar construction liquid can positively not be forced into the bottle either
by pressure or any position the bottle may be made to assume in the liquid. When the bottle is filled it
is emptied by the air getting in and forcing out the liquid, same as any other bottle, but when the liquid
is once out none can be put into it because as soon as the bottle is in a position where liquid could be
put into it, the device in a sense locks itself.
In emptying the bottle with the nonrefillable attachment a better flow is obtained, regardless of the
position it is held in, than a bottle without the attachment. Many bottles held in certain positions will
choke themselves and retard the flow of liquid. This nonrefillable bottle will not do so.
The invention is a very practical one and is admitted to be such by patent agents. It is a device that
will fill the bill in every particular. The purpose of this article is not to advertise the device as Mr.
Lautenbacher does not intend manufacturing it himself, but will dispose of it to any manufacturer who
desires to make use of it, on the royalty system only.
Mr. Lautenbacher has been hard at work on the device for the past several months. He was ably
assisted in perfecting the same by Albert Geary, a well known and very capable machinist of our town.
4/7

The Call of September 5, 1913

LOCAL MEN INVENTORS

Jere C. Lautenbacher and Albert Geary have recently perfected an invention which will no doubt meet
with ready sale when placed on the market. It is an appliance to prevent the skidding of automobiles.
The device it is claimed will also enable automobiles to ascend and descend the steepest grades in all
kinds of weather and road conditions. The device is controlled by the driver's foot and can be applied
to any machine. Messrs. Geary and Lautenbacher have applied for a patent on this device and as soon
as same is granted will place the same on the market. This is the second invention of note and worth
these gentlemen have perfected within several month's time, the first invention being the
nonrefillable bottle.

The Call of December 5, 1913

INVENTED SHOCK ABSORBER

Mr. Jere C. Lautenbacher and Mr. Albert Geary have invented a most satisfactory automobile shock
absorber. Models have been made of the same and patent papers applied for. Autoists who have
seen the novel device claim that it will mean added pleasure to automobiling. It will prevent the jar
and shock so prevalent in all autos. The absorber works on compressed air. It is a simple device.
There is nothing to wear out, will prolong the life of an auto several years by reducing the wear and
tear by jarring. The absorber can be made in a number of different sizes to suit the different size and
power machines. Messrs. Lautenbacher and Geary have a number of other excellent inventions
which will be made public very shortly.

The Call of May 2, 1913

MOVED BUILDING WITH AUTO

Wednesday morning pedestrians along South Main Street were treated to the novel sight of an
automobile moving a house. He automobile was none other than the famous and renowned car of Dr.
A. H. Detweiler. Charles Faust was engaged in moving the frame building of Charles Schumacher from
its location near the railroad to a site next to the Perry and Bowen Theater. The doctor happened
along just as the work of moving was about to be commenced. He made the remark that he could pull
the building and the bystanders immediately took him up. Ropes were attached to the building
through a pulley and to the machine. At this stage of the game it was seen that some means had to be
used to hold down the rear of the machine. Heavy Harry Moyer was at once on the job. The signal was
given and away goes both the auto and the house. Three times the same method was employed, the
entire distance which the house was moved was about one hundred yards. Quite a crowd
collected during the performance. The building weighed about eight tons. The doctor certainly has
some car but he says if Dock Street is not soon paved and he is compelled to continue to drive his
machine over it in its present condition, it will soon be utterly ruined.

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 January 19, 1912

TROLLEY HITS SLEIGHING PARTY

Considerable anxiety was felt here Tuesday afternoon about 4:30 o’clock by a number of parents when
it was learned that a sleighing party composed of school children had been struck by a trolley car near
Adamsdale. It was at first thought in of the many sleighing parties including, several of the public
schools from town which left on this afternoon figured in the accident. The party struck was the
second section of a sleighing party of school children of the Glenworth schools taught by Miss
Emerich of town.
As the second sleigh reached the crossing known as the Filbert crossing, near the Peale residence,
the 4:30 car out of Schuylkill Haven came into sight and before the driver of the sleigh could cross, the
car struck the horses knocking them down. The jolt caused the children to be thrown out of the sleigh
into the snow. None were injured, excepting one girl, Vera Wagner aged twelve years, who in some
manner was caught between the car and the sleigh and was squeezed. The horses were somewhat
bruised. The occupants of the damaged sleigh were brought to Schuylkill Haven and left for their
homes on the 6:40 P and R train. It appears that the driver of the team that was struck had his ears
covered with the laps of his cap and did not hear the whistle of the approaching car. As a high
embankment hides the car from view until it is within several feet of the crossing , no blame can be
laid against either the driver of the team or the trolley company.

The Call of April 5, 1912

EXCITING RUNAWAY

An exciting runaway occurred Thursday morning about 10:30 o’clock when the double team of Charles
Seager, a former resident of town, now a farmer living at Summit Station, dashed madly down Main
Street with harness trailing. In front of the Trust Company Building one of the horses slipped on the
trolley track and fell to the street, but was pulled along over the brick street by the other excited
animal for a distance of fully thirty feet before the other horse stopped. Bystanders took charge of the
team. The horses became frightened while their owner was delivering farm products on North Main
Street . The tongue of the wagon broke in rounding the corner and the harness was quickly torn. The
wagon was but slightly damaged.

The Call of August 2, 1912

THREE BOYS SKIP FOR THE WEST

The boys, namely Wildermuth, Hartranft and Sattizahn, whose ages are 16, 15, and 17 respectively, last
Saturday decided they would set out to see some of this great and broad land of ours. In order to be
fully prepared for the trip, it is alleged they appropriated their parents cash. Sattizahn securing $57
and Hartranft $8. In order to throw any person who might accidentally want to follow them up off their
they purchased tickets at the local station for Hamburg and left last Saturday afternoon on the 1:59
train. After their presence was missed from their homes and when the parents learned that sums of
money were missing, a search was begun. It was learned they left for Hamburg but they were not
located in that town. Police fliers were sent out and early in the week word was received from
Pittsburgh that the trio were caught in that city. The chief of police was at once notified to hold the
boys until an officer could be sent for them. It is expected the prodigal sons will be brought home
very shortly, none the worse for their pleasure trip. It is thought they intended on making for the west,
there to seek their fortune and return home in time well heeled in cash.

The Call of February 27, 1914

CAUGHT RUNAWAY TEAM

Charles Graeff, better known as "Baggy", proved himself quite a hero by his daring act of stopping a
runaway horse Thursday about 12:30 o'clock on Prospect Hill. The horse was going at a good clip
when Graeff made a leap for the bridle. He was dragged for some distance but pluckily retained his
grip on the bridle and finally brought the horse to a stop. The horse was owned by Mr. Walter Meck
and family. Mr. Walter Meck was driving on Dock Street when the sleigh caught in the trolley tracks,
upset and the horse ran way. 6/16

The Call of October 2, 1914

SHOT IN HEAD ACCIDENTALLY

Ralph Sattizahn, while acting as trapper Saturday morning for a number of shots at a shooting match
near the Almshouse and along the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks, narrowly escaped having his head
blown off. He was in the act of setting the traps when the gun of Charles Auchey was accidentally
discharged. Immediately Sattizahn was heard to utter a cry and seen to drop to the ground. He was
hurried to the home of his brother Harry near by. Dr. A. H. Detweiler was summoned and after working
about two and one half hours in removing about twenty shots from his dead, pronounced him out of
danger. He was removed to the home of his sister. The news spread about town that Sattizahn had
the top of his head blown off and had died from the effects. For a time The Call has been kept busy
contradicting the report and giving out the exact facts of the affair. 6/16

The Call of September 8, 1916

AUTO CRASHES INTO HOUSE

An auto accident that came near resulting seriously, occurred Saturday evening about eight o'clock on
Saint John Street when the Ford machine of Edward Culbert of Pinegrove, dashed down the steep hill
on Market Street and ran into the fence at the home of Harry Goas on Saint John Street. The collision
with the fence caused the front axles to be broken and thus brought it to a standstill. The auto had
been stopped at the top of the hill for a few seconds to allow Miss Marjorie Bressler to get inside.
After the young lady had been seated, Culbert was about to crank the machine when the brakes gave
away and throwing Culbert to the side, started down the hill.
Miss Bressler, seeing the machine starting off without a driver had presence of mind to jump and thus
escape injury. Culbert sustained a number of bruises by being thrown. In its mad dash, this car
narrowly escaped hitting another passing auto. A number of people were on their porches at the time
and ran, fearing that the machine would catch fire and explode. The peculiar incident connected with
the accident is the fact that the car turned the corner and started out Saint John Street towards
William Street before mounting the curb and running into the fence. It was towed to the Losch garage
for repairs. 6/16

The Call of October 13, 1916

BLACK CAT KILLS 6 FOOT SNAKE

The season for fish and snake stories has about closed and the snake editor of The Call had
pigeonholed the few remaining stories he had until the next season. During the week he was stopped
by crossing watchman Lewis Wildermuth and informed of the following story:
The time was on Saturday evening last and the place of the Wildermuth homestead on Liberty Street. It
will be recalled that it was somewhat warm on last Saturday and this had a tendency to call forth from
their winter quarters, snakes of every size and description. This snake was slightly over six feet in
length. Now Mr. Wildermuth has a cat, its first name is Jere. Jere was at the upper part of the yard,
sitting on the back yard fence, conversing with one of the neighbor's cats, over the coming election
and arguing in the cat language, that Hughes would be the next president and that Boston would win
the World Series. Suddenly the attention of Jere was attracted to a moving object in the grass and
jumping from the fence, Jere discovered it was a snake. Just how long the battle between Jere and
the snake continued could not be ascertained, as the neighbor's cat refused to give any information.
However, when Mrs. Wildermuth went up to attend to the chickens, Jere had bitten the snake into
three parts. He head and about two feet of the body were still moving around when Mrs. Wildermuth
called for her husband and he with the aid of a hoe, sent the remainder of the snake to snake heaven.
Mr. Wildermuth refuses to take any amount of money for Jere and states he is not for sale. 6/16

The Call of December 1, 1916

CONCUSSION OF BRAIN FROM ACCIDENT

Running from behind a trolley car going south directly in front of the auto of groceryman Howard
Oswald, Hiram Fisher, aged six years, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Fisher, of Main Street, was knocked
down. The accident occurred on Friday evening in front of the home of Dr. L. D. Heim. Before the
machine could be brought to a standstill it has passed over the body of the child. A stitch was
necessary to close the wound in the lower lid of one of the eyes, the upper lid of the other eye was
cut, and a slight concussion of the brain resulted from the fall to the brick street. Mr. Oswald stopped
the car and picking the child up in his arms, took him into the office of Dr. Heim. Bystanders claim that
the accident was purely accidental and placed no blame on the driver of the car. It is surprising that
this is probably the first accident of its kind to occur in Schuylkill Haven, as frequently people alighting
from a car, especially women, cross the street from the rear without looking for a vehicle coming in
the opposite direction. 6/16

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 was desirous of listening to the remarks of the speakers. The result was considerable
disturbance and 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. 6/16

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. 6/16