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

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

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



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

In 1780 he built a log home on present day Main Street which stood until it's demolition in
1906.  He also built tenant houses for the workers employed at his enterprises.  He
eventually conducted three or four sawmills, two grist mills, a distillery, general store and
a blacksmith shop.  In 1796, Dreilbelbis dammed the west branch of the Schuylkill River
for the purpose of power generation.In 1799 he moved into a newly constructed home
on Dock Street, living there only a short time until his death.  At his death he owned an
estate of 12000 acres encompassing all of present day Schuylkill Haven and Cressona
extending east to Rest Haven and west to Beckville.  The fortune Dreibelbis accumulated
during his life would have made him a millionaire in today's economy.  
LAST UPDATED: MARCH 15
                                             

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.
All rights reserved.
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 hun-
dreds of people stood along the line to the Union Cemetery with bared
heads as the cortege with the remains resting on an Army caissons
drawn by four black horses passed slowly by.  The body in its metallic
casket lay in state all Sunday morning and until the time of the funeral
under guard of honor and hundreds of people went in to view the cas-
ket, which was draped with the flag.  At the head was a life size portrait
of Lieutenant Lautenbacher and there were some beautiful flowers.  At
two o'clock with a short service concluded, the drums beat the roll and
the body was brought out and the cortege started on its way to Grace
United Evangelical Church.  About 160 members of the Robert Baker
Post American Legion in uniform were in line and they were commanded
by Lieutenant Edward Mengle to whom Major Gangloff turned over the
command after he had assembled them.  Music was furnished by the
Schuylkill Hose Company drum and bugle corps.  All the military with the
relatives and about three hundred civilians were able to enter but hun-
dreds were disappointed at not being able to enter and instead journeyed
to the cemetery to witness the military burial.
Reverend F. S. Fasnacht, the pastor, officiated and Dr. Schlegle, Reading, presiding elder of the district,
and who was a boyhood pastor of deceased at Williamstown, preached an eloquent funeral sermon.  His
text was 2 Timothy 2-4.  His theme was the life of a Christian soldier and how his days should be spent.  
Mr. Brown, a friend of the family, read a touching poem.  There was no singing or music.  Because of the
work on Centre Avenue, the cortege had to go by way of Jerusalem Cemetery which is on top of the hill
and then journey back to the extreme lower end of Union Cemetery.  The body was buried with full military
honors.  
Lautenbacher was injured while acting captain of Company C, 316 Infantry, 79th Division near Mount
Faucon.  He was struck in the right shoulder, the bullet passing through his body and emerging on his
left side.  He was taken to the hospital in the rear and died five days later on October 2.  He had been ill
with the flu and had been tagged for the hospital but refused to go back as long as his company was on
the firing line and would probably have recovered had it not been for his weakened condition.  He was
born at Williamstown and was a graduate of the high school there.  At the time he enlisted for service at
the Mexican border he was a student in the American School of Dramatic Art.  He had remarkable success
in home talent plays as he had much natural ability.  Prior to his service on the border he had served
several enlistments in the National Guard being a member of Company, made into an engineer company
and was a member when they became Company C, 103rd Engineers.  Later at a training camp he earned
his commission and was assigned to the 316th Infantry, 79th Division and was sent to France in July 1918.  
Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan L. Lautenbacher, two sisters, Ruth and Katherine, survive.
PLEASE NOTE:  Articles on this page are now grouped by type and in chronological order.  Newest articles
are highlighted with a yellow background.  Sections include 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.                                                                                                                                                                                       
                         
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.  De-
ceased was but nineteen years of age.  He enlisted in the Navy in the early
part of the year.  He recently returned from a trip across the sea to England,
being of the convoy which guarded the U. S. transports.  The exact cause of
his death could not be learned, the death certificate giving the cause of his
demise as “a complication of diseases”.  It was intimated that a serious nerve
disease or rheumatic fever was the cause.  It is known however that upon his
return from a trip across the sea he slightly scratched his arm.  He began
scratching it as it healed with the result that it became infected and it was ne-
cessary to have it lanced several times.  This might have developed into blood
poisoning.  Little information could be obtained by his father from the hospital
authorities.  Mr. Baker was born in Schuylkill Haven and spent the greater part
of his life here.  He was of a quiet disposition, well thought of, and enjoyed a
wide acquaintanceship.  He served with Company C Engineers during the late Mexican affair on the
border and upon the return of his company to this county was transferred to the Pine Grove company.  
He enlisted in the Navy on April 17, 1917.  He was a member of Saint John’s Reformed Church and Sunday
School.  He was associated with several fraternal organizations in town.  He is survived by his father, Guy
Baker of Liberty Street.  At this writing definite funeral arrangements had not been made.
made.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of 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.  
This article relates the events of the Tumbling Run flood of 1850...
The Call of October 7, 1921

FLOOD WASHES AWAY BRIDGE

The building operations under way for the new concrete bridge across the Schuylkill River at Columbia
Street which necessitates the removal of the old wooden structure, has caused many people to query as
to when this structure was erected.  From Joseph Paxson of Oaklette Virginia, who at one time was a
resident of this town, was received the following interesting article regarding the destruction of the
bridge which the old structure now being removed, supplanted.  Mr. Paxson does not give any exact date
of the building of the bridge, but it evidently was during the year 1850 or 1851.  His article is as follows:
Some time in the summer of 1850 while my father, mother, five brothers and myself were living on the
Edenbower farm situated on top of the Schuylkill Mountain (having moved there on April 1st, 1849 from
Philadelphia), we had a heavy continued fall of rain and one morning we could hear the roaring of angry
waters and we rushed to the edge of the mountain top and witnessed the great waters of the Tumbling
Run dam sweeping nearly everything before it in the lowlands along the banks of the river.  Our view was
unobstructed, as at that time there was no growing timber on the mountainside, it having been cut off by
Levan and Kaufman to be used in the wood burning locomotives, in sole use at that time.  We could see
wrecked buildings, canal boats, bridges and trees, horses and cattle floating.  We could also see
occupants of houses on the Dutch Flat waving distress signals from the second story windows and see
men in small boats rowing around and rescuing families from houses that were still standing.  We could
see that the covered bridge close to Boyer’s Hotel was gone.  It could not stand the great pressure of
canal boats, wrecked buildings and other debris.  The loss of life was small but the loss of property was
very great.  Many homes having been swept away, the canal for miles torn to pieces, the Pottsville
turnpike, which was then a toll road was also torn to pieces and was not passable for many months.  
We were completely cut off from wagon travel to stores and Post Office but fortunately the railroad bridge
which was stronger, stood the test and we could use that for foot passing.  My older brothers, Isaac and
Edward, were in the habit of attending the Pottsville market with the produce of our farm.  If either one of
them were living now they could help me make this more interesting, as they were obliged to seek a new
route to Pottsville.  The Pottsville and Cressona road was built or constructed a number of years
afterward.  Some time elapsed before a ford of the river was cleaned of big rock and stones, some one
hundred yards or so south of the bridge.  At that time there was no coal or culm in the bed of the river.  
The County Commissioners decided to erect another covered bridge at the same place, but with heavier
timber and bulkheads.  My father agreed to sell them heavy stones for the bulkheads at a very low figure,
they to do the quarrying an hauling, and they were quarried from the east end of the quarry, which lies
south of what we always called the Old Field.  After the water receded, several of my brothers and myself
went down to Boyer’s Eck and rummaged among the debris, which consisted of all kinds of broken
furniture, utensils, clothing, etc.  One prize we found was a hive loaded with the best of honey, the bees
having left or drowned, so our table was supplied with good honey for a long time.  A canal boat lodged
there was afterward floated.                                                                        
These two articles tell of the new
Columbia Street bridge being built....
The Call of February 4, 1921

MAY BUILD NEW BRIDGE
OVER RIVER IN SOUTH WARD

Before the fall of 1921, Schuylkill Haven in all
probability may be graced with a concrete bridge
more pleasing in appearance and more capable
of accommodating the ever increasing traffic
then the present structure termed “The Schuylkill
River Bridge”.  It is understood the County
Commissioners have under consideration the
replacing of a number of bridges in the county
this summer.  The Schuylkill River bridge in this
town is one that is on the list to make way for a
more modern concrete structure.  The new
bridge is to be of concrete and on the same style
and design as the concrete bridge in Pine Grove
completed about a year or two years ago.  It is
known that the present structure is an ever
present expense to the county as it is constantly
in need of repairs.  Being built on the old style
design and of wood, repairs by reason of the
heavy traffic that daily passes over it, it is not a
source of constant expense but is dangerous
and impracticable.  Many collisions have been
narrowly averted.  On every occasion that a
heavy touring car or an ordinary light weight
truck passes over it the structure is shaken to
the water’s edge.  When a heavily loaded truck
passes over it, it does a regular accentuated
quivering stunt.  From the rumors afloat it is
evident the County Commissioners are aware of
this fact and have also realized the need for a
bridge that is more safe and more adequate to
accommodate the traffic.  A new bridge at this
point will certainly be welcomed by the borough
and it is more then likely that the council will be
glad to place on the new structure the proper
illumination.  With a new bridge at this point, with
the contemplated elimination of the large bridge
at the Bittle Dam this coming summer and the
putting down of pavements in this section, the
erection of a number of houses, and the
continued improvement to the section along the
river front by the building of bungalows, the
South Ward certainly will in a short time show a
marked improvement in appearance and come
into its former position of being the beauty spot
of town.                                                                                                
The Call of July 22, 1921

COLUMBIA STREET BRIDGE
BEING TORN DOWN

Work of dismantling the Columbia Street bridge
was begun Monday morning by a force of men
under the superintendency of H. G. Dixon of the
Concrete-Steel Bridge Company of Parkesburg,
West Virginia.  In its place will be built a two
span reinforced concrete arch bridge.  Each
span will be sixty six feet in length.  The plans
call for a thirty foot roadway with a five foot
sidewalk on the north side of the bridge.  
Efforts however are being made by Columbia
and Berne Street residents to have two
footways built on the bridge.  A petition was last
week circulated and signed by, it is said, every
resident or taxpayer, excepting one, who
refused to sign feeling that the building of
another sidewalk on the bridge would increase
local taxation.  The petition was presented to
the County Commissioners.  Just what
disposition will be made of the same could not
be learned at this writing.  The present width of
the roadway over the bridge is eighteen feet.  It
is felt that another five foot walk could easily be
built on the new structure without interfering
with traffic.  There are to be four electroliers
with five light clusters placed on the same for
illumination at night.  There is to be a solid
railing along both sides of the bridge with bush
hammered panels.  The roadway is to be
separated from the sidewalks by a six inch
concrete curbing.  The bridge is to be finished
in 150 working days.  The Superintendent
expects to complete the bridge in 120 working
days.  During the building operation the present
bridge which will be moved further up the river
will be used as a temporary structure.  The
foundations for the new bridge will be of
concrete and stone and will set upon a bedrock
foundation in the river.  In order to accomplish
this the pumps on the Sirrocco washery will be
used in the excavating.  Large coffer dams will
of course first have to be constructed before it
will be possible to begin work on the
foundation.                   
The Call of July 21, 1916

HOW ABOUT A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN DAY

During the week a number of local people have made suggestions for an event for Schuylkill Haven
which the Call believes will have the approval and support of everyone.  It is for a community picnic or
community day out.  How will the term “Schuylkill Haven Day Out” strike you, Mr. Reader?  Remember
what a big day and time Schuylkill Haven had at Adamsdale Park several years ago.  Everybody present
had a great and grand time.  Almost everybody in Schuylkill Haven spent at least several hours at the park
and joined in the festivities and merry making.  Those in attendance were not only from Schuylkill Haven,
but many were from the surrounding towns.  And do you remember how the day was favorably talked
about and thought of for many, many weeks?  
Do you believe the event had a tendency to promote a communal social spirit which was beneficial and
helpful in giving Schuylkill Haven an impetus for better and bigger things?  Yes, you say, and in the same
sentence you add that the total cost or expense was but of a minimum and never before was so much
enjoyment and pleasure at a general outing or picnic procured as on the particular occasion referred to.  
If Schuylkill Haven could hold a successful day out years ago, why cannot something of a similar nature
be held in 1916?  There is no question about it being possible to do so.  It is realized that community
affairs of this kind, where the public is brought together for a days outing, fun, and real merry making,
makes for a better, livelier, stronger and healthier town.  It prevents the town and the public spirit from
growing dead.
Every businessman will join in to make a day out a success.  Every manufacturer will assist and will be
glad to give the employees a day off.  Altogether the idea appeals and will appeal to everyone.  The
persons who have already spoken of the matter are enthusiastic over it.  All that is necessary is to get
the ball rolling and if the weatherman can be bribed so as to send the proper quality of weather, the
success of the big day out several years ago can and will be duplicated.  The educational and welfare
committee of the Industrial Association, we believe, would be the proper committee to proceed with the
matter and stir it up.  If this committee feels it is not proper for them to do so or hesitates in going ahead,
then a citizen’s committee should take up the idea.  A number of citizens will be too glad to lend
assistance and take an active part and share the burden of a large amount of labor necessary for an
event of this kind.  The public will surely take an immediate active interest in the project and lend every
aid necessary.  Now altogether, let’s have a Schuylkill Haven Day Out this year some time in August.  What
do we hear?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
The Call of 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.
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.
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 stories about fires in Schuylkill
Haven. As always, additions are 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 crime stories from Schuylkill Haven.  
As always, additions are 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.
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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
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.                                                                                                                
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.                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
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.                      
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.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                            
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.                                                                        
The Call of July 3, 1914

CHILD FOUND IN MANHOLE

Some excitement was caused about town on Saturday evening and Sunday by the announcement of the
discovery of a dead three year old child in a manhole of a steam pipe line at the County Institution.  From
the details at first obtainable the affair looked like a case of murder, but an investigation satisfied the
Coroner that the child met death accidentally.  The child was that of Theodore Warnisky.  The father being
in the county jail and the mother an inmate of the County Almshouse.  While out walking Friday afternoon
with its mother it became lost.  Search was made during Friday evening and all day Saturday.  Saturday
afternoon one of the State Police made the discovery.
The manhole in which the child was found is that leading to the steam pipeline between the power plant
and the Insane Building.  It is about ten feet deep and four feet square.  The iron opening of the manhole
is about twenty inches in diameter.  A tin cup, such as is used at the institution, being used for soup, etc.,
was found in the manhole.  It is believed it belonged to the child and the child while playing near the
manhole pushed it over and it dropped into the hole.  The child in looking down at the cup, lost its
balance and fell into the manhole.
A post mortem examination was mad by Dr. Lessig Saturday evening.  The manhole being filled with
steam pipes, the temperature was between 120 and 140 degrees and the child was suffocated and
literally roasted to death as its little body was quite brown and shriveled.  A feature that led one to
believe that the child met with foul play was the fact that on Monday, June 29, the child was to be taken
to a state home of children and it was thought the mother instead of caring to part with it, had caused its
death.  Investigation by the coroner did not bring to light any evidence that would cast suspicion on the
mother.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of February 16, 1917

NEWS OF SPRING GARDEN

The battles between the Allies and Germany were transformed from the other side of the deep blue sea
to several sections of Spring Garden on Wednesday night.  The battles here were realistic with the
exception of the smell of powder and the roaring of the big sixteen inch guns, although the manner in
which one of the fighters roared, reminded one of the roar of these guns.  The first combat took place
near Centre Avenue and Dock Street.  This battle ended by one of the fighters, a German, receiving two
badly darkened optics and a disfiguration of the countenance.  The battle lasted but a few seconds.  The
second engagement was fought near the Lehigh Valley arch.  Fists flew fast and thick in this fight, guns
were thrown to the several winds and the uniforms of both fighters, Englishmen, were smeared by the
battle of honor.  It is understood that the fight is only over for the time being as suits are to be brought
and the courts allowed to decide to whom belongs the spoils.                       
The Call of September 1, 1916

LOCAL GIRL ALMOST CAUSES FAMILY SEPARATION

A Schuylkill Haven young lady, who has not quite reached her majority, innocently came near causing the
separation of a prominent Pottsville family and it required the efforts of Mayor Mortimer and Chief of
Police Hoepstine of Pottsville, to amicably adjust the difference.  There are two men in Pottsville by the
same name, that is both the first and last names are the same, although they are no relation to each other.
 The one is married and has a family and the other is single.  This Schuylkill Haven girl has been
corresponding with the single man and written a number of very endearing letters.  Unfortunately several
of the letters arrived at the home of the married man and were opened by his wife.  Immediately wifey
decided that hubby was not true and had an affinity in Schuylkill Haven.  Then followed the battle of words
at home and the aid of the police.  A copy of one of the letters was handed the officers with the girl's
name attached.

My Dear Darling George,
This is Monday night and almost time for retiring.  Although it was only a few hours ago that you were with
me and held me in your lap, it appears as if it was many years to me.  Each time that I look out of the
window I think I must see you coming and really, my dearest, it seems a long time between Sunday
evening and Wednesday evening.  Don't you think that you could arrange your work so that you could
spend every evening of the week by my side?  If only you could realize how I crave for your presence and
fond embrace and the sweet kisses that you alone can give.  Were it possible for me to do so, I would
climb to the highest peak of Mt. Vesuvius, and breaking a branch from the loftiest tree, would dip the
same in the crater and write on the skies, where all the world could see it.  "George dearest, I love you."
George, the great love that I have hitherto expressed for you, increases daily.  If you only would ask me
to be your humble wife and thus make me the happiest girl in this wide world, I would care for nothing
else.  I hear the clock at the Trust Company striking the hour of eleven and must retire.  I will look for your
angel face on Wednesday evening at Hoy's corner.   I will now close with millions of kisses and fond
embraces.  Your ever loving friend.                                                                                                                                
The Call of April 20, 1917

FIVE FOOT RATTLER ON SAINT JOHN STREET

The sun was just peeping from over the hills near the storage yard and its bright rays were making
themselves felt, when two weary railroaders, William Bolton and Irwin E. Mengle, were wending their way
from the trolley car to their homes on Liberty Street, following a trip made down the main line.  When just
opposite the home of attorney George M. Paxson, the two men discovered a snake, a real live rattlesnake
less then five feet in length.  We can't say a great deal about Mengle, for he no sooner discovered this
poisonous reptile crawling in his direction then he took to his heels and the last heard of him from his
neighbors, was to the effect that every door in the house was locked and every window bolted and he
was confined to his bed with exhaustion, due to over exertion in beating the fastest time ever recorded
in history for a sprinter.  "Dottzer" detests snakes and he don't care who knows it.
Like a brave soldier, Bolton stood his ground and although he used every stone within a radius of
several squares, he succeeded in dispatching his snakeship, one of the stones fortunately hit the snake
on the head.  While the excitement was at its height, women grabbed their children and ran indoors.  
Teamsters went in another direction and a number of family pets, cats, who had been unavoidably
detained at meetings during the night and were wandering home leisurely, hastened their gait.  Now the
snake is dead.  It was carried to the general store of I. B. Heim where it was viewed by the snake editor of
the Call.  The several rattles that it possessed were cut off by some unknown person.  Just where the
snake came from is not known but it is believed to be one of a number that was brought from Texas by a
local soldier.                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of June 29, 1917

INSANE MAN WALKS OUT WITH GRAND JURY

While the members of the Grand Jury were visiting the Insane Asylum last week and were leaving the
institution, one of the patients mingled with the jurymen and walked along outside the building with them.
 Once out in the open, the fellow took to his heels and disappeared over the fields.  The fellow was a
foreigner and his home is in Saint Clair.  At this writing he had not been apprehended.  Allowed some
freedom about the institution, another patient, an American, escaped on Sunday last.  He was
apprehended on Wednesday in Wilmington Delaware.  Just how he got that far is not known but it is
believed he walked the greater part of the distance.                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of March 15, 1918

EXCITING SUNDAY MORNING RUNAWAY

An exciting runaway took place here Sunday morning when a horse owned by a party named Emerick of
Seven Stars, and attached to a light carriage, dashed down Main Street.  the carriage was occupied by a
youth named Walter Scott, a neighbor of Emerick's.  While the horse was drinking from a trough at Seven
Stars, it took fright and started on its mad dash.  Going down Main Street, it collided with the awning in
front of Sausser Brothers store and pulled the posts loose.  When near the Hotel Grand, the horse was
caught.  The youthful driver who stuck to the carriage and with no means of stopping the horse, as the
bridle had slipped from its head, was uninjured.  The carriage was but slightly damaged.

                                                                                                                                     
The Call of March 22, 1918

FAMILY OVERCOME WITH COAL GAS

The members of the family of C. Reed of 3 North Berne Street, were almost asphyxiated early on Monday
morning from sulphur fumes from a furnace in the cellar.  The fire had been dampened off for the night
and the family retired about nine o'clock.  About two o'clock, Mr. Reed, who for the past two months has
been ill, attempted to arise to procure some medicine.  He stumbled against the wall and fell over.  At four
o'clock, Mrs. Reed arose and after walking a few steps, she also fell over in a faint and remained in that
condition for several hours.  A son, William, was unconscious when the daughter, Mrs. Katie Beaumont,
arose and went to the room of her parents.  It was then she discovered their plight.  Dr. H. T. Ryan was
summoned and restored the other members of the family to consciousness.  Only for the fact that the
daughter had her window open several inches, which prevented the room from being seriously effected
and her timely discovery of the parents, the accident might have resulted fatally.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                                                                     
The Call of May 2, 1919

AUTO ACCIDENT PROVES FATAL

The first auto accident in Schuylkill Haven for years to result seriously and fatally was that of Tuesday
afternoon when about one o'clock, Albert the eight year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Renninger was
struck by an auto on West Main Street.  The car was in charge of Roy Eiler.  It was a machine, the property
of Charles Michel and was being taken to the Losch garage for repairs.  The child was struck on the chest
and shoulder by the guard of the machine and thrown against the fender, striking with his head.  He was
picked up in an unconscious condition.  Mr. Eiler immediately summoned a physician.  Both Doctors
Gillette and Lessig arrived.  An examination showed he sustained a fractured skull.  he child was rushed
to the Pottsville Hospital where an operation was performed immediately without administering an
anesthetic as his condition was considered too serious to do so.  Death occurred at 5:45 o'clock.  The
youngster was a pupil of the second grade school of the South ward building, taught by Miss Carrie
Rehrer.  He had just finished his dinner and was leaving home, walked through the yard to an alley at the
rear of the house leading to Main Street.  Bystanders state he was standing on the pavement near the
skating rink facing west.  Just as the auto came from the east, he without warning stepped into the street.
 Although it is stated the machine was going slow, the driver could not turn quick enough to avoid
striking the child a sort of glancing blow.  The parents, although grief stricken over the sudden death of
their son, feel the accident was an unavoidable one and do not hold the driver responsible.  Besides the
parents, two brothers, Elmer and Clarence survive.  The deceased was in his eighth year.  He would have
been nine years of age on the twenty ninth of this month.  He was a member of the Christ Lutheran
Sunday School.  The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at the home of his parents.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                                       
The Call of May 24, 1918

COFFIN FOR KAISER BILL HERE TONIGHT

Schuylkill Haven is not to be behind other towns throughout the country when there is anything of a
unique nature to be had.  This evening and tomorrow, the Kaiser's coffin will be exhibited in the square
between the First National Bank and the Saylor building.  Each and every resident is requested to drive a
nail in the coffin and this drive will cost but ten cents, a small sum in comparison to what the ten cents
will do.  The first two nails driven into the coffin will be extracted and offered at auction to the highest
bidder.  All money thus procured will be given to the Red Cross Society.  The coffin will be in charge of
Miss Tillie Meyer and the scholars taught by her.  Last week a similar event was held at Sunbury and
several hundred dollars procured.  Everything was going along smoothly when a timberman came along,
paid a dollar for a nail, picked up the hammer and one blow, presto, the coffin went to pieces.  The coffin
this evening is built along more substantial lines and will stand the hardest blow that can be delivered.  
Remember the proceeds are for the Red Cross and do not neglect to take your "whack".                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
The Call of May 24, 1918

INVESTIGATED SEDITIOUS REMARKS

Saturday afternoon last, Constable John Butz and two members of the State Police force, the latter of
Pottsville, investigated seditious remarks made by two Schuylkill Haven residents, one a man and the
other a woman.  It is alleged that a man by the name of Kramer went into a store on Main Street and
demanded ten pounds of sugar.  He was refused this amount and likewise was refused flour without
substitutes.  The officers were informed that Kramer then said, "I wish the Kaiser would come to this
country and teach these G__ D___ people a lesson."  A Mrs. Fegley is alleged to have stated in the
presence of two witnesses that she "Wished that every S__ of a B____ of a man going to Germany would
be shot and killed."  After the officers procured their testimony and the same was sworn to, they left to
place the matter in the hands of the United States authorities.  During their investigation, several other
cases were reported, one being that of a local barber who has refused to subscribe for either one of the
three Liberty Loans, the W. S. S. or the Red Cross, besides making a number of remarks.  Human nature
can endure just so much.  If the United States authorities neglect to take immediate action in the matter, it
is probable that the local authorities will.                                                                                        
The Call of July 5, 1918

ESCAPED GERMAN ROBBING FARMS HEREABOUTS

A man supposed to be an escaped German alien from a detention camp is causing the farmers of this
vicinity all kinds of trouble.  Last week a report was made to the officers of the law that this man had
entered a number of farm houses in the vicinity of Landingville and Adamsdale and had made his escape
with anything that he could possibly lay his hands on.  eye glasses and a small grindstone were even
taken from one farm house.  On Sunday afternoon, Constable John Butz and two members of the State
Police force from Pottsville started out on a search for the man.  At one time they were within thirty feet
of him when the man suddenly bolted and made his getaway followed by a number of revolver shots.  All
trace of the fellow was lost until Tuesday morning of the present week.
Robert Moyer and Wilson Miller, residing on the other side of the Schuylkill Mountain came to town and
reported that they had been robbed of eatables and fruit.  They likewise had obtained a glimpse of the
man and their description tallies with that of the officers.  This week apparently the same man found his
way  to the storage yard and when one of the employees attempted to chase him from the premises, the
man pushed his hand in his shirt and warned the employee if he valued his life to keep away from him.  It
is believed that the German is armed with either  a stiletto or a revolver and would not hesitate to use it
when cornered.  
Autoists and others who travel the Schuylkill Mountain would do well to protect themselves or if they see
the man, to report the same immediately to Constable Butz or the State Police.  It is presumed that the
man has a hut or a dugout somewhere, sleeps during the day and at night makes his visits to farm houses
for food.  He is described as being about six feet tall, red mustache, broad shouldered and partly bald.  
Every effort is being made to apprehend him.                                                                                                                                                
The Call of July 12, 1918

GERMAN TAKEN AT JEFFERSON

Our vicinity was greatly aroused on Sunday evening when a suspicious fellow made his appearance at
the place of James Emerich and asked to sleep in the barn.  When this request was not given him he
became very angry and used harsh words and snappy motions towards Mrs. Emerich.  He then left and
went to the place of Thomas Reber, entered the barn without asking, taking off his shoes and coat and
starting to sleep on the hay.  Mr. Reber went to the telephone and got the Auburn Constable to the place
and the neighbors rushed together armed with revolvers shotguns and clubs.  They entered the barn
with searchlights and found him sleeping on the hay.  He made little resistance when ordered hands up
and complied quickly to the rules.  He was handcuffed and taken to the Auburn lockup overnight and the
next morning to the county jail.  It is supposed he is the man who terrorized the community along the
Schuylkill Mountain, south of Schuylkill Haven for the last few weeks by stealing all kinds of tools
together with smoked meats and other eatables from the farmers there.                                
These consecutive articles tell of thefts by an escaped German and his subsequent capture...
The Call of September 13, 1918

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOUNDED SOLDIER BOYS

From notice received by parents from the War Department and from letters received by parents from
their soldier boys now in France, "The Call" has gathered the following list of town boys that have been
gassed or wounded while in action.  We would be glad to keep a complete list of the casualties if parents
will be kind enough to notify us of the casualty and give the type of wound as soon as notified.
Leon Sterner struck with shrapnel, Harry Reber gassed, Milford Klahr gassed, Allen Knarr wounded and
gassed, Hugh Coxe gassed, Harry Keller gassed, William Mill struck with shrapnel, Clarence Womer shell
shocked, Francis Wildermuth wounded, Joe Kantner wounded, Lester Gilham gassed and wounded,
Wilmer Crossley struck by shrapnel, Kimber Fenstermacher wounded, Abraham Swartz gassed, Clarence
Graeff wounded, Howard Wertz wounded and John Webber gassed.                                                
The Call of October 25, 1918

SOLDIER BOY DIED IN FRANCE

One of the four blue stars on the service flag at the home of Mr. Adam Burket
of Saint John Street will now be changed to a gold star, indicating that a member
of that family has made the supreme sacrifice and lay down his life for his country.  
It is the name of Isaac Burket that will be added to this town's soldier boys killed
in France.  The first word or intimation of the death of Isaac Burket was received
by his sister Monday morning in a letter from her brother, Warren Burket, member
of Company C, 103rd Engineers.  This letter stated that his brother was buried on
the day the letter was written, September 23rd, and from the letter one is led to
believe that the writer felt sure that his father and relatives had been informed of
his brother's death by the government.  Up to this time no word has been received
from the War Department to this effect.
A postal card dated September 13th and received several weeks later from the
dead soldier boy conveyed the first information to his relatives that he had been
gassed.  The postcard stated he had received a little mustard gas.  That he was in
the hospital and expected to be back with his company by the time the card reached its destination.  A
telegram received here from the War Department on October 8th informed the relatives that both Isaac
and Warren had been wounded on September 5th, degree undetermined indicating their having been in
a gas attack.
The letter from Warren Burket, giving information that his brother had been buried was indeed an
unpleasant surprise to say the least.  The letter was written on September 23rd from a hospital near Paris.
 The missive contained several pressed flowers taken from the wreath of flowers that was placed on the
coffin of the soldier boy.  Portions of the letter are as follows:
"Well, Ike was buried this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock.  They held services here at the hospital for my benefit
as they usually hold them in the cemetery.  There were about eight other fellows from our company
(Company C, 103rd Engineers) there.  The chaplain conducted the services very nice and we can be
thankful that he at least got a very decent burial.  They had an ordinary casket covered with "Our Flag"
and a wreath of flowers which I had ordered extra large at my own price.  The Red Cross usually buys the
wreath but the lady that represents the Red Cross asked me whether I wished to buy the flowers.  He is
buried in a large American cemetery here which I expect to see in the near future.  I will not try to locate it
now but will see whether I may tell you where it is at a later date.  One of the chaplains told me that as
soon as I put on a uniform I should notify this Red Cross lady and she would have him come here for me
with his car and take me to the cemetery.  I am sending you herewith a sample of the flowers the wreath
was made of.  It was about two feet in diameter and stood about three feet high.  I do not know what
personal belongings he had and as yet they have not given them to me but I suppose they will send them
to you.  I expect to be out and then they will send me to a Casual Camp and from there back to the
company."
Isaac Burket is the second Schuylkill Haven boy to die overseas. He was thirty six years of age, born,
raised and spent his entire life in Schuylkill Haven.  he was a member of Company F of the old National
Guard for a number of years.  He enlisted in Company C in July 1917.  He was affiliated with the Grace
Evangelical Church and his occupation prior to his enlistment was that of a P. and R. engineer.  He
resided for a number of years on Canal Street.  He was a quiet young man and well and favorably known.  
To survive him he leaves his father and four brothers, three of whom are in the service in France, two of
whom were in his company, namely Warren and Fred, and Harry in Company A, 313th Infantry.  Another
brother, Charles of Abrahams survives in addition to these sisters; Miss Anna and Miss Eva at home, Mrs.
Harry Becker of Schuylkill Haven, Mrs. George Downs of Philadelphia and Mrs. Frank Batdorf of Reading.
The Call of April 25, 1919

WAR TRAIN STOPPED HERE

The War Trophy Train or Victory Loan Special, carrying tanks, cannon and numerous other war relics
stopped in Schuylkill Haven for ten minutes on Tuesday morning enroute to Pottsville.  No announcement
had been made of the fact that the train would stop until about an hour or two before its arrival.  Station
Agent Johnston, early Tuesday morning, communicated with the company officials and men in charge of
the train and induced them to make a stop here of ten minutes.  The word was telephoned about town
and by the arrival of the train at 10:10, several hundred adults and as many school children were massed
at the local P. and R. station.  The exhibit on the flat cars consisted of cannon of various sizes captured
from the Germans.  All bore marks of hard service.  Also a bomb thrower, a caterpillar tank and an
armored car.  The tank saw service on the front in France for several months.  The most interesting
exhibition was in the seventy foot baggage car, but the period of time was too short to permit the public
to view it.  It consisted of star shells, helmets, machine guns, mortar bombs, a naval mine, shells of
various kinds and sizes, German clothing, guns, swords, bayonets, German, French, English and
American gas masks, etc., etc.  Several short speeches were made by several of the speakers bureau but
their remarks were several times interrupted and the audience prevented from hearing the same by a
coal train that kept chugging away, pulling up and down past the war train and whistling.  A bystander
near "The Call" man adaptly put that it was the most brazen evidence of German propaganda yet shown in
this town.
The Call of June 14, 1918

OIL TRUCK BREAKS COVERED BRIDGE

The driver of the oil truck engaged in oiling the state road leading to Friedensburg had a narrow escape
Saturday afternoon from going into the Schuylkill River.  He was going through the covered bridge at
Columbia Street and was about halfway through when he heard a cracking.  He gave his machine more
power and fortunately landed safely on the other side.  He then stopped and made an investigation.  It
was discovered that nine stringers across the bridge were broken.  The bridge was immediately closed to
traffic and it was necessary for all vehicles and autos to detour via Cressona.  Supervisor Huy and a force
of carpenters immediately got to work and by three o'clock Sunday morning had the repairs completed.  
This Schuylkill River bridge is more then sixty eight years old.  It was never built or intended to withstand
the strain of the heavy auto trucks that pass over it and the County Commissioners would do well to at
once take steps to provide a more substantial bridge at this point or be prepared to pay heavy damages
for a mishap which is sure to sooner or later occur here on account of the weakness of this bridge.                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                              
The Call of April 18, 1919

SNAKE KNOCKED CHILDS HAT OFF

Snakes within the past week or two are reported to have made their appearance in various parts of town
in large numbers.  From all sections we learn of snakes of various kinds and all sizes being discovered
and dispatched and their number seems to be far greater this spring then for some time.  This, it is said,
is due to the mild winter we have had.  Recently neighbors in the vicinity of the Episcopal church killed
twelve good sized snakes in one day.  A pedestrian walking along Willow Street last week killed five.  
Some boys playing in the swamp along this street, discovered several nests of them among some fallen
trees and sills.  
We have also learned of a snake that is alleged to have knocked a little boy's hat off.  This happened the
latter part of last week when children by the name of Longo were playing near some logs and a pile of
railroad sills in the willows near Caldwell Street.  The boys, it is stated, were seated on some logs when
his snakeship suddenly made his appearance and with one leap knocked the youngster's hat from his
head.  Whether or not the snake wished to play tag with the boys could not be determined as the boys
immediately put up an SOS call.  Their screams were heard by shop men nearby and they hurried to the
scene feeling sure the kids were being murdered.  They hunted about but could find no trace of the
snake.  In the evening the father set a match to the tall grass in the vicinity and soon discovered Mr.
Snake.  After a battle it was finally killed and while it did not break any records as to length, being about
three feet, it is said to have had a most unusual large sized and vicious looking head.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
The Call of April 9, 1920

16 YEAR OLD BOY KILLED BY AUTO

Raymond Sterner, the sixteen year old son of Charles Sterner of Auburn, was instantly killed Tuesday
afternoon about 4:30 o'clock by being run over by an auto truck, the property of the Rettig Brewing
Company of Pottsville.  The accident occurred on Centre Avenue, a short distance above the home of
Joseph Maberry.  The boy was riding a bicycle and was coming south on Centre Avenue.  The auto truck
was going north as was also a junk dealer who had an unhitched horse walking along the side of his
wagon.  The auto was just about driving around the junk dealer's team when the boy on the bicycle came
south.  The driver stated his particular attention was called to him as he appeared to be very nervous or
just learning how to ride.  As he passed the machine the driver leaned from his car to see how he was
making out.  He was shocked to see his body lying in the road.  The boy's front wheel evidently was
struck by the car and in some manner he was thrown.  The rear wheels passed over his head. The boy
was dead when he was reached.  The body was picked up and carried into the home of Joseph Maberry.  
The wheel of the machine passed over his forehead and diagonally across his face crushing the same.  
There were but a few bruises on his body.  several hours were required before the identity of the young
man was established.  It appears the boy made his home with his uncle, a Mr. Koch, residing on Caldwell
Street.  He had come to Schuylkill Haven but a few days previous to his death.  His home is in Auburn.  
One brother residing in town also survives.  The funeral will take place this afternoon at one o'clock with
services at the Koch home and later in the Red Church.  O. A. Bittle will be the funeral director.                   
                                                                                                             
The Call of August 27, 1920

CHILD KILLED BY AUTO TRUCK

Anna, the eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Berger of North Berne Street, was run over and
instantly killed by the auto truck of Squire Reed of Summit Station, Saturday shortly after the noon hour.  
Mr. Reed, who is well known here, made frequent visits to town and disposed of his farm produce to
residents of Berne Street.  The children frequently watched for him on particular days and hung on the
machine.  Mr. Reed had warned them repeatedly to discontinue their practice.  On Saturday when he was
about to depart from in front of the Berger home, he ordered all of them off the truck and started the
engine.  Just as the machine began to move he heard a woman scream and looking around saw the girl
clinging to the side of the truck.  He immediately stopped the car but too late as the clothing, having
come in contact with the tires, the little body was drawn underneath the rear wheels.  The child was
internally injured and bruised about the leg and neck.  Death was caused by the neck having been
broken.  The bleeding form was picked up and rushed to the office of Dr. L. D. Heim but it was too late to
save her life.  Mr. reed has been absolved of all blame by the parents of the child.  Needless to say, the
Squire feels the result of the accident almost as keenly as the parents.  The little girl was a member of
Saint John's Reformed Sunday School.  Last year she was a pupil in Miss Raudenbush's school.  Besides
the parents, these survive: Marlin, Donald and Arvil.  The funeral was held Thursday afternoon with
services at the late home by Reverend M. A. Kieffer.  Many bouquets of flowers were presented by
friends and playmates of the deceased as well as the Sunday School.  O. A. Bittle was the funeral director.   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
The Call of October 31, 1919

AEROPLANE ATTRACTS MANY PERSONS

The aeroplane that visited our town Friday, Saturday and Sunday certainly proved a stellar attraction as
thousands and thousands of children as well as adults were attracted to the landing field which was in
the field near the brick plant.  The owner of the machine was Audrey Stewart and the pilot was Lieutenant
Bishop of the British aerial force.  A number of local people enjoyed the sensation of flying over the town
at one dollar per minute and all report enjoying the same very much.  The biggest crowd of spectators
was on hand Sunday.  Not only did the Schuylkill haven people walk out to the fields but it is said there
were several hundreds of automobiles and motorcycles coming from all sections that brought many more
hundreds of persons to the scene.  Only a few flights were made on Sunday on account of the heavy
atmosphere.  Among those persons known to have taken flights were: Frank Deibert, Mrs. Reuben
Hoffman, Jacob Rudy, Earl Stoyer, Charles Oberley, Joseph Mulholland, William Schuckers and Miss
Clementine Tobin of Pottsville.  It is understood the aeroplane will pay this section a return visit probably
this Friday and Saturday, the machine having been taken to Allentown for several days                                   
                                                                                                                     
The Call of February 20, 1920

GOVERNMENT AGENT GOES INSANE

An Italian giving his name as Dominick Pizzi, who for the past several weeks has been boarding at the
Hotel Grand of town, was taken to the County Insane Hospital Thursday, suffering from an acute attack of
insanity.  Pizzi's identity for some time has been a mystery to hotel guests and businessmen in the vicinity
of the hotel.  Most of the people with whom he came in contact did not hesitate to remark that he was
"bugs".  No one had any definite proof and as he didn't pull off anything especially unusual, always
appeared in tidy dress, had plenty of money, etc., etc., no one called the institution.  Thursday he
wandered into the court house and asked to see Judge Bechtel, as he wanted a reward for capturing a
German spy.  Questioning upon the part of the officials soon decided his case and Superintendent
Bowers was given charge of the fellow.  To enumerate all the peculiar things the fellow said and did
about town would require a column.  The peculiar thing about the case is that he always had plenty of
money, in fact, rolls of it, had in his possession special cards permitting him to ride on the local trolley
cars at special rates, special cards for railroad transportation on numerous lines and all kinds of
credentials.  He always maintained he was a Government agent and knew his business thoroughly.  
Several weeks ago it is understood he applied for citizenship papers in order that he might enlist in the
army.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of March 12, 1920

RAIN AND SNOW CAUSES HIGH WATER

The rain on Friday with the large amount of snow on the ground caused damage in and about the town to
some extent.  Ice and snow blocked gutters were responsible for the overflow of a number of gutters in
different parts of town which caused more or less easily repairable damage.  The Schuylkill River by
Friday afternoon reached an almost flood mark.  It was a regular river, swiftly moving and pretty deep and
ice cold.  The noise of the swirling stream as it reached the rocks at the curve in the West Ward near the
gas house caused a thunderous noise as does Niagara Falls.  It could be distinctly heard in Spring
Garden and along Dock Street to Main Street.  While the river did not overflow the embankment along
lower Main Street, the result of its having reached such a high point resulted in water in nearly every
cellar of every house on both sides of Columbia Street from the river to Canal Street. Even cellars that
did not have water in them for years and years and which are concreted had water in them.  In some
cellars the water reached the floor.  In others it reached a depth of several feet.  
At the Bittle store, by reason of the blocking of a sewer, the water backed over the pavement and to
within two inches of overflowing into the first floor of the store.  At the Losch garage the water from the
Bittle dam and the Columbia Street gutters flowed into the garage, flooding the boiler and put the heating
apparatus out of commission.  At the Reider Shoe Factory the water backed into the basement
necessitating closing down that part of the mill and causing damage to some extent.  At the Schumacher
store pumps were kept going in the cellar to keep the water from reaching the floor level.  On Union
Street a stranger would have thought the portion between Saint John and Saint Peter and then Saint
John to Main were small sized rivers instead of streets.  Blocked sewers and gutters were responsible
for this condition.
Out in Spring Garden the Nosedale Creek took a notion to flow in any direction excepting that prescribed
by its banks.  As a result the nearby fields, Garfield Avenue and Willow Street were very badly flooded.  
Considerable damage is reported to have been done to a number of cellars on Willow Street.  The water
backed in through the old lowlands in the flat and covered portions of the washery of John Sirrocco.  The
Harry Baker washery at the foot of Canal Street near the Old Guard lock was sunk.  The end was staved in
by a large piece of ice and as the water rapidly filled it, it went to the bottom.  The Jacob Daubert washery
located a short distance below the Baker washery was also staved in and one end of the same went to
the bottom.  During the week workmen were busy raising the same.                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                               
The Call of July 8, 1921

GERMAN SHRAPNEL REMOVED FROM LOCAL SOLDIER BOY'S NECK

John A. Knarr, Liberty Street, was one of the boys who served his Uncle Sam in the world war.  He was
one of the boys who was struck by Kaiser Bill's shrapnel.  A piece hit him in the neck below the right ear.  
Upon his return to his country he visited two government hospitals to have the same removed.  at each
he was told the same had been removed.  Recently the same began to give him trouble.  He came to the
office of Dr. Lessig one evening with a badly swollen jaw and face.  The swollen portion was lanced and
drainage affected preliminary to further probing for the shrapnel.  Several evenings later he returned to
the doctor's office, was given a local anesthetic and the doctor removed a piece of shrapnel of good size.
 John says he feels much better now as he was not at all favorably impressed with carrying around with
him anything that had any connection with the Kaiser.
The Call of July 7, 1922

KILLED BY AUTO ON CENTRE AVENUE

Sad as it was sudden, was the death of William Boussum of Dock Street, one of the town's best known
persons, which occurred shortly after nine o'clock Saturday evening.  Mr. Boussum met death as the
result of being struck by an automobile driven by Walter Sheafer of Pottsville, going north on the avenue.
 Mr. Boussum was assisting some members of the Rainbow Hose Company to flush the debris and mud
from Centre Avenue, which had been washed thereon by the heavy rains.  He was in the act of stooping
down to take a kink from the fire hose when he was struck.  He was dragged along the street about forty
feet.  When picked up, life was extinct, as the back of his head had been crushed in.  His face and front of
his body was bruised and bleeding as a result of having been dragged.  His one leg was broken in two
places.  Tenderly he was carried to a nearby home and Dr. Detweiler summoned.  The doctor's
examination merely confirmed his death.
The autoists in the Buick touring owned and also operated by a Mr. Walters of Pottsville, were returning
from the country club.  It is alleged that the machine was traveling at a rapid rate.  The driver continued
toward Pottsville.  Mr. Daniel Greenawald, who was on his way to the brick plant, witnessed the accident.  
Turning around and noting that the other auto continued on, he hurried after him.  Mr. Harry Sterner
accompanied him and on the stretch between town and Seven Stars it is said it was necessary to drive
sixty five miles an hour to overtake the other machine.  Mr. Greenawald passed the auto and turned his
car square across the road, narrowly escaping being run down.  The blood was still noticeable on the
fender of the car.  The autoist was brought back to Schuylkill Haven.  A hearing was immediately before
Squire W. C. Kline.  The charge preferred was manslaughter.  The driver stated he thought he had struck
a post or several lines of hose.  He was committed to jail without bail.  The court later released the young
man, a student at Yale, on $5000 bail.  The coroner's inquest will be held some time the coming week.  
William Boussum was a lifelong resident of the town and known to most every resident.  He was forty five
years of age.  He, for many years, was employed at the P. and R. car shops.  He was a member of the
Moose and the Rainbow Hose Company.  In this latter organization he was one of the most indefatigable
and most willing workers.  Regardless of the time or place of a fire, "Kutch" Boussum, as he was more
familiarly known, was among the firemen.  His death cast a deep veil of sorrow over the entire section of
the community in which he resided.  The news of his death was on the lips of everyone Sunday.  the
deceased was of a jovial disposition, always full of life and sunshine and it was this happy temperament
that made and retained his innumerable circle of friends.  Besides the widow, three stepchildren survive.
 Also two sons, Thomas of Cressona and John of Pottsville.  Also one sister, Mrs. Harry Maurey of
Orwigsburg.                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of January 14, 1921

EASTERN STAR INSTITUTED

An Order of the Eastern Star was instituted here Thursday afternoon with auspicious and detailed
ceremonies.  The new ladies organization to which only wives and daughters of members of the Masonic
Fraternity are eligible, will be known as Schuylkill Haven Chapter Number 317, Order of Eastern Star.  The
institution was made possible by the presence of seventeen Grand Lodge officers who came from
Pittsburgh, Hazleton and Wilkes Barre.  The event took place in the Keystone Hall and lasted from about
one o'clock until five.  In addition to the local fifty chartered members of the order and the Grand Lodge
officers, there were present members of the Eastern Star lodges from Pottsville, Minersville, Saint Clair,
Tamaqua, Hazleton, Reading and Philadelphia.  New paraphernalia had already been received by the local
chapter and was used during the ceremonies.  Several hundred persons were present, all of whom were
served refreshments following the lodge session.  The Grand Lodge officers were met at the P. R. R.
station, Pottsville, at noon and brought to town in autos and served with dinner at Hotel Grand.
The new order is composed of some fifty charter members and has this same number of candidates for
admittance to the lodge.  The complete list of officers installed is as follows: Worthy Matron, Mrs. H. C.
Gleockler; Worthy Patron, George M. Paxson; Associate Matron, Mrs. Frank Schumacher; Conductress,
Mrs. John Berger; Associate Conductress, Mrs. Frank Reider; Treasurer, Mrs. Harry Quinter; Secretary,
Mrs. G. O. O. Santee; Chaplain, Mrs. George Berger; Marshal, Mrs. W. E. Stine; Organist, Mrs. George
Long; Points of the Star, Mrs. H. D. Felix, Mrs. Harvey Heim, Mrs. J. A. Noecker, Mrs. Carl Eves, Mrs.
Charles Rickson; Sentinel, Mrs. James Lengel; Warden, Mrs. Walter Bast.                                                                                                       
The Call of February 1, 1924

KKK HELD OPEN MEETING HERE

The Invisible Order of Ku Klux Klan held a public meeting here Monday evening in Bittle Hall.  It was
attended by about two hundred and fifty citizens of the town who were invited by small cards handed to
them personally several days before the meeting.  An address of over two hours length was delivered by
the speaker of the evening.  His first statements relieved the minds of many of his hearers when he
remarked that the organization was not an Anti-Catholic, Anti-Negro or Anti-Jewish institution as has been
charged.  He explained at some length how the KKK had come to be thus charged.  The speaker held the
attention of the audience for almost the full two hour period by a most clear and concise explanation of
the principles, aims, plans and workings of the order.  He explained why the gown and hood is worn by
the members.
The Ku Klux Klan, continued the speaker, has been unjustly charged with unpardonable conduct and
crimes committed by unknown persons who have donned the somewhat peculiar shaped mask and gown
worn by this organization.  These acts are the results of personal grievances and the mask and gown is
used by these unscrupulous persons to shield and protect their identity.  The KKK is unjustly blamed for
many happenings of this nature.  The Ku Klux Klan does not proceed in this manner.  Not a hand is to be
raised against or laid upon any individual in a harmful or injurious way.  The speaker explained that if
there is reason for improvement of conditions either of a personal or municipal and civic nature,
warnings are first issued to persons concerned and if the result is not accomplished notices are then
posted.  If there is no improvement the officials of the town or city are notified.  If this does not produce
the desired result, county officials are notified, then state officials and finally the National Organization.  It
is also understood that following the meeting and during the week quite a few persons have signed
allegiance to the Ku Klux Klan in this section, as a result of this open meeting conducted in no unusual
way.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
The Call of March 21, 1924

TRAFFIC LIGHTS IN OPERATION

This week Street Commissioner Huy with his assistant "Uncle Will" placed in position the four American
Gas Accumulator Traffic Beacons.  One each was placed at the corner of Berne and Columbia, Saint John
and Main, Main and Dock, and Dock and Centre Avenue.  The beacons, as we endeavored to describe in
these columns months ago, are mounted on solid concrete foundations. A warning signal is flashed in
four directions both day and night.  The signal light is mounted on top of an oblong box which contains
the gas tank and machinery that operates the same.  The four were placed on trial and are expected to
assist in regulating traffic and preventing accidents.  A thirty day trial will be allowed and if the borough
decides to retain them the cost will be in the neighborhood of two hundred dollars.  The gas tanks are of
a capacity sufficient to operate each light for six months as only a small amount of gas is consumed daily.     
                                                                                                                                                                                           
The Call of July 11, 1924

YOUTHS HAD NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING

Earl Unger of Paxson Avenue and a little girl by the name of Strauss from Spring Garden, had a narrow
escape from drowning in the Bittle Dam, Wednesday afternoon.  They were in the act of wading across the
dam at a point where the ice machinery for the old ice plant had been operated.  They were unaware that
there is a depression near the center of the dam.  The water was about five feet deep at the point on
Wednesday afternoon due to the rain of Tuesday.  Stanley Umbenhauer of Columbia Street, who was
fishing near the old ice house heard the boy and girl cry for help.  He at first thought they were only
fooling but after their cry for help noticed their heads disappear under the water.  Wasting no time he
pulled off his boots and waded to the middle of the dam.  He caught hold of both and dragged them to
shore where after the usual methods they were out of danger but very badly frightened.                                                              
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
The Call of June 30, 1922  

SOLDIERS' MONUMENT PLACED

This week the memorial tablet to the nine soldier boys of Schuylkill Haven who were killed or died during
the World War was placed in position.  It is mounted on a concrete base in the Canal Street parkway
about midway between Union and Main Streets.  It faces Main Street.  The memorial consists of a large
handsome granite boulder with a bronze plate attached on which are printed the names of the soldier
dead.  The memorial will be dedicated and unveiled with proper ceremonies at a later date to be
announced.  The committee of the Legion Auxiliary having this part of arrangement in hand will hold a
meeting very shortly and prepare a program.  It is likely that a short parade will precede the ceremonies
on the parkway which will likely consist of community singing, the presentation and acceptance of the
marker and an address.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of May 1, 1925

ANNIVERSARY SIGN SMASHED TO BITS

The 175th Anniversary sign painted on the high board fence at the new building being erected by Paris
Lazos on Main Street was smashed to bits about 9:30 this morning.  The ton and a half ice cream truck of
Ice Cream Manufacturing, Wertley of Hamburg ran away from in front of Frank Scott's store two squares
away.  The operators were in the Scott store at the time.  The truck narrowly missed several cars in the
upper end of the square.  It struck the iron posts of the awning at Squire Moyer's property and ripped the
roof out of position.  The ice truck of Mr. Ney in front of the Michel residence was hit in the rear.  It then
mounted the pavement, crashed through the fence and was only stopped when it came in contact with a
large pile of concrete blocks and the iron girders.  A Ney boy lying in the back of the Ney truck narrowly
escaped injury.  Instead of jumping the boy remained in the truck and escaped.  The Wertley truck was
backed from the pavement and able to continue over its day's route.                            
The Call of January 30, 1925

RUNAWAY HORSE INJURES COASTER SUNDAY

Sunday afternoon a runaway horse and cutter sleigh injured a son of painter Fritz of West Main Street and
caused quite a bit of excitement as it dashed through the town.  That more serious consequences did not
result on its wild dash down the Schuylkill Mountain road was due to the alertness of the numerous
coasters on the lower portion of the road.  The horse was that of farmer Mintz.  It took fright on the road
on the top of the mountain and broke away and came down the mountain road.  The accident to the youth
happened in a peculiar way.  The boy was "spragging" his sled to avoid striking or running into a horse
and sleigh which was in front of him.  The boy did not notice the runaway horse and sleigh approaching
from the rear.  The runaway horse turned to the side of the road to pass the horse and sleigh ahead of
him.  In doing so the cutter struck the coaster and is said to have passed over his neck.  The boy was cut
and bruised but not serious.  The horse continued on up Columbia to Canal and to Main where it was
caught near Hotel Grand.  The cutter was somewhat damaged and the horse was somewhat cut about the
legs and hooves.                                                                                                                                                                        
The Call of July 31, 1925

LOST GIRLS HAD GONE SIGHTSEEING NEAR BY

Helen, ten year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Yost, and Olga, eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Joe Matonis, both of Schuylkill Haven went sightseeing Monday and for a time were thought to have been
lost.  They left Schuylkill Haven in the morning and were not found until Monday evening.  They returned
to town on the 9:30 car.  The girls are close chums.  When they did not turn up for the noon day meal at
their home,  the parents of each took for granted they were taking dinner at the home of the other, as was
often the practice.  Not until neither child put in an appearance for the evening meal was anything
thought of their absence.  Investigation was then made.  Search was made over the town, the telephone
was put to good use and the police at Pottsville notified.  The girls were found at Garfield Square,
Pottsville and placed on the above named trolley and arrived in town about 9:30.  They were met by their
parents and quite a number of persons who had gathered on Main Street and for an hour or two previous
had been all wrought up with their disappearance.  The sightseers walked the entire distance from town
to Pottsville along the trolley tracks.  They spent the time in picking flowers, taking a nap and at play.  
They arrived in Mount Carbon about four o'clock.  Here they evidently solicited money and were given a
dollar.  They then hurried on to Pottsville, intent on shopping.  They visited the five and ten where they
purchased some dolls, drawing crayons, etc.  They also purchased some food.  The fact that they were
unaccompanied and appeared to be lost excited the suspicion of persons residing on Garfield Square.  
They got into communication with the city police and found the children were the two lost Schuylkill
Haven girls.                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The Call of October 9, 1925

HUSBAND AND WIFE HAD LEGS BROKEN BY AUTO

Mr. and Mrs. B. Frank Reider Sr. of Main Street suffered severe injuries when struck by an automobile on
Main Street Saturday evening.  Mr. and Mrs. Reider were crossing main Street at a point above the Dock
Street intersection from the north to the south side.  Just as they stepped into the street, the automobile
of Mrs. Gertie Hummel driven by Clarence Ney happened along.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Reider were knocked
to the street.  Mrs. Reider was dragged along the brick street for a short distance.  The accident attracted
a large crowd and the victims were assisted into Dr. Detweiler's office where an examination showed the
extent of their injuries.  Sunday morning at 11:30 they were taken to the Fountain Springs Hospital.  Mrs.
Reider suffered a fractured leg above the knee and a number of painful body bruises.  Mr. Reider
suffered a broken left leg below the knee.  His right knee is completely shattered and during the week he
was told of the very sad news that it is hardly likely he will ever be enabled to use the knee again, but will
be compelled to use a crutch.  Mr. Reider is one of the best known shoe men in eastern Pennsylvania.  
He has been engaged in the manufacture of shoes for many years in different localities.  Recently he with
his sons began operation of the Haven Shoe Company.                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
The Call of December 11, 1925

HAD PREMONITION OF HIS DEATH

Walter J. Fisher, one of Schuylkill Haven's well known residents was found dead in his bed Wednesday
morning, having passed peacefully away Tuesday evening.  Mr. Fisher retired in apparent good health
and the finding of his lifeless body upon his bed when he failed to answer summons in the morning was a
shock to his family.  Death was due to high blood pressure with which he suffered for some time.  
Deceased was a lifelong resident of Schuylkill Haven.  He was forty years of age.  For twenty years he
conducted a green grocery business on Main Street.  He was a member of the P. O. S. of A. and of the
Junior Order of American Mechanics, both of Schuylkill Haven.  His mother who is in her eightieth year
has been confined to bed with illness for the past five weeks and the death of her son has greatly
aggravated her condition.  Deceased is survived by the widow.  The death of Mr. Fisher while very
sudden was not unexpected as he announced to his wife at the noon meal that it would be the last
cooked meal he would eat with her.  He had a premonition of impending death for the past three months
and as a result had made numerous arrangements in business and family affairs.  The funeral will take
place Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the family residence on Main Street.  D. M. Bittle is the
funeral director in charge.